Book picks similar to
Pain: The Plight of Fallen Man: God's Prescription for Persevering by James Halla
christian-ministry
christian-spiritual-growth
christianity
christian-life
Pleasing People: How not to be an "approval junkie"
Lou Priolo - 2007
Are you a people pleaser? Are you addicted to “approval” from others, and would do just about anything to get that approval? Biblical counselor Lou Priolo exposes all the prideful manifestations of this problem and, as always, offers solid, systematic Biblical solutions! Even readers who feel that they do not have this problem should read this helpful book, because what you don’t know can and will hurt you and others.
Psychobabble: The Failure of Modern Psychology--And the Biblical Alternative
Richard Ganz - 1993
Richard Ganz! Why is it that many evangelical preachers shout from the pulpit about God's power, but then shuffle their emotionally troubled members off to the closest therapist? Both church leaders and laypersons seem to believe that the psychological "experts" have the answers for the wounded hearts and souls of God's people. And when churches do offer counseling, it often is tinged with the secular psychology and psychotherapy that have infiltrated the church. PSYCHOBABBLE explains the dichotomy between secular and Biblical counseling, and shows the danger of incorporating secular techniques into a Christian approach. This book will arm believers looking for Scriptural answers to the hurts of a broken world. As anti-Christian bias becomes increasingly pervasive in secular psychology, the church must look to the true source of all healing. This book will point the way. "Dr. Ganz threads through all the sticky issues as he confronts the psychological demigods of the Christian integrationists' pantheon and exposes their feet of clay. For those who have wondered whether the integration of secular psychotherapy with the revelation of God in the Bible is possible--here is your answer." --Dr. Jay Adams, professor, Westminster Theological Seminary "Here is a solid Biblical approach to counseling from somebody who has seen it from both the psychological and Biblical sides. Anyone who does Biblical counseling should read this book." --Dr. John F. MacArthur, Jr., pastor, author of Ashamed of the Gospel "A vivid book by a Bible-believing Jewish-Christian ex-psychotherapist, full of precious wisdom as to how God's power transforms troubled lives." --Dr. J. I. Packer, Professor of Theology, Regents College "At a time when much of the modern church seems to have replaced repentance with recovery, sanctification with serenity, and piety with therapy, Psychobabble is especially welcome--and needed. I pray that it will receive a wide reading." --George Grant, author, Executive Director, Legacy Communications
7 Myths about Singleness
Sam Allberry - 2019
To be single, we often think, is to be alone and spiritually hindered.But the Bible paints a very different picture of singleness: it is a positive gift and blessing from God. This book seeks to help Christians--married and unmarried alike--value singleness as a gift from God so that we can all encourage singles to take hold of the unique opportunities their singleness affords and see their role in the flourishing of the church as a whole.
Hope when it hurts: Biblical reflections to help you grasp God's purpose in your suffering
Kristen Wetherell - 2017
But so is hope.Kristen and Sarah have walked through, and are walking in, difficult times. So these thirty biblical reflections are full of realism about the hurts of life—yet overwhelmingly full of hope about the God who gives life.This book will gently encourage and greatly help any woman who is struggling with suffering—whether physical, emotional or psychological, and whether for a season or for longer. It is a book to buy for yourself, or to buy for a member of your church or friend. For anyone who is hurting, this book will give hope, not just for life beyond the suffering, but for life in the suffering.Each chapter contains a biblical reflection, with questions and prayers, and a space for journaling.
Redemption: Freed by Jesus from the Idols We Worship and the Wounds We Carry
Mike Wilkerson - 2011
Most Christians don't make golden idols like the Israelites in the wilderness, but we do set up idols on our own desert road--idols like substance abuse, pornography, gluttony, and rage. And even those who don't know the pain of actual slavery can feel enslaved to the fear and shame that follow sexual abuse or betrayal by a spouse, for we suffer at the hands of our idols as well as those created by others. We need more than self-improvement or comfort--we need redemption.Redemption is not a step-oriented recovery book; it's story-oriented and Bible-anchored. It unfolds the back-story of redemption in Exodus to help Christians better understand how Christ redeems us from the slavery of abuse, addiction and assorted trouble and restores us to our created purpose, the worship of God. Readers will discover that the reward of freedom is more than victory over a habitual sin or release from shame; it is satisfaction and rest in God himself.
Called to the Ministry
Edmund P. Clowney - 1976
God’s call came suddenly to Elisha, who was plowing a field when Elijah cast the prophet’s mantle on him, and to Peter, who was holding a fishing net when Jesus called him. What does the Bible say about Christ’s calling today? We are told that the Lord calls us by name, and every Christian has his or her own calling—a calling as a child of God and a servant of God.In this timeless book Clowney address the question of how the Lord calls us today. Christ’s spoken word no longer sounds by the lake of Galilee, but he has not left his disciples without direction.
Joy: A Godly Woman's Adornment
Lydia Brownback - 2010
Our security is guaranteed, our provision is sure. In the face of such abundant life, why is our joy so often stolen from us? Undoubtedly we pass through seasons of difficulty, sorrow, and uncertainty. But real joy isn't conditional on circumstances, is it? How are we to pursue joy in seasons of both plenty and need?This newest addition to a series of small devotional books for women teaches that we will only find perpetual joy when we pursue Christ. Brownback helps women understand that their joy is not circumstantial, but built on the promises of God and the work of Jesus. Forty-two short devotionals look to Scripture for words of encouragement, correction, wisdom, and guidance to help women adorn themselves with joy.
Deep Wounds, Deep Healing
Charles H. Kraft - 1993
A guide for pastors, therapists, and all those who minister to people with emotional difficulties.
The Scars That Have Shaped Me: How God Meets Us in Suffering
Vaneetha Rendall Risner - 2016
Years in the hospital. Verbal and physical bullying from schoolmates. Multiple miscarriages as a young wife. The death of a child. A debilitating progressive disease. Riveting pain. Abandonment. Unwanted divorce.Vaneetha Rendall Risner begged God for grace that would deliver her. But God offered something better: his sustaining grace.In The Scars That Have Shaped Me, published by Desiring God, Vaneetha does more than share her stories of pain; she invites other sufferers to taste with her the goodness of a sovereign God who will carry us in our darkest of days."Vaneetha writes with creativity, biblical faithfulness, compelling style, and an experiential authenticity that draws other sufferers in. Here you will find both a tested life and a love for the sovereignty of a good and gracious God." -JOHN PIPER"A special kind of wisdom. Nothing short of remarkable. You'll see the unmistakably hard but truly beautiful stuff God is doing in your own life." -JONI EARECKSON TADA"I could not put this book down, except to wipe my tears." -GLORIA FURMAN
Anatomy of the Soul: Surprising Connections Between Neuroscience and Spiritual Practices that Can Transform Your Life and Relationships
Curt Thompson - 2010
Integrating new findings in neuroscience and attachment with Christian spirituality, Dr. Thompson reveals how it is possible to rewire your mind, altering your brain patterns and literally making you more like the person God intended you to be. Explaining discoveries about the brain in layman's terms, he shows how you can be mentally transformed through spiritual practices, interaction with Scripture, and connections with other people. He also provides practical exercises to help you experience healing in areas where you've been struggling. Insightful and challenging, Anatomy of the Soul illustrates how learning about one of God's most miraculous creations--your brain--can enrich your life, your relationships, and your impact on the world around you.
When You've Been Wronged: Moving From Bitterness to Forgiveness
Erwin W. Lutzer - 2007
Perhaps it’s a broken promise. Or someone betrayed your confidence.It’s only natural that you would be angry. These wounds cry out for justice! But what if justice isn’t possible this side of heaven? What if the damage can’t be undone? What then?You have a decision to make.You can hold on to your anger until your anguish builds a prison of bitterness, where you will live a diminished and pain-filled life. Or you can choose to forgive.Erwin Lutzer discusses dealing with difficult people such as “spear throwers” and “destroyers,” as well as handling conflict among family members and Christians in the courtroom. In this concise, quickly readable volume, you’ll learn how to move from bitterness to blessing by choosing forgiveness.By choosing forgiveness you are choosing abundant life. It’s a decision you can make today!
From Lost to Found: Giving Up What You Think You Want for What Will Set You Free
Nicole Zasowski - 2020
What she couldn’t see for many years is that she was living her own life outside of that freedom, clinging to behaviors like shame, performance, and control in order to feel valued and safe.It was only when she was confronted with her own devastating pain and loss that Nicole realized her current way of life was failing her. She then discovered that sometimes God’s rescue looks like prying our fingers off what we think we want so that we can receive what we truly need. And often, on the far side of pain we don’t prefer, we find transformation we would not trade. In From Lost to Found, Nicole shares her story as she helps us
name what we fear losing most,
identify how our reactive behaviors are failing us,
discover what joy we can find in letting go, and
move forward in the freedom God has for us.
God is writing a story of redemption in your life too. Find out for yourself that sometimes the greatest joy is found when we are drained of all misplaced hope and shallow identities. In the midst of pain or transition, discover a surprising path to healing as you lose your grip on comfort and control—and fall right into God’s transformative grace.
Includes discussion questions for individual reflection or small group study
Rebuilding Your Broken World
Gordon MacDonald - 1988
And not enough broken people know that."No stranger himself to brokenness, Gordon MacDonald draws from personal experience and discusses the likely sources of pain, the humiliation, and the long- and short-range consequences of a broken personal world. And he offers encouraging answers to the questions everyone asks when their worlds fall apart: Is there a way back?
Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault
Justin S. Holcomb - 2011
One in four women and one in six men are or will be victims of sexual assault in their lifetime. But as sobering as the statistics are, they don't begin to speak to the darkness and grief experienced by these victims. Because sexual assault causes physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual pain, victims need clear help, hope, and healing. In Rid of My Disgrace, a couple experienced in counseling victims of sexual assault explains how the grace of God can heal the broken and restore the disgraced.Justin and Lindsey Holcomb outline an approach for moving from destruction to redemption. While avoiding platitudes and shallow theology, Rid of My Disgrace combines biblical and theological depth with up-to-date research. This book is primarily written for those who have been assaulted (either as children or adults) but also equips family, friends, pastors, and others to care for victims in ways that are compassionate, practical, and informed.
Refresh: Embracing a Grace-Paced Life in a World of Endless Demands
Shona Murray - 2017
Sometimes it feels as if everything and everyone demands all of our time, our resources, our energy, and our very lives. Writing to women in the midst of this busy, do-it-all culture, husband-and-wife team Shona and David Murray offer practical tips for living at a more sustainable pace and avoiding exhaustion, depression, and anxiety. Sharing personal stories of their own struggles with overwhelming demands, they give counsel on everything from sleep to social media, relationships to recreation, and exercise to eating. This book encourages women to cultivate a healthy approach to life motivated and moderated by Christ's transforming grace.