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Managing Your Emotions (Renew & Restore Bible Studies)
by ZondervanGod designed us to have emotions, but he doesn&’t want us to be controlled by them! In this Bible study, readers will learn how to master their emotions and achieve inner peace.We all have emotional ups and downs—they&’re part of everyday life. But some days, our feelings can seem out of control. We find ourselves reacting to everything that lands in front of us. We live at the mercy of our emotions, and we feel like we just can&’t help it.But it doesn&’t have to be this way.We can&’t control what we feel, but we can manage how we react to those emotions. We can take the time to understand the feelings that God has given us, explore what God says about them in His Word, and learn His techniques for how to manage them. When we do, it becomes easier to set down the things that are troubling us and make room for joy in our lives.Perfect for personal reflection or small groups, this Bible study will help you detach from the emotions that shape your day and cultivate the attitude you want.
The Story of Reality Study Guide: How the World Began, How it Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between
by Gregory KouklStudy the narrative backbone of the Christian story and how all the plotlines of that story are resolved in the end.Biblical Christianity is more than just another private religious view. It's more than just a personal relationship with God or a source of moral teaching. Christianity is a picture of reality. It explains why the world is the way it is. When the pieces of this puzzle are properly assembled, we see the big picture clearly.This six-session, video-based study guide (DVD/streaming video sold separately)—based on the theological observations of his book, The Story of Reality—Gregory Koukl guides you and your group through the narrative arc of reality. Throughout this experience, you'll learn:The vital answer to the question: What is Christianity?The five basic elements forming the plotline of the entire Christian story.How the Christian story explains why there's evil in the world.The precise reason why Jesus is the only way of salvation.Why biblical faith is not a leap of wishful thinking.Reasons why the story's record of the life and resurrection of Jesus is reliable.How the biblical view of reality is the best explanation for the way things are.This video-based study is designed to be experienced in a group setting or any small gathering and includes outlines of the video teachings, reflections, self-assessment exercises, discussion questions, and other activities to help you understand the concepts and put them into practice.Participants in this course will come away with a more grounded understanding of biblical reality and a greater appreciation for the Christian tradition.The Story of Reality Video Study (9780310100751) sold separately.
Making Vision Stick (Leadership Library)
by Andy StanleyThere are lots of books about discovering or developing a vision for your organization, but this one is about making that vision endure the corrosion of time and complexity--how to make your vision stick.Influential author and pastor Andy Stanley reveals the reasons why leaders' visions often falter, and he delivers 5 in-depth strategies so that you can dodge the pitfalls:How to state your vision simply.How to cast your vision convincingly.How to repeat your vision regularly.How to celebrate your vision systematically.How to embrace your vision personally.Many of us have good ideas, even great ones. The difficult part is putting them into practice and keeping that vision clear and visible to your organization--whether that's a business or a church--when there are so many things in the day-to-day living of that vision that can distract from it.Making Vision Stick offers valuable, practical tips and case studies. This is a book you'll want to highlight and dog-ear and pass around as you learn how to propel your organization toward the vision God has granted you.Vision is about what could be and should be, but life is about right this minute. The test of a true leader is in keeping that vision on track, day in and day out.
Cowboys and Indians and Pegasus Dreams
by Catherine Ann AndressThis is the story of a third generation Texas woman born in a small town in the center of the Texas Panhandle. Over protected and reared to be a wife and mother just as all the women in her family had been, her goal became just that, to be a wife and mother and to have a family of her own.Fate intervened, however, at every crossroad when her difficult first marriage to a rancher ended and she faced life as a single parent. After remarrying a few years later she was soon tragically widowed and, at 31, had to bury the man she loved so dearly. He was a Pathologist whose own terrible twist of fate occurred at the beginning of his medical career when, as an intern at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, he assisted with the initial postmortem exam on our late President John F. Kennedy. From that moment he was forced to live with deadly secrets which severely altered his life forever.This story focuses on the author's great struggle to believe in herself to face the world alone and the unbelievable frustration of having to again and again tolerate and rise above numerous legal entanglements, drastic financial losses and, on top of everything else, employment injustices; all this while rearing her daughter with no one by her side to believe in her. In midlife, she was brought to her knees after having a series of tragic events when she even prayed to die... this time she was led to the Great Throne of God&’s Grace.In writing this she was able to revisit and immortalize those she loved so dearly after losing precious loved ones tragically...a life impossible but for the grace of God and for scriptures such as: Proverbs 3: 5 & 6, &“Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not unto thine own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths&”; Genesis 50:20, &“But as for you, ye thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good&”; and Proverbs 16:3, &“Commit to the Lord whatever you do and He will establish your plans&”.
Baking with the Bread Lady: 100 Delicious Recipes You Can Master at Home
by Sarah GonzalezThis isn't your ordinary bread book. From artisan bread making, to savory breakfasts and brunch (hello, ultimate cinnamon roll!), to decadent but simple desserts, Baking with The Bread Lady takes you on a journey through recipes and stories, inviting you to come together to create community and memories around food.In Baking with The Bread Lady, popular baker and gifted teacher Sarah Gonzalez—lovingly known as "The Bread Lady"—shares her love for the art of baking that grew from family tradition and the popularity of her Spring Hill, Tennessee, bakery. Sarah has discovered that while people crave comfort food, it&’s their greater longing for community and belonging that serve as the magic ingredients that give these recipes a greater purpose.Beginners and seasoned bakers alike will salivate over:100 original recipes with beautiful photosPractical tips to learn to love baking from scratchNew and creative baking concepts built on centuries of traditionClassic recipes and tricks to pass on to the next generationBaking "hacks" such as how to store, thaw, and reheat bread Baking with The Bread Lady is approachable for first-time bakers but also includes more advanced recipes for those looking for a challenge, making it a great gift for budding bakers, makers, and anyone eager to develop their baking skills. Whether your gathering place is your kitchen, your neighborhood, or a video call with family far away, connecting over food creates wonderful (and tasty) memories and lasting relationships.Baking with The Bread Lady will entertain you through inspiring and fun stories such as:"The Care and Feeding of Neighbors""Happy Eggs&”"The Process of Invention"How her 170-year-old gingerbread recipe came to be Fall in love with baking for yourself, for your family, and for others with these creative and tasty recipes, photos, and stories.
The Gift of Heaven: Exploring Hope in the Life Beyond
by Charles F. StanleyFind hope and reassurance during difficult times as you explore the amazing promise of heaven.Do you have questions about heaven? You're not alone. In The Gift of Heaven, Dr. Charles Stanley offers comfort and encouragement through biblically based insights, pulling back the curtain on the hope that all Christians have in heaven and the life that is to come.Through The Gift of Heaven:You will discover that God has traced the outlines of a lovely blueprint through His wordGain a deeper understanding of the hope that all Christians have in the promise of eternal lifeExplore difficult questions such as "What will heaven be like?", "How do I know I'll go to heaven?", and "Who will be in heaven?" Whether you're buying this for yourself or as a gift, inside you'll find:Gorgeous photography coupled with scriptures throughout that will inspire and encourage youA perfect gift for believers seeking to learn more about the hope that we have in God's gift of heaven Use The Gift of Heaven to take a moment to reflect on the life that is beyond this world and anticipate the greatest hope of all--the day you see the face of God and are welcomed into His fullness.Readers of Charles Stanley will also enjoy these other encouraging books:The Gift of PrayerThe Gift of JesusThe Gift of the CrossTrusting God with TodayGod's Purpose for Your LifeJesus, Our Perfect HopeEvery Day in His PresenceChristmas: A Gift for Every HeartFinding God's Blessings in BrokennessGod is in Control
Smart Selling on the Phone and Online: Inside Sales That Gets Results
by Josiane FeigonIn an age of telesales and digital selling, this award-winning business book pinpoints the ten skills essential to high-efficiency, high-success sales performance based on the author&’s TeleSmart 10 System for Power Selling.Bestselling author and TeleSmart Communications president Josiane Feigon equips salespeople with the powerful tools they need to open stronger, build trust faster, handle objections better, and close more sales when dealing with customers they can&’t see face-to-face.In Smart Selling on the Phone and Online, you&’ll learn how to:overcome ten different forms of &“paralysis&” and reestablish momentum;sell in sound bites, not long-winded speeches;ask the right questions to reveal customer needs;navigate around obstacles to get to the power buyer;and prioritize and manage your time so that more of it is spent actually selling.The world of selling keeps changing, and sales professionals are on the front line of innovation to keep profits flowing. Combining an accessible text with clear graphics and step-by-step processes, Smart Selling on the Phone and Online will help any rep master the world of sales 2.0 and become a true sales warrior.
The Better Voice
by Robert Manuel TrindadeMany things keep us from a child-like faith in a loving God. Our experience shapes our beliefs and expectations for life and greatly influence our view of who God is, and who He could and couldn't be. The Gospel is the universal message that stands in stark contrast to the sins of the world we've lived in. The God of the Gospel is unfortunately viewed through eyes that have only seen evil apart from any of God's goodness. God's love is not limited or flawed as we receive from all others. God's character is purely different from man's, and the message of the Gospel is beauty that only a God can give.
Jesus in Me Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video: Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion
by Anne Graham LotzFrom internationally recognized Bible teacher and daughter of Billy Graham, this focused Bible course and workshop is designed to guide you into a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit through reading God's Word.In the Jesus In Me video-based Bible study (video streaming included) Anne Graham Lotz provides a format for studying the Bible that will help you learn to listen for God's voice, know Him in an intimate relationship, and communicate with Him through His Word.Throughout the eight sessions, you and your group will discover why the Holy Spirit is an essential part of the Christian life and how he speaks directly to you through the pages of your Bible. Anne begins with a workshop and video instruction on an effective, 5-step approach to studying your Bible.After that, you'll apply the skills of asking and listening as you work through five Bible studies per week on selected Scriptures about the Holy Spirit. This video study guide has everything you need for both small group and individual use and includes:The study guide itself—with the workshop instruction, discussion and reflection questions, video notes, and a facilitator's guide.An individual access code to stream all eight video presentations online (you don't need to buy a DVD!). Sessions and run times: Bible Study Workshop (49:00)Loving the Person of the Holy Spirit (18:00)Enjoying the Presence of the Holy Spirit (17:30)Relying on the Power of the Holy Spirit (17:00)Embracing the Purpose of the Holy Spirit (15:00)Living by the Precepts of the Holy Spirit (16:30)Reflecting on the Purity of the Holy Spirit (21:00)Trusting the Priority of the Holy Spirit (21:30)Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2027. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.
The Million-Dollar Financial Advisor: Powerful Lessons and Proven Strategies from Top Producers
by David J. Mullen, Jr.Based on interviews with fifteen top financial advisors, each doing several million dollars’ worth of business every year, this priceless tool contains universal principles to guide both veteran and new financial professionals to immediate success. The Million-Dollar Financial Advisor distills these success principles into thirteen distinct step-by-step lessons that teach readers how to build and focus on client relationships, have a top advisor mindset, develop a long-term approach, and much more. The book also features two complete case studies, featuring a “best of the best” advisor whose incredible success showcases the power of all the book's principles working together in concert, and an account of a remarkable and inspiring career turn around that demonstrates it's never too late to reinvent yourself. Brimming with practical advice from author David J. Mullen and expert insights from his interview subjects, The Million-Dollar Financial Advisor equips any financial advisor to succeed-- regardless of market conditions.
The Wonder of Creation Educator's Guide (Indescribable Kids)
by Louie GiglioThe Wonder of Creation Educator's Guide is a companion to The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science by Louie Giglio. This guide can be utilized in the classroom, in a home school setting, or by parents seeking additional resources. Ideal for grades 3rd-5th.
Games 3 (The Ideas Library)
by Youth SpecialtiesThe newest volume in the best-selling Ideas Library is Games 3--a collection of more than 400 fun, creative, youth-group-tested games. Indoor games, outdoor games, water games, balloon games, wide games, living room games, large and small group games, rowdy games, silly games, quiet games, hilarious games--brand new games to keep your group laughing, and building community. Perfect for youth workers and recreation directors.
The Anger Workbook: An Interactive Guide to Anger Management
by Frank Minirth Les CarterA field guide to understanding and managing anger--what it is, where it comes from, and how to get it under control.Many people assume that anger is the emotion that leads to raised voices and violence, and this kind of explosive rage is certainly a reality. But there are many different types of anger, from the simmering to the shutting down. Most of us experience some form of anger or its effects. The good news is that anger can be controlled.Founded on thirteen faith-based steps designed to recognize and manage anger, The Anger Workbook is an interactive guide to transforming patterns and behaviors with the help of biblical principles and evidence-based treatment.Best-selling author and practicing counselor Les Carter, Ph.D. and author and Christian psychiatrist Frank Minirth, M.D. draw on their years of experience and expertise to demystify the problem of anger. Throughout this workbook, you will learn:How to identify situational anger in yourself or others as well as patterns of relating, thinking, and behaving that may lead to feelings of angerHow emotions like fear, loneliness, and inferiority create angerHow to uncover and eliminate myths that perpetuate anger such as, "Letting go of my anger means I am conceding defeat." Or "No one understand my unique problems."For parents: how to manage a child's angerAs we get to know and understand anger--whether it's our own or a loved one's--its management becomes far less daunting. Anger can be controlled.
Deeper than Tears: Promises of Comfort and Hope
by Various Authors Jack Countryman Terri GibbsWhen life hurts, nothing helps like hope. This newly designed version of the best-selling Deeper than Tears, is a gift book of hope. It is a poignant and uplifting reminder that no matter what disappointments and loss come to your corner of the world, God offers healing and help. Regardless what sorrow and heartache you feel, God knows about it and He cares for you. What better message could bring encouragement and comfort?
The Power of Presence: Unlock Your Potential to Influence and Engage Others
by Kristi HedgesEveryone, regardless of position or personality, can strengthen their presence. The Power of Presence shows how.When some people speak, everyone listens. When they need commitment to projects, others jump on board. They just seem to have that indescribable &“presence&”--a subtle magnetic field around them wherever they go that signals authority and authenticity and attracts disciples with ease. Wouldn&’t it be incredible if doors opened as effortlessly for you? How amazing would it be if you could command the room like they do? You don&’t have to wonder; you can make it happen!Filled with strategies, exercises, and personal stories from years spent coaching leaders, communications expert Kristi Hedges explains how to:Build relationships based on trustRid yourself of limiting behaviorsEmbody the values you are trying to conveyExplore how others see you and correct misperceptionsCommunicate in way that inspireThe key is to cultivate the communication aptitude, mental attitude, and unique leadership style needed to connect with and motivate others. Everyone recognizes a commanding presence when they see it, and soon they&’ll see it in you!
Veg Forward: Super-Delicious Recipes that Put Produce at the Center of Your Plate – (Over 100 Farm-to-Table Recipes for Healthy Seasonal Meals) – Perfect Cookbook for Foodies and Home Chefs
by Susan SpungenEnjoy healthy, delicious farm-to-table recipes for your family that are BIG on flavor.Get stylish, practical meals that put vegetables first, by "an authentic culinary star" (Boston Globe) and the founding food editor of Martha Stewart Living.Where can I find a great zucchini recipe?What can I do with garlic scapes?What's an easy seasonal meal I can make for friends?If you ever find yourself asking these questions at the farmers market or grocery store, Veg Forward by veteran cookbook author, columnist, and culinary consultant Susan Spungen will supply you with the delicious answers and a whole lot more! With 102 recipes in which vegetables claim a starring role this book will give you everything you need to make the most of all the seasonal goodness the garden has to offer. Each recipe coaxes a maximum amount of flavor from a minimum number of ingredients; and each tastes even better than it looks!Veg Forward is full of extraordinary recipes for ordinary vegetables like tomatoes, corn, and potatoes, and it also offers delectable choices for less familiar ones like fava beans, kohlrabi, and nettles. Enjoy amazing recipes like:Asparagus Pizza with Arugula SaladSungold Spaghetti CarbonaraSheet-Pan Roasted RatatouilleSpoonbread-Stuffed Poblano Peppers with Tomato CreamSimple GazpachoEggplant Parm and Pasta BakeVeggie Ragu BologneseMushroom BourguignonCheese Blintzes with Sour Cherry CompoteChocolate Zucchini Bread Susan also shares scores of tips with you from her years as a caterer and chef, like:The efficient vegetable prep technique professionals useA genius tactic for cutting into hard squashThe single finishing touch that transforms a homey fruit dessert into something spectacularAnd so much more Begin your journey toward veggie-centric meals that your family will rave about that you will feel good about feeding to them. Veg Forward is your guide to a healthier, sustainable, more delicious mealtime for you and your loved ones.
The Daniel Prayer Bible Study Guide: Prayer That Moves Heaven and Changes Nations
by Anne Graham LotzDo you long for a more powerful prayer life? Do you grow discouraged when your prayers don't seem to change anything or allow you to hear God's voice?In this video-based Bible study workshop (DVD/digital video sold separately), Anne Graham Lotz presents a biblical approach to prayer that will help you:Learn to listen for God's voice,Know Him in a personal relationship,and Communicate with Him through His Word.By taking a close look at the life of Daniel, Anne unpacks the prayer he prayed in Daniel 9. Following the pattern of Daniel's original prayer as a model for how we speak to our Creator, she helps us develop a more meaningful and powerful prayer life.For an entire generation, Daniel's people had been held in captivity and separated from their homeland. But when Daniel read a prophecy in which God said He would restore His people to Jerusalem after seventy years, he claimed that promise and cried out for to the Lord to bring it to pass. Daniel's example of praying God's Word back to Him is what Anne calls "reversed thunder."In this six-session study, Anne explains how we can reverse the thunder until Heaven is moved and we see real change in our own lives and the lives of those we're praying for.This guide includes weekly Bible study readings, video teaching notes, group discussion questions, group activities, and space for writing your own prayers. Ideal for use in small groups and Sunday school classes and includes a simplified Bible study track for more limited meeting time (such as a workplace lunchtime setting).Sessions include:Preparing for PrayerPrompting in PrayerPleading in PrayerPrevailing in PrayerThe Battle in PrayerThis study guide is designed for use with The Daniel Prayer Video Study (sold separately). A Facilitator's Guide and additional resources is included on the DVD only.
Transformed Bible Study Guide: Embracing Our True Identity and Purpose (CORE for Men)
by Tim Phillips RT PhillipsGod has redeemed you. Now he's transforming you. Unlike redemption, we have to participate in our own spiritual transformation...but God doesn't ask us to do it alone. The two CORE for Men studies—Redeemed and Transformed—each feature five raw and real video stories (DVD/video streaming sold separately) of men who have fought with feelings of isolation and disqualification. Through these personal stories of brokenness and transformation, you and your group will be encouraged to step out of stagnancy and into your own God-shaped stories.Sessions and Contributors include: Identity (Propaganda, poet and activist)Transformation (Willie Alfonso, chaplain for the New York Yankees)Brotherhood (Sam & Emmanuel Acho, NFL players)Choices (Jerry Quiroz, professional soccer player)Reload (Clint Bruce, US Navy SEAL)Brought to you by the men behind the organization Promise Keepers, the passion behind the CORE for Men studies is to create spaces where men have permission to be real—where men discover they are not alone with the kind of doubts and fears they face everyday.CORE is a biblical expression of solidarity that will lead you back to a God who's in the business of turning brokenness into forgiveness and pain into a new and fulfilling purpose.Designed for use with the Transformed: Embracing Our True Identity and Purpose Video Study available on DVD or streaming video, sold separately.
The Promise Code: 40 Bible Promises Every Believer Should Claim (The Code Series)
by O. S. HawkinsDo you trust in the promises of God you've read in the Bible? Do you live your life by them? In The Promise Code, join trusted Bible teacher O. S. Hawkins as he dives into 40 of those promises, giving them context and meaning. Find the joy and peace that can only come through an understanding of how you can count on God's promises to be true in your own life.Learn how to:Lead a faithful Christian life by believing in God's promisesDraw nearer to God through studying what He says to be true in His WordExperience peace amid life's troubles This beautiful book will be a favorite on your bedside table, and it makes a perfect gift for:The many people who already are fans of the Code SeriesAnyone who needs a little lift in their lifeGraduations, Christmas, birthdays, Mother's Day, and Father's Day Each of the 40 entries contains a Bible promise, a reading that illuminates that promise, and a prayer that will stay with you throughout your week, helping you to remember God's promise to you.Also enjoy other O. S. Hawkins's books in this series:The Joshua Code: 52 Scriptures Every Believer Should KnowThe Jesus Code: 52 Scripture Questions Every Believer Should AnswerThe Prayer Code: 40 Scripture Prayers Every Believer Should PrayThe Believer's Code: 365 Devotions to Unlock the Blessings of God's WordThe Bible Code: Finding Jesus in Every Book in the Bible
Healing Together: A Guide to Supporting Sexual Abuse Survivors
by Anne MillerSex is such an intimate topic historically wrapped in shame and when someone shares they were sexually abused, we may not know how to respond.With recent #MeToo and #ChurchToo movements, we are learning just how many men, women, boys, and girls have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a trusted person, often family members or leaders in the church. Sexual abuse is rampant in modern society and now--sometimes many years later--sexual abuse survivors are sharing their stories.Anne Marie Miller is a survivor of childhood clergy sexual abuse and has shared her journey toward healing with audiences all over the world. After speaking with thousands of survivors and their loved ones, she saw the need for a fundamental and practical guide for helping supporters of sexual abuse survivors understand the basics of abuse, trauma, healing, and hope. Drawing from her own experience as a survivor and evidence-based research, Anne addresses these questions and more in Healing Together:What is sexual abuse?How can I help survivors?Who are predators and how do they groom victims?How does trauma affect survivors?What happens when someone doesn't remember the details of their abuse?How does abuse wound the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of people who have been abused?When and how should authorities be contacted?How do you talk to your children about sexual abuse?What are the warning signs of abuse?Is healing possible?Whether you are a spouse, a family member, a friend, or a church leader looking for easy-to-navigate resources to understand and support sexual abuse survivors, you'll find answers and hope in these pages.
Journey into Spiritual Spaciousness: Climbing Over Fences and Delighting in the Vista
by Malcolm NicholasWhat has dance got to do with the Trinity, a hospital bed to do with gratitude, or email to do with prayer? With these and other everyday starting points Malcolm Nicholas explores our relationship with the divine, and with the world.
God and Race Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video: A Guide for Moving Beyond Black Fists and White Knuckles
by John Siebeling Wayne FrancisHow you—and your church community—can play a part in ending racism. Pastors John Siebeling and Wayne Francis—whose thriving congregations are the embodiment of diversity—have pooled their insights and experiences to help others have conversations about racism. Many churches and leaders have sought their counsel, hoping to emulate their success, and yours can too.This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including:The study guide itself—with discussion and reflection questions, video notes, and a leader's guide.An individual access code to stream all five video sessions online (you don't need to buy a DVD!).God and Race provides a non-threatening means for pastors, church leaders, and churchgoers to speak to each other about this difficult and pervasive problem. In this study, Wayne and John show how neither black fists nor white knuckles are the answer to the problem, but that what is needed are open hands, open hearts, and open minds. Together, they:Examine the White-Black tension from both perspectives.Answer all the uncomfortable questions we're afraid to ask—regarding ourselves, our families, our work and relationships, and the church.Discuss seven key statements that they believe the church needs to acknowledge today—including that racism is a real problem, that it's more than just a spiritual issue, and that the Gospel is the solution.Provide practical steps anyone can take to become part of the solution.In the Gospels, we see how the crowds came to Jesus because he talked about real issues and was not afraid to engage in the important issues of his day. In the church of today, we need to be doing the same: only by recognizing, addressing, and openly dialoguing about the racial tension in America can we begin to work toward real solutions together.Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2027. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.
God's Oaks of Righteousness: Working Together to Develop Servant Christians
by Linda PyleIn our society it is easy for Christians to become so caught up in our own responsibilities and schedules that we fail to recognize the many opportunities God places in our lives. There are a variety of people that cross our paths every day with physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Some may be passing through our lives for the first, and maybe the last, time. Others may be in our lives for just a short time. Those who are in our inner circle of friends and family will be with us for the majority of our lives.Whoever these people are, God has placed them in our lives for a purpose. We have the privilege - if we choose to accept this mission - of sharing the love, grace and mercy of God with them. When we look at those around us in the way in which God sees them, we are compelled to reach out to them.Knowing that each day we live on this earth is ordained by God should give us the motivation to use every opportunity to serve the Lord and bring glory to Him. It should give us a reason to invest in the lives of others as we learn of their special needs which God has gifted us to meet. In so doing we can be part of the exciting ministry of developing God&’s Oaks of Righteousness.God&’s Oaks of Righteousness was written to challenge and motivate Christians to recognize opportunities to minister in our world. Everyone has a place in which they have been gifted to serve, whether as a large group leader with a vivacious personality; as a quiet, caring person working one-on-one praying for God&’s intervention in the lives of others; as one willingly giving time and energy to supply for the needs they recognize; or somewhere in-between.God&’s Oaks of Righteousness was written to reinforce the concept that we are working together as one united body of Christ. We each have our own area of ministry and spiritual gifts to use for Him. As a team we rejoice together and give God the glory for the spiritual maturity developed in others. We rejoice in their strength to stand firm and live a life honoring God because of their personal relationship with Christ and the Holy Spirit working in and through them.
The Humility of Being Found: A Journey To Rescue
by Kevin CainThe need to be rescued is somewhat about personal incompleteness and mostly about God, who desires to have loving communion with creation. Spiritual rescue follows a simple pattern: Messiah is lovingly sent to rescue; each has a tendency to fight against the Rescuer; personal humility is a statement of faithful surrender and the key to being found; the greatest journey of rescue is Jesus Messiah&’s upper room to empty tomb victory over sin and death; now rescued, the individual&’s only responsibility is to bear the Christ Who bears our wounds. Such is the journey to rescue.In The Humility of Being Found: A Journey To Rescue, Kevin B. Cain writes, &“Please acknowledge deep within every soul there is division from and longing for communion with the One larger than ourselves and with brothers and sisters in the struggle of life. Every division requires rescue, and the eternal estrangement of people from the God Who loves them necessitates the greatest of rescues. And, so, whether we realize or not, each of us sets out on a journey to discover rescue. Thousands of years ago, Messiah did the same. God descended into a journey, not to be rescued, but to offer rescue. The apostle, Paul, says Messiah&’s journey to rescue each of us can be summed up in three words: death, burial, and resurrection. Whether the individual&’s journey to be rescued is active or passive, Jesus&’ journey of death, burial, and resurrection has brought rescue to all. You are now being invited to enter thirty-six hours from my personal journal. In the pages that follow, you will read my chronicling of Jesus&’ Upper Room to empty-tomb journey of rescue and my attempt, through vigil, to journey alongside creation&’s Rescuer. In the written testimony of my journey to be rescued and my stumbling over the Messianic leaf of God&’s rescue that follows, perhaps you too will stumble, welcome rescue, and rise.&”
The World of the End Bible Study Guide: How Jesus’ Prophecy Shapes Our Priorities
by Dr. David JeremiahThis Is Our Time to Be the AnswerSome days it seems like bad news all around. And with bad news comes questions: &“Why is this happening?&” &“When will it stop?&” &“What can we do?&” And most pressing of all: &“Is this the end?&”In these hope-filled pages, bestselling author, pastor, and respected Bible teacher Dr. David Jeremiah will help you focus your mind on the hand of God instead of the problems at hand. Jesus Himself revealed what to expect from this season of history when He delivered His Olivet Discourse—a sermon that scholars have called &“the most important single passage of prophecy in all the Bible.&”This study guide, designed for use with Dr. Jeremiah&’s book The World of the End, focuses on Jesus&’ prophecy in Matthew 24. Jesus makes it clear that all the signs He points to won&’t occur at once; instead, they will gradually appear and become stronger and more frequent. You will learn exactly what Jesus promised to us—and what He expects of us—as we approach the World of the End.Each lesson includes:An outline of the main subjects and Scriptures covered during the lessonAn overview of Dr. Jeremiah&’s teaching on the topic being studiedApplication questions to help both individuals and small groups delve into the content and the BibleA Did You Know? section that adds a point of interest to the lesson