Messing with my mind ...

Having been recommended this book continually throughout the year have finally bought it and begun to read. SB spoke some from it at Abernethy and that was the final straw, I wanted to read it and see what this irresistible revolution was and could look like.

Now think it should come with a health warning!!! This book is seriously messing with my mind and my heart. My heart is crying out when I read the stories and Shane's theology (in essence) in agreement ... and my mind is asking me am I prepared for that. It is impossible to read this book and not be changed in some way ... the question is to what extent is it allowed to change me ... and how much will I allow it to drive me back to the Book to read in fresh ways things that if I really profess to love God, follow Jesus, and be lead by the Holy Spirit will have a dramatic tranformative effect in my life and lifestyle. Quoting Rich Mullins from a chapel service while at his college Shane writes:
"You guys are all into that born again thing, which is great. We do need to be born again, since Jesus said that to a guy name Nicodemus. But if you tell me I have to be born again to enter the kingdom of God, I can tell you that you have to sell everything you have and give it to the poor, because Jesus said that to one guy too ... [And he paused in the akward silence.] But I guess that's why God invented highlighters, so we can highlight the parts we like and ignore the rest." (pg. 98-99)

This is a book I am trying to read slowly as it poses such challenges, yet am reading quickly as it speaks to the core of me, to strange places in me that long for much of what is described yet am unnerved by it and unsure of what that means and looks like for me. This is a book that I will need to spend some time pondering, most likely with the Book open beside me. This is a book I will need to re-read and re-read to get its full impact. This is a book I'll share with others, all the while knowing that only those with the hearts of ordinary radicals will truly get it.

So while I do all this, asking Him what it means in my life, here are just some short challenging quotes for refection:

'Mother Teresa used to say, "We can do not great things, just small things with great love. It's not about how much you do, but how much love you put into doing it."' (pg. 78)

'Momma T also used to say, "Following Jesus is simple, but not easy. Love until it hurts and then love more."' (pg. 136)

'People always want to define you by what you do ... I'm not to concerned about what I am going to do. I am more interested in who I am becoming. I want to be a lover of God and people.' (pg. 108)

'I truly believe that when the poor meet the rich, riches will have no meaning. And when the rich meet the poor, we will see poverty come to an end.' (pg. 114)

What was it Jesus said again ... oh yeah ...
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way."
(Matt. 5:3-12 NLT).

Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven Lord!!!