New Releases

The Way of the Wise
Kevin Leman
Revell, February 2013
Illuminating insights from a man who was more "wise guy" than wise in early life! Combining sage advice from Proverbs 3:1--6 and his own personal stories, Leman shares lessons he learned from mistakes he made as a young man, and offers 10 principles drawn from Solomon's verses that transformed his life---and will change yours, too! 160 pages, hardcover from Revell.

Jesus Calling Women's Edition
Sarah Young
Thomas Nelson, February 2013
Sarah Young's modern classic now in a designer pink leathersoft edition with engraved intricate swirls motif. Experience her unique heartfelt and uplifting devotions, and be inspired by the inherent challenge in her honest writings. 400 page gift book edition; 4.25" x 6.5"; an inspiring gift.

Operation Screwtape: The Art of Spiritual War
Andrew Farley
Baker Books, January 2013
Know the enemy. Anticipate his attack. Expert linguist Dr. Andrew Farley has discovered a device containing thousands of archived files that reveal a worldwide spiritual conspiracy. Operation Screwtape, the largest of these files, details an intelligent scheme to steal, kill, and destroy. At great personal risk to himself and his reputation, Dr. Farley has translated this document and made it available to the world. What you do with this information is up to you.

I Am Not But I Know I Am
Louie Giglio
Multnomah, December 2012
In this super-sized era where bigger is better and fast is too slow, it's time to become small and let God be great! Redefining success, Giglio shows you how to obtain the astonishing freedom and incredible rest that come from believing, like John the Baptist and Moses, that you must decrease while Jesus increases. 176 pages, softcover from Multnomah.

Sing Like Never Before CD: The Essential Collection
Matt Redman
sixstepsrecords, November 2012
As the composer of "Blessed Be Your Name" and many more of today's most requested praise songs, worship leader Matt Redman has encouraged the church worldwide. Featuring his biggest songs---including "You Never Let Go," "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)," "Better Is One Day," and "Love So High" ---this release is poised to make music history yet again!

VeggieTales: Lettuce Love One Another! DVD
Big Idea Productions, December 2012
How do you make the world a garden blooming with joy? Bob, Larry, and their Veggie pals say all you need is love! This hilarious 3-in-1 collection includes Abe and the Amazing Promise, King George & the Ducky, and Tomato Sawyer and Huckleberry Larry's Big River Rescue---plus Larry's Bible stories that teach kids about sharing, praying, and forgiveness. Approx. 120 minutes.

New Releases

Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes
E. Randolph Richards
IVP Books, December 2012
Biblical scholars O'Brien and Richards identify nine key areas where Western readers tend to make significantly different cultural assumptions about what's being conveyed in a Bible passage. Drawing on their cross-cultural experiences, they demonstrate how a better self-awareness of these discrepancies can allow readers to see the Bible in fresh, unexpected ways. 240 pages, softcover from InterVarsity.

40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life
Tommy Newberry
Tyndale, October 2012
Turn that frown upside down---one day at a time! Featuring excerpts from Newberry's New York Times bestseller The 4:8 Principle, this practical "working devotional" offers encouraging thoughts, time-tested strategies, and interactive exercises designed to help you experience God's joy in your life. Discover the satisfaction of setting goals, cultivating gratitude, living simply, and more. 224 pages, softcover from Tyndale.

The Grace Walk Devotional
Steve McVey
Harvest House Publishers, January 2013

Since 1995, Steve McVey's Grace Walk (over 250,000 sold) has inspired Christians to leave behind performance- and fear-based Christianity and embrace God in all His generosity and grace.
Steve's devotional draws on Scripture and the Grace Walk message, enabling readers to take in life-changing teaching piece by piece and day by day. As they grasp that God's grace is immensely more than a doctrine, they will discover

• why it's all right to give up on themselves and their efforts
• new ways to quit "doing" for God so that He can live through them
• how to view the Bible, salvation, and evangelism from a new perspective

This power-packed book will lead believers to understand who they are in Christ, help them relax and delight in Jesus' love and friendship, and find that He will do more through them and in them than they could ever do for Him or for themselves.

Women of the Bible
Carol Smith, Ellyn Sanna, Rachel Phillips
Barbour Publishing, November 2012
Scripture's "leading ladies" didn't get much of the spotlight but they contributed amazing things to the history of God's people! In this intriguing illustrated guide, you'll learn about their roles and jobs, daily experiences, and interactions with men - and gain new understanding into God's Word. Includes timelines and indexes of named and unnamed women in the Bible.

Chocolate-Covered Baloney  v. 3 (Confessions of April Grace)
KD McCrite
Thomas Nelson, November 2012

The last thing April Grace wants is more change in her life—but that’s exactly what she gets! Plus, April has a new mystery to solve when Myra Sue starts sneaking around and acting very suspicious! From snooty new neighbors to starting junior high to getting a new baby brother to having her grandmother get a boyfriend, April Grace has had enough change to last until she is at least 87 years old. But when it rains, it pours, and April Grace is in for the ride of her life when her prissy, citified neighbor Isabel becomes her gym teacher and a long-lost relative suddenly reappears and throws everything into a tizzy. On top of that, April’s sister, Myra Sue, has been hiding something and sneaking around. April needs to find out what is going on before her silly sister gets herself into trouble again. More important, will April find the grace she needs to handle her topsy-turvy life and forgive past wrongs? Girls will fall in love with April’s humor and completely relate to her as she deals with family, friends, drama, and both the humor and the heartache that are part of growing up.

The Mark DVD
Pure Flix, October 2012
On an overseas flight, former soldier Chad Turner carries an implanted microchip that's capable of revolutionizing global trade. But several mercenaries are also on board, with plans to hijack the plane and steal the device. During a midair battle, the chip's true nature is revealed. Is it civilization's salvation---or a powerful weapon to be used by the ultimate evil? Approx. 98 minutes.

The Acoustic Sessions vol. 1 CD
Casting Crowns
Provident/Integrity, January 2013
Since their debut album released in 2003, Casting Crowns has consistently topped the charts with their signature melodies and faith-infused lyrics. Now old favorites become new again in these acoustic versions of their hit songs. Includes "East to West," "Who Am I," "If We Are the Body," "Here I Go Again," "Praise You in This Storm," and two brand-new tunes!

Limitless CD
Planetshakers
Provident, January 2013
With over 20 international albums to their credit, Australian worship team Planetshakers kick off 2013 with an electrifying collection of live worship originals! This thirteen song set balances ballads, midtempo compositions, and energetic modern rock sounds on "Put Your Hands Up," "The Anthem," "You Are Stronger," and more.

For the Glory CD
The OC Supertones
Bec Records, November 2012
Orange County ska-core unit The O.C. Supertones are back with a twelve-song set of brand new material! Launched in 1996 and disbanded in 2005, the group reunited for a live tour in 2010, bringing their signature sound back to legions of adoring fans. Now the group returns from the studio with a full length recording including "Far More Beautiful," "Warmth of the Sun," "All Glory," and more.

Book Review

Sinner's Creed: a memoir

by Scott Stapp (lead singer of Creed)

and David Ritz

Tyndale House Publishers 2012 

Christian Audio 2012

If you have listened to music by Creed or wondered if they were a "Christian band" or followed Scott Stapp as a solo artist, you will be interested in reading this biography.  Scott is very open and honest about his life, his background, his struggles, his ups and downs, his relationship with Christ.  Because he is so honest and real, one can learn that even when we fail, God is there with love ready to forgive us.  This is a fascinating biography you will not want to miss.

The Harbinger: The Ancient Mystery That Holds the Secret of America's Future

Audiobook CD, Unabridged

By: Jonathan Cahn

Frontline, 2012

Reviewed by Diane Busch

The content of this book was very good.  I think the message was fascinating and should be broadcast for everyone to hear.  The prophecies, although couched in fiction, could be things the Lord is trying to tell America today.  But, as a fan of books by Joel Rosenberg and Dan Brown, etc. I thought it was lacking in style, depth, and adventure.  I didn't like the narrative way it was written, but I did find out at the end of the book why it was written that way.  For me it just wasn't a "riveting" story that I couldn't put down.  Still, I recommend that everyone read it to discover how the prophecies play out and how history repeats itself.

New Releases

Who Do You Think You Are? Finding Your True Identity in Christ
Mark Driscoll
Thomas Nelson, January 2013

Pastor Mark Driscoll answers the one question you need to ask: Who am I in Christ? Being a Christian can be like driving in a foreign city. You try living on the straight and narrow but instead take a wrong turn onto the wide avenue of sin and temptation. In the process, you become discouraged and condemned, limping along in your faith—or giving up altogether. But this isn’t the real Christian life. You can make a U-turn.
Drawing on nearly two decades of pastoring, Pastor Mark Driscoll knows that underlying our struggles in life is the issue of our identity. “The fundamental problem we have in this world,” he says, “is that we don’t understand who we truly are—children of God made in his image—and define ourselves by any number of things other than Jesus. Only by knowing our false identity apart from Christ in comparison to our true identity in him can we finally deal with and overcome the issues in our lives.”
Who are you in Christ? Among other things:

• You are a saint
• You are blessed
• You are saved
• You are afflicted
• You are heard

You aren’t what’s been done to you but what Jesus has done for you. You aren’t what you do but what Jesus has done. What you do doesn’t determine who you are. Rather, who you are in Christ determines what you do. These are fundamental truths that Pastor Mark explores in depth throughout Who Do You Think You Are? Finding Your True Identity in Christ.

Dirty God: Jesus in the Trenches
Johnnie Moore
Thomas Nelson, January 2013

In Dirty God: Jesus in the Trenches, Johnnie Moore draws on both Scripture and his extensive experience with other cultures and religions to show how the God of the Bible is unique in his willingness to be near us in all of our messiness. Moore outlines the central importance of the doctrine of grace while introducing readers to a humble and human Jesus who reaches out to us at our worst and pulls us up to our best.
Grace, Moore argues, is something that is both gotten and given, and the two-part structure of the book allows readers to explore both of these dynamics. By offering hope rather than condemnation and showing the practical applications of grace in today’s world, Dirty God will appeal to both the committed Christian and the spiritual seeker looking for a more authentic faith. Challenging and engaging, Dirty God is sure to establish Johnnie Moore as an emerging voice for Millennial and Gen-X evangelicals for years to come.

The Utter Relief of Holiness
John Eldredge
Faith Words, January 2013
What a relief it would be to be set free from all that plagues us--the inner struggle with anger, or contempt, the habitual sins. Is such an experience possible? John Eldredge believes it is, and in The Utter Relief of Holiness, he shows readers how they can be that free, through the healing work of Christ in their lives. It begins when we discover what the salvation of Jesus Christ means for our own restoration and find that holiness is an expression of the healing of our humanity. Here is a book that explores the beauty of the genuine goodness available to us in Jesus Christ, and guides the reader through the process whereby God makes us whole and holy by his love. Readers will be relieved. Utterly.

The Sacred Search
Gary Thomas
David C Cook, December 2012
From the award-winning author of Sacred Marriage comes a fresh look at dating---and how to make a covenant relationship spectacular before it starts! Encouraging singles to abandon the idea of a "soul mate" and trade it for the notion of a "sole mate"---a partnership dedicated to Christ---Thomas contends that a good marriage is something you make. 272 pages, softcover from Cook.

The Sacred Search Conversation Guide
Gary Thomas
David C Cook, January 2013
From the award-winning author of Sacred Marriage comes a fresh look at dating---and how to make a covenant relationship spectacular before it starts! Encouraging singles to abandon the idea of a "soul mate" and trade it for the notion of a "sole mate"---a partnership dedicated to Christ---Thomas contends that a good marriage is something you make. 272 pages, softcover from Cook.

Making Disciples
Ralph Moore
Regal Books, December 2012
The Great Commission is to make disciples. Renowned church planter and pastor Ralph Moore shows leaders why a focus on making disciples is the essential next step once a church is planted. This biblical, practical handbook will guide churches of any size to focus their ministries around Jesus’ command to His followers to make disciples of all nations. Making Disciples offers a model of church ministry that sees every member as a minister, and it will become an indispensable resource for equipping a new generation of disciple-makers.

Vanished
Irene Hannon
Revell, January 2013
Reporter Moira Harrisons is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a confusing detour places her on a rural, wooded road, she's startled by the sudden appearance of a lone figure caught in the beam of her headlights. Though Moira jams on her brakes, the car careens across the wet pavement--and the solid thump against the side of the vehicle tells her she hit the person before she crashes into a tree on the far side of the road.

New Releases

Spiritual Simplicity
Chip Ingram
Howard Books, January 2013
Fatigue, shallow relationships, fractured families . . . these are just a few of the troubling side-effects of a frenetic culture that seems to be "always running but never arriving." Ingram offers a soul-healing alternative! Learn to make "love" your #1 priority, slow down to a "meaningful speed," concentrate on what really matters---and simplify your life. 160 pages, hardcover from Howard.

The 5 Money Personalities:Speaking the Same Love and Money Language
Scott & Bethany Palmer
Thomas Nelson, January 2013

The hidden key to a healthy relationship is not just managing money but understanding how the other approaches money. Every couple argues about money. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been married for 40 years or dating for 4 months, money touches every decision you make as a couple—from the $5 cup of coffee to the $50,000 car. And when the two of you don’t see eye-to-eye on how much to spend or how much to save, that’s when arguments turn into ugly toxic fights that leave both persons feeling hurt and angry. It’s why money has become the #1 cause of divorce in the U.S. Obviously, something needs to change. The reason this crisis has not been addressed is because it has never been identified, defined, or given a name. Scott and Bethany Palmer, aka “The Money Couple,” have identified and defined this problem and offer concrete solutions to fix it. Once you know your Money Personality, you can get to the root of money arguments and start really working together. You’ll discover what has an impact on your loved one’s money decisions, and you’ll learn how to talk about money in a way that’s actually fun! You’ll figure out how to put an end to money secrets and lies once and for all. It’s not just about money management, and it’s definitely not just about overcoming debt. It is a whole new way of living that will change everything in your relationship. Tens of thousands have already been transformed. Are you ready?

Beyond Ordinary
Justin & Trisha Davis
Tyndale, December 2012
How safe is your marriage? The answer may surprise you. The biggest threat to any marriage isn’t infidelity or miscommunication. The greatest enemy is ordinary. Ordinary marriages lose hope. Ordinary marriages lack vision. Ordinary marriages give in to compromise. Ordinary is the belief that this is as good as it will ever get. And when we begin to settle for ordinary, it’s easy to move from “I do” to “I’m done.” Justin and Trisha Davis know just how dangerous ordinary can be. In this beautifully written book, Justin and Trisha take us inside the slow fade that occurred in their own marriage—each telling the story from their own perspective. Together, they reveal the mistakes they made, the work they avoided, the thoughts and feelings that led to an affair and near divorce, and finally, the heart-change that had to occur in both of them before they could experience the hope, healing, and restoration of a truly extraordinary marriage.

Fatherless
Dr. James Dobson, Kurt Bruner
Faith Words, January 2013
It's 2040 and the economic pyramid has flipped---the feeble old now outnumber the vigorous young. Seeking to revive her career by investigating this crisis, reporter Julia Davidson is plagued by nightmares about her absent father and becomes a pawn in an ominous conspiracy. Will she choose to nurture her spiritual well-being or her professional success? 448 pages, hardcover from Faithwords.

Placebo
Steven James
Revell, November 2012
Presto! The Bowers Files disappear and James's new series explodes onto the fiction stage with Jevin Banks, an escape artist who tragically loses his family and his nerve for his craft. Now he uses his background as an illusionist to debunk fake psychics and televangelists by replicating and exposing what they do on his television show. When he and his sidekicks, Charlene and Xavier, delve into a pharmaceutical company's research into mind-to-mind communication and therapies that could radically extend life, the worlds of big drug companies, counter-terrorism, and government collide.James's brand of high-end suspense distinguishes itself as Christian through characters that stare evil in the face and don't back down because of their faith, despite doubts and confusion. The writing, pacing and plot lines are impeccable, the author always pulling up the shade a bit for a shaft of light and redemption to make gruesome scenes somehow bearable. Much isn't fully resolved, but that's why readers like series and are happy to let money vanish and reappear in the pockets of masterful novelists like James.

Welcome to Paradise DVD
Echolight Studios, December 2012
When big-city preacher Debbie Laramie and her son, Hayden, are sent to the small town of Paradise, they find a community desperately in need of healing. Can they inspire their apathetic new congregation to reach out to the whole town---even the poor and outcast? Stars Crystal Bernard, Bobby Edner, and Lou Beatty, Jr. Dove approved. (G.) 105 minutes