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Our humanity is meant to be powered by the Breath of God.
You want to grow more deeply in your faith—to know in your bones the love the Father has for you. You want to know that even when life doesn't seem to be going as it should, God is with you. You need courage for today. Strength and hope for tomorrow. Musician and artist Ron Block desires the same—for you and for himself.
To become who we're meant to be requires a deeper experience of God Himself. Abiding Dependence shares forty days of meditations—a deep plunge into the beauty and richness of the Gospels. Block takes the reader through contemplations of Jesus as Son of God, Son of Man, Tempted Son of Man, Compassionate High Priest, Man of Courage, Reconciler, and more. The reader learns to live and breathe in the atmosphere of God's abiding love.
Christians often try to add flesh-fueled effort to buttress their works and walk with God. Can you relate? This gives rise to all sorts of mistaken ideas about God and our relationship with him. Block helps us live and rest in Jesus. Seeing and knowing His love awakens our trust. Faith lights hope. And we all need a stirring of hope—one that does not disappoint. Block stirs in Christians a hope not just for a future someday but for this day, this hour, this very moment. Join Block on a soul strengthening forty days of Abiding Dependence!
RON BLOCK has been banjoist guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for Alison Krauss & Union Station since 1991. He wrote many of the band's gospel songs: "There is a Reason," "In the Palm of Your Hand," "Jesus, Help Me to Stand," and his playing has been featured on albums by Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Fernando Ortega, and others. He's received 14 Grammy Awards for his work with Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, and the O Brother, Where Are Thou soundtrack, and received a Dove Award for his song "A Living Prayer." He has also written on spiritual and musical topics for the Rabbit Room website since its inception in 2007, rabbitroom.com.
He married Sandra in 1988 and they live in rural Tennessee. They have two grown children, Ethan and Erica.
Praise for Abiding Dependence
"I've known Ron for decades, and I've never had a conversation with him that wasn't punctuated with laughter, thoughtfulness, and honesty. More than that, though, the conversations always lead to Jesus. Ron's faith is integrated into every corner of his life, from his family to the books he loves to the way he plays guitar solos. Abiding Dependence reads like one of those great after-show conversations with Ron, which go from banjo practice to Scripture, from George MacDonald to fatherhood, from Narnia to The Lord of the Rings—and where I walk away resting in the truth that Jesus loves me."
—Andrew Peterson
Singer-songwriter; author of The God of the Garden and The Wingfeather Saga
"Every conversation I've ever had with Ron Block has left me more encouraged, hopeful, and aware of Jesus' kindness toward me. I'm so thankful for this book. Abiding Dependence lets me start each morning with this wise and thoughtful friend, and helps me better begin each day in the safe and generous embrace of Jesus."
—Andrew Osenga
Singer-songwriter; The Pivot podcast; Director of A&R at Integrity Music
"Ron Block's profound talent, combined with an acute and dogged determination to get things musically perfect, have made him one of the greatest living banjo players on the planet. It's a marvel to see that same determination come to play in his desire to know, follow, and abide in God as expressed in the tender and poignant devotions collected here. This is a book that one can turn to again and again for guidance in seeking God on a daily basis."
—Fernando Ortega
Singer, composer, and photographer
"For nearly twenty years I've been the recipient of Ron's treasure chest of biblical insight. You too can discover spiritual riches and transformative truth in Abiding Dependence. Dive in deep and behold the gems!"
—Steve Berger
Ambassador Services International
"What a joy . . . I have known Ron for over twenty-five years, and his art, heart, and friendship have enriched my life tremendously. Ron understands as well as anybody I know that the gospel puts an end to all performing and merit. Jesus has done for us, and does in us, what we could never do for ourselves. Our union with Jesus, and communion with Him, is the sum and substance of the Christian life. There is only one love better than life, and it is His for us. Thank you, my brother and friend."
—Scotty Smith
Pastor Emeritus, Christ Community Church; Teacher in Residence, West End Community Church
"If you buy only one devotional book, this needs to be it. While many books tell you what to do, this one tells you who you are and who He is in such a way that you'll find yourself responding to grace in a way that will truly transform you."
—Steve McVey
Bestselling author, Grace Walk
"There are two words that are synonymous with Ron Block: clarity and tone. His heart and head are filled with both, so it's not surprising they come out of his mouth and hands. He's been widely recognized for the clarity and tone he produces musically, now people have the opportunity to discover the source of his abilities. This book presents clear, practical, understandable truth as to what life with Jesus can be like. You'll find yourself inspired and empowered by the rich tones of grace that will lift you into peace, joy, and fulfillment—all precious commodities in our current culture."
—Kenny Thacker
Founder, SoundWord, Inc
"Ron Block has blessed us by inviting us into his inner thoughts and communion with God. His confidence in the Father's unconditional love expresses itself in an inviting freedom."
—Dudley Hall
Kerygma Ventures; author of Grace Works
"Amidst all the clatter and chaos of our current age, I urge you to invite these words deep into the activity of your soul's posture. I think you'll discover much of what you've been aching to find."
—Rebecca K. Reynolds
Author of Courage, Dear Heart: Letters to a Weary World
"Abiding Dependence by Ron Block is not only a great devotional, it is a must-read for anyone wishing to come to know their true identity in Christ and the power they experience as they walk in that relationship. Realizing you are loved unconditionally by the Father causes one to experience the peace that passes all understanding. Again, this book is a must-read."
—Craig Snyder
Executive Director of Grace Walk Ministries