Like Sheep Gone Astray


Book Description

Anthony Murdock has a lot on his mind. He is a minister in training at Second Baptist Church of Shepherd Hills and a rising account executive at Shaw Enterprises. As a Christian man, Anthony finds himself caught up in deceit when he makes a decision - despite the gnawing feeling inside that warns him against it - to compromise his morals for a lot of fast cash. His wife, Terri, a snotty successful interior designer, is becoming increasingly nervous that she might one day have to live the life of a cash strapped preacher's wife. Regretful of his get rich quick scheme and on the verge of being exposed, Anthony decides to make things right only to find himself compromising again. Disgusted with himself, he knows he must do more than confess his sin of greed; he must conquer it. Anthony, like Samson in the Bible, risks going down with his enemies to do the right thing, preserve his marriage and regain his reputation.




Flocked Up


Book Description

"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way..." This phrase from Isaiah 53:6 was used as a chapter of scripture that boldly proclaimed the coming of the messiah, yet thousands of years later, it still describes humanity in general, and even more so accurately, the Church. We are still very similar to the sheep Isaiah spoke of. We all like sheep have gone astray. We don't follow through with the things we know God has called us to do. We cling to ourselves and our own desires rather than following where the shepherd is leading us. We're flocked up. When we get comfortable just going wherever the rest of the flock goes, we stop standing out. We stop pushing against what's wrong. We blend in and bleat out. We don't turn our eyes to the shepherd, we simply follow where the rest of the sheep are going, no matter how far it takes us from where we need to be. It's time for us to get our faces out of our own wool and actually start doing the things our shepherd is leading us towards. In this book we are going to look at some of the biggest areas we ignore Jesus in as a church and go our own ways. This isn't meant as a condemnation, but rather a call to repentance and growth. He is the good shepherd, He is worth following, but sheep are stupid, and sometimes we need to be reminded where we are going. This is Hector Miray's second book in the "Things I Learned From Sucking At Ministry," series.




Aging Faithfully


Book Description

Would you like to grow in life-giving ways as you age? Do you have the courage to let go of former ways of thinking to receive God's love and life in new ways? As we age, we experience the loss of physical stamina, independence, and career fulfillment. Yet within each of these losses is a holy invitation to grow. God calls us to let go of our need for accomplishment and embrace the gift of fruitfulness so that we might be transformed in this final season of our lives. In Aging Faithfully, spiritual director Alice Fryling explores how to navigate the journey of retirement, lifestyle changes, and new limitations. In this season of life, we are invited to hold both grief and hope, to acknowledge ways of thinking that no longer represent who we are, and to receive peace in the midst of our fears. We all age differently, and God calls each of us to new spiritual birth as we mature. When we embrace the aging process, we grow closer to God and experience his grace as he renews us from within. Whether you are approaching the beginning, middle, or end of your senior years, you are invited. Come and be transformed. Aging Faithfully includes questions for group discussion and suggestions for personal meditation.




The Overcoming Life


Book Description

Victory is much closer than you think. People are waiting for God to fix their problems. However, God will not do for you what He has given you the ability to do for yourself. He has provided all the tools you need to live victoriously. Jesus already did the hard part. Now it's time to do your part. Learn how to overcome rejection, fear, comparison, shame, unforgiveness, discouragement, sickness, and doubt: Understand the secrets to overcoming every attack of the enemy Address the fundamental challenges of life using God' truth Be empowered to live in God's strength, not your own




Lies We Believe About God


Book Description

From the author of the bestselling novel The Shack and the New York Times bestsellers Cross Roads and Eve comes a compelling, conversational exploration of twenty-eight assumptions about God—assumptions that just might be keeping us from experiencing His unconditional, all-encompassing love. In his wildly popular novels, Wm. Paul Young portrayed the Triune God in ways that challenged our thinking—sometimes upending long-held beliefs, but always centered in the eternal, all-encompassing nature of God’s love. Now, in Wm. Paul Young’s first nonfiction book, he invites us to revisit our assumptions about God—this time using the Bible, theological discussion, and personal anecdotes. Paul encourages us to think through beliefs we’ve presumed to be true and consider whether some might actually be false. Expounding on the compassion fans felt from the “Papa” portrayed in The Shack—now a major film starring Sam Worthington and Octavia Spencer—Paul encourages you to think anew about important issues including sin, religion, hell, politics, identity, creation, human rights, and helping us discover God’s deep and abiding love.







National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States


Book Description

The national directory addresses the dimensions and perspectives in the formation of deacons and the model standards for the formation, ministry, and life of deacons in the United States. It is intended as a guideline for formation, ministry, and life of permanent deacons and a directive to be utilized when preparing or updating a diaconate program in formulating policies for the ministry and life of deacons. This volume also includes Basic Standards for Readiness for the formation of permanent deacons in the United States, from the bishops' Committee on the Diaconate, and the committee document Visit of Consultation Teams to Diocesan Permanent Diaconate Formation Programs.




Holy Bible (NIV)


Book Description

The NIV is the world's best-selling modern translation, with over 150 million copies in print since its first full publication in 1978. This highly accurate and smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English has the largest library of printed and electronic support material of any modern translation.




Healing Devotional for Women


Book Description

Find hope and healing through God's compassion In times of turmoil and personal unrest, the wisdom of God offers a path to a more joyful future. Healing Devotional: A Christian Book for Women provides a safe space to work through your pain under God's guidance and find peace in His ability to restore your spirit. What sets this devotional apart: Topics for women--Pairing personal stories with excerpts from the Bible, the book addresses a range of subjects that many women struggle with, including difficult relationships, excessive worry, overcoming past hurts, and more. Food for thought--Each devotion ends with a question for reflection, a guided prayer, or an action item to help illuminate the lesson being shared and provide concrete steps to take on your journey toward healing. Inclusive approach--This devotional can be enjoyed by Christian women of any denomination and works with any timeline. Inner peace is within reach when you turn to Healing Devotional: A Christian Book for Women.




A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23


Book Description

Travel the Shepherd's path to the green pastures and cool, refreshing waters of Psalm 23. As a shepherd himself, W. Phillip Keller shares his insights into the life and character of sheep--and of the Good Shepherd who loves and cares for them. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 will give new meaning to the ageless Shepherd Psalm, enriching your trust in and love for the Lord who watches closely over you. Keller infuses new hope into our relationship with Christ. Part of the Timeless Faith Classics series, this installment: Is perfect as a treasured self-purchase or gift for any occasion Showcases Scripture which has been the topic of countless books, articles, and featured on a multitude of gift products Delivers new insights on one of the most familiar and popular chapters in the Bible Is a trusted inspirational resource for personal and spiritual growth and reflection As we lie down in green pastures or walk through the shadowy valley, we're assured that whatever our path, whatever our stumbling, the Shepherd will lovingly guide, carry, and protect us. We can depend on His goodness and mercy all the days of our lives. Readers will find comfort, guidance, and reassurance with A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.