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Relentless Pursuit: God's Love of Outsiders Including the Outsider in All of Us
Bestselling Author Reveals God's Heartfor OutsidersEveryone feels like an outsider sometimes. Acclaimed bestselling author Ken Gire lets readers know that they are not alone. He brings them directly into the action of Scripture, telling the stories of foreigners, lepers, prostitutes, and other "outcasts" who found acceptance with God. Alongside the Bible stories, he blends contemporary examples and spiritual insights to paint a picture of a God who relentlessly pursues each of us. Discussion questions are included for individual or small group use.
171 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
6 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Ken Gire
61 books51 followersKen Gire is the author of more than 20 books, including "The Divine Embrace," "Windows of the Soul," "The Work of His Hands," the Moments with the Savior series, and the Reflective Life series. He has also co-authored "The Birthright" with John Sheasby. Two of his books have been awarded a Gold Medallion. A full-time writer and speaker, Ken is the founder of Reflective Living, a nonprofit ministry devoted to helping people learn how to slow down and live more reflective lives so they can experience life more deeply, especially life with God and other people. Ken is a graduate of Texas Christian University and Dallas Theological Seminary. He has four children and three grandchildren and lives near the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Monument, Colorado.
As a bestselling author, Ken speaks primarily on the subjects in the books he has written. In the past, he has spoken at such venues as Bill and Gloria Gaither's Praise Gathering, Billy Graham's Training Center---the Cove, Laity Lodge, Wind River Ranch, Young Life, as well as a variety of denominational and non-denominational churches. He has spoken in the church service itself but has mostly done church retreats. He is available to speak for large, public events as the keynote speaker or for smaller, more private events, such as leadership retreats. In all of his talks, Ken uses a variety of audio-visuals, such as film clips, and so the host would need to have the necessary equipment and someone to operate it. His messages can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the venue. Since most of his speaking topics are from the books Ken has written, you can get a greater feel for his talks by first getting the book from Amazon.com, which carries both his in-print and out-of-print books.
As a bestselling author, Ken speaks primarily on the subjects in the books he has written. In the past, he has spoken at such venues as Bill and Gloria Gaither's Praise Gathering, Billy Graham's Training Center---the Cove, Laity Lodge, Wind River Ranch, Young Life, as well as a variety of denominational and non-denominational churches. He has spoken in the church service itself but has mostly done church retreats. He is available to speak for large, public events as the keynote speaker or for smaller, more private events, such as leadership retreats. In all of his talks, Ken uses a variety of audio-visuals, such as film clips, and so the host would need to have the necessary equipment and someone to operate it. His messages can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the venue. Since most of his speaking topics are from the books Ken has written, you can get a greater feel for his talks by first getting the book from Amazon.com, which carries both his in-print and out-of-print books.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 9, 2012
Perhaps I live in a cave, but prior to picking up this unassuming 167 page book with sheep on the cover I had never heard of Ken Gire. After completing the first chapter I was hooked. This author wonderfully weaves his personal journey into a stream of other salvation stories to develop his theme of God's relentless pursuit of people.
His use of a children's book "The Runaway Bunny" by Margaret Wise and classic poetry Francis Thompson's "The Hound of Heaven", drew me in. There were also intriguing questions. What do you do with shame? And how do we view interruptions at work? Great thinkers such as Henri Nouwen and Howard Thurmon are considered in Ken's thesis. But the author's greatest moment comes when he examines the life and ministry of Jesus as He became and sought the outsider. There are asides to modern film as well and a powerful quote from 'The Guardian' is utilized in the books epilogue, "So others may live."
It's one thing to academically, theoretically or theologically speak of reaching out. But this book takes you through a man’s own life as God moved him to the outside. How he got there and what God does on the outside is awesome. As Ken rightly observes, "We are meant to live outside the gate of the city and inside the door of God's heart."
I couldn't recommend a book more. This has been my favorite read of the summer.
A copy of this book was provided by its publisher in exchange for this review.
Visit My Website For many more book reviews. www.thekinner.com
His use of a children's book "The Runaway Bunny" by Margaret Wise and classic poetry Francis Thompson's "The Hound of Heaven", drew me in. There were also intriguing questions. What do you do with shame? And how do we view interruptions at work? Great thinkers such as Henri Nouwen and Howard Thurmon are considered in Ken's thesis. But the author's greatest moment comes when he examines the life and ministry of Jesus as He became and sought the outsider. There are asides to modern film as well and a powerful quote from 'The Guardian' is utilized in the books epilogue, "So others may live."
It's one thing to academically, theoretically or theologically speak of reaching out. But this book takes you through a man’s own life as God moved him to the outside. How he got there and what God does on the outside is awesome. As Ken rightly observes, "We are meant to live outside the gate of the city and inside the door of God's heart."
I couldn't recommend a book more. This has been my favorite read of the summer.
A copy of this book was provided by its publisher in exchange for this review.
Visit My Website For many more book reviews. www.thekinner.com
July 24, 2012
This is the most recent book I selected to review as part of Bethany House Publishers as part of their blogger review program. It jumped out to me from among the titles available because of its subtitle: God’s love of outsiders, including the outsider in all of us. Especially since our move, but really always, I have struggled with feeling like I have a niche, and so I was interested in reading this author’s take on how to deal with those feelings of being an “other.”
I have to say, Bethany House hits the nail on the head with covers. I loved what I found when I opened the mailer it came in and couldn’t wait to dive in!
The prologue intrigued me, as it hinted at the author’s own struggles with feeling left out and different, but the first chapter found my eyes glazing over a bit as he delved into a somewhat literary and academic analysis of the poem “The Hound of Heaven” by Francis Thompson. I’m all about some literary analysis and poetry, but it was not what I expected from this book, nor did it seem to fit the bill of what I was looking for.
However, after that, the book picked up for me. I normally skim over the study questions at the end of chapters in Christian lifestyle books, but the ones in Relentless Pursuit were well-written and particularly relevant to the preceding chapter, so I found myself underlining many of them for further contemplation. And the literary and philosophical references in the rest of the book were wonderful, introducing me to some authors I had never heard of but now want to explore and providing me with some beautifully thought-out definitions for a life of faith.
Though I was into the premise of the book, I found the execution to be a bit pat. I wanted either deeper exploration of the biblical nature of God’s love for the outsider or a more nuanced depiction of the author’s life story (more of a memoir). Instead, I found both of these elements lacking: the “God stuff” was mostly vague and not detailed, and the personal recollections were scattered and didn’t really show me how the author had come to believe so deeply as he does. I also struggled with the precise definition of “outside.” It felt like the term was used throughout the book to mean one of several different things, and “outsider” was applied to both people literally outside of some group or another AND those of us who just feel like outsiders. All of the above are valid, of course, but I wanted a more concise use of the term. All in all, though, if I hadn’t been enjoying the book for the most part, I wouldn’t have cared that these bits felt shallow.
Throughout the book, I gleaned bits of wisdom and particularly apt turns of phrase that I’m looking forward to considering as I continue my walk of faith. But I unfortunately don’t feel any more convinced of God’s love for the outsider than I did before reading Relentless Pursuit, and this is coming from someone who already knows and believes that to be true. It seems like this book was written more for those who are “inside” but struggle with feeling like they’re not accepted. I can’t imagine what takeaway someone of another faith might have from this book, and that seems to betray its purpose. I’d share this book only in a setting where there could be open discussion about it, or with someone else like me who enjoys adding new thoughts to their repertoire.
I have to say, Bethany House hits the nail on the head with covers. I loved what I found when I opened the mailer it came in and couldn’t wait to dive in!
The prologue intrigued me, as it hinted at the author’s own struggles with feeling left out and different, but the first chapter found my eyes glazing over a bit as he delved into a somewhat literary and academic analysis of the poem “The Hound of Heaven” by Francis Thompson. I’m all about some literary analysis and poetry, but it was not what I expected from this book, nor did it seem to fit the bill of what I was looking for.
However, after that, the book picked up for me. I normally skim over the study questions at the end of chapters in Christian lifestyle books, but the ones in Relentless Pursuit were well-written and particularly relevant to the preceding chapter, so I found myself underlining many of them for further contemplation. And the literary and philosophical references in the rest of the book were wonderful, introducing me to some authors I had never heard of but now want to explore and providing me with some beautifully thought-out definitions for a life of faith.
Though I was into the premise of the book, I found the execution to be a bit pat. I wanted either deeper exploration of the biblical nature of God’s love for the outsider or a more nuanced depiction of the author’s life story (more of a memoir). Instead, I found both of these elements lacking: the “God stuff” was mostly vague and not detailed, and the personal recollections were scattered and didn’t really show me how the author had come to believe so deeply as he does. I also struggled with the precise definition of “outside.” It felt like the term was used throughout the book to mean one of several different things, and “outsider” was applied to both people literally outside of some group or another AND those of us who just feel like outsiders. All of the above are valid, of course, but I wanted a more concise use of the term. All in all, though, if I hadn’t been enjoying the book for the most part, I wouldn’t have cared that these bits felt shallow.
Throughout the book, I gleaned bits of wisdom and particularly apt turns of phrase that I’m looking forward to considering as I continue my walk of faith. But I unfortunately don’t feel any more convinced of God’s love for the outsider than I did before reading Relentless Pursuit, and this is coming from someone who already knows and believes that to be true. It seems like this book was written more for those who are “inside” but struggle with feeling like they’re not accepted. I can’t imagine what takeaway someone of another faith might have from this book, and that seems to betray its purpose. I’d share this book only in a setting where there could be open discussion about it, or with someone else like me who enjoys adding new thoughts to their repertoire.
December 31, 2012
Ever feel like an outsider looking in?
For some of us, we do at some point in our lives, maybe in all parts of our lives, that no matter what we try to do, we seem to not be able to fit in with others.
In Ken Gire's, "Relentless Pursuit", this is addressed as he addresses outsiders from the Bible, history and even his own life, and with discussion questions geared toward motivating, encouraging and provoke both personal reflection and group discussion (if the book is used in a group setting), how our eyes can be opened, to the friendship and promise of not leaving us alone, that God gives us.
"Relentless Pursuit" is not a cure all book and doesn't offer absolutes but rather, reminders that we really are not alone as we may feel and through introspective questions, encourages the reader to really discover ways to reach out to others, via community involvement, growth as a Christian and introspection.
I really enjoyed the layout of the book. The questions that are offered are brief but to the point, and the overall layout of the writing, is personal but not over the head. It felt like I was reading a personal journal and the style of writing is casual and conversational, not condemning nor did it makes promises that were not attainable.
It reads like the gentle push of a good friend whose encouraging to look to the Lord and find ways that we can reach out from feeling alone or ostracized or as an outsider and instead, find healthy ways to move past feeling the feelings that one may currently have at the moment.
The book itself is short and yet detailed and filled as well not just with biblical references, but the cultural references to iconic books, movies and topics make it easy to realize that the feelings we are having, are just temporary and more than anything, we are not the only ones.
This is a great book to read and if you are starting the New Year with the resolution to be more involved or maybe you are new to an area and having trouble re-adapting, whatever the circumstances, "Relentless Pursuit" is a touching, compassionate book that for the reader, reminds them how they are not really alone.
For some of us, we do at some point in our lives, maybe in all parts of our lives, that no matter what we try to do, we seem to not be able to fit in with others.
In Ken Gire's, "Relentless Pursuit", this is addressed as he addresses outsiders from the Bible, history and even his own life, and with discussion questions geared toward motivating, encouraging and provoke both personal reflection and group discussion (if the book is used in a group setting), how our eyes can be opened, to the friendship and promise of not leaving us alone, that God gives us.
"Relentless Pursuit" is not a cure all book and doesn't offer absolutes but rather, reminders that we really are not alone as we may feel and through introspective questions, encourages the reader to really discover ways to reach out to others, via community involvement, growth as a Christian and introspection.
I really enjoyed the layout of the book. The questions that are offered are brief but to the point, and the overall layout of the writing, is personal but not over the head. It felt like I was reading a personal journal and the style of writing is casual and conversational, not condemning nor did it makes promises that were not attainable.
It reads like the gentle push of a good friend whose encouraging to look to the Lord and find ways that we can reach out from feeling alone or ostracized or as an outsider and instead, find healthy ways to move past feeling the feelings that one may currently have at the moment.
The book itself is short and yet detailed and filled as well not just with biblical references, but the cultural references to iconic books, movies and topics make it easy to realize that the feelings we are having, are just temporary and more than anything, we are not the only ones.
This is a great book to read and if you are starting the New Year with the resolution to be more involved or maybe you are new to an area and having trouble re-adapting, whatever the circumstances, "Relentless Pursuit" is a touching, compassionate book that for the reader, reminds them how they are not really alone.
July 8, 2012
Relentless Pursuit
By Ken Gire
Published by Bethany House
You are not alone. Never alone. For there is a pursuer of us all. A loving, patient pursuer whom we cannot outrun, dissuade, or hide from. Relentless Pursuit is an examination of this One.
With inspiration from Francis Thompson’s The Hound of Heaven, Ken Gire expertly reveals the truth, that so many of us wrestled with for the better part of our lives. That there is a living savior whose love is a mighty unbreakable thing. A savior who is not condemning, disapproving or critical; but one who is ready to forgive and accept. One who wishes to wash all the anger, offense and shame away. To forgive us anything and everything.
Those of us who are blessed to know Him personally, can only be profoundly moved by this comprehension. Yet to be only moved, is to not fully appreciate the love that is offered. We must freely offer it in return. Who are we, sinners just like everyone else, to judge others? To condemn and ostracize?
We are none of us worthy. Yet He doesn’t ask it of us. You are loved unconditionally. You are forgiven. You are wanted. You are clean. You need only stop running. Such is the telling of the Relentless Pursuit.
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
By Ken Gire
Published by Bethany House
You are not alone. Never alone. For there is a pursuer of us all. A loving, patient pursuer whom we cannot outrun, dissuade, or hide from. Relentless Pursuit is an examination of this One.
With inspiration from Francis Thompson’s The Hound of Heaven, Ken Gire expertly reveals the truth, that so many of us wrestled with for the better part of our lives. That there is a living savior whose love is a mighty unbreakable thing. A savior who is not condemning, disapproving or critical; but one who is ready to forgive and accept. One who wishes to wash all the anger, offense and shame away. To forgive us anything and everything.
Those of us who are blessed to know Him personally, can only be profoundly moved by this comprehension. Yet to be only moved, is to not fully appreciate the love that is offered. We must freely offer it in return. Who are we, sinners just like everyone else, to judge others? To condemn and ostracize?
We are none of us worthy. Yet He doesn’t ask it of us. You are loved unconditionally. You are forgiven. You are wanted. You are clean. You need only stop running. Such is the telling of the Relentless Pursuit.
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
August 13, 2012
This is a very easy to read and understand book. Everyone will relate to some part of what the author is presenting.
I found the author of this book to be very open with his personal examples. If you sometimes feel like you are not acceptable to the Lord or that you are very different then other Christians, you will benefit from reading this book. I think we all feel like an outsider at different times in our lives. This book will help you learn to draw closer to the Lord and other Christians when you are feeling this way.
The author doesn’t just use personal examples but also relates his point to people from the Bible. This was my favorite part of the book. I also really liked the discussion questions. I think this book would be perfect for a Sunday School class or Bible Study. Reading this book about feeling like an outsider with others who may feel that way too can’t help but be an encouragement to you.
I gave this book 5/5 stars for a few reasons. I like the author’s examples. I felt he was very accepting and non-judgmental in his writing. I also liked the short chapters!
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
I found the author of this book to be very open with his personal examples. If you sometimes feel like you are not acceptable to the Lord or that you are very different then other Christians, you will benefit from reading this book. I think we all feel like an outsider at different times in our lives. This book will help you learn to draw closer to the Lord and other Christians when you are feeling this way.
The author doesn’t just use personal examples but also relates his point to people from the Bible. This was my favorite part of the book. I also really liked the discussion questions. I think this book would be perfect for a Sunday School class or Bible Study. Reading this book about feeling like an outsider with others who may feel that way too can’t help but be an encouragement to you.
I gave this book 5/5 stars for a few reasons. I like the author’s examples. I felt he was very accepting and non-judgmental in his writing. I also liked the short chapters!
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
July 11, 2012
We all know what an outsider is, he or she may be you or someone you know or have seen. All of us desire to fit in somewhere. The author speaks of his life in detail as well as other's stories, some of them historically significant. Poetry along with ancient writings and bible passages are included.
I found that I learned some in reading and studying this book in detail. This is a new author to me, and I will go back and search for other books he has written as I know that there are quite a few. Although seasoned Christians would find this book helpful, I really believe this to be a wonderful tool for a new Christian or someone who is not as familiar with biblical stories and passages (could be a supplimentary starting point read along with the bible). I did enjoy reading about the stories of others about being outsiders themselves, some were very inspirational. I would recommend this book to others especially new Christians. I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for my review.
I found that I learned some in reading and studying this book in detail. This is a new author to me, and I will go back and search for other books he has written as I know that there are quite a few. Although seasoned Christians would find this book helpful, I really believe this to be a wonderful tool for a new Christian or someone who is not as familiar with biblical stories and passages (could be a supplimentary starting point read along with the bible). I did enjoy reading about the stories of others about being outsiders themselves, some were very inspirational. I would recommend this book to others especially new Christians. I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for my review.
January 21, 2013
Seeking to better understand God’s infinite love and heart for His children, I elected to read this book. The title itself grabbed my attention in such a way that I knew I wanted to know more. I liked how the book provided a working definition of the outsider. I also appreciated how Scripture was weaved into the realness-of-life examples. The author shared his own experiences, personalizing the subject matter even more. Through his words and insight, Mr. Gire was able to uncover the human condition and encourage active involvement of the heart in the give-and-take associated with the Christian walk.
June 2, 2015
More than anything, the color of the cover and the title of this book stood out to me, so I decided to purchase it. And it turned out to be a fairly interesting read. Although it wasn't life changing, I did pick up a few concepts that were previously aloof. Through bits and pieces of his meta-narrative, Ken Gire put together an insightful exploration of God's faithfulness in reaching for outsiders. Gire concluded the book by reminding readers of our responsibility to do the same.
The uncontested highlight of the book is Gire's treatment of Francis Thompson's poem "The Hound of Heaven." Learning about the existence of this poem, alone, was worth the few dollars that I spent on this book.
The uncontested highlight of the book is Gire's treatment of Francis Thompson's poem "The Hound of Heaven." Learning about the existence of this poem, alone, was worth the few dollars that I spent on this book.
September 27, 2012
Ken captures so poignantly the endless, passionate, untiring pursuit of the Father for not only our hearts, but the heart of the "child" that He sees and longs to bring "Home".
What captured my heart most, was his vulnerability and transparency in sharing his past hurts as well as present struggles and fears with the world. What God was after in him as he penned his words to paper, he also courageously laid out through his heart for all to see.
A "MUST READ" for every believer, the "outsider" in ALL of us...
What captured my heart most, was his vulnerability and transparency in sharing his past hurts as well as present struggles and fears with the world. What God was after in him as he penned his words to paper, he also courageously laid out through his heart for all to see.
A "MUST READ" for every believer, the "outsider" in ALL of us...
January 20, 2013
My journal now has several new entries because of this work. I was force to look at area of my own life that I and others have treated as an "outsider". Divorce, business failings, guilt, shame.... all of these and more were areas that I had set outside the camp of the love of God. And my failure to see God's love reaching me there perpetuated the shame and lack of whole-heartedness I've been living. Great read. Great reflect questions. Well worth the investment of time and honest reflection.
November 14, 2013
This book started out well and encouraged me. However, it did not go where I thought or hoped that it would go. Gire's story distracts from what could have been a good book.
Book has been provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Book has been provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2014
This book was so good that I'm reading it a second time immediately.
Read
February 20, 2016i love ken gire. Anything he writes I read. Good reminder of who we were before Christ and we have something great to offer those who are outside of His love.
January 31, 2020
Another great read. consider his retelling of the story of the lost sheep, the woman at the well, the need for the church to recover its passion for the outsider
March 2, 2025
Loved the style of writing! Easy reading and full of emotion and real-life stories to drive home the authors points.
August 16, 2012
In Relentless Pursuit, Ken Gire described his background of believing and feeling like he was an outsider. He was picked on by bullies for his red hair and wearing glasses. His father was very strict on how he dressed, his hair length, and he wasn't allowed to go to parties with his friends. His brother told him that he thought he had ADD. He felt like an outsider the majority of his life and he wanted to gain acceptance and be included. Ken Gire wrote this book to help readers to always remember that God is actively pursuing them even when they fail. He doesn't run away screaming and you aren't forgotten. He told the story of Jeremiah about how God is like a lion hunting us down and destroying and messing with his life. Jeremiah felt that God wasn't listening to his prayers and he wasn't seeing any of his prayers answered. He clarified that he perceived that God was using him for target practice and arrows were being shot at him. Then in later verses Jeremiah rises up and declared that God is the only person he truly needs. How many of us aren't sometimes feeling the same way?
It's imperative to that we keep in mind that no matter how far we may choose to run or hide God is already there. Jesus never turned away people who were outsiders and loners. He would constantly stop and assist prostitutes, people with leprosy, blind individuals, and people who were down and out of the critiques. Jesus himself was an outsider and rejected by many people but Jesus still gave His time to spend with them. He loved them for who they were and he looked deeper into what they could become.
I would recommend this book to anyone who believes that they are an outsider and they are unloved. This resource will provide you with countless different characters in the Bible and historical examples of people who were considered outsiders but God was vigorously pursuing them, despite how they viewed themselves. I especially connected with how Ken Gire went into detail about how Jesus goes after the lost sheep and the outsiders. Jesus illustrated the story of The Good Shepherd and how he went after the one sheep that gets lost. The shepherd will leave his flock of sheep to explore the land to look for the one lost sheep. Because the one sheep means to the world to Jesus! In this parable, we are the sheep and Jesus is never leaving our side even when we think we are forgotten. The truth is God wants to hold and protect you when life comes against you. Ken Gire is a huge encouragement to people who are struggling to love themselves completely! The book has brought freedom to realizing that God is listening and hearing my prayers!
"I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers book review bloggers program."
It's imperative to that we keep in mind that no matter how far we may choose to run or hide God is already there. Jesus never turned away people who were outsiders and loners. He would constantly stop and assist prostitutes, people with leprosy, blind individuals, and people who were down and out of the critiques. Jesus himself was an outsider and rejected by many people but Jesus still gave His time to spend with them. He loved them for who they were and he looked deeper into what they could become.
I would recommend this book to anyone who believes that they are an outsider and they are unloved. This resource will provide you with countless different characters in the Bible and historical examples of people who were considered outsiders but God was vigorously pursuing them, despite how they viewed themselves. I especially connected with how Ken Gire went into detail about how Jesus goes after the lost sheep and the outsiders. Jesus illustrated the story of The Good Shepherd and how he went after the one sheep that gets lost. The shepherd will leave his flock of sheep to explore the land to look for the one lost sheep. Because the one sheep means to the world to Jesus! In this parable, we are the sheep and Jesus is never leaving our side even when we think we are forgotten. The truth is God wants to hold and protect you when life comes against you. Ken Gire is a huge encouragement to people who are struggling to love themselves completely! The book has brought freedom to realizing that God is listening and hearing my prayers!
"I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Publishers book review bloggers program."
October 14, 2012
In the prologue Ken Gire makes a statement that speaks clearly to all of us. It is also the theme of the book, Relentless Pursuit.
"This book is about the heart of God and the lengths to which his heart goes to find ours, to bundle it up in his arms and to carry it home. It is written from the perspective of the lost sheep. As such, it's not a book for the ninety-nine who are safe as much as for the one who is not."
We've all at some time in our life been an outsider, a lost sheep. For whatever reason we've wandered away, or been pushed out, or pushed to the side. We are bruised, lonely, sad. We are in need of a tender Shepherd who will take us back into the fold.
There is a story that Ken Gire reflects on about a man named Francis Thompson who lived in England during the 1800's. Francis Thompson wrote a poem entitled, "The Hound of Heaven." Thompson had become addicted to opium and his life was one of despair. It was from the emotional trench of despair that a beautiful and heart-rending analogy in poem was written. Thompson's poem is a reflection of humanity's condition of the heart, and of God's pursuit of us.
Ken Gire shares from his life often. He states he has an ultra-sensitive nature. Life events affect him more than most people. Much of the book is in looking back over his life (similar to a testimony) and in coming to terms with his past.
Relentless Pursuit is organized well, easy to understand, and easy to identify with.
There are questions included at the end of each chapter. The questions are meant to help us work through the content that was taught in the proceeding chapters.
After reading this book I believe there are two strong messages.
God does not give up in His pursuit of us. He continues working in our life, even behind the scenes, in areas that we may not even be aware of. God works in our disappointments, sadness, trials, and times of crisis. We notice the blessings in our life that are positive and attribute them to God. Yet, God is also working in our life during the dark times, those life events that seem like an abyss of sorrow.
God's love for us is the greatest love story of all. The books theme is God's pursuit for us, yet God pursues us because he loves us. No matter that we have stumbled and fallen into a miry muddy pit, God loves us.
The only negative thought I have on this book is it was a bit heavy on the authors life. It seemed as if the author was writing a memoir.
FTC Regulations: Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for my free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first review for The Christian Manifesto.
"This book is about the heart of God and the lengths to which his heart goes to find ours, to bundle it up in his arms and to carry it home. It is written from the perspective of the lost sheep. As such, it's not a book for the ninety-nine who are safe as much as for the one who is not."
We've all at some time in our life been an outsider, a lost sheep. For whatever reason we've wandered away, or been pushed out, or pushed to the side. We are bruised, lonely, sad. We are in need of a tender Shepherd who will take us back into the fold.
There is a story that Ken Gire reflects on about a man named Francis Thompson who lived in England during the 1800's. Francis Thompson wrote a poem entitled, "The Hound of Heaven." Thompson had become addicted to opium and his life was one of despair. It was from the emotional trench of despair that a beautiful and heart-rending analogy in poem was written. Thompson's poem is a reflection of humanity's condition of the heart, and of God's pursuit of us.
Ken Gire shares from his life often. He states he has an ultra-sensitive nature. Life events affect him more than most people. Much of the book is in looking back over his life (similar to a testimony) and in coming to terms with his past.
Relentless Pursuit is organized well, easy to understand, and easy to identify with.
There are questions included at the end of each chapter. The questions are meant to help us work through the content that was taught in the proceeding chapters.
After reading this book I believe there are two strong messages.
God does not give up in His pursuit of us. He continues working in our life, even behind the scenes, in areas that we may not even be aware of. God works in our disappointments, sadness, trials, and times of crisis. We notice the blessings in our life that are positive and attribute them to God. Yet, God is also working in our life during the dark times, those life events that seem like an abyss of sorrow.
God's love for us is the greatest love story of all. The books theme is God's pursuit for us, yet God pursues us because he loves us. No matter that we have stumbled and fallen into a miry muddy pit, God loves us.
The only negative thought I have on this book is it was a bit heavy on the authors life. It seemed as if the author was writing a memoir.
FTC Regulations: Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for my free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first review for The Christian Manifesto.
February 6, 2017
The opening pages of this book really captured my interest. In the first part of the book, he draws heavily from the life of C.S. Lewis and Francis Thompson to illustrate the relentless pursuit of God. You can tell Gire writes with images and scenes in mind. He paints pictures. He doesn't just record information. So the stories, illustrations, and quotations provide very colorful support for his main thesis.
On the topic of the book's main thesis, I did struggle at times to get a solid idea of what he meant by the term "outsiders". At first, I took the expression very casually as a reference to those who feel alone, marginalized, forgotten, etc. But when he started filling that word with biblical ideas and fitting it into theological categories, it became unclear. Most of the confusion is probably explained by the genre of the book, which is more devotional than theological. But I do find it problematic to speak of our "alienation" from God without addressing the cause of that alienation and our need for repentance. Based largely on his own personal experience, I think Gire assumed that an outsider would understand this part of the journey to being "found". I'm just not sure this is the case for everyone who is lost.
In spite of those few minor concerns, I found the book to be a wonderful and creative exploration of a powerful biblical theme. I took many things from reading this book, and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
On the topic of the book's main thesis, I did struggle at times to get a solid idea of what he meant by the term "outsiders". At first, I took the expression very casually as a reference to those who feel alone, marginalized, forgotten, etc. But when he started filling that word with biblical ideas and fitting it into theological categories, it became unclear. Most of the confusion is probably explained by the genre of the book, which is more devotional than theological. But I do find it problematic to speak of our "alienation" from God without addressing the cause of that alienation and our need for repentance. Based largely on his own personal experience, I think Gire assumed that an outsider would understand this part of the journey to being "found". I'm just not sure this is the case for everyone who is lost.
In spite of those few minor concerns, I found the book to be a wonderful and creative exploration of a powerful biblical theme. I took many things from reading this book, and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
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