Christian life and practice Books

Book SynopsisThe focal point of Pope Francis' Church is mercy: in the dialogue between human fragility and God's mercy the Church has to welcome and help everyone to find the 'good news' of Christian hope. As part of his revolutionary new vision for the Church, Francis calls on all believers to be 'full-time Christians' and not 'living-room Christians', and to struggle against the trappings of power, and the worship of money and careerism. Francis has spoken and written widely on these themes during his first year as Pope, and his thoughts are here collected for the first time, edited and abridged with full Vatican approval. The book is aimed at a broader readership, believers and non-believers, priests, religious, dedicated laypeople, and teachers.

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Book SynopsisA deeply personal series of reflections on struggles in life and ministry from this popular author

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Book SynopsisA personal and open account by a senior church leader of living with mental health issues, and how he has found a way to deal with them.Trade ReviewRead this book. It’s strong, safe, good and true. * Rachel Gardner, Director of National Work, Youthscape *Disarmingly honest, powerfully disruptive and reassuringly scriptural. Rob Merchant offers us all a rare and precious gift. * Dr Krish Kandiah, social entrepreneur, broadcaster and author *

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Book SynopsisThe UK's leading Christian feminist takes a closer look at twenty-five stories of women in the Bible, at how they responded to the crises they faced, and how they can act as models for today

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Book SynopsisDiscovering You is the teenage girl’s interactive guide to living a fabulous, fulfilling and faith-filled life from the multi-award winning platform Girl Got Faith, featuring Naomi Scott, Letitia Wright and Griff.Trade ReviewThis book is a beautiful accompaniment for any girl seeking to live an empowered life with Jesus at the centre. -- Rachel Gardner, author, speaker and Director of National Work, YouthscapeI believe that this book will be a welcome breath of fresh air for young women around the world who are on a journey to understand who they are. -- Lily-Jo, Founder of the Lily-Jo ProjectPractical, honest, life-giving, fun, relatable, encouraging, full of truth, real talk, real stories and real gals. Big fan of the activities too, I’m a sucker for activities. Ohhhh one more thing, I LOVE Emma’s notes throughout, feels like an older sister checking in to see how you’re taking it all in! I hope you love it just as much as I did - so brilliant! -- Ele Limebear, worship leader and songwriterWhat I love about this book and the author Emma is that Emma is so passionate about us knowing who we are in God. When we know who we are in God, we are limitless. -- Michelle Williams, music artist and mental health advocate

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Book SynopsisIn Candles in the Dark, Rowan Williams, one of the world's most widely respected spiritual leaders, offers comfort, hope and encouragement for the troubled times of coronavirus.Trade ReviewOne of today's most brilliant and profound thinkers. * Jonathan Sacks *Rowan Williams is one of the great theologians of our time. He is also an inspiring teacher whose godly wisdom helps us understand profound truths. * Nicky Gumbel *Rowan Williams writes with a gentle strength that witnesses to the joy to be found in being disciples of Jesus. * Kate Bottley *

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Book SynopsisThe beloved Pope Francis offers his prayers for the ten most pressing issues the world is facing today, inspiring action to radically unite humanity in hope for a just and peaceful future.Trade ReviewAfter ten years as Pope, Francis has made his clearest statement yet of precisely how we need to change as a civilisation. Very much an act of the 'teaching Church', this bold and practically relevant document does not hesitate to turn a prophetic eye on the Church herself. The vision is an uncompromising espousal of comprehensive nonviolence. In a world which seems every day rougher and more caustic, such a call will seem hopelessly idealistic, even dangerously foolish. And yet, Francis is surely correct to identify so many aspects of our current predicament and to spell out that 'the choice today is either nonviolence or nonexistence.' -- Fr Damian Howard SJ, Provincial of the Jesuits in BritainPope Francis addresses ten major issues of our age, connecting them and placing them in prayer. He presents facts and reasoning, outlining the dreadful injustices being done to people, the damage being done to our common home and the failure to have a global vision for repair and prosperity. As always, he has well-reasoned suggestions and he ends with resolute hope. Pope Francis is a prophet for our times. -- Rt Revd John Arnold, Bishop of Salford

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Book SynopsisThe Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Book for 2024Trade ReviewTarry Awhile . . . is one of the most profound and beautifully written Lent books that I have ever read. -- Church TimesIn this wonderful, insightful book, Dr Selina Stone draws on the tradition of ‘tarrying’, staying with the Lord, bringing the wisdom of Black spirituality to bear on our individual and collective waitings on Christ. What tarrying does, as Selina makes clear, is open the possibility for genuine encounter, with God and between ourselves. -- Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, from the Foreword'This is a feast of theological wisdom, scriptural reflection, and pastoral insight. Dr Stone achieves a rare and delicate balance between calling us to action and counselling us to rest, between the energising and the restorative, between challenge and comfort. It is a book to savour!' -- Professor Mike Higton, Department of Theology and Ministry, University of Durham'A thought-provoking and deeply satisfying read, Tarry Awhile is a much-needed addition to modern literature on spirituality. As a book that encourages us to contemplate God's perspective from a unique standpoint, it offers a beautiful insight into the significance of approaching Lenten hope with a fresh perspective. It reminds us of our collective need to reflect and marvel together.' -- The Revd Canon Dr Sharon Prentis, Deputy Director of the Racial Justice Unit'Tarry Awhile is a rare book which draws on a depth of wisdom and experience to revive, refresh, and reinvigorate the soul. It’s a balm for the marginalised and all those who struggle for the right to tarry. Time spent with this book leads the reader to reflect on their own time spent with God and the call to make space for others to enjoy such sacred time. When you get to the end of the journey on which this book invites you, you realise you’ve not been tarrying alone.' -- Fr Simon Cuff, Vicar, St Peter de Beauvoir Town, London'Dr Selina Stone's latest contribution is brilliant in how it weaves together precious stories of Black life and deep theological reflection. Her writing is moving, but also educational, no doubt a rich resource for wide readership.' -- The Revd Dr Carlton John Turner, Anglican Tutor in Contextual Theology and Mission Studies at the Queens Foundation Birmingham

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Book SynopsisA ROAD MAP TO FINDING THE JOY YOU’VE LOST The longing for joy is one of the deepest yearnings of the human heart. After times of trial—including the pandemic, economic turmoil, wars and rumors of war, and grief— our desire rises to the surface demanding relief. We’ve had to rally. Yet at some point, we have to replenish our soul’s reserves or we will burn out.In this Resilient study series, John Eldredge provides the awareness and skills you need to strengthen your weary soul. Drawing on wisdom from Scripture, Christian tradition, and practical experiences, Resilient offers powerful supernatural graces to sustain you through these trying times as well as prepare you for future storms. Resilient leads you to the peace only God can give in a world gone mad—and helps you receive from Jesus the strength that prevails.This study guide includes:

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Book SynopsisLiving God’s Word is your pathway to read the Bible as it was meant to be read: as God’s Great Story. Authors J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays invite readers to see how their faith journey relates to the big picture of the Scriptures as they explore the entire Bible through broad themes that trace the progression of God's redemptive plan.

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Book SynopsisFootprints: An Interactive Journey Through One of the Most Beloved Poems of All Time explores each line of Margaret Fishback Powers’ timeless poem that highlights the ways God cares for people who are hurting or lonely. Now with a repackaged four-color design and new journaling and list prompts, the poem that has touched so many lives is available for a new generation of readers.Inside this new edition you’ll find: a feature spread containing the entire “Footprints” poem by Margaret Fishback Powers reflective journaling prompts breaking down each section of the poem, along with corresponding Scripture verses, which invite readers to interact with the text as they write about their own journey list of prompts throughout the book inviting readers to record their dreams, prayers, life decisions, and more gorgeous artwork and beautifully designed Scripture pages

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Book Synopsis60 Devotions Inspired by Women of the Bible will help you reflect not only on the meaning of each character’s life but on how they relate to one another and us. This 60-day devotional will guide readers by diving into the story of a character in the Bible and reflecting on the felt need that is still applicable to women today.

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Book SynopsisThis special edition, two-in-one book and devotional from bestselling author Gary Thomas helps you see your marriage as much more than a union between you and your spouse. From the love you share to the forgiveness you both offer and seek by turn, Thomas shows you how your marriage---divine or difficult---can become a doorway to a closer walk with God.

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Book SynopsisWhen all seems lost, where can you find hope?Katherine and Jay Wolf married right after college and sought adventure far from home in Los Angeles, CA. As they pursued their dreams--she as a model and he as a lawyer--they planted their lives in the city and their church community. Their son, James, came along unexpectedly in the fall of 2007, and just six months later, everything changed in a moment for this young family.On April 21, 2008, as James slept in the other room, Katherine collapsed, suffering a massive brain stem stroke without warning. Miraculously, Jay came home in time and called for help. Katherine was immediately rushed into brain surgery, though her chance of survival was slim. As the sun rose the next morning, the surgeon proclaimed that Katherine had survived the removal of part of her brain, though her future recovery was uncertain. Yet in that moment, there was a spark of hope. Through forty days on life support in the ICU and nearl

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Book SynopsisBestselling authors and trusted relationship experts Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott help you strengthen and enhance your unique marriage with the perfect companion to your SYMBIS+ Assessment Report. The SYMBIS+ Assessment is a powerful and personalized marriage insight tool that covers seventeen key areas in your marriage, including wellbeing, social support, finances, personality, sex, communication, conflict, spirituality, time styles, and more.Whether you are debriefing your SYMBIS+ Report one-on-one with your certified Facilitator or in a small group or class, this guidebook is an ideal companion to SYMBIS+. Each chapter perfectly correlates to a page of your personal report--and gives you fun and practical steps toward making a bad marriage better or a good marriage great.Chock-full of real-life action steps, no-guilt exercises, and engaging discussion starters, this book will show you how to:Utilize the strengths yo

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Book SynopsisDesiree Hartsock was single, broke, and looking for love when she was offered the starring role on The Bachelorette, and she thought that she was getting everything she wanted. Now Desiree tells all in this honest reveal about the off-camera experience of the show, and her comeback journey to finding real love through it all.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, renowned psychologist Dr. Dan Allender and counselor Cathy Loerzel present a biblically trustworthy and transformational method for healing from painful memories and emotional trauma, stepping into true freedom, and discovering that your wounds are unlikely guides to inner strength and joy.

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Book SynopsisAn Enneagram book like no other, How We Relate helps you discover how God speaks into your unique personality and life story to make the gospel come alive for you.In How We Relate, Enneagram coach and host of The EnneaCast podcast Jesse Eubanks invites you to discover who you are. In this illustrated guide, he expertly utilizes the Enneagram to lead you to the heart of Jesus, where you will find the wholeness you long for.As you peel back the layers of your False Self, encounter Jesus, and experience the redemption of your True Self, you will discover how to: Understand your personality and the personalities of others Explore your distinct approach to relationships Discover how Jesus empathizes with and heals your unique core wound Interpret the Enneagram through the gospel story Experience more meaningful relationships with God, others, and yourself  

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Book SynopsisRaising Amazing combines years of research with personal stories and step-by-step, practical advice to equip you to raise kids of godly character and deep faith who love their parents and remain close to their siblings for a lifetime.Parents love to imagine their children growing up to be exceptional adults. But for many, raising exceptional adults seems a daunting task. Perhaps you''re a new parent and don''t know where to start, or maybe you''re a parent of teens and feel like you''ve made a mess of it all. Or perhaps you''re somewhere in between and just don''t think you''re good at the whole parenting thing.Wherever you are in your parenting journey, there''s hope for you. As a mom of four boys, Monica Swanson--also the author of Boy Mom and host of the popular Boy Mom podcast--knows firsthand the challenges and struggles of parenting and the kindTrade ReviewFew things are as challenging or rewarding as parenting. If you're like me, you'll take all the help you can get. This book will help you, challenge you, and inspire you. Mark Batterson, New York Times bestselling author of The Circle Maker, lead pastor of National Community ChurchFull of refreshing perspective and practical help for every parent, Raising Amazing will give you a vision for the family you long for. Ruth Chou Simons, mom to six boys, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and founder of gracelaced.comJust reading the title makes this mama of seven raise her hand and say, 'Sign me up for that!' Monica's gracious way of explaining God's truth for our families without pushing a formula for having perfect kids is refreshing, honest, and real. This book is a great reminder of my role as a parent and God's role as the ruler of all things...and thank the Lord for that! Kirsten Watson, author of Sis, Take a Breath, executive editor of MomLife TodayMonica Swanson walks her talk--and her kids are walking, talking testimonies that these parenting principles work! If what you've been doing isn't working, Raising Amazing offers biblical help that you can put into practice immediately. Monica's inspiring wisdom and actionable takeaways will equip you with everything you need to raise an amazing family who loves God and each other. Raising Amazing is...well...amazing! Wendy Speake, coauthor of Triggers: Exchanging Parents' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses, host of The 40-Day Sugar FastRaising Amazing is one of the best parenting books I've read. It's Jesus-centric, fun, and uberpractical. One of this book's dozens of practices can change your life. But Monica makes it easy to adopt many of them! Jordan Raynor, bestselling author of The Creator in You and Redeeming Your TimeRaising Amazing is the best book for practical godly wisdom on how to raise children the way God wants us to. Monica nailed it! I cheered in my heart while reading the book from cover to cover and cried when I finished it. A mandatory must-read if you have children! Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright, coauthor of Jesus FollowersRaising Amazing might feel like an intimidating title. Maybe you feel like you are barely raising, let alone raising amazing. Trust me, as a mom of five boys who range from six to twenty-six, I get it. But here's the good news: Monica doesn't define 'amazing' as something you must produce in your kids. Rather, 'amazing' is all about parenting on a foundation of God's amazing grace. Our children's choices are between them and the Lord, but Monica shows us how we can partner with the Holy Spirit to plant seeds that, God willing, will produce amazing fruit. Jeannie Cunnion, author of Mom Set Free and Don't Miss OutRarely do I encounter a parenting book that is both inspirational and practical. This is it! Monica is the 'mentor mom' we're all looking for, and she has generously shared her insights with us on these pages. Her wisdom springs from her personal experience as a mom of four boys, current research, and most of all, her deep and long-standing friendship with Jesus. I am grateful for Monica's gracious and countercultural voice, and I know you will be too! Nicole Zasowski, licensed marriage and family therapist, author of What If It's Wonderful?Today's kids are shaped by a thousand voices and influences--and for parents, this means our voice and our influence has gained unprecedented importance. Rather than shy away from this call, it's time to step up, and through Monica Swanson, you have a wise and winsome friend to propel that journey. Kari Kampakis, bestselling author of Love Her Well and More Than a Mom, host of the Girl Mom podcastWe all need guides, especially in parenting, and Monica is an incredible guide to raising a family that loves each other because they love God first. This book deserves the name--it's a truly amazing resource for parents who want to follow Jesus as they raise their kids. Justin Whitmel Earley, lawyer, speaker, and author of Habits of the Household

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Book SynopsisDietitian and nutrition therapist Leslie Schilling wants to help you free yourself from a diet-obsessed culture and live out your purpose, which isn't counting calories, reaching goal weights, or hating your body. Feed Yourself teaches you to see diet culture for its lies so you can reclaim trust in your divine design and care for your unique body.Trade ReviewFeed Yourself is an incredible resource for anyone ready to renounce the religion of endlessly seeking to make their bodies, needs, and appetites smaller. This book will enlighten you and challenge you, in the best way possible, and it has the power to change you as well. Feed Yourself is a gift that feels like a tight hug from its author, Leslie Schilling, and one I will recommend highly to Christian clients and colleagues alike. Anna Sweeney, MS, RD, LDN, CEDS-S, owner of Whole Life Nutrition CounselingAt a moment when entirely too many voices and images keep telling us what we should look like and aspire to, Leslie Schilling pierces through the noise and reminds us of what matters most. Oh, how I wish twenty-one-year-old Candice could have read this, but how grateful I am that Feed Yourself is in the world today! Candice Marie Benbow, author of Red Lip TheologyFeed Yourself is a deep dive into diet culture from a Christian perspective. It's not a book you forget about moments after reading it; it's a step-by-step, practical guide to gentle self-care that honors our bodies exactly as they are right now. If you know you want to move away from diet culture and need a faith-based place to start, this is it. Megan McNamee, MPH, RDN, co-owner of Feeding Littles and co-author of New York Times bestseller Feeding Littles and BeyondIn Feed Yourself, Leslie Schilling writes from the heart with wisdom, kindness and grace. The book's two parts allow the reader to fully comprehend the destructive impact of diet culture and then to create a path to healing and to the embracing of a peaceful relationship with food and body. Leslie's professional experience and connection to higher power and divine wisdom create a magical touch that is so vital for unlocking the oppression of diet culture, freeing the reader to take the journey to peace and real health. Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, MD, fellow at the Academy for Eating Disorders and founder, of Galen Hope and Within HealthLeslie Schilling has gifted us with a wise and beautiful book that teaches cutting-edge concepts about rejecting diet culture and replacing them with compassionate, scientifically sound alternatives that honor weight inclusivity, all of which is delivered through a loving and honest Christian lens. Every Christian who is interested in true health and well-being for themselves, their family members, and their communities should read this book. Jennifer L. Gaudiani, MD, CEDS-S, FAED, founder and medical director, Gaudiani Clinic, and author of Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating DisordersOne of the first steps toward living a life full of wellness is to confront shame and guilt with grace and the truth that we are liberated through God's unconditional love. Leslie Schilling reminds us that grace must accompany us on our journey toward healing our relationship with food and our bodies. Dr. Terence Lester, founder of Love Beyond Walls and author of All God's Children and I See YouWhat a compassionate and pastoral book! As Leslie Schilling dismantles the lies of diet culture in our world and in our churches, she also teaches us God's good plan for nourishment, embodiment, and even joy in our particular bodies. If you've experienced the damaging oppression of diet culture at the intersection of spirituality, this book is a healing must-read. Sarah Bessey, author of New York Times bestsellers A Rhythm of Prayer and Jesus FeministWith warmth and honesty, Leslie Schilling guides the reader away from the 'enemy' of diet culture and toward the understanding that their body has never deserved the shame and hatred imposed upon it. This book will be particularly meaningful for readers who have experienced food and body shame in the context of a faith-based community, which should have been a safe space in which all bodies can peacefully exist. By helping you reject harmful messaging and tune in to your inner voice, this book will help you reclaim a full, rich, and spiritual relationship with your body. Paula Freedman, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist, HumanKind Psychological Services

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Book SynopsisAm I getting parenting right? Most parents, at any and every stage, find themselves asking this question.Whether you''re sleep deprived with a colicky newborn or navigating the emotional roller coaster of a teenager, parenting has its ups and downs, its confusion and clarity, its big blowups and small victories. And no matter our family makeup or our children''s personalities, many of us experience anxiety over our children''s futures and often fear making a mistake.Andy and Sandra Stanley are no strangers to this feeling. As parents of three grown children and cofounders of North Point Ministries, they are seasoned experts on faith and parenting. Together they have spent decades counseling countless families, mentoring others, and learning from mentors of their own, all while leading one of the largest churches in the country.In Parenting: Getting It Right, Andy and Sandra combine their

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Book SynopsisYou can''t make the world fair, but you can take back your power. As a woman in Silicon Valley who worked her way to the top of the corporate ladder--she''s a former VP at Facebook and the current president and CEO of Ancestry--Deborah Liu knows firsthand the challenges and obstacles in the workplace that keep the deck stacked against women in the workplace . . . and the ways to overcome them.For every woman who grew up competing on the uneven playing field, who is told she is too aggressive, assertive, dramatic, or emotional, this book is the battle cry you need to learn to thrive within the system that exists today, even if it''s not the one we wish it were.Take Back Your Power presents both hard data and Liu''s personal experiences from twenty years as a woman leader in the male-dominated tech industry to help you:Find your voice, learn how to ask, and achieve what you want in a system that isn''t fair and wasn''t created

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Book SynopsisEven if you''re walking through a difficult season or feeling overwhelmed with the chaos of life, you can build a peace-filled resilience that equips you with strength for today--and for every day ahead.Life is hard for all kinds of reasons. It''s tempting to try to move past the pain as quickly as possible. Instead, what if we embraced our struggles to develop the strength of resilience not dependent on circumstances?Writing as a friend who has also walked through difficult times, Rebekah Lyons--the bestselling author of Rhythms of Renewal and the popular host of the Rhythms for Life podcast--reminds us of adversity that always comes with a choice: will discouragement, stress, and fear cause you to crumble, or will you embrace the strength you''ve already been given?In Building a Resilient Life, Rebekah offers five practical, life-changing rules that help you live into God''s unshakable peace

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Book SynopsisThe Sunshine Mind is your guide to finding hope and joy in every day and embracing the beautiful person God made you to be.As modern women living and working in LA, Tanya Rad and Raquelle Stevens know what it''s like to feel overwhelmed by trying to keep up, develop real relationships, pursue life passions, and hear from God at the same time.Real, honest, and shared from personal experience, Tanya and Raquelle wrote The Sunshine Mind with today''s woman on their hearts. Each of the 100 inspiring readings offers faith, hope, strength, and peace to encourage you to become the beautiful person God made you to be.Through short encouraging readings on how to become less obsessed with perfection, seek validation from God rather than others, see negative circumstances as new opportunities, and more, you''ll learn to . . .Respond with faith to the stress and anxiety that life brings

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Book SynopsisDo you often ask the question What is my purpose in life? Rich with black-and-white photography, powerful stories, and life-changing reflections from the book of Ecclesiastes, We Go On, by pastor and entrepreneur John Onwuchekwa calls you to find the true answer to the question: Why am I here? In a world that encourages us to find meaning in temporary things, we long to know that who we are makes a difference after we''re gone. This hope-filled exploration of this biblical book of wisdom turns our attention to what our true purpose is and how to let that purpose shape our relationships, career, and life choices. Along with biblical insights, John Onwuchekwa weaves together meaningful challenges that even from difficult beginnings, we can continue to trust God''s path.In this book, you''ll discover a more meaningful, fulfilling life as you explore themes such as:work, wealth,

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Book SynopsisNew York Times bestselling author Shauna Niequist invites you on a 365-day journey to soak up the goodness all around you and notice the divine in the daily---whether that's a hug, a tomato sandwich, a quiet moment, or a text from a loved one.

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Book SynopsisThe Church by its very nature is called to be hope filled and future orientated it exists as a sign, instrument and foretaste of the coming Kingdom of God. Christian leadership, therefore, is at heart all about eschatological influence. Engaging with the work of influential theological voices such as Lesslie Newbigin, Tom Wright and Martyn Percy, Hopeful Influence argues that it is in the process of helping others to see, participate in or experience the world to come that Christian leadership becomes manifest. With contributions from influential leaders in different spheres of life, including Dr Eve Poole, Stephen Timms, MP, along with theologian and activist Selina Stone, Jude Padfield explores how this eschatatologically-fuelled vision might lead us towards a new manifesto for future leadership in the church, in politics, in business and the third sector, and in the home. With foreword from Paul Bayes, Bishop of Liverpool.Table of ContentsForeword ix Introduction xi Part One – Is There Hope for Leadership? 1 1. Pain 3 2. Confusion 25 3. Hope 43 Part Two – What is Hopeful Influence? 73 4. Movement 75 5. Renewal 96 6. Clarity 132 Part Three – How Might a Manifesto of Hopeful Influence Develop? 157 7. Church 159 8. Politics 177 9. Business 190 10. Third Sector 206 11. Next Generation 222 Epilogue 238 Index of Bible References 241

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Book SynopsisShould women who preach, preach as women? Preaching Women argues that far from being a gender-neutral space, the pulpit is a critical place in which a gender imbalance can begin to be redressed. There is a vital need for women preachers to speak out of their experience of living as women in today's culture and churchFilling a glaring gap in the literature around homiletics,Filling a glaring gap in the literature around homiletics,Preaching Women considers reasons why women preachers should preach from their experiences as women, what women bring to preaching that is missing without us, and how women preachers can go about the task of biblical preaching.With a foreword by Libby Lane.Trade Review'Not least among Liz Shercliff’s achievements in this fine book on preaching is to be reminded that ‘vocation’ and ‘voice’ are rooted in living bodies responding to God’s call. What I found especially impressive is Shercliff's patient, determined and gritty interrogation of the patriarchal effects which work to limit women’s voices in the pulpit and her determination to re-envision the preacher’s work in response. This, then, is not a comfortable book. However, it is a necessary one. It acknowledges the cost and character required for women to find, in their bodies and stories, the hope, fierceness and passion to sing God’s wondrous story in fresh ways.' -- Rachel Mann'Fast-paced, forthright and spirited, this book is a page-turner! Liz Shercliff draws on her own considerable experience of preaching and wide-ranging research and reading in biblical hermeneutics, feminist theology, spirituality and faith development to protest women’s invisibility in much Christian preaching and to show what it can mean to bring women’s bodies, stories and lives into conversation with Christian faith. Novice and experienced preachers alike will find much here to stimulate and challenge their preaching.' -- Nicola SleeTable of ContentsForeword by Libby Lane vii Introduction xv 1. What is Preaching? 1 2. Finding My Voice 16 3. Silencing Women: A Silencing Culture 41 4. Hearing Women’s Faith 76 5. Hearing Bible Women 106 6. Sermons for Women 129 7. Preaching as a Woman 152 8. Preaching Women 166 Bibliography 169 Index of Names and Subjects 175

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Book SynopsisWhat's the secret to the revival of the church? The spiritual restoration of the United Kingdom? How can you renew your own relationship with God? The answer to all three is - prayer.

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Book Synopsis''If someone asked me, Joyce, if you could make only one comment about prayer, what would it be? I would have to respond by talking about its simplicity. It is so much easier than we think.'' Somehow we have convinced ourselves that prayer is dry and difficult; we have invented religious ''systems'' for prayer that place it out of reach for many of us. But THE POWER OF SIMPLE PRAYER shows us that God desires our prayer lives to be enjoyable and as natural as breathing. Joyce Meyer''s life-transforming new book: Answers the most basic questions we are sometimes afraid to ask: what is prayer and how do we do it? Offers you the key to a more powerful, effective prayer life Helps you decide when it is and when it is not right to pray Identifies ''Fourteen Hindrances to Answered Prayer''

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Book SynopsisLIFE WITH GOD is Richard Foster''s first major new work for nearly a decade and is of similar magnitude to his classics: PRAYER, CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE and STREAMS OF LIVING WATER.The starting point of LIFE WITH GOD is that so many of us want to make the Bible the foundation of our way of life, but struggle to make sense of this huge, apparently disjointed book. Why is that Christians try so hard to place the Bible at the centre of their lives, but in reality get very little from it in terms of genuine life-transforming practice?Richard Foster believes that it is because we fail to grasp the overriding coherent message of the Bible - that all of Scripture is unified around the theme of living a vibrant and dynamic life with God. Breaking up history into fifteen epochs that reveal the unfolding of God''s plan for seeking out a relationship with us, Foster sees the Bible as ''the loving heart of God made visible and plain.''Readers will discover a whole new way to read ScriTrade ReviewThis is a book that successfully unpacks the ingredients of a balanced approach to devotional Bible reading ... Lectio Divina [is] explained and enthusiastically endorsed * Church Times *

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Book Synopsis''I encourage you today to fan the flame inside of you. Fan it until it burns brightly. Never give up on the greatness for which you were created. Realize that your hunger for adventure is God-given; wanting to try something new is a wonderful desire; embracing life and aiming high is what you were made for. ''NEVER GIVE UP is classic Joyce Meyer: empowering, motivational, understanding and human. Drawing on the examples of other people who never gave up, Joyce writes on: Never Give Up On Yourself, Never Give Up On The Future, Never Give Up When Success Does Not Come Easily, Never Give Up Hope and The Rewards Of Never Giving Up.

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Book SynopsisWhen the phenomenal success of GOD''S SMUGGLER made it too dangerous for his contacts in the underground church, Brother Andrew decided he could not return to Eastern Europe. He quietly turned his attention the the Middle East, and for the last thirty-five years he has been serving the Christian Church there, as well as witnessing to Jews and Muslims.His impassioned message is that there is a radical Christian approach to the stalemate of Middle East conflict. Only the gospel of love has the answer, and Christians are called to allow God to use them to demonstrate the example of Jesus.Now available with a fantastic new look to coincide with the B format edition of Brother Andrew''s bestselling SECRET BELIEVERS, LIGHT FORCE brings Brother Andrew''s story right up to date. It is every bit as exciting as GOD''S SMUGGLER, as Andrew has put his life on the line time and again in God''s service.Trade ReviewThe first book I ever read was God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew. The impact of that book remains with me today. I'm sure that Light Force will have the same impact on many. An incredible story that teaches us much about love & faith, boldness and compassion. * Mike Pilavachi *'It is imperative that Christians in the West seek understanding of the crisis in the Middle East. This amazing book explains and illustrates like no other the conflict - political and spiritual - and its devastating effect on human lives.'Steve Chalke MBEFounder Oasis Global & Faithworks * Steve Chalke MBE *'Brother Andrew courageously stirs up the demoralised churches and Christian leaders caught up in the maelstrom, and dialogues with top representatives of the PLO and Hamas terrorist organisations, seeking to place Bibles in their hands and the true Gospel in their hearts. The result is a uniquely personal, moving, and provocative account of the ugly rise of militant Islam, suicide bombers, and the implacable hatred and fear on all sides of the conflict. * Greg Haslam *

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Book SynopsisThere are those who go to gay bars and salsa clubs with rosaries in their pockets, and who make camp chapels of their living rooms. Others enter churches with love letters hidden in their bags, because their need for God and their need for love refuse to fit into different compartments. But what goodness and righteousness can prevail if you are in love with someone whom you are ecclesiastically not supposed to love? Where is God in a salsa bar?The Queer God introduces a new theology from the margins of sexual deviance and economic exclusion. Its chapters on Bisexual Theology, Sadean holiness, gay worship in Brazil and Queer sainthood mark the search for a different face of God - the Queer God who challenges the oppressive powers of heterosexual orthodoxy, whiteness and global capitalism. Inspired by the transgressive spaces of Latin American spirituality, where the experiences of slum children merge with Queer interpretations of grace and holiness, The Queer God seeks to liberate God from the closet of traditional Christian thought, and to embrace God's part in the lives of gays, lesbians and the poor.Only a theology that dares to be radical can show us the presence of God in our times. The Queer God creates a concept of holiness that overcomes sexual and colonial prejudices and shows how Queer Theology is ultimately the search for God's own deliverance. Using Liberation Theology and Queer Theory, it exposes the sexual roots that underlie all theology, and takes the search for God to new depths of social and sexual exclusion.Trade Review'This is a provocative book ... there is a tremendous energy, a delight, an exuberance.' - Dr. Kevin Ward, Church Times'Althaus-Reid's reinterpretation of the eros of the Trinity is particularly compelling ... This is an important book.' - The Expository Times'This is an important book. It is also a witty, poetic and disreputable text with bodily imaginings and 'pluralfidelity' that many will find disturbing ... but I recommend it for preachers, theologians and teachers who dare to take a walk on the wild side.' - The Expository TimesTable of ContentsIntroduction Part I: Queering theology 1. Kneeling, deviant theologians 2. Queering hermeneutics 3. Queering God in relationships: Trinitarians and God the orgy 4. Libertine disclosures 5. Permutations 6. The economy of God's exchange rate mechanism Part II: Queer promiscuities 7. Popular anti-theologies of love 8. Demonology: Embodying rebellious spirits 9. Queer holiness: Postcolonial revelations

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisBestselling author Stormie Omartian encourages readers to embrace a rich, active prayer life in The Power of Praying (more than 125,000 copies sold)now in trade version. This gathering of Stormie's reflections, prayers, and devotions addresses topics relevant to a woman's life, including family and marriage, priorities, God's will, and more. Rerelease in trade with new cover.

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Book SynopsisWhen a husband or wife prays for their spouse, both receive the blessing. Their marriage is strengthened, their commitment renewed, and difficult places made smooth. These powerful prayers come from The Power of a Praying® Wife, The Power of a Praying® Husband, and The Power of Prayer™ to Change Your Marriage.Trade Review“This is a wonderfully rich volume of prayers. Stormie covers so much ground in this book, one finds oneself thinking, ‘Yes, this is what I would want to pray, how did she know that?’“A wonderful bonus is the correlating scripture on every page. Stormie looks at our relationships in a realistic and practical way, yet it is always carried in grace. She is always a supremely encouraging author. I recommend this book to all couples.”—Katie Stewart

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Book SynopsisStormie Omartian inspires readers to open their lives to the prayer that changes everything—the prayer of praise to God. Personal stories, biblical truths, and study questions help readers put what they learn into practice. This bestselling look at prayer and worship has a fresh cover for a new audience.

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