The Scriptures teach clearly that God desires to live in intimate fellowship and communion with mankind. He wants us to enjoy His love, peace, joy, and companionship and to rest in His redemption, experiencing the perfect harmony and contentment and fulfillment of purpose for which He created us. God's original purpose for creating mankind was simply for us to enjoy relationship with Him, the kind of fellowship that the first couple, Adam and Eve, enjoyed in the Garden of Eden, when God walked with them in the cool of the evening (Gen. 3:8).

Then, sin entered the human experience and separated all mankind from that divine fellowship. But when we place our faith in Christ's sacrifice for our sin, we are redeemed by the blood of Christ and justified in the sight of God. But that is not the end of the matter; it is only the beginning. God's intention is that we be completely restored--spirit, soul, and body--to the divine rest found in His redemption, He wants us to experience that mystery of intimate communion with our Creator/Redeemer.

In this book we will discuss four important aspects of fulfilling the deepest desire of the human heart--to know God personally and intimately in the way God's great, loving heart intended. To know the love of God that brings true heart contentment, we need to walk in the understanding of these divine principles:

The biblical basis for all prayer is resting in His redemption.

The biblical basis for all Christian living is resting in His redemption.

The biblical basis for total forgiveness is resting in His redemption.

The biblical basis for divine contentment is resting in His redemption.
Your life can be transformed when you allow Him to make them a reality to your heart. The love of God can fill your heart and make you a victorious lover of the Christ. You will be ruined for any lesser, temporal pleasure or love once you taste more deeply the wonders of resting in His redemption.

Christian joy is the constant awareness of the loving presence of Jesus, the Son of God, in our hearts. Advent is a time when we open our minds and hearts to search for the light of love, compassion, and peace in the Word of God. It is a time set aside for more intentional reading of the Word of God-reading that leads to personal reflection, prayer, contemplation, and humble service to others. Advent challenges us to remove the barriers of arrogance, sadness, selfishness, and greed that hinder us from welcoming Christ with joy and living in communion with him and our brothers and sisters.

--From the introduction

The true meaning of Advent and Christmas finds its voice in Joyful Meditations for Every Day of Advent and the 12 Days of Christmas. From the First Sunday of Advent through Christmas and Epiphany for each liturgical year (A, B, and C), this book will help prepare for and deepen our experience this holy season.

Opening each daily reflection is a Scripture quote from the day's readings. The reflection then reaches out to us in our busy lives to consider what God's Word has to offer us during the holidays. Next, a thought to ponder brings home the message for you-to really apply the reading and reflection to your life. Now say a Prayer, an offering and petition to the Lord in our anticipation of his arrival; finally a practice, a chance to change your daily routine in simple ways to bring God's love to your life this joyous season.

Make Prayer Your First Response How do you approach prayer? Do you worry you are not doing it "correctly"? Do you see it as an obligation to check off a to-do list? Do you think of it as a last resort-a kind of supernatural SOS when you need help? In this Pray First video Bible study, Pastor Chris Hodges shares proven ways to help you spend time in conversation with God-and enjoy every minute of it. You will gain tools to bring joy back into your time with God, explore prayers in the Bible, learn about fasting (an often overlooked discipline), and discover biblically grounded methods for making prayer a priority and not an afterthought. Pray First is a revolutionary study for anyone who wants to experience a dynamic, intimate prayer life with God. This study guide includes: Individual access to six streaming video sessions A guide to best practices for leading a group Video notes and a comprehensive structure for group discussion time Personal study section with questions and biblical passages for reflection between sessions Sessions and video run times: The Five P's of Prayer (21:00) The Lord's Prayer (20:00) The Prayer of Jabez (16:00) Praying the Names of God (18:30) My Prayer for You (17:00) Prayer and Fasting (21:00) This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including: The study guide itself-with discussion and reflection questions, video notes, and a leader's guide. An individual access code to stream all video sessions online. (You don't need to buy a DVD!) Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2028. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.

Find hope that lasts beyond earthly pain and spiritual encouragement to lead you into a deep relationship with the Healer himself. Our hearts, our bodies, and our world are desperate for healing. Whether we are experiencing physical, emotional, or financial brokenness, we rightfully look to Jesus to perform a masterful restoration. But how does healing fit into God's will, especially when God doesn't heal? And how do we catch ourselves from slipping into the trap of seeking God for what he can do for us, and not for who he really is? Author, pastor, and frequently sought speaker Costi Hinn provides clarity through thoughtful answers and biblical truths about Jesus and his healing ministry. Growing up immersed in one of the world's leading faith-healing dynasties, Costi witnessed the tragedy of people chasing after healing more than the Healer. And now he shares with others the true power and hope that comes from a genuine relationship with God. With captivating stories--beginning with the vivid memory of the night he discovered his son's cancer diagnosis--Costi empathetically unpacks the layered feelings and questions we have about God and his healing power and provides practical principles for growing close to Jesus. With gentle clarity and biblical wisdom, Costi explains how to pray for healing while submitting to God's sovereignty, navigate tough conversations about the topic, and hold on to faith even in the most painful trials. More than chasing after the Jesus we want, this hopeful and encouraging book will guide us to discovering the Jesus we truly need.

This is a collection of psalms, songs, declarations and other worship expressions with the Lord that stir the heart of the Bride for the King. Many have asked me over the years, "When do you think He is coming?" The Lord spoke to my heart, "Watch the Bride! For she is a mere reflection of the King and the closer He is to her the more Glorious she shall become! Watch the Bride!" Allow these poetic ponderings to sweep you away in holy preparation for a personal encounter and visitation with the King Himself! Allow your heart to be awakened to the passionate longing for your king for you! Celebrate as the remnant bride who is long for more...the kiss...the embrace...the dance...Come away with me.