Emanuel Swedenborg, born Emanuel Swedberg (1688-1772) was a Swedish scientist, philosopher, Christian mystic and theologian. Emanuel studied physics, mechanics, and philosophy, read and wrote poetry. He had a prolific career as an inventor and scientist. In 1715 he devoted himself to natural science and engineering projects for the next two decades. From 1716 to 1718 Swedenborg published a scientific periodical entitled Daedalus Hyperboreus (The Nordic Daedalus). At the age of fifty-six he entered into a spiritual phase, in which he experienced dreams and visions. This culminated in a spiritual awakening, where he claimed he was appointed by the Lord to write a heavenly doctrine to reform Christianity. For the remaining 28 years of his life, he wrote and published 18 theological works, of which the best known was Heaven and Hell (1758) and several unpublished theological works. His other works include: Angelic Wisdom Concerning the Divine Love and the Divine Wisdom (1763), Angelic Wisdom About Divine Providence, Spiritual Life and the Word of God and Heaven and its Wonders and Hell.

In any study of the principles, and procedure of prayer, of its activities and enterprises, first place, must, of necessity, be given to faith. It is the initial quality in the heart of any man who essays to talk to the Unseen. He must, out of sheer helplessness, stretch forth hands of faith. He must believe, where he cannot prove. In the ultimate issue, prayer is simply faith, claiming its natural yet marvellous prerogatives - faith taking possession of its illimitable inheritance. True godliness is just as true, steady, and persevering in the realm of faith as it is in the province of prayer. Moreover: when faith ceases to pray, it ceases to live. Faith does the impossible because it brings God to undertake for us, and nothing is impossible with God.

The ministry of prayer has been the peculiar distinction of all of God's saints. This has been the secret of their power. The energy and the soul of their work has been the closet. The need of help outside of man being so great, man's natural inability to always judge kindly, justly, and truly, and to act the Golden Rule, so prayer is enjoined by Christ to enable man to act in all these things according to the Divine will. By prayer, the ability is secured to feel the law of love, to speak according to the law of love, and to do everything in harmony with the law of love.

This little devotional is filled with wisdom, joy, and inspiration. Each day of the month you are guided by a thought for the morning and then your day is closed out with a thought for the evening. James Allen is the author of As a Man Thinketh considered by many to be the most important self help book ever written.

2009 reprint of 1948 First edition. Aiden Wilson Tozer (1897-1963) was an American Christian pastor, preacher, author, magazine editor, Bible conference speaker and spiritual mentor. Hailing from a tiny farming community in western Pennsylvania, his conversion was as a teenager in Akron, Ohio. In 1919, five years after his conversion, and without formal theological training, Tozer accepted an offer to pastor his first church. This began 44 years of ministry.He was also a prolific author. Among the more than 40 books that he authored, at least two are regarded as Christian classics: The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy. His books impress on the reader the possibility and necessity for a deeper relationship with God.Living a simple and non-materialistic lifestyle, he and his wife never owned a car, preferring bus and train travel. Even after becoming a well-known Christian author, Tozer signed away much of his royalties to those who were in need.Prayer was of vital personal importance for Tozer. "His preaching as well as his writings were but extensions of his prayer life," comments his biographer, James L. Snyder, in the book, In Pursuit of God: The Life of A.W. Tozer. "He had the ability to make his listeners face themselves in the light of what God was saying to them," writes Snyder.

Deep in the heart of every believer is the hunch, if not the conviction, that somewhere the Bible must sketch a portrait of the Lord Jesus Christ like this one. He must be the strong Man of God Who can fight against incredible odds and win the victory decisively. The purpose of the narrative on Samson in the book of Judges is to give us that portrayal, so we can realize and glory in the accomplishments of Jesus Christ like never before. Samson provides that unparalleled picture of Christ for us. Some will protest, "Samson was a womanizer! He can't be a type of Christ!" Squeamish commentators have thought that for years. But types of Christ are not determined by moral purity, but by the nature of their acts and how they can represent the things Christ has done. Christ has vanquished foes far more formidable than any giant and more numerous than any Philistine horde. He has fought the spiritual powers of darkness, with faith in God as His only weapon. He has taken the sword of death from Satan himself and now holds the keys of death and hades. God has used the mighty, powerful and miraculous victories of Samson to portray the faith of Christ. Christ's is a faith that never loses. Isaiah prophesied of Jesus, "I set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed" (50:7). Philip Scranton is a graduate of Mid-Continent University in Biblical Studies, and pursued graduate work in Biblical Languages. He was pastor of two churches and has written numerous magazine articles, especially in Old Testament Studies.

Straight from the Word is exactly what the title suggests. This devotional uses three or four translations to expound on a scripture, which amounts to a mini-commentary on each page. This aids in comprehension of the scripture while the repetition helps with remembering what you have read. They are simple devotions; quick and easy to read, and will hopefully give you something to think about each day. Most importantly, they will put the Word into your heart and mind. Joyce Gentry Cravey was born and raised in Dalton, Georgia, but has lived in Central Florida since 1969. She graduated from Dalton High School and attended Berry Schools and College in Rome, Georgia. She and her husband Jack are members of First Baptist Church of Mt. Dora, Florida. Joyce and Jack have a "his, mine and ours" family of six children and their spouses, fourteen grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Needless to say, their get-togethers are large, noisy, and lots of fun. This devotional is the result of a need for a personal devotional that would concentrate upon getting the Word into hearts on a daily basis. This is her first attempt at putting together a book of any kind, and it is her prayer that it will touch hearts and lives.

Prayer is something that is needed everyday. Not just because we want something from God and the Spirits; pray to show gratitude. Saying thank you goes a long way! To God and the Spirits, it does not matter where you were born. It is where you are going that counts. Like an Old Irish proverb: It is not what you came for, but what did you leave with. For an example, if your reading comes 7-7, Odi-Meji, you can read psalms 77 and asked and pray for guidance. This way, you will have a better understanding what has been said; the individual gains greater wisdom. Place your Spirit and Mind in order, for daily living, when following daily instructions, as given. Knowledge is given as a blessing or a curse, use it wisely

Riggs discusses African American church life as a case study for ethical reflection about sexual ethics and clergy ethics -- the prevailing silence about sexuality in black churches as well as the fact that sexuality is generally a taboo in Christian tradition.

The author feels that sexism has been perpetrated by misuse of the Scriptures and by circumscribing the role of women, and seeks to transform current discourse about sexual behavior and clergy misconduct from a concentration on formulating policy to re-train.

A daily devotional journey through the life of Christ as recorded in all four Gospels. This daily devotional would be a great gift for your Sunday School Teacher, your favorite missionary, your children, your parents or yourself. In Miller's own words: "This volume of a year's readings has been prepared in the hope that it may prove daily food to some earnest children of God in their life of care, struggle, and duty. It is made to cover the earthly life of our Lord, from its beginning to its close... The author's aim has been to put a life-thought on each page... The book has but a single aim: to honor and glorify Christ in the eyes of those who follow its pages." "If any 19th century American Christian writer warrants reprinting, it is J.R. Miller! His writing style is delightfully smooth, his insights are spiritual diamonds on every page, and his pastoral applications are delivered with the skill of a well-seasoned physician of souls." - Pastor Bill Shishko

The writer:

"For by the grace of God, I am what I am" (I Corinthians 15: 10). And by the same grace of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ whom I worship, I will accomplish that which he intends for me to accomplish.

This book grew out of desire for Christians to understand the importance and value of Prayer in our Christian Lives.

Myra Nagel has written a resource to help readers grow in their faith as they "journey to the cross" during the season of Lent. Using the Gospel of Mark, this thoughtful guide invites the reader to "Come to the Story", "Reflect on the Story", and "Live the Story". The themes for each week of reflections are as follows:

Week 1

Teacher, Let Me See!

Week 2

She Has Done What She Could

Week 3

You Will All Fall Away

Week 4

Do This, Remembering Me

Week 5

Not What I Want, but What You Want

Week 6

Crucify Him!

Week 7

Their Eyes Were Opened

This Lenten resource will inspire its users to recall the biblical story of Christ's death and resurrection in a new and engaging way. Study questions are provided for individuals and groups.

Waiting on God is Andrew Murray's wonderful thirty one day devotional that will help you come closer to God. "If salvation indeed comes from God, and is entirely His work, just as creation was, it follows, as a matter of course, that our first and highest duty is to wait on Him to do the work that pleases Him. Waiting becomes then the only way to the experience of a full salvation, the only way, truly, to know God as the God of our salvation." -Andrew Murray

Heartbreaking losses can steal the cheer from anyone's life. But here's a way to overcome the tribulations that threaten your happiness and shadow your days. In this clever and inspirational book, experienced counselor and popular speaker Marilyn Meberg shows you how to triumph and choose to laugh instead of cry.

With warm encouragement, contagious enthusiasm, and a dash of mischievous humor, she shares the powerful medicine of God's Word. As the light of His love courses through your heart, you'll soon find yourself agreeing: "I'd Rather Be Laughing "

If you're carrying hidden pain and secrets, I know first hand your struggle. I too had a hidden pain of being raped and drug experiences. Journey with me thru my true life experiences, with guiding instructions that are essential for the Christian, to remain focus in the study of God's word. Yet equipping them to be dressed correctly and realistically for warfare as they face painful trials and situations in life, and never having to give up in praising God or compromising their faith in the promises of God for their present and eternal life to come.

"Chain Breakers" is a timely inspiration to the body of Christ. The words of this book will tear through the heart and soul of the reader, with specific scriptural passages. Thought provoking and informative, this book shows how the deliverance will come forth and restore faith and joy in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Each of us resides in two kingdoms, states Ralph Waldo Trine in The Higher Powers of Mind and Spirit, an inner kingdom, consisting of the mind and the spirit, and an outer kingdom made up of the body and the physical universe around it. It is achieving the balance between these two worlds that Trine addresses in this 1917 work. One cannot force change in the outer kingdom, argues Trine-one of the most influential thinkers in the early New Age philosopher of "New Thought"-without first changing the "silent, subtle forces" that make up the inner kingdom, the "kingdom of the unseen." Learn how the soul, mind, and body interrelate; how the mind can be used to build the body (and vice versa); how thought can be used as a force in everyday life, and much more. American mystic and bestselling author RALPH WALDO TRINE (1866-1958) wrote more than a dozen books, including The World's Balance Wheel (1917), In the Hollow of His Hand (1915), In Tune with the Infinite (1897), and The Greatest Thing Ever Known (1898).

Powerful Prayers for Everyday Living offers hope to everyone seeking that still, small voice within.This diverse collection of inspirational meditations is designed to become a modern day classic. The prayers are both inspirational and soothing, offering an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Never before has such an important collection of prayers been presented in a single volume.Whether you are seeking words to calm and relax or delve deeply into the mystery of life, Powerful Prayers for Everyday Living is sure to give you exactly what you need.This book is an outstanding tradition of contemplative prayer with timeless poetry. An important addition to anyone's library. -Theresa Pugh, Arias Press

With characteristic eloquence and insight, Buechner presents a three-part series of reflections that probe, through the course of one day, the innermost mysteries of life. Blending an artist's eye for natureal beauty, the true meaning of human encounters, and the significance of occurances (momentous or seemly trival), with a wealth of personal, literacy, biblical, and spiritual insights, he offers a matchless opportunity for readers to discover the hidden wisdom that can be gleaned through a heightened experience of daily life.

THE BOOK OF ASHES, (originally called Little Job, or Pety Job) is a meditative fifteenth century verse paraphrase of excerpts from the Book of Job; a passionate penitential monologue that uses as its meditative base the liturgical text intoned daily for the souls of the dead. The original author is unknown. Early manuscripts describe the work as follows: The nine lessons of the Dirge, which Job made in his tribulation lying on the dunghill, declaring more clearly to our understanding, in a solemn and worthy manner, that which will suffice to steer sinners towards compunction. This edition follows a middle English text edited by Susanna Greer Fein and then rendered into modern English by Jabez L. Van Cleef. It consists of 57 parts, each part a 12 line poem. Inasmuch as possible the content, form and meter of the original Middle English has been kept.

This book challenges scholars' assumption, without any explicit evidence, of institutionalized public prayer with fixed contents and times in the Qumran community. As the book observes, this assumption rests in part on a failure to distinguish between voluntary supplication prayers and biblically mandated blessings and thanks. The book closely examines the three Qumran writings assumed to typify prayer and critiques scholars' attempts to deduce the existence of public prayer from these and other sources, which are most likely pious expressions of individual authors. The lack of indispensable instructions for institutionalized prayer offers circumstantial evidence that such prayer was not practiced at Qumran. This study also explores the assumption that Qumran prayer was intended as a substitute for sacrifices after the group's separation from the temple cult and discusses relevant rabbinic statements. The innovative character of rabbinic fixed prayer is discussed and identified as an element of the fundamental transformation of Jewish theology and practice from worship founded on sacrificial rituals performed by priests at the Jerusalem Temple to abstract, unmediated, direct approaches to God by every Jew in any location. The book also examines Samaritan prayer and detects a variety of attitudes, rules, and customs similar to those found at Qumran that are incompatible with their rabbinic counterparts. This opens the door for investigating religious belief and practice at a crucial period in the history of Western civilization, namely, before the vast rabbinic reform of Judaism after 70 CE.

Tens of thousands of Christians have gotten up and gone to bed with Charles Spurgeon's devotional Morning and Evening. Seven hundred and thirty two devotions. One for each morning and each evening. These devotions will guide you in a closer walk with God, helping you find a focus for each day.

During a train trip from Chicago in the late 1940s, A.W. Tozer began to work on The Pursuit of God. He wrote all night long, the words coming to him as fast as he could put them down. By the next morning, when the train pulled into McAllen, Texas, the rough draft was done.

Although written in such a remarkably short period of time, the depth, clarity and completeness of Tozer's message has made The Pursuit of God an enduring favorite -- about 1.7 million copies in print in 15 languages.

Prepare yourself for a deeply meaningful and enjoyable experience.