When Being Good Isn't Good Enough is good news for exhausted, discouraged, and frustrated Christians. How to stop striving to please a God who is already pleased. How grace ensures we are free... *Free from rules that bind * Free from the manipulation of other Christians * Free from slavery to religion * Free from fitting into the world's mold Steve writes, "The older I get the more I realize that Jesus really did come to 'set the prisoners free.' The more I think about and walk in that freedom, the more I have discovered the exquisite joy in following Him."
"Sometimes, just when you think life is going just the way you expect, things can change. What once was normal and acceptable is replaced by a sense that there is a better life to be lived, often in surprising ways. This describes Mark Cornelison, contestant on NBC¿s The Biggest Loser, before his life-changing experience on this popular show. Mark realized that the life he was living had to look different and he gave God the freedom to, not only change him physically, but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well. This new chance to live life brought with it a message that he knew could change other people in the way it had changed him. The world he had complicated with stuff, that we all think is important, was taken away one layer at a time. He was then clothed with a new, simple life. Now he shares the story and challenges you with what he has learned from the journey. Come see what needs to be taken off of you so that a better you can truly live." Author Bio Mark has been married to Cathy for 24 years and they live just north of Houston. Life looks very different now for them and their three amazing children than it did before the show. They find themselves traveling to share what they have learned on this journey. They are continually sharing with churches, schools, and individuals to motivate and encourage. Mark continues to work with VisionTrust International connecting people and churches with needy and orphaned children around the world. If you would like to learn more about how you can be a part of our work, check out www.visiontrust.org to see ways for you to help a child around the world! If you would like to know more about how you can join Mark on a trip to a VisionTrust project, check out the site for information or send an email! Endorsements ¿Even though millions of fans of The Biggest Loser know Mark from his epic role in an epic season of the show, the ¿back story¿ of Mark¿s journey overshadows anything that happened in front of the camera. The story-behind-the-story is about a God who relentlessly pursues us, and will use anything¿including a weight-loss reality show¿to strip away the lies we live by, creating a hunger for Him instead. And then He offers Himself, and His truths, to fill that void. Read Mark¿s story, and yoüll find what yoüve always been looking for.¿ Rick Lawrence: Editor of GROUP Magazine and author of Sifted and Shrewd, Loveland, CO ¿One of the most freeing things to do in life is to replace the lies we tell ourselves with the truth that comes from God¿s Word. Mark captures this freedom in this refreshing, raw, and authentic book. This book encourages the Church to be living proof that God matters and people matter. And when we live out this truth, we can impact people with Mark¿s own words, ¿Do what you need to do today to be the person you are meant to be tomorrow.¿ J. Chad Barrett, Director of Child Evangelism Fellowship, Houston, TX, and founder of IEWorks, LLC. ¿No one likes to be exposed, literally put on display for all to see¿especially in front of a large audience. I would often joke with Mark about how terrifying that must have been on The Biggest Loser. However, exposure is what all of us need as we struggle toward the authentic life that Christ desires for us...¿ J. Roger Davis: President of Student Life, Birmingham, AL ¿It is rare in the world that we live in to find someone doing something without ulterior motives. We not only expect it, we look for it. Mark writes this book out of a selfless desire to use his experiences and knowledge to share tools that will help bring healing, health, and deeper, richer relationships to others. This book is as authentic as Mark himself.¿ Deb Juliot, Actress, Community Leader, Omaha, NE
Thinking of adopting? Are you an adoptive family and need encouragement? Do you know an adoptive family in your church and want to minister to them more? Within the pages of Woven Together there is deep insight, warmth, and valuable truth for Christians on the adoption journey. Woven Together is a compilation project by Funding Hope whereby 18 authors share and unpack GodÕs grace and goodness in adoption. Woven Together brings testimonies to life from adult adoptees to birthmothers, domestic and international adoption, special needs to embryo adoption, and each author speaks from their heart as they experienced God move in their family though the gift of adoption. As Christians, we know that God is all about adoption as He has adopted each of us through Jesus. Woven Together explores His love of adoption in testimonies.All authors have donated their writings. All profits will go directly to Funding Hope to provide adoption grants to Christians.
WAS YOUR FATHER GENEROUS, GENTLE & GRACIOUS? Your Heavenly Father is. The problem is that we see the Father through our earthly father. We are all given lenses at some point in our childhood, and we still wear them even as we begin to parent our own children. The lenses gray our understanding of the Father. Who is He? What does He think of me? Does He accept me? Is He proud of me? What does He want from me? Herein lies the beauty of the gospel: In Christ, our lenses are removed so we can clearly see the Father, and, in Christ, the Father puts on lenses and sees us through His perfect Son! This means that in the Gospel we can see what the Father is like. God the Father not only exemplifies fatherhood, but He empowers us in the Gospel to father like Him. If we can see the Father, we can image the father to our children. So what is the Father like? Let's remove the lenses and see.
p align="center">The Trinity Diet Study Guide To accompany: The Trinity Diet By Steve Steeves, CCN, CTN Revised September 2012 Lifestyle Balancing Body, Soul and Spirit
Yesterday he was a confident senior manager Now he's a hopeless man, but about to begin an incredible adventure. Join Mark Davis on an unbelievable expedition that will help you uncover the principles for living an intentionally balanced life. Learn what it takes to create an entrepreneurial attitude through a community of individuals modeling that lifestyle and pouring their wisdom into Mark. He makes a crucial decision that will forever change his life. What will you decide? Your journey through this book will reveal the following: How to escape the endless cycle of "busyness" What to do after facing your own mortality What it takes to make an entrepreneurial leap of faith The key elements to living out extraordinary relationships How to go from wanting life balance to making it happen Jared has helped thousands of professional leaders generate more income while maintaining a balanced life. He leads a business and life coaching company, and through countless hours has developed the principles laid out in this book. He is an active international philanthropist and has served others in many different countries. He resides in Houston, Texas with his equally entrepreneurial and philanthropic wife, Amy.
HAVE YOU FALLEN IN A PIT ONTHE PATH TO YOUNG AND REFORMED?If the young and reformed are to be anything greater than a movement in the early years of the 21st century, we must begin to examine the heart of the movement. Are we stumbling into any pitfalls along the way? Pitfalls: Along the Path to Young and Reformed is an attempt to provide a heart analysis of some stumbling blocks on the path of the young and reformed. So, will we be a movement that lifts up Christ by humbly confessing that no matter how orthodox our theology and methodology might be we still are desperate for grace? Or, will we press forward, naively assuming that since we appear to be moving with the trend we are moving towards Christ?The question really is: Will we carry a cross or will we beat a drum?WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Those inside and outside the ¿young, restless and reformed¿ community will profit from this insider¿s insights. He¿s learned lots of lessons over the years and shares them with us all.David Naugle, Professor of Philosophy, Dallas Baptist University, Author of Philosophy: A Student¿s Guide (Crossway 2012) Kyle Worley has given us a profound and personal contribution to understanding the ¿New Calvinism¿ of which he is an important part. The book brims over with theological and historical depth, yet comes from Kyle¿s affections (in the Edwardsian sense) which are stirred by the Lord he serves.Dr. Joseph ¿Skip¿ Ryan, Chancellor, Redeemer Seminary, Dallas, Austin, Houston
The topic of divine sovereignty is weighty and often fraught with controversy. While thinking about its implications people may ask, If God is sovereign, how does it relate to our daily lives and what we see going on in the natural world? With all the sin and suffering around us, in what sense does God reign over it? What does the Bible teach about God's rule over salvation and judgment? How is God sovereign over historical events, in particular the death of Jesus? Will his decrees for the future come to pass, or can they be thwarted? The Bible invites us to behold God's meticulous reign over all things unto his glory. His lordship is not just general or abstract but particular and comprehensive. With transcendent wisdom and uncompromising righteousness God is bringing to pass his will in the world.
My first attempt at speaking Chinese resulted in my telling a street vendor that I wanted to buy a daughter instead of milk. It was at that point that any semblance of self-respect was swept into the well-filled gutters of my new culture. Redefining Home follows our struggle as comfortable Americans moving into the chaotic streets of urban China. From the early morning cadence of funeral drums to being accosted by an 80-year-old man armed with a toothless grin, China has become home in many ways. As outsiders, we get to take in culture with the naivety of a child while trying to avoid the cynicism of a middle-aged bowler. After several years, we returned to the States for a brief time only to discover that it no longer felt like home. Having conversations about intestinal parasites or my fascination with American gas stations was not a great way to fit back into the lives of our friends. We quickly realized that we had changed...as had the people around us. Flying across the ocean to return home to China reminded us that it's the space in between the two cultures that defines our family.
"Some things can be ignored and there are others that simply demand our attention. This book is the result of one of those things that arose out of an unignorable circumstance." Have you ever struggled with how to be the spiritual leader of your house? Would you like the respect of your family, especially of your kids? Want to make yourself sexier to your spouse? Want an easy way to have a more consistent 'devotional' life? How about simply beginning a 'devotional' life? Maybe you want a more intimate time with the Lord? Discouraged with Bible reading programs? Would you like an easy way to apply what you're reading? How about a quick, easy way to encourage your family and friends spiritually, on a daily basis? Then look no further, take this manual home, you will never ever regret it, and your family and friends will be forever grateful.
Scars That Speak is the powerful and compelling account of one woman's battle to overcome her abusive childhood and the destructive behaviors and thinking patterns that developed as a result. Rochelle Murray writes with complete honesty as she evaluates her life in light of her past. Full of original poetry, journal writings, and art work, Scars That Speak offers the reader a glimpse into the mind of a woman struggling to triumph over emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. The uniqueness of this book lies in the fact that it was written as her therapy progressed, which allows the reader to walk with Rochelle along her journey. Her story is captivating and poignant, gripping the reader from the outset. Rochelle's therapeutic relationship with a Christian psychologist provided the support that she needed to break free from her addiction to cutting, and enabled her to face her fears and the memories of her childhood. Her scars speak loudly of the fact that the past can be confronted, truth can be discovered, and strength and healing can be attained. This book is so much more than just another book about cutting.¿ An estimated two million Americans purposefully cut themselves each year - Rochelle used to be among their number.¿ Her self-destructiveness started when she was sexually abused by her grandfather.¿ Her narcissistic mother also played a major role in her self-destructive behavior.¿ Could therapy be the answer? Could she find her voice? Could truth be told?¿ Join Rochelle on her therapeutic journey as she struggles to find healing and the reward of joy.
Based on memories of Vera Kara, daughter of the Austrian brew master to Czar Nicholas, the Kara family story is at times a fairy tale and a nightmare. In three generations, they lose four fortunes and must repeatedly surrender their way of life. Although their story could be of hate and regret, it is instead of hope for tomorrow, as the family rebuilds after each tragedy by relegating life's disappointments to the dustbin of yesterday.
Trials to Triumph is the autobiography of Arthur "Flash" Johnson. Journey with him through his physical and spiritual bouts, as he grows from poverty in East Saint Louis to prominence in the Olympic boxing ring. Sit with him as fights Leukemia in the quietness of the hospital room long after the crowds are gone, and be inspired by his faith in God, which brought him from Trials to Triumph time and time again.
Brooklyn Elizabeth Hales was born on November 28th, 2010. Without a chance to be held by her parents, she was whisked away to the NICU at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas. Hooked to tubes and wires, Brooklyn was struggling to hold on. Over the next few days, she fell in and out of stability. Her vitals jumped up and down as the doctors worked hard to control her treatment. In the NICU you are taught to take it "one day at a time". Over the course of four long months, Brooklyn took it one minute at a time. From her fight we learn about fear, faith, and the power of prayer. No matter where you come from, or what you face, Brooklyn's journey provides hope.
Despite its small size, the book of Philemon is quite colossal, theologically speaking. It instructs us on forgiveness and does so in a unique and practical way. And while it does this, it gently teaches on matters of equality, fellowship, edification and more. Only 25 verses long, it packs 25 chapters worth of divine guidance for us all. In this book, we will unpack these divinities so that we can think and behave more like our Lord, who is a forgiving God (Ex. 34:6-7). Technically, this book is called a "commentary" on Philemon; however, it has been written in a way that is unlike typical commentaries, which often read like textbooks, focus on individual passages, and have a choppy flow. The flow of this book is fluid, transitioning from point to point, like topical books do. However, in this book all of the points are posited by scripture. This is a commentary for those who don't like commentaries.
Derek Haley is a normal seventeen year old senior at Harrison High School. Everyone sees him as a funny, outgoing, and confident student, but few people know some of the daily battles he faces when he is alone. No One Really Knows allows you to take a look inside the life of a high school student who has experienced the pains of failed relationships, the struggle of loss and addiction, and watch as he begins the journey toward redemption in Christ. Even when you feel like no one knows what you are facing, God knows and understands and He is waiting to help you walk the road of redemption and healing.--------------"Leave it to Darrell Halk to capture the lives of real teenagers as they experience life and faith. Darrell has been in the trenches with teens for years walking with them through the trials, triumphs and tragedies of navigating a life of faith in Jesus Christ. No One Really Knows captures his insights along the way and offers real hope."- Mark Matlock, President, Wisdom Works Ministries & Vice President, Event Content at Youth Specialties--------------"Darrell Halk has a remarkable testimony that every person should hear. He writes a heart warming story to share this testimony that will make you think of the roads available to you and your children. He eloquently describes his real life experiences without losing the reader in language that even most young people can understand. A must read if your trying to understand how life can deal us a difficult hand and how we can endure it."- Glenn Wilson, Former Major League Baseball Player--------------A great story of relationships, running, and redemption. Like Darrell's story, it took all of these things in my life and in my story to see the goodness and glory of Jesus. This story is a great read for any person who is searching, growing and seeking... it's honest and raw, hopeful and real. I left this story with a bittersweet reminder of my high school days and the people and situations God used in my life to bring me to the point of surrender."- John Sherrill, Traveling Worship Leader, www.johnsherrill.com--------------"Darrell Halk deals head on with many of the challenges that teenagers face today. Challenges that Christian students are not immune from. A story that all of us can relate to that have struggled with giving God complete control."- Andy Morris, Executive Director, Mission Serve, www.mission-serve.com
In many churches today, finding true, faithful servants to the church can feel like hunting for unicorns. Lots of people say they want to be like Jesus, but too few are willing to serve like him. "That Deacon Book" was written for pastors, staff, and lay leaders in mind. It can be handed to literally anyone in the church to great benefit.
The need of the church in America today is holiness. When lives are transformed, wholeness and holiness result. Scripture provides the basis for transformation to take place, and addressing this must include spiritual disciplines. Prayer, confession, Bible study and other spiritual disciplines need to be practiced to build every believer's relationship with God and grow into His likeness. In this way, individuals and church leaders each become more effective in their spiritual lives. The more disciplines are practiced, the more effective leadership marks become apparent among the body of believers. As a result, the church becomes healthier. When its leaders are transformed, the whole church benefits. This book intentionally addresses four groups in the church. First, all people attending church will be challenged to practice spiritual disciplines. It will also challenge those who are training for Christian leadership, as well as pulpit committees, to stress that spiritual disciplines need to be found in a Christian leader. Finally, pastors will be challenged to personally incorporate spiritual disciplines into daily life to an even greater degree than before and urge the people they shepherd to do the same. Spiritual disciplines supply the supportive structure for the transformation of Romans 12:1-2 to take place. - More than ever before, leaders are searching for answers in order to move the church in the right direction. - "Short-term success" appears to be more popular among God's people than "long-term effectiveness." - The practice of spiritual disciplines will build and deepen spiritual lives. - Core spiritual disciplines are foundational to build effective leadership marks in the lives of believers. Gary's desire in ministry is to be out of work-to train and develop spiritual leaders in the church who can do the work of the ministry. Paul's final words to the elders in Ephesus were, "Guard yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shep-herds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood" (Acts 20:28). He then followed up with his benediction; "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace." Feeding on the Word and maintaining an intimate, trusting relationship with God are the keys that Gary emphasizes in this fine book. As my pastor, I have often heard him comment, "That's not a hill worth dying on." There are many projects and programs that could be pushed in the church-some good, most not worth dying for. But the one thing that is lacking is the development of men and women of God who consistently practice core spiritual disciplines. "Character counts." Mark Anderson, technical consultant in media ministries with Pamir Productions
With honesty, insight, and an artist¿s perspective, Leigh McLeroy illuminates the beauty and holiness of everyday life. The Sacred Ordinary will guide you on a journey through seemingly insignificant moments and help you see evidence of the divine in your own ordinary days. These 112 devotional essays bring ordinary places, people, moments and words to life. From a kitchen junk drawer to a sidewalk concert, from an old Bible to a box of 64 crayons, from a Broadway ballad to a handful of feathers¿Leigh discovers God¿s presence everywhere, and offers a 10-page personal retreat guide inviting you to do the same.Leigh McLeroy is the author of The Beautiful Ache and Treasured: Knowing God by the Things He Keeps. A sought-after Bible teacher and event speaker, she is also the creator of Wednesday Words, a weekly devotional with a life of its own. Leigh lives and works in Houston, Texas, and may be reached at www.leighmcleroy.com.
Yoüve felt it. It¿s the ache that whispers ¿there¿s more.¿ When the best job, marriage or adventure doesn¿t fully satisfy, you feel the ache. It infuses every glimpse of beauty or wonder this world can offer and leaves you hungrier than before. It colors your disappointments and desires with equal intensity, and it should¿because you were made for another kind of living in another kind of world. However the ache touches your heart, it is a good thing. It is meant to both entice and unsettle you, and draw you closer to the God who truly satisfies. In The Beautiful Ache, Leigh McLeroy¿s powerful writing invites you to hopefully embrace the gap between the life you know¿and the life you can¿t help longing for. Leigh McLeroy is the author of The Sacred Ordinary and Treasured: Knowing God by the Things He Keeps. A sought-after Bible teacher and event speaker, she is also the creator of Wednesday Words, a weekly devotional with a life of its own. Leigh lives and works in Houston, Texas, and may be reached at www.leighmcleroy.com.
Men, we are down, but not out. Do you long to live a fearless, faithful life? What would society be like if men lived boldly under the kingship of Jesus? It's time to be strong and Show Yourself a Man.
Written during the 17 months that the author was wrongly incarcerated, this true story shows the resilience of the human spirit. His story is a story of injustice, grief and moral outrage, transcendence, and the lessons of love and service through self-forgetting as taught by the Master, Jesus of Nazareth. 118 pp.
How Much Do You Know about the End Times? God has a glorious future in store for believers in Jesus Christ. How much do you really know about it? The Bible has a great deal to say concerning the end times. Have you ever wondered: - What is the Rapture, and when will it occur? - Where does the nation of Israel fit in God's Kingdom program? - What role will the Antichrist play in the end times, and when will he be revealed? - What are the Judgment Seat of Christ and the Great White Throne Judgment? - What is the Battle of Armageddon? - Who are the Beast and the False Prophet? - What is the Second Coming? These questions and many more are answered in this comprehensive overview of the end times from a biblical perspective. The prophecies of Scripture regarding the end times are not meant to confuse or intimidate Christians. Instead, they provide hope for today and give us a glimpse of What Lies Ahead.
Glenn Wilson believed from the time he was young that he was destined to be a pro athlete. His journey from lightly recruited high school student athlete to first round draft pick of the Detroit Tigers in 1980 was the script that many only dream about becoming reality. Glenn achieved his goal, playing ten seasons in Major League Baseball, including making the National League All-Star team in 1985. Injuries and disappointment shortened Glenn's career, and when investments soured causing business ventures to fail, he found himself living in pain and misery. In that pain, he went in search of fulfillment and on that journey Glenn came to know what it meant to truly have a relationship with God. Headed Home takes you on this journey from childhood to athlete to a broken man finding the hope of knowing Jesus Christ. When Glenn experienced the grace of Christ, his life would never be the same. This book brings us the hope that God has a plan for all of us and that he longs to change our lives. "Headed Home is a tumultuous ride through the world of Major League Baseball. Glenn Wilson was an All Star, but he didn't really find his personal home plate until long after his last at bat. Glenn was always a funny, life-of-the-party type guy, but this book is more likely to produce the sweet sorrow of a tear."Larry Dierker Former player and manager Houston Astros "Glenn Wilson has bared his soul for all to read in Headed Home. His life as a baseball player has been well known, especially in the Houston area. But he has been willing to open up about his life off the field as well, giving us perspective on how many changes a person can undergo with God's guidance. From his relationships with his older brother, Johnie Jr., to his experiences with his coaches and managers, Glenn's honesty shines through. He leaves a powerful message for all to take from this book." Bill Brown Announcer of Houston Astros Member of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame
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