Sundays @ 10:00am at Dexter McCarty Middle School

Recommendation - July 20, 2020

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Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers

by Dane Ortlund

Recommendation by Dan Stump

Gentle and Lowly is probably the best devotional theology book I've ever read. If you struggle with thinking that God is often disappointed with you, just up in Heaven shaking His head, and waiting for you to screw up again, this book will help you to see how far that is from the truth. This book plumbs the depths of the heart of Jesus for sinners like you and me, and it does so by accurately handling God's word. Let me whet your appetite for this book with one of my favorite sections, commenting on John 6:37 "Whoever comes to me I will never cast out":

From the book:

We are factories of fresh resistances to Christ's love. Even when we run out of tangible reasons to be cast out, such as specific sins or failures, we tend to retain a vague sense that, given enough time, Jesus will finally grow tired of us and hold us at arm's length.

 

"No, wait"—we say, cautiously approaching Jesus—"you don't understand. I've really messed up, in all kinds of ways."

I know,” he responds.

"You know most of it, sure. Certainly more than what others see. But there's perversity down inside me that is hidden from everyone."

I know it all.”

"Well—the thing is, it isn't just my past. It's my present too."

I understand.”

"But I don't know if I can break free of this any time soon."

That's the only kind of person I'm here to help.”

"The burden is heavy--and heavier all the time."

Then let me carry it.”

"It's too much to bear."

Not for me.”

"You don't get it. My offenses aren't directed toward others. They're against you."

Then I am the one most suited to forgive them.”

"But the more of the ugliness in me you discover, the sooner you'll get fed up with me."

Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”

I'm confident that this book will bless you. I plan on going back to it on a regular basis.