Live boldly and act on your most powerful beliefs with this life-changing guide to faith, positive thinking, and spiritual fulfillment with this book from #1 New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen, now updated and expanded with the study guide included for the 20th Anniversary edition.

We all have our list of things we want to have “someday.” Whether it’s for a better job, a stronger marriage, a happier home, more gratifying relationships with friends, or simply accomplishing more and leaving a lasting legacy, we think that tomorrow is the day to start our journey towards our goals. But then tomorrow comes and we’re still crowded in by the demands of mundane routines and other people’s priorities. How do you break out and experience the full potential that God intended you to have?

In Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential, Joel Osteen offers unique insights and encouragement that will help you overcome every obstacle you may encounter. This updated and expanded version will give you a way to improve your life for good and help you experience victory, joy, and satisfaction with seven steps:

• Enlarge your vision
• Develop a healthy self-image
• Discover the power of your thoughts and words
• Let go of the past
• Find strength through adversity
• Live to give
• Choose to be happy

Your life has a divine purpose and destiny. Put these principles to work today and see how you begin living your best life now!

Just because you feel like you're in bondage, it doesn't mean you have to stay there.

After reading this book, I will have the insight needed to rupture the enemy's grip on my life. I will gain the invaluable tools needed to fight in the spirit and take up my God-given authority as more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus.

Many believers are not victorious and not living lives of purpose and destiny because they don't understand the schemes and wiles of the devil.

Using powerful teachings, this book will unveil and expose the devil and his kingdom to the very core of his ministry, strategies, and weapons he uses against the church today.

The church has fallen asleep. We do not understand the things of the Spirit. We don't understand the enemy of our souls. He comes to kill, steal, and destroy using satanic strategies, game plans, and arsenals of weapons that he wants us to believe are nonchalant, easygoing, harmless, and unpredictable.

The church is not teaching and equipping believers to teach our hands to war in the spirit. In Psalm 144:1, David asked God, "Lord, teach my hands to war." Now, instead of our hands being taught to fight the good fight, we find ourselves in handcuffs--limited, depleted, and spiritually anemic.

This book will help you unlock your spiritual handcuffs so you can understand the works of the devil and expose him before he sets foot on the battlefield of your life. You will learn how to crush the head of the serpent in any season of your life, and how you can see him coming in the blind spots of your walk with the Lord.

It's time for believers to be trained, equipped, and become a spiritual army. It's time to fight and expose the so-called devil and his entrapments. We will rise up and take back what he has stolen from us once and for all in the unmatchable name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our Savior. Jesus will be proud that He picked us for the ultimate battle.

One of Aquinas's best known works after the Summa Theologica, Summa Contra Gentiles is a theological synthesis that explains and defends the existence and nature of God without invoking the authority of the Bible. A detailed expository account of and commentary on this famous work, Davies's book aims to help readers think about the value of the Summa Contra Gentiles (SCG) for themselves, relating the contents and teachings found in the SCG to those of other works and other thinkers both theological and philosophical. Following a scholarly account of Aquinas's life and his likely intentions in writing the SCG, the volume works systematically through all four books of the text. It is, therefore, a solid and reflective introduction both to the SCG and to Aquinas more generally. The book is aimed at students of medieval philosophy and theology, and of Aquinas in particular. It will interest teachers of medieval philosophy and theology, though it does not presuppose previous knowledge of Aquinas or of his works. Davies's book is the longest and most detailed account and discussion of the SCG available in English in one volume.

Though clergy are clearly important religious leaders within American society, their significance extends far beyond the church doors. Clergy are also important figures within American public life. They are so, in part, because houses of worship stand at the center of American civic life. Gathering to worship is a religious activity, but it is also an important public activity in that, beyond its religious qualities, congregational life brings together relatively diverse individuals for sustained periods of time, frequently on a fairly regular basis. Based on data gathered through national surveys of clergy across four mainline Protestant (the Disciples of Christ; the Presbyterian Church, USA; the Reformed Church in America; and the United Methodist Church) and three evangelical Protestant denominations (the Assemblies of God; the Christian Reformed Church; and, the Southern Baptist Convention), Pastors and Public Life examines the changing sociological, theological, and political characteristics of American Protestant clergy. In this book, Corwin E. Smidt examines what has changed and what has stayed the same with regard to the clergy's social composition, theological beliefs, and perspectives related to the public witness of the church within American society across three different points in time over the past twenty-plus years. Smidt focuses on the relationship between clergy and politics, particularly clergy positions on issues of American public policy, norms on what is appropriate for clergy to do politically, as well as the clergy's political cue-giving, their pronouncements on public policy, and political activism. Written in a manner that makes it accessible to pastors and church laity-yet of interest and value to scholars as well-Pastors and Public Life constitutes the first and only published study that systematically examines such changes and continuity over time.

Help in a Hurry, Simple Tips for Finding Peace When You're Overwhelmed, Anxious, or Stressed

Even though it's uncomfortable and sometimes even distressing to us, it's perfectly normal to feel lost, anxious, or overwhelmed at times. It's okay to be a bit of a mess! But none of us wants to stay that way for long.

With actionable, evidence-based strategies to handle our most common challenges in life, this practical guide from bestselling author and clinical neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf offers the tools you need to prevent a descent into chaos and instead find peace and strength amidst the turmoil of daily life.

Designed so you can quickly access the simple strategies you need in the moment, this book helps you regain control when:

• You don't understand your intense emotions
• You're under tremendous pressure
• You feel tired, angry, or full of regret
• You're dealing with intrusive thoughts
• Your past is haunting you
• Your inner critic won't let up
• You feel like you abandon yourself to please others

If you have felt stuck in crisis mode, the strategies found in Help in a Hurry will help you cope in the moment, manage a chaotic mind, and start living each day with intention and inner peace.

Follow Me - A Seasonal Journey

A Personal Worship Resource for the Church Calendar Year

(Includes Journal with Audio Narration and Music)

Featuring the Paintings of Daniel Bonnell with Reflections from Contributing Writer, Roger Housden

Here you will find a rarified and evocative combination of the arts (music, art, and poetry)buttressing the clear meaning of the liturgical church's yearly calendar.

Dr. Jim Townsend, David C. Cook Publishing Theological Editor, Retired

Lana Lee Marler's "Follow Me - A Seasonal Journey" is a dynamic devotional resource, crossing the Christian Church year with our invitation from Jesus Christ to, "Follow Me."

She offers in these pages a wonderfully rich relating of scripture, art, music, poetry, reflections and provocative questions to the seasons of the Christian calendar while also providing generous space for journaling.

The Rev. Dr. William E. White, Senior Pastor, St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Lexington, SC The Psalmist admonished us: "O taste and see that the Lord is good."Most of us do not expose ourselves enough to resources other than the written word to cultivate our "taste" (awareness) of the Living Lord. This beautiful work by Lana Lee Marler will change that. As you live with it, you will find yourself "tasting" and "seeing" the Lord.

Dr. Maxie D. Dunnam, President Emeritus of Asbury Theological Seminary

Our lives are not real, not fully alive, until they are based on a certain consciousness of the Triune God moving in and all around us. A life of prayer can bring such an awareness. Lana Lee Marler has created a real gift and resource for us in this lovely prayer journal based on the ancient liturgical calendar of the Christian Church. She uses art and poetry and song to invite us to reflect and log the prayers we hear in our hearts and minds, which opens us to more fully participate in the eternal, holy conversation.

Dr. Andy Andrews, Dean of St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Memphis, TN

Leiers kan nie op hulle eie die leierskapspad kan aandurf nie. Hulle het wysheid, perspektief, insig en liefde nodig. Hierdie boek illustreer op 'n praktiese manier hoe tydlose beginsels en waardes steeds toepaslik is in die ongenaakbare sakewêreld en dat indien hierdie waardes die onderbou van 'n besigheid se kultuur verteenwoordig, die kans op volhoubare sukses soveel groter is. Hierdie boek bevat ook gevallestudies wat die voordele van beginselvaste, waardegebaseerde leierskap uitbeeld.

Reggie Peace was 13 jaar oud toe hy by die kinderhuis se voordeur gaan aanklop het. Die kinderhuis bied hom stabiliteit en gou begin Reggie presteer. Maar hy bly ontevrede met homself - hy sug voordurend na erkenning en aanvaarding. Tot hy besef dat hy ʼn keuse het: Kies die lewe, óf kies ’n stadige dood. Reggie se verhaal is een van hoop. Sy storie is een van swaarky, maar ook van uitdagings wat oorkom kan word en hoe om met Christus aan jou sy sterker anderkant uit te kom.

Heidri Mittendorf is 'n bekende en ervare blokkiesraaiselkenner en -opsteller. Die Bybelblokraaie 2 bevat 65 blokraaie wat opgelos word met leidrade wat uit die Bybel nageslaan kan word asook 6 woordsoeke en 4 woordspeletjies gebaseer op temas uit die Bybel. Al die antwoorde word ook verskaf. Dit sal ure se blokraaigenot verskaf aan blokraailiefhebbers.

The central act of Christian worship is the Mass or Eucharist. This, however, is a formal public act, and generally a once-in-a-week event, which does not entirely answer the spiritual aspirations of the vast majority of Christians who express these through prayer and "devotional practices". The cult of relics and of saints in general; banding together into confraternities to foster a special devotion; going on pilgrimages, wearing medals, badges and scapulars - all these are forms of devotion. Where did they all come from? They have left their mark on the Church, in the history of books and in manuals of prayers, but relatively little is known about them. The idea for this book arose when, in the senior common room of a university theological faculty, it became clear that none of those present knew why there was an "Infant of Prague". The book is in a dictionary format. Mainly historical in its approach, it explains how a particular devotion arose, sets it in its context and explains the purpose it served in the life of the Church. It is critical without being judgemental on subjects such as the "truth" behind apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Some 600 entries range over topics such as relics, pilgrimages and the cult of the saints, as well as more specialized and local devotions. The work is designed to be of use to historians and those engaged in religious studies, as well as being of interest to the general public. The topics are confined to the Christian religion and, in effect, almost entirely to the Roman Catholic tradition. Tables provide a comparison of the Liturgical Calendar (fixed and moveable feasts) before and after the Reform of 1969. A comprehensive index enables readers to follow virtually any subject through its different aspects, as well as providing a quick guide to the contents of the dictionary. Michael Walsh is the editor of Bishop Butler's "Lives of the Saints" in one concise volume, and the author of a companion volume, "Patron Saints".

What should be the Christian's attitude toward society? When so much of our contemporary culture is at odds with Christian beliefs and mores, it may seem that serious Christians now have only two choices: transform society completely according to Christian values or retreat into the cloister of sectarian fellowship.
In Making the Best of It, John Stackhouse explores the history of the Christian encounter with society, the biblical record, and various theological models of cultural engagement to offer a more balanced and fruitful alternative to these extremes. He argues that, rather than trying to root up the weeds in the cultural field, or trying to shun them, Christians should practice persistence in gardening God's world and building toward the New Jerusalem. Examining the lives and works of C. S. Lewis, Reinhold Niebuhr, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer for example and direction, Stackhouse suggests that our mission is to make the most of life in the world in cooperation with God's own mission of redeeming the world he loves. This model takes seriously the pattern of God's activity in the Bible, and in subsequent history, of working through earthly means--through individuals, communities, and institutions that are deeply flawed but nonetheless capable of accomplishing God's purposes. Christians must find a way to live in this world and at the same time do work that honors God and God's plan for us.
In an era of increasing religious and cultural tensions, both internationally and domestically, the model that Stackhouse develops discourages the "all or nothing" attitudes that afflict so much of contemporary Christianity. Instead, he offers a fresh, and refreshingly nuanced, take on thequestion of what it means to be a Christian in the world today.

Are you a current or emerging Christian leader who yearns to make a significant long-term difference?
Do you sometimes wonder how to distinguish what is imperative from what is important?
Are you a board member who wants your church or parachurch leadership team to become more intentional and on-target about doing the right things the right way?
"The Leader's SEEcret" is a parable that explores and applies God's Word to today's world of leadership diversions. It delves underneath the surface issues of a leader's or manager's knowledge and skills.
"The Leader's SEEcret" will help you discover, understand, and apply ten core features of one ancient principle. You will understand how to infuse the situations you face as a leader or manager with that timeless reality. And you will learn how you can inspire your staff to do so, too.
Along the way, "The Leader's SEEcret" shows the failure and regret a leader causes when his or her current leadership priorities conflict with lifetime purposes.
This story comes in a concise, get-to-the-point writing style, making it very helpful for individual or group study.
One warning: The principle undergirding LeaderSlip is simple---but not necessarily easy. If you take the challenge, you will become a more effective leader and---perhaps even more crucial---you will protect yourself from eventual failure.

In the midst of a culture that is increasingly confused about sexuality, love, life, and our very identity as persons, the Church offers us the truth of who we are. For women, this truth is rooted in motherhood -- not just biological but, even more, spiritual -- because women are the bearers and nurturers of life. Yet it's difficult to understand and defend the true value of motherhood when the lies that permeate secular culture have seeped into our own way of thinking, even in the Church.

Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad helps Catholics to peel back societal assumptions to understand the fundamental misconceptions fueling our culture's attacks on marriage, motherhood, and the family. Examining current practices in light of these faulty assumptions will empower women in their own motherhood and equip Catholics to combat the culture of confusion by boldly proclaiming God's vision for our lives.

This book offers a deep dive into what the Church teaches on motherhood and its dignity, equipping us to understand the WHY behind those teachings. It is only by living within a vision that honors the self-gift of motherhood as the pinnacle of womanhood that love, and not self-interest, can begin to reorder our lives.

Following Jesus can seem like an overwhelming task. Yet for all who believe, Jesus asks us to consider the cost and to follow Him. We all walk a unique road in life, yet God equips each of us to pursue Him despite the challenges that face us. Faith can grow stagnant and unsteady if we grow unaware and don’t continually tend to it. With the purpose of applying Scripture to everyday life and striving for unwavering faith, A Faith That Stands features twelve monthly themes, including forgiveness, perseverance, surrender, patience, trust, self-control, and many others. It also provides multigenerational insights from twelve authors in an extended family, making it a great resource as a personal or family daily devotional. This collection offers a broad, yet personal perspective on faith with practical life application questions at the end of each week. Designed for a variety of settings, its versatility makes it a great resource as a personal Bible study or small- group study with some friends.

What if sex, gender, and sexuality were designed to tell a much greater story than we could ever imagine? What if we had a part to play in that story? With gentle compassion and steadfast truth, Ryan Andrew Smith explores what the Bible says about sex, gender, marriage, and sexuality in a way that will appeal to Christians and non-Christians alike. A great resource for individuals, groups, and churches, Trust the Circle also presents ways that Christians can engage our sexually evolving culture with grace, love, and truth. Regardless of your views regarding sex and sexuality, you will find this resource helpful in understanding what the Bible says about these important and timely topics.

Following on from his first book, 'Internal Revolution', 'A Champion's Resolve' offers grace and inspiration to not only be victorious, but to help others in their own walk with God. It's a very transparent account of a modern man's pursuit and passion to live a pure life, set apart for God. Containing personal testimony backed up by solid Bible teaching it serves to ensure the reader never gives up their own struggle. With the courage of a cage fighter Rob Joy attacks the spiritual forces that have the potential to rob the Christian of their effectiveness and faithfulness.

In hierdie praktiese, toeganklike en lekkerlees-dagstukkieboek is daar elke dag ’n nuwe bruistablet om in afsondering te lees, te absorbeer en toe te pas in jou lewe – om jou innerlik te versterk as mens. Dit is ’n reis na groter egtheid en verdieping as kinders van die Here sodat jy (en ek) meer kan bruis en minder kan brul te midde van ons realiteit en probleme.

In Hermeneutics of Holiness, Naomi Koltun-Fromm examines the ancient nexus of holiness and sexuality and explores its roots in the biblical texts as well as its manifestations throughout ancient and late-ancient Judaism and early Syriac Christianity. In the process, she tells the story of how the biblical notions of "holy person" and "holy community" came to be defined by the sexual and marriage practices of various interpretive communities in late antiquity.
Koltun-Fromm seeks to explain why sexuality, especially sexual restraint, became a primary demarcation of sacred community boundaries among Jews and Christians in fourth-century Persian-Mesopotamia. She charts three primary manifestations of holiness: holiness ascribed, holiness achieved, and holiness acquired through ritual purity. Hermeneutics of Holiness traces the development of these three concepts, from their origin in the biblical texts to the Second Temple literature (both Jewish and Christian) to the Syriac Christian and rabbinic literature of the fourth century. In so doing, this book establishes the importance of biblical interpretation for late ancient Jewish and Christian practices, the centrality of holiness as a category for self-definition, and the relationship of fourth-century asceticism to biblical texts and interpretive history.