Can joy come from suffering? We think of suffering as the worst of all evils. Our culture tells us to avoid it at all costs. But can suffering produce growth in us when we learn to endure it . . . then value it . . . then allow God to redeem it? John Perkins’ response to suffering at the hands of a white sheriff in a Mississippi jail became the springboard that God used to put him in front of U.S. presidents, international politicians, and evangelical church leaders. Perkins sees endurance in suffering as a virtue that makes us more like Christ and ultimately produces uncommon joy in the heart of the sufferer who trusts in Him. Christ walked the path of love all the way to the cross, and even in the midst our brokenness, we can do the same. In Count It All Joy, you will be encouraged to lean into suffering when it comes your way, stand alongside others who suffer, and believe that God will repurpose your suffering according to His good plan. God doesn’t intend your life to be free of all suffering. Instead, He wants you trust Him in the midst of it and discover the unexpected joy that trials can produce.
What Do the Five Points of Calvinism Really Mean? Many have heard of Reformed theology, but may not be certain what it is. Some references to it have been positive, some negative. It appears to be important, and they'd like to know more about it. But they want a full, understandable explanation, not a simplistic one. What Is Reformed Theology? is an accessible introduction to beliefs that have been immensely influential in the evangelical church. In this insightful book, R. C. Sproul walks readers through the foundations of the Reformed doctrine and explains how the Reformed belief is centered on God, based on God's Word, and committed to faith in Jesus Christ. Sproul explains the five points of Reformed theology and makes plain the reality of God's amazing grace.
The apostle Paul wrote his most personal letter while abused and abandoned in a Roman prison. He wrote to believers who lived in the shadow of the Roman tyrant, Nero. And yet this letter, Philippians, is the most joy-filled epistle in the Bible. Weaving together modern stories and historical detail, Dr. David Jeremiah explores Philippians verse by verse, showing us what it means to be joyful in spite of circumstances. Whatever you are facing today, Count It All Joy will inspire you to find the joy that Jesus promises.
What does it mean to esteem someone with honour? Helen Roseveare had this thought when reading the Bible and it caused her to dig further and to find out what it means to esteem the Lord with honour. The book calls us to a life of full-hearted discipleship where Christ is at the centre. Birthed in us should be a desire to please Christ and to study him that we might indeed portray him. Above all we really esteem him with honour when we fully proclaim the gospel of Christ.
Joy often seems unattainable in times of uncertainty and difficulty. The Bible however, promises believers a lasting joy from the Lord greater than our circumstances. If you desire to experience joy even in the face challenges, Christina Patterson welcomes you to her 12 session Bible Study "Relentless Joy." The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Philippians at a time of considerable uncertainty. He was in prison and not sure if he would live or die. However, Paul did not write to the Philippians to complain about his situation. He wrote to gush over how joyful he was in Christ, as well as to convey his hope for the Philippians to experience this same joy. For every reason Paul had to be discouraged, he relentlessly found more reasons to be joyful. Through this study of Philippians you will learn: - The difference between lasting joy and temporary happiness- How to fight for your joy - How to make the joy of the Lord your strength - What habits lead to experiencing joy Each session includes the following: key insights from your reading, a viewer guide, study questions, journal prompt, and more. You'll also find articles titled "A Closer Look" throughout this study to gain a deeper understanding of how to experience the joy of the Lord in your everyday life. This Bible Study is designed to accompany the "Relentless Joy" video Bible Study series; however, it may also be completed as a standalone study. Find the strength to fight for your joy today with the "Relentless Joy" Bible study.
Few books in the New Testament are better known or more often quoted as the Letter of James. Because James is so concise, so intensely practical, and so filled with memorable metaphors and illustrations, it has become one of the two or three most popular New Testament books in the church. This highly original commentary seeks to make the Letter of James clear and applicable to Christian living today. Interacting with the latest views on James but keeping academic references to a minimum, Douglas Moo first introduces the Letter of James in its historical context and then provides verse-by-verse comments that explain the message of James both to its first readers and to today's church.
Problems can make you feel like God is far away, but they can also be the very things that bring you closer to him. Anchored In isn’t a book of Christian cliché’s or sweet stories to warm the heart but rather an authentic look at the hard parts of life. It challenges us to stop running from and clinging to the past, and to grasp tightly to the only unshakable Anchor that is able to sustain our souls through the storms of life. Micah shares personal stories, such as her father’s abandonment of her family, and couples them with biblical application to offer real-life glimpses of God at work. She offers inspiration to live a life full of God’s power rather than one that causes us to turn away and be paralyzed by problems. Living anchored in God’s presence is a beautiful gift that few truly experience simply because they do not understand the key to God’s power – surrender. Or if they know to surrender, they do not know how to let go of the problems that consume their lives. Through simple, tangible steps learn to surrender in every season of life. Hearing from God is not reserved for a chosen few, but rather promised to those who believe. If you are longing to experience God’s power in a deeper way, this is a journey for you. "When heartbreaking seasons shake us to our core, we often grab for everything other than God. But Micah tenderly reminds us page after page that Jesus is the only true Anchor who will hold us, steady us, and bring us through to the other side of every storm.” — Lysa TerKeurst, New York Times bestselling author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries As a friend and guide, Micah Maddox will walk with you through life's hard times and show you how, through God's power, you can get to the other side with greater freedom, strength and victory. — Holley Gerth, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of You're Already Amazing There are times when life hurts deeply. Though the grief, struggles and pain, we need reassurance that we are not alone. Micah Maddox’s book Anchored In, renews our hope and reminds us that God’s power can carry us through the stormy seas of life. Through scripture, stories and personal applications, Micah lovingly offers hope, victory and strength for everyone’s journey. — Karol Ladd, author of Thrive, Don’t Simply Survive and Power of a Positive Woman Life is hard. Most of us have learned that truth firsthand, the hard way. Trials, broken dreams, and the unexpected storms of life can leave us stuck in the past or numb in the present. Anchored In is more than a pep talk or quick-fix formula—it is a way of life. It should be required reading by every believer, whether your storm is in the past, the present, or looming on the horizon. Regardless of the forecast, grab a copy and get anchored in! — Vicki Courtney, best-selling author of 5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter, Move On, and Rest Assured Micah speaks about deep issues, pains, and struggles because she has been there. In the pages of Anchored In, you will find the healing hope of God. It’s brave, authentic, and powerful. — Courtney DeFeo, author of In This House, We Will Giggle When I watch the news each morning and feel the swirl of circumstances around me, it’s easy to feel powerless in this crazy world. Micah reminds us that it’s not our job to be powerful. It’s our gift to be connected to a powerful God. Through the vulnerable telling of her personal story and the timeless truths she embeds, Micah holds out a lifeline to us that’s Anchored In hope. — Amy Carroll, author of Breaking Up with Perfect and Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and writer With tenderness and understanding garnered through personal experience, Micah Maddox points us to the healing power available to those who are anchored in relationship with Jesus Christ. Some shredded places in my heart have been mended. — Cindi Wood, speaker, author of Anonymous: Discovering The Somebody You Are to God One of the purposes of an anchor is to keep the ship from drifting or being dragged by the wind. A drifting ship could easily be damaged. A drifting Christian faces the same hazard. There are many events, pressures and influences that can cause us to drift in the Christian life. Micah has skillfully uncovered these areas while pointing us back to God’s anchoring presence. The lessons and real-life stories in this book provide direction on how to anchor our lives in the Lord. You will be enriched by this devotional. — Francie Taylor, Vice President, Keep the Heart, LLC Do you desire to discover God’s power regardless of your circumstances? Want to experience a deeper relationship anchored in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit? If so, you’ll love Anchored In. Micah Maddox brilliantly unpacks the power and presence of God (available for our daily living) and helps readers break free from paralyzing problems to embrace God’s propelling power for abundant living. — Julie Gorman, Co-founder of Married For A Purpose and author of Two Are Better Than One: God Has A Purpose For Your Marriage Micah's warm and engaging style feels like a conversation with a dear friend. She encourages her readers to run to the Lord through every circumstance of life, and to experience His power in every part of their story. She reminds us that we serve a God who transforms, a God who gives us His power to face every situation, a God who gives victory through our surrender to Him. He is good, and Micah's heartfelt words remind us of that truth. — Kristin Schmucker, author; founder of The Daily Grace Co.
The NIV is the world's best-selling modern translation, with over 150 million copies in print since its first full publication in 1978. This highly accurate and smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English has the largest library of printed and electronic support material of any modern translation.
As a counselor and study leader, the author has become convinced that Christians are enabled to handle trials. These stories of real women emphasize scriptural truths to apply in crises.
Based upon lectures given at the 1962 Ecumenical Study Conference of the United Christian Youth Movement, 'Count It All Joy' offers meditations on major themes from the book of James, such as the juxtaposition of faith and good works in the Christian life.
