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.

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.

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.

Book Review

Life Application Study Bible Devotional : Daily Wisdom from the Life of Jesus : the Gospels
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
c2011

Reviewed by Diane Busch

We are very enthusiastic about this New Living Translation study Bible devotional by Tyndale House.  Because it is based on the 4 gospels, we expected it to start with Matthew 1 and end with John 21, but were delighted by the interesting chronological layout.  Each week has a theme in the life of Jesus, starting with "Jesus' Coming Is Announced" and ending with "Jesus Gives Final Instructions".  For each week there are 6 daily readings, which include "Reading the Word" - scripture passages intertwined from all the gospels, "Setting the Scene" - background and explanation of the passages, "Getting Personal" - some great discussion or reflection questions, and ending with "Talking to God" - which is sometimes a prayer to pray and other times is a prayer prompt of how to pray about that day's topic.

Also, very helpful, are the two indexes in the back.  The Topical Index, allows one to look up a topic of interest and find which week and day there is a devotional study on that topic.  The Scripture Index, enables one to look up a scripture passage and find which week and day there is a devotional study on that passage.

We highly recommend you purchase this devotional to begin the new year in January.  Or even better, get it in time to begin reading in mid December, so that you will be on the second week of devotions, titled "Jesus is Born", during the week of Christmas.

A copy of this books was given by Tyndale House for the purpose  of writing this review.

New Releases

Beautiful Outlaw
John Eldredge
FaithWords, September 2011
In BEAUTIFUL OUTLAW, John Eldredge removes the religious varnish to help readers discover stunning new insights into the humanity of Jesus. He was accused of breaking the law, keeping bad company, heavy drinking. Of being the devil himself. He was so compelling and dangerous they had to kill him. But others loved him passsionately. He had a sense of humor. His generosity was scandalous. His anger made enemies tremble. He'd say the most outrageous things. He was definitely not the Jesus of the stained glass.
In the author's winsome, narrative approach, he breaks Jesus out of the typical stereotypes, just as he set masculinity free in his book, Wild at Heart. By uncovering the real Jesus, readers are welcomed into the rich emotional life of Christ. All of the remarkable qualities of Jesus burst like fireworks with color and brilliance because of his humanity. Eldredge goes on to show readers how they can experience this Jesus in their lives every day. This book will quicken readers' worship, and deepen their intimacy with Jesus.

God's Story, Your Story
Max Lucado
Zondervan, September 2011
We all long for meaning, to know that our lives have a purpose beyond what we see in the day to day. However, life can sometimes seem like a disconnected string of events. One day you're celebrating the birth of a child, the next you're mourning the passing of a grandparent. Is there a throughline to the ups and downs of life? Using the structure of the New Testament as a guide in God's Story Your Story, Max Lucado weaves together Biblical and personal stories that will help you find your place in the larger story of God's work in the world.

The Love & Respect Experience
Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
Thomas Nelson, September 2011
Pursue the deep level of intimacy you and your spouse desire with this life-changing devotional based on Eggerichs's best-selling marital guide! Effective, flexible, and "husband-friendly," 52 stories and reflections help you stop the crazy cycle of conflict, initiate energizing change, and enjoy renewed passion so you can reap the benefits of marriage as God intended. 320 pages, dark tan imitation leather from Nelson.

I Never Thought I'd See the Day! Culture at the Crossroads
Dr. David Jeremiah
FaithWords, September 2011
Is Western civilization in an accelerating decline? And if it continues will it eventually weaken and cause us to come to the end of cultured civilization as we now know it? "Yes," says David Jeremiah, and in his book, I NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE THE DAY! he details numerous signs of this cultural decay including: America held hostage by Iran, marriage becoming obsolete, America turning its back on Israel, and atheist attack on religion. Can this downward spiral be reversed? Yes, but only if one person at a time returns to God with our heart, our manner of life, our dedication to genuine worship of God, in serving God by helping others, in our giving, and in prayer.

This Time Around CD
Heather Williams
Provident, September 2011
Heather Williams walked through the desert of abuse, homelessness, poverty, and the loss of a child before she drank deeply from the oasis of faith. In her debut release, she tells her story of redemption in soaring vocals and sonic melodies. Includes "Hallelujah," "God Is Still God," "Breathe Again," "Holes," "Beautiful Thing," and the title track.