We hide behind the hum of busyness to escape intimate friendships with the women God has placed in our lives. But we do want a seat at the table. We yearn for authentic relationships and the opportunity to be the opposite of "fine" with people who cheer for us. But comparison, envy, and entitlement often stop us from pulling out a chair at the table. Friendship can be hard, making new friends even harder, and maintaining genuine friendship the hardest of all. In this 7-session Bible study, Lisa-Jo Baker and friends from (in)courage explore our relationship with Jesus as the ultimate model for authentic friendship. Nothing shapes us like the impact of a friend--it's how Jesus radically and intimately connects with us. So instead of chasing perfection, overcome your fear of being known and find the courage to connect.Features: Leader helps to guide questions and discussions within small groupsPersonal study segments with homework to complete between 7 weeks of group sessionsBenefits: Explore your relationship with Jesus as a model for friendship.Debunk the myth of effortless friendship.Overcome the fear of knowing and being known.Stop running from friendship and find the courage to connect.

    Discover how to close the gap between understanding God's purpose for your life and carrying it out as you put an end to well-worn patterns of defeat, woundedness, insecurity, unworthiness, and self-centeredness.Teaming up with coauthor Shelley Leith, who is a highly sought-after speaker on strengthening marriages and family, Brazelton focuses on eight character traits essential to living a purpose-filled life:humilityconfidencecourageself-controlpatiencecontentmentgenerosityperseveranceStep-by-step you'll experience a complete character makeover--and become the best "you" God intended you to be. Ideal for small groups, women's church ministry, and one-on-one study.

    Pulling themes from all of his major books, Metaxas helps us understand why these spiritual truths meant so much to Bonhoeffer and how they can be an inspiration and challenge to our faith.This study guide will lead you and your group deeper with session-by-session discussion topics, personal reflection, and between-session studies to enhance the group experience.Sessions include:What is the Church?Living in Christian CommunityReligionless ChristianityCome and DieDesigned for use with the Bonhoeffer Video Guide (sold separately).

    The higher we go, the smaller our problems seem. Tenney also teaches the Principle of Magnification: The closer you get to something, the bigger it appears. In other words, worship not only "shrinks" our problems; it also magnifies God in our lives and to others.Worship doesn't really change our problems; it just minimizes their influence over us as we focus on God. He doesn't promise to remove all of our circumstances, but God does assure us that in His presence and from His perspective--we can see things as they really are and not how they appear to be.In the book of Revelation John was instructed to "behold the Lion," but from an earthly perspective John saw only the Lamb. The heavenly perspective reveals that the Lamb is the Lion, the babe of Bethlehem is the "ancient of days," and the dragon is really a weakened lizard. God's eye view is higher than man's.Higher than a bird's eye view, higher than a man's eye view is God's eye view.

    And she'll do whatever is necessary to expose the real killer. Even if it means sleeping with the enemy.

    At first, he thinks it's just the stress of his job, but the hallucinations continue until they culminate at the three-day concert in Chicago, Lollapalloza, which he is covering for work. There he is approached by an older man who tells him that he's going to die on his fortieth birthday.The man claims to be an angel named Matthew, and even though he gives Tyler enough evidence to convince him he's telling the truth, he doesn't know what to do with the information.Tyler's underlying doubt and confusion about Matthew's prediction turn to anger, both at God and those around him. As he begins to exhibit destructive behavior, he befriends Ellis, an internationally known DJ. Tyler is scared that he really is about to die. He's scared for his sanity. He's scared that if he does die, he's not going to Heaven. He also soon becomes scared of Ellis, who is wild and opens up a door of temptation to Tyler.As Tyler begins falling in a downward spiral of fear and confusion, he reaches out to a pastor he met, Will, and tries to right his wrongs with some of the important people in his life in a desperate attempt to find peace before his 40th birthday.

    He then proposes an evangelical hermeneutics rightly centered in the gospel.

    Dr. Anderson combines biblical principles with expert financial advice, equipping readers with the tools they need to attain the riches they deserve. An invaluable resource for current or would-be investors or entrepreneurs, this book not only inspires readers to become educated about finances but also spurs them on to action and compels them to move forward confidently to achieve their financial dreams. New content includes callouts and new chapters on how to invest safely in today's market and on understanding that Jesus wasn't poor.

    Buses will pick them up where two previous bestsellers left off, with counsel that is both enjoyable and instructional. "The mood of the book is conversational, scriptural, with a touch of humor," Michelle says. "It's the kind of book I wanted, but couldn't find, so I had to write it!" Singles have been waiting too long to be caught up by human love. When they halt their pursuit and let God's love catch their hearts, they'll be on board for the greatest discovery of all -- His true purpose for them.

    His family welcomes him, but the townspeople are skeptical. Bored with life in the small town but determined to make a new start, he goes to work with his father, hoping to regain the town’s trust.  Clayton recognizes the schoolteacher at the Prairie Grove School as his childhood friend, Merry Lee Warner, and old feelings surface. Still, he doubts that he could ever get a woman like Merry to love him. As the townspeople prepare for Christmas, their suspicions about Clayton lead to trouble. Will the trusting heart of an unlikely new friend be enough to restore Clayton’s relationships with his neighbors and reunite him with God and Merry?

    Many of the most well known Biblical events can be connected with the number 40. Moses stayed on the mountain with God for 40 days. After Noah built the Ark, it rained for 40 days and nights. The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years. Goliath challenged the Israelites for 40 days. David and Solomon both reigned over Israel for 40 years. Jesus fasted and prayed for 40 days. Each time the number 40 appears, God does something huge. In 2012, God began to speak to my wife Barbara and I about major changes coming for our ministry, Dallas Metro Dream Center. We knew that in order for us to prepare for these changes, we needed to become the people that God wanted us to become. Our whole staff and board members read the book, The Circle Maker, by Mark Batterson. This book reminded us of a principle that we have based our entire ministry on- bold prayers changes things. Quickly after reading the book, we decided to commit to 40 days of prayer. Every morning, I sent out an e-mail devotion to set the tone for prayer for that day. Each day people began to hear about the 40 days of prayer and asked to be added to the list, and our prayer circle continues to grow. It was an incredible 40 days that made a huge difference in the lives of everyone involved.I want to share these devotions with you. My prayer is that God will speak to you about changes He wants to make in your life. If we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, God can take us further than we can even imagine. I challenge you to spend the next 40 days praying. What is it in your life or home that needs to be circled in prayer? Each day for the next 40 days, read the devotion and then spend time praying about it. You will be amazed at what God does.In 2011, God gave me a verse to live by, and I have been standing on this promise ever since. Habakkuk 1:5 “’For I am going to something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” What is it that God is going to do? Ask. He will tell you.Expecting,Clay Wallace

    Mad Dog Stone was a drifter looking for a few days' work. He walked into her life, threatening Mariah's peace of mind and stirring emotions she tried to hide. Their love was born against all odds, difficult to count on, impossible to hold. Together they would learn the bittersweet truth--that love exists only if you believe. . . .

    

    This ten-week in-depth study of God’s character helps readers embrace God’s intense, relentless love and watch that love transform every aspect of their being. Designed for individuals or small groups, this study includes weekend retreat options and tips for small group leaders. However readers choose to use this book, Francis Chan’s thought-provoking teaching will help them pursue God as they never have before, digging deep into their thoughts and beliefs about the love of God and how that love should impact their lives.After all, the spiritual journey is about so much more than what Christians have made it to be—and once they truly encounter God’s love, they will never be the same.

    That’s all it took. I was writing a letter home to my mom when the call rang out across the American compound: 'Get it on!' And just like that, the course of my life changed forever." Decorated U.S. military veteran-turned-country musician Keni Thomas gives a personal account of his heart-wrenching experiences in the chaotic 1993 Battle of Mogadishu to express a unique set of leadership lessons and inspired view of our greater purpose. Get It On! reminds readers "that we, as individuals, do indeed matter, that we are anything but ordinary, fully capable of carrying out life-changing assignments at any level and in any situation. We can make a difference in this world."Carrying a guitar now rather than a rifle, Keni also shares stories from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry to overseas concerts for active soldiers, always passionate about the battle that "still shapes my thoughts on a daily basis" and eager to encourage the absolute best in those who are willing to answer whatever call God places on their lives.Reviews:"Keni Thomas is a great storyteller. (This) is a book for everyone."-- War on Terror News