Best of
God

2016

None Like Him: 10 Ways God Is Different from Us (and Why That's a Good Thing)


Jen Wilkin - 2016
    Although we share important attributes with God (love, mercy, compassion, etc.), there are other qualities that only God possesses, such as unlimited power, knowledge, and authority. At the root of all sin is our rebellious desire to be like God in such ways--a desire that first manifested itself in the garden of Eden. In None Like Him, Jen Wilkin leads us on a journey to discover ten ways God is different from us--and why that's a good thing. In the process, she highlights the joy of seeing our limited selves in relation to a limitless God, and how such a realization frees us from striving to be more than we were created to be.

Inspire Bible-NLT: The Bible for Creative Journaling


Anonymous - 2016
    It's the first Bible of its kind--with over 400 beautiful line-art illustrations spread throughout the Bible. Full-page and partial-page Scripture art is attractively displayed throughout the Bible, and the illustrations can be colored in to make each Bible unique, colorful, and customizable. Every page of Scripture has two-inch-wide margins, with either Scripture line-art or ruled space for writing notes and reflections, or to draw and create. The generous 8.65-point font ensures optimal readability, and quality cream Bible paper is great for creative art journaling. Inspire is available in the popular New Living Translation, and is designed uniquely to appeal to art-journaling and adult coloring book enthusiasts.Softcover editions have Inspire foiled in metallic blue on an attractive coloring-book-style cover, plus extra hits of foil to embellish the flowers and leaves.Deluxe Hardcover editions feature a lovely, aquamarine LeatherLike over board, with beautifully-designed full-color page edges, a matching ribbon, and an elastic band closure.Deluxe LeatherLike editions feature a beautiful, vintage floral printed silky LeatherLike over flexible board, with matching aquamarine-patterned page edges, a matching ribbon, and a Smyth-sewn durable binding.

NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture


Anonymous - 2016
    Every page is packed with expert insight into the customs, culture, and literature of Bible times. These fascinating explanations will serve to clarify your study of the Scriptures, reinforcing your confidence and bringing difficult passages of Scripture into sharp focus.Discover new dimensions of insight to even the most familiar Bible passages as you take a behind-the-scenes tour into the ancient world.The Bible was originally written to an ancient people removed from us by thousands of years and thousands of miles. The Scriptures include subtle culturally based nuances, undertones, and references to ancient events, literature and customs that were intuitively understood by those who first heard the Scriptures read. For us to hear the Scriptures as they did, we need a window into their world.The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, with notes from Dr. John H. Walton (Wheaton College) in the Old Testament and Dr. Craig S. Keener (Asbury Theological Seminary) in the New Testament, brings to life the ancient world of Scripture for modern readers. Features: The full text of the NIV Targeted book introductions explain the context in which each book of the Bible was written Insightful and informative verse-by-verse study notes reveal new dimensions of insight to even the most familiar passages Key Old Testament (Hebrew) and New Testament terms are explained and expanded upon in two helpful reference features Over 300 in-depth articles on key contextual topics 375 full-color photos, illustrations, and images from around the world Dozens of charts, maps, and diagrams in vivid color Words of Jesus in red Additional study Bible tools: cross references, a concordance, indexes and other helps

The Prayer of Protection: Living Fearlessly in Dangerous Times


Joseph Prince - 2016
    Joseph Prince offers simple keys and practical advice to finding and resting in the secret place of the Most High, where no evil can even come near you. You'll begin to live unafraid and with boldness as you allow the certainty of your heavenly Father's love and the sure promises of His Word to guard your heart against every fear. Come under the wings of the Almighty and live life divinely protected, positioned, and free from all fears with our covenant-keeping God!

The One Year Chronological Bible Creative Expressions


Anonymous - 2016
    Each day's reading focuses on a specific moment in biblical history, taking you through the events of the Bible in the order they occurred. Readers are guided through the entire Bible in a sequential, unforgettable journey that's easier than ever to make your own.

Moving Mountains: How You, God, and Prayer Can Change Things for Good


John Eldredge - 2016
    That s because often our prayers seem to be met with silence or don t appear to change anything. Either response can lead to disappointment or even despair in the face of our ongoing battles and unmet longings especially when we don t know if we re doing something wrong or if some prayers just don t work.New York Times bestselling author John Eldredge confronts these issues directly in Moving Mountains by offering a hopeful approach to prayer that is effective, relational, and rarely experienced by most Christians.In a world filled with danger, adventure, and wonder, we have at our disposal prayers that can transform the events and issues that matter most to us and to God. Moving Mountains shows you how to experience the power of daily prayer, learn the major types of prayers including those of intervention, consecration, warfare, and healing and to discover the intimacy of the cry of the heart prayer, listening prayer, and praying Scripture.Things can be different, and you personally have a role to play with God in bringing about that change through prayer. It may sound too good to be true, but this is your invitation to engage in the kind of prayers that can move God's heart as well as the mountains before you."

Heaven Starts Now: Becoming a Saint Day by Day


John Riccardo - 2016
    John Riccardo helps us dive into the Scriptures so that we can apply them to our daily lives. In his inspiring and incisive way, Fr. Riccardo addresses the obstacles we all face in becoming mature disciples. How do we learn to forgive? How do we combat fear and understand suffering? How do we worship the Lord, love others as Christ loves us, and fully surrender our lives to God? If you've enjoyed Fr. Riccardo's gifts of teaching and preaching through his broadcasts and podcasts, this book is for you!

Come with Me: Discovering the Beauty of Following Where He Leads


Suzanne Eller - 2016
    How when you take a step away from the uncertainty, the to-do list, the busy life, the worries and excuses, you take a step toward the One who promises to delight and surprise. Who brings you deeper than you ever thought possible.Two thousand years ago, 12 men answered the call to follow a man they hardly knew--and they were changed in ways they never imagined. Today that same invitation echoes across history, beckoning you to an adventure that will spill into every aspect of your faith and life. Come with Me. Will you say yes?

SOZO Saved Healed Delivered: A Journey into Freedom with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit


Dawna DeSilva - 2016
    Sadly, many Christ-followers experience constant defeat during their time on Earth. Something is missing.The Biblical concept of salvation comes from the Greek word ‘Sozo’ and has a holistic implication. Power and victory flowed through the New Testament Church because the early Christians understood how to live out their salvation in a way that impacted every area of their lives— spirit, soul, and body.In SOZO, Dawna DeSilva and Teresa Liebscher provide revelatory teaching and miraculous testimonies that paint a stunning picture of how to experience Heaven’s freedom in every area of your life.You will receive:practical tools to deepen your relationship with the Triune God—Father God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.victory strategies to help you disarm lies, break harmful patterns, shift spiritual atmospheres, and access the often-unreached realms of abundant life.keys to experience inner healing by breaking addictions, overcoming obstacles, and walking in sustained deliverance.Salvation is not simply a ticket to Heaven.It is abundant life that begins now…and continues forever.

66 Ways God Loves You: Experience God's Love for You in Every Book of the Bible


Jennifer Rothschild - 2016
    In 66 Ways God Loves You, Jennifer Rothschild walks you through each of the sixty-six books of the Bible and shows, in concise and thoughtful ways, how every book reflects God’s love for you, such as:In Genesis God fashions you with His hands.In Esther He Makes you royalty.In Acts God’s Spirit comes to live in you.In I Peter God gives you victory over suffering.From Genesis to Revelation, each chapter includes a succinct, meaningful reading on the message of that book in the Bible, along with a simple takeaway to help you bring the message to light in your own heart and life. This lovely book is perfect for gift-giving to moms, friends, sisters, and anyone who needs to be reminded that they are known and beloved by God no matter what.

Not a Fan Daily Devotional: 75 Days to Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus


Kyle Idleman - 2016
    Featuring all new content building on the mega bestseller Not a Fan, author and pastor Kyle Idleman dives deep into each of his principles from the original book and helps you see how you can live out what it means to be a truly committed and sold-out follower of Jesus.Seventy-five days of insights, stories, encouragement, and biblical truth and inspiration will bring this life-changing book to an even deeper level for all those who desire to take the next steps in being a true disciple.Each devotional gives you a scripture to focus on, a story or insight that illustrates one of the Not a Fan principles, and most importantly, a “Do Something About It” section that helps you with simple ways to put the principles in practice immediately.This immensely practical and helpful devotional is a perfect daily read for any believer, new or old.

The Power of a Praying® Grandparent Book of Prayers


Stormie Omartian - 2016
    You can love them and influence them for good, but you will also touch them in amazing ways every time you lift them up in prayer before the Lord. In this book, each prayer covers an important aspect of your grandchildren's lives, including: their relationship with God, parents, friends, and other key people who care for them their health, safety, direction, and purpose their development into wise, happy, productive, and faith-filled adults Prayer for your grandchildren is the greatest gift of love you can give them. And every time you invite God to work powerfully in their lives you will experience... The Power of a Praying® Grandparent

Progressive Covenantalism: Charting a Course between Dispensational and Covenantal Theologies


Stephen J. WellumJohn Meade - 2016
    Wellum and Brent E. Parker have assembled a team of scholars who offer a fresh perspective regarding the interrelationship between the biblical covenants. Each chapter seeks to demonstrate how the covenants serve as the backbone to the grand narrative of Scripture. For example, New Testament scholar Thomas Schreiner writes on the Sabbath command from the Old Testament and thinks through its applications to new covenant believers. Christopher Cowan wrestles with the warning passages of Scripture, texts which are often viewed by covenant theologians as evidence for a "mixed" view of the church. Jason DeRouchie provides a biblical theology of “seed” and demonstrates that the covenantal view is incorrect in some of its conclusions. Jason Meyer thinks through the role of law in both the old and new covenants. John Meade unpacks circumcision in the OT and how it is applied in the NT, providing further warrant to reject covenant theology's link of circumcision with (infant) baptism. Oren Martin tackles the issue of Israel and land over against a dispensational reading, and Richard Lucas offers an exegetical analysis of Romans 9-11, arguing that it does not require a dispensational understanding. From issues of ecclesiology to the warning passages in Hebrews, this book carefully navigates a mediating path between the dominant theological systems of covenant theology and dispensationalism to offer the reader a better way to understand God’s one plan of redemption.

God Gave Us Thankful Hearts


Lisa Tawn Bergren - 2016
    Why should so many of his friends have to go in for the winter and leave Lil Pup without pals? Mama reminds her little wolf that not all animals hibernate, and how he can be grateful for the beautiful autumn season - for jumping in leaf piles, eating apple treats, and celebrating the wonders of fall with his forest friends"--

Defeating the Demon of Poverty: How to Break Free From the Spirit of Lack


Uebert Angel - 2016
     Be ready to be free from poverty and enjoy the blessing of the Lord in this life as Uebert angel takes you on a journey that will catapult you in to financial freedom. This book was written in a way that captures your every sense and walks you through the vision as if you yourself were there as the Lord detailed the secrets to Uebert Angel. It will also empower you to overcome anything the enemy can throw against in the area of finances and live the abundant life that God wants for you. Are you ready to declare war on poverty and defeat it? This is your book!

Why Bother With Church?: And other questions about why you need it and why it needs you


Sam Allberry - 2016
     It is widely viewed in the world at large as being outdated, boring, irrelevant and filled with backbiting hypocrites. How different that picture is to how the Bible talks about the new family that Jesus has gathered. It is a precious bride, a sparkling jewel, a lifeboat for forgiven sinners that is precious and holy; nurturing and warm; filled with truth, friendship and all embracing, forgiving love. Sam Allberry understands the collision between these two views, and how, even as Christian believers, we can lose sight of how truly wonderful church is and should be, and what a privilege it is to be part of, and to serve. In this brief accessible but thorough guide to church, Sam outlines what church is and why we need it. And how, when we have got it wrong, we can move closer to what a true church should be.

Listen, Love, Repeat: Other-Centered Living in a Self-Centered World


Karen Ehman - 2016
    (Can you say selfie?) But in this near-narcissism, people are less content than in decades past. Why? Because we forgot the joy that comes from putting others first. Doing so requires us to live alert, listening for “heart drops,” hints from those in our lives who need a helping hand or a generous dose of encouragement. Living alert lifts our own spirits, showing us that blessing others blesses us even more.Listen, Love, Repeat offers biblical teaching and suggests doable actions that are simple, heart-tugging, sentimental, even sneaky and hilarious. This message:• Presents scriptural examples of those who lived alert, including Jesus, who noticed those who least expected to be seen.• Explains the role of good works for followers of Christ. They aren’t our ticket to heaven but they are our marching orders on earth.• Gives creative ideas for showing love to friends and family, and suggests practical ways to reach out to the lonely, the marginalized, the outcast, and the odd duck. Additionally, it helps you comfort the grieving, showing what you can do when you don’t know what to say.• Provides inspiration for blessing the “necessary people” in your life, those often-overlooked souls who help you get life done every day, and teaches you how to hug a porcupine by genuinely loving the hard-to-love.As we scatter love, we create a safe space where we can openly share the gospel. We get to see lives changed right before our eyes. Most importantly, Listen, Love, Repeat will enable you to live a life that is full of kind deeds, not to selfishly shout, “Hey! Look at me!” but to humbly implore, “Will you look at Him?”

Made Well: Finding Wholeness in the Everyday Sacred Moments


Jenny Simmons - 2016
    When he walked the earth, Jesus said to an unwell man, "Do you want to be made well?" His invitation stretched beyond physical healing--he sought to restore the soul. The same invitation stands for us today.For anyone struggling on the journey toward wholeness, singer/songwriter Jenny Simmons offers a resting place and a friend along the way. With personal insight into emotional pain, she invites readers to encounter a God who is working out their restoration--often in surprising "half-baked" ways. Her humorous and inspirational prose lights a path toward wholeness. Anyone trying to find their way to spiritual, mental, and emotional healing will benefit from Jenny's vulnerable and compassionate stories of being made well in the midst of a messy life.

I Know His Name: Discovering Power in the Names of God (InScribed Collection)


Wendy Blight - 2016
    This study is for any woman who wants to move beyond simply knowing about God to really knowing God in a very personal way. Join Wendy as she teaches how the very names of God reveal His character and heart.This study will help women to:  Realize their infinite worth as they explore the nature of the God who created and formed them.  Live with bold assurance that their God is a personal God who sees them, hears them, and knows them by name.  Walk confidently in knowing both who they are and Whose they are.  Arm themselves with seven tools to pray more confidently and effectively in any situation or circumstance.  Transform their walk with Jesus as they discover how He fulfills the Old Testament names of God. This book includes biblical and historical background insights, practical application, and a memory verse for each chapter. The study may be completed individually or with a small group. Chapters Include: Elohim: The One Who Created You El Roi: The One Who Sees You Jehovah Nissi: The One Who Stands Guard Over You Jehovah Rapha: The One Who Heals You More Magnificent Names Can be used alone or with I Know His Name: A DVD Study (9780310089018).Inscribed is a collection of Bible studies that lead women to not just survive but thrive by encouraging them to immerse themselves in the Word of God.

The Triune God


Fred Sanders - 2016
    Following in the tradition of G. C. Berkouwer’s Studies in Dogmatics, this series will provide thoughtful, concise, and readable treatments of major theological topics, expressing the biblical, creedal, and confessional shape of Christian doctrine for a contemporary evangelical audience. The editors and contributors share a common conviction that the way forward in constructive systematic theology lies in building upon the foundations laid in the church’s historic understanding of the Word of God as professed in its creeds, councils, and confessions, and by its most trusted teachers.

Daily Readings from The Power of I Am: 365 Life-Changing Devotions


Joel Osteen - 2016
    If you have a powerful I AM, you will carry yourself with a quiet confidence. It's time to stop criticizing yourself, and instead discover your inner strengths, your natural talents, and unique abilities that will make you prosper with self-assurance and success, every single day.

NIV Foundation Study Bible


Anonymous - 2016
    The NIV Foundation Study Bible in the world’s most popular modern-English Bible translation—the New International Version—features an approachable and easy-to-use layout, with straightforward and broad study notes that offer a way to discover the beauty and truth of God's Word at an affordable price.The accessible features and affordable price make the NIV Foundation Study Bible perfect for students, church leaders, Bible readers around the world, and homeschool use.Features: Complete text of the New International Version Introductions provide valuable background information for each book of the Bible Cross reference system Verse-by-verse study notes NIV concise concordance Full color Bible maps Words of Jesus in red

Hearing God in Conversation: How to Recognize His Voice Everywhere


Samuel C. Williamson - 2016
    Yet many might also say that they sense little meaningful relationship with God in their own lives. After all, the foundation of good relationship is communication--but conversation with God often seems to go only one way. We may sing of walking and talking with God in the garden, His voice falling on our ears, but few have heard that beloved voice themselves.Sam Williamson acknowledges the fundamental human longing to hear God's voice and offers a hopeful supposition: God is always speaking--we've just never been taught how to recognize His voice. Williamson handles this potentially heady topic with his characteristic straightforwardness and leavening humor. This book deftly bridges the gap between solid biblical theology and practical application, addressing topics such as how to truly pray without ceasing, how to brainstorm with God, how to navigate our emotions, how to answer God's questions, and how to hear God's voice for others."Hearing God in Conversation" offers simple, step-by-step lessons on how to hear God. Williamson begins with Scripture meditation. He then expands the practice of listening for that voice everywhere--in the checkout line, on the job, in a movie theater, and even in silence. From there, he demonstrates how to hear God's guidance when making any decision. By the end, readers' eyes and ears will be opened to the limitless methods through which God speaks.

The Absurdity of Unbelief: A Worldview Apologetic of the Christian Faith


Jeffrey D. Johnson - 2016
    Everyone has a worldview, even atheists and skeptics, but only the Christian worldview is not self-contradictory.The Absurdity of Unbelief demonstrates why every possible reason for unbelief is irrational and ultimately meaningless by exposing the various self-refuting systems of thought in which these objections are rooted. 3 Cheers for The Absurdity of Unbelief! "Agnostics and atheists have been making a lot of noise in recent years, in spite of the fact that their belief systems are so obviously flawed. To counter their propaganda we need a flow of books exposing just how flimsy their arguments are. Jeffrey Johnson has chosen the word 'absurdity' to characterise these, and he has chosen well. Chapter by chapter he strips unbelief of any vestige of credibility, then shows with crystal clarity why the biblical case for God stands supreme when contrasted with all other philosophical and religious belief systems. I predict that this book will be as great a help to many of its readers as it has been to me, and I commend it warmly." —John Blanchard “A major strength of Jeffrey Johnson’s Absurdity of Unbelief is its step-by-step systematic approach. He explains what faith is (and is not), what factors drive us to adopt our beliefs, how to test them, fatal difficulties on all systems of thought not built on the foundation of Christ, grounds for holding to Christian theism, and a passionate call to faith in Jesus. Along the way he examines Christian and non-Christian thinkers and movements both ancient and contemporary, demonstrating that the principles underlying a biblical apologetic equally apply to all forms of unbelief. I plan on coming back to this book again and again.” —Joseph E. Torres "As Christians struggle to hold onto a semblance of sanity in the midst of the collapse of Western morality and thought, a sound foundation upon which to stand in explaining our unwillingness to bow the knee to Caesar is a must. In The Absurdity of Unbelief, Jeffrey Johnson provides a clear and compelling case for the Christian faith, readable and usable for believer and unbeliever alike." —James R. White The Absurdity of Unbelief will strengthen your understanding in the logic behind the Christian faith and arm you... ...by its exposure of the weak arguments held by non-Christian worldviews; ...in its clear and logical presentation, providing tools to bolster your witness as you contend earnestly for the faith in the midst of an unbelieving world; ...with thorough documentation, copiously citing books, notes, quotes and references for the most studious of believer in Christ’s Kingdom; ...yet, written with a pastor’s heart so every false philosophy exposed and every Biblical truth illuminated is easily accessed and applied to encourage and educate fellow believers as a textbook for Bible study or used simply as a ready reference to bolster your Christian witness. Grab Your Copy Today Available in trade paperback and Kindle eBook

Jesus-Centered Life: The life you didn't think was possible, with the Jesus you never knew


Rick Lawrence - 2016
    You’re bored. Exhausted. Tired of the grind. You’re done with hearing about Jesus in sermons. Reading about Jesus in devotions. You want to encounter Jesus—and know him for who he really is. You want to experience Jesus’ love, not just admire him. To become a follower, not just a fan.The Jesus-Centered Life…• invites you into wonder as you explore the magnetic force of the real Jesus• frees you from a “trying harder to get better” lifestyle, so you can follow Jesus instead• walks you through one-of-a-kind practices that lead you into actual encounters with JesusPacked with easy, natural, everyday life practices that transform how you see Jesus, The Jesus-Centered Life is the perfect antidote for a ho-hum connection to Jesus—a fresh invitation for you to make Jesus the center of your life. This book helps you chart a clear, fulfilling path straight to the Jesus who loves you.

An Unexplainable Life: Recovering the Wonder and Devotion of the Early Church, Acts 1-12


Erica Wiggenhorn - 2016
    And sadly, many of us seem nothing like them.An Unexplainable Life is a call to reignite the mission and movement of the early church individually and collectively. This in-depth Bible study transports readers back to the early days of the Christian church, challenging our modern-day assumptions and inviting us to join Jesus in His work today.Divided into 10 weeks, this study:Guides participants verse-by-verse through Acts 1–12Equip readers for transformation through challenging Scripture applicationTeaches basic principles for personally studying the ScripturesBrings Scripture to life with historical, cultural, and theological backgroundsProvides a “going deeper” section for curious studentsIdeal for groups, this study will help readers spur one another on toward adopting the qualities and passions of the early Christian church, providing built-in accountability.The fervor of the early church isn’t restricted to the first century. Unlock the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and join His great work today.

I Loved Jesus in the Night: Teresa of Calcutta—A Secret Revealed


Paul Murray - 2016
    Sharing anecdotes and first-hand experiences, Paul Murray offers a glimpse into why Mother Teresa could declare, in one of her letters, that if ever she were to "become a saint," she would surely be one of “darkness.” This very personal yet powerful book is an attempt to come to terms with the dark night experiences endured by Mother Teresa in the light of the Gospel and the mystical teachings of St. John of the Cross. And something else as well—revelations of Mother Teresa's sense of humor! “This book is easy to read and gives insights into the spiritual life and relationship with Jesus that drove this carrier of God's love to serve the poorest of the poor.” —Catholic Missourian

Ganesh


Subhadra Sen Gupta - 2016
    Known as the remover of obstacles, he is prayed to before every new beginning. But do you know why Ganesh has an elephant’s head? Or why he has only one tusk? And what is his connection with the waxing and waning of the moon?In this fun retelling of the most popular stories associated with Ganesh, find the answers to these questions and more. Accompanied by beautiful illustrations that bring the stories alive, this book will appeal to every child and the child in all adults.

His Love Endures Forever: Reflections on the Immeasurable Love of God


Garry J. Williams - 2016
    There are few more quoted statements in all of Scripture. Although wonderfully simple, this truth is incredibly profound--and therefore often misunderstood, twisted, and taken out of context. Rather than remembering that it is God who is love, we too often make human love our standard.Exploring what the Bible teaches about God's love, this book will lead you to marvel at both its unique nature and its immeasurable greatness.

The Freedom Factor: Finding Peace by Forgiving Others . . . and Yourself


Bruce H. Wilkinson - 2016
    But pastors say that more than 90% of their congregations struggle with unforgiveness—and unforgiveness can make us forget what we were made for.What if the most pervasive sin of our day is invisible, hidden deep inside our hearts? What if it affects every aspect of our lives and relationships so quietly and insidiously that most of us miss it altogether? Bruce Wilkinson believes unforgiveness is that sin. Through the teachings of Jesus, The Freedom Factor reveals the link between our suffering and our unforgiveness. But it also shows how to forgive—for real and forever. The story doesn’t have to end with the pain of our wounds. Whatever happened to us happened. But the God who made your heart has shown a way past the wounds, back to the life and love that we were made for—a path toward freedom.

God is Watching Over You


P.J. Lyons - 2016
    Lyons and Tim Warnes have created a sweet and relaxing padded cover board book that tells the story of God’s constant presence around you. Meant to be read at night, when a child is warm and snug in their bed, the rhyming text and adorable illustrations in God Is Watching Over You gently remind us that God is constantly watching over us, protecting us, and caring for us.

Activation: A Story of God's Transforming Power


Adam Gellert - 2016
    Join Adam Gellert and his family on a journey of incredible revelations and discoveries, and see how God desires to reveal His true nature to all of us, His children. Are you ready for your ACTIVATION?

Heavenly Help


Sarah Bowling - 2016
    But she feared excesses and emotionalism, and remained skeptical until she was a young woman, facing many unanswered questions about this mysterious Person. With candor about her extraordinary upbringing, Bowling shares her personal journey to find answers. Working from the Bible's original languages, she addresses essential characteristics of the Holy Spirit, including many qualities often overlooked. Basing her study on Jesus' teaching during the Last Supper, Bowling offers refreshing insights for skeptics, new believers, and mature Christians alike. As you grow in understanding from Jesus' own words about the Holy Spirit, you can embrace the comfort, guidance, and power he is ready to give you every day.

Shifty (Siofra, #1)


Fanny Valentine Darling - 2016
    Thus the stage is set for a dark and ancient ritual which would give the wraiths of the Shadow Realm a power they have long been denied, and for good reason. In our modern day world, Shifty’s magic is becoming more powerful and her glamour is beginning to fade. She believes she’s having visions and seeks out psychiatric help. When the people closest to her finally reveal the truth of her ancestry, she also learns that she’s in danger and must learn to protect herself. But are her lifelong friends truly looking out for her, or are they in league with the creatures from her birth realm, set to groom her for her return? Evangeline has always known she was a human in a realm of fae. She is the daughter of one of the realm’s most powerful family, and has been promised in marriage to a well-positioned young man. When she begins to suspect there may be nefarious motives for her match, she recruits her friends to help her solve the mystery before the wedding. But is their loyalty to her, or the realm? When the Siofra twins finally meet, they must work together to stop the dark ritual — before it can end both their worlds.

The Illusion of God's Presence: The Biological Origins of Spiritual Longing


John C. Wathey - 2016
    More than any rituals or doctrines, it is this experience that anchors religious faith, yet it has been largely ignored in the scientific literature on religion.Starting with a vivid narrative account of the life-threatening hike that triggered his own mystical experience, biologist John Wathey takes the reader on a scientific journey to find the sources of religious feeling and the illusion of God's presence. His book delves into the biological origins of this compelling feeling, attributing it to innate neural circuitry that evolved to promote the mother-child bond. Dr. Wathey, a veteran neuroscientist, argues that evolution has programmed the infant brain to expect the presence of a loving being who responds to the child's needs. As the infant grows into adulthood, this innate feeling is eventually transferred to the realm of religion, where it is reactivated through the symbols, imagery, and rituals of worship. The author interprets our various conceptions of God in biological terms as illusory supernormal stimuli that fill an emotional and cognitive vacuum left over from infancy. These insights shed new light on some of the most vexing puzzles of religion, like the popular belief in a god who is judgmental and punishing, yet also unconditionally loving; the extraordinary tenacity of faith; the greater religiosity of women relative to men; religious obsessions with sex; the mysterious compulsion to pray; the seemingly irrepressible feminine attributes of God, even in traditionally patriarchal religions; and the strange allure of cults. Finally, Dr. Wathey considers the hypothesis that religion evolved to foster reproductive success, arguing that, in an age of potentially ruinous overpopulation, magical thinking has become a luxury we can no longer afford, one that distracts us from urgent threats to our planet.Deeply researched yet elegantly written in a jargon-free and accessible style, this book presents a compelling interpretation of the evolutionary origins of spirituality and religion.From the Hardcover edition.

Counting Blessings


Eileen Spinelli - 2016
    And the rhyming text and child-friendly illustrations make this book wonderful for toddlers and young readers.Counting Blessings follows a young bunny as he counts his blessings through his day, as well as explores all the blessings awaiting him throughout the rest of the year. As you child counts along from 1 to 10, they will learn to be thankful for the simple, everyday things—like family, warm clothes, and favorite toys—as well as the things that make the day extra-special, like ten good night kisses. With rhymes that make counting fun to remember and illustrations with elements your child can find and count along with, this delightful board book captures the attention of young children, filling their minds with numbers and their hearts with happiness.Counting Blessings:makes counting fun and relatable for kidshelps your child look for and count the blessings in their own lifealso contains elements about the four seasonsis the perfect size for lap reading, and sturdy enough for little handshas soft, rounded corners to ensure even the youngest child can enjoy the story

The Virgin Eye: Towards a Contemplative View of Life


Robin Daniels - 2016
    Offering insights into contemplative prayer and mindfulness from a Christian perspective, this book is accessible to those at various points on their journey. Robin Daniels encourages us to prioritise the inner life and our relationship with God, making space for silence and solitude. He helps us to jettison the tired preconceptions and stale paradigms through which we see the world and isolate ourselves from others. Daniels demonstrates how we can put St Paul's challenging exhortation to 'pray without ceasing' into practice. He explores how we can turn suffering and trial into opportunity and growth, as we learn to see God, ourselves and other people with a pure heart and a pure eye.

Heart of Revelation


J. Scott Duvall - 2016
    But Scott Duvall has good news for discouraged readers--you can benefit from the hope and encouragement of this mysterious book if you grasp its main teachings. In this thematic approach to Revelation, Duvall reveals its ten most important themes, allowing readers to focus on the vision of hope Revelation provides. Rather than discussing different views of the end times, Duvall points us toward the major biblical themes of God, worship, the people of God, the Holy Spirit, our mission, the Lamb of God, judgment, perseverance, and more, allowing readers to understand and apply the message of Revelation here and now.

Finding God in the Ruins: How God Redeems Pain


Matt Bays - 2016
    Matt Bays has been where you are. His unforgettable stories of loss and healing will usher you into a life where gratitude overpowers anger, hope overcomes despair, and hunger for God replaces indifference to God. With a fresh and original writing style, Bays demonstrates that true redemption is far more powerful than the temporary fixes of sanitized Christianity.