Pierced by the Word: Thirty-One Meditations for Your Soul

by John Piper

Pierced by the Word takes up thirty-one subjects as unique as "How to Be a Refuge for Your Children," "How to Drink Orange Juice to the Glory of God," and "Embracing the Pain of Shame." Some are longer, some shorter, like the real-world conversations they so closely resemble, and each comes from the fertile mind of John Piper and is written in his own inimitable style. Together, the readings will lead to a deeper understanding of God and a cleaner, clearer relationship with Him. Most of all, Piper's approach shows how meditating on God's powerful Word can affect every aspect of our lives.

Whether you’re steeped in the Word of God or newly acquainted with it, these thirty-one meditations will penetrate to the deepest reaches of your soul.

With a contagious passion, John Piper awakens us to violent prayer, piercing pleasure, and fearless faith.

Genres: Christian, Devotional, Theology, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christianity, Spirituality

144 pages, Hardcover

First published September 11, 2003

About the author

John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as senior pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.

John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Bob Hayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve never read one of John Piper’s devotional books, you’re missing out. The 31 meditations in Pierced by the Word cover a variety of topics — some practical, others theological. From drinking orange juice to battling lust, from thinking about suffering to thinking about politics — each devotional reading stresses the importance of living by faith and living for Christ.

Your soul will be nourished by this book, as it stresses the importance of personal prayer and emphasizes the glory of the Gospel. I recommend that you get this or another of Piper’s devotional books, and read it as part of your spiritual diet. It will help you fight the good fight of faith.

[Sandrine Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the title implies this devotional was piercing and convicting, but in a very concise and digestible way. Piper covers a wide range of topics all based on the conept that comes from Herbrews 4:12: " For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." This devotional gave little bite-sized thoughts and encouragements that I could think on and reflect on during the day.

[JPaul · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The mark of a child of God is not perfection, but hunger for Christ. If we have tasted the kindness of the Lord, we will desire him." John Piper

Read for a third time and still benefit so much from this little book. 9/15/22.

[Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book by one of my favorite pastors. What a Godly man is John piper, and I was blessed by being equipped every morning by this book. This book is so versatile, you could read it in your morning devotional, or read aloud in your evening family devotional, or even read the appropriate chapters to little ones. I strongly suggest you read this, so it may strengthen you and help you fight temptation.

[Lowell Troyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Piper

If you have read and/or listened to John Piper much, some of the material will be familiar. However, I found this collection 31 daily devotionals to be a challenge to my heart; I was literally pierced by the Word. I highly recommend using this book for a month as psrt of your daily devotional reading. I most likely will use this again (and probably again).

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and uplifting Book!!

You need to remember the Lord on how He loves you for 31 days this is the book. I have read short stories from John Piper but this is the first time, l read his books. I like his relationship with our Savior and He wants us to have a relationship with Jesus.

[Geoffrey Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short yet powerful devotional book. Covers various subjects on faith and brings you closer to the Word of God and His love. Well written, short, and worth the day of reading for any Christian to uplift your spiritual life.

[Steve Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a cotton candy devotional. This is a thick, juicy, satisfying steak. These meditations will encourage you, strengthen you, challenge you, unsettle you, and deepen your love and appreciation for our great and awesome God. Piper's passion for God is evident throughout.

[Greg Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper has written a good, concise 31 day devotional. In it, he tackles subjects such as Christ's love, prayer, hell, and purity.

[Steve Hazell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great, some just okay. Overall a solid devotional for my wife and I.

[Teresa K Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed these in November. Have to read more of his bks

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Carol Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good daily reading plan

[Elizabeth Van Gorp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper is the OG. I honestly think I'm just going to start over and read it again.

[Cole Feix · Rating 5 out of 5]

We added this devotion onto our quiet times each morning. As always, Piper’s short devotions opened up passages of Scripture and gave us ways to pray through and to obey each day.

[Thiago Martinello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um bom livro para ser lido em família.
São 31 devocionais. Nada muito profundo (no geral) mas contém verdades simples que precisamos lembrar diariamente.

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book - highly recommended

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book of short devotions.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Short biblical thoughts to ponder throughout the day. Many refocused my attention to ask the question, "What is most important?" Followed by, "What do my actions and the way I live my life convey as most important?"
Pipers books a hard hitting but full of grace and the knowledge that our power to choose right comes from what Christ has already done. Apart from Him we can do nothing and so there is big hope.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This devotional book is a collection of 31 brief thoughts covering a wide range of topics, yet each connected to the Word of God and its effect on our lives. Written in Piper’s easily accessible style, this short book is replete with valuable kernels of wisdom gleaned from the way living Scripture interacts with believers. Although its breadth and brevity often minimize its depth, there is still much to learn here for those willing to work.

[Natalie Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another short devotional that reiterates Scriptural truths and provides thoughts for reflection throughout the day. Books like this are a great way to feel like I’m sitting with and learning from some of the great students of the Word of our day. It’s refreshing to “hear” them talk of the issues that are a part of our contemporary life and share how we can view them in light of God’s Word.

[Walt Walkowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would probably give this book 3.5 stars if Goodreads would let me. I generally like Piper's writings, and I guess I would say the same for this book. There were some that were particularly powerful for me, and others that were not. I'd say it's worthwhile, though, and I found it helpful.

[Julie Biles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each of the 31 selections are passionately written in John Piper style.
I’m editing my original review as I’m rereading the book and it seems Piper’s view of the pervasiveness of our sin is smaller than I have come to see in Scripture.

[Wade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid, short reflections on Scripture.

[James Mclean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great devotional.

[Suzanne]

Good stuff to ponder

[CJ Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in 2012 as part of family worship. Piper is passionate and intense, but with a very practical turn. It's been good for our souls to have these short exhortations shaping our days.

[Jeff Noble]

Pierced by the Word : Thirty-One Meditations for Your Soul by John Piper (?)

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had forgotten about this book and then saw it on a friends page. I had received it as a gift from a member and appreciated most of Piper's insights.

[Mary Wick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this thirty-day devotional book each year because it's so powerful. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for very thought-provoking excerpts.