Desiring God is a book by John Piper that has now been made into a 12 part study.
The main concept of the book is the idea of Christian Hedonism. It is basically seeking pleasure in God and the things he calls you to do.
Basically, rather than trying to resist our desire for pleasure, Piper tells us to redirect it to the things that can truly fulfill.
I had a related thought within the past year about how we should be selfish. When we really think about it, to be selfish is to want what's best for ourselves and what's best for us is what God has for us. So to be selfish is to want what God wants, basically.
That was my idea. John Piper has a similar, but more thought-out idea.
I have not read the actual book, Desiring God, but from the DVD series and study guide, it seems like quite a good book.
Personally, I think I would rather read the book than watch the DVD and go through the study guide. I didn't really like the questions or format of the study guide, and the DVD consists of Piper talking in a lecture style, which isn't all that entertaining.
I realize it isn't meant to be entertaining, but there was just something about Piper's presentation of his ideas that made me think I would rather read about them than listen to him talking about them.
I think the ideas are great, insightful, and a little bit edgy. I can't comment on the presentation of the ideas in the actual book, but I wouldn't recommend the DVD series and study guide to my church or Bible Study unless I felt really compelled to share Piper's ideas and couldn't find any better way.
The DVD and study guide were provided free for review by Waterbrook Multnomah.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
McDonalds
I am sitting at McDonalds using the internet.
I had a pretty good walk thru at the Cass City Middle School where I talked to some students and advertised the Jam Band that I am starting today after school.
I am anxious to see if anybody shows up.
I think quite often about my job and what I like about it and what needs to change. Today I wrote some things down in my prayer journal and then talked to Kassie about them and it was a good chance to be reminded that Kassie and I are partners. I think too often in my mind we are in a responsibility battle or something. I am thinking "I have to do all of this stuff and you only do this" and she is thinking the same thing and it gets us nowhere but if we can work together and make an effort to see things from the other's perspective, it could make a huge difference.
It's amazing how our perspective has such a big impact on everything we do and perceive.
I guess that's all for now. I should probably get back to work.
I had a pretty good walk thru at the Cass City Middle School where I talked to some students and advertised the Jam Band that I am starting today after school.
I am anxious to see if anybody shows up.
I think quite often about my job and what I like about it and what needs to change. Today I wrote some things down in my prayer journal and then talked to Kassie about them and it was a good chance to be reminded that Kassie and I are partners. I think too often in my mind we are in a responsibility battle or something. I am thinking "I have to do all of this stuff and you only do this" and she is thinking the same thing and it gets us nowhere but if we can work together and make an effort to see things from the other's perspective, it could make a huge difference.
It's amazing how our perspective has such a big impact on everything we do and perceive.
I guess that's all for now. I should probably get back to work.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Happy birthdaY
It's my birthday and it's been pretty happy so far.
I got to sleep in, although I still didnt feel like getting up and doing what needed to be done.
I did the dishes and folded the laundry before Kassie got home from Clare and before I had to leave for a walk thru.
The walk thru was fun. During the high school lunch I played hacky sack with some cool guys.
During the jr high lunch I talked to some people and then passed a football with a couple guys I don't know very well.
Also, this was the first time I have been to the KHS since I shaved my beard so many people were surprised. Overall, the reaction has been positive. There are a few people who are disappointed, such as one girl who doesn't really talk to me except to say 'nice beard' every time she sees me.
It's been interesting some of the reactions I have gotten, like "I was wondering when you would get rid of that ugly thing!" and similar honest comments that let me know what people really thought of the beard, and "You look like you could be a senior at this school" or better "You look 20 years younger!" (which makes me wonder how old they thought I was looked with the beard...40?)
When I got home, I got to see my wife and baby for the first time in a couple days other than the quick passing as they were coming and I was leaving.
Also, my wife gave me my birthday present, which was a combined present from several family members...a mandolin! I am pretty excited. I have learned some chords on it so far and look forward to getting to know it better.
Thanks to everybody for happy birthday wishes, presents, money, and whatever other wonderful things you have sent or would like to send me!
I got to sleep in, although I still didnt feel like getting up and doing what needed to be done.
I did the dishes and folded the laundry before Kassie got home from Clare and before I had to leave for a walk thru.
The walk thru was fun. During the high school lunch I played hacky sack with some cool guys.
During the jr high lunch I talked to some people and then passed a football with a couple guys I don't know very well.
Also, this was the first time I have been to the KHS since I shaved my beard so many people were surprised. Overall, the reaction has been positive. There are a few people who are disappointed, such as one girl who doesn't really talk to me except to say 'nice beard' every time she sees me.
It's been interesting some of the reactions I have gotten, like "I was wondering when you would get rid of that ugly thing!" and similar honest comments that let me know what people really thought of the beard, and "You look like you could be a senior at this school" or better "You look 20 years younger!" (which makes me wonder how old they thought I was looked with the beard...40?)
When I got home, I got to see my wife and baby for the first time in a couple days other than the quick passing as they were coming and I was leaving.
Also, my wife gave me my birthday present, which was a combined present from several family members...a mandolin! I am pretty excited. I have learned some chords on it so far and look forward to getting to know it better.
Thanks to everybody for happy birthday wishes, presents, money, and whatever other wonderful things you have sent or would like to send me!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Sunny Days
Well, today is not really sunny, but the weather has been nicer lately and it has really enhanced my mood. I am enjoying being outside more.
I really enjoy the fresh air.
I enjoy playing sports in fresh air.
I am going to be playing softball tonight, which isn't my favorite sport but it will be fun anyway.
Do you like fresh air? Do you like softball?
I like soccer.
Have a great day!
I really enjoy the fresh air.
I enjoy playing sports in fresh air.
I am going to be playing softball tonight, which isn't my favorite sport but it will be fun anyway.
Do you like fresh air? Do you like softball?
I like soccer.
Have a great day!
Homosexuality and Christianity
I don't always enjoy non-fiction, but I tend to enjoy non-fiction that tells a story. Out of a Far Country not only tells a story, but it is a story that can be helpful and relevant to people in various ways.
This particular story is one of a man who deals with homosexuality and how God uses different situations to bring his mother to Christ and eventually bring him to Christ.
There were parts of the book that I thought might have dwelt on the sinful world the man was involved in, but that also could allow certain people to relate to his story more.
He got into drugs, got kicked out of college, became a major drug supplier, and eventually went to prison. The mother dealt with family issues, marital stress, past issues, in-law expectations, etc.
I think it is a great redemptive story that is compared to the prodigal son. I would recommend this book to many people and highly recommend it to certain people.
For people dealing with homosexuality, it could be a good resource as well as the other issues that I mentioned are in the book.
This book was provided free for review by Waterbrook Multnomah Group.
This particular story is one of a man who deals with homosexuality and how God uses different situations to bring his mother to Christ and eventually bring him to Christ.
There were parts of the book that I thought might have dwelt on the sinful world the man was involved in, but that also could allow certain people to relate to his story more.
He got into drugs, got kicked out of college, became a major drug supplier, and eventually went to prison. The mother dealt with family issues, marital stress, past issues, in-law expectations, etc.
I think it is a great redemptive story that is compared to the prodigal son. I would recommend this book to many people and highly recommend it to certain people.
For people dealing with homosexuality, it could be a good resource as well as the other issues that I mentioned are in the book.
This book was provided free for review by Waterbrook Multnomah Group.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Whoops...I wasn't supposed to read this.
I just finished reading the book For Women Only. You may have seen that I read the book For Men Only not too long ago. They are pretty similar in writing style and setup. Also many of the topics were similar but told from different perspectives.
In some ways, reading a book about how men think was boring because I am a man and I know how I think. However, it also made me think about how I think in some new ways and was in some ways affirming to know that men, not just I, think about certain things in the same ways.
As they make clear in the book, while they make many blanket statements, they do not mean that the statements are true of all men. I found myself to be an exception to some of the statements. However, I could relate to the main ideas.
For example, one of the topics addressed was that husbands like to see that their wives are making an effort to be healthy and to look good, even when just around their husbands.
I agree that I like to see my wife making an effort to be healthy. Currently, she is trying to eat healthier and include more exercise in her lifestyle, which I think is great. However, I don't really care if she puts effort into how she looks around me most of the time. In fact, while the book said men prefer that their wives do things such as put makeup on even if just the husband is around, I prefer that my wife doesn't wear makeup. I think she looks better without makeup. I would prefer she never wear makeup. However, like I said, I can relate to the main point of that section.
In conclusion, I think it is a valuable book and I would suggest it for women, and men if they want.
However, if men read it, they should be careful not to feel entitled to special treatment. We can't expect our wives or significant others to completely understand and apply everything in the book. It would be good to balance it out with reading For Men Only.
For the women who read it, there is a warning in the beginning that I think needs to be emphasized. The book could seem to oppress women or make them feel like they should be doing all the work in the relationship. Which is not true. The Bible says that women should submit to their husbands, but it is also clear that men should love their wives as Christ loves the church (which is a much bigger task). If both of those are happening together, it is a beautiful thing.
So, while this book is one-sided, it needs to be understood that the relationship shouldn't be one-sided, and I don't believe that is what the book or the author is promoting.
Checkout this book and/or order your own copy here http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781590523179
This book was provided free for review by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
In some ways, reading a book about how men think was boring because I am a man and I know how I think. However, it also made me think about how I think in some new ways and was in some ways affirming to know that men, not just I, think about certain things in the same ways.
As they make clear in the book, while they make many blanket statements, they do not mean that the statements are true of all men. I found myself to be an exception to some of the statements. However, I could relate to the main ideas.
For example, one of the topics addressed was that husbands like to see that their wives are making an effort to be healthy and to look good, even when just around their husbands.
I agree that I like to see my wife making an effort to be healthy. Currently, she is trying to eat healthier and include more exercise in her lifestyle, which I think is great. However, I don't really care if she puts effort into how she looks around me most of the time. In fact, while the book said men prefer that their wives do things such as put makeup on even if just the husband is around, I prefer that my wife doesn't wear makeup. I think she looks better without makeup. I would prefer she never wear makeup. However, like I said, I can relate to the main point of that section.
In conclusion, I think it is a valuable book and I would suggest it for women, and men if they want.
However, if men read it, they should be careful not to feel entitled to special treatment. We can't expect our wives or significant others to completely understand and apply everything in the book. It would be good to balance it out with reading For Men Only.
For the women who read it, there is a warning in the beginning that I think needs to be emphasized. The book could seem to oppress women or make them feel like they should be doing all the work in the relationship. Which is not true. The Bible says that women should submit to their husbands, but it is also clear that men should love their wives as Christ loves the church (which is a much bigger task). If both of those are happening together, it is a beautiful thing.
So, while this book is one-sided, it needs to be understood that the relationship shouldn't be one-sided, and I don't believe that is what the book or the author is promoting.
Checkout this book and/or order your own copy here http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781590523179
This book was provided free for review by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Encouragement
I just want to share something that happened to me recently. It started a while ago, a few weeks, a month, a few months, I am not sure exactly.
I think quite a bit about my job and what I like and what I don't like and what I need to spend more time doing and what I need to spend less time doing and how I can do certain things better and so on...
One of the things I thought might be cool to try is a jam band. I thought it would be cool to get people together who like to play music and/or want to learn to play music and just jam and learn from each other and stuff. I was thinking it would be a cool outreach/discipleship time in Cass City with middle/high school students.
I talked about the possibility to Kassie who thought it might be neat and mentioned it to a Cass City highschooler who I thought might be interested, but didn't really talk to many people about it.
Then one day I was at lunch at CCHS and a couple girls mentioned a Jazz concert that evening. Kassie and I decided to go to what was a Jazz Lounge/Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser Thingy (not the official name).
At the jazz thingy a couple came and introduced themselves as the parents of one of the students I talk to regularly who comes to breakfast club. They go to the church across the street from the school, so I told them that I had been thinking about doing a jam band and was thinking their church might be a prime location.
The woman told me the church has actually been praying for more ways to use the church building and/or to reach out to the community and that the church building was actually built across from the school for the purpose of ministry similar to what I want to do.
She also informed me that her husband is on the board at the church, and he told me he could pretty much guarantee the board would give me approval to do the jam band there and he would call me to let me know.
I wasn't sure of the idea at first, but it seems like the more people I tell, the more positive responses I get, and it seems like God is behind this idea too.
Please be praying that this will open doors for relationships with Cass City students and that we will get approval to jam at the church across from the school.
I think quite a bit about my job and what I like and what I don't like and what I need to spend more time doing and what I need to spend less time doing and how I can do certain things better and so on...
One of the things I thought might be cool to try is a jam band. I thought it would be cool to get people together who like to play music and/or want to learn to play music and just jam and learn from each other and stuff. I was thinking it would be a cool outreach/discipleship time in Cass City with middle/high school students.
I talked about the possibility to Kassie who thought it might be neat and mentioned it to a Cass City highschooler who I thought might be interested, but didn't really talk to many people about it.
Then one day I was at lunch at CCHS and a couple girls mentioned a Jazz concert that evening. Kassie and I decided to go to what was a Jazz Lounge/Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser Thingy (not the official name).
At the jazz thingy a couple came and introduced themselves as the parents of one of the students I talk to regularly who comes to breakfast club. They go to the church across the street from the school, so I told them that I had been thinking about doing a jam band and was thinking their church might be a prime location.
The woman told me the church has actually been praying for more ways to use the church building and/or to reach out to the community and that the church building was actually built across from the school for the purpose of ministry similar to what I want to do.
She also informed me that her husband is on the board at the church, and he told me he could pretty much guarantee the board would give me approval to do the jam band there and he would call me to let me know.
I wasn't sure of the idea at first, but it seems like the more people I tell, the more positive responses I get, and it seems like God is behind this idea too.
Please be praying that this will open doors for relationships with Cass City students and that we will get approval to jam at the church across from the school.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)