I've got a couple of books that are on my I HAVE TO READ THESE RIGHT NOW OR DIE list. One is called 'Why Government Can't Save You' by John MacArthur. Here's a quote:

"A certain amount of healthy and balanced concern about current trends in government and the community is acceptable, as long as we realize that such interest is not vital to our spiritual lives, our righteous testimony or the advancement of the kingdom of Christ. Above all, the believer's political involvement should never displace the priority of preaching and teaching the gospel because the morality and righteousness that God seeks is the result of salvation and sanctification."

And to this I can only add a boisterous, "You GO, John!" (I must note here that Dr. MacArthur would probably protest vehemently against being called Johnny Mac. I mean him no disrespect. I just think he's cool enough to pull of the name, that's all. Seriously. He's awesome.)

The other book I've just got to have is John Piper's (J Pippy's?), Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ. I wanted to buy this book SO badly at LifeWay yesterday but since I was trying to be thoughtful by purchasing hubs the fab new Bebo Norman CD (Pull Me Out) I just couldn't do it. Baby needs a new pair of shoes and all that jazz.

Here's the skinny:

"If God governs the sinful acts of men, then does the devastation caused by those terrorists, dictators, murderers, cheats, and abusers discredit Jesus’ words: “All authority in heaven and earth belongs to me”? When heart-rending news comes of the latest accident, illness, or natural disaster, can we really believe that in Jesus, “all things hold together”?

Though God has not answered all of our questions about sin and suffering, there are things he wants us to know, things he declares in his Word—such as what’s at stake in the “spectacular” sins of others and the horrible tragedies of this life; their global purpose, both historically and today; and what these events say to us personally."

I've had some interesting blog exchanges with a person who says he was once a Christian but 'exited' the faith and is now an atheist. {Note: I disagree with his statement on the ability to leave faith on many theological levels but I will not discuss them here! Just so you know. You're welcome.} One of his chief complaints is his belief that God is the creator of evil. In classical Piper brilliance, I'm sure this book will deal rightly with God's sovereignty over all His creation. I just love a smart read. I need to lay off the Diet Dr. Peppers a few days before tackling it which I hope is very, very soon!

Okay, enough for today...I get excited and have to purge.

Shoot. Just deleted my signature again.

Lisa