Offers the opportunity to spend a month with Julian of Norwich, with readings for both morning and evening

There are many ways of following Christ - each footprint is unique. One of these, the Franciscan spiritual journey, has been tried and tested over the centuries, and the experiences of St Francis and St Clare and all those who have been inspired by their lives still resonate with us. Helen Julian CSF explores the distinctive features of their spirituality and shows how these practices can be applied to, and become part of, our daily lives. Through stories of care for creation, social justice, mission, preaching, contemplative spirituality and simple living, discover your own pathway today. 'What's lovely about this book is you don't just follow Francis and Clare, but you follow their followers as well, including the story of the Franciscan revival within the Anglican Communion. This is how discipleship works. Those who follow Christ have others follow them. The imprint of their witness is magnified through other lives and inspires us to follow too.' Stephen Cottrell

Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, he gathered his followers around him and said, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). In this way, Jesus entrusted the "flame" of the gospel to these men and women and commissioned them to carry it to the world. He promised they would receive supernatural power to help them accomplish this task. The book of Acts records that these followers of Christ took up the challenge and set the world ablaze with the fire of the gospel. But this begs the question . . . who were these people? In reality, most were ordinary men and women just like you and me. They had not received hands-on training with Jesus like the twelve disciples had received. They had not been specially trained in ministry or teaching or serving. They were simply men and women who made themselves available to God and followed the direction of the Holy Spirit as he prompted them to act-and forever changed the world. In Carry the Flame, bestselling author and pastor Jim Cymbala reveals that God is still seeking ordinary men and women-not just pastors or ministry leaders-who will make themselves available to him, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, and accomplish extraordinary things in this world. He draws on examples of ordinary people in Acts such as Ananias, Philip, and the 120 who waited in the Upper Room-as well as modern-day testimonies-to show how God can use anyone and everyone who simply submits to him and obeys his leading. As you go through this study, you will be challenged and encouraged to likewise take that first step of faith for God . . . and see where it leads. 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.

In times of suffering, simple answers often ring empty and hollow--so how can you find hope in hard times? Learn how to survive the difficult seasons with the comfort and of God's constancy. With sensitive, practical advice, Henri Nouwen gently points you towards a life that is grounded in God's companionship and rooted within eternal hope. In this newly formatted edition, Turn My Mourning into Dancing discusses five movements we experience during hard times: From Our Little Selves to a Larger World From Holding Tight to Letting Go From Fatalism to Hope From Manipulation to Love From a Fearful Death to a Joyous Life Nouwen has discovered that healing begins with taking our pain out of its toxic isolation and seeing our sufferings in communion with all humanity and all creation. He teaches us that our little lives participate in something much larger. Turn My Mourning into Dancing is compelling reading for: Those looking for growth and insight amid life's hard and harsh moments Anyone grieving and searching for reassurance Anyone who has experienced a loss or betrayal Though it may not last forever, grief is a gradual, organic process that changes a person permanently. Nouwen guides you during your hard times toward answers and hope--hope that allows you to dance even through the darkest night.

If you had the chance to change your life for the better, would you? All it takes is a decision.

Trapped by harmful habits, behaviors, and attitudes, we struggle to become the person God has created and called us to be. Saddleback Church teaching pastor Doug Fields says it's never too late to get a fresh start. With personal stories and youthful writing, Doug challenges readers to recognize that they may say they want God in their lives, but they really don't want to change. They are stuck. He says, "It's not about trying harder, it's about plugging into God's transforming power and submitting your entire life to Christ. Age doesn't matter; fresh starts are for everyone." Topics include:

• Dealing with pride
• Defining success
• Living with guilt
• Struggling with conflicts
• Finding true friendships
• Overcoming discouragement
• Facing rejection
• Attacking anger

For years, Christians have argued, debated, and fought one another while "speaking the truth in love," yet we are no closer to the grace-filled life Jesus modeled. Biblical scholar and popular podcast host of The Bible for Normal People, Jared Byas casts a new vision for the Christian life that's built not on certainty, but on the risk of love. A biblically-based Christian life is not grounded in having all the answers but in a living relationship. This ultimately shifts our focus from collecting the "right" answers to loving others deeply and authentically. With stories and insights drawn from his years as a pastor, professor, and podcast host, Jared Byas calls us back to the heart of the Bible: that truth is only true when it's lived out in love. In a refreshing voice that's both witty and profoundly revelatory, Jared unpacks the concept of truth, its meaning, and why we so often fight over it. He makes a compelling case for how what we believe is less important than how we believe it and that, more than anything else, telling the truth in love is about following Jesus. For anyone who has ever felt forced to choose between truth and love, acceptance and rightness, this book offers a path forward beyond truth wars and legalistic religion to a love that matters more.

God Delights in You
God loves us. With all our faults and failures, with all the secret sins no one else knows about. In fact, He rejoices over us so much that He breaks out in inexpressible joy and song as He thinks about us.
"The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." --Zephaniah 3:17
That's how God feels about you He looks at you, He thinks of you...and He sings for joy
In "The Singing God" Sam Storms explores God's immeasurable love for His children. You don't need to be different; you don't need to be better. You just need to know that God loves you just the way you are now...today. When you truly believe this, you will find the strength and incentive to fight sin, experience freedom from shame, and walk in the fullness of all that God desires for you.

"I am a fanatic about freedom. And I'm fanatical about coming at you hard in this book."
Maybe you're not as free as you think you are. Even worse, you may have been duped into believing that a "balanced" life is the key to happiness (it isn't) or that a relationship with God is about layering on rules and restrictions (nope).
Whether it's media-fueled fear, something a parent or teacher said that you just can't shake, or even the reality of dark spiritual forces bent on keeping you down, something is holding you back from the full-on freedom God intends for you.
The Bible says, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." Not fear. Not guilt. Not morality. Freedom. You can have the sort of joy you thought only kids could have. The day of freedom is here.

IVP Readers' Choice Award What am I committing to when I say I want to follow Jesus? Using the Great Commission to explore the mission to make disciples as well as the core characteristics that identify us as Jesus' followers, this guide lays the foundation for a life in Christ. Following the popular and effective design of his curriculum Discipleship Essentials that sold over 250,000 copies, Greg Ogden has included the following elements in each of the eight sessions: a core truth a Bible study a reading life application Whether you are mentoring one-on-one or in a small group, this essential guide will serve as an ideal on-ramp into the discipleship journey.

When was the last time a Christian hurt you?

The demonic trio of slander, gossip, and offense has gained huge momentum both in our society and in the church. They ruin marriages, relationships, destroy churches, and discredit those in spiritual leadership. Even worse, instead of fighting them, believers daily aid these spirits. And daily, other believers fall victim. The church's main problem today is a lack of love, forgiveness, and unity.

Satan's favorite lie is that spiritual attacks always come from outside--that Christians can't hurt each other. But when Pastor Kynan Bridges rips the mask off of the accuser, the truth is revealed: Satan's spirits of slander, gossip, and offense are determined to tear the kingdom apart, and they use believers to do it--leading to bitterness and spiritual disease.

With a careful study of the Word of God, Pastor Kynan shows a way out. In this book, you will learn how to:

- Recognize the devastation of slander

- Identify the satanic nature of gossip

- Avoid the temptation to be hurt and offended

- Release those who have wounded you

- Use love and forgiveness as a powerful weapon to walk in victory over the enemy, the accuser of the brethren.

Based on his bestselling book Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, this 40-day devotional by Peter Scazzero is your guide to more intentional, meaningful, life-changing communion with God. We all struggle to find daily time to be with God for the nourishment of our souls. This groundbreaking devotional is your key to resting fully in the awareness of his presence, increasing your self-knowledge, and growing deeper, closer to God. Each day, Peter Scazzero invites you to the ancient and yet powerful spiritual discipline of the Daily Office, the practice of pausing morning and evening to reflect on God's work in your life. In the midst of the hustle, we have to create interludes to re-center our hearts on the presence of God. For eight weeks, each morning and evening devotional will help you create that much-needed space for silence and reflection. You will be encouraged with thoughtful readings and questions to consider. And after each a closing prayer, you'll return to your day with a renewed sense of purpose and peace. This devotional is drawn from the bestselling book Emotionally Healthy Spirituality and can be read as a companion book or enjoyed on its own. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day will anchor your life on the invitation to love God with all your heart, mind, and strength. In this guided journey, you'll discover the spiritual nourishment, joy, and peace that comes from meeting with God every day. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day is also available in Spanish, Espiritualidad emocionalmente sana Dia a dia.

'The most extensive and inviting introduction . . . a brilliantly written book.' Eugene Peterson 'It made my heart sing.' Dana Greene, President of the EvelynUnderhill Association The publication of Evelyn Underhill's Prayer Book in 2018 sparked renewed interest in one of the most significant Christian writers of the twentieth century. What lay behind Evelyn Underhill's spiritual formation? Robyn Wrigley-Carr's fascinating original research reveals the great influence of Baron Friedrich von Hugel, to whom, Evelyn wrote, 'I owe . . . my whole spiritual life'. Understanding the nurture she received from this man (who had no less an influence on Eugene Peterson) prepares the way for an exploration of Evelyn's 'motherhood of souls'. We learn about her advice to others involved in this ministry, her pioneering work in the conducting of retreats and of the soul care she tirelessly bestowed on her retreatants.

God has told us His story. Do we know it?

Anne Graham Lotz leads you through the first eleven chapters of Genesis, unlocking hidden messages in the familiar stories of Creation, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and the ark, the Tower of Babel, and others. She thoughtfully illuminates each moment of Creation with inspiring insights and probing reflections to better reveal God, the Creator of us all.

In "God's Story" you will thrill to the beauty, majesty, and tenderness of God's personal involvement in creating the world, and you will come to recognize the Creator's infinite power at work in your life as well.