Desiring God by John Piper

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 1 Corinthians 15:19 

Desiring God by John Piper


Desiring God is a hard read.  John Piper brings his life and those of other Christians to bear as he tells of Christian Hedonism.  Though the name may be off-putting, the concept is one of the soul.  Simply put, can we as Christians live with all joy by having every part of our life glorify God?  Even the pain and suffering?

Through scripture and life lessons John breaks down the idea of Christian Hedonism.  At times, the book is a tough read because of writing style.  Other times it is tough because of the truth inside.  As I read, my Spirit would resonate and ache.  How would my life be different if I could see like this?  To view all things as service to God?  I don't know if I always can, but I am inspired to try.  Such new insight into what we can be as Christians.  How we can be in service to an awesome God and have joy!  Joy that is not self-serving or sinful.

I would recommend this book.  Wholly.  The reason is because of the change of focus it brings.  John is a Calvinist, I am not.  Still, the truth of how we view ourselves is needed.  Christianity is not about us.  It is about God.  "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."  What sweet truth!  Can you imagine how the church would impact the world if we were to open our eyes?


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Life from the Spirit

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.  John 6:63

When we become followers of Jesus, He gives us a gift.  A real gift.  One promised to all those that truly turn to Him.  The gift is the Holy Spirit.  There are some that deny the Spirit has real power.  They even try and rob Him of an identity.  Instead, He is talked of as the communication path between us and God.  If that's true, why does Jesus say the Spirit gives us life?

The life here is not the immortal soul.  If is literally "life" or "time alive".  Our soul will continue, it will be judged.  However, it is the Spirit that will give us the life.  The continuance after judgment.  The resurrection.  In fact, it says that the Spirit quickened Jesus at the resurrection.

Now, if the gift of the Holy Spirit is to those who truly follow Him, do we have it?  If not, are we really following, or just giving lip service?

Booga Booga Land: Squid Sushi Loses His Marble

Booga Booga Land: Squid Sushi Loses His Marble is a children's DVD from Tommy Nelson Publishers.  It's a collection of 3 short stories illustrating Bible stories.  The stories are told through the 2 main characters, Gerard the giraffe and Marty the monkey.  The 3 stories on this volume are the Pearl of Great Price, the Wheat and the Tares, and the Wedding Banquet.

I watched this DVD without my children, and I am glad.  The meaning of the parables was completely lost in the telling.  Even worse, the meaning turned into something resembling greed or vengeance.  Characters were mean, the pearl was made an object of bragging.  I think Tommy Nelson really dropped the ball on this one.  I would not recommend this DVD to anyone.  I'd give it a 1 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”