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Wounded Angels: Sometimes the Only Way to Heal a Broken Heart Is Through a Wounded Soul
by Chuck MiceliOn a sweltering Fourth of July, the suicide of fourteen-year-old Maureen Bower&’s father shatters her security. She fears that eventually, everyone she loves will abandon her.With the words, &“May I have this dance,&” Frank Russo introduces himself to Maureen at a roller-skating rink. As he teaches her skate dancing, she falls deeply in love with him. Meanwhile, the country advances further into World War 2. They wait until they feel it is safe to marry only to return from their honeymoon to find Frank&’s draft notice. He leaves for the Pacific and is gone for the next three years. When Frank&’s best friend, Harvey, dies at Normandy, Maureen&’s closest friend, June, walks out of her life too.Frank returns from the war physically and emotionally scarred, Maureen does her best to mend him until their first child&’s birth hastens his recovery. They share rich experiences, develop close friendships, raise two daughters and eventually welcome the young women&’s husbands into their lives. When their children move from Brooklyn, New York to suburban Connecticut, Frank and Maureen follow and become active volunteers at the Bristol Senior Center. On the night of Lieutenant William Calley&’s conviction for the Mai Lai Massacre however, Frank is overcome with guilt. When he confesses his own wartime atrocities to Maureen, she struggles to understand the man she thought she knew.Through fifty-plus years of marriage, Frank becomes the center of Maureen&’s world until his sudden death shatters her faith and rekindles her deep fear of abandonment. She can&’t escape from the crushing loneliness. Friends, family and even ministers are helpless to lift her from her depression. Maureen finds tasks like driving a car, paying the bills, even cleaning the house overwhelming and her smallest joy feels like a betrayal to Frank. As she prepares to end her suffering, help comes from the unlikeliest of sources: Doris Cantrell. Following an abusive childhood, a troubled marriage and estrangement with her own daughter, Doris is as damaged as is Maureen. The mistreatment she inflicts on others evidences her contempt, yet underneath it all, Maureen senses a deep sadness. Doris refuses to sympathize with Maureen&’s plight and persists in exposing her to different experiences and new ways of living. Maureen also refuses to accept that Doris&’s past gave her the right to abuse people in the present or to neglect her bond with her daughter. Both women lack the strength or will to help anyone. Nevertheless, God has His own plan for these wounded angels. The inconsolable widow and the uncontrollable social misfit manage to support and help heal each other. They do this, not despite their brokenness, but because of it. Maureen and Doris become close friends.As Maureen heals, the widower, Larry Kowalski, reenters her life. Through their shared experiences of love and loss, they fall deeply in love. However, will her daughters understand her being with another man? In addition, can Maureen&’s friendship with Doris survive her love for Larry?
Ruth, Esther (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
by Marion Ann TaylorA new commentary for today's world, The Story of God Bible Commentary explains and illuminates each passage of Scripture in light of the Bible's grand story.The first commentary series to do so, SGBC offers a clear and compelling exposition of biblical texts, guiding everyday readers in how to creatively and faithfully live out the Bible in their own contexts. Its story-centric approach is ideal for pastors, students, Sunday school teachers, and laypeople alike.Each volume employs three main, easy-to-use sections designed to help readers live out God's story:LISTEN to the Story: Includes complete NIV text with references to other texts at work in each passage, encouraging the reader to hear it within the Bible's grand story.EXPLAIN the Story: Explores and illuminates each text as embedded in its canonical and historical setting.LIVE the Story: Reflects on how each text can be lived today and includes contemporary stories and illustrations to aid preachers, teachers, and students. —Ruth, Esther—The book of Ruth presents a compelling account of how most of us experience God in our everyday lives. We see God working indirectly behind the scenes, giving us a theology of divine and human cooperation, as those who pray for God&’s blessings participate in answering their own petitions as well as the prayers of others. In Esther&’s story, we recognize our own world today, often experiencing it as a place where God seems hidden. Her book challenges us in unique ways.Edited by Scot McKnight and Tremper Longman III, and written by a number of top-notch theologians, The Story of God Bible Commentary series will bring relevant, balanced, and clear-minded theological insight to any biblical education or ministry.
What's So Amazing About Grace? Study Guide: The Key to Transforming a Broken World
by Philip YanceyWe speak of grace often. But do we understand it? More important, do we truly believe in it . . . and do our lives proclaim it as powerfully as our words? In What's So Amazing About Grace?, award-winning author Philip Yancey explores grace at street level.If grace is God's love for the undeserving, he asks, then what does it look like in action? And if Christians are its sole dispensers, then how are we doing at lavishing grace on a cruel and pain-filled world?In fourteen sessions, this study guide will help you to interact deeply with Yancey's most personal and provocative book yet. If you're willing to leave your comfort zone to embrace a more vigorous, passionate Christianity--read on. And prepare to grapple with grace and "un-grace" on a personal level.You'll consider how you can contend graciously with today's tough moral issues. And you'll discover how you can become Christ's answer to a world that desperately wants to know, What's So Amazing About Grace?
Exodus: A Brief Survey Of The Bible, Session 2 (Word Biblical Themes)
by Dr. John I. DurhamA companion series to the acclaimed Word Biblical CommentaryFinding the great themes of the books of the Bible is essential to the study of God's Word and to the preaching and teaching of its truths. These themes and ideas are often like precious gems: they lie beneath the surface and can only be discovered with some difficulty. While commentaries are useful for helping readers understand the content of a verse or chapter, they are not usually designed to help the reader to trace important subjects systematically within a given book a Scripture.The Word Biblical Themes series helps readers discover the important themes of a book of the Bible. This series distills the theological essence of a given book of Scripture and serves it up in ways that enrich the preaching, teaching, worship, and discipleship of God's people. Volumes in this series:Written by top biblical scholarsFeature authors who wrote on the same book of the Bible for the Word Biblical Commentary seriesDistill deep and focused study on a biblical book into the most important themes and practical applications of themGive reader&’s an ability to see the "big picture" of a book of the Bible by understanding what topics and concerns were most important to the biblical writersHelp address pressing issues in the church today by showing readers see how the biblical writers approached similar issues in their dayIdeal for sermon preparation and for other teaching in the church Word Biblical Themes are an ideal resource for any reader who has used and benefited from the Word Biblical Commentary series, and will help pastors, bible teachers, and students as they seek to understand and apply God&’s word to their ministry and learning.
Job: Trusting God in Suffering (MacArthur Bible Studies)
by John F. MacArthurThe events that occur in the book of Job present readers with a profound question: "Why do the righteous suffer?" Although a direct answer to this question seems important, the book of Job does not set forth such a response. Job never learned the reasons for his suffering. In fact, when God finally confronted Job, he could only put his hand over his mouth and say nothing. His silence underscores the importance of trusting God's purposes in the midst of suffering, because suffering—like all other human experiences—is directed by perfect divine wisdom.In this study, pastor John MacArthur will guide you through an in-depth look at the defining themes and interpretative challenges in Job. Studies include close-up examinations of doctrinal themes such as God's Justice and "A Discourse on Human Frailty."—ABOUT THE SERIES—The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates:Extensive, but straight-forward commentary on the text.Detailed observations on overriding themes, timelines, history, and context.Word and phrase studies to help you unlock the broader meaning and apply it to your life.Probing, interactive questions with plenty of space to write down your response and thoughts.
Getting Right with God, Yourself, and Others Participant's Guide 3: A Recovery Program Based on Eight Principles from the Beatitudes (Celebrate Recovery)
by John BakerThe Celebrate Recovery Participant's Guides are essential tools for the personal recovery journey. In the seven lessons in Guide 3: Getting Right with God, Yourself, and Others, you will move through principles 4-6 of the recovery process:4 Openly examine and confess my faults to God, to myself, and to someone I trust. "Happy are the pure in heart" (Matthew 5:8).5 Voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects. "Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires" (Matthew 5:6).6 Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I've done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others. "Happy are the merciful" (Matthew 5:7). "Happy are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9).By working through the lessons and exercises found in each of the four Participant's Guides you will begin to experience the true peace and serenity you have been seeking, restore and develop stronger relationships with others and with God, and find freedom from life's hurts, hang-ups, and habits. All the scriptures have been updated to the new NIV 2011 version.
The EQ Difference: A Powerful Plan for Putting Emotional Intelligence to Work
by Adele LynnCo-published with SHRM. Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a strong indicator of individual, team, and organizational success. But stocking up on emotionally intelligent employees isn't enough: you need a concrete plan for putting this valuable resource to work. The EQ Difference offers an array of self-assessment tools and team-focused exercises that will help increase and leverage emotional intelligence both in individuals and in groups. It's filled with practical tips and suggestions for developing your own ""emotional quotient,"" as well as that of your peers, employees, and even senior executives. Featuring real workplace examples, Letters to Leaders, and excerpts from actual performance reviews that show the positive impact of EI in a variety of environments, The EQ Difference will help your organization achieve greater productivity, higher morale, and better employee retention -- all keys to stronger bottom line results.
SimChurch: Being the Church in the Virtual World
by Douglas EstesThe meeting place for the church of tomorrow will be a computer screen. Don&’t laugh, and don&’t feel alarmed. The real-world church isn&’t going anywhere until Jesus returns. But the virtual church is already here, and it&’s poised for explosive growth. SimChurch invites you to explore the vision, the concerns, the challenges, and the remarkable possibilities of building Christ&’s kingdom online. What is the virtual church, and what different forms might it take? Will it be an extension of a real-world church, or a separate entity? How will it encourage families to worship together? Is it even possible or healthy to &“be&” the church in the virtual world? If you&’re passionate about the church and evangelism, and if you feel both excitement and concern over the new virtual world the internet is creating, then these are just some of the vital issues you and other postmillennial followers of Jesus must grapple with. Rich in both biblical and current insight, combining exploration and critique, SimChurch opens a long-overdue discussion you can&’t afford to miss.
Creative Love: 10 Ways to Build a Fun and Lasting Love
by Jeremy Roloff Audrey RoloffDiscover practical advice for creating a fun, fulfilling, and forever love story. What kind of love story do you want?Keeping a romantic relationship fresh takes effort—whether you've been together for two months or two decades. In Creative Love, Jeremy and Audrey Roloff pose questions, ideas, and challenges that will help you live a fun and fulfilling love story. Each chapter helps you think about a central aspect of love through the lens of faith and creativity:Communicating in ways that grow your loveAdventuring together in every seasonPreventing and resolving conflict in creative waysMaking traditions and commemorating meaningful momentsGiving unique gifts that say, "I see you"Establishing values and dreaming togetherPursuing God's design for love and marriageAnd more! Whether you are beginning a new dating relationship, are recently engaged, or have been married for decades, Creative Love is inspiring for any stage of a romantic relationship. This book:Shares the Roloffs' honest struggles, best relationship practices, and steps to making an unbreakable bondProvides a "Get Creative" challenge in each chapter to help you put the ideas into actionIncludes conversation starters and idea lists for going on dates, giving gifts, and celebrating special momentsHas a presentation page to make gift-giving easyIs a perfect gift for yourself--or your boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse--for Valentine's Day, engagement parties, weddings, or anniversaries Creative Love will help you pursue a healthy, life-giving, godly relationship characterized by creativity and intentionality. Join the Roloffs as they share real-life stories that invite you into meaningful conversations, love-strengthening practices, and creative ways to live the love story you've been longing for!
Lost Books of the Bible and the Forgotten Books of Eden
by Thomas NelsonIn Lost Books of the Bible and the Forgotten Books of Eden you can read for yourself many of the manuscripts which were excluded from canonized Scripture and discover new appreciation for those which were chosen.Though apocryphal in nature--many of them suppressed by the early Church Fathers--these forgotten books, gospels, testaments, and epistles are fascinating and beautifully written.Included in this volume are:Apocryphal gospel accounts, such as The Gospel of the Birth of Mary, Thomas's Gospel of the Infancy of Christ, and Peter's Gospel.Apocryphal epistles, such as Paul's letter to the Laodiceans, Clement's letter to the Corinthians, and the general epistles of Barnabas.Letters from Ignatius to groups of early Christians, including the Ephesians, the Romans, and the Trallians.The early 2nd century Christian work, The Shepherd of Hermas.Roman letters and reports from Herod and Pilate.Fables from Old Testament times, such as The Books of Adam and Eve, The Secrets of Enoch, and the Psalms of Solomon.Historical accounts, including the fourth book of the Maccabees.and more...Included before each book are some notes on its origins. Also included are frequent black-and-white images of etchings from early manuscripts.
Understanding Old Testament Theology: Mapping the Terrain of Recent Approaches
by Brittany Kim Charlie TrimmThe discipline of Old Testament theology seeks to provide us with a picture of YHWH and his relationship to the world as described in the Old Testament. But within this discipline, there are many disagreements about the key issues and methodologies:Is the Old Testament unified in some way?Should the context of the theologian play a role in interpretation?Should Old Testament theology merely describe what ancient Israel believed, or should it offer guidance for the church today?What is the relationship between history and theology?All these considerations and more result in so many different kinds of Old Testament theologies (and so many publications), that it's difficult for students, pastors, and laity to productively study this already complex field.In Understanding Old Testament Theology, professors Brittany Kim and Charlie Trimm provide an overview of the contemporary approaches to Old Testament theology. In three main sections, they explore various approaches:Part I examines approaches that ground Old Testament theology in history.Part II surveys approaches that foreground Old Testament theme(s).Part III considers approaches that highlight different contexts for doing Old Testament theology.Each main chapter describes both common features of the approach and points of tension and then offers a test case illuminating how it has been applied to the book of Exodus.Through reading this book, you&’ll hopefully come to see the Old Testament in a fresh light—as something that&’s alive and active, continually drawing us into deeper encounters with the living God.
Talking the Walk: 31 Sessions for New Small Groups
by Bill Muir Dave BartlettCultivate Intimacy and Honesty in Your Youth Ministry’s Small Groups Here are 31 small-group meetings about--well, small groups. After all, the kind of honest sharing, perceptive silence, compassionate boldness, and mutual growth that are the marks of an effective and attractive small group don’t always come naturally. With the complete sessions in Talking the Walk--all of them customized precisely for small groups--—you can lead your small group of teenagers from just getting comfortable with kids they don’t usually hang with, to talking honestly, listening carefully, and understanding themselves and each other. The first five meetings are a gradual, gentle introduction to the idea of communication, confidences, and listening skills--the mechanics and heart of small-group dynamics--then on to more than two dozen topical meetings about issues that matter most to adolescents: how to face life’s tensions; self esteem; change; sexuality; giving and receiving love; clarifying future goals; friends; family; forgiveness; diversity; conflict; moods; priorities--and more, all of them based in Bible passages . . . appropriate for mixed groups of churched and unchurched kids . . . and each session with more than enough creative and quirky ideas, so you can select those that best fit your style and your small group’s temperament. Perfect for outreach and evangelism groups, discipleship groups, Sunday school, midweek cell groups--any time you want small groups of your students to grow together in community, in intimacy, in faith. (Previously published as Honest to God) 31 sessions.
Marketing: 7 Ways To Maximize Your Profits In Any Market (Brian Tracy Success Library)
by Brian TracyFind your company&’s niche in the marketplace when you discover what your customers want, need, and can afford--and then give it to them!Too often, businesses create a product or service and then focus their marketing efforts on trying to convince customers that they need it. However, the key to successful marketing and a successful business is already knowing that what you are offering is what the public has been searching for!Renowned business expert Brian Tracy has provided 21 powerful and proven ideas any business can use immediately to improve their strategic marketing results.In Marketing, Tracy helps you discover how to:Build your customer baseSet yourself apart from the competitionUse market research and focus groups to fuel better decisionsFulfill a basic emotional need for buyersDetermine the correct price point for your offeringsMake the most of your distribution channelsGive customers a reason to switch from your competitors, and more!Complete with time-tested marketing strategies and Tracy&’s trademark wisdom, Marketing is a practical pocket guide that shows you how to overcome the competition, increase sales and profitability, and dominate your market niche.
A Tale of Two Sons Bible Study Guide
by John F. MacArthurIn The Tale of Two Sons Workbook, one of America's greatest Bible teachers takes readers deeper into Luke 15 than they've ever been before, revealing insights into the culture of Jesus' day and a surprise secret ending.The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) has been preached in every pulpit and is known by many who read and cherish the Bible. It's so special because it presents in clear and inspiring terms our struggle with sin, the need of our hearts to be accepted and pursued, and the Father's inexhaustible mercy and love. But most Christians would say that they've heard every sermon possible from this gem of scripture. That it has lost its luster. In The Tale of Two Sons, one of America's most beloved pastors restores the brilliance of this passage for the layperson, giving engrossing historical background and a surprise ending readers may have never known.
His Plan: 21st Mission Method
by Cindy LiuThe testimonies of a foul-mouthed truant's journey to a billionaire, an academic's "Sacrificial Succession" spiritual principles for mission, and a shy and broken-hearted women's joinery, proves the "Talent Giver," is eager to impart talent to enable those willing to serve His kingdom.Mission work has never been so accessible; the 21st Century Mission Method is a paradigm shift of the traditional ways of mission, to inspires Christians to do the "Great Commission." Using evangelists from the indigenous churches are the most effective and efficient way of mission in the modern age. It displays the manifold wisdom of God through His Church.God's call and plan for the church and Christian always align with the last words He spoke to His disciples: "Go make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)."
Shadow Chaser (Son of Angels, Jonah Stone)
by Jerel LawJoin part angel Jonah Stone as he faces his biggest challenge yet!Many months have passed since part angel siblings Jonah, Eliza, and Jeremiah Stone began their angelic training. As part angels, or quarterlings, the siblings joined other children of nephilim to begin honing their special powers.In this third installment in the Son of Angels series, Jonah&’s story comes to resemble a modern-day Job as he&’s faced with trials that affect his health, strength, relationships, and most-prized possessions. As he and the other quarterlings prepare for mid-term exams, their powers are tested once again in the most fierce battle against Abaddon&’s forces yet. Will Jonah&’s faith in Elohim continue to persevere as he fights Abaddon in his hardest battle yet?Parents today are looking for fiction that makes Christianity and the Bible exciting for their kids. This series is the first Christian answer to Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the Kane Chronicles, the Secret Series, and other middle-grade series packed with action, adventure, and supernatural fights. But the message is solidly based in Scripture, conveying God is always in control."Son of Angels, Jonah Stone" series:Is perfect for middle grade readers ages 9-13 who love action, adventure, and faithMakes a great summer reading book, school goal, or homeschool book clubIs a Christian-based supernatural seriesMeets national education standardsContains a bonus chapter from Jerel Law&’s new book - Evan Miller Is Waking Down (available in eBook editions only)Don&’t miss the other books in the series:Spirit Fighter (Book 1)Fire Prophet (Book 2)Shadow Chaser (Book 3)Truth Runner (Book 4)
We Go On: Finding Purpose in All of Life’s Sorrows and Joys
by John OnwuchekwaDo 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, careers, and life choices. Along with biblical insights, John Onwuchekwa weaves together meaningful challenges so 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, and powerSexuality, social relationships, and justiceReligion and family Inspiring black-and-white photography paired with a modern cover makes this a perfect gift to give to men and women for holidays, graduations, birthdays, new jobs, or to anyone seeking a deeper relationship with God. We Go On will help men and women:Experience deeper peace in a changing worldSee biblical imagery in a fresh wayPersevere through difficult circumstancesFind new motivation for living with intention This unique book reminds you that deeper purpose is available as you look beyond your circumstances and find meaning in the God who never changes.
The Empathetic Workplace: 5 Steps to a Compassionate, Calm, and Confident Response to Trauma On the Job
by Katharine ManningThis critical resource gives managers, HR, and anyone who may come into contact with someone in trauma—including workplace violence, harassment, assault, illness, addiction, fraud, bankruptcy, and more—the tools they need to be prepared for what lies ahead.This book is crucial for every manager or HR representative who shouldn&’t just prepare to one day be faced with a report of a traumatic experience at work, but plan on it. This five-step method will help managers make survivors feel supported and understood. The Empathetic Workplace guides supervisors of any level through an understanding of how stories of trauma impact the brain of both the survivor and the listener, as well as the tools to handle the interaction appropriately, to help the listener, the organization, and most importantly, the survivor. The easy-to-follow LASER method outlined in these pages includes the following elements that all managers should know and understand:Listen-Controlling your own reaction, managing your body language, asking open-ended questions, hearing what is not being said, and winding down the speaker when the conversation becomes unproductive are essential elements in being a good listener.Acknowledge-Once someone shares a difficult personal story with you, it is important to acknowledge that gift. Share-You can help the speaker regain some measure of control by sharing information with him or her about what happened or what happens next, your personal or organizational values, and what you don&’t yet know but hope to learn.Empower-You can help the traumatized person by providing him or her with resources that are available to them through the company or outside groups. Return-The final step is to ensure that the traumatized person has a way to come back later when he or she cannot remember all that you said, thinks of more questions, or wishes for updates. The LASER technique can benefit all who are responsible for others, from top-tier managers at Fortune 500 companies to Residence Advisors in college dormitories.
Live Your Dreams: Inspiration to Follow Your God-Given Passions
by Thomas Nelson Gift BooksAre you feeling stuck? Unsure of what dreams God has for your life? Or maybe you know the dreams He's given you but are fearful of moving toward them? Take a journey to live out your dreams like never before--and discover that they are more beautiful than you could have imagined.With 75 inspirational readings combined with thought-provoking lists and questions, rich prayers, and space for reflection, Live Your Dreams offers unique motivation for discovering and relishing the life God has for you.Beautifully interactive and practical, Live Your Dreams with a gentle, authentic voice:gives you the space you long for to prayerfully discover your personal passionsinvites you to explore, understand, and pursue your most heartfelt goals in lifehelps you process past regrets and broken dreams and then move forward into God's abundant grace and hope.We each need the time and space to name our dreams and take the next step in pursuing them. Live Your Dreams helps you seek God to discover the dreams He has given you and realize that the pursuit of Him is what brings those dreams to life.
Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success: Connect with Customers and Get Results
by Colleen StanleyEven skilled salespeople buckle in tough selling situations—getting defensive with prospects who challenge them on price or too quickly caving to discount pressure. These fight-or-flight responses are something salespeople learn to avoid when building their emotional intelligence.Sales trainer and expert Colleen Stanley cites studies that show how emotional intelligence (EI) is a strong indicator of sales success--and offers tips on how you can sharpen your skills and expand your emotional toolkit. Increasing your emotional intelligence is a sure way to overcome tough selling encounters.In Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success, you&’ll learn:how to increase impulse control for better questioning and listening,which EI skills are related to likability and trust,how empathy leads to bigger sales conversations and more effective solutions,how emotional intelligence can improve prospecting effortswhich EI skills are most common among top sales producers, and much more.Customers can get product information and price comparisons online. The true differentiator between you and a bot is your ability to deftly solve problems and build relationships.Emotional intelligence plays a vital role at every stage of the sales process. From business development to closing the deal, emotional intelligence will drive your performance--and your success.
How You Play the Game: Lessons for Life from the Billion-Dollar Business of Sports
by Thomas NelsonA story of passion and commitment and faith?qualities that drove one working-class kid to not only build a sports empire, but also to change the way the entire sports industry has done business.This book is a tale of determination, faith, and, most assuredly, good timing and good luck. In truth, this isn&’t one story?but many. Sports executive and businessman Jerry Colangelo weaves together a lifetime of great moments in sports and tense times in business.In How You Play the Game, sports executive and businessman Jerry Colangelo details a lifetime of stories, including:How he emerged from the tough streets of Chicago Heights as a high school and college sports star How he helped create and build the Chicago Bulls?at a time when the NBA was a second-tier professional league, and two basketball teams had already failed in the Windy City How he moved to Arizona and started the Phoenix Suns, an organization that fought its way to become the ninth richest franchise in all of sports And how he then began baseball&’s newest team, the Arizona Diamondbacks.Peppered with stories about players and coaches, including Charles Barkley and Connie Hawkins, Red Holzman, and Buck Showalter, as well as owners, general managers, investors, reporters, and more, How You Play the Game is truly an insider&’s look at the sports world.
Colossians and Philemon: The Lordship of Jesus (Jeremiah Bible Study Series)
by Dr. David JeremiahFinding freedom in Christ...Follow Dr. Jeremiah through the letters of Colossians and Philemon in a chapter-by-chapter study that will help you understand what it meant to the people at the time it was written, and what it means to Christians today. The apostle Paul may never have visited the small town of Colossae, located in modern-day Turkey, but he was linked to the congregation through a coworker named Epaphras. This man came to visit Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome to deliver troubling news about destructive teachings that had taken root in the Colossian fellowship. Paul penned a letter in response, urging the believers to experience the freedom they had found in Christ, recognize their salvation came through the Lordship of Jesus alone, and reflect the light of Christ in their lives.Paul also penned a short personal letter to a Colossian believer named Philemon, urging him to forgive a slave who had departed from him and receive him back as a fellow brother. Paul's words in these letters compel us to remember everything that Jesus has done for us and treat others as we want to be treated.Each of this study's twelve lessons is clearly organized to include:Getting Started: An opening question to introduce you to the lesson.Setting the Stage: A short reflection to explain the context of the study.Exploring the Text: The Scripture reading for the lesson with related study questions.Reviewing the Story: Questions to help you identify key points in the reading.Applying the Message: Questions to help you apply the key ideas to their lives.Reflecting on the Meaning: A closing reflection on the key teachings in the lesson.—ABOUT THE SERIES—The Jeremiah Bible Study Series captures Dr. David Jeremiah's forty-plus years of commitment in teaching the Word of God. In each study, you'll gain insights into the text, identify key stories and themes, and be challenged to apply the truths you uncover to your life. By the end of each study, you'll come away with a clear and memorable understanding of that Bible book.Each study also contains a Leader's Guide.
Loving the City: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City (Center Church)
by Timothy KellerEven if you don&’t go to the city to minister, make no mistake—the city is coming to you. Regardless of your particular cultural or geographical context, you will need to consider the city when forming a theological vision that engages the people you are trying to reach.In Loving the City, bestselling author and pastor Timothy Keller looks at the biblical foundations for contextualizing the gospel as we communicate to the culture in a way that is both respectful and challenging. He articulates the key characteristics of a city vision, showing how the city develops as a theme throughout Scripture, from its anti-God origins, to its strategic importance for mission, to its culmination and redemption in glory.Finally, he examines the need for thoughtful cultural engagement, unpacking four models for engaging culture, showing the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and emphasizing a blended approach that balances the key insights of each. Loving the City will help you to minister to your cultural context in a way that is biblically faithful and fruitful.This new edition contains the second section of Center Church in an easy-to-read format with new reflections and additional essays from Timothy Keller and several other contributors.
The Marriage Book Newly Revised Edition
by Nicky Lee Sila LeeToday we are facing a global crisis when it comes to families. Marriages are under more pressure than ever. Many children are growing up without experiencing the security of their parents' love and commitment—and as a result are finding it harder to receive God's unconditional love. There is an urgent need to invest in marriage and family life, for strong societies are built on strong families, and strong families are built on strong marriages.The Marriage Book, developed by Nicky and Sila Lee of Alpha, has been revised and updated to address these needs and provides practical tools to help couples at every stage of their relationship. Along with the companion seven-session Marriage Course, this resource will help couples:Better understand each other's needsCommunicate more effectivelyGrow closer by learning methods to resolve conflictsRecover from the way they may have hurt each otherRecognize how their upbringing has affected their relationshipImprove relationships with parents and in-laws The Marriage Book is based on a Christian understanding of love and serves to strengthen marriages within the church while, at the same time, being accessible for all couples from any cultural background. Full of practical advice, it will help couples prepare, build, and even mend their marriages.
21 Leadership Issues in the Bible: Life-Changing Lessons from Leaders in Scripture
by John C. MaxwellWhat&’s challenging your leadership? The Bible has an answer!If you're trying to influence even one person, you are a leader. And that means you&’re facing challenges. The more you lead, the greater the number of challenges you face. How do you solve them?Dr. John C. Maxwell has been exploring these issues and helping leaders with them for decades. Where did Maxwell, recently named the #1 leadership and management expert in the world by Inc. magazine, gain such insight into leadership? From the Bible! John asserts that the Bible is the greatest leadership book that has ever been written.In this study, John addresses twenty-one of the most common issues leaders face. Starting with internal issues such as identity, purpose, pride, and self-leadership, and moving on to others such as criticism, change, diversity, teamwork and recruiting, John shows how leaders in the Bible addressed these issues with boldness and clarity, or, conversely, how they failed to lead. Either way, the lessons are clear. You can improve your leadership for not only your own sake, but also for that of your team and those you serve.In this twenty-one lesson study, John guides you through Scriptures that reveal the challenges leaders face and the solutions available to them. Each lesson includes:THE ISSUE DEFINED: a brief description and introduction to the Issue CASE STUDIES: THREE BIBLICAL STUDIES: including leaders such as Joseph, Moses, Ruth, David, Nehemiah, Peter, Titus, and Jesus—that reveal and illustrate the IssueSTUDY QUESTIONS: reflection and application questions to help you dig into the stories of the men and women in Scripture and learn from themLEADERSHIP INSIGHT AND REFLECTION: questions to help you assess and improve your own leadership skillsTAKING ACTION: practical takeaways and direction to help you incorporate each lesson into your daily lifeGROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: questions to help you learn and process the Bible study material with other like-minded people who want to grow in leadershipStart with the issues where you most need help, complete the entire study as a course in problem solving, or meet with your team, using it as their next training in leadership development. 21 Leadership Issues in the Bible can help you become a better leader in any area of your life as you seek to influence others for Christ.