Welcome to the first post at my new home address!

I have a book review for you today.  I have to be honest though; I haven’t actually finished this book.  It.is.so.good!  The book is The Pleasures of God by John Piper.

I do not know much about the author, John Piper.  The only thing I knew before starting was the fact he is the favorite author of  a dear sister-friend.  While I immediately knew why, I was surprised how much I enjoyed and appreciated what he said.  However, he writes deep.  This review has been a long time coming, but I simply could not absorb much at a time.  Most often I can’t read more than five pages at a time.  I find I start to re-read paragraphs with no understanding.  So, even though I desired to read, learn, and apply right away – it is just too much.

I thought it was lack of time while at home with everything going on, and just being too tired at night to process more.  I took The Pleasures of God with me to the cabin thinking I’d be able to finish it there.  However, I discovered I couldn’t be mentally tired when trying to read it either.  My comprehension just pretty much shuts down – but oh!  It is so good.

My understanding of this book’s purpose is to guide believers to better understand what gives God pleasure, so we can better know Him.  Because I can’t simplify most of what struck me – here are several quotes.

“The benefits of knowing God more fully and deeply in this way are many.  This is what our minds and hearts are made for – to know and love God.” (page XVII – yes this is in the preface!)

I have said this before, I don’t remember where I’ve read this before, but I do know in my heart I believe this. It is a key focal point to me – My purpose is to know God. to love God. Nothing I do can make Him love me more, nothing I can do will make Him love me more. I just need to focus on knowing Him.

“The worth and excellency of soul is to be measured by the object of its love.” (page 5; quoted from Scougal, The Life of God, 62)

This statement took me many times of re-reading to really sink in. It makes me think about the question – “What is your passion?” That is the treasure of your heart.

“If the excellence of God could be admired in his pleasures, and if we tend to conform to what we admire, then focusing on the pleasures of God could help me be conformed to God.” (page 6)

Three things stand in the way of complete satisfaction in the world:   1. Nothing has a personal worth great enough to meet the deepest longings of our hearts. 2. We lack the strength to savor the best treasures to their maximum worth. 3. Our joys here come to an end.  Nothing lasts.  (page 13)

The above statement struck me as an incredibly concise statement to our failings and constant desire for more. {emphasis, paraphrase & formatting from me – it is not a direct quote}

I believe less is more and for me to try to express more is more likely to overwhelm you than to inspire you to read it. There are so many truths and ideas “put out there” in this book, you really need to read it for yourself {with a notebook and pen/pencil in hand}.  I don’t want to tell you what this book says, because I wonder how much of my comprehension is based on personal experiences.

I decided to go ahead and write this review rather than wait until I’m done reading, because I thought you might like to get your own copy and read it this summer.  Just be prepared, this is not a quick read.  It is a heart changing read.

John Piper’s website | Follow on Twitter | Follow on Facebook | More Info | Read Chapter One | Author Bio

{Disclaimer: I received a copy of The Pleasures of God, from WaterBrook Multnomah‘s Blogging for Books program, in exchange for my review.  I was not told what to say in this review.  All statements are my own opinion and thoughts.}