In preparation for this Sunday's message in Romans 8:18-25, I'm re-reading Larry Crabb's book, Shattered Dreams. One theme he deals with is how suffering produces a new hunger for God, who is the source of true soul satisfaction and eternal joy. Here is a challenging excerpt:

"If we are satisfied with good health, responsible children, enjoyable marriages, close friendships, interesting jobs, and successful ministries, we will never hunger for [God]. We will never worship. I've come to believe that only broken people truly worship. Unbroken people—happy folks who enjoy their blessings more than the Blesser—say thanks to God the way a shopper thanks a clerk."

A recurring theme I am working through that fits with this quote is how, when I face hardship, I need to know that God is not working against me, but in me—working a deeper satisfaction in Him that will lead to a greater joy. After all, Psalm 16:11 says, "In the presence of God is the fullness of joy."

What Crabb is getting at is that sometimes God will strip away lesser joys in order for us to experience the greater and ultimate joy, which is to know the presence, power, love and grace of God as Abba, Father.

What do you think? Does this resonate with you? Challenge you? Encourage you?

This week's book recommendation is Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb, which ties in with the message this coming Sunday from Romans 8:18-25. It is a senstivie, helpful, honest, and hopeful study for those who have been, as the hymn says, "bruised and broken by the fall." I have read my copy numerous times for the balm of grace that it has brought to my soul, and trust that it will prove to be as meaningful to you, especially if your heart is raw with the pain of recent suffering. You can order it here.  

This week's book recommendation is The Prodigal God, by Dr. Tim Keller. This smallish book will rock your world. It rocked mine when I first heard the message in sermon form back in 1998. So simple, yet so remarkably profound. This book is on my short list of favorites and should be considered one of those rare "must reads," mainly due to the fact that it is, in my opinion, the best treatment of how to distinguish moralistic religion from true Christianity. 

Like an automobile that will break down without maintenance, every marriage needs a realignment and tune up now and then. These resources have helped me and I trust will be a blessing to you as well. Just click on an image above to go to its page on Amazon. 

I am reading a newly released book by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson, Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus. Although I am only half-way through, I can say with confidence that this is the best book on parenting I have ever read. The best (and yes, I have read the Tripp's books, which are fantastic, too). In fact, Give Them Grace is one of the best books on the gospel that I have ever read. I'm blown away. Anyway, here is a quote that sets the tone for what many (including myself) will find to be a "world rocking" parenting book.

"Even though our children cannot and will not obey God's law, we need to teach it to them again and again. and when they tell us that they can't love God or others in this way, we are not to argue with them. We are to agree with them and tell them of their (and our our) need for a Savior... We are commanded to give them the law so that they will be crushed by it and see their need for a Savior. They law won't make them good. It will make them despair of ever being good enough, and in that way it will make them open to the love, sacrifice, and welcome of their Savior, Jesus Christ... Yes, give them God's law. Teach it to them and tell them that God commands obedience. But before you are done, give them grace and explain again the beautiful story of Christ's perfectly keeping of it for them... This is the message we all need to hear, and is the only message that will transform our hearts."

Oh, and this only sets the tone. PLEASE get this book (order it here). Read it. Digest it. It WILL change your parenting radically, and maybe even your own life. It is changing mine.