While searching my bookshelves for works to place on the Dewey's Gently Read Books Facebook page, I became reacquainted with a book by one of my favorite authors, Brennan Manning, LION AND LAMB: The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus.
I have no intention of selling the book at this time, but I am more than happy to share some of the passages I had highlighted during my initial read...
Religion is not a matter of learning how to think about God, but of actually encountering Him. (p.13)
[God] loves the loveless, the unloving, the unlovable. He does not detect what is congenial, appealing, attractive, and respond to it with His favor. In fact, He does not respond at all. The Father of Jesus is a source. He acts; He does not react. He initiates love. He is love without motive. (p.20, quoting James Burtschaell)
Christianity was no longer simply a moral code but a love affair; the thrill, the excitement, the incredible, passionate joy of being loved and falling in love with Jesus Christ. (p.34)
If God tears up your beautiful game plan and leads you into a valley instead of onto a mountaintop, it is because He wants you to discover His plan, which is more beautiful than anything you or I could have dreamed up. The response of trust is "Thank You, Jesus," even if it is said through clenched teeth. (p.58)
If you love yourself intensely and freely, then your feelings about yourself correspond perfectly to the sentiments of Jesus. (p.132)
Truth is...that last quote may be both the hardest and the most important one to experience.
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