choosing hunger for God

For a little while now I've been thinking that I really need to find the book Hunger for God, by John Piper.  Somehow I've just had it in my mind that that book would hit the spot for me in this season.

Here's a selection from the blurb about it on Amazon:

There is an appetite for God. And it can be awakened. I invite you to turn from the dulling effects of food and the dangers of idolatry, and to say with some simple fast: "This much, O God, I want you."

And then I found this invitation:  a seminar to be given this week (with live streaming for us to join in!) at Bethlehem on this very topic, and a link to text of the book to read online for free.

One quote from the introduction, a bit that has sealed my expectations of great pleasure as I pursue arousing a greater hunger for God:

Christian fasting is not only the spontaneous effect of a superior satisfaction in God; it is also a chosen weapon against every force in the world that would take that satisfaction away.

The greatest enemy of hunger for God is not poison but apple pie.  It is not the banquet of the wicked that dulls our appetite for heaven, but the endless nibbling at the table of the world.  It is not the X-rated video, but the prime-time dribble of triviality we drink in every night....  The greatest adversary of love to God is not his enemies but his gifts.  And the most deadly appetites are not for the poison of evil but for the simple pleasures of earth.  For when these replace an appetite for God himself, the idolarty is scarcely recognizable, and almost incurable.  

This week I know as plain and clear as day that I need fierce weapons against my own unrighteous anger and gross impatience and selfishness of every kind.  I'll take whatever true weapon of the Spirit I can find!  And this...  that I could use this ancient, glittering sword of honor and even joy?  That I could fast and pray and be drenched in the Word!?   What a grace to be given...

I'm eager to press hard into more of him by means of these graces....  I'm sure we can find the seminars ("A Hunger for God") from Nov 2 and 3, 2012 online after they're given too....  I'd love for you to join me and share with me your thoughts from the book or seminar, dear friends!  Let me know if you can take it in too!

Oh God, may You be most highly praised!