Book picks similar to
The Apostle's Notebook by Mike Breen
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Sun Stand Still Devotional: A Forty-Day Experience to Activate Your Faith
Steven Furtick - 2013
In this daily, personal guide Steven leads you deeper into Scripture as you begin to live the life God created and saved us for. Over the next forty days, you’ll have the opportunity to see what audacious faith can look like in your own life. Through daily scripture readings and teachings, this book will give you the chance to change your perspective on prayer. If you have the ability to ask, God has the ability to act - and transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. In this devotional, you will learn daily how to develop your faith, walk in the confidence of Christ, and dare to believe God for the impossible.
Outgrowing the Ingrown Church
C. John Miller - 1986
The ingrown church is a common phenomenon. It is the "norm" for contemporary evangelical and Protestant churches. But ingrownness is a pathology. It can destroy the vital spiritual health of a church. It must, therefore, be combated with the norms of Scripture. And that is why this book was written. Outgrowing the Ingrown Church is a masterful mix of biblical principle, objective analysis, and personal experience. It traces the author's own growing awareness of the problem of ingrownness in his calling as a pastor, seminary professor, and evangelist/missionary. In his own discovery of the power and presence of God he discovered the tendency of the church to live by its own power and resources. This is a book written to help change churches by changing the individuals who read it. It offers one an unparalleled challenge to be evaluated, revitalized, and then used by God for the work of ministry. Thus it is a book not merely for pastors, but for the whole body of Christ. "I have never been as excited about any book concerning church growth as when I read this book . . . . (His biblical) principles, if followed, transform individual lives and then lead to a movement within a church to change the whole congregation," writes John Guest in the foreword.
Sober Justice
Joe Hilley - 2004
While defending his client, Connolly stumbles into a conspiracy and quickly finds himself in the midst of a complicated web of intrigue and deceit.The action builds to a dramatic and surprising conclusion as Connolly faces certain death and learns that sometimes even time and circumstance must yield to the purposes of God.Click Here to Meet the Author Download the Readers' Guide.
Breathless
Belle Calhoune - 2017
It’s been three years since Cadence broke his heart by unceremoniously dumping him. Now, she wants his help in getting her son back after he’s abducted by her ruthless ex-husband. Seeing Cadence again rocks Parker’s world and reignites feelings he’s tried to stuff down over the past few years. Having the love of his life back in his orbit forces him to face the fact that he’s never gotten over her. And he fears he never will. Three years ago Cadence Johnson sacrificed herself in a bid to save the man she loved from a dangerous threat. Now, with her son kidnapped by her ex-husband, she turns to Parker to help her locate him. Being in Parker’s presence reminds Cadence of everything she lost when she ended things with Parker. But she fears Parker won’t ever truly forgive her for the pain she caused him in the past. Can Parker and Cadence work through the betrayals of the past and reignite their love story?
Life with a Capital L: Embracing Your God-Given Humanity
Matt Heard - 2014
I highly recommend Life With a Capital L!” - Joni Eareckson Tada, Joni and Friends International Disability Center What is it that you long for? Dream about? Hunger after? We all desire more than just the endurance of our daily routines. But often we feel limited and stuck — like we’re merely existing instead of living. That’s not the way it was meant to be. God intends the humanity in each of us to be deeply experienced, lavishly enjoyed, and exuberantly celebrated. In fact this is what the gospel is all about. Yes, the gospel. Contrary to conventional thinking — inside and outside the church — following Jesus is not about denying our humanness but embracing it. Rather than acting more spiritual or being more religious, we’re called and enabled to become more fully human… and alive. Matt Heard escorts us on a journey of discovery: that Jesus didn’t come to save us from our humanity — Christ instead yearns to restore it to what God originally intended. Matt then explores ten key areas where everyday life can become extraordinary Life. Christ promised we could “live life to the full.” He didn’t just mean eventually. Life with a Capital L is the Life you are longing for. Now.
The Self-Aware Leader: Discovering Your Blind Spots to Reach Your Ministry Potential
Terry Linhart - 2017
You've studied what you think you need to know before entering a career in ministry. Is there anything that is more important than knowing about hermeneutics, homiletics, theology, exegesis, and everything else you have likely learned in seminary and church ministry so far? Yes, there is. How well do you know yourself? You need to build your ministry career on the right foundation of an objective understanding of self. If you don't comprehend your strengths and weaknesses, then you won't be fully prepared to enter the crucible of ministry. Serving as a pastor is one of the toughest calls there is. But it can also be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding, especially if you have taken the time to examine both your gifts and vulnerabilities. The church needs leaders who have the clear-eyed courage to pursue the hardest part of the ministry journey: seeing yourself. The Self-Aware Leader will help you to do just that.
I Became a Christian and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt: Replacing Souvenir Religion with Authentic Spiritual Passion
Vince Antonucci - 2008
Raised by a Jewish mother and abandoned by his professional poker-playing father, Antonucci found Jesus at age twenty after studying the New Testament. When he finally went to church, he was disappointed to discover a "boring, stale religion." Through provocative storytelling and raw honesty, Antonucci unearths the life Jesus lived and wants us to experience, challenging us to move past spiritual boredom into a faith that's exciting, beautiful, and powerful. Recommended for all Christians thirsty for a fresh perspective on Christianity.
Ten Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing: How Leaders Can Overcome Costly Mistakes
Geoff Surratt - 2009
Each chapter spotlights a common mistake, gives real-life examples, uses a generous dose of humor, and provides a practical course of action to recover from the error. The book draws from the experience of Seacoast Church as well as pastors such as Craig Groeschel, Chris Hodges, Perry Nobel, Mark Batterson, Dave Ferguson, Scott Chapman, Dino Rizzo, Ron Hamilton, and Dave Browning, Church leaders will be encouraged to realize that they are not the only ones who struggle, and that turning their situation around may not be as daunting a task as they think. This is a field guide for the common pastor based on actual churches of all sizes.
Prayer: The Timeless Secret of High-Impact Leaders
Dave Earley - 2008
Prayer is the determining factor for maximum spiritual impact. The more we pray the more God works. Of all the skills needed by the difference-making spiritual leader, none is more important than prayer.Tracing the lives of high-impact Christian leaders from Abraham to Billy Graham, Dave Earley reveals the central role that prayer played in their effectiveness. In doing so, he points out the eight practices Christian leaders can apply to become more effective in their prayer lives, and therefore, more spiritually influential as a leader.While prayer is not the only weapon in the Christian leader's arsenal, it is one of the most powerful and often under-utilized. This book will inspire, transform, stretch, enhance, strengthen, and renew the prayer lives of readers.Prayer: The Timeless Secret of High-Impact Leaders is filled with juicy quotes and anecdotes; it gives dozens of practical applications of the principles discussed.
The Legacy Builder: Five Non-Negotiable Leadership Secrets
Rod Olson - 2013
The five non-negotiables. And you can’t give away what you don’t possess yourself.” When Lance Marshall’s life comes crashing down, his wife arranges for him to meet with his high school mentor, Coach Moore. Coach sends Lance “back to the locker room” to talk with five sports legends who are now successful leaders. Each player will show Lance a principle for excellence in both leadership and the home. But the advice comes with a caveat: Lance must apply the principle he learns within twenty-four hours or the meetings end. This modern parable is for business leaders, coaches, and parents who know the challenge of motivating people while balancing the demands of life with integrity—and leaving a legacy that will last forever.
Simple Student Ministry: A Clear Process for Strategic Youth Discipleship
Eric Geiger - 2009
Fun is still allowed, by all means, but the ultimate emphasis on maturing faith is simply essential.The anecdotal comparisons are current and on-target (Starbucks’ well-publicized decision to retrain baristas in coffee making introduces the idea that youth leaders might also be wise to revisit the gospel essence of their ministry). And case study data gleaned from small to mega churches and parachurch ministries will give every youth leader a relatable reference point from which to begin the successful metamorphosis to Simple.
Every Bush Is Burning
Brandon Clements - 2011
When he is caught and it all comes crashing down, Jack is left with no one to turn to. No friends. No family, except his recovering drug addict of a sister. On a Sunday morning drive, he sees a homeless man locked out of a church service, banging on the door. He stops and offers the guy a cup of coffee. He asks the man his name, and the guy says Yeshua. As in, Jesus.Jack's not stupid. This isn't the real Jesus. But with nowhere else to turn, Jack forms an unlikely friendship with this eccentric homeless man--one that will test his idea of truth, faith, love, and forgiveness. And Jack is completely unprepared for the real-life twists his story is going to take.Watch the trailer, get a free sampler, and find out more at www.EveryBushIsBurning.com.About the Author: Brandon Clements lives in Columbia, SC. He drinks coffee with no cream or sugar, once hit a cow with a truck (the cow lived), and adores his wife Kristi. This is his first novel. You can find him at www.BrandonClements.com or @brandonclements on Twitter.Reader Reviews (taken from Amazon reviews): "Couldn't put the book down, and didn't even begin to guess the twist at the end. An absolutely beautiful story on many levels." -Lorna Johnston"I can't imagine anyone not remembering this book long after they've come to the last page." -Shelley Waldaias"Clements' book surprised me. I thought it was one thing, a typical jab at the Christian establishment, and it turned out to be something different, a jab at what it means to be human and to long for love, but to come up short, the kind of jab that makes us all start looking, and maybe finding, that love we had forgotten." -Joe Bunting
Reckless MC Opey TX Chapter: The Complete Series
K.B. Winters - 2020
The girl looks as sweet as her name.But looks can be deceiving because she’s no ordinary girl.She's all woman with a kick ass job, one that has her in trouble with the US government.They’re out for blood.Says she can handle it on her own,That she doesn’t need my help.But she came looking for me, all the way from Mayhem.I let her go once,It won’t happen again.Wicked Hazel.I want her.But she's off limits.One, I'm her bossFor two, pain already shines in her beautiful eyes.As sure as sin shines on her lips.I can't get her mixed up in all this Reckless MC stuff.I'm not even sure I want to be here myself.That is, until she comes running into my arms.Okay, maybe not running exactly.Falling.But now she's in trouble,And there's nothing that will stop me from saving her. Having her.Not even the ghosts from my past.Locked The girl who shattered my heart in high school just walked back into my life.Aspen Holt was a grade 'A' b*tch back then.Rich, hot, and entitled.To her, I was just a poor ranch boy.But we aren't in high school anymore.And I'm not a poor rancher.Loaded Good ol' Dr. Annabelle Keyes can make it disappear for a while.She may be a well respected Doctor while she's at work,but she is one freak in the sheets.And too good for a man like me.We've got a friends-with-benefits type of relationship,Except we're not really friends.It's more of a love-hate thing.Sure, she helps out the MC when someone needs stitched up or a bullet removed.But other than fightin' and screwin'? We don't have that type of chemistry.Tied My step sister just showed up at my door,It's been years since I last saw her.I don’t really know the kid who moved in when our parents got married.It was right before I signed on with Uncle Sam.But she needs my help now,Because her a-hole Daddy sold her to the mob.Wild Living in the sticks is boring. Mundane.Good thing the club keeps me busy,As members get their kink on,And the ladies keep me up.All. Night. Long.But damn if the one woman I want under me is off limits.Ella Mae.The most badass woman ever and the VP of a rival MC.Turns out, there’s more than one way to be forbidden.Love filthy talking bikers who can melt your panties with just a whisper? Or just a hot AF ride on the wild side? You got it babe! Reckless MC delivers! Grab this box set now. Just remember to leave your panties at the door!
Surf Dragon
Scarlett Grove - 2021
She's always put her family first. Since her mom died, she's had to forget her dreams to take care of them.Water dragon and extreme sports champion Caspian Storm came to Fate's Peak to settle down and start a family. After two years on the fire crew, he still hasn't found his mate. Without the love of a mate to give him purpose, he might not be able to resist the call to adventure much longer.Myrtle's family situation is tense. Her dad and older brother hate dragons and waste all their time complaining about them. That leaves Myrtle and her younger brother to tend the crumbling ranch.When Caspian and Myrtle meet, it changes everything. Caspian can finally see a happy family in his future. All Myrtle can see is drama. If her family ever found out she was the fated mate of a dragon, it could be very dangerous.Can Myrtle and Caspian create the passionate life they desire, or will everything burn down around them?