Constantly Craving by Marilyn Meberg

I admit that I struggle with always wanting more, more love, more food, more God. The book Constantly Craving How to Make Sense of Always Wanting More by Marilyn Meberg sounded like it had been written just for me. The back cover promises:

Counselor and author Marilyn Meberg knows all about cravings. She also knows the One who knit us together, desires and all. With wit and compassion, Marilyn helps us understand our appetites, offers advice for managing them here on earth, and encourages us to eagerly await the day when we will find total satisfaction in heaven.

As Meberg worked through Scripture to show us how what we need is more of the Lord I found myself losing interest. It seemed that she repeated the same theme over and over again. This would have done well as a conference topic or a short essay, but there was not enough meat to truly flesh out an entire book.

I’m not sure what I was expecting, a bit more humor perhaps, certainly more words about the feeling of stark need. I believe there were many paths Meberg could have followed yet I felt as if we were stalled at a corner she didn't choose to turn.  I was in fact craving more than what was offered.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own

 

Your 100 Day Prayer by John I. Snyder

There is nothing magical about praying for 100 days, but as author of Your 100 Day Prayer The Transforming Power of Actively Waiting on God John Snyder says:

This sustained, stubborn, never-give-up spirit of prayer is not so much to persuade God to give us what we want, but rather to transform us in the process.

I live in a world that teaches us to want quick results and instant answers, yet I find myself hearing, more and more often, the quiet voice I recognize as my Lord, asking me to “Be still.” He doesn’t want me to rush through the drive thru lane at a fast food place, but rather to sit down and enjoy a nutritious full course meal with Him.

This is not just 100 days of reading, although the scriptures and stories Snyder shares would stand alone as a fine book of devotions. This volume is a both a challenge and an opportunity to draw close to God in a deeper way.

Snyder asks you to choose a need and gives you space to express that need as you begin your journey. Then each day, he offers words, the Word, a suggestion for your daily prayer and space to make notes about progress in your 100 day prayer.

I am anxious to return to page 1 and begin, not simply reading, but praying and expecting God to change not just my circumstances but my heart.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Take Action Bible NKJV

I am holding in my hands the power of God's Word to motivate His people to listen to His voice and act on what they hear. The subtitle for The Take Action Bible is Together we can change the world. Richard Stearns of World Vision says:

From Genesis to Revelation the Bible shows an active God calling ordinary people to action. Our world is still in need of people who are willing to do something to make a difference.

This New King James version is familiar in translation, it is a common 2 column layout with footnotes and the words of our Lord Jesus Christ printed in red. What sets this volume apart is the inserted pages scattered throughout that tell 15 stories of people who chose to take action; to go, to serve, to give, to heal and to teach. After each story there are suggested scripture readings and a question to ponder and motivate you. There is also a list of 52 ideas for taking action, one for each week of the year.

This is not just another Bible, but a call directly from the heart of God. I challenge you to read it and allow Him to move you to action.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.