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!

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.

New Releases: December 30, 2008

For The Tough Times
Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson, December 2008

Psalm 11:3 tells us, "When all that is good falls apart, what can good people do?" Isn't David's question ours? When jobs are lost, marriages fall apart, and loved ones die, what are we to do? David answers his own question with a declaration. "The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord sits on his throne in heaven." The point is unmistakable: God is undeterred by our problems. People are hurting, but he is there. He is still in control. When unspeakable tragedies and incomprehensible losses occur, we are saddened, angry, even vengeful. And we are full of questions. Why would God allow this atrocity? How can God bring good from such sadness? How should I pray in this time of great suffering? In this, you'll search for answers while requesting God's peace and understanding.


Eat This And Live!
Don Colbert, MD
Siloam, December 2008

Improve your health and extend your days with simple food choices. Today we have an abundance of options when it comes to the food we eat. But all foods are not created equal. In fact, some food should not even be labeled food but rather "consumable product" or "edible, but void nourishment." In Eat This and Live!, Dr. Colbert provides a road map to help you navigate this often treacherous territory. Based on the key principles for healthy eating, this practical guidebook to food includes his food and restaurant choices, along with helpful tips, charts, and nutrition information that will make it easier for you to stay healthy and lose weight. Now is the time to build the rest of your life on this wonderful pillar of health--living food!


The One-Year Women's Friendship Devotional
Fuller/Aldrich
Tyndale, September 2008

Are you looking for a devotional to share with a friend? This devotional is designed specifically to encourage friendships among women while deepening connection to God and His word. It can also be used individually. At the end of each week, you'll find questions for reflection and discussion to stimulate personal growth and cultivate deeper relationships with other women. Each week focuses on a specific topic such as avoiding the comparison trap, cultivating a joy-filled life, handling common stress, and wading through grief.



The One-Year Yellow Ribbon Devotional
Pace/McGlothlin
Tyndale, September 2008

Take a stand and pray for those who've taken a stand for your freedoms! Do you want to support the men and women in uniform but don't know how? Are you or someone you love involved in the armed forces or serving our country? Are the battles of life getting the better of you? During a time of war, while so many people are affected by the absence of loved ones who leave home and serve in distant countries, those left behind often struggle to find contentment and hope. This devotional will meet the needs of these individuals by helping them grow close to God in prayer; it will bless anyone facing the challenge of difficult circumstances; and it will encourage us all to stand in prayer for those taking a stand for our freedoms.


Living Rich for Less
Ellie Kay
WaterBrook Press, December 2008

With lively humor, proven know-how, and practical principles for financial health, this book helps you stretch your dollars to realize the lifestyle of your dreams. Ellie Kay's examples show you simple steps to give, save, and spend smart. Her three main principles are undergirded by dozens of effective rules and hundreds of Cha Ching Factor tips that keep or put money in your pocket. Ellie knows what it's like to be financially-strapped. She went, within 2 1/2 years, from being $40,000 in debt to being completely debt-free; within 15 years she shares how she was able to pay cash for 11 different cars, give away 3 of those cars, but two 5-bedroom houses, take wonderful vacations, and support more than 30 non-profit organizations, giving away more than $100,000. Isn't that the rich life you want?


The Power of Watching and Praying
Chavda
Destiny Image, January 2009

We cannot afford to be prayerless. The victories we need to win will not be won with fleshly tickling of the five senses or programs that touch the mind but not the soul. Prayer is the single most important ministry of the church, yet much of today's church is powerless because it is prayerless. The Lord has issued a renewed call to corporate fasting and intercessory prayer for the deliverance and healing of the nations in preparation for His return. Such a call requires sacrifice, complete surrender to Christ and dogged willingness to engage the enemy on the field of battle. Answering the call to battle is not for the faint of heart, but for those who truly want to make a difference for the Kingdom of God in their world.

New Releases: December 17, 2008

Wisdom For Each Day
Billy Graham
Thomas Nelson, December 2008

One of the best ways to grow closer to God is to spend time alone with Him--every day. Reading His Word, meditating on its truth, and coming to Him in prayer will help you keep your priorities straight, and the focus of your heart and mind on God's love and will for your life. May these devotionals strengthen you and give you wisdom to live boldly for Christ and grow stronger in your faith than ever before.




365 Daily Whispers of Wisdom for Young Women: A Year Of Inspirational Readings
Barbour, January 2009

You're just beginning the journey of adulthood. Education, career, friendships, family, marriage, and kids--one or all of the above may be in your life. As you lay the foundation for your future, how will you make time to grow in your relationship with your heavenly Father? This daily devotional is the perfect way to jump-start your spiritual life. Whether you're in a new place, experiencing a new life, or rooted firmly in a daily routine, this book will refresh your spirit and remind you that you aren't alone on the journey.


365 Daily Whispers for Busy Women: A Year Of Inspirational Readings
Barbour, December 2008

Schedules fill quickly, to-do lists stretch for miles. Whether it's career, kids and family, volunteering, homemaking, or all of the above, it's sometimes hard to find the time to focus on our most important relationship--with our heavenly Father. This daily devotional is the perfect way to jump-start your spiritual life and will meet you right where you are today. Whether you're experiencing an I've-got-everything-under-control day or a frazzled I'll-never-get-anything done day, this book will remind you you're not alone in this journey.


Compassion
Amy Lyles Wilson
Fresh Air Books, October 2008

Enhance your capacity to care...by cultivating a compassionate heart. Chances are, someone in your midst could use a little of your time, a bit of your spirit. A friend or a neighbor, a coworker of a family member, maybe even a stranger could benefit from someone's reaching out to them. This little book encourages you to adopt compassion as a way of life instead of saving it for special occasions. The essays provide for doing just that, be it tending injured animals or bearing another's burdens.



Forgiveness
Amy Lyles Wilson
Fresh Air Books, October 2008

Go beyond merely forgiving and forgetting...and discover how to make peace with your past. Like many of you, I've been dealt a few cards I do not think I deserved. In response, I used to think forgiving and forgetting meant I had to act like I had never been wronged. The writers in this collection tell me otherwise. Forgiving, they say, does not require pretending you were never hurt. It does mean, however, that you'll need to make peace with your past in order to embrace the future.



Fresh Grounded Faith: Devotions To Awaken Your Spirit
Jennifer Rothschild
Harvest House, December 2008

Your morning coffee is fresh and satisfying...how about your faith? The God of the Bible is the God of fresh things. When you are grounded, you are rooted. God's Spirit provides insights from God's Word that you can trust and depend on regardless of what you face, regardless of what you may need to endure. As you drink in these daily thoughts and write down the responses brewing inside you, your faith will become richer and more satisfying, and the pleasing aroma will be a treat for everyone you meet.


The Maker's Diet for Weight Loss
Jordan S. Rubin
Siloam, January 2009

Jordan Rubin takes his nutritional principles to a whole new level in this 16-week program designed to help you finally achieve your weight-loss goals. By addressing your whole person, body, mind, emotions, and spirit, this will help you reach a weight that makes you look good and feel good about yourself. With solid medical advice from Bernard Bulwer, MD, this book presents a holistic approach to weight loss that will change your life forever.



The Bare Bones Bible Handbook For Teens
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 what this book is all about. In just 10 minutes you can discover the key points of any book of the Bible. You'll learn the big idea of each book, the main people and events, and the important lessons for personal and spiritual growth. You'll be amazed at how much the Bible has to say about the things that matter most to you--your happiness, friends and family, home and school, and goals for the future.


The Centurion's Wife
Davis Bunn & Janette Oke
Bethany House, January 2009

When her family's wealth and power are lost forever, Leah is sent to Pilate in hopes that he might arrange a strategic marriage. But despite her betrothed's striking countenance and position, Leah deems life as a centurion's wife a fate worse than death. Head of the garrison near Galilee, Alban has ambitions that could one day see him at the seat of power, in Rome itself. Eager to prove himself, he takes on the assignment of a lifetime, one that will put his career, his beliefs, and his very life at risk. But when the death and missing body of an obscure rabbi compel Leah and Alban to search for answers, what they discover changes everything.


Earth Gospel
Sam Hamilton-Poore
Upper Room Books, January 2009

Earth Gospel offers four weeks of prayer, meditation with scripture, and prayerful reflection. Join with sages across time who contemplate the beauty and delicate nature of our home: planet Earth. Conveniently sized to tuck into a backpack for a field expedition or as a companion to your Bible during prayer time, Earth Gospel will deepen your appreciation and commitment to creation.


Daily Seeds From Women Who Walk In Faith
Lustrea, Schmidt, & Neff
Moody Publishers, October 2008

Are you sensing God wants to do something new in your life? Then treat yourself to a daily seed of encouragement and see how God will grow it. Written by more than 70 contributors from an array of life experiences, these selections will meet you on the paths you walk--of busyness, loneliness, search for purpose, financial stress, envy, loss, changing friendships, and many others. Learn from women like yourself how you can wait on God for His perfect gifts, honor Him with your work, savor the simple pleasures He gives, exercise your imagination, and , as one writer puts it, "keep your eyes on the Instructor of the dance of life." You'll plant spiritual seeds that yield a fresher, more interesting walk with the Lord.


Look Unto Me: The Devotions of Charles Spurgeon
Jim Reimann
Zondervan, October 2008

Charles Spurgeon has encouraged generations of Christians to discover a richer commitment to Christ. This book offers spiritual insight and timeless wisdom from one of the greatest preachers of all time. This devotional, drawn from Spurgeon's Morning by Morning, has now been updated in today's language and includes contemporary commentary by Jim Reimann. With precise NIV text, the timeless message of the original devotions flows unhindered through these pages, lending guidance and hope to a new generation of believers.


The Prayer That Makes God Smile
Stormie Omartian
Harvest House, January 2009

You make God happy. And He is happiest when you talk to Him...but there is one prayer that always makes God smile. God loves you so much, and He always listens when you talk to Him. You can tell Him anything. You can share how you feel. You can ask Him for whatever you need. You can thank Him for His awesome gifts. And when you pray the prayer that makes you a part of God's family forever, you'll know that God is smiling.

New Releases: December 3, 2008

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (DVD)
Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media, December 2008

The magical world of C.S. Lewis' beloved fantasy comes to life once again in Prince Caspian, the second installment of The Chronicles of Narnia series. Join Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy, the mighty Aslan, friendly new creatures and Prince Caspian as they lead the Narnians on a remarkable journey to restore peace and glory to their enchanted land. Continuing the adventure of The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe with more magic and a brand-new hero, Prince Caspian is a triumph of imagination, courage, love, joy and humor your whole family will want to watch again and again.



Your Best Life Begins Each Morning
Joel Osteen
Faith Words, December 2008

The key to living your best life starts with how you approach every new day of the year. You can't do anything about the past, and you don't know what the future holds. But when you wake up in the morning, you can make up your mind to do your best to enjoy your day. These daily devotions from inspirational leader Joel Osteen will give you a way to strive to go higher, rise above obstacles, and live in health, abundance, and victory!



How To Be Found By The Man You've Been Looking For
Michelle McKinney Hammond
Harvest House, December 2008

Dynamic and down-to-earth relationship expert Hammond shares from her heart to yours on wanting and finding a special man to spend your life with. She's packed this hands-on, straightforward book with powerful insights, wisdom born of experience, and practical advice to help you attract, evaluate, communicate with, and love your future mate. She encourages you to take your life off hold and step forward in faith, gain a better understanding of men, get ready for love, let go of dead-end relationships, and be ready to follow God's lead. In her candid style, she uses the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz to reveal that finding a life partner can be a vibrant time of embracing where you are and looking forward to what God is going to do.



Simple Secrets Couples Should Know
Bob & Emilie Barnes
Harvest House, December 2008

What's the secret to a lasting, loving marriage? The first big secret is a God-centered relationship that leads to a marriage of unity, forgiveness, security, unconditional love, joy, and longevity. Engaging stories, illustrations, and practical advice will help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your own union as you discover more secrets. Whether you're about to say "I do" or heading for an anniversary milestone, this gathering of encouragement and biblical principles will help you build a marriage that is a light to your family.



Lord, Teach Me To Study The Bible In 28 Days
Kay Arthur
Harvest House, December 2008

Do you long for a greater, more personal understanding of God and His Word? With inductive study, God Himself becomes your teacher as you learn how to "hang on His every word" and discover truth for yourself. It's life-changing! Kay takes you through this step-by-step, interactive guide into the fascinating world of Bible study so you can understand what you're reading, recognize words, discover points, discern God's purpose, and apply His principles to every facet of your life. Your Bible reading time will become an exciting step forward in your spiritual walk.