A lifetime of knowing. Decades of praying. Years of paperwork, research, and planning. Lots of tears. And the growing of faith in the waiting.One look into a pair of sparkling brown eyes, and Lori and Bryan Schumaker fell head-over-heels in love with a beautiful young girl in Bulgaria. Certain this was the child God intended for them, they stepped confidently into the adoption process they'd been preparing for. They thought they knew what to expect, and they did-but there was so much more.The application process moved smoothly ahead, and they began making plans for their daughter-only to be informed she'd been adopted by a family in Italy. Heartbroken, they struggled to move on, until, through a series of incredible events, they learned their daughter still languished in her Bulgarian orphanage. Turning heaven and earth, the Schumakers started over. Mix-ups, red tape, inexplicable delays, and a difficult judge threatened the adoption, but they were determined to bring their child home.In a true story of learning that trust means surrendering your version of how the story should unfold, Lori and Bryan finally let go-of their dream, of their daughter, of their fears and frustrations. And in that relinquishment, God began to move.
We all face troubles in life, but when the sovereign will of God leads us into a season of difficulty, how do we respond? We need not suffer the darkness alone. God awaits us in the valley, ready to teach us more about His heart-and our own.Kathy Green knows what it's like to walk through life's valleys. Following a routine thyroid surgery, she woke up not realizing one of her vocal cords had been injured and her voice altered until she tried to speak for the first time. She cried out to God, wondering how she would function in daily life, let alone continue her ministry as a teacher and conference speaker. He answered, Meet Me in the Valley. It was on this difficult journey that God began to speak to her afresh. Kathy's life and her heart were forever changed.Illuminating what it means to wait quietly and expectantly in God's presence, author Kathy Green shares rich insights gained in the depths of her own valleys and provides scriptural examples of others who have walked through life's darker seasons and emerged victorious. With prayers to lead readers toward God and guidance on how to maximize time in the valley to gain a greater knowledge of Him, this resource will uplift readers' hearts with hope and ignite their faith with the truth of God's faithfulness.God never allows us to go through a test without gaining a testimony. Your story isn't over. By taking God's hand in the midst of your struggle, you will better understand His love as He transforms you into a vessel for His glory.
Are you frustrated with trying to live the Christian life?Do your struggles with sin discourage you?Have you been taught you can’t ever win the battle . . . that as long as you are living, you will fall short?Jesus told people to sin no more. Rather than tell them the struggle with sin and Satan would be difficult, He said, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Jesus doesn’t ask us to do the impossible.Ken Gould rejected distorted teachings about God and was an atheist for twenty years, until God revealed His existence to him. Afterward, he recognized Christianity wasn’t something to be taken lightly. His highest priority became to know God and understand His counsel.Gould says, “It is possible to live a godly life in victory. What we believe about God affects our ability to live a victorious life.”In this guidebook on living in God’s victory, learn:How to cooperate with God to attain the victory He has for you.How our definition of sin can remove frustration and allow us to live a godly life.How believing lies about God keeps us from escaping our rebellious, sinful attitudes.The interaction between natural laws and sin.“God’s truth sets us free from Satan’s slavery and it’s lies about God that keep us trapped.”
Visionary Leadership. Many people talk about it. Some have written about it. A few have been called visionary leaders. But only one man embodied its full meaning-Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Crucified and risen over 2,000 years ago, his visionary leadership continues to draw multitudes of followers today. Most writings about Jesus focus on what he did-proclaim the kingdom of God-and why-to save the world from its sin-but have neglected how he did it. How did his vision for establishing the Christian faith become so successful? How has Christianity lasted longer and grown larger than any other organization in history? In his ground breaking work "One Plus Twelve," Lee Bartolomei delves into the how of Christianity through a detailed examination of who Jesus Christ is and his simple, yet multi-layered vision for making disciples. Bartolomei then shows how any organization-business, non-profit, religious, and more-can become successful and enduring in just three short years! Bartolomei shows you how to: ΓÇó Establish core ideology, values, and purpose that make up a vision ΓÇó Find and develop like-minded leadership who can carry out a vision ΓÇó Confront the brutal facts that hinder a visionΓÇó Develop a culture of discipline to continue a vision ...and much more!
If you were a brand-new Christian convert living in the middle of the South Pacific, in the Fiji Islands, would you necessarily hear God call you to establish a college of theology and evangelism? No? Well, fortunately, Narayan Nair felt the Lord place this burden on his heart and without hesitation, he and his wife, Savita, began their life-long devotion to making God''s burden happen-beyond all reason. Surviving nearly constant persecution in some form or another-threats of bodily harm, military coups, mutinous leaderships, political and religious unrest, and other challenges to the stability of the whole college program, Nair and God''s believers withstood the tests with complete assurance God would prevail. Author Cathy Kreis has assembled a most fascinating history of the establishment of the Fiji College of Theology and Evangelism. You''ll get to bounce down the back roads with students and staff going to and from the various venues which are a part of the students'' everyday lives-complete with daily activities and menus established to support their survival both physically and spiritually. This modern-day heritage depicts one of God''s miracle movements for reaching the lost. Observe how living a lifestyle of trusting God, produces miracles and blessings for those who venture to do major efforts for His Glory. Not only is this a wonderful, historical documentation, complete with visiting missionaries, Beyond All Reason is bound to capture your heart.
"Where does it say that?""What does the Bible teach on . . .?""Where can I find information in the Bible on . . .?"Now easily locate information on what the Bible teaches in this comprehensive desktop guide. The solid truths of the Bible are alphabetically catalogued in this valuable resource for ministry students, pastors, Bible teachers-from beginners to those experienced in biblical knowledge.Included in the unique layout are word definitions, cross-references, locations, and chronological studies of the topics and people of the Bible, key Hebrew original word meanings, plus added information for deeper research.The Desktop Bible Reference features: Biblical content summarized alphabetically Information quickly and easily located Scripture and biblical concepts cross-referenced Chronological representation of biblical content Maps detailing geography and journeys of Bible times. The same God who inspired the men who wrote the pages of the Bible is still able to move on our hearts today and help us understand the meaning contained therein.
Something calls us back to the simple and idyllic life of an earlier time. Perhaps we long for a kinder time. Matt Andrews looks out at a raging blizzard and travels back in mind and spirit to his youth. The year is 1946. He walks through another blizzard, looking forward to home after years in the army. He has dreams of going to college and finding a better life. But there are challenges. A loving community calling him back. An older father who wants him to take over the farm. A young teacher he loves, but he’s not ready for marriage. The polio epidemic threatens his family. Adjustments to civilian life and college. Tragedies in the family and in his new college life. Uncertainty about the directions to take. The future is frightening and unfamiliar. How does God fit into the unfamiliar face of the future?
“A story of old secrets and new beginnings, Shadow Sister explores the complexities of family, the bonds of sisterhood, and the crippling power of guilt. In Sarah, Katherine Scott Jones has created a woman struggling with her own demons but ultimately finding faith and discovering the beauty of forgiveness.” —Lisa Wingate, bestselling author of Before We Were Yours“Katherine Scott Jones has an uncanny eye for dialogue and detail. Shadow Sister is a story that will resonate with readers for a long time to come.” —Jolina Petersheim, bestselling author of The Outcast Working on her father’s vineyard allows Sarah Lanning to bury memories of a lost love and a career that might have been. But then her fractured family receives word that her estranged sister, Jenna, is dead, leaving behind an unexpected request: that Sarah travel to Bolivia to scatter her ashes.Accompanied by pilot Chase Maddox, Sarah embarks on an Andean journey that tests her devotion to home and exposes Jenna’s secret life. Each staggering discovery creates new mysteries—until the last, which leaves Sarah questioning everything she understood about family loyalty. At a crossroads, she must decide whether truth is worth the cost of forgiveness—and whether she can lay claim to a future of happiness without it.Bittersweet and bold, Shadow Sister explores the mysteries of the human heart and the bond of unquenchable love.
Anyone who has been affected by a loved one's sexual brokenness and desires a healing pathway will greatly benefit from this invaluable book.-James E. Phelan, LCSW, Psy.D,psychotherapist and author of The Addictions Recovery Workbook: 101 Practical Exercises for Individuals and Groups When Christian families hear the announcement "I'm gay" from a loved one, they need immediate direction, reassurance, comfort, and godly wisdom. Nobody is more qualified to provide all four than Carol Wagstaff, who's been serving such families for decades now.-Joe Dallas, speaker; author of When Homosexuality Hits Home,The Gay Gospel: How Pro-Gay Advocates Misread the Bible, Speaking of Homosexuality: Discussing the Issues with Kindness and Clarity, and four other books on sexual brokenness;co-editor of The Complete Christian Guide to Homosexuality In this interactive book, Carol helps readers walk alongside [Nehemiah] in order to see ways to cope with-and even conquer-some of life's most heartbreaking trials, particularly the trials family members and friends face with a homosexual or transgender loved one.-Denise Shick, executive director, Living Stones Ministries and Help 4 Families;author of My Daddy's Secret and Understanding Gender Confusion: A Faith-Based Perspective If sexual brokenness-homosexuality or transgenderism-has touched your family, you're on a painful and challenging journey. But you're not alone. Although Nehemiah lived more than two thousand years ago, he would have understood what you're going through. He dealt with brokenness, weakness, and powerlessness in the face of his circumstances. His heart was broken over unfulfilled dreams. He is a role model for the challenges you face because he endured so much, yet he obeyed God and fulfilled God's purposes for his life. His life reminds us that we often do not choose the circumstances God allows in our lives, but we can learn to make the best of them. As you study portions of Nehemiah and the armor of God, you'll learn to apply principles from these passages to help you reclaim and rebuild your relationship with a sexually broken family member or friend.
Could you use a dose of encouragement that helps you to: Š Trust God Š Be assured of God''s love Š Recognize that God is your Helper Š Understand that Jesus saved you Š Realize the power of prayer, praise, worship, and thanksgiving Š Recognize that God is sovereignIf so, this book of poetry is for you. For He Is God beautifully depicts God''s many marvelous attributes and His deep, steadfast love for you. You will get a fresh glimpse of all He has done and wants to do as you draw closer to Him.The poet shares her own struggles and victories, along with the many wonders God has taught her as she has walked with Him. So settle down in your favorite chair and relax as you experience God and His Word in a new way.
No es que haya otro; lo que hay es que algunos os turban y pretenden pervertir el Evangelio de Cristo. Pero aunque nosotros o un ángel del cielo os anunciase otro evangelio distinto del que os hemos anunciado, sea anatema. (Sagrada Biblia, versión Nácar Colunga)¿Cuántas veces ha leído el relato de la alimentación de los cinco mil en Mateo y se ha preguntado cómo lo habrá dicho Marcos? Quizás haya leído lo que Lucas dijo de la entrada triunfal de Jesús, pero quisiera saber también cómo lo dijo Juan.Jesús el Mesías (Yeshua haMashiach) de acuerdo a los evangelios surgió de esa necesidad, ya que Natanael Ben-Yehoshua Alrabí, al igual que usted, deseaba encontrar tales respuestas en la vida del histórico Jesús. Este relato es, pues, una historia que presenta todos los eventos tomados directa y exclusivamente de los cuatro evangelistas. Esta narrativa no reemplaza la Biblia, ni es otro evangelio diferente. Jesús El Mesias . . . es el resultado de seis años de investigación y organización. Es la historia de la vida y los eventos de Jesús el Mesías en un orden cronológico que puede seguirse fácilmente en una sola leída.
It is the sorority no woman wants to join-the sisterhood of women with cancer. But every day, 700 new members are inducted. If you or a friend, relative, or neighbor is on that journey, this book of 31 daily devotions will shine God''s light on that painful path and provide you with the right spiritual shoes to make the trip more bearable. Having walked this demanding road, Linda Grabeman shares practical tips and experiences from her own journey to help women with cancer deal with negative feelings-including fear, despair, and discouragement-and find hope and even blessings along the way. She includes many Bible verses to encourage, comfort, and inspire those touched by this disease, on topics that include:ΓÇóGod''s love ΓÇóGod''s sovereignty, our perspectiveΓÇóForgiveness, blessingsΓÇóComfort, confidence, trust ΓÇóPerseverance, equippingΓÇóFaith, fear
"This is a book for the humble. It is for those who recognize they are broken and in need of a Savior who has the power to renew them day by day." Compiled from fourteen years of his prayer journals, Stephen Van Zant shares a year's worth of daily devotions inspired by God Calling, a work written anonymously by the Two Listeners in the 1930s. First drawn to faith by its simple messages, the book led him to the spiritual discipline of quiet listening. When he and his wife began to practice this two-way prayer in their own quiet times, they found an added sense of joy, peace, and insight in their morning devotions. "I do not claim to be an expert in any matters of faith, but it is my great pleasure to sit with the Lord each morning and allow Him to change me. The more meaningful of my journal entries are from when I experienced the greatest struggles. I have had my fair share of problems and personal trials through twenty-six years of marriage, raising four children, family health issues, practicing law, and experiencing a business failure. This devotional reveals my daily search for peace and joy.""The Jesus who spoke still speaks if we will take the time to listen."Layer by layer My Will is revealed to you. Your part is to rejoice along the way. Relax! Heaven is calling you each day. My lessons for you are simple: live each day with Me and allow Me to heal you and give you instructions for the day.
Have you lost someone-or something-dear to you?At some point, whether through the loss of a friend or family member, a decline in health, or the end of a career or a relationship, everyone will encounter grief. After nearly twenty-five years in the mental health field, author and licensed professional counselor Katherine B. Barner is well-acquainted with the ways grief can impact a life.While grief is unavoidable, it is also a valuable aspect of the human experience. Utilizing Biblical examples of human grief-and God's acceptance of its complicated rawness-Barner demonstrates how a person's response to loss does not indicate a lack of faith but testifies instead to their humanity and the life-affirming choice to love and be loved. Filled with practical tips for handling loss and avoiding contention with those who lack compassion or grieve differently, this valuable resource includes a section dedicated to navigating holidays and events while grieving.Crafting this guide from her professional experience as well as from lessons learned during her own seasons of mourning, Barner offers compassion and guidance to those suffering a loss.Designed not only to assist readers through the process of grief but to grant them permission to fully experience it, God Help Me, I'm Grieving validates each reader's unique response to loss, allowing it to become a vehicle of inner change and spiritual and emotional growth.
EQUIPAR A CADA MIEMBRO DE LA IGLESIA PARA COMPARTIR SU FE EN FORMA NATURALDeclarar su dedicación al evangelismo es casi universal entre las iglesias. Sin embargo tan pocas están produciendo fruto. De hecho, la mayoría de las iglesias llegan a un tope de crecimiento o van en descenso.Evangelismo Orgánico Para Iglesias provee una guía para que las congregaciones entretejan la pasión y la práctica enfocada al evangelismo en el mismo ADN de la vida de la iglesia. El evangelismo no es simplemente enviar dinero y oraciones a misioneros o tener un comité que planea eventos ocasionales para evangelizar-aunque estas cosas son buenas. El evangelismo orgánico sucede cuando la visión y acción evangelística se convierten en el dominio de cada ministerio de una iglesia y el compromiso de cada persona en una congregación. Si estás buscando dirección para inculcar pasión evangelística a tu iglesia, ¡este es el libro! Evangelismo Orgánico Para Iglesias es una guía para crear una comunidad que aspira ayudar a otros a volverse a Dios. - Dave Ferguson, Pastor Principal, Community Christian ChurchNo hay nada más importante que construir iglesias orientadas al evangelismo, y quizás no haya mejor entrenador para ayudarte a maximizar el potencial redentor de tu iglesia como Kevin Harney. Insisto en que leas este libro. - Mark Mittelberg, co-autor, Becoming a Contagious Church
21 Ways to Forgive offers a seasoned pastor’s insights on the why and how of forgiveness. Biblical truth, practical advice, tools and techniques range from how to forgive when no one is asking for forgiveness to making forgiveness a feast.A sample of what you'll learn in this book: How to forgive when no one is asking forgivenessHow to get out of the "cistern of sadness"How to invest your pain in the "bank of heaven"How to avoid unforgiveness and bitterness in the first place
God's word never returns void. Before she was six years old, Cari Gintz found salvation in Christ, but childhood abuse, trauma sustained through legalistic religion, and an ongoing struggle with her sexual identity took a steep toll on her relationship with God. A wall of brokenness surrounded her life, encasing her within a fortress where depravity and darkness reigned. But even as Cari struggled through decades of pain and searching, a scarlet cord tethered her to God, leading to one miraculous moment that would collapse the walled fortress that kept her from realizing His full purpose for her life. Tracing her journey through darkness and back into the light of God's never-ceasing love, Cari's memoir showcases the redemptive power of the God who never lets his children go. Sensitively told, this story offers encouragement to those with family members or friends struggling with issues of sexual identity, by underscoring the power of divine possibility, the necessity of showing love to the broken, and the importance of relational, believing prayer.
Does fear of rejection hold you back from letting people see the real you? Are you tired of hiding? Gail Porter lived with this kind of fear during her childhood and most of her adult life. When God revealed her bondage to the power of fear, she was set free to come out of hiding and become who He'd created her to be. What she learned grew into a passion to help others experience the same freedom. Will the Real Person Please Stand Up? offers much-needed hope to those who long to be set free from the fear of rejection and become their authentic selves. In this life-changing book you will read Gail's own experiences, stories of real people, and input from those in the medical field. Gail walks you through the process of identifying and acknowledging what holds you captive so you can live in freedom rather than in fear. With God's help, you can walk out of your self-made prison, break strongholds, and taste the freedom that will allow you to become who God made you to be. Get ready to stand up and say, "This is the real me." "Gail teaches her readers how to embrace the present without encumbrances of the past. With practical, action-based steps, we learn to climb mountains with new determination and anticipate our futures with joy." Jeanne LeMay, author of Dear God I'm Desperate: Women Have Issues, God Has Answers.
After Infidelity and Domestic Abuse Severs a Marriage, One Woman Finds Purpose in Her Pain. At least 60 percent of married couples will experience infidelity in their marriages, according to Dr. Willard F. Harley Jr., a licensed psychologist in Minnesota. One woman who has personally experienced both infidelity and a subsequent divorce, but in that process found purpose in her pain, is Bekah T. Baker, mom, life coach, author, and speaker. In her new release Built to Break (Redemption Press), Baker candidly shares her tumultuous journey of escaping the pit of perfectionism and people pleasing to gaining freedom and taking ownership of her life all while managing the trauma she had endured from the decisions of her husband - Trauma that almost cost Baker her life. In this raw and redemptive story, Baker tells how she found absolute healing and peace in Christ after discovering she was in a deceptive and codependent marriage. She endured years of emotional abuse, manipulation and infidelity that took a toll on her mental and physical health. However, Baker says, "It's not about what my husband did to me. It's about what God did in me." "I'm broken. You're broken. We all are. That's the point." Baker says she realized, "Our authentic life begins the moment we embrace both our brokenness and our inability to fix it on our own. Only then can we be beautifully put back together so much better than before. Just like the Japanese art form of kitsukuroi, where gold is used to repair and showcase the cracks, now our flaws and broken places are proof of our healing - Shining scars filled with the gold of God's grace." The Northwest mother of four who is a voice and advocate for women facing difficult transitions says, "This is my story--the real, redemptive, heartbreaking, beautiful, shattering, painful, joyful story. Remember, our cracks are the proof of our journey. The gold is the proof of God's grace. We were Built to Break."
“I died twice and came back to tell about it.”Michele flirted with death for six years, trying to numb her pain following a sexual pervert’s attack. Attempting to protect herself, she allowed hatred of men to control her, and used mind control to manipulate others. Suffering with acute anorexia nervosa, she was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital at age twenty-three.She woke up in hell, a place of eternal damnation, horror, torment, and fire. Rescued by the Savior whose soft, gentle voice she had rejected, Michele was given a new chance at life and turned wholeheartedly to the Lord.When her body was completely paralyzed from an anaphylactic allergy attack as a young mother, she found life leaving her body once again. “This time,” she says, “I was ushered into the splendorous glory of Heaven—a place of almost indescribable light and love.”Sent back to tell her story, Michele Pulford warns others of the horrors of the kingdom of darkness, and tells them of the glory of true abundant life in God’s kingdom of light.This personal love story, as well as a story about death and eternal life, is both a warning and a promise, and ultimately an unforgettable account of the love of God that would not let a young woman go.Too many people, including many Christians, are totally unaware of the eternal dimension of life with a Heaven to gain and Hell to shun. I trust all those who read about her [Michele’s] journey will be motivated to live a life that would assure them of a place in Heaven. —Bill Hollis, CEO, marketplace minister
Author Garry White's instinctual desire to love and provide a home for disadvantaged youth has been denied again and again on the basis of what appears to be personal bias and an isolated episode of mental illness several years in the past. In My Quest to Be a Single Dad, Garry fights the social implication and double standard that single men are unfit to be parents. Anyone involved in social family services or potential adopters will be intrigued by this determined author's tale of continues rejection and social stigmas. Single adults hoping to adopt will also find valuable tips on the dos and don'ts of adoption, many of which Garry had to learn the hard way.
In the strange and wondrous land of Everlight, a battle rages . . .Five children learn a family secret that takes them into the land of Everlight—a strange and wondrous place of talking tigers, a dragon that must undo a terrible wrong, and one Theophilos Pott who helps the children not just read a story but be the story.Come along with Theophilos, an ageless bookstore owner, into his doorway to this mysterious land. Join thirteen-year-old Felicia, sisters Mallary and Sara, nine and eight; ten-year-old twins James and Jeremy; Samson the talking tiger, and Princess Gwyn, as they become a part of a battle far larger than themselves.As spreading darkness threatens to destroy the power of the Light, the children come to the aid of Princess Gwyn, learn to face difficulties with courage, the value of friendship, and how to live a life of purpose.Five children learn to listen with their hearts to truly see.
Forget About The Talk!Sexuality is a conversation that needs to start right now.Our sex-saturated Western culture communicates myriad ideas to young people that strongly contrast with a Christian worldview. We cannot leave our children and teens alone to navigate the ideas, images, and narratives that flood their devices and minds. It is crucial that parents and others who work with young people engage in meaningful conversations about sexuality . . . starting today!We Need to Talk helps parents establish an environment in which sexuality is openly discussed as part of normal, healthy Christian life. Written as a narrative, it is grounded in social science research and includes worksheets for readers to construct their own plans for creating this kind of environment. Learn: Strategies for parents to clarify their values on sexuality, then communicate them effectively to their children. What works well (or not) when parents try to discuss sexuality with their children. How relationships, honesty, an intentional program, and a redemptive message build an environment for ongoing, healthy conversations about sexuality. "This is important and difficult work, but it is holy work. If you are a parent, you were called specifically to this."
When a long-term illness left her bedridden with little to do but read, Billie Barrett's husband brought her a Bible to help pass the hours. As Billie read through the giant book, God spoke to her soul, drawing her to profess faith in Christ and, eventually, calling her and her family to the mission field.In the years that followed, Billie and her husband served locals as well as other missionaries in Africa and South America, and Incredible Journey is her autobiographical account of the people and places to which God sent the Barrett family.Through times of political unrest and danger, God protected Billie and her family, providing for their needs and enabling them to serve him on the front lines-and behind the scenes-of the war for human souls. Billie's inspiring true story assures readers that Jesus Christ is a seeker of lost sheep, God still interacts with his children, and the Holy Spirit remains as active today as in the days of the apostles.In a world full of chaos, this family's adventures on the mission field will encourage readers' faith, proving that Christ's interaction in and through a believer's life can result in the salvation of many.
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