"Rediscovering the Beauty of Sabbath Rest"
Our bodies and souls were "created "to rest--regularly--and when they do, we experience heightened productivity, improved health, and more meaningful relationships.
In these pages you'll find wonderful stories of the senator's spiritual journey, as well as special Sabbath experiences with political colleagues such as Bill Clinton, Al and Tipper Gore, John McCain, Colin Powell, George W. Bush, Bob Dole, and others. Senator Joe Lieberman shows how his observance of the Sabbath has not only enriched his personal and spiritual life but enhanced his career and enabled him to serve his country to his greatest capacity.

Andre Paul Zaayer, known to all as APZ, is a high-profile lawyer in his sixties who thinks in terms not of good and evil but of legal and illegal. He feels all he needs to understand is how to work around the law, how to dodge being caught, and how to slip out of the legal system when caught within it-helpful knowledge, particularly given his involvement in the sale of illegal narcotics. Then there's Dazz Brooks, an ambitious, talented young rapper. Freshly released from prison-where he had landed for his own involvement in dealing drugs-Dazz is determined to launch a legitimate career in the music industry. He knows APZ has connections in the music industry through his night club, so even though Dazz hopes to avoid any further involvement with the drug trade, he looks to the lawyer for help in planning his new start. APZ capitalizes on Dazz's hope and poverty, twisting his ambitions back into a life of crime and violence that spirals both of their lives into devastation. Inspired by a higher power, Dazz yearns to break free of APZ's bondage. But only time will tell whether he will succeed. A modern take on the story of Pharaoh and Moses, this novel follows one man's journey toward a new destiny as he makes choices that could change his life forever.

Prayer is a vital part of the Christian walk; it's a must for success in the Christian journey.
The Bible is full of examples of how God answers prayer, and it also contains numerous calls for God's children to pray.

In Audacious Prayers, author Albert B. K. Appiah offers a handbook about prayer and what prayer can do in one's life, focusing on praying bold prayers and believing God to answer them. It is about petitioning God audaciously and expecting answers. Drawing on many examples from the Bible to underscore that God answers even the most daring of prayers, it shares powerful stories of Biblical characters who were delivered from pain and suffering by the hand of God.

Appiah weaves personal examples from his own life about some rather bold petitions God granted. He offers a living testimony of the goodness and graciousness of God, who will answer prayer if you dare enough to believe he can.

The central act of Christian worship is the Mass or Eucharist. This, however, is a formal public act, and generally a once-in-a-week event, which does not entirely answer the spiritual aspirations of the vast majority of Christians who express these through prayer and "devotional practices". The cult of relics and of saints in general; banding together into confraternities to foster a special devotion; going on pilgrimages, wearing medals, badges and scapulars - all these are forms of devotion. Where did they all come from? They have left their mark on the Church, in the history of books and in manuals of prayers, but relatively little is known about them. The idea for this book arose when, in the senior common room of a university theological faculty, it became clear that none of those present knew why there was an "Infant of Prague". The book is in a dictionary format. Mainly historical in its approach, it explains how a particular devotion arose, sets it in its context and explains the purpose it served in the life of the Church. It is critical without being judgemental on subjects such as the "truth" behind apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Some 600 entries range over topics such as relics, pilgrimages and the cult of the saints, as well as more specialized and local devotions. The work is designed to be of use to historians and those engaged in religious studies, as well as being of interest to the general public. The topics are confined to the Christian religion and, in effect, almost entirely to the Roman Catholic tradition. Tables provide a comparison of the Liturgical Calendar (fixed and moveable feasts) before and after the Reform of 1969. A comprehensive index enables readers to follow virtually any subject through its different aspects, as well as providing a quick guide to the contents of the dictionary. Michael Walsh is the editor of Bishop Butler's "Lives of the Saints" in one concise volume, and the author of a companion volume, "Patron Saints".

A new, but ancient, way to pray can turn your life around. Discover how to experience God's love at your core, freeing you to love others, and even yourself. When biblical scholar and coach Brian Russell discovered centering prayer at a difficult crossroad in his life, he had no idea how his life would change. "Sensing God's love for me has been so transformational that it almost feels as though I've experienced conversion all over again," he writes. He became calmer, less anxious, less reactive, freed of past wounds, and a better listener in the presence of others. Centering prayer, also known as the prayer of silence, helps you quiet your mind from the constant thoughts and impulses, and frees your true self to experience more of God's love in the very core of your being. This inviting guide gives you practical tools to make centering prayer a consistent habit in your life, gives the history and theological foundation for the practice, and helps identify and overcome common obstacles. Beginners, as well as seasoned practitioners, will gain inspiration, rich insight, and practical knowledge of a contemplative prayer practice that can open you up to deep experiences of inner healing and peace.

"What an amazing and intriguing novel!" Can a cynical, nonconformist, dry-goods salesman, a disgruntled blacksmith, and a musing mendicant all find true fulfillment in ancient Palestine? And at what cost? Find out in this intriguing 2020 Readers Favorites award winner.

Whether we have an audience of one or thousands, our words have influence and impact. The question is are they having the influence we want? Ross Hjelseth draws on more than four decades of career experience in athletics and education in this guide to choosing the right words at the right time - words that inspire, encourage, guide, teach, empathize, and elevate. The author shares maxims gleaned from teachers, coaches, and leaders, together with his own observations, to help you: - empower yourself and those you care about - develop leadership skills and insights to better serve others - build relationships through listening, speaking, and observing others - appreciate the importance of practice, hard work, discipline, perseverance, and motivation - determine when to use positive or negative reinforcement Each chapter concludes with several inspirational quotes from coaches and leaders, as well as thoughtful questions to help you make a meaningful difference in your life and the lives of others. Serve people in every context and renew your focus on gratitude, encouragement, and teamwork with the lessons in Winning Words.

Have you ever felt like something was missing either within yourself or in your life-as if there's a void that you can't define and yet can't escape? You've been trying to find your purpose, and sometimes you even question whether you have one. Author Jill Allen has faced those questions and has discovered the way to show up as the woman she wants to be-the woman God designed and created her to be.

Set Free reveals Allen's heartbreaking and awe-inspiring life story. She recalls the fog surrounding the tragedy of her mother's unexpected death when she was a young girl, her own near-fatal accident, and her relationship with God throughout every moment. Using candid and relatable storytelling, she shares some of her darkest moments and traces her path to where she is today-a fierce woman of strong faith, a happily married wife of twenty years, and a proud mother of five. She details every step she took along the journey that led her to God's unconditional love so you can take these exact steps to freedom and enjoy His peace too.

In this inspirational personal narrative, one woman tells her life story to help women realize they can overcome anything with God.

At the age of twenty-one, Charlene’s sister, Andrea, along with two other college students were tragically killed in a terrible highway accident that made national news. Working through her grief beside her bereaved parents, tragedy struck again when her mother received a devastating cancer diagnosis.
In Brazen Bravery, Charlene tells the story of how she discovered the strength of her family’s rich heritage and deeply rooted Christian faith as she braved the tumultuous waters of grief.
Charlene, a natural and captivating storyteller, invites us into her journey, “telling it like it is” with humor, compassion, and an unflappable and inspiring faith. Through journal pages from her sister and mother, along with song lyrics, Bible verses and poignant quotes from favorite authors, her words will remind you that there is always a way through. The truths she holds onto fiercely helped her transcend the pain and made it possible to “believe that life was not just worth living, but worth living well.”
Brazen Bravery will not only beckon you to embrace the lessons of loss and ignite your overcomer spirit, but it unwraps biblical truth showing us that the sovereignty of God transcends all brokenness and doubt. And reminds us, once again, that love always wins and life never ends.

A unique and validating look at the tension you feel between disillusionment and a desire for truth, Searching for Enough helps you see your doubt not as an emotion to fear but as an invitation to be followed. Do you ever find yourself thinking, "I'm not enough, and I'm never going to be. And I know I'm not supposed to say this, but God's not enough for me either." Whether or not we attend church, deep down we wonder if the biblical story of faith is really enough for the complexity of the world in which we live. We fill our lives with other things, hoping that maybe the next experience or accomplishment will complete us. Yet with every goal we reach, we still feel discouraged and anxious. In Searching for Enough, Pastor Tyler Staton draws on ancient and modern insights to introduce us, as if for the first time, to Jesus' disciple Thomas: history's most notorious skeptic. Like Thomas, we are caught between two unsatisfying stories: We want to believe in God but can't reconcile his presence with our circumstances and internal struggles. But what if there's a better story than shame? What if there's redemption so complete that there's nothing left to hide? What if there is a God who can heal your resentments, fears, and loneliness in such a profound way that you feel whole? From a place of spiritual companionship and deep authenticity, Tyler shows us that it is not an empty tomb that will change our lives, but the presence of the living God. Whether you are a distant skeptic, an involved doubter, or a busy but bored Christian, Searching for Enough invites you to find enough in a God who offers the only promises that never disappoint.

A readable and powerful call, by a leading Old Testament scholar, to pray with and through the Psalms. Walter Brueggemann pushes his readers to recognize the full gamut of passions reflected in the Psalms: joy and exultation but also disappointment, sorrow, anger, resentment, even the desire for vengeance. We are invited into a daring relationship with the God who calls us to pray with honesty. In the spiritual classic readers are guided into a thoughtful and prayerful encounter with God through the Psalms. This new edition includes a thoroughly revised text, new notes and new bibliography. In Praying the Psalms, Brueggemann carefully guides us away from the bland colours of contemporary culture and into the ancient and extreme world of praise and lament. This is essential reading. Ian Stackhouse Senior Pastor, Guildford Baptist Church

Dr. Ronald D. Ramsey draws on his experiences as an organization development consultant, his knowledge of the behavioral sciences and theological studies, and his own unforgiveness challenges to lead readers on a forgiveness journey in this book.
The book is composed of short readings that draw upon Dr. Ramsey's work as a counselor and chaplain; worksheets that engage the reader's experiences, thoughts and emotions; chapter summaries; and devotionals based on Scripture.
Dr. Ramsey explores how to recover from experiencing interpersonal offenses and transgressions to reach emotional peace. Taking an interactive and practical approach, he reveals how to:

Break the Cycles That Hurt Your Relationships and Hold You Back

Through biblical examples and illustrations from their own redemptive story, Justin and Trisha Davis help readers identify unhealthy relational patterns that keep them from experiencing the joy and freedom God has for them.

Relationships can feel like a constant struggle. How can we recognize and overcome behaviors that leave us wounded, broken, and exhausted? One Choice Away from Change helps us identify dysfunctional life patterns that cause us to repeat the same mistakes in relationships, fall into the same bad habits at work, or argue about the same things with those we love. Drawing on their own story of healing, Justin and Trisha Davis offer practical encouragement for:

• Understanding the choices we make that can sabotage us
• Not letting the past dictate the present
• Leaving behind our go-to sins and dysfunctions
• Moving forward in the hope of who God calls us to be

You aren’t as stuck as you think you are. In fact, you are just one decision away from breaking the cycles that keep you living in fear and shame. Experience the power of God’s grace … one choice at a time.

God, God Almighty, God the Creator of the heavens and the earth, God the Beginning and the End, God the Source of all that is, God the Creator of man—the same God, in all His power and all His majesty, stops and listens when you pray. God has given humanity the ability to bring heaven to earth.

Whether you know it or not, you have the authority to change the world through prayer. When God said, “Let mankind rule over all the earth,” He was arranging the dominion of the world so that the partnership of mankind was essential for the accomplishment of His purposes. Through his unique perspective on this often-misunderstood subject, best-selling author Dr. Myles Munroe takes the mystery out of prayer, providing practical answers for difficult questions about communicating with God.

All that God is—and all that God has—may be received through prayer. Everything you need to fulfill your purpose on earth is available to you through prayer. The biblically based, time-tested principles in this book will ignite and transform the way you pray. Be prepared to enter into a new dimension of faith, a deeper revelation of God’s love, and a renewed understanding that your prayers can truly move the hand of God.

This expanded edition includes study questions for individual or small group use.