March Book of the Month

I am excited to bring the book of the month to you this month. It took me close to 20 years to make it all the way through this book, for various reasons. One reason was because it posses the question of identity which hits close to home.

“Who am I?” is the question we all ask ourselves throughout our entire lives. In some seasons we are more confident in our answers to that question that in other seasons of life.

“Who am I?”

We live in a world that is constantly wanting to give us the answer. You are a democrat. You are a republican. You are a consumer. You are stressed and in need of relief. You are good. You are bad. You are who you are. You are tired. Yep!

“Who am I?”

Satan would also love to give you an answer. And often if it comes in the form of a question that leads to doubt as he did with Adam and Eve in the garden, “Did God say….?” (Gen 3:1) Or with Jesus in the wilderness, “If you are the Son of God….” (Matthew 4:3,6)

Identity is everything. Satan knows this. God knows this. We know this.

In his book, “Abba’s Child,” Brennan Manning makes a bold declaration. “My dignity as Abba’s child is my most coherent sense of self.” (p. 62) Nothing brings more clarity to the question of “Who am I” than the Spirit of God. As Paul says in Romans 8:16, “it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” To be Abba’s child is to be loved with a depth so great “it surpasses knowledge.” (Ephesians 3:18-19)

“Abba’s Child” is an invitation to explore the goodness of God’s love for his children. And Brennan beckons you to bring your whole self to this exploration. The beautiful parts of you and the ugly parts of you. Your real self and your imposter self. For when you bring your whole self into the loving presence of God, you are able to fully receive the gift of being made into a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I love reading Brennan Manning for similar reasons that I love reading Beth Moore. They are both unapologetically honest about their faults and flaws and sins. They deal in the real world. Brennan is a recovering alcoholic who is honest about his setbacks. He is a catholic priest who is deeply committed to love and serve the poor. He is honest about his sin, his doubts, his questions and his frustrations with God. But he is also a man who is desperate to remain in constant fellowship with Jesus, this Savior, friend and brother of sinners.

As I’ve sat in “Abba’s Child” with Brennan and the Spirit I am more convinced that there is no greater answer to the question of “Who am I?”, than to say, “I am the beloved daughter of Abba.” I say this with joy, a little timidity, a slight question in the background of my mind. But the Spirit says to me, “say it again!” “I am the beloved daughter of Abba!” “Yes!” The apostle John shouts back. “That is what you are!” (1 John 3:1)

This is who we are. Beloved sons and daughters of Abba.

Each Lenten Season, we are invited to give something up (or add something) in order to pursue deeper intimacy with God. I would venture to say that every season of Lent, we are invited to ask God the same question, “Who am I?” We forget so easily. The world is loud. Satan is relentless. But, Jesus, invites us to sit with him. To learn from him. To quiet the external noise so that we can hear what he says to us through the Spirit. “You are Abba’s Child. You belong to him.” Brothers and sisters, there is no better identity than this.

As you read “Abba’s Child” I pray that the Spirit uses it to draw you closer to Abba’s heart. I pray that He uses this book to help you see the heart of God in a clearer way as you read the scriptures.

May your sense of being Abba’s child be refreshed and renewed. And may you wear this identity proudly as you go and bear witness to a world that is in desperate need of your Abba’s love.