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The Well: Why Are So Many Still Thirsty?
Why are so many so close to the Well and still so thirsty? Mark Hall takes the powerful story of the Woman at the Well and her encounter with Jesus to help readers understand that the “wells” we go to for life and sustenance, the “wells” of success, talent, control, favor, religion, etc., are keeping us from relying on Jesus and his abundant life, and we will never be truly satisfied until we realize that and go to Him for our needs.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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281 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 12, 2014
My favorite music group is Casting Crowns. Their songs have such rich meanings. The lead singer is the author of this book. He is also the Student Pastor at Eagles Landing First Baptist Church in McDonough, GA. This book uses the story of the Samaritan woman at the well from the book of John to show us how God can use our lives. It is a very inspiring book. I trust you will enjoy the quotes from this book:
Truth just is. It doesn’t change, but it changes everything it touches.
“What’s true about you,” Tony said with a gentle smile to the girls, “is what God says about you.”
Religion is more about performance than relationship. Religion is a substitute for relationship.
Jesus railed against religion and its self-righteousness. The self-righteous person exalts himself and his goodness, places himself on the throne of his own life, and denies Christ His rightful place. When God said to put no other gods before Him, He realized man most often tries to make himself a god. Religion is the footstool to the throne of self-righteousness. It’s how we climb up there and make ourselves feel better.
Jesus is not going to come join our lives. Jesus wants to become our lives.
I think every believer would enjoy this book!
Truth just is. It doesn’t change, but it changes everything it touches.
“What’s true about you,” Tony said with a gentle smile to the girls, “is what God says about you.”
Religion is more about performance than relationship. Religion is a substitute for relationship.
Jesus railed against religion and its self-righteousness. The self-righteous person exalts himself and his goodness, places himself on the throne of his own life, and denies Christ His rightful place. When God said to put no other gods before Him, He realized man most often tries to make himself a god. Religion is the footstool to the throne of self-righteousness. It’s how we climb up there and make ourselves feel better.
Jesus is not going to come join our lives. Jesus wants to become our lives.
I think every believer would enjoy this book!
August 2, 2022
So unbelievably good! The best devotional I’ve read yet!
August 21, 2025
Good, practical book about Jesus being your well and the holes we fall into as Christians. Also a good sense of humor throughout the book
October 29, 2011
I will first say this book was really quite moving. I initially picked this read up due to the recent change in direction the church I pastor has taken. We are now known as Wellspring Community Church of God and the Samaritan Woman at the Well is our key scripture of inspiration. Having seen this title at my local retailer I felt it would just fit.
At first I felt the book started off slow and I nearly lost interest. It was as if there was a hole of distraction that kept me from reading further. But as I continued to dip and dig I found this book hitting home, speaking about my vision for the church, and moving my heart and soul with every paragraph.
Hall does a spectacular job of maintaining a hip tone, while not watering down the message. Readers of all ages and stages of their walk will gain much from the words Hall has written. I highly recommend. I also suggest you buy the album that goes hand in hand with this title and allow the ministry to move you.
At first I felt the book started off slow and I nearly lost interest. It was as if there was a hole of distraction that kept me from reading further. But as I continued to dip and dig I found this book hitting home, speaking about my vision for the church, and moving my heart and soul with every paragraph.
Hall does a spectacular job of maintaining a hip tone, while not watering down the message. Readers of all ages and stages of their walk will gain much from the words Hall has written. I highly recommend. I also suggest you buy the album that goes hand in hand with this title and allow the ministry to move you.
March 22, 2015
This is a book to be read slowly and savored. It is one I will read again.
February 21, 2021
I have actually read this book twice, but I skimmed it the first time.
"God is not a book and He is not words on a screen in a worship service. Jesus is not a religion. He is a person. Take your index finger and poke yourself in the chest. He is that real. He is supernatural, and He reigns from heaven, but He has a physical body and longs to have a personal and intimate relationship with you through the Holy Spirit, who comes to live inside every believer at salvation."
The above quote is one of the main *reasons I re-read the book more thoroughly the second time.
*This book also contains one of the funniest lines I've ever read. So that contributed as well.
"God is not a book and He is not words on a screen in a worship service. Jesus is not a religion. He is a person. Take your index finger and poke yourself in the chest. He is that real. He is supernatural, and He reigns from heaven, but He has a physical body and longs to have a personal and intimate relationship with you through the Holy Spirit, who comes to live inside every believer at salvation."
The above quote is one of the main *reasons I re-read the book more thoroughly the second time.
*This book also contains one of the funniest lines I've ever read. So that contributed as well.
October 27, 2019
I loved this book! It had been recommended to me by a woman I did't know on an on-line Book Club. I bought it used on-line, and set it aside for a year. But when I picked it up and read it, I was pleasantly surprised. Each chapter is a stand-alone, and at the same time, they build upon one another and intertwine. Each chapter has a different story to illustrate Hall's points--very fascinating stories. Not tough reading, and yet much food for thought. I would highly recommend this book. It would also be perfect for a small group study together.
September 7, 2022
An absolutely amazing read! This touched my heart, my soul, and has my mind on a whirlwind from the energy that flowed from these pages. I borrowed this book from the library but now I have to order me a copy for safe keeping. I have to reread this again and make better notes. This is exactly what I needed right now for my life in this moment. I strongly recommend to every Christian!
January 19, 2018
As with most books I read the cover grabbed my attention at our local library. I checked it out and took it home intent on reading it when I had a chance. Once I read it through I could say Pastor Hall speaks to all of us through the woman at the well and his life experiences.
April 22, 2019
Has some good thought provoking points on how believers dont fully invest in their relationship with God. Easy read. Very relatable. Think anyone who reads it will find an area of conviction in their walk to work on.
January 9, 2021
Great book
Mark Hall presents the way to be closer to Christ as a lifestyle for all believers. He gives examples of how we can be closer to Christ and makes me want to draw closer to Christ in my own life.
Mark Hall presents the way to be closer to Christ as a lifestyle for all believers. He gives examples of how we can be closer to Christ and makes me want to draw closer to Christ in my own life.
August 6, 2025
The way he connects the stories is brilliant. Like one minute he is talking about something random and you are wondering how this relates to God... then BOOM... He smacks you across the face with some TRUTH! Such an amazing writer! Definitely one of my favorites now.
May 3, 2017
I really enjoyed the stories and the connections to the story of the woman at the well in this book. I found myself smiling while reading.
July 8, 2017
3.5 stars.
October 15, 2020
A book to which to listen many times.
May 13, 2021
Mark Hall often touches my heart with his music. His books do the same. I read and I'm touched and reminded of Christ's presence.
May 19, 2023
Psalm 115:1!
August 31, 2013
About the Book:
Why are so many so close to the Well and still so thirsty? Mark Hall takes the powerful story of the Woman at the Well and her encounter with Jesus to help readers understand that the 'wells' we go to for life and sustenance, the 'wells' of success, talent, control, favor, religion, etc., are keeping us from relying on Jesus and his abundant life, and we will never be truly satisfied until we realize that and go to Him for our needs.
My Review:
Mark Hall the lead singer in one of the best Christian bands of all time, Casting Crowns has written a very raw and very real book on a closer relationship with the Lord and how the closer you walk with Him it changes your life in so many ways. He took his thoughts on many of the thoughts and commands of the bible and told us his thoughts. it was a very good, open book that can really give you a more thorough understanding of the Christian walk.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher.
Why are so many so close to the Well and still so thirsty? Mark Hall takes the powerful story of the Woman at the Well and her encounter with Jesus to help readers understand that the 'wells' we go to for life and sustenance, the 'wells' of success, talent, control, favor, religion, etc., are keeping us from relying on Jesus and his abundant life, and we will never be truly satisfied until we realize that and go to Him for our needs.
My Review:
Mark Hall the lead singer in one of the best Christian bands of all time, Casting Crowns has written a very raw and very real book on a closer relationship with the Lord and how the closer you walk with Him it changes your life in so many ways. He took his thoughts on many of the thoughts and commands of the bible and told us his thoughts. it was a very good, open book that can really give you a more thorough understanding of the Christian walk.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher.
August 27, 2016
A fascinating book by Mark Hall of the singing group "Casting Crowns", which is among my favorites. God has been with Mark overcoming many inherent problems. He is a gifted story teller and writer and it comes through in this book. The book focuses on the theme of Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman at the well (Jacob's well) at midday. It was a big no-no in the culture of the day for a Jewish man to talk in public to a woman from Samaria. But Jesus pointed her to Himself as the Messiah they had been looking for and the Well who gives living water to all who thirst for it. Using both scripture and interesting stories from others in his life, Mark Hall discusses several other holes that we think are wells that will provide what we really need only to discover they are dry holes that leave us still thirsting. Only Jesus can provide that.
April 12, 2015
This was such a good book.
When I saw that this was written by the lead singer of one of my favorite bands I wanted to read it.
It is about the Samaritan woman and how she was wanting water but what she really needed was Jesus. There is so much more in this than just the Samaritan woman. Mark draws many other bible characters into this because they proved what he was saying.
All the personal stories connected well with what Mark was talking about. Some made me laugh because they were funny but still connected well with what he was talking about.
I learned a lot through reading this book and was glad that I read this book. It made me think a lot while reading.
Im really glad that I have read this book
When I saw that this was written by the lead singer of one of my favorite bands I wanted to read it.
It is about the Samaritan woman and how she was wanting water but what she really needed was Jesus. There is so much more in this than just the Samaritan woman. Mark draws many other bible characters into this because they proved what he was saying.
All the personal stories connected well with what Mark was talking about. Some made me laugh because they were funny but still connected well with what he was talking about.
I learned a lot through reading this book and was glad that I read this book. It made me think a lot while reading.
Im really glad that I have read this book
February 9, 2017
I'm a fan of Casting Crowns and have enjoyed how their music makes me think. This book by lead singer Mark Hall does too! Definitely worth the read!
November 24, 2012
I have never had an author or book speak me the way this book did! Mark Hall doesn't only make exceptional music with heart gripping lyrics but he has also succeeded in writing the best book I've ever read! I cried the whole way through it because I could feel the good Lord's presence upon me. Mark don't sugarcoat anything, not in his books or music and that's why I'm a huge fan! I highly recommend this book not only for us Christians but also for the ones who are still searching for their missing piece of their lives! Jesus is always ready, you just have to accept Him into your heart's! This book is nothing short of a blessing! Happy Reading!
October 15, 2016
A wonderful story that reminds us how important our faith in God is to our daily lives. The story of the woman at the well and how she meets Jesus, helps readers know that we all have a past and God still forgives us when we ask for His forgiveness. As we thirst to know more about God, our "well" is filled by following God, not things of the world. The author gives several examples of people whose lives were changed when they turned to God. This is an amazing book. There are discussion questions in the back of the book, also. Great for group study.
October 19, 2016
I would definitely recommend this book. Reading it made me aware of the many holes in my own life and even more aware of Who I should draw from. I loved all the areas I felt compelled to highlight, underline, or comment.
Also, seeing as my only interaction with Mark Hall involves my ears hearing him sing through a speaker, I wasn't aware of his sense of humor. I'm not the greatest at reading nonfiction, but his humor and story telling kept my focus.
Favorite: Standing by a hole talking to THE well.
Also, seeing as my only interaction with Mark Hall involves my ears hearing him sing through a speaker, I wasn't aware of his sense of humor. I'm not the greatest at reading nonfiction, but his humor and story telling kept my focus.
Favorite: Standing by a hole talking to THE well.
December 19, 2011
Casting Crowns lead singer Mark Hall writes a surprisingly good commentary. Started out kind of iffy but proved to be a great read. As a side note: I've noticed lately, that a lot of Christian musicians and authors are more than just that. Mark is also a Youth Pastor. It's great that they stay involved on a personal level in the lives of a congregation as they use their gifts to minister to others at large. Kudos!!
May 26, 2012
im still reading this book. So far its really good. I love Casting Crowns. I love the song the Well by Casting Crowns. I love the book the well and the song so much i wrote a devotion about it. its just so cool that the wrote this book and the song to tell us that Jesus is our Well, he is our protector, not our parent, a actor that we like alot, not our boy friends or girl friends on a famous sports player. But Jesus Christ. He is our Well and dont you forget that.
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March 25, 2014
There is no more important message: We need Jesus. We can fill ourselves up with any number of things that we hope, or may even believe, will leave us satisfied in this life, but the truth of the matter is, we were made to thirst for our Heavenly Father. Nothing else will quench that thirst.
Mark Hall combines storytelling with the truths of the Bible to share this message. He also uses humor and honesty to make this an enjoyable, easy-to-follow read.
Mark Hall combines storytelling with the truths of the Bible to share this message. He also uses humor and honesty to make this an enjoyable, easy-to-follow read.
June 13, 2013
Great Read by Mark Hall, pastor and leader of the singing group, Casting Crowns. Short chapters with spiritual depth and humor keeps you reading for more. Based on the story of the Woman at the Well from the Bible as the backdrop with his own stories intertwined with humor and emotion. A must read. Also a good study book with questions at the back for each chapter.
June 15, 2020
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but you should definitely read this book. I can’t pick a quote to share, because I highlighted half of the book. After reading the foreword, I know I am not the only reader who felt bits of myself in every chapter. As a baby Christian, Mark Hall’s conversational style and modern examples of biblical concepts made this a delight to read and easy to relate to.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews