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Rating: 
Summary: Strong Meat in Bite-Size Form
Review: I have tried and tried to get into "daily devotional" books for years. I have read in Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest" and C. H. Spurgeon's (whom I love!) "Morning by Morning," and even A. W. Tozer's "Renewed Day by Day." They just don't help me much. None of them, that is, except Piper. Piper is different. Piper gives food for the soul.These meditations are strong meat in bite-size form. Piper meditates on Scripture passages (like Matt. 6:34, Phil. 1:21, and Rom. 5:8), gives snap-shot biography (of men like Abraham Lincoln, Adonirum Judson, and Charles Spurgeon), and reflects on social concerns (such as abortion, advertising with sex, and the lottery) - all from a God-centered perspective. Not only is the content good, but Piper's writing style is both intellectually engaging and emotionally stimulating. He thinks deep. And when you read Piper, YOU begin to think deep. He is about as far from superficial as the Pillsbury Dough-boy is from muscle-tone. This book helps me prime my spiritual pump. Some of my favorite meditations are: #19 "O SPARE US THIS REBUKE IN WORSHIP: Thoughts on the Handicapped Heart", #40 "WHEN UNCLOTHED IS UNFITTING: Thoughts on Selling with Sex", and #106 "THE POWER OF A FATHER'S DISCIPLINE: Memories of John G. Paton's Father." And there are so many more. I commend this book with all my heart. Read. Think. And Live.
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Summary: More than a devotional...
Review: I just picked up this book again today. I LOVE being able to read a short excerpt from John Piper and really get something substantial out of it without having to invest tons of time. Even the Introduction to this book is captivating! I especially love Chapters 15 and 25, about reading. Very thought-provoking. The chapters are only 2-3 pages, but aren't short on meaning. These are MEATY chapters and you will definitely have something to chew on for the next day(s) to come. I intend to buy Godward Life Book 2 as well. See my other reviews for other devotional book recommendations!
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Summary: not merely 'feel good', but spiritually edifying
Review: I was recommended to John Piper as I am in a stage of "God thirsting", insatiable for the truth, and getting to "know God". I purchased most of Piper's books, thus far I enjoy both versions of Godward Life the most. I read it at the airport as I travel frequently, and one time found myself borrowing a highlighter from my neighbor on the plane. The book made me understand the complete truth behind the passage "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." My heart became very peaceful henceafter, indeed the truth shall set you free. Some of his preaching are easy to accept, but 'hard to practice' daily in life, but I know those are the truth God is teaching me. Indeed the narrower path has its hardships, yet also its blissful rewards. My next readings will be "The Pleasures of God and Future Grace".
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Summary: Just enough Piper to digest quickly
Review: The book came in the mail like hundreds of others. You see, I review books for a living. In other words, I get paid to be a cynic about the publishing industry. Know up front that I don't give 5 stars lightly or easily. I'd heard of John Piper often and heard him quoted even more so it seemed. A devotional? Maybe this will be a good introduction before reading A Hunger for God or Desiring God. I was taking a trip and decided to take A Godward Life along since my spiritual rhythm would be off while I was gone. Little did I know that I would be caught up in the personal correspondence and private musings of one of today's greatest pastors. I read all 120 readings in 7 short days--some twice, many highlighted, a few quoted in my journal. I read a lot of books. I've seen a thousand devotionals. This was the first one to change my life. For me, this is the My Utmost for His Highest for my generation. I can't wait for the sequel. Be sure to read Piper's letters to the editor of the local newspaper. How refreshing. Get to know the man and his thoughts--not just his outer presentation.
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Summary: Excellent Worldview & Devotional Reading
Review: There are many devotional books on the market, some of them sold as new editions of the Bible, and in my experience, they are mostly fluff. Not so with _A Godward Life._ These 120 readings, 2-3 pages each, spill over with inspired thoughts on the whole gamut of Christian living and Biblical thinking. Piper explains his intent for these readings in the introduction. He doesn't want to tempt us away from reading the Bible; he wants to inspire us to a greater passion for God Himself and to take that passion to our reading or studying of God's Word and to our living by faith through His grace. To that end, he gives us 120 brief readings on God's character, His awesome grace, life in a secular world, loving our enemies, killing the sin within us, defending the truth, and more. These are far more than readings geared at giving you a good feeling about God over your morning coffee. They may challenge your understanding of Scripture and will certainly help you live to God's glory throughout the week. A great book for college students, especially if they are attending a secular university! I recommend this book as good Biblical teaching; but more than that, it enables you to spend time with a passionate man of God, full of love and life.
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