Sunday, August 15, 2004

What Am I Reading?

I think I'll try to use Sundays as a time to jot down a few words about whatever I'm reading.

I just started Desiring God by John Piper. I planned to save it for vacation, but being warned by a friend that it's a heavy read, I decided to take the plunge last night. It was begging to be read anyways! So far I've only read the introduction and part of Chapter 1, but one thought grabbed my attention immediately. Piper quotes Puritan pastor Matthew Henry, "The joy of the Lord will arm us against the assaults of our spiritual enemies and put our mouths out of taste for those pleasures with which the tempter baits his hooks." Piper goes on to paraphrase Henry by saying, "I know of no other way to triumph over sin long-term than to gain a distaste for it because of a superior satisfaction in God." Oh, that my longings and desires were continually towards the things of God. I'm looking forward to the rest of this book.

1 comment:

Cheryl Wright said...

Dianne,

I'm roaming your blog again tonight.

I am struck by what Matthew Henry said and felt my heart surrender to the profound truth as paraphrased by John Piper:

"I know of no other way to triumph over sin long-term than to gain a distaste for it because of a superior satisfaction in God."

I'm not there yet, I have not attained complete satisfaction in God and never will while still in this body.

But you know something Dianne, the satisfaction I do find in Christ is the essence and joy of my life. An ongoing journey of learning to trust Him to give me victory over the sins that weave their way in and out of my days.

Nevertheless, I am learning to deflect them because more and more, He is filling me up as I sink my teeth into His word and lose myself in prayer daily.

I'm so glad you wrote this post and shared this thought, this truth. It encouraged my heart.