New Releases: February 25, 2009

Innocence & Instinct (CD)
Red
Provident/Sony, February 2009

For people who haven't heard the first effort, Red's style is best described as melodic modern rock. The songs run the mix from displaying hard and heavy headbang-inducing riffs (Death of Me, Fight Inside) to softer, chill-at-night ballads if I must (Take It All Away, the cover of Ordinary World). Don't expect any soloing. This band is all about well-written lyrics that convey a very positive message, and well-executed vocals from both the lead and backup vocalists. Overall, I think the style can be likened to a cross between 10 Years (melodic) and Pillar (hard and heavy).



The Jesus Chronicles: Luke's Story
Tim LaHaye & Jerry Jenkins
Putnam Praise, February 2009

Luke never met Jesus. Unlike the other Gospel writers, he never witnessed Jesus perform miracles or heard Him impart the Word that healed the souls of so many. No, his was a belief built on faith alone, like that of believers today. And his Gospel, filled with the stories of the Lord’s divinity, speaks to the hearts of Christians everywhere. In Luke’s Story, we follow him as he rises from Greek slave to university-educated physician. Along the way, he meets Saul of Tarsus, a formidable Hebrew debater who becomes both Luke’s role model and greatest competitor. Luke is intrigued but skeptical when he hears tales of a man named Jesus who purportedly performs great miracles of healing. But the dramatic story of the conversion and redemption of Saul, now called Paul, and the miraculous healing of one of his own patients by prayer, irreversibly changes Luke’s spiritual life. He pledges himself to Christ and makes the life-changing choice to write a Gospel based on years of interviewing believers about their conversions and listening to stories of the Lord’s life from those who knew Him—most important, His mother, Mary. Luke wrote his Gospel to appeal to women, nonbelievers, and the disenfranchised. The result is scripture rich in the miraculous stories of Jesus that touches people all over the world today.



An Untroubled Heart
Micca Campbell
David C. Cook, March 2009

Micca Campbell knows all too well the unpredictable nature of life. As the 21-year-old mother of an infant son, her world was shattered when she lost her husband to a tragic accident. Reeling from her loss, Micca feared for her future, and struggled to overcome her aching loneliness. Yet in her darkest moment, she discovered God's remedy for our deepest fears. Micca presents a woman's guide for living a carefree, worry-free life. She explores the anxieties of every woman's heart from insecurities, to finances, to marital challenges, to raising healthy children. With her distinctive southern flair and casual humor, Micca shares remarkable insights for finding freedom from fear. You'll be encouraged to lay down your worries, trust in your Heavenly Father, and embrace a life marked by peace and joy. (Includes Bible Study questions at the end of each chapter.)

Lost and Found
Stetzer, Stanley, Hayes
B & H, February 2009

Who are the young unchurched, and how can they be reached with the good news of Jesus Christ? In a poll result highlighted by CNN Headline News and USA Today, nearly half of nonchurchgoers between the ages of twenty and twenty-nine agreed with the statement, "Christians get on my nerves." Now, researchers behind the larger study present Lost and Found, a blend of dynamic hard data and modern day parable that tells the real story of an unchurched generation that is actually quite spiritual and yet circumspect, open to Jesus but not the church. As such, Lost and Found is written to the church, using often-surprising results from the copious research here to strike another nerve and break some long established assumptions about how to effectively engage the lost. Ed Stetzer and his associates first offer a detailed investigation of the four younger unchurched types. With a better understanding of their unique experiences, they next clarify the importance each type places on community, depth of content, social responsibility, and making cross-generational connections in relation to spiritual matters. Most valuably, Lost and Found finds the churches that have learned to reach unchurched young adults by paying close attention to those key markers vetted by the research. Their exciting stories will make it clear how your church can bring searching souls from this culture to authentic faith in Christ. Those who are lost can indeed be found. Come take a closer look.

Quite Confidence for a Woman's Heart
Elizabeth George
Harvest House, March 2009

This inspiring devotional journey through Psalm 23 encourages women to walk ever more closely with God. Bestselling author Elizabeth George shows women 12 truths that will help them in every season of life. As readers discover how David, a man of faith and failure, overcame his challenges and built his trust in God, they will uncover strength for their own journey as they embrace promises of: provision for all that a woman needs, healing of brokenness and past wounds, comfort for the trials, protection for their physical and spiritual journey, and guidance for decisions and choices. God’s assurances create a powerful foundation for every woman to stand on and depend on as they live out a life of faith and hope with an unfailing confidence in Christ.

New Releases: February 18, 2009

Experiencing The Spirit
Henry & Melvin Blackaby
Multnomah, February 2009

The first Christians “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6) shaking the gates of hell even in the face of severe persecution. The result: People all around “were filled with wonder and amazement” (Acts 3:10). What can give Christians today the same impact? God’s Holy Spirit is ready to answer that for us in an awesome way, as Henry Blackaby and his son Mel Blackaby make clear in Experiencing the Spirit. You’ll see how the proof of the Spirit’s presence is our awareness of God’s personal assignments for us, plus our supernatural enablement to carry out those assignments. You’ll find essential clarification on the difference between natural talents and spiritual gifts. You’ll explore the dynamics of being filled with the Spirit through intimate relationship with Him, committed obedience, and radical departure from sin. Instead of considering what you can do for God with your abilities and talents, you’ll be encouraged here to seek what God wants to do through you supernaturally by His Spirit, empowering you beyond your personal competence and capacities.



Gigi's Ginormous Sneeze (DVD)
Thomas Nelson, March 2009

It's the perfect day with several fluffy feet of new snow! Gigi and Frances have all kinds of fun planned, but without warning, somebody comes down with a serious cold. When great disappointment strikes, what's the most important thing to do? Based on Philippians 4:6-7. This includes 2 fully-animated videos on one DVD!




It's a Green Thing
Melody Carlson
Multnomah, February 2009

For the first time that she can remember, Maya Stark is beginning to feel like a “normal” teenager. Even with her mother in jail for drug possession and her pop-star father away on his comeback tour, Maya’s new life with her uncle Allen and cousin Kim is coming together. Summer vacation’s just beginning, and with a new job, a new boyfriend, and a new car (hybrid, of course), things are finally starting to look up. But that doesn’t mean life is about to get any easier. Maya’s still devoted to living Green, and her uncle offers her a Green column in his newspaper. With the opportunity to make a difference in the town’s attitude toward the environment, Maya wonders how this fits with her newfound commitment to Christ. And if she can really consider herself a Christian when her feelings toward a fellow youth group member are anything but loving…



Finally Alive
John Piper
Christian Focused Publications, February 2009

Why is the church so ineffectual and characterized by the mosaic generation as unchristian? The term born again has been devalued both in society and in the church. Recent social studies surveys have shown that those who regard themselves as born again Christians have the same tendency to divorce as people who aren't Christians at all! In these surveys, being born again is defined by what people say they believe. The New Testament defines Christians very differently. Piper defines new birth biblically and helps us to embrace the reality of it. I hope that showing that the new birth is not in our control helps make pastors and other Christians desperate for the supernatural in their ministries



His Name Is Jesus
Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson, March 2009

This is Max Lucado's first book that journey's from the birth of Christ to His resurrection. Drawing from his classic writing on Jesus combined with new reflections and breathtaking art, Max Lucado again opens our eyes and hearts to the life and work of the Savior in a way that will change lives forever. "Jesus was, at once, common and not; alternately normal and heroic. One minute blending in with the domino players in the park, the next commanding the hell out of madmen, disease out of the dying, and death out of the dead." Who was this man who spoke as easily with kids and fishermen as widows and waves? It is the question that has echoed down through the centuries to us today, and here is a visually stunning book that answers aspects of that question.



Franchising McChurch: Feeding Our Obsession with Easy Christianity
Thomas White & John Yeats
David C. Cook, February 2009

We live in a fast-food nation where the service is efficient, the products are peer-tested, and size is king. And this consumer-driven approach is seeping into the church. Across the country churches are creating entertaining, pop culture-savvy services that feel more market-driven than ministry focused. And what's on the menu? A proven blend of dynamic music, high-tech dazzle, and topical teachings. And just like any successful product, churches are launching campuses that build on their brand. Franchising McChurch takes an honest look at the rise of consumer-minded ministries. Candid and compelling, it calls us back to the heart of Christ's church and shares the Biblical design for delivering meaningful, life-changing ministry in a fast-food world.

New Releases: February 11, 2009

Mad Church Disease: Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic
Anne Jackson
Zondervan, February 2009

Does working at this church interfere with your communion with Christ? That question may have saved author Anne Jackson's life. She believes it could save yours too. As the daughter of a pastor, Anne saw the struggles leaders face and the toll it can take on their families. She vowed her life in ministry would be different. Yet, years later, as a church leader, she was hospitalized because stress began wreaking havoc on her body. She had burned out. Anne developed a web site that allowed church leaders to share their struggles. Within a few days, she was flooded with over a thousand responses from people pouring out stories of pain. This book is born out of that experience, and is a lively and life-saving resource for anyone in a ministry who'd like to understand the epidemic of burnout in church culture.





Make Poverty Personal
Ash Barker
Baker Books, February 2009


God is concerned about poverty. Are you? In a world of plenty, poverty abounds. But poverty is not new. And neither is God's deep concern for the poor; it is a theme deeply woven throughout the pages of Scripture. Yet, sadly, churches have too often been blind to this emphasis, or have been paralyzed into inaction by feelings of helplessness. It's time to change. This book offers challenge and hope. Working his way through both testaments, the author reflects on significant passages related to God's concern for the poor. These studies are interlaced with personal reflections and firsthand accounts from 15 years of ministry among the poor. Whether you read this book alone or with your small group, you'll be challenged to make poverty personal.

New Releases: February 11, 2009

History (CD)
Paul Colman
Inpop Records, January 2009

Among contemporary Christian music's most dynamic performers Paul Colman, former frontman and founding member of Dove Award-winning, GRAMMY nominated Aussie group Paul Colman Trio and present guitarist for legendary pop/rock band Newsboys, puts forth his second solo offering, History, in January. A follow up to his solo debut on Inpop Records, Let It Go (2005), the album features the best of Paul Colman throughout the years as well as new remakes of "If I Was Jesus" by Toby Keith and Delirious' "History Maker."



Fiction Family (CD)
Fiction Family
ATO Records/Red, January 2009

This is the 2009 debut for this duo consisting of members of Nickel Creek and Switchfoot. Both artists have achieved immense success with their respective bands. Sean Watkins is the guitar player and founding member of the Grammy Award winning trio Nickel Creek. Jon Forman is the guitarist and lead singer of the Grammy-nominated band Switchfoot, which has sold over five million records worldwide. Both Watkins and Forman, being vocalists and multi-instrumentalists, took turns singing lead and they both played several instruments on each song including guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion, baritone ukulele, piano, organ, mandolin, steel guitar, 12-string guitar and more. The album was recorded and written in parts over the span of three years with no real deadlines, while still touring with their respective bands.



The Fray (CD)
The Fray
Sony Music/Epic, February 2009

This 2009 album from the Denver-based quartet is the follow-up to their enormously successful How To Save A Life. The Fray, who exploded into worldwide success with that album, have captured the skilled songwriting that broke them and, with the help of acclaimed producers Mike Flynn and Aaron Johnson, created a set of songs sure to make them household names. The band continues their licensing success story by collaborating with ABC's hit show, Lost in a series of music video promos featuring the album's first single, 'You Found Me' for the newest season of the show. The spots also ran during the 2008 American Music Awards, where the band was a featured performer. Over the weekend of the release and performance, the Lost video had over one million views. (10 tracks)



How Far Is Heaven: The Best of Salvador (CD)
Salvador
Word Entertainment, February 2009

Celebrating 10 years together as a band and this their 10th career album, Word Records presents the commemorative Salvador collection, "How Far Is Heaven: The Best Of Salvador." This CD features 17 hits including "Heaven", "Shine", "Aware", and 3 bonus tracks available for the first time on CD!



T.R.U.T.H. About The Dinosaurs (DVD)
Bridgestone Multimedia, January 2009

Many Christians don't have sufficient answers when it comes to the topic of dinosaurs and how they fit with biblical history. T.R.U.T.H. About the Dinosaurs puts an end to that problem in this educational and entertaining documentary. Find out where the dinosaurs came from, what they liked to eat, why the word dinosaur isn't found in the Bible, and why they don't roam Earth today...or do they?



VeggieTales: Abe and the Amazing Promise (DVD)
Big Idea Inc., February 2009

Have you ever had to wait for something you really, really wanted? Bob the Tomato tries to bring the Bible story of Abraham and Sarah and their wait for a promised son to life, but when spitting camels and a film crew of zany French peas get involved, everyone's patience is tested! Will bob pull everything together in time to teach a lesson? Whether they're waiting on a promise from God or cookies from mom, kids will learn that while being patient is never easy, the reward is always worth the wait!



Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys
Stephen James and David Thomas
Tyndale, January 2009

Born To Be...Wild! A boy's endless imagination, hunger for adventure, and passionate spirit are matched only by his deep desire to be affirmed, esteemed, and loved. Yet over the past few decades, our culture has adopted a model of parenting and educating children that doesn't affirm, celebrate, or embrace a boy's hunger, passion, or wildness but rather seeks to tame it. As a result, many parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors find themselves frustrated, confused, and wearied by boys' behavior. The truth is, boys don't need to be tamed, they need to be understood, loved, challenged, and encouraged. This book helps understand our vital role that we play on their journey to manhood.




B4UD8: 7 Things You Need To Know Before Your Next Date
Hayley & Michael DiMarco
Revell, February 2009

Whether d8ing or w8ing, their r 7 thngs u need 2 kno B4UD8! Based on five years of feedback since the release of Dateable, they now deliver more of what their audience is asking for in B4UD8. By bridging the gap between diving head first into the dating pool or kissing dating goodbye, Hayley and Michael tackle the seven most important things every teen should know before their next date. Designed to be easily adopted for use in churches but still created in the same relevant style of all Hungry Planet books, B4UD8 will appeal not only to teens everywhere, but to their parents and youth leaders as well. In it they will learn: • the purpose of dating • how to protect the temple • why dating is not marriage • and much more Whether their first date or their fiftieth, B4UD8 will help teens make biblical and smart decisions about love and dating.



Lessons From San Quentin
Dallas/Barna
Tyndale, January 2009

Once you're in, you're never the same. If Bill Dallas didn't have it all, he had most of it: a diploma from a prestigious university, a lucrative career as a top California real estate entrepreneur, and more than enough money to fund a life filled with sports cars, penthouses, and beautiful women. And then it all fell apart. Convicted of grand theft embezzlement, the former golden boy found himself in one of the nation's most infamous institutions-San Quentin, home of "the worst or the worst". He thought it was the end of everything. But the real story was about to begin. This chronicles Bill's journey and along the way, it introduces us to his unlikely mentors-San Quentin's Lifers, who guided Bill to an unexpected relationship with God. Through a vivid experience, Bill shares lessons that can help you triumph over even the most difficult circumstances.

New Releases: February 4, 2009

Turn Up The Heat
Dr. Kevin Leman
Revell, March 2009

Are you looking for the intense passion you've always craved but never thought was possible? Do you see sex as only another tedious chore to perform? Whether you're a newlywed and have great expectations, or you've meandered aimlessly into predictable sex, Turn Up the Heat is just what the doctor ordered. One of God's greatest gifts is the pleasure and privilege of sex within marriage. Dr. Kevin Leman knows even married people have lots of questions about sex, but sometimes they feel too embarrassed to ask or don't know where to turn for the best answers. For all those questions readers couldn't imagine asking their pastor or even their close friends, Dr. Leman is ready with open ears and expert advice. Often asked about sex and intimacy as he speaks and travels, he bets that some of those questions are the ones readers want answered too. With his trademark humor and wit, he offers frank answers to the burning questions all of us have. Readers will not only get the answers they crave but plenty of the hearty chuckles they expect from Leman.



I Do Again
Cheryl & Jeff Scruggs
Waterbrook Press, December 2008

An attractive young couple, Jeff and Cheryl Scruggs seemed to have it all: professional success, adorable twin daughters and a good marriage. But their picture-perfect image concealed a widening chasm between two people unable to connect on an intimate, soul level. Ten disappointing years of marriage, seven painful years of divorce, and one remarkable, true-life story of a love rescued by God. After years of frustration, Cheryl's longing for emotional fulfillment led to an affair and finally, a divorce that left Jeff utterly devastated and seething with anger. Yet, incredibly, seven years later, Jeff and Cheryl once again stood at the altar, promising to love, honor and cherish one another. A new and vibrant love had risen out of the ashes of this family's pain. I Do Again reveals the hidden secrets that slowly destroyed this marriage and the spiritual awakening that opened the way to healing. A riveting account of the power of prayer and redemption, this remarkable book offers renewed hope for even the most troubled marriages and reveals why the rewards of restoration are well worth the wait.




Follow You (CD)
Hillsong Kids: Live Worship
Integrity Music, January 2009

Hillsong Kids presents Follow You, the live worship album that will capture the heart of every child and encourage them to be devoted to Jesus. This CD includes Hillsong favorites such as Take It All plus fresh new songs written specifically for children that will inspire them to follow Jesus.



WOW: Gospel 2009 (CD)
Various
Verity, January 2009
WOW Gospel 2009 continues in the trend of raising the bar for Gospel compilations each and every year. Chock-full of the songs that reigned on Gospel radio's airwaves for the past 12 months, this double disc set is bursting at the seams with hits, including music from Marvin Sapp, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Byron Cage, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Yolanda Adams and many others.



Kari Jobe (CD)
Kari Jobe
Integrity Music, February 2009

A featured worship leader on Gateway Worship projects, Living for You and Wake Up the World, Kari Jobe releases her self-titled debut through Gateway Create Publishing and Integrity Music in February. Produced by Ed Cash, the album contains a collection of worship pop/folk songs written by Kari Jobe as well as co-writes with worship leaders/songwriters Chris Tomlin, Paul Baloche, Mia Fieldes, Ed Cash and Klaus Kuehn.



The Echo Within
Robert Benson
Waterbrook Press, January 2009

The Echo Within is Robert's illuminating answer to the question of being called to a certain field of work, with a thoughtful, honest, profoundly-affecting account of his own search and failings and eventual discovery of the "Yes" he describes-what it is one truly is called to do and be. Written out of a lifelong search and response to the callings on his life, "The Echo Within" explores how to love the work you do, ways to sense God's pleasure in your pursuits, whether you fall into your vocation as a destiny or you chart that course, and how to begin living with added dimensions of meaning and purpose. Through the ups and downs of the changes inherent in family life, professional choice, and spiritual experience, Robert shares with wisdom, humor, and heart what he's learned-and how you can discover your calling too.



The Love As A Way Of Life Devotional
Chapman & Stanford
Waterbrook Press, October 2008

To become a person who consistently loves others, you first need to be a loving person. In this companion devotional to Love As a Way of Life, you’ll find inspiration for letting love guide the way you respond to others in every situation. The daily readings capture God’s wisdom and direction in practicing the seven traits of a loving person. Compelling stories and biblical illustrations will show you how to live out the characteristics of kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty. These ninety short devotionals–perfect for reading on your own, with your spouse, or with a friend over coffee–deliver the inspiration and encouragement you need to make love a lasting habit. Whatever your love language, you’ll enjoy richer, more rewarding relationships as you embark on an exciting daily adventure in loving others.



Hannah Grace
Sharlene MacLaren
Whitaker House, January 2009

Hannah Grace, the eldest of Jacob Kane’s three daughters, is feisty and strong-willed, yet practical. Between working at her father’s general store and courting the town’s physician, Hannah has her life planned out in an orderly, meaningful way. Her carefully planned life is turned upside down, however, with the arrival of a new town sheriff. Determined to ignore the newcomer's handsome looks, Hannah is drawn to him nonetheless by a runaway orphan boy named Jesse. While Hannah works to befriend the shy vagabond, God works in her heart. What plans does He have in store for this young woman who thought she had it all together?



Walking With God: A Small Group Study (DVD)
John Eldredge
Thomas Nelson, April 2008

Let John Eldredge guide your group into a deeper walk with God. In the book Walking with God, John Eldredge shows us what an intimate relationship with God looks like day to day. God longs to speak, and it is our right and privilege to hear His voice. Yet, somehow, the looming discontent of most Christians is a lack of conversational intimacy with God. In this Walking with God DVD, which acts as a companion to the book, John takes us into an even deeper intimacy with God. In 12 messages that embellish key sections of the book, John offers insights for deepening our bond with God. He speaks directly to your small group with suggestions for discussion and ways to help one another on this journey. Join him as he guides us through a journey that leads to an intense conversation with our Creator. The Walking with God DVD once again proves that walking intimately with Him is a normal and essential part of the Christian life.



What Jesus Said
Stormie Omartian
Harvest House, February 2009

Imagine having the words that Jesus spoke while He was here on earth in one place. And not only that, but arranged by subject for ease of use. What Jesus Said is that resource. Jesus’ words—commonly published in red in the Bible—are now available in a slim volume readers can carry in purse or pocket. When they or someone they know needs a bit of encouragement, comfort, or faith, or words of wisdom from a variety of other topics, they are right at hand. The reader can simply flip to the subject and see what Jesus said. Also included is an introduction by compiler and bestselling author Stormie Omartian, sharing her love for the Bible and the words of Jesus recorded in it. With text from the popular NIV, this little book has a big message to share: the very things Jesus felt the world needed to hear. Perfect for everyday use, as a gift to anyone who is hurting, or as a resource for women’s groups, men’s groups, youth groups, or Bible studies.



NIV New Testament: The Noteworthy Collection
Zondervan, January 2009

Bible users, take note! With its unique design featuring blank right-hand pages, this New Testament offers plenty of room for note taking. An accordion pocket inside provides added storage for loose notes. And an elastic band provides closure so you can keep everything securely in place. Have you ever crammed notes in the tiny margins of your Bible only to go back later and not be able to read what you wrote? Are you reluctant to write in your Bible because there simply isn’t enough space to record everything you want to? With the NoteWorthy New Testament, you’ll never experience these challenges again.



Prayers of Comfort for Those Who Hurt
Hope Lyda
Harvest House, January 2009

If you’ve ever sat down to write a get–well card or a “I hope you feel better” note to someone you care about yet can’t come up with the words, you’re not alone. It’s also hard to talk to God when we face our own difficulties. What shall we pray for? What can we say? How can we seek direction and find hope? Hope Lyda’s heartfelt prayers and inspiring verses from Scripture make this collection of comfort an ideal gift for those traveling through the dark times of life as well as for those who need their own daily dose of encouragement amid life’s pressures and problems. The soothing watercolor art of award–winning painter Annie LaPoint echoes the message of hope and healing through the trials and tribulations of this world. Ideal for those times when you don’t know what to say or for when you need a touch of empathy and compassion to feed your own soul
The NoteWorthy New Testament is designed specifically for Bible readers who need and want more space to journal and take notes as they read and study God’s Word. Its revolutionary new format provides ample note-taking space—an entire blank page for every page of Scripture.