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Saturday, July 23, 2011

DVD Review - Desiring God

The only thing better than reading Desiring God, is watching Piper speak about desiring God. This man has ministered God's grace and truth to me for years now, especially the years after leaving a wonderful home church and waiting to find our next home church. The video makes the themes and gist of Desiring God the book come alive with Piper's passion and zeal for the Lord. With quotes from great theologians like C.S. Lewis, George Mueller, Augustine and John Owen, Piper spurs us on to a desperate pursuit of our complete satisfaction in God for our joy and His glory. I highly recommend this video for personal use, as well as use in small groups, Sunday school and any other place you have an opportunity to show it to one other person!
May God use this DVD powerfully in creating God-exalters all over the world!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Book Review: When the Hurt Runs Deep

Kay Arthur nails suffering and the sovereignty of God in this wonderful book! How often have you wondered why a circumstance has come into your life, and how you would ever find the strength to come through? The answers to those questions are found all throughout the Scriptures, and that's exactly where she takes us to find them in this book. Through the stories of Joseph, Job and Paul, she demonstrates time and again God's complete control in every circumstance. In Chapter 4, she writes these words:

"Many people like the idea of having God or a 'higher power' around when it suits them, to help them with their stuff as long as He doesn't interfere. In other words, 'God is all right as long as He doesn't make any demands on my life...kind of a jolly old grandfather in the sky who lets me do whatever I want and never gets in my way.' "...I am pausing to say all this because I firmly believe that genuine healing is tied to a correct knowledge of God's sovereignty - His rule over everything - and His character."

In today's society filled with the false teachings of the "Name It - Claim It" prosperity gospel, Ms. Arthur's book rises above with the glorious fragrance of truth. God is not a genie in a lamp waiting to grant my every desire. Nor is He standing by, waiting to see what will come into my life daily and how I will respond to each situation. No! He is the Master Orchestrator, the giver and sustainer of life, the One who holds all things together by His will. When we learn that all of life is ordained by Him for His excellent purposes, that's when we can truly be free to live for Him in whatever He calls us to live.
This is a must-read for anyone who has faced any trial, from difficult parenting to the suicide of a loved one; it's for anyone who might be called to speak Truth into the life of someone in a difficult situation. It's for believers who long to know more about the character of the God who redeemed their life from the pit. In other words, its for everyone!
I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for the purpose of this review.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Book Review: the Blessing

The Blessing, by John Trent and Gary Smalley (revised and updated)

This is a Christian parenting book. It's main idea is unconditional love and acceptance for your children. Instead of calling it that, although those words are in the sub-title, they call it blessing your children. If you're a parent and you've never read a parenting book, this is a good one. Bless your children by affirming them, loving them, valuing them. If you're a parent and you've read good parenting books, I think you'll do OK to miss this one. It's all been said before. Love your children.
I received this book from Thomas Nelson publishing for the purpose of this review.