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BOOK REVIEW - By Tara Atkins.
Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper |
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Do you struggle with wanting to pursue your own joy instead of God’s purposes? Have you considered that perhaps those are not competing alternatives? What if our greatest joy is found in seeking God’s glory? Perhaps you are like me and have wondered what it actually means to do things for God’s glory. We hear that call repeatedly, and of course it is biblical, but we want to know what that actually looks like in real life. John Piper urges us to step out of the mundane, comfortable, living-clean-but-bored, going-to-work-and-raising-kids routine of Christian living, and into a joy-filled, risk-taking life with a singular passion of glorifying God. |
He specifically deals with how God is magnified in pain and death, in risking for the gospel, and in secular work. He reminds us that only what is done for Christ will last. Don’t live a life that counts for nothing. This book challenged me and changed me. It is easily one of my favorites. The first segment of the book is a little difficult to get into, but once you get going, you’ll gain momentum. John Piper is not known for “light” reading or for sugar-coating, but he’ll challenge you to know and love God with all of your life. Don’t settle for less than the delight in God for which you were created! A study guide is available for groups; if several people are interested in reading together, I would like to join you. I’ve been meaning to re-read this one for a while, to re-sharpen my focus on the eternal and to take action where needed. |
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Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs |
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Based on the instruction in Ephesians 5 for husbands to love their wives and for wives to respect their husbands, Love and Respect has struck a chord with many couples. Dr. Eggerichs discussed his book on two nationally-known Christian radio programs, and those broadcasts were the #1 broadcasts of the year for both programs, based on the quantity and enthusiasm of listener feedback. Light bulbs are going on as women are finding out that men need unconditional respect as much as women need unconditional love. Men are saying, “Finally, someone is explaining how we feel and how we operate!” Eggerichs describes the “Crazy Cycle” – |
if you’re married, I’m sure you’ve been on it – and how to get off of it. He integrates important psychological research without compromising his commitment to Scripture, ultimately revealing that research is finally discovering what the Bible has been telling us all along! This material has been changing our marriage for the past couple of years, and I’m still learning. I don’t want to think about how things would be if God hadn’t so graciously opened my eyes to his design. This is a wonderful tool for engaged or married couples, for those happily married or those hurting from infidelity or everyday struggles. A wonderful wedding gift – one of those books that leaves people saying “I wish we’d known this when we first got married!” Other resources include DVD series, Spanish version (Amor Y Respeto), and website (http://www.loveandrespect.com/) – Check it out! |
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