Shine: Being His Light in Darkness


Book Description

When we look around at the darkness of this world, it's hard to see the light. Jesus declared, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). Yet, Jesus is no longer in the world. In fact, it's been over two thousand years since He's walked this earth. So where is the light now? The truth is that it's in us. As said in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world.” Shine is an eight-week study into this truth―into identifying the One True Light and learning how to shine brighter for Him. God's light reveals truth, draws others, and exposes sin, and our own light works to do the same. However, it is not so easy because it's a fight against fear, selfishness, apathy, and the harmful impulse to hide one's personal light. The very concept of light is seen all throughout Scripture, blooming with the first verses of Genesis and concluding with the last verses of Revelation, and it is through this that Shine sheds its own light onto God's Word. Rebecca J. Nolley utilizes compassion and inspiration to explore the significance of walking forward as beacons of light and the valuable message that when we shine the light of Jesus into the lives of others, more people will turn to Him, and He will be further glorified. Shine begins and ends its study with the Giver of Light and the simple truth that it is through Him and by Him we are able to shine.




Believer's Bible Commentary


Book Description

Make Bible study a part of your daily life with the thorough yet easy-to-read commentary that turns complicated theology into practical understanding. The second edition of Believer's Bible Commentary is a one-volume guide that helps the average reader develop basic knowledge of the Bible. This commentary, written by the late William MacDonald, explores the deeper meanings of every biblical book and tackles controversial issues from a theologically conservative standpoint while also presenting alternative views. Serving as a friendly introduction to Bible study, Believer's Bible Commentary gives clarity and context to scripture in easy-to-understand language. Features: Introductions, notes, and bibliographies for each book of the Bible A balanced approach to linguistic studies and useful application Comments on the text are augmented by practical applications of spiritual truths and by a study of typology, where appropriate Colorful maps of the Holy Land and other useful study helps Can be used with any Bible translation but is best used with the New King James version




Things Not Seen


Book Description

True faith is hard. More than mere sentimentalism, faith often calls for a deep and resilient trust in God—especially when the going gets tough and the road is dark. In Things Not Seen, author Jon Bloom encourages readers with 35 imaginative retellings of stories from the Bible that illustrate the importance of living by faith. A follow-up to the author's previous book, Not by Sight: A Fresh Look at Old Stories of Walking by Faith, this inspiring volume explores the lives of Abraham, Moses, Saul, John the Baptist, and more—helping readers remember God's promises, rely on his grace, and follow his leading regardless of the circumstances. The book includes a foreword by popular author and blogger Ann Voskamp.




The Spirit-Led Leader


Book Description

In our postmodern, experience-oriented culture, people are longing for greater authenticity, integrity, and depth in their pastors and leaders. Board directors, church members, and staff alike are all eagerly seeking leaders who effectively integrate their spirituality and leadership. Pastors and executives, however, often struggle with knowing how to integrate their spiritual values and practices into their leadership and management roles. Designed for pastors, executives, administrators, managers, coordinators, and all who see themselves as leaders and who want to fulfill their God-given purpose, The Spirit-Led Leader addresses the critical fusion of spiritual life and leadership for those who not only want to see results, but who also desire to care just as deeply about who they are and how they lead as they do about what they produce and accomplish. Geoffrion creates a new vision for spiritual leadership as partly an art, partly a result of careful planning, and always a working of the grace of God




Not by Sight


Book Description

Trusting Jesus is hard. It requires following the unseen into an unknown, and believing Jesus's words over and against the threats we see or the fears we feel. Through the imaginative retelling of 35 Bible stories, Not by Sight gives us glimpses of what it means to walk by faith and counsel for how to trust God's promises more than our perceptions and to find rest in the faithfulness of God.




Let Your Light Shine


Book Description

We live in a dark world, and it seems to be getting darker day by day. Fear, depression, grief, abuse, illness can seem overwhelming. But there is hope. There is a light. Let Your Light Shine is a 31 Day Devotional and study exploring a Biblical scripture a day on the topic of "light." Also included are special sections on Bible study tools and techniques: Word Study - Light, Bible Study Tools, Praying Scripture and Daily Prayer Journal. In addition, you will find several Scripture Color Pages and blank journaling pages to allow plenty of room for your soul to be inspired. All proceeds from the sale of Soul Deep devotionals and journals go towards providing Soul Deep Bible study materials free of charge to women incarcerated in prison or living in a shelter. At the heart of Sweet To The Soul Ministries is the desire to share God's Word with women, to encourage the study of God's Divinely Inspired Word. So thank you for partnering with us in ministry and blessing other women with these Bible study materials. Visit our website [www.SweetToTheSoul.com] to access additional Let Your Light Shine materials: 31-Day Prayer Calendar, Printable Prayer Journal pages, Bible Journaling Templates and our 31-day Soul Deep Scripture Journal. Join the Let Your Light Shine conversation on-line at our blog and our facebook community. Contributing Authors Include: Lindsey Alexander, Jodie Barrett, Jennifer Cardinal, Cathy Chung, Lauren Clark, Betsy deCruz, Donna Fender, Gretchen Fleming, Kristin Funston, Lauren Gaskill, Tina Gibson, Tara Blake Hatton, Terry Holmes, Jana Kennedy-Spicer, Becky McCoy, Missy Millspagh, Mitzi Neely, Michelle Nietert, Betsy Phillips, Anne B Say, Patti Selvey, Adrienne Terrebonne, and Amanda Wells.




God in the Dark


Book Description

Life’s painful trials can bring shame about our inadequate and broken faith. There is relief in hearing the expressions of desperation in the psalmist’s voice. He didn’t experience this life perfected, and we don’t either. But the psalmist was loved. So are we. God was so kind to give us the Psalms. To walk through darkened days is part of the human experience. To walk through them with faith, comfort, strength, joy, and hope is part of the divine experience. Our eyes, though, are often clouded to those blessings by the thing oppressing us. When we remember and recognize our Father’s faithfulness, when we see reality with the eyes of understanding, the darkness ebbs and the light of hope grows. The impossible, unbearable, and unthinkable becomes the hidden passageway to truth, hope, and joy in Christ. These letters were originally written as encouragement to a friend when the darkness began to overtake his path. Each day for 22 days, a letter arrived with one of the eight-verse sections from Psalm 119 along with a small thought to bring light and hope and to be a reminder that we do not fight our battles alone. The letters, along with nine more devotions on the subject of experiencing God in the dark, make up this powerful, honest, hope-filled 31-day devotional.




Letters from My Father's Murderer


Book Description

An extraordinary true story of grace, mercy, and the redemptive power of God When her father was murdered, Laurie Coombs and her family sought justice—and found it. Yet, despite the swift punishment of the killer, Laurie found herself increasingly full of pain, bitterness, and anger she couldn’t control. It was the call to love and forgive her father’s murderer that set her, the murderer, and several other inmates on the journey that would truly change their lives forever. This compelling story of transformation will touch the deepest wounds and show how God can redeem what seems unredeemable.




Holman New Testament Commentary - Acts


Book Description

One in a series of twelve New Testament verse-by-verse commentary books edited by Max Anders. Includes discussion starters, teaching plan, and more. Great for lay teachers and pastors alike.




Mom Heart Moments


Book Description

Beloved author Sally Clarkson shares her heart and wisdom for mothers—and offers hope for each day. A mother living well in her God-ordained role is of great beauty and inestimable value to the future history of any generation. Her impact is irreplaceable and necessary to the spiritual formation of children who will be the adults of the next generation. Fun, comfort, humor, graciousness, spiritual passion, compassion for the lost, hospitality, chores, meals, training, life-giving words, hours and hours of listening and playing and praying and reading—all are parts of the mosaic of soul development. Spend the year with Mom Heart Moments, the first devotional by beloved author Sally Clarkson, and discover how as a mother you can draw closer to the heart of God. In a world constantly vying for our attention, it can be easy to get caught up in the chaos. Each day of this beautiful devotional offers encouragement and direction to become the mother God has called you to be.