This week the Cross Focused Reviewers are participating in a book review blog tour for Contentment, Prosperity, & God’s Glory by Jeremiah Burroughs (Reformation Heritage Books, 2013). Excerpts and links to the reviews will appear below as they are available:
“A short yet vital book for our day and age, Contentment, Prosperity, and God’s Glory is a theologically sound and valuable handbook for how to deal with whatever time in life God has brought you so that you may live your life, whether that be a time of prosperity or adversity, to the glory of God.”
Reviewer: Michael Boling (intelmin.org)
Rating: 5 Stars
“This book is a worthwhile read to take an introspective looks at one’s views and actions concerning material fullness.”
Reviewer: Karen Chevalier (buildingherhouse.blogspot.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“This book convicted me. It convicted me on needing to be more thankful when God provides the big needs and the little extras I don’t necessarily need. It reminded me that riches are a blessing, but yet if they aren’t used in the right way they can be a curse. I don’t want money and possessions to cloud my faith and Christian walk. If you dare to be convicted I recommend this little book. It’s a rich steak that’s flavor lingers in your mouth long after the last bite.”
Reviewer: Heather Dannewitz (brokenathisfeet.wordpress.com)
Rating: 4 Stars
“This book explains the idea of being full to the Glory of God. I think Rev. Burroughs would have been an amazing preacher to hear, and I am so glad that his books have been reissued for this generation. ”
Reviewer: Faith Farrell (foundachristianbyhisgrace.blogspot.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“This book will help Christians to gain a biblical view of God which will in turn help them to understand the nature of contentment in good and bad times. If ever there was a book that spoke to a our times, it is this one, which is why I pray that every Christian will pick up Contentment, Prosperity and God’s Glory and learn from the godly Burroughs.”
Reviewer: Dave Jenkins (servantsofgrace.org)
Rating: 5 Stars
“This work was originally published as the appendix of Jeremiah’s most famous book, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. Reformation Heritage Books has graciously published this work with updated language making it more accessible to modern readers. It is an excellent read, cutting to the heart of the matter. I can’t emphasize enough how powerful and important this message is. One I needed to hear myself.”
Reviewer: Brandon Lehr (my-livinghope.blogspot.com)
Rating: 4 Stars
“I highly recommend this book for those readers of ours who have much – money, possessions, status, and stuff. This book will pry open your white-knuckled grip on the things of the world. And it might hurt. But it will show you the greatest treasure, Christ himself. He is far more valuable than all the things of this world which pass away.”
Reviewer: Shane Lems (reformedreader.wordpress.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“Do not be intimidated by the fact that this was written many centuries ago, it is fresh and relevant as if it were written today. I enthusiastically recommend this book, regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey.”
Reviewer: Ryan Rickard (declinationblog.wordpress.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“Burroughs argues that contentment is hardest found during times of prosperity rather than times of trial. He points his reader to Christ as our foundational joy, to Christ who can sustain us through prosperity and poverty.”
Reviewer: Matthew Sims (graceforsinners.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“Never having known anything about him or his writings before picking up the book, I can say that it is every bit as valuable as the diamonds and pearls that grace its cover. I have a new appreciation for the many blessings God has brought into my life and a solemn awareness of my own need for grace as I seek to minister God’s provision for His glory.”
Reviewer: Andrew Wencl (missionsoutlook.blogspot.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“Although written by a Puritan, this text is easy to read… I would add that it is not evil to have things, but it is evil for things to have you. This is the danger that hangs in the balance for people with many goods. We take the giver of good things for granted & enjoy those good things improperly.”
Reviewer: Louis Zinc (louiszinc.tumblr.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“Burroughs issues a challenge to those of us living in relatively prosperous circumstances to avoid taking our prosperity for granted. Rather, we must be careful to ensure that we are not ensnared by our wealth and contentment and start following idols (as did both the Israelites and Solomon)… This is a message that ought to be heard today.”
Reviewer: Tim Campbell (tandk.dyndns.org)
Rating: 4 Stars
“This book may be small but packs a punch, especially in the area of contentment because Americans like to have more and want more of it.”
Reviewer: Chris Land (keepingthemainthing.blogspot.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“This book needs to be read SLOW! – not because it is a hard read, but because it is so full of wisdom, you do not want to miss anything. The Puritans tend to write in a way that each paragraph is so full of information that the reader has to take time with each sentence to get the full impact. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.”
Reviewer: Roger Leonhardt (reformedreader.blogspot.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“This book causes you to look inside yourself and really take note on what it means to be full and the lackness thereof. How to go about becoming content and therefore prosper from it. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more from the series.”
Reviewer: Jalynn Patterson (asimplelifereally.blogspot.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“This book is a must read for anyone in ministry or in a position of leadership, and Sunday school teachers within the church. My reason for saying this is; discontentment within the church is a huge issue that must be addressed. It is one of the major causes of disruption within the body of Christ and has caused more shame to the local church than any other sins or issues that the community knows about.”
Reviewer: Martin Pitcher (nauvoopastor.com)
Rating: 4 Stars
“I heartily recommend this little book for the wider public as it has both challenging and encouraging exhortation for the people of God, especially those facing the “burden” of prosperity.”
Reviewer: Brian Cosby (ServantsOfGrace.org)
Rating: 5 Stars
“Prosperity is a blessing from God, but it is also a trial. It is a test of where our true joy lies. Burroughs sees this reality and he wants us to see it to. I heartily commend this little book to you for your joy as you seek to glorify God in the trial of prosperity.”
Reviewer: James Pruch (jamespruch.wordpress.com)
Rating: 4 Stars
“If you have never read Puritan writings before, don’t be intimidated by the thought of a book that’s going on 400 years old. I think you’ll find this book to be as timely, inviting, yet challenging as I did.”
Reviewer: Sarah White (awonderfulprovidence.blogspot.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“I was amazed at the profound nature of this little book. I can see this book being a source of encouragement and warning to people on all income levels and age levels… Much can be gained from a reading of this book and I hope others will find in it a treasure trove of wisdom.”
Reviewer: Spencer Cummins (spencerdeancummins.blogspot.com)
Rating: 4 Stars
“This book challenges and encourages us to be content in the situations God has placed us, whether high or low, because we have been blessed beyond measure with Christ Himself. As a result, contentment is not a grit-your-teeth duty but the fruit of God’s grace because… I highly recommend this book.”
Reviewer: Persis Lorenti (triedbyfire.blogspot.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“I think everyone who reads this will hear Burroughs’ pastoral voice, urging them, pleading with them, exhorting, and yes, at times reproving them in order to see God get all the glory… I highly commend this book to you.”
Reviewer: Kevin Sorensen (aclutteredmind.org)
Rating: 5 Stars
“I liked this book. I do recommend it for anyone living in America or other country where we are considered rich. It will indeed help your heart work through what to do with all of this prosperity.”
Reviewer: Angela Parsley (refreshmysoulblog.blogspot.com)
Rating: 4 Stars
“An abundance of material goods, happy family members, good health, a safe community, the freedom to homeschool…these are some of the gifts God has given many of us. We must be careful to enjoy such gifts gratefully and use them wisely to God’s glory… This book has inspired me to rethink the way I live.”
Reviewer: Annie Katie Aarnoutse (anniekateshomeschoolreviews.com)
Rating: 4 Stars
“As you open this book like a chest, you are sure to find the treasure contained within to enrich not only today, but also your life and your walk as well. ”
Reviewer: Sarah Cobb (sarahjeancobb.blogspot.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“Let the eyes of a man from an age of far less distraction help you to see what are jaded and desensitized eyes are prone to miss. Here’s to fruitful, biblical abounding!”
Reviewer: Paul Imbrone (paulregent.blogspot.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“This is a very short book that is just 119 pages, but I have sticky notes on almost every page. I can’t write every word from those notes here for this review because if I did, then you would not need to read this book.”
Reviewer: Daniel Mac (fiveintelligiblewordsblog.blogspot.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“Sometimes when reading a book such as this, you realize what a low bar we operate under. I am amazed and encouraged what contentment entails.”
Reviewer: Jeanie Schwagerman (goodreads.com)
Rating: 4 Stars
“Since most American Christians are rich, especially by Puritan standards, most would benefit from giving this book a careful read. And for those who are not rich, an understanding of the dangers of riches may help them to be more content in their poverty.”
Reviewer: Benjamin Shaw (gptsrabbi.blogspot.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“The Puritans understood that they were strangers and aliens on this earth and they traveled light, content in times of adversity and prosperity. In this book Jeremiah Burroughs in a gentle and pastoral way challenges all of us to do the same. A must read!”
Reviewer: Alex Houston (reformed-at-last.blogspot.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“I highly recommend this book. I think it would be especially wonderful to read through with your teenagers and I look forward to doing so in a few more years.”
Reviewer: Hollie Dermer (dermerfamily.blogspot.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“I learned a lot from Burroughs and the updating done by the editors made it easier for me to read, but in no way did it change the important message he had for us… Everyone should find a copy of this book, read it, and then put the principles into action.”
Reviewer: Rani Grant (christsbridge.blogspot.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“At approximately 115 pages and 10 chapters, Jeremiah Burroughs is the one source as a pastor I point people to apart from the Scriptures to show them the riches of His glorious grace when life seems grand according to worldly standards or the world around us is crumbling beneath our feet… whatever your circumstance, prosperity or adversity, I don’t merely recommend this book. I say you NEED this book.”
Reviewer: Marc Mullins (poreuomai.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“I found this book a wonderfully enjoyable read and certainly one that leaves the reader thinking, “Am I content where God has me, and am I more concerned with His glory or my comfort?” This is a great introduction to the Puritans as it is pretty easy to read and very small. An excellent resource in our prosperous western world.”
Reviewer: Joey Parker (parkerjreviews.blogspot.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
“Bottom line: those who have learned divine contentment and had that quality deeply worked into their character will be steady and stable in their outlook on life, regardless of any extremity in their circumstances, and their attitude and use of such things will be a boon to themselves, others, and eminently to Christ’s glory. Recommended.”
Reviewer: Douglas Wallace (pilgrimsontheway.com)
Rating: 4 Stars
“I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to look to Scripture for lessons on contentment and the dangers of prosperity. This work serves as a beautiful reminder that only God Himself can satisfy the needs of heart that riches only pretend to satisfy.”
Reviewer: Tyler Eason (tylerceason.blogspot.com)
Rating: 5 Stars
Where to Buy:
Contentment, Prosperity, & God’s Glory by Jeremiah Burroughs is available at your local Christian bookstore. If you don’t have a Christian bookstore near you, you may want to consider purchasing a copy from one of the online book retailers listed below:
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This week the Cross Focused Reviewers are participating in a book review blog tour for Radical Dating: When God Takes Over Your Love Life by Diane Montgomery, Gabrielle Pickle, and Sarah Bubar (Christian Focus, 2012). Excerpts and links to the reviews will appear below as they are available:
