This Momentary Marriage – John Piper
I’ve already mentioned in past posts how helpful this book was in helping me think through what it means to have a gospel shaped marriage. Christ’s passion for us should affect our marriages. The book also tackles being single and the issue of divorce. Recommended.
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Counterfeit Gods – Timothy Keller
I’ve read some other books on the issue of idolatry, so there was a lot familiar territory here. Nonetheless, I needed to hear the truths about idolatry again, for it is a real issue in my life and indeed in all of our lives. Other things quietly seek to steal our passion for God. Keller’s focus on four common idols – love, money, success, and power – was very helpful. He nailed me good on one of them. If you haven’t thought through how idolatry affects your life recently, you should read this book.
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I have enjoyed reading the top reads from others during the past few weeks, so I thought I would compile my own list of top books that I read in 2009. All of them encouraged me to live with a passion for God and compassion for others because of Christ’s passion for us.
1. When I Don’t Desire God by John Piper
What about when I don’t have a passion for God? This book gives some great help to those of us who struggle with finding joy in God.
2. You Are The Treasure That I Seek by Greg Dutcher
How do we fight the many idols that seek to steal our passion for God? This book has some great ideas.
3. Christless Christianity by Michael Horton
A good reminder that Christianity is first of all about good news, not good instruction; about what Christ did for us, not what we do for him, about his passion for us, not our passion for him. The second is our response to the first, and we must be wary lest we forget the first.
4. George Whitefield by Arnold Dallimore
Whitefield had a passion for God and compassion for people because of Christ’s passion for us. He spanned the 13 colonies, England, and Scotland preaching the good news. I read 3 biographies about George Whitefield last year, and this was the best. Looks like Crossway is releasing a new edition in March.
5. Finally Alive by John Piper
A good understandable examination and needed reminder of what it means to become a new creation in Christ.
6. Worldliness edited by C.J. Mahaney
A much needed call to discernment in the areas of the media, music, things, and clothes. The main question is – where is your heart?
Brian J. Mikul 