Deep Simplicity: Meditations on Abiding in Christ. This is the title of my book, released November 6, 2020 through Christian Focus.
Editorial Reviews:
One of the most wonderful promises Christ has given us is to be with us always, but what does it mean to practise His presence and enjoy His transforming friendship? Here is a remarkable book of meditations on one of the most vital but most neglected aspects of Christian living. Every page is rich in biblical wisdom to be savoured phrase by phrase. If you read slowly and reflect prayerfully, this sharply focused book will deepen your devotion to Christ, nurture your inner life, and align your thoughts with eternity.
If you have longed—really yearned and desired—to know God better along with having at your fingertips many biblical and practical suggestions for how such steps may be pursued in multiple areas, then these meditations are for you. Designed to add layer upon layer of growth in order to achieve our depth completely in Christ, such wisdom is not often found. These meditations arerecommended for the pursuit of God.
What is it that God would say to you on the brink of utter desperation? Upon losing hope, and friendship, and direction in life? What is something He would say if you were facing the unknown? If you felt lonely? If you were questioning the meaning and purpose of your life?
Would He say the same on a humdrum day? In the mundane? In the daily grind?
Abide in Me, and I in you. John 15:4
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This was spoken on the last evening the disciples would enjoy a meal together with Jesus, the last evening that they would listen to their beloved Teacher and Friend prior to the crucifixion. One of the simplest and yet most profound teachings; something He began teaching toward the beginning of His ministry (see John 6, and this post.) And now Jesus would reiterate, and expand upon the teaching of Abiding just before He was crucified. Would these words ring in their ears through the coming days of waiting and wondering?
Would the sadness and loss and despair help them question the meaning of these words?
The disciples needed to know that though the shape and dynamic of their relationship would change, He would never leave them. Though Jesus would soon physically ascend into heaven, He would never leave them as orphans. He would send the Spirit, He would abide in them, and they could then know Him more deeply than before. In the perilous times they faced, they needed to be told: Abide in Me, and I in you. As they ventured into their futures, filled with tribulation and martyrdom, they went knowing He abides in them, and they in Him.
Each of us has our own particular story, our own struggles, our own dailyness that we try to do life in. Did Jesus want to say “abide in Me” as an answer to what we face? Does Jesus want you to remain and rest and live in His love, knowing that your heart is His home?
Apart from Me, you can do nothing. John 15:5
It may not seem utilitarian enough–which our culture has been obsessed with since the industrial revolution. Yet, in Christ, you will experience the redemption that your soul craves, and needs, in order to flourish. Such knowledge will enable you to live the life you were created for (which includes being useful, in His kingdom, being a blessing to the community you live in. So you see it is more utilitarian in the end).
Whatever we face, whatever the circumstance–in our communities, and our hearts, the Spirit still calls out to His own “Abide! Eat of My flesh and go on feasting!” from John 6, John 14-17, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John. He still directs His own to seek Him, cling to Him, remember His words, and walk with Him, rest in Him. This book will weave together the echos of this call from both Old and New Testament passages.
I hope you will enjoy it!
Click here to order! Or visit your favorite local bookstore.
And perhaps, check out this lovely review, here.