Posts Tagged ‘Ragamuffin Gospel’
How is it possible?
June 12, 2009 | 
Author I ran across this quote from Brennan Manning in The Ragamuffin Gospel today —
“Often I have been asked, ‘Brennan, how is it possible that you became an alcoholic after you got saved?’ It is possible because I got battered and bruised by loneliness and failure; because I got discouraged, uncertain, guilt-ridden, and took my eyes off Jesus. Because the Christ-encounter did not transfigure me into an angel.”
I get this; I know how it is possible. I have taken my eyes off Jesus more times than I want to admit…it brings tears of sorrow and regret to my even now thinking about it. Dear God, Lord Jesus, by Your mercy and grace and the indwelling power of Your Holy Spirit help me to keep my eyes fixed on You. Help me to show compassion and gentleness to those who “take their eyes off You” dispensing mercy and grace as You have so freely given me. Thank You, Jesus, for loving me. [Amen]
Posted in Random Thoughts, Shaping Me, Worship | 
Tags: Brennan Manning, Jesus, Ragamuffin Gospel | 
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Book Review: The Furious Longing of God
The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning
“In times of persecution, theoretical Christianity will collapse.” Brennan Manning
I really liked this book. It was a very quick read, but deeply spiritual in content…don’t let the size of the book or the speed of reading it fool you for a minute. Brennan’s got the gloves off in this one and I feel like I have a couple of “shiners” after reading it (Probably exactly what I needed). At the same time that it was convicting to me, I found it delightfully affirming and I come away encouraged and invigorated to press on in the ministry and teaching that I feel God as called me to.
I’m not going to give you any summary or synopsis; instead, I’m going to say here’s another that’d be good to add to your library. I’ll shoot you a few quotes from between the covers and let you decide, but after reading the quotes that follow I’m sure you’ll be looking for a copy.
“I was speaking to the Navigators not long ago and they asked, ‘Do you have a word for us?’ I said, Yes I do. Instead of being identified as a community that memorizes Scripture, why not be identified as a community of professional lovers that cause people to say ‘How they love one another!’ Why do we judge Jesus’ criterion for authentic discipleship irrelevant? Jesus said the world is going to recognize you as His by only one sign: the way you are with one another on the street every day. You are going to leave people feeling a little better or a little worse. You’re going to affirm them or deprive them, but there’ll be no neutral exchange. If we as a Christian community took seriously the sign of our love for Jesus is our love for one another, I am convinced it would change the world. We’re denying to the world the one witness Jesus asked for: Love one another as I’ve loved you. (John 15:12)”
Here’s another: Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in A Deeper Walk, Books, Meditations, Shaping Me | Tags: Abba Father, Book Review, Books, Brennan Manning, Christian, Furious Longing of God, God, Humanity, Jesus, Mysticism, Ragamuffin Gospel, Spirituality | No Comments »
