Thursday, September 24, 2009

New Releases

You Were Born for This
Bruce Wilkinson
Multnomah Books, September 2009
Anyone can do a good deed, but some good works can only happen by an act of God. Around the world these acts are called miracles–not that even religious people expect to see one any time soon. But what would happen if millions of ordinary people walked out each morning expecting God to deliver a miracle through them to a person in need? You Were Born for This starts with the dramatic premise that everyone at all times is in need of a miracle, and that God is ready to meet those needs supernaturally through ordinary people who are willing to learn the “protocol of heaven.” In the straightforward, story-driven, highly motivating style for which he is known, Wilkinson describes how anyone can be a ‘Delivery Guy’ from heaven in such universally significant arenas of life as finances, practical help, relationships, purpose and spiritual growth.
You Were Born for This will change how you see see your world and show you what you can expect God to do through you to meet real needs. You will master seven simple tools of service, and come to say with confidence, “I want to deliver a supernatural gift from God to someone in need today–and I expect to!”

If God is Good
Randy Alcorn
Multnomah Books, September 2009
Every one of us will experience suffering. Many of us are experiencing it now. As we have seen in recent years, evil is real in our world, present and close to each one of us. In such difficult times, suffering and evil beg questions about God--Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist? These are ancient questions, but also modern ones as well. Atheists such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and even former believers like Bart Ehrman answer the question simply: The existence of suffering and evil proves there is no God. In this captivating new book, best-selling author Randy Alcorn challenges the logic of disbelief, and brings a fresh, realistic, and thoroughly biblical insight to the issues these important questions raise. Alcorn offers insights from his conversations with men and women whose lives have been torn apart by suffering, and yet whose faith in God burns brighter than ever. He reveals the big picture of who God is and what God is doing in the world–now and forever. And he equips you to share your faith more clearly and genuinely in this world of pain and fear. As he did in his best-selling book, Heaven, Randy Alcorn delves deep into a profound subject, and through compelling stories, provocative questions and answers, and keen biblical understanding, he brings assurance and hope to all.


A Lineage of Grace
Francine Rivers
Tyndale House, September 2009
In this compilation of the five books of the best-selling Lineage of Grace series by Francine Rivers, we meet the five women whom God chose--Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. Each was faced with extraordinary--even scandalous--challenges. Each took great personal risk to fulfill her calling. Each was destined to play a key role in the lineage of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World.



Jesus Loves You this I Know
Craig Gross and Jason Harper
Baker Books, August 2009
Bombarded by the constant noise of contemporary life, it's easy to miss life's most profound message: God loves you! Innovative teachers Gross and Harper weave Jesus' narrative with their own stories of serving "the least of these"---from shut-ins and skeptics to alcoholics and porn stars---and issue a call to world-changing faith. 208 pages, hardcover from Baker.




NIV God Sightings: The One Year Bible
Tyndale, September 2009
The softcover edition of today’s # 1-selling annual reading Bible, the One Year Bible, is being launched in both the New Living Translation (NLT) and New International Version (NIV), at the lowest price in 20 years. The One Year Bible helps people read through the entire Bible in as little as 20 minutes a day with daily readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. In September 2009 Tyndale House Publishers and Group Publishing will launch a joint nationwide promotion aimed at engaging people in reading through The One Year Bible. The vision is to engage 10 million people around the world in reading the Bible 20 minutes each day starting in 2010.


Power of Persistence
Michael Catt
B&H Books, September 2009
Michael Catt, senior pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church and executive producer of the Georgia congregation’s runaway hit films Facing the Giants and Fireproof, is often asked why God has blessed their efforts in such a remarkable way. His answer is simple: “We have a praying church that is walking in unity. We pray over every ministry and every decision.”The Power of Persistence is Catt’s invitation to a prayer-without-ceasing way of life. Stories from scripture and personal ministry experiences attest to the prophetic and profitable work of prayer. Engaging chapters on prayers of penitence, learning from the Psalmist, praying for children, the lost, and in response to spiritual warfare guide us to a breakthrough level of communication with the God who is eager to hear our cries and accomplish His work through us.


The Love Revolution
Joyce Meyer
Faithwords, September 2009
In Joyce Meyer's new book, The Love Revolution, she invites you to join her in a revolution of love - one that will completely change the way you think and act, especially towards people. Love Gives, Love Sacrifices, and Love Lays Down Its Life for Others. That's a tall order. Revival is great but Joyce believes it's time to do more than just stir up something old. She wants us to totally change our way of expressing love by changing the way we treat others. In Joyce's 27th annual Women's Conference being held September 17-19, 2009, the theme is The Revolution. It's about changing the world for Christ by choosing to purposely and aggressively help other people. If you can't be there in person, read her book and join the revolution! Hardcover.


Confessions
Pillar
Integrity Music, September 2009
With an awakened hunger and passion, Pillar delivers messages of unity and commitment with the release of their 6th studio album, Confessions. More than just creating great music, their ambition is to revolutionize lives and bring their fans to a place of complete surrender to God. In an era saturated with new bands, Pillar continues to stand out as a leader in Christian rock.




Church Music
David Crowder Band
Sixstep Records, September 2009
An outstanding contribution to the body of hymns and songs believers have sung for 2,000 years! With their trademark energetic style, DC*B adds their voices to those Christians who came before in "Phos Hilaron"; "Alleluia, Sing"; "Eastern Hymn"; "All Around Me"; "What a Miracle"; "God Almighty, None Compares"; "Oh, Happiness"; and other original compositions.




Stop & Listen
Bethany Dillon
Sparrow Records, August 2009
Find encouragement and inspiration in the lyrical, spiritual depth of Bethany's smooth pop/rock gems! Her all-new relatable and honest songs include "Everyone to Know," "Get Up and Walk," "I Am Yours," "Deliver Me," "Say Your Name," "So Close," "In the Beginning," "Reach Out," "The Way I Come to You," "Everyone to Know" (acoustic version), and the title track.




Five-Two Television
KJ-52
BEC Records, September 2009
Five-time Dove winner and Christian rapper KJ-52 is back with an astounding record of fresh rhymes and funky beats! Featuring special guests Da T.R.U.T.H., Trevor McNevan, Braille, and Theory Hazit, it includes "Let's Go," "End of My Rope," "Shake 'Em Off," "Just Like That," "Oye," "Every Time I Call," "Firestarter," "Help Me Change," "The Adventures of Tweezyman," and more.



We Shall Not Be Shaken
Matt Redman
Sixstep Records, August 2009
'We Shall Not Be Shaken' centers around the theme of God's faithfulness in a shifting and changing world. Produced by Robert Marvin (Mat Kearney, Britt Nicole), co-writers on the album include Beth Redman, Chris Tomlin, Jonas Myrin and Matt Maher. The album also contains the first recording of 'You Alone Can Rescue.'

Monday, September 21, 2009

Book Review


Do Hard Things: a teenage rebellion against low expectations
- by Alex and Brett Harris
Multnomah Books (April 15, 2008)

Don't let the subtitle fool you - this book is not just for teenagers. Yes, it was written by twin teenage boys. Yes, they use themselves and other teens as their examples. Yes, all teens should read this book and all parents of teens or teens-to-be. But, everyone else can benefit from reading this book as well. It is inspiring and motivating. It is the kick-in-the-pants that many of us need. It restores our hope in the next generation of leaders. We need more young Americans like this!

Reviewed by Diane Busch

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

New Releases

Fresh Start
Doug Fields
Thomas Nelson, August 2009
Trapped by harmful habits, behaviors, and attitudes, we struggle to become the person God has created and called us to be. Saddleback Church teaching pastor Doug Fields says it's never too late to get a fresh start. With personal stories and youthful writing, Doug challenges readers to recognize that they may say they want God in their lives, but they really don't want to change. They are stuck. He says, "It's not about trying harder, it's about plugging into God's transforming power and submitting your entire life to Christ. Age doesn't matter; fresh starts are for everyone." Topics include:
  • Dealing with pride
  • Defining success
  • Living with guilt
  • Struggling with conflicts
  • Finding true friendships
  • Overcoming discouragement
  • Facing rejection
  • Attacking anger

A Skeptics Guide to Faith
Philip Yancey
Zondervan, September 2009
Philip Yancey believes we are missing the supernatural hidden in everyday life. In this 2004 Christianity Today Book Award of Merit winner he investigates the natural world and discovers the supernatural hiding in plain view. Nature and super nature are not two separate worlds, but different expressions of the same reality. To encounter the world as a whole, we need a more supernatural awareness of the natural world. He promises that the grace-filled result will be a life of beauty, purpose, freedom, and faith.



A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
Donald Miller
Thomas Nelson, September 2009
Full of beautiful, heart-wrenching, and hilarious stories, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years details one man's opportunity to edit his life as if he were a character in a movie.
Years after writing a best-selling memoir, Donald Miller went into a funk and spent months sleeping in and avoiding his publisher. One story had ended, and Don was unsure how to start another. But he gets rescued by two movie producers who want to make a movie based on his memoir. When they start fictionalizing Don's life for film--changing a meandering memoir into a structured narrative--the real-life Don starts a journey to edit his actual life into a better story. A Million Miles in a Thousand Years details that journey and challenges readers to reconsider what they strive for in life. It shows how to get a second chance at life the first time around.


Follow Me To Freedom
Shane Claiborne
Regal Books, September 2009
Re-imagine Leading and Following in a World Longing for True Justice, Compassion and Freedom Followers of Christ yearn to see the world changed in compassionate, positive, effective ways. As prophetic voices, Shane Claiborne and John Perkins lead the way in this move to be the hands, feet and heart of Jesus. One is young, a self proclaimed reformed redneck who grew up in the hills of Tennessee and now lives in inner city Philadelphia and the other is decades older, an African-American civil rights leader who was almost beaten to death by police in Mississippi, and went on to found a reconciliation movement and counsel three American presidents. Claiborne and Perkins draw on more than a century of combined following and learning, activating and leading. Together they craft a timely message for ordinary people willing to take radical steps to see real change happen. In Follow Me to Freedom, Claiborne and Perkins lead the way toward justice for all, unfolding a proven strategy as ancient as the patriarchs of faith and as fresh as the needs of every human heart. Starting with Moses as a model, they re-imagine leading and following in a world desperate for true social justice, compassion and freedom. They offer practical ways to internalize and live out God’s promise of freedom in the twenty-first century. Followers of Christ will not only be inspired but also catalyzed into action, and the world will never be the same.


Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World
David Jeremiah
Thomas Nelson, September 2009
Practical instruction for living a confident life in a world filled with chaos and crisis.
In the New York Times best-seller What in the World Is Going On? Dr. David Jeremiah summarized ten prophetic clues that are coming true in our own generation. In light of these chaotic events, how can we continue to live a life of commitment and confidence? Looking through the lens of the same verses that speak of Christ’s return Dr. Jeremiah now points us to the habits we must establish that will form a pattern for living with certain hope in our uncertain times. They include how to stay:
  • Centered in Christ
  • Committed to the Word
  • Compassionate toward others
  • Connected to the church
  • Consistent in your walk
  • Calm in your heart
  • Certain of His coming
  • Confident in your faith

The Message//Remix: Solo pink edition
Eugene Peterson
NavPress, September 2009
The Message of Hope is a book that is ideal for people suffering loss or facing discouraging times. Small size makes it easy to carry for one's own inspiration or to give away.





Live Life Loud!
Hawk Neslon
BEC Recordings, September, 2009
The energetic pop/rock band urges you to live your life at top volume---embracing the good times and the not so good! Includes "Never Enough," "Eggshells," "Alive," "Ode to Lord Stanley," "Long Ago," "The Job," "Lest We Forget," "'Tis So Sweet," "The Final Toast," and the hit singles "Meaning of Life," "Shaken," and the title track.


Light Up the World
Desperation Band
Integrity Music, September 2009
New Life Church's Desperation Band is back with an invigorating set of modern worship originals, alongside stunning live versions of their hits "Rescue" and "I Am Free." This enhanced CD also includes a digital songbook, featuring transposable sheet music, chord charts, lead sheets and lyric text files for all tracks from the album.



Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire (Codebearers Series v.2)
The Miller Brothers
Warner Press, September 2009
After returning from his first trip to Solandria, Hunter Brown finds himself deserted by his best friends, but with memories of his adventures and many unanswered questions. He returns to school in the fall, where his tendency to think he is being trailed by the Shadow lands him in a heap of trouble. Soon, Hunter takes a wild ride to Solandria with new friends, only to find the Codebearers scattered and the Resistance weakened. Led by a mysterious Flame, Hunter, Trista and Rob begin their quest to find the seven mentioned in the Author's Writ. But they face a brutal adversary, Xaul, who threatens to destroy all that remains of the Resistance.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

New Releases: September 8, 2009

Love Is On the Move
Leeland
Reunion Records, August 2009
Leeland’s passionate, progressive music is well known for creating a stir among a new generation of worshipers. Love Is On The Move continues the band’s mission of calling believers toward an active role in being God’s hands and feet on earth so that His kingdom can continue to press into the world. With a collection of epic vertical songs, Leeland’s powerful anthems and penetrating melodies are poised to spark a new revival in the church.



Into the Light
Phil Stacey
Reunion Records, August 2009
With a big voice and smile to match, Phil Stacey found his way into the hearts and living rooms of more than 30 million viewers each week during season six of American Idol. This husband, and father of two, became known for his likable character, family-man persona and service in the Navy. The son of a pastor, and grandson of two pastors, Phil attended Lee University attaining a degree in music, even singing with the acclaimed Lee Singers, and later became a worship pastor in Denver, CO before enlisting in the Navy following the events of September 11, 2001. Now, Phil has put the finishing touches on his debut Reunion Records album, Into the Light. This modern pop offering builds on the big, soulful voice America fell in love with and Phil's biblical testimony to an unshakable, loving God.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

New Releases: September 3, 2009

Knowing the Heart of God
John Eldredge
Thomas Nelson, August 2009
For millions of people, reading the writings of John Eldredge has been a deep and profound experience, giving them a new way to understand their hearts and their lives. Now, in powerful, inspiring daily installments, Knowing the Heart of God features 365 readings gleaned from John's best-known works, including Walking with God, Fathered by God, Wild at Heart, Captivating, Waking the Dead, Desire, The Sacred Romance, and Epic. More than a daily devotional, this volume is a portable library that will prompt readers to soulful reflection and deeper intimacy with God.


Simple Life
Thom S. Rainer & Art Rainer
B&H Publishing Group, September 2009
The research and change methods that made Simple Church a multi-awarded, #1 ministry best seller are now applied to everyday matters in Simple Life. Authors Thom S. Rainer and Art Rainer interviewed a cross-section of 1,077 individuals to confirm that most people feel their lives are overly stressful and misguided, not allowing enough time for what really counts. As they share these highly relatable stories, the Rainers chart a simple path from joyless to joyful. Breaking life down into four key sections (Time, Relationships, God, Money), the authors show how four key goals (Clarity, Movement, Alignment, Focus) can begin to foster a life that is more spiritual and less busy, a life rich in experiences with family and friends rather than double-booked to-do lists and late nights at the office. The book even lays out an easy-to-follow action plan that will move readers assuredly toward the simple life in just thirty days.


Green
Ted Dekker
Thomas Nelson, August 2009
At Last . . . The Circle Reborn The story of how Thomas Hunter first entered the Black Forest and forever changed our history began at a time when armies were gathered for a final battle in the valley of Migdon. Green is a story of love, betrayal, and sweeping reversals set within the apocalypse. It is the beginning: the truth behind a saga that has captured the imagination of more than a million readers with the Books of History Chronicles.But even more, Green brings full meaning to the Circle Series as a whole, reading as both prequel to Black and sequel to White, completing a full circle. This is Book Zero, the Circle Reborn, both the beginning and the end. The preferred starting point for new readers . . . and the perfect climax for the countless fans who've experienced Black, Red, and White.