"Those who strive to obtain the good graces of a prince are accustomed to come before him with such things as they hold most precious, or in which they see him take most delight; whence one often sees horses, arms, cloth of gold, precious stones, and similar ornaments presented to princes, worthy of their greatness. Desiring therefore to present myself to your Magnificence with some testimony of my devotion towards you, I have not found among my possessions anything which I hold more dear than, or value so much as, the knowledge of the actions of great men, acquired by long experience in contemporary affairs, and a continual study of antiquity; which, having reflected upon it with great and prolonged diligence, I now send, digested into a little volume, to your Magnificence." (From the author's dedication to "To the Magnificent Lorenzo Di Piero De' Medici.")

Think about your favorite teacher? Have you communicated that to him or her? As a tribute to the many conscientious educators in our world, this book is written to say THANK GOD for your servant-leadership.

This straightforward handbook by Mike Flynn and Doug Gregg shows how God can set a new course for our lives and provides us all the tools necessary to embark on a journey of inner healing. Writing from a biblical perspective which seeks to correct common myths and misunderstandings about this vital ministry, Flynn and Gregg's work will be valued both by those who want to help their hurting friends and neighbors and by those who are seeking healing in their own lives.

The Ache of Sorrow is very deep, but the Presence of God is very real. What do you do when your world turns upside down and inside out? How do you respond when you lose someone or something that is precious to you? The loss of any person, position, or thing that we value triggers grief. This book is not just for those who are grieving because of the death of a loved one. It is also for those suffering loss from a broken marriage, rebellious children, betrayal, financial downfall, unemployment, chronic illness, or any other kind of situation that shatters one's hopes and dreams. What if you are so distraught that you cannot even pray? You breathe. Breathe a single word to the One who promises to hear every word. Breathe in God's presence. Breathe out your fears and anxieties. Say a breath prayer. Then be still and know that God is God, and let His Spirit renew your spirit. Be Still and Know is a book of breath prayers written by Lois Hoogeveen during her first year of life after her husband's death. This book contains fifty-two breath prayers, giving you the option to focus on one word each week for one year. Space is provided at the end of each chapter for you to write a personal breath prayer. The comfort, strength, and solace of these prayers provide hope for anyone who struggles with any kind of loss.

This book is written with the objective of reasonably addressing the need of Muslim gays and lesbians for a life which involves intimacy, affection and companionship within the confines of a legal contract. Contemporary conservative Muslim leaders unreasonably promote false marriages with straight spouses, failing which they prescribe the "solution" of permanent celibacy as a "test." This book delves into an extensive scholarship on the same sources that conservative Muslim leaders draw on-the Qur'an, Hadith and jurisprudence. It is argued that the primary sources of Muslim knowledge addressed sexual acts between the same gender in the context of inhospitality, exploitation, coercion and disease, but not true same-sex unions; past Muslim scholarship is silent on the issue of sexual orientation and Muslim same-sex unions. The arguments of contemporary conservative Muslim leaders are deconstructed and the case for Muslim same-sex unions is made based on jurisprudential principles and thorough arguments from within the Muslim tradition.

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.

Clarence Larkin's examination of The Book of Revelation stands as one of the most detailed commentaries ever created, made unique by the large tables and illustrations. As with his other intensive examinations, Clarence Larkin sets out to clarify the many mysterious chapters and verses for the benefit of Christians seeking greater insight and knowledge of the holy text. Using his own system of organization, Larkin dispenses the various messages and meanings behind the Book of Revelation clearly. Throughout this superb work of Bible study, all explanations and assertions are supported by quotations of the scripture. The principle lessons and stories of Revelation each receive scrutiny, while the various Sevens - the Seven Dooms, Seven Personages, Seven Last Plagues, and so on, are explained in enlightening and authoritative detail. The culmination of more than twenty-five years of study, it is no exaggeration to say that Larkin's explanations of The Book of Revelation contain a life's work.

Rosen offers Westerners an easy-to-read introduction to a sacred text, demystifying its considerable philosophy in a user-friendly way. This is not yet another translation, merely reiterating what the Gita itself has to say. It is rather an attempt to "culturally translate" the text, making use of concepts and categories to which Western readers are accustomed. By engaging familiar motifs--such as issues of modernity, pop-culture icons, and well-known philosophers in the West--the author brings the Gita into focus for non-specialists and scholars alike. Through a series of contemporary news references and insightful summaries, readers will finally understand the facts and personalities that make up the Bhagavad Gita. Using his many years of Gita-centered research, Rosen unlocks the mysteries of the text's spiritual underpinnings. He provides an overview of the Gita's narrative and teachings alongside documentation of its traditional application and more modern ways in which the text can be understood. Subjects discussed include: * Violence in the Gita * The Gita and the Atom Bomb * Gita in the Workplace * The Goal of Yoga * The Soul: Who Am I? * Star Wars. Students and scholars alike will rejoice in how well this book lays bare the culture and the context of the Gita, resulting in a reader's deep familiarity with this most sacred of all the world's wisdom texts.