Book Review: NIV Ragamuffin Bible by Brennan Manning

NIV Ragamuffin Bible: Meditations for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Brokenhearted by

Brennan Manning.

 

Brennan Manning has a gift for speaking emotions from the deepest parts of his heart.  Reading this Bible is like reading his personal ‘marked up’ NIV Bible.  It’s the normal text, plus his reflections on various passages and what appear to be entries from his journal.

Here is the publisher’s description:  “Do you believe that God not only loves you, but that he also likes you? It's just one of the soul-searching questions posed by bestselling author Brennan Manning who confesses he has been 'John the beloved, Peter the coward, and Thomas the doubter all before the waitress brought the check.' The NIV Ragamuffin Bible offers a collection of Manning's raw, painfully honest, yet grace-filled devotions, meditations, and reflections of his journey limping back to---like the prodigal son---his overjoyed father. When you journey through this Bible, you will likewise find yourself returning to your Heavenly Father, basking in the knowledge that God not only loves you, he delights in you.”

He has included 104 devotional readings and 250 personal reflections that are scattered throughout the Bible.  They cut straight to the heart.  They are insightful, challenging, and encouraging.  They speak the truth of Jesus in a way that will penetrate your heart.

If you have ever struggled to believe that God loves you more than you could possibly imagine, you should check out this Bible.  Read it, meditate on the truths (of scripture and in the extra readings), and ask God to change your understanding of his love.  And get ready to have your eyes widely opened!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze/Zondervan book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.