I just finished reading a letter, written by one of my dearest friends. Remember here, where I talk about the notion of imagining what those dearest to you would say about you at your funeral? Well, she is one of those whose words matter to me. She is a sister-in-Christ, and has encouraged me in my faith repeatedly. Oh what a blessing to have a friend like her!
She reminded me that though I feel awkward about telling people I’ve written a book (books, actually), nevertheless I ought to. I then thought about what several others have said about my book, and I must admit–I have been reserved, even with the encouraging words of so many.
Fun fact: it was four years ago that the publisher sent me a contract! Another fun fact: I loved the editing process; the editor was timely, polite, and encouraging. Another fun fact: last Christmas while playing the game “splurt” with my children, and a few other people, we were to think of an author whose name begins with a vowel, and my daughter yells out “EMILY DARNELL!” a few others looked like “really?” And my daughter very confidently spoke of my books, and of how her mama is an author.
Deep Simplicity
So my book, Deep Simplicity: Meditations on Abiding in Christ, was published in November 2020. This book came together after years of teaching Bible Studies in my local PCA church, journaling, and delighting in the Word. You’d think the book would be an outline of John 15, but no–I write of passages throughout the Old and New Testaments, because abiding was not something Jesus introduced, so much as something He clarified, and furthered, and drew us into. Though yes, we enjoy it in ways the Old Testament saints could not, because of the promised gift of the Spirit.
Mutual abiding. Abiding, dwelling, resting, remaining. We the branches, remaining and being continually sustained in our dwelling, in the Vine.
My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people. And the nations will know that I am the Lord who sanctifies Israel, when My sanctuary is in their midst forever. Ezekiel 37:27-28
Behind it all is the same concern Paul had for the Corinthians:
But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3
Many in today’s churches mistakenly fall into heresy out of passion for knowing Him more. But they are not devoted to Christ as He has revealed Himself, they are devoted to crafty teachings, persuasive arguments, cunning ideas that seem too beautiful to be wrong. We want deep fellowship with our God, but instead of leaning into Him, we lean into a god after our own making. The desire was good, but we are easily led astray when we do not cling to His Word.
May He lead you into all Truth! May you grow in grace and knowledge as you come to Him, and listen to Him in His Word! Abide in Him, in His love, in His Word! I have heard from many that this book has helped them to delight in God’s Word more, I pray He would use my words to encourage many more, and open up sweet gospel conversations among His people in many corners of the world.
Available for purchase at Amazon, from the publisher, Christian Focus Publications, through B&N; or if you are local you can order a copy at Givens (they no longer have it on the shelf, but can order it for you!).
