Saturday, January 31, 2009

New Releases: January 30, 2009

Fireproof (DVD)
Collector's Edition
Affirm Films/Sherwood Pictures, January 2009

Lt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. Inside burning buildings, it's his natural instinct. In the cooling embers of his marriage, it's another story. After a decade of marriage, Caleb and Catherine Holt have drifted so far apart that they are ready to move on without each other. Yet as they prepare to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb's dad asks his son to try an experiment: The Love Dare. While hoping The Love Dare has nothing to do with his parents' newfound faith, Caleb commits to the challenge. But can he attempt to love his wife while avoiding God's love for him? Will he be able to demonstrate love over and over again to a person that's no longer receptive to his love? Or is this just another marriage destined to go up in smoke?


Surviving Financial Meltdown
Ron Blue & Jeremy White
Tyndale, January 2009

*** SPECIAL PRICE $7.97 ***

In troubled economic circumstances, people are looking for practical help and deeper spiritual perspective. Written in a non-threatening and easy-to-read format, Surviving Financial Meltdown provides a blueprint laid out by financial experts, Ron Blue and Jeremy White, of biblically-based financial principles to implement during both calm and crisis. This book provides the key four principles to financial success. It addresses many of the fears that people feel when it comes to finances. And it provides assistance in determining short and long tern financial goals. This also addresses specifically what to do and what not to do in challenging economic times. It gives practical advice for everday financial decisions.


Double Minds
Terri Blackstock
Zondervan, February 2009

Struggling to succeed in the Nashville music scene, talented singer/songwriter Parker James finds the competition fierce – even deadly. A young woman’s murder, industry corruption, and a menacing stalker draw Parker into danger and intrigue. Nothing is as it appears, and unraveling the truth challenges everything Parker believes about her talent, her future, and her faith.


Let Go
Sheila Walsh
Thomas Nelson, February 2009

Burdened. The word alone makes shoulders sink. It slows down our lives. It clouds our vision. It is the result of so many memories, grudges, fears, uncertainty, and stress. It is heavy. Overworked? Overcommitted? Overtired? Underappreciated? Let go and live free. Sound Impossible? Sheila Walsh thought so - until God proved himself again and again through his Word, his people, and her life. The author walks readers through the journey to freedom in Christ, tackling some of the toughest struggles that weigh women down, answering them with overwhelming truth, promise, and hope. You can lay down your burdens and rest. Find peace and live free.


The Veggie Tales Bible
New International Version
Zonderkidz, February 2009

The VeggieTales Bible invites children to experience God’s Word, perhaps for the first time, using the backdrop of familiar VeggieTales characters who remind them that “God made you special and he loves you very much!” This full-text Bible features thirty-two full-color pages retelling eight favorite Bible stories in pictures. Also includes a “Veggie Values” Bible feature where Bob and Larry show kids where to find themes such as forgiveness, trusting in God, being helpful, and more. Kids will love using the New International Version, the most-read, most-trusted Bible translation.


What Does The Bible Say About That?
Carolyn Larson
Crossway, January 2009

Most kids don’t realize it, but God’s Word has a lot to say about the things they care about most—and this lively book leaves no doubt about it. Covering more than 300 everyday topics in conversational, engaging, one-page units, 8- to 12-year-olds will get biblical perspective on such topics as: homework, dieting, anger, sports, classmates, the telephone, puberty, careers, siblings, rules, self-confidence, world events, sleep, friendship, nature, movies, embarrassment, tattoos, integrity, and knowing God, plus many more. This will have a tremendous impact on the life of a child beginning his or her walk with God.


God Speaks Your Love Language
Gary Chapman
Northfield, February 2009

Wherever you experience the love of God, it is always personal, intimate, and life changing. The key to learning and choosing love is tapping into divine love. The craving for love is our deepest emotional need. We feel love and are drawn to others when they speak love in a way we understand. This same principle applies to the most important relationship—our relationship with God. Did you realize that the God of the universe speaks in your love language, and that your expressions of love for him are shaped by your love language? Learn how you can give and receive God’s love through the five love languages—words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service and physical touch. Dr. Chapman’s goal for readers is that they may be led to explore the possibility of speaking different love languages to God, and thus expand their own understanding of God and others.



Fireproof (Audio Book)
Eric Wilson & Greg Whalen
Oasis Audio, December 2008

Inside burning buildings, Captain Caleb Holt lives by the firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner. Yet at home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules. Growing up, his wife Catherine always dreamed of marrying a loving, brave firefighter... just like her father. Now, after seven years of marriage, she wonders when she stopped being "good enough." Countless arguments and anger have them wanting to move on to something with more sparks. As they prepare for divorce, Caleb's father challenges him to commit to a 40-day experiment: "The Love Dare." Wondering if it's even worth the effort, Caleb agrees, for his father's sake more than for his marriage. Surprised by what he discovers about the meaning of love, Caleb realizes that his wife and marriage are worth fighting for. His job is to rescue others. Now Captain Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever... rescuing his wife's heart. Based on the screenplay by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, this audio version of the Fireproof novel includes subplots, characters, and back story not included in the movie.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

New Releases: January 21, 2009

The Sound (CD)
Mary Mary
Integrity/Columbia, October 2008

This album shows that Mary Mary are not ones to shy away from declarations of faith. The girls are now more intentional than ever about whom they adore. The ballads stand out for the passionate delivery as the other songs easily stand out as being the sonic and spiritual ones of the album.


Your Name (CD)
Various Artists
Integrity, October 2008

This is an incredible collection of new songs focusing on the powerful names of God. Produced by Dove Award-winning producer Ian Eskelin, this product includes the familiar voices of your favorite Christian artists, including Lincoln Brewster, Mark Stuart, Phil Wickham, Ayiesha Woods, Leeland Mooring, Vicky Beeching, Aaron Shust, Joel Auge, Paul Baloche, and many more.



CompassionArt: Creating Freedom From Poverty (CD/DVD)
Various Artists
EMI/Sparrow, January 2009

This is determined to engage people everywhere to help end world poverty. Featuring 14 new songs from 19 of christian music's more accomplished artists and a documentary of the movement, all of the proceeds and royalties will go to help the poorest of the poor.



The Art of Compassion
Martin Smith
Faith Words, January 2009

CompassionArt is a new charitable project founded by musician Martin Smith and his wife Anna. Twelve of today's most highly respected musicians have collaborated to produce an album of new worship songs, with all proceeds to go to charity. In the book to accompany the album, THE ART OF COMPASSION, each of the artists writes a chapter highlighting the key issues of the project and offers discussion on the link between worship and justice, and art and action.


Losing Control & Liking It
Tim Sanford
Tyndale, December 2008

Discover the joys of cage-free parenting! It's been drummed into your head: You have to make your kids turn out right. If you don't, what will people think? Worse, what disasters await if your child takes the wrong path? The truth is, you can't make you kids turn out right. It's not even your job. Let the author show you how to give up your fears about your teenager's future and the control you never really had. You'll discover the truth about how God parents His children, and it will set you free.



John: 13 Lessons to deepen our faith in Jesus, the Son of God
Life Application Bible Studies
Tyndale, November 2008

You want your bible study to help you grow, make a difference, and change your life. This one will. Whether you're teaching a class, leading a small group, or just looking for a challenging personal study, these studies are for you. With thought-provoking questions, complete lesson format, the full text of the book of John, and the most extensive commentary available in a booklet, this study guide gives you everything you need for understanding God's word and applying it to your life.


Death by Church
Mike Erre
Harvest House, January 2009

Are you dissatisfied with the state of the church? Maybe God feels the same way. The early church was a vibrant counterculture, and "outpost of heaven." These fledgling communities lived in contradiction to the world around them and saw themselves as an entirely new expression of humanity. But today, much of the church is merely an increasingly irrelevant and powerless reflection of values and priorities. The church has ceased bearing witness to the dynamic and all-encompassing kingdom of God and has instead become an end to itself. Rediscover God's intention for his church to be a testimony to the world of His supreme triumph in Jesus.



Heart of Compassion, Hands of Care
Darlene Sala
Wing Spread, July 2008

This is the challenging story of a Kenyan woman who refuses to accept defeat, dismissing the advice that nothing can be done for poverty-stricken people. Freda Robinson, a nurse known as Sister Freda, has the backing of no denomination or church, but humbly trusts the Lord day by day for His provision for the 30-bed hospital, clinic, and feeding program for dozens of children God has put under her care. The author felt the "tap on the shoulder" to tell Freda's story in this encouraging, and sometimes heart-breaking book when she spent time in Kenya watching this very dedicated woman make a difference in the lives of people. This book will inspire you no matter what your background or where you live.


The Bare Bones Bible Handbook for Teens: Getting to Know God in the Bible
Jim George
Harvest House, December 2008

God wrote the Bible so that you could get to know Him and live a better life. But the Bible is a big book filled with lots of information. How can you ever get to know it and use it in your everyday life? That's just what this handbook is all about. In just 10 minutes you can discover the key points of any book of the Bible. You'll be amazed at how much the Bible has to say about the things that matter most to you.


From One Widow to Another
Miriam Neff
Moody, January 2009

Anyone who has been through the death of a spouse will tell you that life changes immediately and permanently. The author understands these changes because she went through them when her husband of 41 years went to be with the Lord. Now Neff helps other navigate the murky waters of widowhood. She writes openly and honestly revealing her struggles and victories, and encouraging each reader to embrace the new woman she has become. Widows of all ages can benefit from the author's insights into a widow's vulnerabilities and strengths, her changing relationships, and the new woman she has become.


Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story
Gregg & Deborah Lewis
Zonderkidz, February 2009

This book tells the true story of an angry, young boy from the inner city who, through faith and determination, grew up to become one of the world's leading pediatric neurosurgeons. When Ben was in school, his peers called him the class dummy. But his mother encouraged him to succeed, and Ben discovered a deep love of learning. Ben found that anything is possible with trust. The special TV-movie edition includes eight pages of color photos from the film starring Cuba Gooding Jr.


Evidence For The Resurrection: What It Means for Your Relationship with God
Sean McDowell
Regal, February 2009

When Jesus died on the cross, it seemed that all had been lost. Death had won. But after three days in a rich man's tomb, Jesus appeared...alive! The news was so shocking that his followers refused to believe it until they saw him with their own eyes and touched his wounds with their own hands. Then Jesus made an amazing claim: In the future, they would have resurrected bodies like his, bodies that would never deteriorate, age or perish. They would have new life without death or pain, in the presence of a loving God forever. But can we believe His promise? In this look at the claims of the Gospel writers and 2,000 years of believing Christians, the author invites you to examine the compelling and abundant evidence that Jesus Christ conquered death and the grave!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

New Releases: January 14, 2009


Just Another Girl
Melody Carlson
Revell, January 2009

At seventeen, she'd like to date, hang with friends, maybe even find a summer job. Instead, she's stuck at home with her younger sister who seems to get needier by the minute. Her older sister is all about, well...herself. And Aster's parents...don't even ask. But things are about to change. Or so she hopes. Enter: a cool guy and some new friends, and Aster is ready to get out and grab a slice of normal life. But will her family get in her way?



Jesus Is Alive!
Sean McDowell
Regal, February 2009

Jesus' followers believed that he was the person God promised to send who would free them from the Romans, the cruel invaders who had taken over their land. So when the Romans sentenced Jesus to die on a cross, his followers' hopes were crushed. How could Jesus free them if he was dead? But his death wasn't the end of the story. Because people don't normally come back to life, it might be tempting to believe that is has never happened. But now you can see the proof for yourself!


Kiss
Ted Dekker & Erin Healy
Thomas Nelson, January 2009

I woke up in a hospital bed missing six months of my memory. In the room was my loving boyfriend. How could I have forgotten him? Also there was my uncle and my abusive stepmother. Everyone blames me for the tragic car accident that left me near death and my dear brother brain damaged. But what they say can't be true can it? I believe the medicine is doing strange things to my memory. I'm unsure who I can trust and who I should run from. and I'm starting to remember things I've never known. Things not about me. I think I'm going crazy. And even worse, I think they want to kill me. But who? And for what? Is dying for the truth really better than living with a lie?



Vintage Church
Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears
Crossway Books, January 2009

This book begins with a focus on the person and work of Jesus and then exploring the confessional, experiential, and missional aspects of church. This study grows out of the vintage concept of taking timeless truths from Scripture-truths about church leadership, preaching, baptism, communion, and more and blending them with aspects of contemporary culture, such as multi-campus churches and the latest forms of technology, to reach people with the gospel.



The Power of Prayer to Change Your Marriage
Stormie Omartian
Harvest House, January 2009

Only prayer can change your marriage. It's hard to change yourself. and you can't change your spouse. But by His power working through your prayers, God can change you both. When you invite the Lord to rule in your marriage, He will transform both of your lives in ways you never thought possible. Whether you are a husband or a wife, if you want your marriage to be strong and protected, this book is for you. The author addresses the deeper issues of marriage.



Experiencing the Words of Jesus
Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson, January 2009

You know what He did for you. Now experience the power of what He says to you. Though Jesus' ministry was brief-only three and a half years-the words he spoke have stood the test of time. In his day, the Savior's words turned heads, turned hearts, and untimately turned the world upside down. They do the same for us today. His words: our heritage. We memorized them in Sunday school, we quote them, we even have Bibles that print them in red letters. When we experience them, they come alive. This workbook takes a fresh look at the words of God's Son. There are a total of six lessons. Read the stories and hear the voice of Jesus for yourself.



Overcoming Challenges
Bill Hybels
Zondervan, January 2009

Face the tough times with confidence. The question is not, "Will I face challenges?" The issue is, "How will I deal with the tough times that come my way?" No one travels far down the road without confronting the sobering reality that life can be hard. The book of Nehemiah is a case study in overcoming life's challenges. Wave after wave of pain pounded on the shores of Nehemiah's life, but he kept standing strong. As we meditate on Nehemiah's story, we discover the hope and victory that come when we walk in God's wisdom through the challenges of life.


The Love Dare
Stephen & Alex Kendrick
B & H Publishing Group, September 2008

Unconditional love is eagerly promised at weddings, but rarely practiced in real life. As a result, romantic hopes are often replaced with disappointment in the home. But it doesn't have to stay that way. The Love Dare is a 40-day challenge for husbands and wives to understand and practice unconditional love. Whether your marriage is hanging by a thread or healthy and strong, this is a journey you need to take. This book includes challenging lessons on love, space for journaling, and a specific "dare" for each day.



Raising a Modern-Day Joseph: A Timeless Strategy for Growing Great Kids
Larry Fowler
David C. Cook, January 2009

This test is pass or fail. Imagine this scenario for a typical teenager in your church: He's separated from his family and sent to live in a hedonistic, no-holds-barred culture. He's stripped of his spiritual support, left alone, and treated unfairly. His ego is stoked with power. Throughout this ride, would he continue to serve God? This very test was given to Joseph, whose faith remained rock-solid. Research shows that when young people leave home, many also leave the church. So how can we forge sons and daughters of faith? The vital answers are found in the story of Joseph. This book offers a biblical plan for growing children who will love and serve Jesus Christ.




This Side of Heaven
Karen Kingsbury
Center Street, January 2009

Annie Warren always wanted the best for her son, Josh. but years of failure and bad choices created a heartbreaking distance that has grown far worse since the day Josh was hit by a drunk driver. Now on medical disability, Josh has put his life on hold for years, waiting for the insurance company to send a settlement that never seems to come. Worse, he believes the story of a scheming woman who claims they have a seven-year-old daughter named Savannah. Despite the unlikelihood, Josh dreams of being a father and is determined to one day claim the child. His family doesn't know the full story. They haven't seen that Savannah's eyes are his, and they don't know how desperately the little girl needs her family. When the settlement is threatened, Annie sets out to defend her son. But she might find a treasure more valuable than money, one she never expected, one that is the greatest gift her son could ever give her.



Revolutionary Parenting Workbook: How To Raise Spiritual Champions
George Barna
David C. Cook, January 2009

Learn how you can raise a spiritual champion. As parents our deepest desire is to raise children who succeed in life. This is also our greatest challenge. How can we foster traits such as honesty, compassion, and dedication in young minds? How can we raise children who will love and serve God as adults? This workbook will help you create a plan for your family to do just that. Drawn from a landmark study of Christian twentysomethings and the parents who raised them, this guide is designed to help you build a solid foundation of faith in your child.