"All of us can talk but very few of us communicate." Transform your marriage into the rich and joyful relationship you always reamed it could be-in just 10 minutes a day! With clarity, wit, and insight, Fred and Florence Littauer share from their thirty years of experience working with couples and offer practical advice on how to add zest and meaning to your relationship. In Daily Marriage Builders for couples, you and your spouse will find 120 appealing, quick-to-read chapters that help you: 1. Communicate without conflict Learn how to make time for each other despite your busy lifestyle Understand your personality differences Know God's plan for your life Stay faithful to each other Break down barriers to communications 2. Discover new ways to laugh together Turn talking into meaningful conversation Increase your understanding of each other's feelings, attitudes and motivators Strengthen the spiritual foundation of your marriage and nurture the bond between you Overcome common marriage problems Share cherished memories-and create new ones

A famous devotional booklet of 9 consecutive Communion exercises. Each consists of a novena prayer, an intimate talk with Our Lord, and a brief self-examination. Rich in doctrine; ideal to make over and over throughout life--to grow in holiness and grace. (5-1.50 ea.; 10-1.25 ea.; 25-1.00 ea.; 50-.80 ea.; 100-.60 ea.).

The traditional Jew has always accepted the study of Torah as central to his or her way of life. But without the ability to effectively analyze and interpret the text, one misses the opportunity to gain a deep and authentic appreciation of the Torah's beauty and profundity. In Studying the Torah: A Guide to In-Depth Interpretation, Avigdor Bonchek equips the reader with the proper analytic methods to make reading the Bible both a serious pursuit and a pleasurable pastime. In order for the reader of the Torah text to delve into its veiled, but ultimately visible, layered messages, he or she must first learn the appropriate interpretive techniques. These skills are the same as those used by the classic Jewish Torah commentators (Rashi, Ramban, Ibn Ezra, and others), all of whom were experts in what scholars today refer to as a "close reading" of the text. Among the "Keys to Interpretation" discussed in this book are the significance of word order, opening sentences, repetitions, word associations, psychological dimensions, and similarities and differences between texts. Each key is illustrated by several examples that offer fresh insight into otherwise familiar text, and the author offers his own original and comprehensive in-depth interpretation of two central biblical stories: the story of Joseph and the ten plagues.

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This book examines science fiction's relationship to religion and the sacred through the lens of significant books, films and television shows. It provides a clear account of the larger cultural and philosophical significance of science fiction, and explores its potential sacrality in today's secular world by analyzing material such as Ray Bradbury's classic novel The Martian Chronicles, films The Abyss and 2001: A Space Odyssey, and also the Star Trek universe. Richard Grigg argues that science fiction is born of nostalgia for a truly 'Other' reality that is no longer available to us, and that the most accurate way to see the relationship between science fiction and traditional approaches to the sacred is as an imitation of true sacrality; this, he suggests, is the best option in a secular age. He demonstrates this by setting forth five definitions of the sacred and then, in consecutive chapters, investigating particular works of science fiction and showing just how they incarnate those definitions. Science Fiction and the Imitation of the Sacred also considers the qualifiers that suggest that science fiction can only imitate the sacred, not genuinely replicate it, and assesses the implications of this investigation for our understanding of secularity and science fiction.

Do you know that God loves to think about you? Even right now! The psalmist David realized this when he wrote Psalm 139: "How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand." But God doesn't just think about you. He loves you--fiercely. In times of uncertainty, we need some pillars we can build our lives on. You are loved. You are welcomed. You are wanted. You were always his idea and he has a plan for you.

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Bevere shifts your perspective with daily boosts of courageous love, giving you a confidence grounded in both your identity and your relationship with your Creator.

These 90 devotionals each include Scripture to guide you, encouragement to lift you up, and powerful declarations of truth to send you forth in strength.

Built space is both a physical entity as well as a socially and historically constructed place. It constantly interacts with human beings, affecting their behavior, thinking, and feeling. Doing religious work in a particular environment implies acknowledging the surroundings to be integral to theology itself. The contributors to this volume view buildings, scriptures, conversations, prayers, preaching, artifacts, music and drama, and built and natural surroundings as contributors to a contextual theology.

The view of the environment in which religion is practiced as integrated with theology represents not just a new theme but also a necessity if one is to understand religion's own depth. Reflections about space and place and how they reflect and affect religious experience provide a challenge and an urgent necessity for theology. This is particularly important if religious practitioners are to become aware of how theology is given expression in the existential spatiality of life. Can space set theology free? This is a challenging question, one that the editor hopes can be answered, at least in part, in this volume.

The diversity of theoretical concepts in aesthetics, cultural theory, and architecture are not regarded as a problem to be solved by constructing one overarching dominant theory. Instead, this diversity is viewed in terms of its positive potential to inspire discourse about theology and aesthetics. In this discourse, theology does not need to become fully dependent on one or another theory, but should always clearly present its criteria for choosing this or that theoretical framework. This volume shows clearly how different modes of design in sacred spaces capture a sense of the religious.

This textbook introduces and explores the ideas, practices and philosophy of engaged Buddhism. The movement holds that suffering is not just caused by the cravings of the mind, but also by political and social factors; therefore, engaged Buddhists 'engage' with social issues to achieve liberation. Paul Fuller outlines the movement's origins and principles. He then offers a comprehensive analysis of the central themes and issues of engaged Buddhism, offering new insights into the formation of modern Buddhism. The range of issues covered includes politics, gender, environmentalism, identity, blasphemy and violence. These are illustrated by case studies and examples from a range of locations where Buddhism is practised. Discussion points and suggested further reading are provided at the end of each chapter, which will further enrich undergraduates' grasp of the topic.

Ayahuasca, Ritual and Religion in Brazil examines the emergence of religious groups in the Brazilian Amazon who constitute their systems of ritual, myth and principles around the use of a psychoactive brew known by diverse names, one of which is the Quechua term ayahuasca. Although the study of these religious movements has seen much development in recent decades there are still few publications in English, especially in the area of anthropology. This collection, containing many articles previously published only in Portuguese, explains the research conducted in Brazil. It shows a representative sample of the main types of approaches that have been used and also offers an overview of the historical development of this field of research in Brazil, especially from the perspective of the human sciences. This volume makes explicit what the study of the ayahuasca religions can contribute to classical and contemporary issues in anthropology. It presents a varied set of ethnographic approaches employed in the initial mapping of this phenomenon, establishing its historical and cultural origins. It also provides a basis to develop future work on these religions, both in their original contexts and in their expansion throughout Brazil and the world.

The first two volumes of The Zohar, Pritzker edition, cover more than half of the Zohar's commentary on the Book of Genesis (through Genesis 32:3). This is the first translation ever made from a critical Aramaic text of the Zohar, which has been established by Professor Matt based on a wide range of original manuscripts. The extensive commentary, appearing at the bottom of each page, clarifies the kabbalistic symbolism and terminology, and cites sources and parallels from biblical, rabbinic, and kabbalistic texts. The translator's introduction is accompanied by a second introduction written by Arthur Green, discussing the origin and significance of the Zohar ever since it emerged mysteriously in mediaeval Spain toward the end of the 13th century. Written in a unique Aramaic, this masterpiece of Kabbalah exceeds the dimensions of a normal book; it is virtually a body of literature, comprising over 20 discrete sections. The bulk of the Zohar consists of a running commentary on the Torah, from Genesis through Deuteronomy. This translation begins and focuses here in what are projected to be ten volumes. Two subsequent volumes will cover other, shorter sections. The Zohar's commentary is composed in the form of a mystical novel. The hero is Rabbi Shim'on son of Yohai, a saintly disciple of Rabbi Akiva who lived in the 2nd century in the land of Israel. In the Zohar, Rabbi Shim'on and his companions wander through the hills of Galilee, discovering and sharing secrets of Torah. characters, and the mystical companions interpret their words, actions and personalities. On a deeper level, the text of the Bible is simply the starting point, a springboard for the imagination. For example, when God commands Abraham, Lekh lekha, go forth ... to the land that I will show you (Genesis 12:1), Rabbi El'azar ignores idiomatic usage and insists on reading the words more literally than they were intended, hyperliterally: Lekh lekha, go to yourself . Search deep within to discover your true self. about their dramatic mystical sessions with Rabbi Shim'on or their adventures on the road, for example, an encounter with a cantankerous old donkey driver who turns out to be a master of wisdom in disguise. stages of God's inner life, aspects of divine personality, both feminine and masculine. By penetrating the literal surface of the Torah, the mystical commentators transform the biblical narrative into a biography of God. The entire Torah is read as one continuous divine name, expressing divine being. Even a seemingly insignificant verse can reveal the inner dynamics of the sefirot - how God feels, responds and act, how She and He (the divine feminine and masculine) relate intimately with each other and with the world.

In his latest book, Do You Believe?, pastor and bestselling author Paul David Tripp unpacks 12 core doctrines and how they engage and transform the human heart and mind.

Discipline seems like a hard word, but discipline is your lifeline, something that you learn to embrace and thank God for as you grow in him. The apostle Paul links the idea of discipline with spiritual life: "Train yourself for godliness"--referring to a spiritual workout--for "godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come" (1 Timothy 4:7-8). A Christian woman's life is about bringing her will and every area of her life under submission to God's will. 1. Discipline of the Gospel: The Source of Godliness "Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3). To be a godly woman you must know what this gospel is, believe it, and make it the center of your life. Never lose the wonder of the gospel. John 3:16 is not only a beautiful summary of what God has done, it ought to be the true center of our living--defining, motivating, and satisfying us. The gospel is a woman's first and most important discipline, for it is the source of godliness. 2. Discipline of Submission: The Posture of Godliness It saddens me that submission has been eliminated from our cultural vocabulary. Bringing our lives into submission to God's will in everything is the key to being a godly woman (Philippians 2:8-11). It is also the path to joy. Submission applies to every area of our lives, and we begin by restoring the gospel to its rightful place at the center of our thoughts and deeds everyday. It's an ongoing, daily choosing of God's ways over our own ways (James 4:7-10; Hebrews 12:9). Is the will of God more important than our lives (Luke 9:24)? 3. Discipline of Prayer: Submission's Lifeline Pray "at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication" (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is the source of power for growth and perseverance in our spiritual lives. It bends our wills to God's, which is what submitting our lives is all about. Prayer cannot be reduced to a few simple rules, and though we sometimes talk about meditation, confession, adoration, submission, and petition, there is no prescribed order. But continual prayer is God's will for us... we must always be "looking up," even when driving to work or cleaning the house. 4. Discipline of Worship: Submission's Celebration Worship encompasses all of life: "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" (Romans 12:1). Because Christ is the ultimate revelation of God (Colossians 1:15-20), he must be the central focus of our worship as understood through Scripture (1 Timothy 4:13). Worship --whether by oneself at home, in the workplace, classroom, or with the church gathered--is consecration. Every woman who calls herself a Christian must understand that worship is the ultimate priority of her life... every day. 5. Discipline of Mind: Submission's Education No computer will ever be able to think God's thoughts or know the heart of God or do his works. But it's what the brain was created for--to have the mind of Christ. What a scandal that so many Christians don't think Christianly! In one comprehensive sentence, Paul prescribes his personal mental program: "Whatever is true... honorable... just... pure... lovely... commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Philippians 4:8). If you are filled with God's Word, your life can then be informed and directed by God--your relationships at home, parenting, career, ethical decisions, and internal moral life. 6. Discipline of Contentment: Submission's Rest Paul wrote from prison that he had "learned in whatever situation I am to be content" (Philippians 4:11). Fortunately for us, he said that he had "learned"... there is hope for all of us who face the monster of discontent! Applying our knowledge of God to our circumstances is the key to contentment. It will be ours when all that God is and all that he has done in Christ fills our heart. We may lack many things in this world, but as godly women we must work to develop the discipline of contentment. 7. Discipline of Propriety: Submission's Behavior Propriety means behaving in ways appropriate for Christians--actions that don't bring shame to the Gospel and to Christ. Propriety elevates our words, our appearance, and our attitudes. It's a perfect word for describing what Paul means when he tells believers to act "in a manner of life...worthy of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27). Propriety means acting in a way worthy of the Gospel in dress (1 Peter 3:3-4), speech, and attitude (Colossians 3:12-14). If your behavior is worthy of the Gospel, the source of that behavior will be a heart authentically bowed in humble submission to Jesus as Lord. 8. Discipline of Perseverance: Submission's Challenge Faith in the goodness of God in the face of extreme adversity grows out of a discipline of perseverance in the day-in, day-out grind of everyday life. "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1). We all can develop perseverance by daily submitting to God's will and looking to Jesus in whatever irritating, insignificant duties or grand-scale tragedies we may suffer (Romans 8:18; Hebrews 12:3). It involves submitting to God in our trials while trusting him to be good, wise, merciful, just, kind, lovingly all-knowing, and all-powerful. 9. Discipline of Singleness or Marriage: Submission's Framework Singleness is a positive assignment (1 Corinthians 7:7) to be joyously received knowing that God doesn't plan to give anyone less than the best. If marriage is our "assignment," then we must discipline ourselves to submit to God's will--to live as our husbands' helpers (Genesis 2:18), submitting to and respecting their position (Ephesians 5:22-24), and developing a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:1). As single or married daughters of Eve--the "mother of all living" (Genesis 3:20)--we must cultivate nurturing spirits. How we care for others will be dictated by where God places us--in a home, in a hospital, in the inner city, wherever. 10. Discipline of Good Deeds: Submission's Industry As believers we are "created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10). Good deeds are the redeemed heart's response of gratitude for the gift of God's grace (1 Peter 2:12). We gospel women must determine to develop the discipline of good deeds: "as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). Let us fill our days with good deeds. As you cultivate the disciplines of godly womanhood, consider Paul's words: "I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me" (1 Corinthians 15:10). There is no contradiction between grace and hard work. As we attempt to do God's will, he always gives more grace!

The Christian Prayer has hours of morning prayers, daytime prayers, evening prayers, nightime prayers, and office of readings.

This volume is one of two edited by Andrew Rippin which are designed to complement one another, and to comprehend the principal trends in modern scholarship on the Qur'an. Both volumes are provided with a new introduction by the editor, analysing this scholarship, and providing references for further study. The Qur'an: Style and Contents reveals the variety of approaches followed within the study of the text. From NAldeke's examination of style through Arkoun's project for the future, these scholarly statements reflect the historical development of the discipline, while providing overviews of key elements for the understanding of the Qur'an.

This beautiful 52-week devotional provides Christian couples with an easy way to read Scripture, pray, and engage in spiritual discussions and activities to strengthen their relationship and marriage. Perfect for younger couples in building a strong spiritual foundation early on, it's a great resource for couples of any age or stage who want to grow closer as they follow God together. Presented in a relaxed and easy-to-use way and edited by Focus on the Family president Jim Daly and his wife, Jean, each devotional offers foundational, practical, and wise material from members of the Focus counselling staff.The content is divided into 13 sections, with topics including getting to know each other better, listening, mastering money, building a Christ-centered home, going the distance, and more. Each section is introduced by the Dalys, and each of the 52 devotions is followed with discussion questions and activities.