New Releases

Center Church
Timothy Keller
Zondervan, Sept. 2012
Do you struggle to translate your theological beliefs into fruitful ministry? Helping you find a balance between faith and methodology, Keller offers an innovative model for ministry that's centered on the transforming gospel of Christ; affirms that cities are strategic and underserved places for outreach; and promotes prosperity and peace in urbanized communities. 352 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

Grace Happens Here
Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson, Sept. 2012
Examining grace from all directions, Lucado concludes that no matter how you look at it, it's always beautiful, perennially present, and ever ready to cause wonders in your life! Filled with quotations, Scripture, and heartwarming stories, his gift book will encourage you to embrace and enjoy God's mercy---and freely extend it to others. 192 pages, hardcover from Nelson.

The River
Michael Neale
Thomas Nelson, Sept. 2012

The River was calling him...Growing up in rural Kansas, Gabriel Clarke was mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon off rothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. From deep within, Gabriel's passion for The River was undeniable. The fast waters beckoned him to experience freedom and adventure-and leave his past behind. But something was holding him back.
As Gabriel came of age in Kansas, chains of fear and resentment imprisoned him, keeping him from discovering all the treasures of The River-its powerful rapids, relentless gradients, and boulder-strewn sections of majestic splendor. He couldn't let go of the horrible event he witnessed on The River when he was four years old-something no child should ever see. In this compelling story, Gabriel learns that letting go of the past means giving himself totally to The River-heart, soul, and mind.

The Judge
Randy Singer
Tyndale, August 2012
Staging the ultimate reality show, an eccentric billionaire invites representatives from the world's religions to argue their beliefs. Feisty judge Oliver Finney accepts the challenge---and realizes he's trapped in a deadly game. Will his law clerk, Nikki, be able to decipher his cryptic e-mails before he dies defending Christ? (Previously titled The Cross-Examination of Olive Finney.) 400 pages, softcover from Tyndale.

The 13: Fall (Book One)
Robbie Cheuvront and Erik Reed
Barbour Publishing, August 2012
Former Black Ops specialist-turned-CIA-operative Jonathan Keene joins a battle against an enemy nobody saw coming---yet waits on America's doorstep. Teaming with FBI agent Megan Taylor, he fights against illegal immigration, even as our nation's borders are pushed back to the original 13 colonies. Can he stem the tide---and face demons from his past?

October Baby
Eric Wilson
B&H Publishing, August 2012
October Baby is a thought-provoking film that follows the dramatic, humorous, romantic story of 19-year-old Hannah, who goes on a road trip to find answers after learning she is adopted and the survivor of an attempted abortion. This novel by Eric Wilson is based on the award-winning movie.

October Baby DVD
Provident Films, Sept. 2012
When Hannah collapses during a college play, she's rushed to the hospital, where medical tests reveal the underlying cause---trauma suffered at birth. Soon afterward, she discovers another shocking fact: she was adopted after a failed abortion attempt. Bewildered and angry, Hannah goes in search of her birth mother. Will the truth set her free? Rated PG-13. Dove approved (12+). Widescreen. Approx. 109 minutes.

Wild Grace
Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson, Sept. 2012
"Unpopular." "Ugly." "Failure." Teens are often shaped by the world's labels. But God's grace can change everything! Inviting kids on an exciting adventure of self-discovery, Lucado shows them that even though their lives may be messed up or off track, God can transform them from the inside out---and inspire them to share his amazing love with others. 192 pages, softcover from Nelson.

Eye On It CD (also available in deluxe edition)
Toby Mac
Forefront Records, August 2012
TobyMac returns! Successfully combining elements of rock, pop, and hip-hop, he focuses his music on real-life struggles, his faith, and the glory of God in this crazy world. Includes "Me Without You," "Steal My Show," "Forgiveness," "Speak Life," "Unstoppable," "Lose Myself," "Family," "Thankful for You," "Made for Me," "Mac Daddy," "Favorite Song," and the title track.

Grace for the Moment: 365 Devotions for Kids
Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson, Sept. 2012
The master storyteller fuels your 6- to 10-year-olds' spirit with powerful stories that offer inspiration and hope all year long. Featuring excerpts from Lucado's best-selling writings in kid-friendly language, this 365-day devotional includes Scripture verses and life applications. Introduce your child to how God transforms even "ordinary" moments---while forming strong Bible study habits! 400 pages, hardcover from Nelson.

New Releases

Change Your Words, Change Your Life
Joyce Meyer
FaithWords, September 2012
"Words are a big deal. They are containers for power, and we have to decide what kind of power we want our words to carry," says Joyce Meyer in CHANGE YOUR WORDS, CHANGE YOUR LIFE. "I believe that our words can increase or decrease our level of joy. They can affect the answers to our prayers and have a positive or negative effect on our future. ... One might say that our words are a movie screen that reveals what we have been thinking and the attitudes we have." Building on the premises of Power Thoughts and Living Beyond Your Emotions, she examines the tremendous power of words - which are the vehicles that convey our thoughts and emotions - and provides a series of guidelines for making sure that our talk is constructive, healthy, healing and used to good results. Topics include: *The Impact of Words *How to Tame Your Tongue *How to be Happy *When to talk and when not to talk *Speaking Faith and Not Fear *The Corrosion of Complaints *Do you really have to give your opinion? *The importance of keeping your word *The power of speaking God's word *How to have a smart mouth In a 'Dictionary of God's Word' at the end of the book, Joyce provides dozens of scripture verses, arranged by topic, that she recommends reading and saying out loud as one way of using and claiming healing words.

Grace
Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson, September 2012
Grace. We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a grace period. The seedy politician falls from grace. Musicians speak of a grace note. We describe an actress as gracious, a dancer as graceful. We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and premeal prayers. We talk as though we know what grace means. But do we really understand it? Have we settled for wimpy grace? It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, "Do you believe in grace?" who could say no? Max Lucado asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace? God's grace has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. From regret riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid to die to ready to fly. Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off. Let's make certain grace gets you.

Everything the Bible Says About Parenting
Aaron Sharp
Bethany House, August 2012
As parents, we often scour bookstores and libraries in search of the best information on how to better raise our children. The greatest answers, however, can be found in a Book you probably already own. The Bible is filled with passages on how to be the most effective parents and raise amazing kids, you just have to know where to look. A collection of scriptural references related to parenting have been gathered and clearly organized in this book. When necessary, brief but clear explanations are provided, using insights gathered from trustworthy commentaries. Scripture offers plenty to discover about parenting; after all, it's hard to find better role models than God, the perfect Father, and Jesus, the perfect Son.

Finally Free
Michael Vick
Worthy Publishing, August 2012
One of the most talented and polarizing athletes of our generation, Michael Vick’s stunning story has captured news headlines across the nation. From his poverty-stricken youth, to his success on the field in high school and college, to his rise to NFL stardom and his fall from grace, Finally Free shows how a gifted athlete's life spiraled out of control under the glare of money and fame, aided by his own poor choices. In his own words, Vick details his regrets, his search for forgiveness, the moments of unlikely grace—and the brokenness that brought his redemption on the way to a surprising, fairy-tale season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010.

Courageous Teens
Michael Catt
B&H Publishing, September 2012
Courageous Teens is a student-focused presentation of Courageous Living by Michael Catt, executive producer of the hit film Courageous. Teen readers will be inspired to resolve to live for God as they learn more about Abraham, Moses, Nehemiah, Ruth, Daniel, and many more. Arranged into four categories: Courageous Faith, Courageous Leadership, Courageous Priorities, and Courageous Influence, this book is excellent for individual or small group use with discussion questions included at the end of each chapter.

Gravity CD
Lecrae
Infinity Music Distribution, September 2012
Lecrae has his finger on the pulse and beat of the American church! Using hip-hop styles, wit, and irony, he moves believers and pop culture closer to Christ. Includes "The Drop," "Walk with Me," "Free from It All," "Fallin' Down," "Fakin'," "Violence," "Mayday," "Confe$$ions," "Buttons," "Power Trip," "I Know," "Tell the World," "Lucky Ones," and the title track.

The Midsummer Station CD
Owl City
EMI, August 2012
Influenced by his hopes, dreams, and nightmares, Adam Young pushes his own creative boundaries like never before! Emphasizing how important it is to see good in everything, his electronic music inspires, encourages, and comforts! Includes "Dreams and Disasters," "Shooting Star," "Gold," "Dementia," "Embers," "Silhouette," "Metropolis," "Speed of Love," "I'm Coming After You," and "Take It All Away."

My Only Rescue CD
The Museum
Bec Records, August 2012
Georgia-based pop-rock quartet The Museum offer their second full-length release for BEC Recordings, an eleven-song set of clean guitars, catchy hooks, and plainspoken lyrics of faith in a modern age. My Only Rescue includes "All Over the World," "Love Will Find You," "More Than Words," and more.

All Things Possible CD
Mark Schultz
Fairtrade, August 2012
With a new energy and fresh perspective, this platinum-selling, award-winning artist gives voice to hard-to-express emotions in these personal songs! Includes "One Day," "It Is Well," "I Gave Up," "Love Walked In," "What Do You Give a King?" "Haven't Met You Yet," "I Will Love You Still," "More to You," "Be Still," "Song of Freedom," and the title track.

Book Review

--> Coming Home

By Karen Kingsbury

Zondervan 2012

Reviewed by Diane Busch

Coming Home seems to be the wrap-up book for the many series about the Baxter Family that Karen Kingsbury has written.  The initial chapters fill you in on many details of each member of the family, in case you haven’t read all the books or in case it has been so long that you forgot a few things.

The title “Coming Home” has several special meanings, as this story unfolds.  The entire extended Baxter family plans to get together in Bloomington, Illinois for their father’s 70^th birthday.  A joyful family reunion & celebration is what they have planned.

But, as in real life, not all things go as planned.  The family has to endure tragedy and heartache.  They pray as never before.  They cling together as family and they hold onto their faith in God, even during these most difficult circumstances.  Christians are not exempt from bad things happening to them.  But the Baxter family shows by example how to walk through difficulty, tragedy, and loss without losing faith.

The book ends about a year after John Baxter’s 70^th birthday and gives one last update on all the family members.  If this is the last book, I for one, find it hard to say goodbye to so many wonderful characters.

New Releases

Unglued
Lysa Terkeurst
Zondervan, August 2012
In this study, Lysa TerKeurst admits that she has experiences where others bump into her happy and she comes emotionally unglued. We stuff, we explode, or react somewhere in between. What do we do with these raw emotions? Lysa shows how to process our emotions and resolve conflicts in ways that lead to a much more peaceful life.

 

Shrewd
Rick Lawrence
David C Cook, July 2012
Jesus' idea that we be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves overturns all we think we know about God's kingdom! How can we be crafty and guileless? Drawing on the story of the calculating manager in Luke 16, Lawrence shows how Jesus used laughter, generosity, and bluntness as methods of holy shrewdness. 240 pages, softcover from Cook.



Lead Me, Holy Spirit
Stormie Omartian
Harvest House Publishers, July 2012
Did you know that God's Holy Spirit is as close as your next breath? Best known for her books on prayer, now Stormie Omartian introduces readers to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in every area of life. Learn to recognize His voice speaking to your heart and your life will never be the same again!




 
Upside of Down CD
Chris August
Curb Records, August 2012
Dove Award-winner Chris August extends his amazing success with the launch of his sophomore project! Mixing contemporary Christian styles with meaningful lyrics, he has found a way to worship God and lead others to do the same. Includes "Amen," "This Side of Heaven," "Restore," "1989," "Unashamed of You," the hit radio single "Center of It," and the title track.


The Action Bible Devotional
Jeremy Jones
David C Cook, August 2012
Kids will say goodbye to Bible boredom with this 52-week devotional that launches their faith into everyday life! Pairing selected stories from the companion Bible with spiritual lessons, stunning comic-style artwork, and action-adventure activities, this engaging guide takes Scripture truths off the page and into your middle schooler's daily reality. Ages 9 to 12. 320 pages, softcover from Cook.

New Releases

Undaunted
Josh McDowell
Tyndale, August 2012
A riveting memoir from an esteemed evangelist! After being abused by an alcoholic father and a farmhand, a young boy chose to defy God. Yet God, in his mercy, redeemed the tragic situation. Today Josh McDowell proclaims Christ to millions of people. Read the story of his dramatic spiritual transformation and discover the God who cares! 240 pages, softcover from Tyndale.

What a Difference a Mom Makes
Kevin Leman
Revell, August 2012
As a mom, you want the best for your son, but sometimes the mysterious world of boys can seem baffling, annoying - even downright disgusting! Don't leave all the big questions to dad and miss out on a wonderful opportunity to influence your son. In What a Difference a Mom Makes, Dr. Leman bridges the divide between mothers and sons with wit and wisdom. Learn to command your son's respect; let him fight his own battles; understand his developmental needs; and you'll make an indelible imprint on his heart.

The Breakthrough (Precinct 11 series #3)
Jerry Jenkins
Tyndale, August 2012
As the youngest bureau chief and head of the Chicago Police Department's Major Case Squad, Boone Drake seems to have it all under control. Only those closest to him know that just a few short years ago, he lost everything that mattered to him in a tragic accident. After years of healing, his life is back on track. He recently married a wonderful woman named Haeley, adopted her son, bought a beautiful home, and rediscovered his faith. But Boone can't fight the feeling that something is about to go terribly wrong . . . again.

Live to Give
Austin Gutwein
Thomas Nelson, August 2012
Help your teens discover their unique gifts and how they can use them to help others with this book inspired by the biblical story of the feeding of the 5,000. Written in a candid, down-to-earth voice from author Austin Gutwein, whom is a teenage philanthropist who has built a high school, two medical clinics, and a dormitory in Africa, all before the age of 16! Through this book, he shares how to take what may seem like the simplest of talents, gifts, and interests and to use them for something Jesus can use to move mountains.

A Boy After God's Own Heart
Jim George
Harvest House, August 2012
Send your young guys on an action-packed adventure of faith! Helping tween boys make solid choices that honor God, George encourages kids to respect parents and teachers, build healthy friendships, be responsible in schoolwork and other commitments, grow in Christ through regular prayer and Scripture reading, and more. Includes discussion questions and interactive material. 112 pages, softcover from Harvest.