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Mountain, Water, Rock, God: Understanding Kedarnath in the Twenty-First Century
by Luke WhitmoreA free ebook version of this title is available through Luminos, University of California Press’s Open Access publishing program. Visit www.luminosoa.org to learn more. In Mountain, Water, Rock, God, Luke Whitmore situates the disastrous flooding that fell on the Hindu Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath in 2013 within a broader religious and ecological context. Whitmore explores the longer story of this powerful realm of the Hindu god Shiva through a holistic theoretical perspective that integrates phenomenological and systems-based approaches to the study of religion, pilgrimage, place, and ecology. He argues that close attention to places of religious significance offers a model for thinking through connections between ritual, narrative, climate destabilization, tourism, development, and disaster, and he shows how these critical components of human life in the twenty-first century intersect in the human experience of place.
The Mountains and Waters Sutra: A Practitioner's Guide to Dogen's "Sansuikyo"
by Shohaku Okumura Gary Snyder Carl Bielefeldt Shodo Spring Issho FujitaAn indispensable map of a classic Zen text.“Mountains and waters are the expression of old buddhas.” So begins “Sansuikyo,” or “Mountains and Waters Sutra,” a masterpiece of poetry and insight from Eihei Dogen, the thirteenth-century founder of the Soto school of Zen. Shohaku Okumura—renowned for his translations of and magisterial teachings on Dogen—guides the reader through the rich layers of metaphor and meaning in “Sansuikyo,” which is often thought to be the most beautiful essay in Dogen’s monumental Shobogenzo. His wise and friendly voice shows us the questions Dogen poses and helps us realize what the answers could be. What does it mean for mountains to walk? How are mountains an expression of Buddha’s truth, and how can we learn to hear the deep teachings of river waters? Throughout this luminous volume, we learn how we can live in harmony with nature in respect and gratitude—and awaken to our true nature.
The Mountains Are Calling: Making the Climb for a Clearer View of God and Ourselves
by Jarrett StephensThe teaching pastor of one of America's largest megachurches gives a call to action: Study the mountains mentioned in Scripture. Learn what God reveals there about himself, and you. Then take those truths back to the people.An overview of the mountaintop experiences mentioned in Scripture where God met with his followers for the express purpose of greater clarity on two questions: Who is God? and Who am I? Each chapter provides the reader with a clear picture of God's character and how those attributes both challenge and encourage us.
The Mountains Bow Down: The Rivers Run Dry, The Clouds Roll Away, The Mountains Bow Down, The Stars Shine Bright (A Raleigh Harmon Novel)
by Sibella GiorelloEverything's going to work out. Time away always makes things better . . .That's what FBI Special Agent Raleigh Harmon believes as she boards a cruise to Alaska. A land of mountains and gems and minerals, the Last Frontier is a dream destination for this forensic geologist who's hoping to leave behind a hectic work schedule and an engagement drained of romance.But when a passenger goes missing and winds up dead, Raleigh's vacation suddenly gets lost at sea. The ship's security chief tries to rule the death a suicide, but Raleigh's forensics background points to a much darker conclusion: Somewhere onboard, a ruthless murderer walks free.Engulfed by one of her toughest cases yet, Raleigh requests assistance from the FBI and receives her nemesis--handsome Special Agent Jack Stephanson. As the cruise ship sails through the Inside Passage, Raleigh has five days to solve a high-profile murder, provide consultation for a movie filming onboard, and figure out her increasingly complicated feelings for Jack--who might not be as arrogant as she originally thought.And that's only her work life. Family offers even more challenges. Joined on the cruise by her mother and aunt, Raleigh watches helplessly as disturbing rifts splinter her family.Like the scenery that surrounds the cruise ship, Raleigh discovers a mystery so daunting that even the mountains might bow down before it.
Mountains of Grace: Mountains Of Grace, A Long Bridge Home, Peace In The Valley (Amish of Big Sky Country #1)
by Kelly IrvinWhen wildfires threaten her Montana home, Mercy Yoder finds herself torn between the Amish man who proposed without a declaration of love and the Englisch smoke jumper who can&’t seem to stay away.Mercy Yoder loves her students and her life in the tiny village of West Kootenai, nestled at the foot of Montana&’s most northern mountains. And she is in no rush to get married . . . much to the disappointment of her parents. In fact, she has turned down the one marriage proposal she&’s received. Her beau, Caleb, has yet to tell her he loves her, stoking her fears that they simply aren&’t right for each other.When a devastating wildfire threatens to destroy her beloved community, Mercy and her family evacuate to the nearby town of Eureka. There she meets Spencer McDonald, an Englisch fireman. Her conversations with him are unlike any she&’s ever had with a man. She finds his directness and ability to express his feelings refreshing and completely different from Caleb, who is tightlipped about his past.But what would her family and community say if Mercy chose a relationship with an Englischer? Is Mercy willing to give up all she has known and loved for someone who finally understands her? Or can Mercy find the love she has always longed for closer to home?Sweet, inspirational Amish romancePart of the Amish of Big Sky Country SeriesBook 1: Mountains of GraceBook 2: A Long Bridge HomeBook 3: Peace in the ValleyIncludes discussion questions for book clubs
Mountains of Our Own: A Teen’s Journey to Find Her Gift
by Delaney KraemerFifteen-year-old Faith has epilepsy. She has never questioned her ability to fit in with her friends…until now. They all seem to have special gifts. Did the Lord somehow overlook her? <P><P> Faith has dealt with epilepsy for a decade, and her friends have always been by her side. Her sense of fitting in, her talents, her purpose, and her relationships are fundamentals that Faith has never questioned. When she and her friends participate in the school play, unexpected events cause her to doubt herself. Will she find the courage to put her trust in Jesus and His plan?
Mountains of Spices
by Hannah HurnardAn allegory of the nine spices mentioned in Song of Solomon compared with the nine fruits of the Spirit.
Mountains Stand Strong
by Irene B. BrandEighteen-year-old Nancy Logan is enjoying her life, working for a wealthy family, and saving her money. She's heard talk of war, but disregards it as rumor. But when Virginia secedes from the Union, her little part of the world is torn apart. Friends become enemies, danger is everywhere, and Nancy must grow up fast. Heath Foster is a doctor, a Quaker, and a pacifist. The only thing that keeps him safe in war-torn Wheeling is his doctoring-but even that is dangerous as he refuses to differentiate between Union and Confederate. When Nancy's brother-a Confederate soldier from a Union town-is injured, Heath and Nancy must choose between what is safe and what is right. Will family and love win out, or will the war destroy everything?
Mountaintop Moments: Meeting God in the High Places (Mountaintop Moments)
by Ed RobbMountaintop moments—those moments when we experience the power, love, and grace of God in a way difficult to capture with words. They give us a sense of God's presence in our lives and often change our perspective of who God is and who we are. In this book, Dr. Ed Robb connects personal mountaintop experiences in our spiritual life with the mountains in the Old and New Testament and the events related to this sacred places. Additional components for a six-week study include a DVD featuring Dr. Ed Robb and special guest, as well as a comprehensive Leader Guide.
Mountaintop Moments Leader Guide: Meeting God in the High Places (Mountaintop Moments)
by Ed RobbMountaintop moments—those moments when we experience the power, love, and grace of God in a way difficult to capture with words. They give us a sense of God's presence in our lives and often changes our perspective of who God is and who we are. In this book, Dr. Ed Robb connects personal mountaintop experiences in our spiritual life with the mountains in the Old and New Testament and the events related to this sacred places. The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.
Mourner, Mother, Midwife
by L. Juliana M. ClaassensTraditional understandings of God as deliverer depict God as a mighty liberator-warrior and wrathful avenger. Juliana Claassens explores alternative Old Testament metaphors that portray God as mourner, mother, and midwife--images that resist the violence and bloodshed associated with the dominant warrior imagery. Claassens discusses how metaphors of God as life giver began to develop in the aftermath of the trauma of Israelite exile. She offers compelling examples of how this feminine imagery still has the power to inspire hope amidst violence in today's world. She demonstrates that God's delivering presence helps people of faith cope with trauma and suffering on many levels--individual, community, national, and global--while bringing forth new life out of death and destruction.
Mourning Rituals in Archaic & Classical Greece and Pre-Qin China
by Xiaoqun WuThis pivot compares mourning rituals in Archaic & Classical Greece and Pre-Qin China to illustrate some of the principles and methods used in comparative studies. It focuses on three main aspects of mourning of the dead before burial — lamentation, mourners’ gestures and behaviors, and mourning apparel — to demonstrate the cultural function, purpose, and social influence of mourning. A key comparative study of rituals at the heart of both Western and Chinese culture, this text highlights the cultural function and social influence of rituals of two ancient peoples and will be of interest to all scholars of comparative religion, sociology and anthropology.
The Mouse Trap Caper
by Gaby PrattWhen it rains in Rain, Delaware, it pours. Nicknamed Mouse, Kerri Hill, Christian School teacher who moonlights as a barrel racer, can attest to it. Not only is some jerk threatening her off the circuit, she has lost her best friend, Kenny Prescott, in a rodeo accident. Like the hospital chaplain who had comforted her after her mother's passing, she goes on a similar mission to console Kenny's brother, Mark. Kenny would've wanted her to. Falling in love was not part of her plan. Kenny's last word to his brother was something about a mouse. Assuming he meant Kerri was his significant other, Mark vows to protect her from the brewing danger. Kenny would've wanted him to. Conscience ridden with guilt over his brother's death, now he has to watch his growing attraction to Mouse. When the threats take an ugly turn mouse traps are set, but is it Mark's heart that gets caught?
Mouse's Christmas Gift
by Mindy BakerOne tiny church mouse must find a way to bring Christmas spirit to his little town. When the Parson gets sick and Christmas services are canceled, it&’s up to Mouse and his super-sized faith to bring the townspeople together on Christmas Eve in Mouse&’s Christmas Gift! This darling holiday picture book features:Read-aloud text perfect for children ages 4-8The true meaning of Christmas—love and hopeIs the perfect holiday read-aloud for families on Christmas EveMouse&’s Christmas Gift is great for families to read during the holiday season and on Christmas Eve. Children will learn that the smallest gestures can make a big difference.
A Mouth Full of Fire: The Word of God in the Words of Jeremiah (New Studies in Biblical Theology #Volume 29)
by Andrew G. Shead"I am putting my words as a fire in your mouth; these people are tinder and it will consume them." (Jeremiah 5:14) In the book of Jeremiah, not only is the vocabulary of "word" and "words" uniquely prevalent, but formulae marking divine speech also play an unprecedented role in giving the book's final form its narrative and theological shape. Indeed, "the word of the Lord" is arguably the main character, and a theology that is both distinctive and powerful can be seen to emerge from the unfolding narrative. In this stimulating study, Andrew Shead examines Jeremiah's use of word language; the prophet's formation as an embodiment of the word of God; his covenant preaching and the crisis it precipitates concerning the recognition of true prophecy; and, in the "oracles of hope," how the power of the word of God is finally made manifest. Shead then brings this reading of Jeremiah to bear on some issues in contemporary theology, including the problem of divine agency and the doctrine of Scripture, and concludes by engaging Jeremiah's doctrine of the Word of God in conversation with Karl Barth. The prophet's major contribution emerges from his careful differentiation of "word" and "words." Addressing key issues in biblical theology, the works comprising New Studies in Biblical Theology are creative attempts to help Christians better understand their Bibles. The NSBT series is edited by D. A. Carson, aiming to simultaneously instruct and to edify, to interact with current scholarship and to point the way ahead.
A Mouthful of Miracles: The Power of Speaking God's Word
by Philip Hutchings"When you take control of your words, you take back your life. If your words are in line with the Word of God, Satan can’t touch you." ~Phil Hutchings, PastorIf you're religious, you're going to hate this book. Religious people are steeped in tradition and ritual in a futile attempt to reach God through contrived devices. Any message about powerful living is an indictment against this empty ideology.This book is about the power of your words. It's not about "naming and claiming" or "positive affirmations", it's about using your words to confess what the Bible says about you, your life, the world around you, and the kingdom to come.Pastor and Teacher, Philip Hutchings, challenges readers first to understand what God's Word says, then to speak it with power and authority. It's not about sounding like a Hallmark card; it's about sounding like Jesus.When you continually speak the Word of God in the face of adversity, your circumstances will change.You have a mouthful of miracles!"A nation in crisis needs a church in revival. Many times Christians have thwarted God’s plans by their negative confession. In this book, Phil Hutchings gives you the key to a breakthrough in your life, your family, your church, and the nation. This is a must-read book for every believer." ~Bill Prankard"Words are important as they are the vehicles that bring God's power into our lives!" ~Ted Shuttlesworth"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words." ~Proverbs 18:21 (AMP)About the AuthorPhilip Hutchings' passion and love for God and God’s Word are connected to his desire to be used in bringing in the final harvest of souls on the earth today and see the worldwide church in revival. After graduating from Zion Bible College in Barrington, R.I. in 2004, Philip has encouraged and helped a vast number of men, women, and children of many nationalities. The unique delivery of the spoken Word through Philip has released the power of God to see transformation in many lives. Philip and his wife Jamie felt impressed of the Lord to birth a church in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada called Higher Life Church, and he continues to pastor and minister with his team. After going to jail and being put into solitary confinement for 7 days for refusing to close the church during COVID, God has given him a national platform to preach the Gospel and see hope restored in the Church across Canada.
Move: What 1,000 Churches Reveal about Spiritual Growth
by Greg L. Hawkins Cally ParkinsonMost church leaders are passionate about their calling to “go and make disciples.” However, despite their most creative thinking, diligent efforts and rigorous assessments, year after year they arrive at the end of a ministry season with no way of knowing for sure whether they have succeeded or failed in their calling. “I want to serve God,” the refrain goes, “and on most days, I believe I’m doing what I’m called to do. But what if my approach is off-track? What if the work we’re doing as a church doesn’t really help people grow at all?” The only indicators of success most leaders have are numbers. Is attendance up? Are giving trends on the rise? Are we baptizing more people this year than last? Numbers are helpful, but they still come up short. Numbers may tell leaders how active their congregants are, but they reveal very little about whether or not anyone’s heart is changing as a result. Leaders need more than numbers to help them assess their efforts and make strategic ministry decisions. The crux of spiritual growth is not how busy people are with spiritual activities but how engaged they are with Christ. How close is a person to Christ? Are they fully surrendered to his will and his teaching? Do they prioritize faith in their daily lives? Are they growing in their love of God and others? In order to answer these questions, leaders need more than numbers; they need to see inside people’s hearts. In 2004, Willow Creek Community Church completed research that would eventually become the REVEAL Spiritual Life Survey. Based on those initial findings, as well as data from more than 150,000 congregants in 500 churches, the REVEAL team discovered a way to see inside the hearts and minds of congregants. The Christ-Centered Heart presents discoveries not from a hypothetical, theoretical or opinion-driven point of view, but from an empirical one. By linking biblical principles with spiritual attitudes and behaviors, REVEAL research The Christ-Centered Heart provides a foundational understanding of this new lens for spiritual growth and presents findings from the latest REVEAL research. Focusing on Jesus’ definition of spiritual growth as increasing love of God and others (Matthew 22:36 – 40), the book draws on compelling stories of real people as well as engaging charts and graphs to illustrate key concepts and insights. It includes four parts: PART ONE: The Heart of the Matter explains the brutal truth about spiritual growth and an orientation on how REVEAL takes us “inside” the hearts of congregants. PART TWO: The Spiritual Continuum identifies the five segments of intimacy with Christ and describes people with “closed hearts,” who are Far from Christ; people with “searching hearts,” who are Exploring Christ; people with “open hearts,” who are Growing in Christ; people with “engaged hearts,” who are Close to Christ; and people with “surrendered hearts,” who are “Christ-Centered.” PART THREE: Spiritual Movement details the distinct spiritual catalysts that move people toward increasing intimacy with Christ. This includes four spiritual movements: from rejection to searching for Christ; from searching to accepting Christ; from growing in Christ to becoming close to him; and from close to Christ to becoming Christ-centered. We name two primary barriers to spiritual growth—becoming “stalled” along the journey toward intimacy with Christ, and becoming “dissatisfied” with the church’s ability to lead people there. PART FOUR: Spiritual Leadership presents five key findings based on REVEAL’s proprietary “Spiritual Vitality Index,” which ranks a church’s effectiveness in helping people grow. The findings explain the importance of getting people moving once they express interest in knowing Christ; embedding the Bible in everything the church does; creating ownership on the part of the Christ-follower; pastoring the local community rather than merely “doing ministry” inside the church’s four walls; and re-establishing
Move Devotional: A Guide to Get Up and Go Forward
by Brian TomePropel your life forward with this devotional just for men as you dig into Scripture, strengthen your prayer life, and take practical challenges designed to get you off your spiritual couch and into a more fulfilling life.Move Devotional by pastor, husband, and dad Brian Tome is perfect for any man who is tired of the status quo and wants to live a life of greater spiritual strength and power. This inspiring, accessible book includes:Practical strategies for the everyday man to make positive changes in his lifeGuidance on how to deal with real-life strugglesMotivation to get movingScripture, prayer prompts, and authentic stories from the authorWith 70 entries about work, rest, family, purpose, prayer, spiritual growth, and more, Move Devotional is fitting for men in any season of life. Move Devotional is ideal for high school and college graduations, Father's Day, birthdays, and New Year's, and is an excellent gift for men who:want a deeper spiritual life but don't know where to start.are facing a time of transition or looking for change in their lives.are in a men's small group and want to take practical steps together.want straight talk about real life, not sugar-coated religious cliches.So get real. Get moving. Take ownership of your spiritual life and find lasting fulfillment like never before.
Move into More: The Limitless Surprises of a Faithful God
by Mark Batterson Choco De JesusAbundant life. Does that describe the life you’re living now? Or do words like busy, overwhelming, disappointing, or exhausting come to mind instead? Today, more than ever, we long for satisfaction in our lives and fulfillment in our faith but come up empty. We are lacking, and that hole can’t be filled by money, prestige, or stuff.Pastor Choco, author of Move into More, knows what it feels like to want more from life. Raised by a single mother after his alcoholic father left, he grew up as a poor Puerto Rican kid in Humboldt Park, one of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods. He grew up never having enough. However, God had so much more for him. Pastor Choco rose to become senior pastor of New Life Covenant Church (one of Chicago’s fastest-growing churches) and one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World.In Move into More, with conviction and earnestness, Pastor Choco explains that God has promised a life of more—joyful contentment that comes from living passionately with a purpose—to anyone who follows him in obedience. It’s not who you are, he says, it’s what Jesus can do if you will let him. Choco breaks down popular-yet-untrue thinking that God’s “more” is about wealth or material possessions, fame or power, and shows readers that God’s more is far better than anyone could ever imagine.If you’re willing to Move into More, your eyes will be opened to the all-powerful, all-loving God who wants more for you than you can imagine in your wildest dreams. When you follow Him faithfully and obediently, you will find peace in your problems, rest in your weariness, order in circumstantial chaos, and joy in trials.Don’t settle for less than God has for you—it’s time to Move into More!
Move On: When Mercy Meets Your Mess
by Vicki CourtneyYou can say good-bye to the person you've been pretending to be!Life is often messy. God makes provision to help us move beyond our messes.Oftentimes our first instincts are to hide, deny, ignore, or run. In Move On best-selling author Vicki Courtney helps readers come clean with their muddy messes, revealing the deeper issues they must face, including: the need for approvalstruggles and broken dreamsshamelegalismidolsChristian snobberyIt is in the middle of our messes, Vicki says, that Mercy shows up and offers us a safe place to process our struggles, imperfections, doubts, and fears. Once we face our messes, God, with his sweet mercy, can help us to get real, deal, and truly move on. Then with Mercy by our side, we are able to break free and experience the grace and freedom God intends.
Move on, Move up: Turn Yesterday's Trials intoToday's Triumphs
by Paula WhiteA woman who has experienced both tragedy and triumph, Paula White shares hope with those facing life's trials. Paula opens her heart to offer personal testimonies and key passages of Scripture that will equip readers to discover purpose in their pain and to overcome any challenge that crosses their path. It's not about what happens to us, it's about what happens in us. Failure is not final. We have the power to: - Renew our minds - Transition from trial to testimony - Discover God's pattern for our lives Most important, Paula teaches readers to never quit. Tough times don't last-tough people do! What are you waiting for? Grab hold of the victory God promises. It's time to MOVE ON, MOVE UP.
Move On Study Guide: When Mercy Meets Your Mess
by Vicki CourtneyMost people will live theirentire lives attempting to clean up their messes on their own or will hidetheir messes under a multitude of modern-day fig leaves. Are you weary ofhiding and pretending? If so, it's time to find the courage to come clean aboutthe mess you are. It's time to lay your heart and soul bare before the Lord andsay, "I'm not okay, and I need your help." Say goodbye to thatperson you've been pretending to be and celebrate the person God created you tobe: a gloriously imperfect mess who is loved by a perfect and holy God.This study guide is designed for use with Move On: A DVD Study (sold separately)and provides individual and group activities, between-session personal studies,quotes, and additional material that will enhance your experience of the videosessions.
Move Over, Victoria-I Know the Real Secret!: Surrendering the Lies That Bind You to the God Who Frees You
by Nancy KennedyWhich Everyday Idols Are Holding You Captive? FOOD. BUSYNESS. IMAGE. POSSESSIONS. ACHIEVEMENT. APPROVAL. CONTROL. PERFECTIONISM. ATTENTION. HAPPINESS. BEING RIGHT. "PERFECT" RELATIONSHIPS. INDEPENDENCE. REVENGE. SELF-PITY. LOVE. SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS. Like most women, you probably have a life filled with modern-day "idols" that attempt to steal your attention and affection from God. Innocent-seeming idols like chocolate, thighs of iron, and a home that rivals Martha Stewart's. Things you turn to first, before turning to God, when you long for comfort, affirmation, self-worth, or love. You know that God is the answer to all your needs. But then you have a fight with your husband, and that cheesecake in the fridge starts calling your name. You stay home from a women's retreat because your wardrobe is (literally) from the last century. You desperately wish that your house or hair or kids were as nice as your friend's (or anybody else's).
Move Toward the Mess
by John Hambrick Andy StanleySome pastors preach boring sermons. Some church music is dull. But here's the thing: If Jesus had been boring, the disciples wouldn't have followed him and the Pharisees wouldn't have killed him. So if you're bored, don't waste another minute. If your church service feels like a failed pep rally that never leads to the actual game, then it's time for you to follow Jesus onto the field where the opposition is real and the stakes are extraordinary. It will get messy. It won't always be comfortable. But you'll make a difference. And you'll discover that nobody's bored out there. Nobody.
Moved by Mary: The Power of Pilgrimage in the Modern World
by Willy JansenThe Virgin Mary continues to attract devotees to her images and shrines. In Moved by Mary, anthropologists, geographers and historians explore how people and groups around the world identify and join with Mary in their struggle against social injustice, and how others mobilize Mary to impose ideas and rules and legitimize acts of violence and suppression. Far from an outdated practice of little relevance to the modern world, Marian pilgrimage expresses the deep and urgent concerns of a wide range of people. With examples of Marian pilgrimages from all over the world, Moved by Mary explores the ways in which men and women of different ages and religious, political, social-economic and ethnic backgrounds empower themselves to deal with modern-day issues with Mary´s help. The ethnographic cases reveal the cultural and devotional variation of Marian pilgrimage, but also global similarities. Collectively, the contributors to Moved by Mary show how in many places religion dramatically suffuses everyday life.