Tuesday, October 25, 2011

New Releases

The Jesus Mission
Steven Scott
WaterBrook Press, October 2011
Are you uncertain about what God wants for your life? Here's your ultimate guidebook! Offering a detailed study of Christ's life and work, Scott reveals specific areas of ministry in which you can help fulfill Jesus' goals. Ideal for personal inspiration, discipleship training, church outreach, and small groups. 304 pages, hardcover from Waterbrook.

The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge
Tony Dungy
Tyndale, September 2011
Strengthen the core of your life and faith when you take this yearlong challenge alongside former NFL head coach Tony Dungy. Featuring 365 reflections, this daily devotional will encourage you to live an "uncommon life" of integrity, honor your family and friends, have a significant impact on the world, and walk closely with the Lord. 384 pages, softcover from Tyndale.

Nearing Home
Billy Graham
Thomas Nelson, September 2011
Explore the realities of growing older with the renowned evangelist---and look at your later years from God's perspective! Graham discusses the importance of building strong foundations, facing life's transitions, making wise decisions, and understanding our glorious hope. You'll learn how to face your limitations and grow inwardly stronger in the midst of difficulties. 176 pages, hardcover from Nelson.

Sacrilege
Hugh Halter
Baker Books, October 2011
It is safe to say most Christians do not live like Jesus did, have the same influence on people he had, or draw even the slightest curiosity from the on-looking world. Jesus's ability to woo people to him and win their hearts was directly related to how he challenged their assumptions about religion. He not only gave them a unique, personal way to follow him but also showed them how to participate with him in his mission. Sacrilege helps readers rethink what it really means to become like Jesus. It exposes the patterns of thinking that have held the church hostage for years and inspires readers to rethink the way they understand Scripture, family, spiritual formation, conversion, church, sin, and more.

The Tehran Initiative
Joel Rosenberg
Tyndale, September 2011
The world is on the brink of disaster and the clock is ticking. Iran has just conducted its first atomic weapons test. Millions of Muslims around the world are convinced their messiah-known as "the Twelfth Imam"-has just arrived on earth. Israeli leaders fear Tehran, under the Twelfth Imam's spell, will soon launch a nuclear attack that could bring about a second holocaust and the annihilation of Israel. The White House fears Jerusalem will strike first, launching a preemptive attack against Iran's nuclear facilities that could cause the entire Middle East to go up in flames, oil prices to skyrocket, and the global economy to collapse. With the stakes high and few viable options left, the president of the United States orders CIA operative David Shirazi and his team to track down and sabotage Iran's nuclear warheads before Iran or Israel can launch a devastating first strike.

Come to the Well CD
Casting Crowns
Provident Music, October 2011
Inspired by the story of Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well, Casting Crowns encourages you to let the "living water" of Christ overflow to those around you. Includes "Courageous," "City on a Hill," "Already There," "The Well," "Spirit Wind," "Just Another Birthday," "Wedding Day," "Angel," "My Own Worst Enemy," "So Far to Find You," and more.

Stronger in the Broken Places CD
Mark Harris
Stylos Records, October 2011
Stronger in the Broken Places is the creative product of a new season in Mark Harris' life. After several years on the road with 4Him, Mark found himself with the opportunity to invest in those around him and to learn from others with markedly different callings in their lives. "Being at home, investing in my family and in the community around me meant that I was also able to slow down enough and hear the Lord speaking to me,"says Mark. "After so many years on the road, I was finally able to unpack my bags, and what I found was God prodding me to be patient, to let Him take the lead with my aspirations as an artist and my subject matter as a songwriter. I felt strongly that He wanted me to take my time and that He wanted to give me direction, and as I trusted him, I felt the Holy Spirit ushering me and my music in to this totally different season. He has really refreshed and reinvigorated my desire to write and my desire to touch people through music."

Broadway Stories CD
Sandi Patty
Stylos Records, October 2011
Recorded in Prague, Czech Republic, with a lush 64 piece Symphony Orchestra and rhythm section, Sandi Patty's new album is being described as a "highlight of her musical career." This compilation features 10 songs from musicals including Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Showboat, Cabaret, Music Man, Oklahoma, My Fair Lady, Les Miserables, Hello Dolly and Carousel and others. Conducted by the musically renowned Maestro Jack Everly, this album is not one to be overlooked by any music lover.

Heaven is for Real for Kids
Colton Burpo
Thomas Nelson, October 2011
Written uniquely for kids by a kid, Heaven is For Real is now really for kids! Beautifully illustrated, this book features Colton talking about his experiences in the first person and commenting on things that children find important. Also included is a letter to parents to use as a guide to talk to your kids about heaven, Scripture, Q & A pages with answers from the Bible, and a prayer of salvation. Teach and comfort your kids with the knowledge that heaven is a real place! 32 pages, hardcover from Thomas Nelson.

Christmas with a Capital C DVD
Pureflix, October 2011
Mayor Dan Reed is looking forward to the Christmas events in Trapper Falls, Alaska, until former resident Mitch Bright shows up. Now a big-city lawyer, Mitch sues the town for violating the separation between church and state. But Dan's wife has a plan. Can she show that God's good will is for all, even those closed to him? Approx. 90 min.

What's in the Bible? #6: A Nation Divided DVD
Phil Vischer
EMI Distribution, October 2011
Let VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer and a bunch of hilarious new friends explain the entire Bible to your kids in this ground-breaking, fast-paced, and fun-filled DVD series. Includes TWO 25-minute episodes:
  • The Big Split: Israel is split in two, and the prophet Elijah faces off with 450 prophets of Baal to prove that Israel's God is the true God!
  • The End of Israel: A bunch of unfaithful kings lead to the end of Israel and Judah, but Isaiah has an amazing message in Israel's darkest hour!
Bonus Short:  Pirate's Guide to Church History: St. AnthonyApproximate running time: 55 minutes.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

New Releases

EntreLeadership
Dave Ramsey
Howard Books, September 2011
Take your business to the next level! Whether you're sitting at the CEO's desk, the middle manager's cubicle, or a card table in your living-room-based start-up, this practical step-by-step guide shows you how to unify and inspire your team; handle money and debt; deal with contracts and vendors; reach every goal you set; and more! 320 pages, hardcover from Howard.

Invisible Empires CD
Sara Groves
Provident Distribution, October 2011
Weaving a captivating musical soundscape, Sara offers challenging insights and an emotionally charged view into the Christian experience---including what it means to be God's hands and feet. Features "Miracle," "Eyes on the Prize," "Precious," "All That You Have for Me," "Childhood Summer," "Come Out & Play," "Scientists in Japan," "Mystery," "I'll Wait for You," and "Obsolete."

Stay/Restored/Beyond Measure 3-pk CD
Jeremy Camp
Bec Records, October 2011
Since his debut, Jeremy Camp has made a lasting impression on listeners with his honest, plainspoken faith, unmistakeable voice, and gift for song. This three CD set includes his first trio of albums, Stay, Restored, and Beyond Measure.

We Once Were CD
Rush of Fools
E1 Entertainment Distribution, September 2011
In the midst of their own trials over the past 3 years, the band wrote and created WE ONCE WERE, an album of hope and restoration both for themselves and for others. Produced by Dennis Herring (Counting Crows, Modest Mouse, Jars of Clay), the album features songs which speak to trust, faithfulness and the human condition like the first single Grace Found Me already a radio favorite! Other songs like Beginning To End, Won t Say Goodbye, and Come Find Me speak to gained confidence through faith in the hearts of believers. One thing you ll notice upon first listen is the production quality of this recording. This is not an assembly-line recording. It is dirty, raw, honest, and refreshingly real. The guitars have the sonic quality of a Weezer or Jimmy Eat World or Oasis in their best moments. The bass cuts with distortion and tone to be envied. The drums sound authentic and naturally massive--not sampled and compressed. In an industry that has beaten the horse of slick production beyond death, Rush of Fools has taken the opposite approach to make a record that sounds unique in both sonic and emotional presentation--the net effect is a contemporary classic with that immeasurable quality that will make you think to yourself, this sounds so familiar... Yet, no one has heard anything quite like it.

Christmas Offerings Collection CD
Third Day
Provident Distribution, October 2011
Available for the first time in one set, grab Third Day's exceptional Christmas Offerings on DVD and CD! Includes live versions of "Away in a Manger," "Silent Night," and "The First Noel"; plus "Joy to the World," "O Holy Night," "O Come All Ye Faithful," and more.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

New Releases

Thinking. Loving. Doing.
John Piper
Crossway Books, September 2011
Here is a resounding call to holistic Christianity. A challenge to be thinkers, engaged and serious about knowing God. And to be feelers, pulsing with passion for Jesus and his gospel. And to be doers, endeavoring great acts of love for others. Our Savior himself shows us that holistic Christianity is comprised of mind, heart, and hands. And he shows us that the Christian life is multidimensional-irreducibly and inseparably thinking, loving, and doing. With contributions from Francis Chan, Rick Warren, Albert Mohler, R. C. Sproul, and Thabiti Anyabwile, Thinking. Loving. Doing. A Call to Glorify God with Heart and Mind extends a thorough and compelling invitation to experience the fullness of the Christian life.

Bloodlines
John Piper
Crossway Books, September 2011
Genocide. Terrorism. Hate crimes. In a world where racism is far from dead, is unity amidst diversities even remotely possible? In Bloodlines: Race, Cross and the Christian John Piper shares from his own experiences growing up in the segregated South thoughtfully exposing the unremitting problem of racism. Instead of turning finally to organizations, education, famous personalities, or government programs to address racial strife, Piper reveals the definitive source of hope--teaching how the good news about Jesus Christ actively undermines the sins that feed racial strife, and leads to a many-colored and many-cultured kingdom of God. He focuses on specific biblical passages and shows how biblical doctrine rejects racism entirely. Learn to pursue ethnic harmony from a biblical perspective, and to relate to real people different from yourself, as you take part in the bloodline of Jesus that is comprised of "every tongue, tribe, and nation."

All is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir
Brennan Manning
David C Cook, September 2011
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9) How many of us struggle to truly accept the love and forgiveness of God? But it is through struggle that grace compels us to hold fast to hope in the cross of Christ and the power of God to reconcile all things. Brennan Manning has held many roles during his life--Franciscan priest, husband, recovering alcoholic, best-selling author, sinner, soldier and saint saved by grace. Born of his own struggles to embrace the love and grace of God, Manning is best known for The Ragamuffin Gospel. Brennan opens his heart to readers, sharing gritty details about his life behind the public eye in All Is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir. Moving and honest, All Is Grace trumpets the true magnitude of God's love-available to us in spite of our brokenness.

Becoming Fearless
Michelle Aguilar
David C Cook, September 2011
Are anxiety and insecurity weighing you down? The Biggest Loser champion Aguilar shows you how to shed the burden of fear and embrace lightness of being! Revealing her own deep-seated fears, she shares her story about her difficult relationship with her mother---and reminds you that trust in God is the ultimate weapon against fear. 240 pages, hardcover from Cook.
 
The Book of Man
William J. Bennett
Thomas Nelson, September 2011
With MIA fathers, gangster machismo, and metrosexual role models, it's no wonder boys are confused about what true manhood means. Seeking to chart a clear course for youth, Bennett explores the life of men at work, play, prayer, war, and home to define what a man is, how he should live, and what he should pursue. 560 pages, hardcover w/ deckled edges, from Nelson.

Belieber!
Cathleen Falsani
Worthy Publication, September 2011
Justin Bieber's rise from "regular kid" to one of the most famous people on the planet has captivated a nation of devoted fans called "Beliebers." With hit records, 8 million followers of Twitter and the third-largest grossing documentary film of all time, the 17-year-old Canadian pop star dubbed "Super Boy" on Rolling Stone's recent cover has countless fans who hang on his every word. But is there more to this pop idol's startling success than his legendary haircut and unusual talent? "The success I've achieved comes...from God," Bieber says "I feel I have an obligation to plant little seeds with my fans. I'm not going to tell them, 'You need Jesus,' but I will say at the end of my show, 'God loves you.'" The bold yet humble faith that grounds Bieber's worldview may just be the key to his extraordinary appeal. Recognizing that music and film are the language of this new generation, author and religion journalist Cathleen Falsani's hope is that this book will encourage faith leaders as well as parents to engage with popular culture in a different way so they can better talk to their kids about what matters most.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

New Releases

Close Enough to Hear God Breathe
Greg Paul
Thomas Nelson, September 2011
What would it be like to be so close to God that you could lay your head down on his chest and hear him breathe? Drawing you nearer to your heavenly Father, Paul's poetic prose and stories from Scripture invite you to allow God's Word to speak to you as you surrender to his tender embrace. 224 pages, softcover from Nelson.

More Lost Than Found
Jared Herd
Thomas Nelson, September 2011
More Lost Than Found helps readers reconnect with a faith worth believing.
If you look at the statistics about people raised in the church who are now leaving it, you'll realize that something has gone horribly wrong. Has God's truth lost relevance? The answer to this question, says Jared Herd, director of XP3 college ministries, is an absolute no. Next-generation Christians are drifting from the institutional faith because they no longer see their very real struggles or their need for deep connection with God adequately addressed there.
In More Lost Than Found, youth expert Jared Herd comes alongside anyone who has drifted from faith to reengage them with the truth they long to hear. With amusing anecdotes and brilliant insight, he gives readers the permission to struggle with their faith while, deep down, knowing they still believe it and want to believe it. In this refreshing, true-to-life message, readers find a companion for their faith journey, rediscover the truth they grew up believing, and are invigorated to lay hold of it once again.

A Better Way to Think
H. Norman Wright
Revell, September 2011
All of us talk to ourselves, carrying on inner dialogues much of the day. Some of this self-talk frees us, but much of it keeps us captive to negative patterns that have a corresponding negative impact on our emotions and actions. But we do not have to remain prisoners of fear, anxiety, despair, disillusionment, regret, or stress! The bestselling author of A Better Way to Think shows readers how to truly bring every thought captive under Christ, thereby freeing themselves from the negative patterns of self-talk that have stymied their personal and spiritual growth for years. Biblically based and full of practical, proven strategies, this book helps readers harness the positive and creative power of their thought lives in order to experience lasting freedom from negativity. 
Ascent from Darkness
Leehan, Michael
Thomas Nelson, September 2011
The redemptive story of one man's agonizing journey from the depths of Satanism to a radical new life in Christ. A life of difficulty and disappointment set 33-three year old Michael Leehan up for the worst decision of his life-to make a deal with the Devil to follow and serve him. Practicing the dark arts that include ritualistic cuttings and blood sacrifices, while fine tuning his manipulation and control skills,Michaellaunched into a twenty year downward spiral that included job loss and detachment from loved ones, and even jail time.
But God had another plan that included a group of Christian men to love him and pray for him-even when it became evident his assignment from Satan was to kill their pastor, Craig Groeschel.
The life Michael Leehan lives today is an incredible testimony of the transforming power of God's mercy and grace, but is also a wakeup call to the church to be fully aware of the spiritual war that is going on all around them, and to the ultimate battle for their souls.
"I am sending you to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me." Acts 26:18

Draw Close: A Devotional for Couples
Willard Harley, Jr. & Joyce Harley
Revell, September 2011
Nothing brings a couple closer quite like sharing a regular devotional time. Now Willard F. Harley, Jr., the bestselling author of His Needs, Her Needs, joins forces with his wife, Joyce, to bring readers devotions to help them increase their intimacy with God and each other. The forty chapters are each divided into five brief sections and explore Harley's proven marriage principles in connection with God's Word. Each devotion begins with a story and includes a brief meditation, a relevant Scripture passage, and application questions to help make the principles a reality. Perfect for newlyweds as well as those who have been married for decades, this devotional promises to help readers connect with their spouse, build a stronger marriage, and keep God at the center of their commitment to each other.

Beyond Boundaries
John Townsend
Zondervan, September 2011
How do you know you're ready to trust again ... and what does it take to be ready? Painful relationships violate our trust, causing us to close our hearts. But to experience the freedom and love God designed us for, we eventually have to take another risk. In this breakthrough book, bestselling author Dr. John Townsend takes you beyond the pain of the past to discover how to re-enter a life of intimate relationships. Whether you're trying to restore a current relationship or begin a new one, Townsend gives practical tools for establishing trust and finding the intimacy you long for. Beyond Boundaries will help you reinstate closeness with someone who broke your trust; discern when true change has occurred; reestablish appropriate connections in strained relationships; create a safe environment that helps you trust; and restore former relationships to a healthy dynamic. You can move past relational pain to trust again. Beyond Boundaries will show you how.

Forbidden (The Book of Mortals)
Ted Dekker & Tosca Lee
Center Street, September 2011
New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker teams with Tosca Lee to create this gripping thriller set in a desolate future. A terrible truth has been revealed to one man: the entire human race has been drained of every emotion except one-- fear. To bring life back to the world, Rom must embark on a journey that will end either in his own demise or a re-awakening of humanity. But to bring love and passion back into existence will also threaten the powers of the world with the revolution and anarchy that had nearly destroyed them previously. After happening upon a journal through strange circumstance, Rom's world is shattered. He learns that humanity long ago ceased to "live," that it exists today in a living death of emotions. In a terrible risk, Rom exposes himself to the vial of blood folded into the old leather of the journal. His change is fearful and fraught with mind-bending emotion. A once-pious observer of the Order's passionless statues, he is filled with uncontrollable impulses. He is filled with love. He is undone, terrified, and alone in the desolate world.

The One You Need CD
Shane & Shane
Provident Music, September 2011
A personal, passionate celebration of God's grace from a dynamic duo that's on fire for the Lord! Putting Scripture to song, Shane & Shane convey the pure emotion of loving and trusting God in "Liberty," "Future Version," "Miracle," "Running to You," "Lift Up the Light," "Because He's God," "Without You," "Grace Is Sufficient," the title track, and more.

The Reckoning CD
NeedtoBreathe
Atlantic Records, September 2011
The 2011 Dove Award-winning group captures the on-stage energy of their exhilarating live performances in this highly anticipated release! Includes the arena-ready "Drive All Night," a swaggering "White Fences," the hit radio single "Slumber," "Wanted Man," "Keep Your Eyes Open," "Angel at My Door," "Learn to Love," "Devil's Been Talkin'," the epic title track, and more.

VeggieTales The Little Drummer Boy DVD
Big Idea Productions, September 2011
A Veggie version of the holiday classic! Junior Asparagus stars as the poor, lonely little boy who wants to see the newborn king---but he has nothing to give that would be worthy of royalty. Pa-rum pum pum pum. Could his gift to the Christ child be his song? Will it be good enough? 45 minutes.

Thank You, God, for Blessing Me (Little Hermie)
Max Lucado
Tommy Nelson, September 2011
Meet Little Hermie-the cutest caterpillar in the garden! Little Hermie's thankful heart shows toddlers how to be thankful for God's blessings. With sweet illustrations coupled with rhyming text, toddlers will enjoy reading this new series on Hermie when he was little, before graduating to the Hermie & Friends series. 10 pages, board book from Thomas Nelson.
  
Thank You, God for Loving Me (Little Hermie)
Max Lucado
Tommy Nelson, September 2011
Little Hermie and the baby bug garden friends teach little ones about God's love for them. With sweet illustrations coupled with rhyming text, toddlers will enjoy reading this new series on Hermie when he was little, before graduating to the Hermie & Friends series. 10 pages, board book from Thomas Nelson.