Living in the Light: Money, Sex, and Power by John Piper Book Review

In Living in the Light, John Piper explored three key areas the world loves to worship and engage in. God created money, sex, and power with good intentions but the enemy is actively attempting to lure us into falling into these dangerous temptations. God created each of these in order to bring glory to His Holy name. John Piper explained that money is a currency we can use for good purposes or for evil. Where we spend our money shows where our treasure is. Sex was defined as, “experiencing erotic stimulation, seeking to get the experience, or seeking to give the experience.” When sex occurs between a husband and wife, it is a God given gift to be enjoyed among both spouses. Power was described as, “as the capacity to get what you want, or the capacity to pursue what you valve.” 

One of my favorite chapters was entitled, “The Pleasure- Destroying Dangers of Sex”. This chapter discussed how Adam and Eve sinned and ate the forbidden fruit. Satan has attempted to try and tempt people into falling into sexual immorality. Piper explored the verses found in Romans 1:23-28. It talked about trading the glory of God for images looking like men and women and animals. It also goes into details about how women are settling and seeking another woman and how men are longing for another man. He also shared 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and how the “unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the Kingdom of God.” The wonderful thing is when we repent and turn from our ways, God can forgive us for our sins and we can be cleansed. 

I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is ready to live in the light and they are wanting to honor God and bring glory to His name. I loved how John Piper was very real in dealing with the difficult topic of sex and sex outside of marriage and even homosexuality. Most authors are afraid to deal with this challenging topic because I think some are afraid they will upset some readers. I will be honest I also haven’t heard many sermons taught on these verses either. I love how he gave readers hope that even if they have already sinned sexually before marriage, God is able to forgive them and cleanse them for their sins. This book is a very impactful book and it will change believer’s outlook on how they live their lives.

“I received this book for free from Cross Focused Reviews / The Good Book Company for this review”. 

If you would like to purchase a copy of Living in the Light, then check it out on Amazon.com: 

http://www.amazon.com/Living-Light-Money-Sex-Power/dp/178498051X

Beyond Ordinary: When a Good Marriage Just Isn’t Good Enough By Justin and Trisha Davis Book Review

 

Beyond Ordinary is a memoir from Justin and Trisha Davis about striving for an extraordinary marriage. Most of us struggle and settle for an ordinary marriage. We tend to think we’re doing just okay in our marriages it’s not really that bad. But meanwhile we’re longing for a better marriage. Justin and Trisha Davis got engaged shortly after dating for about six months. They both were in love and had high anticipations of how their marriage was going to be different from most. Over time their love for each other was beyond tested in ways they never saw coming. Justin was very determined to pursue ministry full time and he was very driven to reach out to the community and bring people to Christ. They eventually started arguing more and the resentment and bitterness slowly crept into their marriage. They both struggled to let offences go in their marriage. A big part of marriage is being intimate and sharing your concerns instead of hiding and stuffing our emotions and shortcomings. Justin made a decision and chose to have an affair with Trisha’s best friend, who also was active in the church. Justin came clean to Trisha and this book shared in details how they had to seek God for their healing and forgiveness. Trisha had a choice to make either to forgive him or to get a divorce.

 

 

I would recommend this magnificent book to anyone who is single and hoping to eventually get married and to anyone who is already married. Singles and married couples would greatly benefit from learning how Justin and Trisha Davis overcame a lot of their brokenness and how they began to forgive and heal from the wounds inflicted in their marriage. The book is more geared towards marriage couples. Let me just say that, I’m not yet in the target audience and I’m single. But I reviewed this book because I’m trying to gather and learn as much as I can before I find someone to marry. And I read it to acquire how to become a better husband and father. This book has helped me to see where some of the problem areas occur in marriage and how the little things over time erode and try to destroy the marriage and prevents intimacy from happening. I believe this book has assisted me into becoming a better husband and father for whenever that time might be. I am also planning to re-read this one together with my future wife.

 

I loved how transparent Justin and Trisha were in this memoir. Justin revealed many times in the book the bad choices he made and how he had to let God change him. Justin had to face the fact that he gave into temptation and had an affair. He also learned at his core that he got his value from his work in ministry and he feared failing. He also cared a great deal of what people thought of him. I personally connected with Justin because I also have fears of failing and I care what people think.

 

I immensely loved the suggestion of praying for your spouse and most importantly praying with your spouse daily. Justin and Trisha stated that only a small percentage of Christians pray with their spouse, which I personally think would help marriages feel closer to God and their spouse. This is something I plan to begin in my marriage and I want to teach my children that it’s extremely important to pray to our Heavenly Father. Justin and Trisha also included a chapter on sex and how they had to have “the talk” to their boys. They wanted to pass down the important of sexual purity and the need to only be one with your spouse. This chapter infinitely instilled in me the significance of discussing sex to my future children and why it’s imperative to wait until marriage.

 

This book covered multiple topics that will benefit your marriage if you apply the knowledge and work towards an extraordinary marriage. You don’t have to settle for just an okay marriage, go for the marriage that God created! Even when you’re broken and hurt keep striving for oneness with the person you committed yourself to. If you’re looking for a book to help you improve your marriage, then read this one that contained real stories from Justin and Trisha to support you in your journey!

 

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. 

 

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of Beyond Ordinary check it out on Amazon.com:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Ordinary-When-Marriage-Enough/dp/1414372272

 

Justin and Trisha Davis also have a program called MentorUs to assist couples in getting closer and improving intimacy in their marriage. The program is a subscription based package that is only $10 dollars per month and the lessons are a total of twelve months. You can choose to pay $79 dollars one time for the membership and you get 35% off. Each month contains a RefineUs Principle and you will be emailed an assignment that will benefit and transform your marriage. You will also have access to video and audio downloads and be emailed a video message once per month.  

 

For more information about MentorUs check out it on the link below:

http://refineus.org/mentorus/

 

 

Meet the Authors: Justin and Trisha Davis

 

Read Chapter One:

http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/FirstChapters/978-1-4143-7227-3.pdf

 

Check Out What Others Are Saying About the Book:

 

http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/downloads/press_kits/BOBlogTourSchedule.pdf

 Check out the Beyond Ordinary Trailer:

watch on tyndale.com

http://www.tyndale.com/x_products/videos.php?flv=BeyondOrdinary_1.flv 

Follow Justin Davis on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/#!/justindavis33

 

Follow Trisha Davis on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/trishadavis23

 

“Like” RefineUs on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/RefineUs

 

Check Out RefineUs for More Information to Help Benefit Your Marriage:

http://refineus.org/

Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle By Michael John Cusick Book Review

 

Surfing for God is about the hidden struggles men are facing almost on a daily basis. Men feel the need to hide and suppress their deepest needs and desires. Many men have a hard time displaying intimacy and showing non-sexual affection to a woman. Out of feeling alone, worthless, and insecure we turn to lusting after a woman and watching porn. Regularly as men we turn to masturbation to comfort us and to relief ourselves with an orgasm. But it only makes us feel better for a little while, and then we want more. This book explored the core beliefs men believe about themselves. These beliefs are “I’m A Bad Person”, “Nobody Would Love me as I Am”, “I Can’t Get My Needs Met By Depending on Others”, “Sex is My Most Important Need”. The beliefs were formed early and the big issue is that we have believed them to be true. When we get done viewing porn, we still feel empty and ashamed that we have committed this act.

 

Michael John Cusisk knows firsthand the effects of viewing porn and lusting after woman. At only twenty four years old, he was going to adult bookstores, visiting strip clubs, drinking alcohol to numb his shame, and paying prostitutes money for sex. Eventually he revealed his secret life to his wife and she was devastated and heartbroken. He also shared a personal story about never going on a date until he was twenty-three years old. He had to face the truth of his brokenness in order to gain healing.  Throughout this book he will guide readers into breaking free from the strongholds placed on their life regarding porn.

 

I would recommend this astonishing book about dealing with the triggers that makes men lust towards women and view porn to ALL men! Satan is bombarding us with many more sexual images than ever before. I’m twenty-two and never been on a date so I connected with Michael’s story. This book has shown me the truth about my own struggle with viewing porn and masturbation. I will admit that I turned to porn when I was feeling lonely and broken from my past. Really I was looking for affirmation that I was a real man, acceptance, and affection. This book helped me to know that I wasn’t alone in my struggle. It was comforting to know that other men were going through the same type of things I was dealing with.

 

I also realized that I believed the deadly lies from the enemy. I believed in my core that no one would love me for who I truly was. I especially enjoyed the hope that Michael shared in overcoming the temptations of lusting and porn. This book assisted me in believing that I was pure and clean in the eyes of Christ. When I received Christ as my personal Savior, he took my sins and forgave me for all my sins. This book has helped me to identify the triggers that caused me to look at porn and masturbate. I truly believe that this book would benefit men if they will take to heart the concepts and deal with their feelings and brokenness. Being vulnerable is something that most men hate, me included, but it leads to our healing no matter how painful it might be.  If you’re struggling with viewing porn, then this book is written just for you!

 

"I received this book free from the publisher through the Book Sneeze book review bloggers program.”

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of Surfing for God check it out on Amazon.com:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Surfing-God-Discovering-Beneath-Struggle/dp/0849947235

Hot Buttons Series: Dating, Sexuality, Internet, and Drugs Editions By Nicole O’Dell Blog Tour and Book Review

 

My Review:

 

Nicole O’Dell has written a series of books entitled, Hot Buttons that consist of topics ranging from dating, sexuality, internet use, and drug use. There are many more book topics that she is currently working on to address the issues and situations that teenagers may find themselves in. So be sure to check them out!

Let me just go ahead and say that I am not in the target audience yet for these parenting series books. I am only twenty-two, not married yet, and I don’t have any children or teenagers. But I hope to one day be a husband and a father.

If you have a minute and would like to pray this over my life, I would gladly appreciate it:

Please pray that I would meet my future wife and that God would make me the best husband and father that I can be. Also praying to be blessed with children. Lead my and direct my steps and provide me with a great career.

Thanks so very much!

 Dating Edition:

In the Dating Edition, Nicole points out the importance of setting clear boundaries regarding our teenagers dating. A common mistake parents tend to make is waiting to late to discuss the rules and expectations we have on our children and who they are allowed to date and when. This book has extremely helped me to realize the impact I have on my children and that I can take steps to insure that I am encouraging them to open up to me without fear of judgment. Two widespread problems that Nicole shared that teenagers have complained about parents are they are too busy and they don’t ask questions when they share what’s on their hearts. I must always give them my undivided attention when they are speaking about their problems and I have to avoid telling too many personal stories all at once. I must let them ask the questions of what I went through with my dating relationships. As parents, we have to set the example and display with our words and actions that we deeply care about the issues they encounter.

One statistics that terrified me was, “A recent survey suggested that if a child has a first date between the ages of 11 and 13, he or she has a 90 percent probability of being sexually active during senior year in high school. First date at age 14 leads to a 50 percent change; first date at age 16; 20 percent chance” (Page 57 in Hot Button- Statistics from Ray Guarendi, Discipline that Lasts a Lifetime). This was a huge eye-opener and a heartbreaking study that would cause parents to not let their children date until they are at least sixteen years old. This is a boundary that I now see that I must go ahead and stand firm on! The book also covered the differences between like, lust, and love. Most of our teenagers struggle to define what their relationships truly are and some are searching for love but settling for lust.

Sexuality Edition:

In the Sexuality Edition, Nicole O’Dell shared with parents the issues that our teenagers are being tempted by satan about their sexuality. The book covered hot buttons like vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, oral sex, and mutual masturbation. Most of the descriptions are brief and they don’t get to technical and I know parents get a little worried and embarrassed discussing the concept of sex to your teenagers. Some parents even decide to just let the school system teach sex education. I personally think some do this because they are afraid they won’t be able to answer their children questions regarding sex. Why not at least education our children, and even if your children ask you something you don’t know, then tell be honest and tell them I will find out answer and explain it to you. Sometimes we let the church explain the importance of waiting until their married to have sex. But it’s our job and responsibly to lead our children the way Christ has instilled for us to do. I immensely liked how Nicole pointed out would you rather let your friends or the internet tell our children the acts that our considered sex. It’s important to realize that vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, oral sex, and mutual masturbation are all sex!

One of the biggest things that the book presented was overcoming and exposing the lie that the first time, you have sexual intercourse you won’t get pregnant or get someone pregnant. This is completely untrue anytime you have vaginal intercourse it can result in pregnancy. There is one way that we have to teach our teenagers and that is abstinence is the only way that is 100 effective. The book shared all the different forms of birth control, including the one most teenagers like to use, you got it the withdraw method (which isn’t safe). The book pointed out the risks of getting an STD from the result of unprotected sex and if the condom breaks you can still get one and possible could get pregnant. The book also talked to the parents who take the stance, I will just get my teenage daughter(s) on the pill it’s better to be safe than sorry. But as a future father, I can’t comprehend doing something like that. I would personally feel like I am endorsing for her to engage in sexual intercourse. Now let’s me flip it around, I also couldn’t see myself handing my son(s) a condom and saying if you’re going to have sex here, wear this. I understand that talking about sex to our children can be daunting. But it’s worth talking about! I know it’s my job as a parent to lead my children in the Father’s ways and when they fail to extend forgiveness.

 Internet Edition:

In the Internet Edition, Nicole O’Dell addressed the issues that come up surrounding internet usage and the dangers lurking around our children. I understood her position on making sure we have boundaries and rules in motion to protect our children. We must supervise how are children are communicating online with and limit how many hours they spend online each night. I personally loved the fact that she proclaimed that we have to check our children’s internet browser history regularly. If the internet browser history is deleted then there has to be a consequence for their actions. Why was it deleted if you weren’t doing something, you know you weren’t supposed to be doing?

I am extremely glad that Nicole stated to make sure you have your children’s social networks passwords. She helped me to avoid not knowing what my children are up to. She also suggested that we make the rules that our children are required to accept our friend requests from their parents. This is done in order to make sure our children aren’t having a chat and connecting with people that they don’t know. The book also covered the dangers of internet porn and the risks of being sucked into the misrepresentation of what sex really is.

Drug Edition:

In the Drug Edition, Nicole O’Dell explains the hazards of consuming alcohol, taking drugs, inhalants, and prescription drugs. Most teenagers start drinking alcohol or drugs because they want to fit in and be accepted. But others take it in order to seek an escape from the pressures of life. An important aspect we have to teach our children is that consuming alcohol makes you not able to focus and think clearly. Many teenagers have regrets because they were drunk, and they have sex, and they couldn’t think clearly.

I have personally never have done any type of drugs or even been offered one and that’s a wonderful thing. But this book has helped me to learn how to teach my children the dangers of drugs or alcohol because they could be offered them. I will admit that I have consumed alcohol but it was when I was the legal age. I also have only had one drink a night on special occasions like vacation and the end of some of my college semesters to celebrate. I am personally not a fan of alcohol because it really doesn’t taste all that good to me.

The book covered a number of different types of drugs where parents could understand the dangers are children are facing in today’s times. I immensely enjoyed the warning signs of drugs included to assist parents into looking out for in your teenagers. The most shocking to me was the rate of prescription drugs that teenagers are using to get high. I am so glad Nicole helped me to understand some of the drugs and I now know how to look for the signs.

Whole Series Review:  

I would recommend this book series to any parent wanting to protect their teenagers from the hidden dangers of the internet, sexuality, dating, and drug use. Parents need to teach their sons to respect girls and not to use them. Girls also need to be taught not to play around with boy’s hearts. It’s vital we teach our children the foundations of great relationships now so eventually when they enter into marriage they know how to treat their spouse. The book taught so many details and scenarios that I have never even considered that could be something my teenagers might have to face.

The scenarios section in each book contained 13-15 different scenarios per book. Parents would then describe the real life story to the teenagers, and then the teenagers would choose which ever multiply choice answer they would have done in that story. I loved that Nicole coached the parents to not freak out on whatever response their children gave them. These life lessons aren’t meant to preach to your teenagers. It’s meant to connect and understand what your children are thinking. Then you can guide them to the correct choice slowly. If you’re looking for guidance on how to parent then this series could significantly benefit you! It has opened my eyes to the truth and I plan on doing this with my own children someday! If you’re a parent, get this series, and do it with your children!

“I received this book for free from Litfuse Publicity Group/ Kregel Publications for this review”.

 Link to buy Hot Buttons books: http://ow.ly/esojj

Win a $100 Visa Cash Card at the Hot Buttons Live Video Chat with Nicole O’Dell!

About the books:

Nicole O'Dell helps address the Hot Buttons in teens' lives before the issues become problems

From dating to drugs, modesty to purity, morals to popularity, teens face all sorts of tough issues. How teens respond to these hot-button issues can have lasting effects on who they want to be and who they actually become. What if parents can help their teens prepare for these hot buttons-before the issues become a problem?

The uniquely packaged Hot Buttons Series is an accessible, quick-reference resource that parents can use to equip their children to make the right decisions, even in the face of peer pressure and outside influences. More than just another how-to manual, Hot Button Dating Edition offers practical real-life situations that parents can read and discuss with their preteens. Topics include: physical activity, missionary dating, and violence/abuse in dating relationships.

Author, mom, and broadcaster, Nicole O'Dell provides short scenarios followed by three or four responses that a teen might choose in that particular situation. Parents are then encouraged to help their children explore the issue, ask questions, and discuss the options, so when a similar situation comes up in real life, the teens are already prepared to respond.

Hot Buttons Dating Edition offers practical real-life situations that parents can read and discuss with their preteens. Topics include: physical activity, missionary dating, and violence/abuse in dating relationships.

Hot Buttons Internet Edition helps parents prepare their teens for online challenges they may face. Topics discussed include: internet activity, file sharing, social networking, and internet predators.

Hot Buttons Drug Edition braves the scary world of substance abuse, equipping parents with facts, warning signs, and real-world scenarios on: alcohol; Marijuana and other drugs; inhalants; and prescription drugs.

Hot Buttons Sexuality Edition offers the facts about teen sexuality, backed by statistics; specifics for how to talk frankly about sex with your kids, discussion about the growth of homosexuality and bisexuality among teens; and compassionate advice for guiding your teen to reclaim purity.

 

Meet Nicole:

 

Youth-culture expert, Nicole O'Dell is the host of Choose NOW Radio: Parent Talk and Teen Talk and the founder of Choose NOW Ministries, dedicated to guiding teens through tough issues and helping parents encourage good decisions.

On air, O'Dell covers peer pressure, dating, purity, drugs, alcohol, modesty, popularity, and anything else that comes up along the way. Nicole writes and speaks to preteens, teenagers, and parents about how to prepare for life's tough choices.
As an author, O'Dell writes both fiction and nonfiction. Her popular YA fiction includes the Diamond Estate Series and the Scenarios for Girls interactive books that feature alternate endings, allowing young girls to decide the outcome for the main character. Her nonfiction for teens includes Girl Talk, which she wrote with her two daughters based on their popular advice column.

While her YA resources encourage and equip teens, Nicole also works to bridge the communication gap between teens and their parents. The Hot Buttons series helps parents discuss tough issues with their tweens and teens before the issues pop up in real life. Watch for future Hot Buttons books on subjects like bullying, image, prejudice, friendships, politics, and more.
O'Dell, resides in Paxton, IL, with her husband and six children-the youngest of whom are toddler triplets.

Find out more about Nicole at http://nicoleodell.com.