Lisa Notes: R.I.P. Brennan Manning

We lost a true voice of grace yesterday.

But even though we’ll no longer hear new words from Brennan Manning, we can still learn from the ones already published.

Brennan was authentic. He revealed more of himself than sometimes we even wanted to know. He showed us that he, like us, also had an ugly side.

But because he was see-through, we could behold Jesus on his inside. His relationship with the Lord, like ours, wasn’t perfect, but it was real.

Read his words slowly, and delight with him on the joys of familial intimacy with our blood-Brother:

What is indeed crucial to the evangelical enterprise is the awareness that we ourselves are the primary target.

It is not “they” who are poor, sinful, and lost. It is ourselves.

Unless we acknowledge that we are the sinners, the sick ones, and the lost sheep for whom Jesus came, we do not belong to the “blessed” who know that they are poor and inherit the Kingdom.

Whatever else it may be, prayer is first and foremost an act of love.

Before any pragmatic, utilitarian, or altruistic motivations, prayer is born of a desire to be with Jesus.

His incomparable wisdom, compelling beauty, irresistible goodness, and unrestricted love lure us into the quiet of our hearts where he dwells. To really love someone implies a natural longing for presence and intimate communion.

When the Crucified One says, “I’m dying to be with you,” and then whispers, “Will you die a little to be with me?” my sluggish spirit is stirred (unfortunately not always) to prefer the pleasure of his company to whatever trinket of creation is mesmerizing me at the moment.

The church and the Bible are not substitutes for God; they are means through which we make conscious contact with Jesus Christ.

They are the place of encounter with the compassionate One, who reveals himself in sundry ways and diverse temperaments.

~ BRENNAN MANNING
A Glimpse of Jesus

April 27, 1934 – April 12, 2013

Until we join him, may Brennan enjoy the fullest fruits of grace ever imagined.

* * *

Do you have a favorite Brennan Manning book or memory?

REVISED FROM THE ARCHIVES

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Stephani · 624 weeks ago

Just published a post about Brennan too! Love him! Love The Ragamuffin Gospel.
My recent post Eviction Notice!

Mia · 624 weeks ago

Dear Lisa
He truly was a great man for the Great One was really visible in his brokenness. I used to get so angry when the fundamentalists used to call Mr Manning a heretic! But then, they said the same of our Lord Jesus!
Blessings and a grace-filled week to you, sweet friend

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panda444 30p · 624 weeks ago

I hadn't heard this news. Sorry to hear of his death but I too read many of his books. The Ragamuffin Gospel was one I really loved. He was definitely real and I loved that about him.

Blessings and love,
Debbie
My recent post A Lesson From American Idol

fsamons 60p · 624 weeks ago

I hadn't heard the news... Manning was a true hero of the faith. In a fallen world where most believers are too afraid to tell the truth to a fellow worker much less yell it from a mountaintop, he was a breath of fresh air... and voice for God. He ran the good race, he fought the good fight...
My recent post “UNCLE!”

Cathy · 624 weeks ago

A very nice tribute, Dear. I don't know why I don't know him.
My recent post Whom Shall I Fear {God of Angel Armies} Lyrics

elizabethfstewart 38p · 624 weeks ago

He was our hero, though we never met face to face.
My recent post Sunday evening eucharisteo...

lisaspence 9p · 624 weeks ago

Reading "The Ragamuffin Gospel" was a watershed moment in my walk with the Lord. I am grateful to Brennan Manning for teaching me true grace.
My recent post On Mondays and every day

drew strawbridge · 515 weeks ago

I wonder why some people I read warn that what Brennen Manning taught was dangerous. I always had a fear of God and felt alot of guilt. His books brought me close to a Jesus I believe is authentic, a friend who knows all about me yet still loves me. Whats wrong with that? God said that he doesnt want anyone to perish. This is why all kinds of people flocked to Him. Maybe some people are still living in the law, like the religious authories in Jesus time. Another good author is CS Lewis and Dr. Leslie Wheatherhead. The latter wrote The Christian Agnostic, a book which states the Judgement Day will be the happiest day in peoples lives as they will be finally understood and loved by Ultimate Love, compassion and acceptance.

1 reply · active 515 weeks ago

Lisa notes 103p · 515 weeks ago

I think some people believed Brennan Manning was "dangerous" because he was all about grace. Those who feel safest with the Law are often most threatened by the grace of God. But ironically, it's because we can't keep the Law that we most need grace. Manning understood that so well. I'm glad his writings brought you closer to Jesus too. That's a beautiful thing.