- Table View
- List View
Just One More Story
by Perry EmersonThis sweet story for children ages 3-7 introduces readers to Pip and Bun, two bunny siblings who are very different when it comes to reading. A book about books, imagination, and play, perfect for encouraging striving readers.Pip and Bun are two very different bunnies. Pip LOVES reading. Bun does not. &“Books are SO boring!&” Bun says. One day, Pip is happily reading her book while Bun impatiently waits to play with her. Then Bun stumbles upon a book filled with action and adventure. Could it be the perfect way for the little rabbit to learn to enjoy reading?This sweet story about books, imagination, and play is an ideal choice for encouraging striving readers to enjoy reading books in their own way.
Just One Thing: Developing a Buddha Brain One Simple Practice at a Time
by Rick Hanson[from the back cover] "big changes start with just one thing." You've heard the expression, "It's the little things that count." Research has shown that little daily practices can change the way your brain works, too. This book offers simple brain-training practices you can do every day to protect against stress, lift your mood, and find greater emotional resilience. Just One Thing is a treasure chest of over fifty practices created specifically to deepen your sense of well-being and unconditional happiness. Just one practice each day can help you: -- be good to yourself -- enjoy life as it is -- build on your strengths -- be more effective at home and work -- make peace with your emotions"
Just Paul
by Jonathan MitchellROMANS IS REGARDED as arguably one of the most important Christian documents ever written. In his letter, Paul reveals insights into an empowering and satisfying walk With God. He faithfully expounds the tremendous scope of God's plan for the redemption of man. Paul repeatedly emphasizes that God initiates the action in every aspect. The weakness of the old covenant has been replaced With the new covenant of the Spirit. Bondage to sin is broken. Gift and grace triumph over works and law. Man IS brought into new relationship, new freedom, new hope, and new life. FOR MODERN READERS OF ROMANS, how we understand the topics of justification, salvation, atonement, judgment, wrath/personal emotion, participation in Christ and new covenant inclusion, greatly impact how we live our lives, and how we treat and regard others. It governs how we present to the world God's message of goodness, ease and well-being in Christ that has come to us by His Spirit. These principles become the continuous manifestation of that which calls forth praise in the wisdom and goodness and justice of God. The underlying theology of what Paul sets forth in Romans transcends time and place to speak to every generation. This compilation is a fully developed and extensive work - a dynamic tool for students of scripture, study groups, pastors, leaders and seekers everywhere: Inside you will find: * Comments based upon the Greek texts With multiple renderings * Critical attention to the Greek verb tenses and noun functions * A historical-Critical approach * Citations from multiple scholars who contribute various perspectives * Quotes from New Testament letters and the Gospels * Additional quotes from the Old Testament and Jewish literature The commentary is based upon THE NEW TESTAMENT, God's Message of Goodness, Ease and Well--being... a translation by the author. Other commentaries in the continuing series by the author: Peter, Paul and Jacob, Comments on First Peter, Philippians, Colossians, First Thessalonians, Second Thessalonians, First Timothy, Second Timothy, Titus, Jacob (James) - John, Judah, Paul & ?, Comments on First John, Second John, Third John, Judah (Jude), Hebrews, Galatians. JONATHAN MITCHELL holds a master's degree in Anthropology from Northern Arizona University and is a speaker, teacher and a translator of the Greek New Testament. He resides with his family in Arizona.
Just Peace: A Message of Hope
by Mattie J.T. Stepanek President Jimmy CarterFrom a New York Times bestselling author, an inspirational world vision from the boy Jimmy Carter called &“the most remarkable person I have ever known.&” &“I was touched by the depth of passion and awed by the firm resolve with which Mattie Stepanek pursued a dream that has evaded men and women throughout history. What began as a casual discourse . . . became a treasured and enlightening friendship that changed my life forever.&” —Jimmy Carter Sometimes the most important messages come from the most unlikely places. Mattie J.T. Stepanek, a thirteen-year-old boy, made a difference before he died with his Heartsongs poetry series. He continues to impact the world through Just Peace. This poet, best-selling author, peace activist, and prominent voice for the Muscular Dystrophy Association fervently believed in world peace not just as a concept, but as a reality. Mattie was working on this manuscript with Jimmy Carter when he died in June 2004. Just Peace explores Mattie's concept of the world and all people as a unique mosaic of gifts. War and injustice shatter the mosaic, which can only be made whole again by planning and actively pursuing peace. The young visionary's essays, poetry, and photographs appear throughout the book. Just as important to the book and enlightening to the reader are Mattie's many correspondences, including his personal e-mails to and from former president Nobel Peace Laureate Jimmy Carter, Mattie's peace &“hero&” and role model, who has written a special forward for the book. Just Peace is an intimate portrait of a president, a young man of hope, and peace itself.
Just Plain Foolishness (Rachel Yoder, Always Trouble Somewhere Series Book #6)
by Wanda E. BrunstetterRachel's Back--in Her Biggest Adventure Yet! As summer is coming to an end, Rachel's troubles are just beginning. Not only does she have a new baby sister to deal with, but she has an ornery cat on the loose, too. Rachel begins to feel that life just isn't fair. When her jealousy leads her to take a trip to an amusement park with her English friend--without her parents' permission--her problems only get worse. Will Rachel ever learn to be content?
Just Plain Sadie (A Wells Landing Romance #4)
by Amy LillardThe Amish of Wells Landing, Oklahoma, treasure their close-knit community, and the promise of their growing families. But one young woman is struggling to choose a future that is true to both her heart and her faith… Everyone in Wells Landing has long expected Sadie Kauffman and Chris Flaud to marry--despite Sadie's telling them differently. While she loves Chris, it is more as a friend than a husband. Yet at twenty-two, the plainest girl in her group, Sadie is also the only one who is still single. Perhaps it's time to be practical and marry Chris--though he still has not asked. But when Sadie meets a kind, handsome Mennonite, it seems her prayers have been answered… With Ezra Hein, Sadie at last feels the joy she nearly gave up on. Unfortunately, others only feel shock that she would consider marrying an outsider. To complicate matters, Chris has finally begun talking to Sadie about their future. Distressed, Sadie will have to search her heart to recognize God's marvelous gifts to her--and find the courage to accept them, challenges and all… Praise for Amy Lillard "An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust…will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis. " --Library Journal on Caroline's Secret "Amy Lillard writes her Amish stories with the respect they are due. " --RT Book Reviews
Just Pray: How a Life of Prayer Grows Unshakable Faith
by John F. HannahThe answer to your need is locked in prayer. While prayer has not been a &“hot&” topic for many Christians, it is the most substantive course one could ever enroll in. I haven&’t met a person who didn&’t want to be better. I haven&’t spoken to an individual who didn&’t want to have the best job and the best spouse, attend the best school, and experience the best life. But in our attempt to have the best, we often look to people to give us what only prayer can give. We look for things that can only be received via spiritual transfer. What we really need is prayer. Pastor John Hannah shares insights on how prayer is the most under-utilized tool in the treasure chest of Christianity, and it is a MUST HAVE. Just Pray explores the call, the seat, and the warfare of prayer. When you finish this book, not only will you have practical tools to improve your prayer life, but also an encyclopedia of benefits that will help you to experience your best life now. This book will show you how to deepen and intensify your prayer life and gain wisdom on how to access heaven on Earth in powerful and yet practical ways.
Just RISE UP!: A Call to Make Jesus Famous (InScribed Collection)
by Sarah Francis MartinSarahremembers the exact moment when the relationship between her faith and herentire life came into clear focus. Sitting in her favorite red chair with acomfy blanket and a cup of hot tea, she snuggled in with her Bible and a newbook. The book was huge, several hundred pages long, and yet it didn'tintimidate her. Written by the beloved Chuck Colson, How Now Shall We Live? focused the lens of Sarah's life and spelledout a segregation that she had unknowingly been living with--a segregation betweenher faith and the rest of her life. She hassince come to understand that The Lord designed each and every one of usuniquely and put a dream in our heart that is attached to His agenda for thisworld. Many of us have felt the stirringin our heart to make a difference with our life, yet we don't always know how.The key, she found, was to surrender to God's leading, seek him first, andallow him to do the big things He has planned with our life. In the end, God'sagenda and our dreams and passions will intersect around one very important phrase- a battle cry, if you will - "Make Jesus Famous!"Based onPsalm 145, this invigorating study motivates women to do life differently bymaking Jesus famous in all aspects of life. JustRISE UP! is a call to get off the couch of complacency, live a life ofpraise with a humble posture and Kingdom perspective, and step into a life of truepurpose. Featuresinclude: Verse by verse study of Psalm 145 Snippets of conversations with Sarah's readers Journaling prompts to help the reader dig deeper Conversation guide for small groups
Just Religion
by Brian PlattThese cartoons are are the original work of talented cartoonist, Brian Platt, author of the best-selling book How to Draw Cartoons. The humour is fun, international and certain to help people see the funny side of everyday life.Now available in paperback and ebook formats.
Just Religion
by Brian PlattThese cartoons are are the original work of talented cartoonist, Brian Platt, author of the best-selling book How to Draw Cartoons. The humour is fun, international and certain to help people see the funny side of everyday life.Now available in paperback and ebook formats.
Just Say HU
by Nicole Sebastian Michael SebastianHU...the Holy Grail of Life! This book contains a Lost Secret that has the power to transform an individual in an instant---two simple letters that when combined produce a powerful, yet harmonious vibration! ---HU is an Ancient yet forgotten Name of God found in most World Religions ---HU man Refers to the God Force within Man ---HU uses the Power of Quantum Physics ---HU is the One Place where Science and Spirituality Actually Meet ---HU to Avoid Adversity and Never Get Blind-Sided Again ---HU to Enhance Intuition and Confirm Your Gut Hunches ---HU before Bed and Say Good-bye to Insomnia and Nightmares ---HU to Unfold Spiritually and Tap into your Higher-Self ---HU to Overcome Addictions ---HU to Eliminate Stress and Anxiety
Just Say Thanks: Cultivating Gratitude Deepens Intimacy With God
by R.T. KendallARE YOU ...More likely to criticize than to praise? ...Quicker to complain than to thank? ...Apt to Vent disappointment before expressing thankfulness? If you have to answer yes to these questions, you probably need to learn to be more grateful and appreciative. "GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR THIS IS GOD'S WILL FOR YOU..." This book's life-changing message will enable you to discover: •Why gratitude must be taught •The power of offering a "sacrifice of praise" during times of adversity •Why God's Word instructs us to have a grateful heart •How you have God's undivided attention when you say "thank you" •A greater anointing that comes from giving thanks to God •What you should be most thankful for •Why sanctification is called the "doctrine of gratitude" Get ready to learn why and how to thank God-causing you to receive the blessing that comes from the right attitude.
Just Say Yes! Devotional: Unleashing People for Ministry (Just Say Yes! series)
by Robert SchnaseIn Just Say Yes! Robert Schnase shows church leaders how to unleash people for fruitful ministry. He teaches leaders to spot their own nay-saying, and gives specific instructions for reversing the culture of ‘No’ that has become so prevalent in many churches. Step by step, Schnase shows readers—pastors, other church leaders, and congregants—how to make significant change in their attitude and actions, to become a permission-giving church.This set of resources is the next step in the author’s effort to reshape church leaders across the mainline denomination. Just Say Yes! Becoming a Permission-Giving Church give church leaders what they need in order to begin implementing the principles in the original book. It starts with a group study experience for church leaders, facilitated by a senior leader (typically the pastor). The study can be done in as little as 3 hours or, if groups watch all the videos and do all the optional exercises and activities, up to 6 hours total. The sessions can be used as a single-day retreat or broken up into 3 or 6 separate sessions. They can be stand-alone sessions, or incorporated into meetings for staff and lay leaders. The Leader Guide includes instructions and guidance for leaders in planning, hosting, debriefing and following up after the experience. Using this resource, plus the included customizable PowerPoint slides and the video Stories of Permission, a pastor or other key leader can effectively facilitate an extraordinary group experience resulting in transformation for the congregation.The Participant Guide is a complete workbook and devotion guide for church leaders—staff and laity—who participate in the Permission-Giving group experience. These will typically be church councils, staff teams, committee chairs, ministry team leaders, and the like. The Guide includes prompts to reinforce the material shared in the videos and by the facilitator, questions for reflection and discussion, and specific action steps for becoming permission-giving leaders in the church. It includes plenty of room for writing and note taking during the group experience. It also includes a 30-day Devotional, which the participant can complete either during or after the group experience. The group experience includes 6 inspiring and compelling videos from real church settings. Several additional video clips are also available, for groups wanting to spend more time exploring ideas together.A printed 4-Week Devotional is also available, and can be used by individual church members autonomously, or (ideally) used by every member as a personal study guide accompanying the 4-Week Sermon & Worship series. The material is flexible and accessible for all adult readers, and can be done in one sitting or spread throughout the week. This study consists of a Leader Guide, Participant Guide, DVD, a Devotional Guide and free Customizable Downloadable Resources. The DVD has 8 video stories showing the Permission-Giving Church in action, 3 brief videos essays demonstrating the essentials of a permission-giving church and 1 video promo for inviting participation in the Just Say Yes! experience.
Just Say Yes! Leader Guide: Unleashing People for Ministry (Just Say Yes! series)
by Robert SchnaseIn Just Say Yes! Robert Schnase shows church leaders how to unleashpeople for fruitful ministry. He teaches leaders to spot their ownnay-saying, and gives specific instructions for reversing the culture of‘No’ that has become so prevalent in many churches. Step by step,Schnase shows readers—pastors, other church leaders, and congregants—howto make significant change in their attitude and actions, to become apermission-giving church.This set of resources is the next step in the author’s effort to reshapechurch leaders across the mainline denomination. Just Say Yes! Becominga Permission-Giving Church give church leaders what they need in orderto begin implementing the principles in the original book. It startswith a group study experience for church leaders, facilitated by asenior leader (typically the pastor). The study can be done in as littleas 3 hours or, if groups watch all the videos and do all the optionalexercises and activities, up to 6 hours total. The sessions can be usedas a single-day retreat or broken up into 3 or 6 separate sessions. Theycan be stand-alone sessions, or incorporated into meetings for staffand lay leaders. The Leader Guide includes instructions and guidance for leaders inplanning, hosting, debriefing and following up after the experience.Using this resource, plus the included customizable PowerPoint slidesand the video Stories of Permission, a pastor or other key leader caneffectively facilitate an extraordinary group experience resulting intransformation for the congregation.The Participant Guide is a complete workbook and devotion guide forchurch leaders—staff and laity—who participate in the Permission-Givinggroup experience. These will typically be church councils, staff teams,committee chairs, ministry team leaders, and the like. The Guideincludes prompts to reinforce the material shared in the videos and bythe facilitator, questions for reflection and discussion, and specificaction steps for becoming permission-giving leaders in the church. Itincludes plenty of room for writing and note taking during the groupexperience. It also includes a 30-day Devotional, which the participantcan complete either during or after the group experience. The groupexperience includes 6 inspiring and compelling videos from real churchsettings. Several additional video clips are also available, for groupswanting to spend more time exploring ideas together.A printed 4-Week Devotional is also available, and can be used byindividual church members autonomously, or (ideally) used by everymember as a personal study guide accompanying the 4-Week Sermon &Worship series. The material is flexible and accessible for all adultreaders, and can be done in one sitting or spread throughout the week. This study consists of a Leader Guide, Participant Guide, DVD, aDevotional Guide and free Customizable Downloadable Resources. The DVDhas 8 video stories showing the Permission-Giving Church in action, 3brief videos essays demonstrating the essentials of a permission-givingchurch and 1 video promo for inviting participation in the Just Say Yes!experience.
Just Say Yes! Participant Guide: Unleashing People for Ministry (Just Say Yes! series)
by Robert SchnaseIn Just Say Yes! Robert Schnase shows church leaders how to unleash people for fruitful ministry. He teaches leaders to spot their own nay-saying, and gives specific instructions for reversing the culture of ‘No’ that has become so prevalent in many churches. Step by step, Schnase shows readers—pastors, other church leaders, and congregants—how to make significant change in their attitude and actions, to become a permission-giving church.This set of resources is the next step in the author’s effort to reshape church leaders across the mainline denomination. Just Say Yes! Becoming a Permission-Giving Church give church leaders what they need in order to begin implementing the principles in the original book. It starts with a group study experience for church leaders, facilitated by a senior leader (typically the pastor). The study can be done in as little as 3 hours or, if groups watch all the videos and do all the optional exercises and activities, up to 6 hours total. The sessions can be used as a single-day retreat or broken up into 3 or 6 separate sessions. They can be stand-alone sessions, or incorporated into meetings for staff and lay leaders. The Leader Guide includes instructions and guidance for leaders in planning, hosting, debriefing and following up after the experience. Using this resource, plus the included customizable PowerPoint slides and the video Stories of Permission, a pastor or other key leader can effectively facilitate an extraordinary group experience resulting in transformation for the congregation.The Participant Guide is a complete workbook and devotion guide for church leaders—staff and laity—who participate in the Permission-Giving group experience. These will typically be church councils, staff teams, committee chairs, ministry team leaders, and the like. The Guide includes prompts to reinforce the material shared in the videos and by the facilitator, questions for reflection and discussion, and specific action steps for becoming permission-giving leaders in the church. It includes plenty of room for writing and note taking during the group experience. It also includes a 7-day Devotional, which the participant can complete either during or after the group experience. The group experience includes 6 inspiring and compelling videos from real church settings. Several additional video clips are also available, for groups wanting to spend more time exploring ideas together.A printed 4-Week Devotional is also available, and can be used by individual church members autonomously, or (ideally) used by every member as a personal study guide accompanying the 4-Week Sermon & Worship series. The material is flexible and accessible for all adult readers, and can be done in one sitting or spread throughout the week. This study consists of a Leader Guide, Participant Guide, DVD, a Devotional Guide and free Customizable Downloadable Resources. The DVD has 8 video stories showing the Permission-Giving Church in action, 3 brief videos essays demonstrating the essentials of a permission-giving church and 1 video promo for inviting participation in the Just Say Yes! experience.
Just Say Yes!: Unleashing People for Ministry (Just Say Yes! Ser.)
by Robert SchnaseChurches say No in a thousand ways to new ideas, ministry initiatives, and creative people. Churches struggle with committees that are no longer conducive to their mission while pastors and laity have become conditioned to view anythingnew with suspicion and resistance. Churches operate with a pervasive culture of No.Just Say Yes! Unleashing People for Ministry is written for people whose passion has been simmering for years, who yearn to be told Yes! It’s for those whose energy and ideas have been tamped down by systems and attitudes that restrain ministry and who have felt frustrated by attempts to start programs, reach new people, or experiment with alternative worship services, only to be told No.Robert Schnase examines the systems and attitudes that restrain and control ministry. He demonstrates practical ways church leaders can rethink fundamental assumptions about organizations and leadership. Real-church examples show how every church can unleash its people for ministry—encouraging, emboldening, and equipping them. "Significant turnaround could happen in churches everywhere if each congregation worked through this book, chapter by chapter." —Sue Nilson Kibbey, Director of the Missional Church Consultation Initiative, West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church "Just Say Yes! is a valuable resource for laity and leaders who want to make a real difference in their mission field. I’m making it required reading in every church I coach and work with." —Ken Willard, Certified Consultant and Coach, Leadership 4 Transformation; author, Time Management for the Christian Leader from Abingdon Press"The energy of the Holy Spirit jumps off every page and right into your heart and mind in a way that could make all things new." —Patricia Farris, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Santa Monica, CA"If we take this book seriously we will see people unleashed for ministry in the world. In the process we may just rediscover why our churches exist in the first place." —Clay Oliphint, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Richardson, TX"Schnase examines how churches say No, then provides an inspiring and practical look at how they can say Yes. We need this book!" —Steve Harper, Professor of Spiritual Formation (retired); author, Five Marks of a Methodist from Abingdon Press
Just Show Up
by Kara Tippetts Jill Lynn ButeynKara Tippetts's story was not a story of disease, although she lost her battle with terminal cancer. It was not a story of saying goodbye, although she was intentional in her time with her husband and four children. Kara's story was one of seeing God in the hard and in the good. It was one of finding grace in the everyday. And it was one of knowing "God with us" through fierce and beautiful friendship. In Just Show Up, Kara and her close friend, Jill Lynn Buteyn, write about what friendship looks like in the midst of changing life seasons, loads of laundry, and even cancer. Whether you are eager to be present to someone going through a difficult time or simply want inspiration for pursuing friends in a new way, this eloquent and practical book explores the gift of silence, the art of receiving, and what it means to just show up.
Just Show Up: How Small Acts of Faithfulness Change Everything (A Guide for Exhausted Christians)
by Drew DyckIf someone puts one more thing on my shoulders, I might collapse.Bestselling self-help book titles tell you that you&’re brilliant, awesome, powerful—usually with an expletive thrown in, just to pound home the point. Do these affirmations feel accurate? Instead of blasting through projects and conquering the world, most of us feel like we&’re crawling uphill.But Christians are still called to live a life that glorifies God and blesses others. How do we do that when we&’re stretched to capacity? Just Show Up answers that question with a liberating message: God doesn&’t expect you to do everything. And He certainly doesn&’t expect you to do it all overnight. Simply showing up is often the most important thing.This book looks at present-day examples and also stories from Scripture of imperfect people used by God. Moses, by his own admission, wasn&’t very eloquent, but he showed up and God used him to liberate and lead His people. We name churches and children after the disciples. But originally, they were just a bunch of uneducated nobodies with one thing in common: when Jesus said, &“Follow me,&” they showed up.With humor and candor, Dyck reflects on his own faltering progress while recounting inspiring stories of how God rewards the persistent presence of ordinary people. Just Show Up challenges readers to show up for God, family, community, and themselves.We tend to think it&’s the big, bold moments that matter. In reality, it&’s the steady accumulation of small acts of obedience to God that add up to a life of meaning and impact. –Dyck
Just Shy of Harmony (The Harmony Novels)
by Philip Gulley“Once again, Gulley gives us a triumph of homespun values, pitched somewhere between Jan Karon and Garrison Keillor.” —BooklistSam Gardner’s second year as minister in quaint and charming Harmony, Indiana, is fraught with trials and incidents, a crisis of faith, a marital catastrophe, and a church elder’s ill-hatched scheme to scramble scripture with eggs. But a loving heart and a strong sense of humor is almost certain to see Sam through . . . even if all of Harmony is expecting a miracle come Easter morn.“Just Shy of Harmony is just shy of perfect.” —Charles Osgood“A wonderful tale of a fictitious community of colorful characters who share goodness and gossip, controversy and compassion—a real-life microcosm of mankind. Gulley’s stories get at the heart of the simple joys, stranger-than-fiction humor, and day-to-day drama of small-town life, and reveal how even the largest of problems inevitably resolve themselves. No wonder he’s been called Indiana’s Garrison Keillor.” —American Profile Magazine“This story is a winner.” —Publishers Weekly“Filled with grace and forgiveness . . . Sam’s journey in faith teaches through the shared medium of laughter.” —Library Journal
Just Shy of Ordinary
by A. J. SassIn this heartfelt novel about family, friendship, and identity perfect for fans of The List of Things That Will Not Change and Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World, a thirteen-year-old nonbinary kid discovers that life doesn't always go according to plan—especially when they start public school for the first time. Thirteen-year-old Shai is an expert problem-solver. There&’s never been something they couldn&’t research and figure out on their own. But there&’s one thing Shai hasn&’t been able to logic their way through: picking at the hair on their arms. Ever since their mom lost her job, the two had to move in with family friends, and the world went into pandemic lockdown, Shai&’s been unable to control their picking. Now, as the difficult times recede and everyone begins to discover their &“new normal,&” Shai&’s hoping the stress that caused their picking will end, too. After reading that a routine can reduce anxiety, Shai makes a plan to create a brand new normal for themself that includes going to public school. But when their academic evaluation places them into 9th grade instead of 8th, it sets off a chain of events that veer off the path Shai had prepared for, encouraging Shai to learn how to accept life's twists and turns, especially when you can't plan for them.
Just Spirituality: How Faith Practices Fuel Social Action
by Mae Elise CannonMother Teresa's practice of silence compelled her to service.Dietrich Bonhoeffer's prayer life equipped his discipleship.Martin Luther King Jr.'s beloved community empowered his proclamation.Oscar Romero's discipline of submission prepared him to face martyrdom.
Just Tell the Truth: A Call to Faith, Hope, and Courage
by Richard LischerWhat does it mean to live the Christian life with conviction? Richard Lischer insists that Christians have a stake in the political and social conflicts that are dividing our culture. In whatever circumstance, Christians are obligated to tell the truth about what it means to be a follower of Jesus. In Just Tell the Truth, Lischer explores seasons of suffering, hope, and triumph in the light of the gospel. Drawing upon Scripture and the lives of both well-known and anonymous Christians, he helps his readers imagine what truthful living looks like. While remaining biblically and theologically rooted, the sermons eloquently engage the present moment, showing how Christian conviction has a place in the controversial realms of politics, racial justice, and the COVID-19 crisis. The nourishing meditations in Just Tell the Truth align the rhythm of the gospel with the curvature of human experience, empowering Christians to find the heart of God in what is too often a heartless world.
Just This Is It: Dongshan and the Practice of Suchness
by Taigen Dan LeightonThe joy of "suchness"--the absolute and true nature inherent in all appearance--shines through the teachings attributed to Dongshan Liangjie (807-869), the legendary founder of the Caodong lineage of Chan Buddhism (the predecessor of S?t? Zen). Taigen Dan Leighton looks at the teachings attributed to Dongshan--in his Recorded Sayings and in the numerous koans in which he is featured as a character--to reveal the subtlety and depth of the teaching on the nature of reality that Dongshan expresses. Included are an analysis of the well-known teaching poem "Jewel Mirror Samadhi" and of the understanding of particular and universal expressed in the teaching of the Five Degrees. "The teachings embedded in the stories about Dongshan provide a rich legacy that has been sustained in practice traditions," says Taigen. "Dongshan's subtle teachings about engagement with suchness remain vital today for Zen people and are available for all those who wish to find meaning amid the challenges to modern life."
Just Try This: Pray for Today
by Barb RogersPray for Todaytells Barb Rogers' story of her climb out of poverty by praying every day. The book shares the invaluable lessons she learned as she listened for the answers to her prayers and shows readers how to pray simply and honestly, how to expect answers, and how to listen to them when they come. "I think,"writes Rogers, "one of the most potent prayers ever uttered is 'God help me!' . . . If the best you can do on a daily basis is say those three words, you will be amazed at the difference it can make in your life. You may not be in control of many things in your life, but you are in control of the light switch, of staying connected to a God of your choosing through prayer. " Pray for Todayis a book readers will reach for again and again to find comfort and the power to cope.
Just Universities: Catholic Social Teaching Confronts Corporatized Higher Education (Catholic Practice in North America)
by Gerald J. BeyerGerald J. Beyer’s Just Universities discusses ways that U.S. Catholic institutions of higher education have embodied or failed to embody Catholic social teaching in their campus policies and practices. Beyer argues that the corporatization of the university has infected U.S. higher education with hyper-individualistic models and practices that hinder the ability of Catholic institutions to create an environment imbued with bedrock values and principles of Catholic Social Teaching such as respect for human rights, solidarity, and justice. Beyer problematizes corporatized higher education and shows how it has adversely affected efforts at Catholic schools to promote worker justice on campus; equitable admissions; financial aid; retention policies; diversity and inclusion policies that treat people of color, women, and LGBTQ persons as full community members; just investment; and stewardship of resources and the environment.