In this updated version of his best-selling book, Swindoll poignantly and honestly portrays the need for authentic love and transparency.

In a world that focuses on images, sound bites, and quick impressions, we have forgotten how to really know one another. Many of us recoil from true intimacy. Author Charles Swindollw writes,"Full self-disclosure is something we tend to avoid at all costs. In fact, we are prone to keep people out of our private worlds by wearing masks―not physical masks―but psychological ones." For example . . .

• The "I'm tough" mask hides weakness and fear.
• The "I'm holy" mask hides our struggle with temptation.
• The "I can handle it" mask hides bewilderment and hurt.

Removing your masks and relinquishing your defenses are essential aspects of the Christian experience. And "Dropping Your Guard" portrays Bible teacher Chuck Swindoll at his best, delving into the treasures of God's Word to reveal strategic principles for building open and genuine relationships.

Chuck Swindoll says,"My desire is that our Lord will open your eyes to the value of authentic relationships, and that His Spirit will free you to be vulnerable as you drop your guard with others in the family of God. I assure you, the result is worth the effort."

"A great deal of confusion exists today as to what pastors are to be," Lawrence writes. "Are they chaplains, CEO's, preachers, managers, or counselors? Paul gave us the answer long ago: They are to be equippers, disciple-makers." Just as the great artist Michelangelo took a chipped and flawed piece of marble and transformed it into a masterful sculpture of David, so does a pastor with his flock. "This is pastoring," writes Lawrence, "serving as sculptors of souls."

In this classic volume, Charles Swindoll uniquely shows the important aspects of authentic servanthood, such as: What it takes to serve unselfishly Why a servant has such a powerful influence What challenges and rewards a servant can expect

He offers clear guidelines on developing a servant's heart and challenges you to realize the rich rewards promised in a life of authentic Christian servanthood.

Life Is 10% What Happens to You and 90% How You React is based on the popular quote by bestselling author Charles Swindoll. Everyone experiences obstacles and hardships, but your actions write your story. This isn't your average self-help book. Reimagined from content found in Active Spirituality and Laugh Again, Swindoll teaches you how to: find joy no matter what season you're living through. overcome life's dilemmas and build inner resilience. defuse disharmony and free yourself from drama. maintain balance, extend grace to yourself, and be prosperous. lean on your Christian faith and foundational views. Life Is 10% What Happens to You and 90% How You React is for men and women of all ages who are tired of making excuses and assigning blame for their unhappiness. Each chapter is filled with teachings, applicable Scripture, and reflection questions. Swindoll isn't promising joy or endless bliss. He is offering wisdom that will equip you with the basic fundamentals to make better decisions, which will improve your mental health and overall quality of life because he knows that life isn't what happens to you . . . it's how you react.

The Grace Awakening calls all Christians to wake up and reject living in such legalistic, performance-oriented bondage. The God of the universe has given us an amazing, revolutionary gift of grace and freedom. This freedom and grace set us apart from every other "religion" on the face of the earth.

In this best-selling classic, Charles Swindoll urges you not to miss living a grace-filled life. Freedom and joy-not lists and demands and duties-await all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

We all know what it’s like to eat an unbalanced diet or consume too many sweets. We feel sick, light-headed, and occasionally depressed, or we become irritated and edgy. It’s the body’s way of letting us know that it’s lacking sufficient nourishment. Optimal health requires optimal nutrition. The same is true, spiritually speaking. Without sufficient and regular biblical nutrition, our inner lives begin to suffer the consequences. We become shallow and selfish, more demanding, and less gentle. We react impatiently, rashly, and angrily. These are tell-tale signs of inner malnutrition.

In God’s Word for You: An Invitation to Find the Nourishment Your Soul Needs, respected Bible teacher Chuck Swindoll shows us how to dig into Scripture and uncover its profound truths for our lives. Chuck invites us to sit down and feast on the truths found in God’s Word.

Do others look to you for leadership? Do you face a major task or shoulder heavy responsibilities? Do you want to take your leadership skills to a higher level?

When Nehemiah confronted the task of rebuilding Jerusalem's wall, he was heartbroken by the damage he saw and nearly overwhelmed by the task that lay before him. Yet through the application of timeless leadership principles, Nehemiah completed this nearly impossible project, and laid a pattern for success which is just as valid for us today.

Charles Swindoll brings his sensible and straightforward style to offer a deeply spiritual approach to the role of leader. Whatever the context, secular or ministerial, he demonstrates how to size up a task, organize and motivate a team, and respond to inevitable obstacles such as these:

• Unforeseen setbacks
• Unrelenting deadlines
• Criticism and outside resistance
• Personality conflicts
• Financial pressures and temptations

The insights that Swindoll draws from Nehemiah's wise administration will change your approach to leadership forever.

In today's fast-paced, highly competitive world, where can we find godly leadership?

Our society is overdue for a fresh word on the matter of leadership. We desperately need God's steady, unchanging wisdom in our businesses, homes, ministries, government, and education.

Thankfully, we have beloved pastor and teacher Chuck Swindoll to guide us through a powerful book on leadership―the book of Nehemiah. In "Hand Me Another Brick Bible Companion," you'll travel into Nehemiah's world where the walls of his beloved city, Jerusalem, had crumbled, its glory had collapsed into rubble, and his people had lost the heart to go on. They needed "leadership." And with God's help, that is exactly what Nehemiah provided . . . in abundance.

With God's help, you too can rise to the challenge of becoming a dynamic, godly leader. You'll find the insights and help you need in the lessons and special features of this excellent Bible Companion. Written for both individual and small-group study, the carefully crafted questions and reflections will draw you closer to God and equip you to lead with godliness, grace, and confidence.

Join Chuck and Nehemiah now in rebuilding the walls of "your" life. And when times are tough, don't give up, just look to the Leader of all and say, "Hand me another brick "

"Effective Church Growth Strategies" outlines the biblical foundations necessary for raising healthy churches. Dr. Joseph Wall and Dr. Gene Getz examine the three stages of church growth—the logical stage, the practical stage and the progressive stage—while showing the benefits and potential pitfalls of each of these stages. The authors' study of Scripture, history and our culture will spark a new vision for today's church leaders.

In "Great Lives: Joseph," Charles Swindoll reveals to us a man buffeted with the same kinds of problems we face today, whose tenacious faith in God ultimately won him great honor and achievement.

No family today is more dysfunctional than Joseph's was. No one faces greater temptation than that which Potiphar's wife offered Joseph. No faith is challenged more severely than was Joseph's on death row. Yet Joseph stood firm, exemplifying what is possible when ordinary people maintain their connections with God. Like an epic novel filled with intrigue, tension, and torrential emotions, Joseph's triumphiant story touches us all." Great Lives: Joseph "presents a fresh look at one of the most intriguing characters in the Old Testament and focuses on the virtue of forgiveness in the face of deceit and betrayal.

Are you looking for more strength, balance, and insight in your life? These are a by-product of wisdom and provide us with the ability to cope with all extremes of life--the highs and the lows. Beloved pastor Charles R. Swindoll understands that the more we learn about God's wisdom, the more strength we gain to handle the questions and the tension in our lives. In a world full of busyness and uncertainty, Swindoll offers insights for daily living and how to apply his teachings in practical, relevant, and encouraging ways. Wisdom for the Way is a 365-day collection of some of Swindoll's most meaningful insights, as taught on his radio show, Insight for Living, in bite-size daily readings. With 365 days of meditations from the book of Proverbs, Swindoll shares wise words for busy people on topics such as contentment, character, work, and worship. Both men and women will enjoy: Brief, meaningful devotions that give relevant, biblical advice in just a few minutes a day Wise words gleaned from the book of Proverbs to help when you are feeling busy and overwhelmed Inspiration to help you grow in your faith Deluxe leathersoft format with ribbon marker and lines for reflection With more than 400,000 copies sold, Wisdom for the Way is a timeless devotional that makes a wonderful gift or self-purchase for men and women who want to learn more about biblical wisdom and how they can use it in their day-to-day lives. Perfect for birthdays, Christmas, church member dedications, and for a beloved teacher or pastor.

Where are great leaders like Elijah today? Uncompromisingly strong, yet self-controlled. Disciplined, yet forgiving. Audaciously courageous, yet kind. Heroic in the heat of battle, yet humble in the aftermath.

We see a few such men and women, but the list is tragically short. Rarely does someone model these invaluable traits more obviously than God's mighty prophet Elijah, whose calling was anything but calm and free from conflict. Nevertheless, as you are about to discover in this book. Elijah exemplified true heroism and genuine humility amid the relentless pressure of battle.

"Elijah: A Man of Heroism and Humility" is the fifth volume in the best-selling Great Lives from God's Word series by Charles Swindoll. The series also includes such powerful biographies as "Joseph, David, Esther, "and" Moses."

Exploring the depths of Elijah's fascinating life as a prophet of God, Swindoll does not gloss over his human weaknesses; rather, he presents an honest picture of this ordinary man who God transformed into His personal spokesman to confront idolatry and evil in the ancient world. You will find that it's a life worth emulating.

In a world that has lost its way, due in part to the lack of balanced, godly leadership, we are more than ever in need of a few Elijah-like men and women who are not afraid to live courageously among their peers as they walk humbly with their God.

"May this book establish deep within you a desire to stand strong for what is right as you bow low before Him who is worthy of your trust and obedience."-Charles Swindoll

In fast-food society we long for quick fixes and easy answers. But no worthwhile goal is easily reached, and a deep spiritual life is not created in a week or two. It takes perseverance over the long haul to finish well. "The Finishing Touch" encourages you to keep on keeping on to reach your goals and reap the harvest of a life worth living.

Charles Swindoll challenges today's I'm-getting-tired-so-let's-just-quit mentality. He says, "Dieting is a discipline, so we stay fat. Finishing school is a hassle, so we bail out. Cultivating a close relationship is painful, so we back off. Working through conflicts in a marriage is a tiring struggle, so we walk away. Sticking with an occupation is tough, so we change jobs. . . . what we don't hear about is finishing well. About sticking with something until it is done."

God wants to touch us and be our strength in the struggle. He wants us to finish what we started and complete the course. "The Finishing Touch "takes you through every day of a year, introducing you to God's touches of grace, joy, and love. As a sculptor applies himself to the marble, and keeps chipping and cutting away to reveal the masterpiece within, so the Master Artist wants to use our trials, hard times, and day-to-day struggles to chip away at our faults and to help us discover the potential treasures within us.

Daily devotionals for fifty-two weeks help you discover gut-level authenticity, hope in the midst of despair, courage in the face of fear, the light of faith in the shadows of doubt, and peace in the midst of stress. Learn how God's touch on your life enables you to run the race to the finish―to the honor and glory of the Master who has called you to be more than you think you can be.

SPANISH EDITION. This is a book that confronts problems with discipline and laziness and the other tendencies that push us to accept less than we should. This book will make you re-examine your goals, your priorities and the important values in life. Prepare yourself for this literary adventure that will change the way you live and at the same time teach you how to soar like an eagle above the level of mediocrity.

Parents often find themselves suspended between snowcapped mountains of exhilaration and craggy chasms of desperation.

To be sure, parenting these days is a white-knuckle adventure―a scary roller coaster ride we only hope we can survive. Is there any hope at all that we can actually thrive as parents?

What an awesome privilege we have been given What an opportunity to grow deeper in our relationship with our heavenly Father Such privilege and opportunity certainly demand more of us than we can give. We need help. Fortunately, help has arrived Based on beloved pastor and teacher Chuch Swindoll's "Parenting: From Surviving to Thriving," this workbook explores God's divine plan for successful families.

This inductive Bible study workbook will help you discover:

• The best-kept secret of wise parenting.
• Why kids move from resentment to rebellion.
• How to restore relationships after you've blown it.
• Parents' secret struggles and how to cope with them.

Whether you're doing these studies alone, with your family, or as part of a group, this workbook will equip you with Scripture-based tools to help transform your relationship with your children from a struggle to survive into a lifelong love that thrives.

Life is tough.

It's that simple. If you don't agree, you haven't lived long enough, because when we stop to think about the trials that life sends our way, it's always something

Despite our deep-seated and very natural desire for a trouble-free, happy, secure existence, Christians everywhere face family struggles, financial crises, debilitating diseases, and crushing disappointments. So what do you do when life gets so tough you think you can't endure another minute? If you're feeling . . .

• Sandwiched between aging parents who need your help and teenagers with demanding schedules;
• Stretched beyond your limits at work, trying to survive the next round of corporate downsizing;
• Dazed and emotionally bruised after your spouse walked out on the marriage you thought would last for a lifetime . . .

This "Getting Through the Tough Stuff Workbook" offers help and hope Based on Chuck Swindoll's characteristic insight, humor, and powerful yet gentle teaching style, this workbook delivers a strong message of encouragement, hope, faith, and the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. This practical resource will help you to get through the tough times of life.

Perfect for personal devotions, small-group Bible studies, and church curriculum, this workbook offers special features including "Getting to the Root," which explores biblical words and concepts, and "Taking Truth to Heart," which guides you into personal reflection and application.

The apostle Paul. The converted terrorist, inspired author, amazing teacher, and patient mentor.This colossal figure strode boldly onto the stage of the first-century world and left an indelible signature of greatness never to be forgotten. His life? Magnificent And his ministry? Impressive. While assigned sainthood by some today, by his own description he was "the chief of all sinners." No other person in the Bible, aside from Christ Himself, had a more profound influence on his world and ours than Paul.

He was a man of real grit, with a firmness of mind and spirit and unyielding courage in the face of personal hardship and danger. Tough, tenacious, and fiercely relentless, Paul pursued his divine mission with unflinching resolve. And God used him mightily to turn the world upside down for Christ in his generation.

But Paul's message and his style were also marked by gentle grace. This man, who tormented and killed the saints of God, understood and explained grace better than any of his contemporaries. Why? Because he never got over his own gratitude as a recipient of it. God's super-abounding grace transformed this once-violent aggressor into a humble-but-powerful spokesman for Christ. A man with that much grit desperately needed that much grace.

Perhaps that's why Paul's life is such a source of hope for us. If the chief of sinners can be forgiven and become God's chosen vessel, can He not forgive and use us as well? He can, if we too become people of both grace and grit.

"Paul" is the sixth of a multi-volume series exploring Great Lives from God's Word and searching them to find the qualities that made them great. Join us for an exciting, in-depth look at this amazing life, as only Chuck Swindoll can describe it: " Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit."

Bestselling author Charles Swindoll challenges us to take a closer look at Job's life, carefully examining his response to the unexpected and painful experiences that assaulted his once peaceful and God-honoring existence--and we might just find that Job is a hero after all. When you think of Job, you may think of a hapless victim of unfair treatment. His disastrous circumstances overwhelmed him, his so-called friends belittled him, and his distraught wife discouraged and abandoned him. Even God seemed to desert him. At first glance, Job may not seem like the traditional portrait of a hero, but Job's patience, strength, and dedication in the face of unforeseen suffering makes his story worth knowing. As Swindoll traces Job's life and legacy, he challenges us to apply the lessons Job learned firsthand to our own lives, including the importance of: Maintaining integrity no matter what happens Accepting the challenge to change Counting on the justice of the Lord to roll down in his time instead of seeking revenge Resting contentedly in God's plan, timing, and purpose for you We have no way of knowing what tomorrow may bring, but if it is anything like the past, we know that storms will always come. And when they do we have a choice--to react in bitterness and anger or fall to our knees like Job and trust God even though we cannot understand why he would permit such a thing to occur.

The Bible tells us that David was a man after God's own heart, but what does that mean in practice? David, the Old Testament shepherd, king, and psalmist, offers an answer in the shape of his own incredible life. Poet, musician, courageous warrior, and national statesman, David distinguished himself as one of God's greatest men. He modeled invincible confidence in the face of impossible circumstances. He made decisions with wisdom and equity. And he wrote with transparent vulnerability and quiet trust. But how well do we really know David? In Great Lives: David, the first volume in Charles Swindoll's bestselling Great Lives series, Swindoll gives us a closer look at this incredible man who had his fair share of difficulties. Throughout his life, David was gripped by destructive passion, rocked by family chaos and personal tragedy, and motivated by political expediency. Like all of us, David was far from perfect, but Swindoll teaches us that David had the chance to become great when he placed himself at the Lord's disposal. As Swindoll guides us through David's remarkable life and legacy, he asks and answers key questions along the way, including: How did David become the national hero of God's chosen people? Why is he the one character in the Bible described as "a man after God's own heart?" How can modern believers become people after God's own heart? Join Swindoll as he teaches us that we can all endeavor to live a life marked by the humility, dependability, and integrity of David.

Have we forgotten the meaning of grace?

Preachers preach it. Teachers teach it. Theologians analyze it. Then we forget about it. Here, in a twentieth-anniversary edition, is "The Grace Awakening," Charles Swindoll's best-selling classic that has awakened hundreds of thousands of readers to the untapped wonders of grace. Wonders that Christians know with their minds but forget with their hearts. Wonders that can make a difference in the way we live, in the way we approach life. Wonders that can make the difference between ho-hum religion and an intimate relationship with a God who wishes us nothing short of joy.

Included in this anniversary edition is "The Grace Awakening Devotional," a month-long spiritual journey to help you explore the newfound freedom of God's grace in your life. As you continue to experience the wonder of God's inexhaustible grace, you'll be awakened in new ways to everything God wants to do in your life.

Everyone loves a transformation story. Rags to riches. Plain to beautiful. Weak to strong. Esther's story is that, but it is much more. It is a thought-provoking study of God's invisible hand writing silently and unseen across the pages of human history. Perhaps most of all, Esther's story is the account of godly attributes like courage, dignity, wisdom, and strength―attributes that blocked an evil plot, overthrew an arrogant killer, and replaced terror with joy in thousands of Jewish homes.

Author Chuck Swindoll interweaves the ancient, real-life story with insight not only into the virtues of Queen Esther, but also into how the qualities that formed and empowered her can be ours. "Esther "is the second volume of Charles Swindoll's best-selling series, which examines great lives from God's Word and reveals the strengths and weaknesses that make God's men and women both great . . . and human. Many of the most beloved biblical heroes were ordinary folks. Shepherds. Fishermen. Servants. Widows. Even harlots and petty thieves. One by one, they changed the course of history.

Swindoll explains that these men and women did not become great in their own strength but were empowered by God when they surrendered their lives to Him. To live such a life that God considers great is within the reach of everyone who submits to Him.

Jesus Christ. He is, without question, the most influential person in history. Millions of people claim the truths of the religion that bears His name.

But who exactly "is" Jesus? A popular religious teacher? An ancient martyr? Many today are unsure. Even scholars debate whether the Jesus of history is the Christ of faith. Now, more than ever, we need a clear understanding of the person and work of the man millions call "Savior."" "

In this ninth and final biographical study in the best-selling Great Lives from God's Word series, " "beloved pastor and Bible teacher Charles" "Swindoll introduces you to the carpenter from Nazareth as you have never seen Him before.

This fascinating biography, filled with biblical and historical insights, takes you on an unforgettable journey through the complex and provocative life of Jesus of Nazareth. His unique birth. His astonishing power. His controversial teaching. His shocking death. And His world-changing resurrection.

Refreshingly honest and deep, this in-depth profile reveals" "Jesus with great clarity and offers practical applications for your own life. Whether you're just curious about Jesus or a longtime follower of His life and teachings, you'll experience His life in a new way as you join Dr. Swindoll in "Jesus: The Greatest Life of All."

Winner of the 2018 Christian Book Award for Bible of the Year.

The Swindoll Study Bible offers the best of Chuck Swindoll's wit, charm, pastoral insight, and wise biblical study directly to you as you study God's Word. Chuck's warm, personal style comes across on every page, and his informed, practical insights get straight to the heart of the Bible's message for the world today. Reading each part of this study Bible is like hearing Chuck speak God's Word directly to your heart. It will both encourage readers' faith and draw them deeper into the study of God's Word.

In Chuck's own words: "This study Bible was designed with you in mind. As you read the Scriptures, imagine my sitting beside you and sharing personal stories, important insights, and hard-earned lessons that will encourage you to walk more closely with Jesus Christ. You'll discover the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the Bible: Who wrote it and when? What does it mean, and where did its events occur? Why should I trust it? And most importantly, how can I apply it today?

"It's that last question more than any other that has fed my passion to publish this Bible. My primary focus in ministry has been teaching biblical insight for living . . . for genuine life change. After all, that's why God has communicated His Word to us--so that we may become like His Son, Jesus Christ, the central figure of this Book."

Free app with purchase! App includes all content from The Swindoll Study Bible and can be used across multiple devices with your Tecarta app account. Available for iOS and Android. (Free app applies to print editions only.)