cover image LORD, GIVE ME A HEART FOR YOU: A Devotional Study on Having a Passion for God

LORD, GIVE ME A HEART FOR YOU: A Devotional Study on Having a Passion for God

Kay Arthur, . . WaterBrook, $13.95 (288pp) ISBN 978-1-57856-420-0

Widely regarded as the "precept upon precept" Bible instructor, Arthur (Search My Heart, O God; Our Covenant God) scores again with this long-awaited study of 2 Corinthians. Arthur utilizes her inductive Bible study skills to dissect the famous letter, offering a fuller understanding of the apostle Paul's ardor for God and for the church in Corinth. Studying Bible chapters with Arthur is no passive experience; she gives explicit instructions on how readers should mark their Bibles with color-coded figures and underline key words to assist in quicker assessment of biblical principles. Arthur effectively connects readers to the Corinthian church, comparing the Corinthians' struggles with modern-day trials. Readers will discover that the biblical characters faced similar afflictions and interpersonal conflicts and fought against familiar weaknesses. In particular, the church in Corinth was well-known for its "carnality," which Paul admonished church members to renounce in order to seek the holiness of God. Arthur's study is designed for individuals or Bible study groups to use over an eight-week period. Each chapter includes a five-day study guide, memory verse(s), small-group discussion starters and personal application questions. Arthur's study on Paul is passionately presented, and her approach to painful life issues will prod many readers toward constructive change. (July)

Forecast:Arthur's fans have been waiting for several years for this book in the "Lord" series, whose seven installments have sold over two million copies. WaterBrook (an autonomous division of Random House serving the Christian market) has purchased the rights to all of the previous "Lord" books and plans to release several more. This well-established Bible study brand should continue to thrive in the CBA market.