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Middle Church
by Bob EdgarThe radical religious right has put the wrong issues at the top of the moral agenda for America, says Bob Edgar, the general secretary of the National Council of Churches USA and a former six-term congressman. The moral issues that really matter to America's faithful majority -- to "Middle Church" -- says Edgar, are peace, poverty, and planet Earth. Middle Church is a stirring call to progressive people of faith to take back the moral high ground from the right-wing extremists and make America a better -- not a more divided -- country. The Bible seldom mentions homosexuality, doesn't mention abortion at all, but discusses poverty and peace more than two thousand times. But despite the Bible's emphasis on issues of social justice, the politics of faith have been captured in this country by a radical minority with its narrow and highly divisive agenda emphasizing personal piety above all else. This limited agenda is built around opposition to gay marriage, abortion, and stem-cell research, rather than the timeless and unifying themes of the Bible. In a stunning reversal of the historic role of religion in progressive change, faith has now been co-opted into a force for preemptive war, indifference to the poor, and reckless environmental degradation. In Middle Church, Bob Edgar reclaims faith for the American mainstream. He rebuts the distorted arguments of the far religious right and instead offers progressive solutions grounded in Scripture behind which most Americans can unite. He reminds us that Jesus preached mainly about the poor and that social justice and peace were at the heart of his ministry. Edgar agrees that all Americans have a right to bring the values of their faiths to bear on the policies of our government. But faith, as he shows, should lead to progressive solutions for the defining moral issues of our time: peace, poverty, and planet Earth. Middle Church identifies the common ground on which people of faith -- Christians, Jews, and Muslims -- can unite and shows how this faithful majority can put tolerance, social justice, and love at the top of the political agenda in this country once again.
Middle East Christianity: Local Practices, World Societal Entanglements (The Modern Muslim World)
by Stephan Stetter Mitra Moussa NaboDrawing from theories of world society and from historical-sociological theories the book studies the past, present, and future of Middle East Christianity. It focuses on the interplay between local practices and post-colonial entanglements in global modernity. The chapters of this book engage, inspired by these theories, key empirical dynamics that affect Middle East Christianity. This includes a historical overview on the history of Christians in the region, the relationship between Islam and Christianity, as well as case studies on the Maronites in Lebanon, Egypt’s Copts, the role of Protestant missionaries in the 19th century, processes of individualization amongst Middle East Christians, as well as papal diplomacy in the region.
Middle Eastern Minorities: The Impact of the Arab Spring
by Ibrahim ZabadThis is a comprehensive survey of minorities in the Middle East with a special focus on the post Arab Spring era.Minority communities in the Middle East are the most susceptible to the turbulence engulfing the region; the majority may suffer physical violence and socioeconomic loss, but minorities could potentially vanish. Instead of ushering in democracy and inclusive politics, the revolutionary upheavals have prompted chaos and fear and reinforced the resurgence of Islamic fundamentalism throughout the region. Zabad uses historical sources as well as first-hand interviews to vividly describe the current status of minorities in the Middle East, explaining attitudes towards the revolutionary upheavals as well as the various strategies they used to avail themselves of the opportunities presented and to confront the risks posed. The question of ethnic, sectarian and religious minorities is situated in the context of the broader history of the region in order to explain the underlying institutional and ideological factors that caused their predicament and problematized their relationship with the majority.The book providesa rich trove of information and insights generated from ten case studies that covered the Shī‘a in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Lebanon and Egypt, the Druze, the Alawites, Christians and Kurds in Syria, the Copts in Egypt, and the Zaydis in Yemen.
Middle Knowledge: Human Freedom in Divine Sovereignty
by John D. LaingMost Christians believe God is in control, but they are unsure of how to reconcile that control with their struggles with sin, the command to evangelize, and the immense suffering in the world and their own lives.Laing offers an introduction to the doctrine of providence based on the theory of middle knowledge, first articulated in the sixteenth century. This view describes how creatures have true free will and God has perfect knowledge of what each creature could and would do in any circumstance. Middle knowledge helps answer the most perplexing theological questions: predestination and salvation, the existence of evil, divine and human authorship of Scripture, and science and the Christian faith. Laing provides extensive biblical support as well as practical applications for this theology.
Middle School Ministry: A Comprehensive Guide to Working with Early Adolescents
by Mark Oestreicher Scott RubinMany people run scared from the middle school youth room. But (thankfully!) there are people out there who are actually drawn to those young teens. Although often times they’re not equipped to deal with the unique challenges that middle school ministry presents, or they’re just not sure what to do when a room full of young teens (who are “part child, but not quite adult”) are running around the youth room. Finally, there’s a comprehensive guide to middle school ministry, from two veterans of this unchartered territory. Mark Oestreicher and Scott Rubin help youth workers understand the importance of middle school ministry, the development process for young teens and their implications for ministry, and how to best minister to these sometimes misunderstood students. They share their experiences (as middle school pastors and parents of middle schoolers), giving youth workers he encouragement, hope, and training they need to succeed in middle school ministry.
Middle School Talksheets: 50 Ready-to-Use Discussions on the Life of Christ (TalkSheets)
by Terry D. LinhartIt’s not hard to get middle schoolers to talk…unless you’re talking about something other than the latest band, movie, or the opposite sex! If you want to get them thinking and talking about Jesus—beyond the flannelgraph, Sunday school Jesus—you have everything you need right here. The latest addition to the best-selling TalkSheets series, Middle School TalkSheets: Life of Christ gives you easy-to-use discussion starters and the tools to lead students into meaningful dialogue about Jesus. The one-page, reproducible handouts offer provocative questions in a compelling design that keep in mind the unique challenges of middle school discussions. These TalkSheets present every aspect of Jesus’ life in a way that young teens can connect with as they learn to apply the lessons to their own lives. TalkSheets makes the Bible relevant and engaging for students, while offering helpful hints and optional activities to help your youth ministry team effectively facilitate great conversations—without a lot of prep work.
Middle of Nowhere: Religion, Art, and Pop Culture at Salvation Mountain
by Sara M. PattersonPilgrims travel thousands of miles to visit Salvation Mountain, a unique religious structure in the Southern California desert. Built by Leonard Knight (1931–2014), variously described as a modern-day prophet and an outsider artist, Salvation Mountain offers a message of divine love for humanity. In Middle of Nowhere Sara M. Patterson argues that Knight was a spiritual descendant of the early Christian desert ascetics who escaped to the desert in order to experience God more fully. Like his early Christian predecessors, Knight received visitors from all over the world who were seeking his wisdom. In Knight&’s wisdom they found a critique of capitalism, a challenge to religious divisions, and a celebration of the common person. Recounting the pilgrims&’ stories, Middle of Nowhere examines how Knight and the pilgrims constructed a sacred space, one that is now crumbling since the death of its creator.
Middlebrow Literature and the Making of German-Jewish Identity
by Jonathan M. HessHistorians have had a much easier time of documenting German Jews' consumption of German high culture than recognizing the significance of the newspapers, periodicals, and book series that German-Jewish print media published from the 1830s on, according to Hess (Germanic languages and literatures/Jewish studies, U. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). While such middlebrow literature lacked the prestige of Goethe and Schiller and is largely forgotten today, it represented the emergence of a solid literary tradition in its own right that influenced Jewish- German middle-class identity and contemporary Jewish voices. He traces the history and role of such belles lettres by genre, e. g, the Allgemeine Zeitung des Judentums (Universal Jewish Newspaper), historical fiction, and romance. The book includes several art illustrations. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc. , Portland, OR (booknews. com)
Midlife Battle Cry: Redefining the Mighty Second Half
by Dawn BartonIn a culture where so many people think of middle age as a downward slope into comfy sneakers and quiet, meaningless existence, we can redefine the second half of life, shaping it into decades of fulfillment, fun, strength, and purpose.In our forties, fifties, and beyond, we're wrestling with new questions. Is this it? Did I do what I wanted to do in my life? Who am I now that my kids have moved out? Will my sagging skin eventually hang all the way down to my feet? We feel a little like the world has nudged us aside for the younger crowd.But God still has much in store for us.God doesn't bring us to the middle of our lives so we can park in front of the TV and binge-watch home makeover shows. There is no "midlife" to him! We are his gift to this world at every age and in every season, and it's time to embrace it like never before. Right now, we are the best we've ever been. We know more, we've done more, we've lost and loved more. We've figured out that all tweezers are not created equal for chin hairs and, best of all, we've crossed into a space of feeling more ourselves than ever before. These are exhilarating and empowering years.In Midlife Battle Cry, bestselling author Dawn Barton will inspire you to:realize that God isn't done with you (honestly, he's just getting started),view midlife as a pivot point, the start of a bold and powerful season,embrace who you are physically, spiritually, and emotionally,learn to share your experiences and wisdom with a younger generation, andaccept that sometimes adding arch support to your cutest shoes is a really good idea.Blending lots of humor, honesty, stories, and insights, Dawn will walk you through redefining the mighty second half of life. It's time to rediscover your passions, pursue your dreams—and know your actions can cause not just a ripple effect but a magnificent tidal wave.
Midnight Caller (Love Inspired Suspense)
by Diane BurkeThree deaths, one connection--the anonymous calls all three women reported in the weeks before they died. Detective Tony Marino wants to close this case before another woman disappears. Especially when he meets a fatherless little boy whose mother is being stalked. Single mom Erin O'Malley tells Tony about her anonymous caller's heavy breathing and unnerving silences. And the feeling of being watched--constantly. Now, after years of thinking he had nothing to offer a wife and child, Tony will do anything to protect the family that feels like his own. Because Erin is next on the killer's list.
Midnight Dad Devotional: 100 Devotions and Prayers to Connect Dads Just Like You to the Father
by Becky Thompson Mark R. PittsEvery stage of being a dad comes with its own set of challenges. But one challenge encompasses them all--how do I become the best dad I can be? In Midnight Dad Devotional, author Becky Thompson joins her dad, Dr. Mark Pitts, to lead you on a journey of discovering the Father's heart so you can be encouraged, strengthened, and challenged in your role as a dad.Midnight Dad Devotional offers the encouragement and biblical grounding that has made the Midnight Mom and Midnight Dad Devotional Facebook Communities a help to parents around the world.The Midnight Mom Devotional Community has become a global movement of prayer and encouragement for mamas everywhere, launching Midnight Mom Devotional to bestseller lists and into over a million moms' hearts. Now author Becky Thompson and her dad, Dr. Mark Pitts, offer a new book for dads who need to know God is with them on the parenting journey. Midnight Dad Devotional gives dads in all seasons of life:A sense of connection with other fathersStrength for each night and the day aheadWisdom from the Bible for tough situationsAffirmation of the importance of their roleReassurance that God is with them No matter what time of night or day, dads will know their heavenly Father travels with them on the parenting journey. With its handsome cover and a presentation page, this devotional is a great gift for new dads, Father's Day, or any dad needing a little extra encouragement.As the Midnight Dad community says every evening, "Tonight we pray for the dad who . . ."Is trying to balance long work hours and a desire to be with familyWants to set a good example for his childrenSometimes feels distant from his kidsIs navigating a separation or a divorceDesires to pass on his faith in authentic ways Just as Midnight Mom Devotional has equipped so many moms to love their kids well, Midnight Dad Devotional helps each dad find courage in the calm of the night, knowing that men around the world are joining him in prayer and that God is more than capable of guiding him into the morning. Midnight Dad Devotional equips dads to tackle the hard places and the joyful places on this journey of being a dad.
Midnight Faith
by Gena DaltonClint McMahan liked life the way it was-peaceful and woman free. So when Cait McMahan wanted to start a riding school on his ranch, he wasn’t keen on the idea. He didn’t like Cait interfering-with a school or the gorgeous smile he couldn’t get off his mind...or off his land.Before long, Clint found himself involved in Cait’s cockeyed idea himself-and in over his head. Because despite his growing feelings for the stubborn beauty, he knew the ranch was all he’d ever needed and all he ever would. Unless a tough-as-nails-but-soft-underneath riding instructor could teach him there was more in store for him....
Midnight Harbor (Miramar Bay #8)
by Davis BunnHearts, dreams. and creative spirits are stirred in this beautiful novel about fate and second chances, from the international bestselling author of the California-set Miramar Bay novels.Running from the ghosts of yesterday . . . There was a time when classical guitarist Ian Hart was on top of the world. Awards. International acclaim. Adoring fans. And the belief that it was forever. Now, under the shadow of a scandal and betrayal that destroyed his career, Ian wonders what the next day will bring. In the midst of a life in turnaround, Ian&’s Aunt Amelia—his closest friend and greatest supporter—passes away, leaving him her home in Miramar. It&’s just the quietude he needs to reflect and to try and move forward. But what awaits Ian in the tranquil seaside town is more than he ever expected.Toward a hopeful tomorrow . . . Kari Langham is a stranger in her own family—misunderstood, dismissed, and underestimated. They strive for wealth, status, and fame while Kari finds personal fulfillment in painting. Wanting nothing more than to escape the soul-crushing sheen of a Hollywood life, Kari does the only thing that makes sense. She flees to Miramar. Renovating an old barn into her home and atelier, Kari finds anonymous sanctuary. But the openhearted town, and the world at large, has something else in mind—for Kari and for another newcomer to Miramar. Ian and Kari are finding themselves in a haven by the sea, and it&’s just the beginning. They&’re ready for whatever the future brings, and to embrace with all their hearts what matters most.
Midnight Intruders
by Avner GoldThe two men fled through the devastated Jewish quarter of Budapest as the blazing cannons of the Austrian army rained down death and destruction. One of these men was Rabbi Tzvi Ashkenazi, the young genius who would one day become known as Chacham Tzvi, t
Midnight Jesus: Where Struggle, Faith, and Grace Collide . . .
by Jamie BlaineIt's three a.m. in the side yard of a shack in the worst part of town. I've got a dirty-faced baby on my hip and there's a pit bull standing on the septic tank in the next yard over barking his head off. My patient sits on the hood of her ex-husband's low rider smoking a cigarette and dumpingher pills into a mud hole by the right front tire. Airbrushed across the hood of the car is a cross-eyed Jesus with open arms. She lays her hand on top of his as the still-hot engine ticks. Throughtears she pleads, "Help me Jesus, please." The dog is silent. Sirens approach. "Just breathe," I tell her. "Everything's gonna be all right." The baby fidgets, resting her head against me, staring up into my eyes. I raise one finger and she holds it tight. I fumble for the words again. "Just breathe." Midnight Jesus shares fascinating, bizarre, and sometimes humorous true-life stories of everyday people looking for hope in their darkest hours. Poignant and unpretentious, Jamie paints beauty where at times it seems none exists--from skating rinks and bars, late-night highways and lonely apartments, broken churches and rundown trailer parks, jail cells, bridge rails, ERs, psych wards, and that place over the levee where God laughs and walks through the cool dark night.
Midnight Lullabies: Moments of Peace for Moms
by Lauren EberspacherUsher the peace of Jesus back into motherhood with Lauren Eberspacher's 31-day devotional, MIDNIGHT LULLABIES.Often, mothers are told about the joyful, exciting things that they are about to embark on as they enter into parenthood. What people fail to share is the hard seasons of motherhood: loneliness, anxiety, depression, insecurity, comparison, disconnect with the Lord and their husbands, and loss of identity. These seasons can consume their hearts and steal their joy, leaving them hopeless and full of shame. Most mothers hide during this time, thinking that they are alone or that something is wrong with them. The simple truth is that having children changes everything. But so does Jesus. His Word can breathe life into every space, and Midnight Lullabies meets the weary mama in the trenches of motherhood while she does Kingdom work within the four walls of her home, shining light and giving hope when it seems most far away.In Midnight Lullabies, over 31 days, Lauren Eberspacher explores those places of motherhood that are often left unspoken. While embarking on her own journey of being a mama, she has encountered seasons that shocked and surprised her. But there is always hope. As a storyteller, Lauren takes the everyday moments and gives biblical insight to the mother facing these hard seasons, giving the reader a sense that they are having a conversation with a friend around a cozy kitchen table.Mothers often just want to hear another mom say she's in it with them. And when Eberspacher addresses these hard issues, she not only says, "I've been there; I understand," but she follows it with, "But God." Eberspacher shows that Jesus can be found in every moment of motherhood and that His strength and His Word are enough for you.
Midnight Mom Devotional: 365 Prayers to Put Your Momma Heart to Rest
by Becky Thompson Susan PittsA yearlong book of prayers to bring nightly hope and a sense of connection to mothers who feel alone, from the mother-daughter team behind the Midnight Mom Devotional Facebook page. There is something about a quiet house in the midnight hours that causes stress and anxious thoughts that have been ignored throughout the day to rise to the surface of a mother’s heart. When the world goes still around you, it’s good to know you’re not alone; there are so many other mommas just like you and a God who wants to meet you in the quiet. What began as a small online prayer ministry to encourage moms in the middle of the night quickly grew into a worldwide prayer movement known as the Midnight Mom Devotional. Now this encouraging book of prayers connects you with a community of moms to strengthen your heart and give you support when you need it most. In the stillness and the night, take heart in knowing that women across the world are joining you in prayer and that God is listening and loving you right where you are.
Midnight Rescue (Freedom Seekers #3)
by Lois Walfrid JohnsonLong ago slave Jordan's parents named him in the belief that one day he would lead his people across the Jordan River into the Promised Land of freedom. Now Jordan, as a newly escaped slave fugitive, plans how to rescue his mother, two sisters, and a brother from slavery. But has an escaped convict crept aboard the Christina? Did he overhear Libby's talk with Caleb--her giving away of a life-or-death secret? Sick at heart, Libby knows she has failed her friends. Not only has she risked Jordan's safety, she has endangered the mission to rescue his family. Will she ever be trusted to work in the Underground Railroad? If she takes part, can she be a Freedom Seeker who holds steady to go beyond fear? Soon after Caleb and Jordan leave the Christina, a log raft on the Mississippi breaks up in front of the steamboat. With everything seeming to go against the rescue, will Jordan's practical skills and ability to recognize God leading make the difference between life and death? Or will the escaped prisoner rob Jordan, not only of his freedom, but also the freedom of his family? In Midnight Rescue, the third Freedom Seekers novel, as well as others in the series, Lois Walfrid Johnson ends each chapter with a cliffhanger to build interest, valuable insights, and suspense. The Freedom Seekers series is a six-novel middle-reader set in 1857. Feel the rush of immigrants to the new land, and the dangers of the Underground Railroad in these true-to-life Riverboat stories. The characters will receive a heart-warming response from readers of all ages. Adult readers will ask themselves, "Would I have been one of those who helped runaway slaves?" Lois Walfrid Johnson uses strong historical research, great writing, and wonderful storytelling to bring alive a critical time in American history. This 2013 updated version includes a student study guide and other end features. Strong Christian themes including use of scripture.
Midnight Rescue (Freedom Seekers #3)
by Lois Walfrid JohnsonShe failed her friend and risked his safety. Will Libby&’s mistake destroy their mission?The Christina steams south while Caleb and Jordan finalize their plans. But someone overhears Libby talking about the scheme—will they tell the authorities that Jordan is a runaway slave?Sick at heart, Libby knows she has let down her friends. She risked Jordan's freedom, and she endangered the mission to rescue his family. Will Caleb and Jordan trust her to help in the Underground Railroad? Everything seems to be going against the rescue. Will they find a way to salvage the life-and-death mission? From the golden age of steamboats, the rush of immigrants to new lands, and the dangers of the Underground Railroad come true-to-life stories of courage, integrity, and suspense in the Freedom Seekers series.
Midnight Rescue (Freedom Seekers #3)
by Lois Walfrid JohnsonShe failed her friend and risked his safety. Will Libby&’s mistake destroy their mission?The Christina steams south while Caleb and Jordan finalize their plans. But someone overhears Libby talking about the scheme—will they tell the authorities that Jordan is a runaway slave?Sick at heart, Libby knows she has let down her friends. She risked Jordan's freedom, and she endangered the mission to rescue his family. Will Caleb and Jordan trust her to help in the Underground Railroad? Everything seems to be going against the rescue. Will they find a way to salvage the life-and-death mission? From the golden age of steamboats, the rush of immigrants to new lands, and the dangers of the Underground Railroad come true-to-life stories of courage, integrity, and suspense in the Freedom Seekers series.
Midnight Sea (Aloha Reef Series #4)
by Colleen Coble"Lani opened her eyes fully, straining to see something, anything. It was as though she swam in a black sea that blacked out all light, all visual sensation. 'I can't see,' she whispered. 'I can't see!' Her shriek rose and echoed off the blackness."A seemingly random shooting at her aunt's coffee farm has left Lani Tagama blind. Now she must learn to navigate in a world of darkness. With the help of an embittered ex-cop, Ben, and a half-trained guide dog, Fisher, Lani discovers she can regain a shadow of her former independence.But strange and dangerous secrets lurk behind the beauty of this seaside paradise. Suspicion grows that this was not a random shooting, but an attempted murder, one with its roots in a hippie commune burned over thirty year ago. Lani realizes she is a target, and that she must find the shooter before he strikes again.
Midnight Shadows
by Carol J. PostWith a relentless stalker after her, Melissa Langston flees Georgia for her small Florida hometown. Despite changing her name, she soon finds anonymous notes on her doorstep and a menacing figure lurking in the shadows. She's sure her stalker has tracked her down, but the police think she's overreacting. The only one who believes she's in danger is the former cop who broke her heart years ago. Melissa is afraid to get too close to ex-fiancé Chris Jamison, who is back in town to settle family business. Because the more she turns to the handsome man she's never forgotten, the more her stalker wants Chris gone-permanently.
Midnight Sun (Northern Lights #3)
by Lisa Tawn BergrenKAATJE JANSSEN--Desperate to know if her missing husband still lives, Kaatje hires the rugged, yet tenderhearted James Walker to guide her through the perils of the Alaskan wilderness. What she finally discovers, however, is far from what she expected--and could well place her in the greatest danger of her life. ELSA RAMSTAD--As captain of the Majestic and mother of Kristian and Eve, Elsa has sought to ease the ache of her lonely heart. Forever changed by loss, she accepts her fate of solitude. But when an old friend rekindles the spark of romance within her, will she allow the flames of love to burn again? TORA ANDERS--Her foolish youth behind her, Tora looks forward to her wedding and a fresh start in life as the wife of her beloved, Trent Storm. But first she must confront, face-to-face, the terrible demons of her past--and her struggle to forgive the man who radically altered her future. KARL MARTENSEN--Though he is widely admired, Captain Karl Martensen feels no depth of emotion for any of the women with whom his life becomes uncomfortably entangled. He has only tender memories of the love he once lost--a love that, by the grace of God, he just may find again. From the fierce Alaskan wilderness to the gaiety of San Francisco society; the familiar peaks of Bergen, Norway, to the dark, churning waters of Cape Horn; witness the glorious conclusion of the Northern Lights family saga as four long-time friends journey out of the shadow of their darkest days into the bright future awaiting them in the land of the Midnight Sun.
Midnight in Aisle Seven: Sometimes God Introduces Himself Outside the Church Walls
by Jay LowderYou never know when God will show upAt some point we all feel abandoned--by a friend, spouse, family member, or even God. We search to discover meaning for our lives. Often religion tries to confine the answers we seek to church buildings and candy-coated sermons, but in life's darkest moments hope is sometimes illuminated through the most unlikely people at the most unforeseen times. In Midnight in Aisle Seven Jay Lowder presents encouraging, raw, genuine stories of real people, including himself, to demonstrate how anyone, anywhere, can experience an encounter that brings significance to life.
Midnight on the River Grey: A Regency Mystery
by Abigail WilsonShe knew the house was keeping secrets. If only the darkness would speak . . .After her elder brother’s mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible: Mr. Lewis Browning—known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian.Summoned to his reclusive country estate to await her London season, Rebecca plans her own secret investigation among the darkened corridors of the mysterious Greybourne Hall. Yet Lewis Browning is not as she once imagined, and his motivation is horribly unclear. Recurrent nightmares and Rebecca’s restless feelings are further complicated by the shadow of her mother’s prior descent into madness and wondering if she, too, will follow the same heartbreaking path.Even as midnight rides, strange injuries, and further murders lead back to Mr. Browning, Rebecca can’t ignore the subtle turn of her heart. Has she developed feelings for the man she swore to see hanged? And moreover, can she trust him with her uncertain future?