Christian life and practice Books

Book Synopsis 52 essential Etiquette Lessons for children are included in this beautifully illustrated 62-page paperback edition of A Minute with Molly. A FREE and downloadable Parent/Educator guide covering all 52 lesssons is available with every purchase.   Kids love learning with Molly and this full-color, family-friendly, fun (and effective) book -- and FREE downloadable Educator Guide.  A Minute with Molly includes essential ettiquette that every child should know.     The need for civility, manners, and kindness has never been more apparent across all levels of our society–from individuals and families, to schools, political parties, and even our governments. But just like a small rudder can change the direction of a huge ship, the simple yet profound lessons in A MINUTE WITH MOLLY – along with your efforts to teach them – can chart a new course of civility, manners, and kindness for our children and for generations to come.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisOver 2 Million Sold in Series!Beginning With Christ, designed for new believers, provides a format for telling others about salvation and the Christian life. Topics include assurance of salvation, answered prayer, victory over sin, forgiveness, and guidance. Includes Scripture memory cards.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis"Socialists Don't Sleep is one of those timely books that just points out the roots of what's gone wrong in America, how we can get our country back on track to what founders envisioned and the Judeo-Christian community that holds the key to America's long-term successes." — Gov. Mike Huckabee, New York Times Bestselling author & Host of HuckabeeSocialists Don't Sleep: Christians Must Rise or America Will Fall is about all the sneaky ways the secular left has pressed Socialism into American politics and life – AND WHY CHRISTIANS ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO CAN STOP IT!Socialists Don't Sleep tells how America has gone from a country of rights coming from God – NOT government – to a country that embraces Socialism – where the US government is now expected to pretty much provide from cradle to the grave. Cheryl K. Chumley, an award-winning journalist and contributing editor to The Washington Times, explains how to return the country to its glory days of God-given, and why Christians, more than any other group, are best equipped to lead the way.“Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — when it comes to socialism in America, these two aren't the problem. Per se. They're simply symptoms of the real problems that usher in Socialism: a dysfunctional entitlement-minded society, a propaganda-pushing school system, a decayed culture, a sieve-like border. As Cheryl Chumley points out in Socialists Don't Sleep, we can't root out socialism unless we first address the real problems.” — Michael Savage, New York Times Bestselling author & host of The Savage NationTrade ReviewPraise for Socialists Don't Sleep: Christians Must Rise or America Will Fall by Cheryl K. Chumley "Socialists Don't Sleep is one of those timely books that just points out the roots of what's gone wrong in America, how we can get our country back on track to what founders envisioned and the Judeo-Christian community that holds the key to America's long-term successes." — Gov. Mike Huckabee, New York Times Bestselling author & Host of Huckabee “Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — when it comes to socialism in America, these two aren't the problem. Per se. They're simply symptoms of the real problems that usher in Socialism: a dysfunctional entitlement-minded society, a propaganda-pushing school system, a decayed culture, a sieve-like border. As Cheryl Chumley points out in Socialists Don't Sleep, we can't root out socialism unless we first address the real problems.” — Michael Savage, New York Times Bestselling author & host of The Savage Nation “What is it about the founding principles of America that the secular progressive left would make better? The answer is: Nothing. In her new book, Cheryl Chumley reminds us of those principles and calls on those who still believe in them to engage the failed policies and ideology of Socialism and atheism and to fight back.” — Cal Thomas, Nationally-syndicated Conservative Columnist “If you think socialism will inevitably lose at the polls, think again! As Cheryl shows in Socialists Don't Sleep, the far Left — in both political parties — has been eroding our freedoms for decades. The long-term solution must come from the Judeo-Christian community. If the churches don't rise, America is sunk.” — Sam & Kevin Sorbo, Writer-Producer-Director Team for Let There Be Light “An important book that shows just how close our country is from losing its freedoms — and why the younger generations need to learn truthful history about capitalism, freedom, and socialism.” — Will Witt, PragerU Personality “Socialists Don’t Sleep exposes the flawed thinking of the socialist left.” — Phil Robertson, New York Times Bestselling author & Star of Duck Dynasty "Cheryl Chumley’s book, Socialists Don’t Sleep: Why Christians Must Rise, Or America Will Fall, is a masterpiece. Unlike most politicians and academicians, she keenly understands the true greatness of America, and unequivocally sounds an alarm of caution if our nation continues down its current path of blindness toward our founding principles and values. There are few books that I believe should be read by everyone, this is one of them. The message Chumley lays forth is clear, profound, disturbing, and hopeful. It’s time for America to have a reality check, a deep, soul-searching reality check. This is a great place to start." — Representative Jody B. Hice, R-GATable of ContentsSocialists Don't Sleep: Christians Must Rise or America Will Fall Table of Contents 1. Why America is GREAT in the first place America was founded on a principle that rights come from God, not government. And this, simply put, is what makes us great. Atheists, secularists, humanists, progressives, the far left, socialists and the like would have it believed otherwise; they scoff at any notion that framers and founders would want any mention or influence of God at all in the public arena. But fact is: Take God out of America’s society, and first the culture, then the politics, fall. The concept that “we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights” isn’t just a guarantee – it’s a responsibility. If we want America the free to stay free, then we have to make sure government doesn’t grow so big as to supplant God and squelch our individual rights. This chapter looks at some of the key principles that make America great in the first place, including the bedrock idea of individual rights coming from God, not government, and makes the case that without this core idea, without preserving the principle of the God-given, not the government granted, the country will crumble from within – America the Free, America the Great, will exist no more. 2. What’s Happened to the Democrats? Once upon a time, Democrats used to stand for the little guy, the oppressed woman, the blue-collar worker, the union member – or did they? This chapter looks at the morphing of the Democrat Party through the years, from one of an “ask not what you your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country” kind of attitude, to one of becoming the protector of the illegal immigrant, the voice of the abortion-on-demand crowd. This chapter also separates the truths from fiction, and shows how some misconceptions over the years about what this party has actually represented have hardened into rather ridiculous beliefs. (Democrats, for instance, have been able to lay claim to being the party of minorities despite the fact that in 1964, a greater percentage of Republicans than Democrats voted for the Civil Rights Act – despite the fact the Democrat Sen. Robert Byrd, a former Ku Klux Klan leader, filibustered the measure for more than 14 hours). Regardless, the lurch left of the Democrat Party in the most recent years has not only divided the party and set the stage for in-fighting for years to come, but also ushered in a brash brand of “democrat” politics that is nothing like the Democrats of John F. Kennedy days. The overall effect to the nation has been dramatic as its portrayed conservativism as radicals, shifted moderate Democrats to the side and seemingly embraced the most socialistic of ideas as practical. As the country moves ever farther left, another question looms: Can today’s Democrats simultaneously serve both party and God? This is a grave matter of importance that goes to the ability of our nation to keep its republic – to preserve this form of government that demands a virtuous and principled people. This chapter challenges the reader to take a hard look at the party, its platforms and politics, its rhetoric and leanings – and decide. 3. Republicans Have Some Explaining to Do, Too It’s not as if an Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sprung into socialist being in the House overnight. Or, a self-declared Democratic-Socialist like Sen. Bernie Sanders, for that matter. For decades, a committed, well-funded, organized and determined left has been pressing forward an agenda that, as President Donald Trump might say, puts America second, not first. But while Democrats have walked rather rapidly in recent years down the path toward socialism, Republicans haven’t exactly been keepers of the freedom flame. Plenty of Republicans protecting their big business interests and payrolls and profits have gone silent when it comes to clamping the borders, or arresting illegals at work, or fining companies that hire illegals. Too many Republicans have turned blind eyes and deaf ears on the encroaching Big Government designs, and put personal finances or private interests before those of the people. One way to look at it: If Democrats have become the party of the give-away to illegals and minorities, Republicans have become the party of the give-away to big business – and either way, it’s the individual whose rights are being trounced. It’s the notion of God-given rights that’s being crushed, in favor of government-granted. Republicans have also bent backwards, post-September 11, especially, to make sure police and law enforcement have all the tools they need to keep communities safe – even when those tools come with questionable civil rights and privacy dings, and give negligible results. This chapter looks at the damage Republicans have done to America’s sovereignty in recent years, all in the name of “for the people,” “for the children,” or “for the safety and security of the nation,” and provides the reader with an understanding of how the socialist mindset can travel just as quickly on wings of fear, which Republicans often float, as on wings of entitlement. 4. Education or Propaganda? Selling Socialism Through the Schools For the longest of time, America’s public school systems were routinely tops in world rankings. Now? The most recent Pew Research Center findings from 2018 show that the United States places 38th of 70 countries when it comes to math scores, and 24th on science. Curiously, this fall has taken place most dramatically in the last few years. In 1990, for example, America was ranked in this same Pew poll as sixth in the world for education and for health care. What’s going on? Schools have forgotten their primary jobs: to educate. Today’s schools are now more interested in making sure diversity and tolerance are their priorities for teaching; math, English, science, social studies, the second-tier concerns. America’s public schools have become less places of reading, writing and arithmetic and more places for filling the minds of youth with propaganda, where the likes of Founding Fathers are presented as racist white men who, by logical extension, created for America some racist governing documents – and therefore, that means America is inherently racist. The propaganda persists at the places of higher learning. America’s colleges and universities, many of which were founded on the principles of advancing Christian evangelism and Judeo-Christian virtues – think Harvard, Yale, Princeton – have become breeding grounds for leftist professors and administrators, who bring forth the next generation of leaders and movers and shakers in this country. So what to do? How to deal? Radical solutions are necessary. Parents who can afford to take their children from public schools and teach them at home, or place them in private schools, ought to do so. Immediately. Public schools receive funding in part based on head-counts of students; one surefire way of grabbing administrators’ attention to talk about necessary reforms is to hit them in the pocketbooks. Another way to push the schools in the direction of teaching actual core course, not just social justice? Have more Christian conservatives and constitutionally-minded, limited government types run for School Board. Their voices will help balance the board discussions. These are but a couple of solutions this chapter explores. 5. Jesus the Socialist, Jesus the Capitalist Progressives in the 1920s insisted their giveaways of government entitlements were rooted clearly in Christian teachings, backed by biblical verses. Today’s Christian conservative camp would say otherwise – that the Bible unequivocally states that only those who work should eat, and that government handouts are hardly the way of Jesus. So who’s right? Who’s wrong? Fact is, there has been a movement of late in certain church circles and in some spiritual denominations to cite Bible verses as justification for opening America’s borders wide; for sheltering illegals from the deportation storm; for providing free – that is, tax payer funded – healthcare to all, including those in-country illegally; for providing all with free college, low-cost housing, free prescription pills, and more. And while some in this church-based movement might very well believe America’s government must do all it can to help the less fortunate, even if it means losing borders, or prosperity, or security, fact is, many in these denominations are false teachers of biblical principles of convenience. They’re leaders of LGBTQ rights’ movements, for instance, or gay pastors pushing same-sex marriage onto the next generation of believers, or simply open border zealots and social justice warriors masquerading as clerical servants of the faith. Whatever their calling, it’s not so much one for Jesus as for personal ambition or political gain. This chapter looks at some of these church-tied organizations and at the backgrounds of the leaders and members, to show how they’re pressing into society a socialist vision that tears down traditional norms and subs in radicalized notions of identity, family and even faith. The message is simple: Before joining these ranks, at least know their true intents. At root, the question becomes: Is the Bible a living breathing document – or not? This chapter challenges the reader to decide. The larger point, as it pertains to American politics, is this: If the Bible is living and breathing, open to interpretation, subject to whims of mankind, then a nation that’s built on Judeo-Christian principles is certainly changeable. If the Bible can mean what we want, certainly the Constitution, the framers’ limited government views, the founders’ free market ideals, can just as easily be shifted and tossed. 6. Children and Guns and Chaos in the Streets Twenty-five million children are being raised in homes without fathers, according to statistics from the Center for Children and Families. Meanwhile, other stats show 90 percent of welfare recipients are single mothers; 70 percent of gang members, teen suicides, teen pregnancies and teen drug and alcohol abusers come from home without fathers. And statistically speaking, children raised in single-parent households are more likely to live in poverty, drop out of school, commit crimes, and land in jail. No wonder our nation’s youth are fighting in the streets. No wonder the media world is filled with stories of mass shootings and horrific murders in our schools. No wonder we have Black Lives Matter and antifa violence, rebelling against everything from police to Confederate monuments with violence. These are the natural consequences of removing God from all-things-public – from taking a secular path and walking a godless road. Not only individuals and families, but communities and societies – culture and politics – become poisoned in an atmosphere that doesn’t teach rights versus wrongs, and therefore disdains morals and absolutes, and ultimately, loses all sense of proper humanity. But it’s into this chaos that big government and socialism step. After all, if there’s chaos in the streets, who better to come in to control it, than government? And when government fails to control – as it will, because problems of drugs and crime and murder cannot be solved by regulation and law, but only by changes of heart, only by God – well then, the call from the political world is to bring in even bigger government, even more rules and regulations and laws. Even more socialist-style solutions, like higher taxes and more entitlement spending and larger social justice outreach using larger pots of tax dollars. This is futile fighting. The solution is not more government, bigger government, socialist “spread the wealth” government. The solution is the private sector and the Christian heart. Joe Gibbs, former Washington Redskins football coach, had a heart for troubled youth and a spirit of Christian love – so he started Youth for Tomorrow, a non-profit that takes in children from broken homes and teaches them the godly principles they need to lead lives of fulfilment and purpose. That’s just one guy, one organization. Think of the lives that can be redirected if more money was directed to groups like Big Brothers and Big Sisters and YMCAs and any number of other organizations with similar life-changing missions. Now add the church missions to the mix. With direction, organization and motivation, much can be done through the private sector, through the church sector, to help America’s struggling youth – and it can all be accomplished without expanding government and adding to the socialist entitlement mindsets that only serve to destroy our great nation. 7. Pressures Within, Pressures Without: Global Go-Gooders Who Actually Do No Good Americans have been bombarded with pleas from the global communities, particularly from the United Nations, to contribute more to overseas’ aid to help eradicate poverty, feed children, educate women and girls, bring about world peace. But there’s a warning in the Bible that aptly applies – the one where Jesus tells his disciples, “Children, be not deceived – I send you out as sheep among wolves.” And before committing any more dollars to the global parties, Americans should be aware of what these non-governmental groups, led in large part by the United Nations, actually advance both around the world, and in the United States. It’s not as it seems. These groups speak a good game; they promote their missions as charitable and focused on the regions with most need. But there are stark differences between programs run by the United Nations and, say, the International Committee of the Red Cross. This chapter looks at the politics behind many of these supposed charitably minded global nonprofits, many operating under the umbrella of the United Nations, and reveals to the reader where the money actually goes, how contributions from the U.S. taxpayer are actually spent -- and how most of these groups actually further big government, corruption, socialist principles and reliance on hand-outs rather than foster independence, sovereignty and self-rule. What’s worse, many of the socialist principles furthered by the global groups actually wind their way into America’s political world, beginning at the federal level and seeping, eventually, into local governments. (Think the U.N.’s sustainable development program, for example, which uses U.S. tax dollars to control human development around the world – and in America’s own back yards). This is top-down socialism being pressed into America’s supposed sovereign system of governance. There are much better ways to help eradicate poverty around the world that won’t involve socialist – even anti-American – U.N. and global-minded non-governmental groups’ missions. This chapter exposes the socialist-advancing dangers of seeing the United Nations and other NGOs in positive lights, as well as provides the charitable minded in America numerous other ways of helping the needy around the world via the private sector, the business world and the churches. America, land of the free, land of the limited government, should not be playing into that socialist lie that only government can provide for the needy. Christians, in particular, know better – and Christians, in particular, are well-positioned to show how to provide for the less fortunate without turning to government. 8. The Politics of Pagans, The Socialism of Secularists One of socialism’s favored ways of advancing a spread the wealth vision is via environmental regulation, the kind pushed by the United Nations (sustainable development), the kind favored by hard-left Green groups in America (Smart Growth), the kind that basically controls any human activity at all on lands, in oceans and other bodies of water, and in the air space above the lands and bodies of water. Not all environmentalism is socialist; not all environmentalists are socialists. But the overall environmental mindset that’s been pushed these past few years has been one of elevating nature to the level of God – and making it seem as if those who oppose the radical agenda are evil capitalists, bent of razing the earth for personal, greedy profit. Big Green is just one indirect way socialism has stolen into the policies of America’s government, though. Just look at some of the programs and systems we have in place that are largely unquestioned, largely embraced and accepted – yet just as largely socialist. The Department of Education? That’s simply the government’s way of taking over the education of youth. The whole Social Security system – the whole Medicare for All conversation that creeps into political talk now and again? Socialist; nothing in the Constitution, nothing in the Bible, nothing in America’s limited government system allows for any sort of rightful use of tax dollars to pay for retirement, or health care, or prescription pills for citizens. There are more, many more. This is what you get when secularists dominate government – a government that treads where it really doesn’t belong and expands where it really shouldn’t be. But let’s start by calling out these programs for what they are – socialist. Then, we can decide whether they’re worthy of keeping, of reforming or of outright abolishing. Putting the government in charge of the education of our youth, for example, has proven alarmingly disastrous; Christians and conservatives could make a solid case for getting rid of the Education Department entirely, and reeling in the teachers’ unions that advance so much of the propaganda training of our youth. But perhaps Social Security could be salvaged, at least until a phase-out plan that doesn’t unfairly punish the contributors is devised – or, perhaps it could be kept untouched, as a tradeoff for doing away with some of the government’s entitlement spending. The point of this chapter is mostly to raise awareness of how Americans have come to accept programs that are inherently socialists – which only opens the door to creating the mindset of the next generation that socialism, in some forms, is not so bad after all. But Christians, instead of advocating for more government, more socialist programs, more entitlement spending, ought to take a stand and show how churches, through tithes, and local charities, through heartfelt donations, can provide many of the socialist services currently offered by our own government. 9. The War on Words – A Very Socialist Battle Control the press, control the messaging, and you control the people. That’s been a guiding principle of tyrants since the dawn of time. Mainstream media bias in favor of Democrats and social media censorship of conservative and Christian views – such as has been happening in recent years -- aren’t just annoying offenses. They’re targeted attacks by the left aimed at shuttering and stifling any views that counter and reject Big Government and oppose socialist principles. This chapter takes a look at the polls and surveys that show the decided left-leaning slants of those in the press – the decided anti-Christian slants, as well -- and then reveals how these leftist viewpoints seep into coverage, regardless of claims to the contrary. This chapter also takes a particularly hard look at social media, and chronicles the rising censorship of specifically conservative and Christian viewpoints. Lila Rose, for example, was recently booted from one social media site because her pro-life views on abortion were deemed hate speech. The Christian Post, for another example, which is a newspaper with a religious worldview, was just blacklisted by Google for its supposed hateful reporting, according to one tech world whistleblower. It was bad enough when conservatives and Christians just had to fight, say, The New York Times for fair and balanced coverage. But now, it’s social media and search engines – a whole online force. So how can conservatives and Christians fight this censorship? First off, by recognizing the extent of the bias and realizing that while some journalists aren’t purposely attacking the ideological right, or purposely using the media to tear down traditional and Christian views, there are enough high-placed, high-ranking editors and executives with influence who are purposely doing just that – and they’re able to sway the coverage on a wide scale. And second off? Conservatives and Christians must use their voices and counter leftist media punch with media punches of their own. Writing letters to the editors; visiting online news sites and adding comments to the comments’ sections; calling broadcast stations and supporting or opposing the editorial direction and content of news stories; starting blogs and even newspapers or newsletters that counter the liberal/socialist lines and offer a conservative, even Christian, view – these are all viable ways of making it clear: the Christian conservative voice will not be stifled. If the left-leaning, largely secular media is allowed to control the messaging and dominate the online social media world, the only voices allowed to exist will be those that advance the far left, socialist, Big Government ideas. 10. Artificial intelligence, and How Emerging Technology Feeds the Socialist Beast According to various polls and surveys, most scientists are not only liberals in their politics, but secular in their beliefs. Yet these are the same people who are leading the technological charge in America, across the world? No wonder, then, social media’s artificial intelligence systems lean left and label conservative and Christian views as hateful or discriminatory; the programs, the models, the software are all designed by those with either far leftist or globalist views. But that’s only part of what makes today’s emerging technologies a real threat to freedom-loving Americans in general, and Christian, conservative voices in particular. Some of A.I.’s applications outright flip the Constitution on its head by tossing presumption of innocence standards to the side and treating innocent Americans as if they’re guilty; by giving police the technological power to arrest “criminals” who’ve not yet committed crimes; by allowing government to place surveillance and identification technology in all places public; and more. As if that’s not bad enough, there’s this, from Feng Xiang, a professor of law at Tsinghua University: “More than anything else, the inevitability of mass unemployment [from emerging technologies] and the demand for universal welfare will drive the idea of socializing or nationalizing A.I.,” he said, back in May of 2018. His idea? To use A.I. to reallocate resources – or, as socialists might put it, to spread the wealth. He’s not alone in looking to use A.I. to create social justice on a global scale. Others in this vein of socialist thinking see the need to establish a universal basic income standard for workers who are displaced by technology. The Socialist Party itself sees A.I. as death knell for capitalism. Meanwhile, there’s that whole A.I. movement dedicated to creating its own god – or, at the least, a better breed of humans with godlike technological powers. This is one of the biggest fights Christians and constitutionalists face in the coming years – and it’s going to be the most challenging one to win. In the long-term, Christians need to encourage more of the faithful to enter the fields of science and technology, so that tomorrow’s A.I. experts will be schooled in Bible truths. In the short-term? Christians and conservatives need to first educate themselves on the A.I. threats to faith, individual freedoms and American sovereignty. And second, Christians and conservatives need to stop letting technology take over their own lives – to stop trading the convenience of certain cell phone apps, say, for personal privacies that track geographical movements. With technology, Christians have become just as secular as the world they’re supposed to live in but not of, and if we want to put a stop to runaway technologies that threaten to steal freedoms and bring about a more socialist existence, then it’s the Christian community that has to raise up and raise questions (because the secular world isn’t going to do it). 11. If Malachi Were Here, What Would He Say? In 2016, one Morning Consult poll found that 60 percent of Americans believed America was great and 68 percent said they were proud to be an American. In July 2019, a Gallup poll found that American pride had hit an all-time low – that only 45 percent said they were proud to be American, versus 47 percent in Gallup’s poll of the previous year. And in April 2019, Rasmussen found that Americans, by and large, were feeling better about the future than they had in the previous 12 years of asking that same survey question. The point it: Ask Americans what they feel about America, and the answers will be as different as the polling companies. The only “survey” that really matters is the one from above – the one that rates how a nation and how a nation’s people stand with God. And on that score, maybe it’s arguable: America’s lost its Judeo-Christian way because God has removed His blessings from the country. It’s possible. Surely, this socialism that’s taken root in a nation that was supposed to be dedicated to individual rights first, collectivism second – if at all – hasn’t come by way of chance, or absent God’s knowledge. Or, perhaps, absent God’s influence. Look to Malachi for mulling. Consider these biblical passages: “If you will not lay it to heart to give glory to my name, says the Lord of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings; indeed I have already cursed them.” Or this: “You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet you say, ‘How have we wearied him?’ By saying ‘Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them.’ Or by asking, ‘Where is the God of justice?’” Isn’t this what just what we do when things don’t go our way – pretend as if our intents were good and that God, in His injustice, is ignoring our plights or imposing an unfair outcome? Perhaps it’s as Malachi suggests – the curse has already come upon our nation. That would certainly explain how we could move from a nation built by Judeo-Christian principles, fast-tracked to great heights of globally ranked exceptionalism, to a country torn by political and cultural fighting, being pulled ever farther from God, ever closer to Big Government. This chapter looks at the cultural decay we embrace, and the political corruption we accept – from abortion to rated-R sexualized entertainment – from the perspective of biblical teachings, and raises the all-important question: Are we now experiencing, with all this loss of freedom and expansion of socialist governance, the removal of God’s blessings on America? It seems a crucial point to consider, given the obvious solution would lie in its answer. As the Bible also teaches: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will hear their land.” What better way for God to heal a country founded on principles of limited government – than to return the government to a system of limited reach and authority? 12. The Answer is Christianity, and ONLY Christianity There’s a temptation in First Amendment-friendly America for some to embrace religious freedom to the point where Christianity is Islam is Hinduism is Wiccan – where one religion is just as good as another, and that praying to the Christian God is the same as praying to any other god. But here in America, the foundation has always been Judeo-Christian beliefs, as illustrated in the Bible. Treating Christianity as if it’s just another religion, on par with any other is the type of thinking that brings about Satanic Temple statues on government properties, or Satanist “prayers’ to open City Council meetings – or, strict Islamic and sharia principles pushed into our culture and politics. America wasn’t built to be a Christian nation, with a state-run church that dictated Christian principles through the government. But America was indeed built from the bottom up by Europeans fleeing their homes for the pursuit of religious freedom – for the pursuit of Christian religious freedom. America was indeed built by framers who may not have worshipped similarly, or at all, but who nonetheless forged a government based on biblical moral truths, including the idea that humans are fallible (born in Original Sin) – not only Muslim beliefs, or Hindu teachings. The 1993 book, “One Nation Under God: Religion in Contemporary American Society,” reports that in 1776, an estimated 98 percent of colonists were Protestants; the other 2 percent claimed Roman Catholicism as their faith. To the extent that religion influenced our framers, it was Christianity, not any other faith, held in the highest regard. Why it matters is simple: When we speak of America’s greatness coming from the notion that individual rights come from God, not government, it’s important to understand we’re not talking about God, in a general and generic any-religion-goes sense, or the god of Muslims, Allah. We’re talking about the God of the Bible. If this is the God who gave us a country of rights coming from God, not government – this is the only God who can keep our moral compass and political world in the proper places. The solution for a country that’s stretched into socialism and lost its concept of God-given rights is to reel back government and return God – the proper God – to the helm. Only Christianity can win this war against socialism in America; only Christians can effectively fight to return the nation to its moral, virtuous, principled society of limited governance and individual freedom. 13. Inspiring Acts of Courage, Both Big and Small This chapter looks at real life examples of people who’ve stood strong for America, for God, for Judeo-Christian principles, for the Constitution and limited government and capitalism – and in so doing, have won. The fight to control America’s moral compass and reel in an ever-expanding and corrupt government has been long and wearying, often futile and overwhelming. And no matter who wins the White House, regardless of which political party takes control of the House and Senate – or of which political party holds the leadership positions in state and local governments – fact is, the fight is far from finished. The sneaky socialist seepage into America’s culture and politics will continue far into the future. So, as motivation for the long haul, this chapter looks at instances where Christians and conservatives and other patriotic Americans with love of the Constitution and limits on government have stood against strong secular, socialist, Big Government forces in recent times – and won. An example? When far-left anti-gun politicians in Washington passed sweeping new restrictions on semi-automatic rifles – despite clear court guidance that called such restrictions unconstitutional – sheriffs in a dozen counties around the state rose up and said: We’re not enforcing that. As Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones explained: “I swore an oath to defend our citizens and their constitutionally protected rights. I do not believe the popular vote overrules that.” Another example? When a Satanic Temple member won the court right to open a Kenai Peninsula Borough meeting in Alaska with a “Hail, Satan” invocation, a dozen of the region’s governing officials walked out, while dozens in the community rallied outside the building, holding signs that said, “reject Satan and his works” and “know Jesus and his love” – showing in the process that court rulings cannot compel hearts to obey. Sometimes, even the smallest of gestures, the tiniest of principled stands, can nevertheless pack big punches. As Ecclesiastes teaches, the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong. This chapter wraps on a positive note, giving readers the sense that yes, America may be in the throes of determining its government of the future, and debating the idea of more socialism versus a return to democratic-republicanism – but that if Christians in particular and patriots in general keep plugging away and fighting effectively, the country can and will see a widespread return to the God-given.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisMany women suffer in silence following a hidden abortion—but they don’t have to do it alone. It is possible to heal from the burdens of shame, trauma, self-loathing and self-condemnation that appear after an abortion, but it’s not an easy process. According to Angel L. Murchison, this pain can only be overcome by the grace of God. In Secret Shame, Angel shares her personal story of overcoming the pain of brokenness following an abortion. Secret Shame will bring anyone healing from the realities of abortion to the Healing Waters of Jesus Christ where they can find freedom from their past. The reality of Angel’s story will strengthen anyone’s faith in God, as she shows the truth of His Word and His promises. Her experiences outline essential elements of grief recovery, while also celebrating the return of joy after the pain of trauma.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA woman's heart is unique in all of creation.Defining the heart as the inner fountain of passion, thought, and purpose, Laura Knutson traces the value and challenges of the heart all the way back to the Garden of Eden. The Wholehearted Woman brings a compassionate and faith-filled view of identity from the perspective of a woman's heart. A compelling picture is painted of how unique and precious each woman's heart is. Beginning with Eve, Laura takes an honest look at the brokenness of women's hearts resulting from their own choices as well as the difficulties of life and the abuse of others. And then she offers rock solid hope and vision for healing and restoration to God's original design. Sharing her own journey towards wholeheartedness and supporting her reflections with a wealth of scriptural references, The Wholehearted Woman offers us a rich handbook for understanding, embracing, and caring for our hearts.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisYou are invited into a constant, powerful, intimate relationship with God. A Luminous Encounter elaborates on this invitation through inspiring biography, personal testimony, and biblical teaching?with practical tips to help you experience an ever-deeper relationship with God. Follow Neville Jayaweera, a Buddhist until his unexpected encounter with Jesus Christ. Excerpts of his diaries and personal correspondence reveal how this encounter brought him from brokenness and betrayal into a life characterized by joy and peace. Neville''s extraordinary story includes high-ranking positions in the Sri Lankan government, a face-off with armed insurgents, ministry in England, and above all, an intimate relationship with God. This relationship was a sustaining and transformative force in not only his life but the lives of the many people he prayed for and taught. Neville nurtured his relationship with God through prayer and Scripture, learning to fully embrace biblical truths about who he was as a new creation in Christ. A Luminous Encounter provides spiritual insights to help you do the same. Neville''s disciple and editor, Ann Shakespeare, has distilled some of Neville''s most powerful teachings in a way that is challenging yet accessible. Part biography, part handbook, A Luminous Encounter will captivate and encourage you no matter where you are on your spiritual journey.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThere are occasions in biblical history where we see a breaking in of the spirit of God. In addition, there is a command and a promise that indicates the possibility of revival in all generations after Christ, in all places. The area inhabited by the Naga tribes, (much of this area was set up as Nagaland, a state of India, on Dec. 1, 1963), experienced such a visit from God in a series of waves during the 2nd half of the 20th century. God''s recent visitation in Nagaland was one of the most significant anywhere in the world. Yet little is available telling about it. This book fills that void. "In a whole region of India, almost every soul came to Christ. Reading the stories in this book was almost shocking to me. Could I believe for this kind of revival? We must not dial down the promises. Every revival is an invitation to invoke the God of impossibilities to act again." - from the Foreword by Lou Engle, founder of The Send ?On more than a few occasions my jaw dropped while reading this manuscript? While these occurrences may seem outrageous or even conflict with our contemporary image of revival, they are nevertheless clear manifestations of the glory of God?revival!? ?from the Afterword by Adam Narciso, founder of Jesus Movement Now

Read more less

Book SynopsisIt can be hard to understand what it means for God to be loving?even leaders, teachers, and pastors can better learn how to see and teach about God from a perspective of love. The Way He Loves is an essential key to discovering the various ways in which our God shows his healing compassion for a hurting world. Throughout The Way He Loves, Preston Rentz provides meaningful anecdotes and earnest contemplations of grace, humility, leadership, wealth, and more. He looks beyond one-dimensional ideas about God''s love to instead explore its extraordinary beauty and complexity. If you struggle with hopelessness, depression, or church-fatigue?if you have trouble seeing God as loving at his core, or if you wonder how a loving Creator could possibly be guiding this deeply flawed world of ours?this book is meant for you. The Way He Loves will introduce you to the God who is attentive to every need and who desires to be near to those who seek him. You''ll learn how nothing can ever replace our profound need for spending personal time with our Creator, and how God''s faithful and ever-present warmth can guide you through life''s many challenges, delivering you from an existence of confusion and disappointment. Rather than going through this world alone, not truly knowing what God offers or what he expects from you, The Way He Loves shows how you can learn to seek his loving heart and discover what true living really is. The more you embrace God''s unending love, the better your life will be?and the more you will see that the entire Christian faith is first and foremost a story of remarkable love.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisAlways Becoming chronicles one young woman’s mental, physical, and spiritual journey into wholeness after experiencing a quarter-life crisis. One day while living the hustle-hard, success-driven American Dream, Tamra pulled into her driveway after a long day’s work to see her two babies and husband, and realized she felt completely void and totally overwhelmed. Tormented by suicidal ideation, loss of identity, and the revelation of suppressed childhood sexual trauma, Tamra arrived at the end of herself and the beginning of a relationship with Jesus. Always Becoming untangles the sexualized, materialized culture that has entangled and objectified females, through a healthy rediscovery of the intended identity of a woman. Her heartfelt and yet shocking story breathes life into the mental health crisis, demise of the marriage covenant and the plague of church hurt. This is a story about relationship and existing in the freedom and fulfillment of love that is promised to every person.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis vital resource aims to awaken believers to their purpose as stewards and inspire them to take meaningful action. Intentional Living and Giving presents a comprehensive guide divided into three parts, aiming to help Christians embrace their role as stewards entrusted by God. It serves as a valuable resource for a new generation by providing a stewardship covenant and a detailed job description. By weaving relatable stories and illustrations throughout the content, individuals can grasp the principles in practical and tangible ways.Part One establishes the foundational principles of biblical stewardship, highlighting God''s expectations of His stewards. Part Two offers practical steps for applying these principles in everyday life. Finally, Part Three provides additional resources and a small group study guide to deepen one’s understanding.Intentional Living and Giving addresses the inherent problem of believers feeling uncertain about their role as stewards, offering clarity and guidance. Its unique blend of biblical insights, practical application, and relatable anecdotes make it appealing to readers seeking to fulfill their stewardship calling with intention and purpose. 

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisLeading experts from across the denominational spectrum offer wisdom on socially-responsible investing.Congregations and religious institutions are asking how to invest in their future and grow their endowed and invested funds, while also focusing on their values. This book will help religious leaders better understand all of the many issues and opportunities involved in making their investment choices reflect their faith-in-action. A unique collaboration of voices from multiple Christian denominations share their experiences, perspectives, and resources, making this book an invaluable guide for church leaders who want to feel more informed and empowered. Topics include an explanation of the differences between SRI and ESG; crafting an investment policy; shareholder engagement; areas of investment such as diversity and women’s empowerment; human rights; human trafficking; climate change; social justice; community engagement; and more. Faithful Investing offers action steps for church finance directors to make the world, nation, and their local communities healthier, more vibrant, and more equitable.Trade Review"Faithful Investing provides thoughtful insights and practical guidance from experts who daily navigate the multifaceted labyrinth of faith-based investing. The variety of approaches will assure congregations, organizations, and individuals at all levels of expertise and understanding that there are ways to synergize their resources and their heart-felt desires as followers of Jesus in ways that witness to the local, national, and global communities of which we are a part."—Marcia Shetler, Executive Director/CEO, Ecumenical Stewardship Center "This volume brings together essential information and important insights from across the ecumenical community that individuals and institutions in the Church can use as they seek to act consistently with their faith commitments in making decisions about financial assets and investments."—Bill McKeown, member, Episcopal Church’s Task Force on Theology of Money "Not so long ago, the idea that there could be a spirituality of investment strategy would have seemed a contradiction in terms to many. Though this useful book is not a history of that evolution, it is a tool that faith communities can use to find their place as part of it."—Barbara Crafton, author"While some people of faith may still consider investment the realm of worldly practices that keep us from God, Faithful Investing breaks open the possibility that God’s work in our lives and in the world require us to engage with money in new ways. Investing faithfully is a matter of discipleship. Faithful Investing is an important new resource to help us discern how each of us and our communities might use our investments to live into our calling."—Rev. Kirsten Snow Spalding, rector of the Church of the Nativity in San Rafael, Calif., and senior director of the Investor Network on Climate Risk and Sustainability at Ceres "Faithful Investing provides a wealth of information, resources and context on the evolving opportunities that faith-based organizations have to invest in ways that more closely align with their respective missions and values. I highly recommend it for stewards of capital looking to navigate this important but sometimes complex path." —Meredith Jenkins, Chief Investment Officer, Trinity Church Wall StreetTable of ContentsForeword vDonald V. RomanikIntroduction viiJames W. Murphy1. Basic Concepts and Terms Greg Rousos, William Somplatsky-Jarman, and Aimee Moiso2. What This Means for My Congregation/Organization Greg Rousos3. Is Perfect the Enemy of the Good? Starting Socially Responsible Investing Incrementally Kathryn McCloskey 4. Repairing the World One Company at a Time— Shareholder Advocacy Byrd Bonner 5. Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity Carsten W. Sierck 6. Dignity of Every Human Being—Human Rights, Human Trafficking, and Investing Séamus P. Finn 7. Investor Action on Climate Change Patricia Daly and Tim Brennan 8. Creating Positive Change: Impact Investing, Community Development, and the Rethinking of Returns Mark A. Regier 9. Inspiring Donors through Investing with Values James W. Murphy 10. Taking Decisive Action, One Step at a Time James W. Murphy 11. Individual Investor Decisions and Considerations Kathryn McCloskeyIntroduction to Case Studies James W. Murphy Case Study 1 Lessons of Collaboration on Socially Responsible Investing James W. Murphy Case Study 2 Same Denomination, Very Different Choices James W. Murphy Case Study 3 Values Meet Reality: A Roman Catholic Institutional Approach Bobbi Hannigan Case Study 4 Denominational SRI Issues Joseph M. Kinard and James W. Murphy Case Study 5 Positive Investment Overview: Reformed University in Colombia Greg Rousos Case Study 6 Sustainable Financing Patricia Daly Case Study 7 A Reflection on Mission-Based, Faith-Based Investing at The Riverside Church, NYC Lisa HindsIntroduction to Resources/Appendix James W. MurphySamples of Investment Policy Statements Types of Planned Gifts Denominational Resources and Foundations Organizations That Can Help You Get Involved in Socially Responsible Investing and Encourage Giving Contributors

Read more less

Book SynopsisCeltic traditions point to God in the natural elements in this refreshing take on how to pray.Where is God when we pray? Artist and priest Ruth Pattison looks to the legacy of Celtic spirituality to say God is in all of creation that surrounds us—earth, fire, water, air—and not up in the clouds. She invites the reader into a grounded spirituality rooted deep in Celtic tradition that sees everything as infused with the Spirit—including humanity.The material will deepen the experience of worship with creative hands-on spiritual practices for the context of liturgy. It can also be used for creating the structure and substance of retreats, spiritual formation classes, and for helping parents who want to learn to pray with children. Trade Review“Celtic Ways to Pray infuses prayer with a whole new world of meaning, pregnant with new possibilities. I am thankful for this refreshing, eloquent and beautiful exposition on seeing and experiencing God through prayer and the wonders of nature.”—Beth-Sarah Wright, PhD, author of Becoming Who I Am“Rich with poetic prose, this sublime approach to experiencing God in the material world beckons us, personally and corporately, to an ancient yet ever-timely way of relating with all our senses to our Creator. Ruth Pattison’s innovative prayer experiments will break open your sheltered soul and enrich your worship of this elemental God wherever you are.”—The Rev. Peter M. Wallace, author of Getting to Know Jesus (Again)

Read more less

Book SynopsisA deeply inspiring clarion call for Christian women's empowerment in the face of pressure to choose between seemingly mutually exclusive options.You can be lovely and fierce, broken but also whole, satisfied but also ambitious. Leadership-lifestyle blogger and inspirational TV personality, Caitlyn Scaggs draws from her eclectic background and Christian principles to offer practical insight and encouragement to women striving to lead a fulfilling and complete life. She champions a new approach—how to find balance between seemingly opposing forces and live out what you were created to do.With inspirational stories from her life and career alongside those of others' she’s met along the way, Scaggs provides fellow women insight on how to thrive no matter where your individual path takes you. With her unique and powerful guiding voice, she shows women can boldly embrace all their dichotomies, even when facing obstacles or inner conflict. She encourages readers to contemplate the choices they feel torn between and live in the space between. She then urges a different approach to navigating personal and professional lives, with the goal of finding balance, purpose, and satisfaction. Each chapter includes motivational call outs, practical takeaways and actionable steps that invite readers to apply the insight shared to their own lives. Scaggs writes with the modern Christian woman in mind, but her engaging style and thoughtful insight will also appeal to women of all faiths and backgrounds.Trade Review“In this confident debut, Scaggs empowers women to love themselves through God. Believers will find inspiration in this appealing entry.”—Publishers Weekly“Caitlyn Scaggs reminds us that our struggle, pain, and mess live in the same place as our joy, victory, and abundance. She helps us sit in the tension and accept our wholeness, because we are worth it and wonderful. Her unique ability to feel deep and big and use that to inspire others is her superpower.”—Joy Reyes, Founder and Executive Manager of New Hope Girls“Caitlyn shares her amazing story, not to hear the bang of her own drum but to help you hear the beat of your own! Through these reflections she will take you on a journey to help you remember how you got here, what a miracle the story is, and the hope of where it can lead us as worthy children of God.”—Becca Stevens, President and Founder of Thistle Farms, author of Practically Divine“This book will bless you! We live in a culture where women are being lied to about who they are and who they belong to. Worth It and Wonderful is Caitlyn Scaggs’s way of saying ‘Enough is enough! It’s time to live boldly for Jesus and take back what the enemy has stolen!’”—Melissa Gaona, Anchor and Multimedia Journalist

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less