A Review of A Sweet & Bitter Providence by John Piper

Let me begin by saying how much I admire John Piper. I enjoy reading his books and listening to his sermon podcasts on-line. He is a man of great knowledge of the Word and a depth of wisdom. As I prepare to write my review, I read other reviews and agreed with a few of the comments. I felt as though some themes were reviewed over and over, creating mind-wandering (audio). Another irritation for me was the reading of the heading with no change in voice inflection; numerous times words were repeated, creating confusion.
I love his constant use of Scripture references. I truly admire those that can recall easily from memory, in the correct context. I loved his review of the book of Ruth. I enjoy hearing the reading of Scripture; especially such an amazing story of how God uses many unsuspecting people (sinners, various ethnic groups, people without wealth, people with wealth, men, women….) to His glory. It gives hope that I can be used in the same way! He also reminds us that our answers don’t come in “our” time, but in HIS. This can take time, which is difficult to comprehend in this day and time (a time of instant gratification).
His review of God’s sovereignty created questions in my mind and caused me to ponder the topic (and obtain various opinions/readings). I had been of the belief that God “allowed” bad things to happen. But Piper points out that God is too big for that. He controls everything, which is ultimately used to glorify God. I had never given much thought to the purity of Ruth and Boaz, but appreciated his comments (especially in today’s culture).
I would recommend this book to everyone (for one reason or another). The love story in itself is amazing. There are so many marvelous stories in the Bible!

Latest Read...(at least ONE of them)...

I am currently listening to a book on CD by John Piper-A Sweet and Bitter Providence. I don't like to listen to books "quickly". I have to rewind and rewind and rewind to be sure I "get" every word. This book is fabulous! Not only do I love all the Scripture references he provides, but I love his in-depth explanation of the Book of Ruth.

One thing I have struggled with, however, is his definition of God's sovereignty. The last time I thought about "who" was responsible for bad things that happen on earth was when my parents passed away (I was 18 years old). I HAD to believe that satan was responsible, because believing otherwise would mean God "caused" not "allowed" it to happen. I really couldn' believe that!

Now, at the age of....well, let's just say I'm MUCH older, I can see a similar pattern between my life an Naomi's. I have wanted to write a book for a long time...maybe this is God's sign that I should compare all the details of my life to hers!

I will pray and see what He reveals to me....

MUST READ - Matt Chandler

Please take a moment to read this post. Absolutely amazing!

http://jrvassar.posterous.com/thinking-of-my-friend-matt-chandler-and-the-d

Thank you so much Pastor Vassar!

Christmas Contemplation....

Over the weekend, I entered a few give aways on-line. I just LOVE to win Christian materials! I can never get enough! (I checked yesterday and I didn't win one thing - but that's okay, I'm extremely blessed!)

Anyway, a few of the questions asked about Christmas memories, which took me back to my childhood. My mother was amazing year round, but Christmas was ALWAYS very special to her. She would bake and bake for weeks! We had EVERY kind of cookie and candy known to man! She would also help us make crafts for every aunt we had (which totalled 8 - plus we may have added pretend aunts), which we were told was the hit every Christmas! She would decorate our home inside and out, top to bottom - she was so talented! And the Christmas gifts were out of sight! Don't take this to mean we were spoiled with monetary wealth and "stuff", we were NOT. We only received gifts on birthdays and Christmas! Oh my, was I so blessed.

As I consider the things that make me mad/sad/cry (I think it was Mark Batterson that said you find your passion by your feelings/responses to issues), I realize more and more that I adore children and want to make a difference in their lives. AND I am totally, 100%, against abortion! You see, I was adopted. If abortion was as popular (and easily accessible) back when I was born, I may have NEVER existed. It wasn't MY fault I was created (I did nothing wrong), but it would be a shame for my life to have eliminated and for me to have never existed! (if I do say so myself!). I think these items will be my focus for 2010 (I was told you must say 20, then 10, not two thousand and ten).

I pray that the new year brings more opportunities to make a difference in the world! Big things always start small...(I think I read that some place too!).

Merry Christmas to all....

Heart Preparing

Well, I discovered something extremely important today. I wish I was rich during the Christmas season! There are so many people/organizations I want to support/buy for. Normally, I don't mind not having extras - but these days I do. I know God will get me through this too...He is truly all I need! I FINALLY understand WHY Jesus' sacrifice is the GREATEST GIFT we can be given! Without His sacrifice, I couldn't have my quiet time in the morning! That is my most valuable asset!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Season

As Christmas continues to draw near, I am realizing some amazing things! I have been praying that God would help me be MORE generous. I am not extremely selfish, but feel like I would like to be more generous. His Spirit has moved SO MUCH that I find myself wanting to give to everyone! Every single item is Kingdom driven - to help others - so I know it's Him! I think I need to complete a list, along with amounts, and figure out exactly what I can and can't do!

I continue to pray for the Chandler family from the Village Church in Texas. The latest update is that Matt's stay in the hospital will be a little longer than initially hoped, but he continues to improve every day. The pathology report is still not back, but he and his family remain faithful! They are such an inspiration to me! If you have a chance, go to his Church site and listen to a sermon or two! You'll join me in encouraging his return - I want to learn more and more!

Primal

I recently started reading a book entitled "Primal". Mark Batterson is the author and oh my goodness, does he have some amazing insight. He has written two other books: "Wild Goose Chase" and "In a pit with a Lion on a snowy day". I am working the study for Wild Goose Chase and he has changed my life. I tell you what, there is nothing like growing/changing!