John Piper

John Piper has always been an inspiration, and I don’t remember anyone more clearly enjoying him than a former roommate that I had. Every day, she soaked in devotionals produced by his ministry, Desiring God. And she would often share those devotionals with me or with our coworkers.

The Satisfied Soul by John Piper is a book that now delivers daily meditations on God’s Word, Jesus, and His Sovereignty (in classic Piper style) in the absence of my roommate. I recommend this collection to anyone who desires to understand more about God and His wonderfulness. Only Jesus can satisfy, and, when we have Him, we become a satisfied soul.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Taste and See

John Piper.

Anyone who is familiar with American evangelicalism will recognize that name. And anyone who has heard one of his sermons will agree: If there is one idea to which Piper has dedicated his life, it is that God is infinitely good and that, in enjoying and glorifying Him, we are eternally satisfied.

Piper’s new book Taste and See falls in line with this common thread, urging readers through daily devotional readings to experience and enjoy God.

I have often been challenged and encouraged by Piper’s messages, and I look forward to reading this book over the course of a year. And I am sure that I will recommend it to others…starting with you. 🙂

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Lazarus, Come Forth!

Lazaruth, Lazaruth, Lazaruth…I remember hearing my dad mispronounce this famous biblical character’s name again and again. Each time, the little English teacher inside of me would cringe.

But, aside from Lazarus’s somewhat lisped final syllable, my dad always had something wonderful to share with us about this man.

And so does Joanna Weaver. Known more famously as the author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Weaver has recently published Lazarus Awakening, a wonderful study about a man who, through his own death and resurrection experience, encountered the heart of God.

As Christians, we all too often fall back into a works-based mentality of salvation, thinking–however much we may hate to admit it–that we have somehow deserved or earned God’s favor for our lives.

Not so, Lazarus’ story proclaims.

Weaver masterfully emphasizes biblical truth on this topic. Beginning her book with a quote from fourth-century Christian Serapion of Thmius (“Lord! We entreat you, make us truly alive!”), she establishes a clear connection between Christ and spiritual life.

As a woman, I realize how often my mind begins to think in terms of earning God’s favor. Because of this, I am particularly grateful for Weaver’s work, and I believe that many other women will also find it helpful, challenging, refreshing, and inspiring. I recommend it for any woman–age 9 to 101.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.