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Morals and Mysticism in Persian Sufism: A History of Sufi-Futuwwat in Iran (Routledge Sufi Series)
by Lloyd RidgeonSufism is often understood to be the mystical dimension of Islam, and many works have focused on the nature of "mystical experiences" and the relationship between man and God. Yet Sufism was a human response to a wide range of contexts and circumstances; the fact that Sufis lived in society and interacted with the community necessitating guidance on how to behave. This book examines the development of Persian Sufism, showing it to be a practical philosophy of the everyday rather than just a metaphysical phenomena. The author explores the ethic of futuwwat (or jawanmardi), an Iranian code of honour that emphasised loyalty, humility, generosity and bravery. Although inevitably some Sufis spiritualised this code of honour and applied it to their own relationship with God, the ethic continued to permeate Sufi behaviour on a more mundane level, typified by the strong links between Sufis and certain trades. Drawing on field research in Iran, as well as detailed analysis of both Arabic and Persian texts and new materials that have been published in Iran in recent years, this is the first book in English to provide a history of Persian Sufi-futuwwat, As such, this book is an important contribution to the study of Persian Sufism, and to the fields of Islam, history and religion.
More
by Simon PonsonbyChrist promised his disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came on them, and that they would be his witnesses across the world. When the Spirit did come to them in tongues of fire, thousands believed in Christ and were saved. That same miracle, that same Spirit, is alive in us today.so why are all of us-from the evangelical to the charismatic-so desperate for an intimate encounter with God? Why don't we feel like the new creations we know we are?Pastor and theologian Simon Ponsonby believes that the hunger we feel is a desire for more of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Many Christins have emphasized the experience of the Spirit and neglected the Word, while others have emphasized the Word and neglected the Spirit. Either way, we've become so accustomed to living in the shallow waters of Christianity that we've forgotten the depth of that promised power, and the depth of the love that gave this power to us.In More, Simon invites you to journey with him into the deep waters of God's love. While both biblical and practical, what he says also has the power to inspire in you a new love and a new understanding of everything we've been given in Christ. Are you ready? This journey may not be comfortable or easy, but it will bring you more joy and more of God than you can even imagine.
More Adventures of PJ Pepperjay
by Yehudis BackenrothYes, PJ Pepperjay is back, clumsier, funnier, and sweeter than ever! When PJ Pepperjay's principal calls him down to the office, it's not because PJ forgot to put his socks on that morning (though he did forget!). It's not about PJ crunching potato chips under his desk (though he did that too!). It's about something much more serious - the annual school melava malka that PJ and his father will be running! And that's how PJ's Melava Malka Mishaps begin! As for PJ's Wonderful Windfall - that starts off with $600 and a surprise party that doesn't surprise anyone... In these new PJ adventures, we're going to find fathers who do cartwheels, incredibly secret tzedakah funds, tuna fish brownie cupcakes and 227 bottles of ketchup. Mostly, though, we're going to find fun and laughter and great stories. Enjoy!
More Beautiful Than Before: How Suffering Transforms Us
by Steve LederEvery one of us sooner or later walks through hell. The hell of being hurt. The hell of hurting another. The hell of cancer, the hell of divorce, the hell of chronic pain. The hell of anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s, a kid in trouble. The hell of a reluctant, thunking shovelful of earth upon the casket of someone we deeply loved. The point is not to come out of hell empty-handed. There is real and profound power in the pain we endure if we transform our suffering into a more authentic, meaningful life.As the Senior Rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, one of America’s largest and most important congregations, Steve Leder witnesses a lot of pain: "It’s my phone that rings when people’s bodies or lives fall apart." In this deeply inspiring book, written in the spirit of such classics as When Bad Things Happen to Good People, Rabbi Leder guides us through pain’s stages of surviving, healing, and finally growing. Drawing on his experience as a spiritual leader, the wisdom of ancient traditions, modern science, and stories from his own life and others’, he shows us that when we must endure, we can, and that there is a path for each of us that leads from pain to wisdom. This powerful book can inspire in us all a life worthy of our suffering; a life gentler, wiser, and more beautiful than before.
More Children's Sermons To Go: 52 Take-Home Lessons About God
by Deborah RaneyMore Children’s Sermons to Go: 52 Take-Home Lessons About God offers a year’s worth of children’s sermons that feature small, inexpensive gifts or trinkets that help children better understand and remember the lesson of the sermon.Each of the sermon lessons in More Children’s Sermons to Go includes a Materials section, a selected Scripture text, and a take-home memento of the sermon lesson. These mementos are quick, inexpensive ideas that require 30 minutes or less of preparation time.
More Church Chuckles
by Dick HaferThe enthusiastic response to Church Chuckles has paved the way for More Church Chuckles, another hilarious installment of Christian cartoons by award-winning cartoonist Dick Hafer. From the uptightness of those lovable fundamentalists, to the sidesplitting antics of our more liberal brethren, Hafer's keen eye and artistic fingers combine for a send-up of the more humorous aspects of today's Christian community. Get one for a friend, then get one for yourself.
More Church Folk
by Michele Andrea BowenIt is now 1986, and the preachers of the Gospel United Church are preparing for their much-anticipated Triennial General Conference. The last time readers encountered the good Rev. Theophilus Simmons, he was a newlywed and the pastor of a modest-sized congregation in Memphis. Now he's the father of three and running a congregation in St. Louis. His best friend, Rev. Eddie Tate, is now with a fast growing church in Chicago, but he is getting real frustrated with the way things are run in the Gospel United Church. Marcel Brown and his father, Ernest, along with Sonny Washington and Bishop Larsen Giles have had two decades to perfect their slimy methods of "tapping" church funds and other misdeeds. Now they've found a secret weapon that will allow them to make fast money and accomplish what they failed to do 20 years ago--buy off enough power to dominate the entire denomination, put their cronies in key spots, and ransack the church like it is the spoils of war. It won't be long before the two opposing sides face off. . . "church-folk" style.
More Daily Wisdom
by Josh BartokLike its successful predecessor, Daily Wisdom, More Daily Wisdom draws on the richness of Buddhist writings to offer a spiritual cornucopia that will illuminate and inspire day after day, year after year. Sources span a spectrum from ancient sages to modern teachers, from monks to laypeople, from East to West, from poetry to prose. Each page, and each new day, reveals another gem of Daily Wisdom. Entries included are from some of Buddhism's best-known figures: the Dalai Lama, Sylvia Boorstein, Bhante Gunaratana (Mindfulness in Plain English), Lama Zopa Rinpoche (Transforming Problems into Happiness), Lama Yeshe (Introduction to Tantra), Ayya Khema (Being Nobody, Going Nowhere) and of course, the Buddha himself.
More Gems for the Journey
by Vikki JohnsonOrdained elder and radio personality Vikki Johnson has delivered another collection of spiritually enriching and heartwarming gems. A seasoned motivational speaker and guest lecturer, she has pulled from her own experiences on her journey through life and delivers an abundance of captivating and life-affirming messages of healing wisdom. Vikki Johnson masterfully touches upon a number of subjects and will add clarity to your physical, mental and emotional health. No matter what turmoil you may be experiencing, the precious jewels in this faith-based book will provide you with a greater sense of self-awareness and personal strength. As you read through and reflect on these positive messages, you may be motivated to take notes about your own experiences. On each page, there is a special section provided for you to write your own Journey Notes. You will find peace, hope and courage in these pearls of wisdom, and will feel encouraged to lead a more fulfilled life.
More Ghosts in Irish Houses
by James ReynoldsThis volume contains 21 Irish ghost stories, sequel to earlier book by same author “Ghosts in Irish Houses”.“...LEGENDS, MYTHS AND TALES OF A VERY EERIE NATURE.”—Cleveland Press“...drama and excitement....A collection for connoisseurs.”—Boston Herald“...makes my scalp tingle.”—New York World Telegram and Sun“Magical reading.”—New York Journal-American“...combines racy Irish speech and lilting prose.”—San Francisco Chronicle“...the best ghost stories come out of Erin and of these Reynolds hands on the prime pickings...some of the best stories of their kind that I have read in a long, long time....James Reynolds...is a wizard with words....”—Trenton Sunday Times
More God, Less Crime: Why Faith Matters and How It Could Matter More
by Byron R. JohnsonIn this book, renowned criminologist Byron R. Johnson proves that religion can be a powerful antidote to crime. The book describes how faith communities, congregations, and faith-based organizations are essential in forming partnerships necessary to provide the human and spiritual capital to effectively address crime, offender rehabilitation, and the substantial aftercare problems facing former prisoners. There is scattered research literature on religion and crime but until now, there has never been one publication that systematically and rigorously analyzes what we know from this largely overlooked body of research in a lay-friendly format. The data shows that when compared to current strategies, faith-based approaches to crime prevention bring added value in targeting those factors known to cause crime: poverty, lack of education, and unemployment. In an age of limited fiscal resources, Americans can't afford a criminal justice system that turns its nose up at volunteer efforts that could not only work better than the abysmal status quo, but also save billions of dollars at the same time. This book provides readers with practical insights and recommendations for a faith-based response that could do just that.
More Haunted Hoosier Trails
by Wanda Lou WillisIndiana folklorist Wanda Lou Willis is back with all-new ghostly tales in this hair-raising companion to Haunted Hoosier Trails. Wanda explores Indiana's hidden history in spooky locations around the state. Local history buffs will relish the informative county histories that begin each chapter, while thrill-seekers will eagerly search out these frightening spots. More Haunted Hoosier Trails is perfect year-round for raising goose-bumps around the campfire or reading under the covers with a flashlight.
More High School Talksheets-Updated!: 50 More Creative Discussions for High School Youth Groups (TalkSheets)
by David LynnStart Discussions That Matter to Your High Schoolers About God. About themselves, their, beliefs, their questions, their lives. [Burst: More than a quarter-million copies sold in this series!] More High School TalkSheets—Updated! contains the same kind of provocative, compelling, discussion-starting questions that are hallmarks of the best-selling TalkSheets series—now updated for new-millennium high schoolers. Here are 50 more creative discussions that focus on relevant, real-life topics: The Future Death Priorities AIDS Heaven & Hell Premarital Sex Prayer Knowing God Homosexuality Materialism & Consumerism . . . and 40 more subjects of perennial interest to teenagers. TalkSheets are convenient, effective one-page reproducible handouts with intriguing questions that will get churched kids and unchurched kids alike talking and thinking about the Bible—and how its principles affect their daily lives. Use TalkSheets to launch your own lesson—or use them as stand-alone Bible studies. Each TalkSheet comes with detailed information and suggestions for discussion leaders: Bible references galore, Internet resources, further group exploration, and activities to pursue during and after the meeting. More High School TalkSheets—Updated! is the perfect discussion-starting resource for youth meetings, small groups and cell groups, Sunday school, and camps and retreats.
More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks: 100 More Attention-getting Stories, Parables, And Anecdotes
by Wayne RiceHot Illustrations for Youth Talks -- Wayne Rice's original collection of stories, parables, and anecdotes -- was an instant bestseller. Youth workers clamored for more. And here they are! Wayne has assembled another 100 illustrations from his own files and from the files of youth ministry's best speakers -- Tony Campolo - Doug Fields - Laurie Polich - Miles McPherson Brennan Manning - Les Christie - Bill McNabb - Joel Lusz -- and many more! Here are all kinds of stories for all kinds of youth talks -- devotionals, Bible lessons, openers, humorous anecdotes, poignant narratives, fables, real-life stories. They're all indexed by topic, and they all work with teenagers. They're just the thing to give your youth talks that extra spark you're looking for. If you've used Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks (or used it up!), welcome to this all new collection. If this is your introduction to Hot Illustrations, you're in for a treat -- and your kids will love you for it!
More Jesus, Less Religion: Moving from Rules to Relationship
by Stephen Arterburn Jack FeltonOne decade ago, best-selling authors Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton exposed the dangers of what they called "toxic faith," helping countless believers to understand and overcome their religious misconceptions. Now, drawing upon an additional ten years of observation and experience, these authors go one step further, offering new insights and a positive approach to the dilemma in this long-awaited follow-up to their ground-breaking work. Be set free from man-made rules, "churchianity," and legalistic religion.Learn to recognize serious misinterpretations of vital biblical concepts such as "accountability."Return to the roots of a strong, obedient, yet grace-filled relationship with your Creator.To all who want to enter into deeper joy, fuller obedience, greater influence, and a healthier experience of God, More Jesus, Less Religion points the way back to the grace of the Lord and shows what it takes to avoid the pitfalls of toxic faith.From the Trade Paperback edition.
More Joy for the Journey
by Thomas NelsonA warm and engaging read, this companion volume to the best-selling Joy for the Journey offers more of the same excellent spiritual writings for women paired with select Scripture verses that made the first volume a resounding success. This beautifully designed, pocket-size book is a popular and pleasing combination of practical advice and uplifting encouragement.
More Junior High and Middle School Talksheets-Updated!: 50 More Creative Discussions for Junior High Youth Groups (TalkSheets)
by David LynnStart Discussions That Matter to Your Junior Highers & Middle Schoolers About God. About themselves, their, beliefs, their questions, their lives. More Junior High-Middle School TalkSheets--Updated! contains the same kind of provocative, compelling, discussion-starting questions that are hallmarks of the best-selling TalkSheets series--now updated for new-millennium students. Here are 50 more creative discussions that focus on relevant, real-life topics: The Future Death Priorities AIDS Heaven & Hell Premarital Sex Prayer Knowing God Homosexuality Materialism & Consumerism . . . and 40 more subjects of perennial interest to teenagers. TalkSheets are convenient, effective one-page reproducible handouts with intriguing questions that will get churched kids and unchurched kids alike talking and thinking about the Bible--and how its principles affect their daily lives. Use TalkSheets to launch your own lesson--or use them as stand-alone Bible studies. Each TalkSheet comes with detailed information and suggestions for discussion leaders: Bible references galore, Internet resources, further group exploration, and activities to pursue during and after the meeting. More Junior High-Middle School TalkSheets--Updated! is the perfect discussion-starting resource for youth meetings, small groups and cell groups, Sunday school, and camps and retreats.
More Letters for Every Occasion: A Pastor's Sourcebook
by James E. Taylor IIISending a personal note, email, or letter means that you took time to care. It can be a grace-filled symbol of your ministry outreach and an effective way to offer pastoral concern.The book offers more than 90 carefully written, thoughtful sample letters and emails that can be easily adapted for any particular situation. Contents include letters relating to church leadership; preaching and worship; pastoral care; stewardship and finance; administration; community outreach; membership and visitors. There is also helpful information and etiquette regarding email, Facebook, and Twitter.
More Lost Than Found
by Jared Howard Herd"I vaguely remember finding Jesus when I was a child, but I vividly recall losing him." Jared Herd grew up the son of a preacher, baptized in religion before he was ever baptized in church. As a child, his parents went through a painful and public divorce, and Jesus became a distant memory, like an artifact of childhood that gets put away and forgotten. Eventually Jared broke a promise he made to himself and walked back into church. He realized the problem wasn't God--it was how he had been told to think about God.Like Jared, teenagers and young adults are leaving the church in astonishing numbers. Something is obviously wrong. Is the problem Jesus? Or is the problem how we have been told to think about Jesus?Perhaps you've always wondered how music, movies, friends, or anything on the outside of Christianity could relate to your life inside of it. Perhaps something in your life keeps you from believing you would ever fit in as a believer. Maybe you were always told what to become, but no one tried to understand how you became who you are.In More Lost Than Found, Jared Herd comes alongside anyone who has ever struggled with faith to reengage them in the truth they long to hear. If you have ever felt you didn't fit at church or had questions about God, maybe it's time to give your faith another chance. God wants to find you where you are. Endorsements:In More Lost Than Found Jared Herd writes with both honesty and hope as he shares his journey and welcomes us all to re-examine true faith in the midst of a fragmented culture. Like he speaks, Jared crafts More Lost Than Found with humor and grace as he seeks to repair pathways once broken and ushers a new generation into the wonder and mystery of the Gospel. ?Louie Giglio, The Passion Movement, Passion City ChurchJared Herd is a powerful and free spirit, ruled by truth and grace. He is a voice that comes to us every so often, reminding our mind and soul which direction to amicably go--closer to God. Not only am I grateful to have his writings, I am even more astounded to have him as a friend. Let us all find what we seek. ?Matt Schulze, actor, leading roles in Fast and Furious, The Transporter, and many moreJared Herd belies our usual assumption that to be "wise" one must be "old." Here is a young guy who teems with shrewd discernment. He is a vigorous boundary-crosser, moving readily back and forth between old and new, secular and sacred, "pop" and serious, innovation and tradition. In the midst of it, he senses a purpose other than his own and a calling out beyond self. Readers are invited to such boundary-crossing toward a future where faith matters enormously. ?Walter Brueggemann- world renowned theologian, Columbia Theological SeminaryIn More Lost than Found, Jared Herd presents us the Christian faith in a way that is engaging, intellectual, and disarming. He moves between popular culture and his own biblical convictions with a humble and honest voice, while pulling his audience back to a God they've grown weary of. As someone who has worked for over 50 years in the entertainment industry, I can tell you how rare it is to find someone who can speak to the next generation. Jared Herd is one of those voices. I'm grateful for his work and his friendship.?Michael Jay Solomon, founder, Solomon Entertainment, former president of Warner Bros International Television
More Messy People Women's Bible Study Leader Guide: Life Lessons from Imperfect Biblical Heroes
by Jennifer CowartGod can use imperfect people to do incredible things.The More Messy People Leader Guide outlines six small group sessions, complete with prayers, summaries, and discussion questions. It is designed to be used with the Participant Workbook and DVD and will support group leaders of all experience levels in creating strong learning communities.Jen Cowart continues her study of the very messy lives of biblical heroes—people who, like us, made mistakes but found God was able to use them in powerful ways. They all play a significant role in the biblical narrative, but their stories are far from perfect.Through the lives of rival sisters like Leah and Rachel, or sisters with very different personalities like Martha and Mary, we see God chooses to use people who don’t have it all together. Through the lives of great, but imperfect, biblical heroes like Moses, Elijah, Peter, and Paul, we see God meets us in our troubles and chooses us even if we seem unqualified.
More Messy People Women's Bible Study Participant Workbook: Life Lessons from Imperfect Biblical Heroes
by Jennifer CowartGod can use imperfect people to do incredible things.Jen Cowart continues her study of the very messy lives of biblical heroes—people who, like us, made mistakes but found God was able to use them in powerful ways. They all play a significant role in the biblical narrative, but their stories are far from perfect.Through the lives of rival sisters like Leah and Rachel, or sisters with very different personalities like Martha and Mary, we see God chooses to use people who don’t have it all together. Through the lives of great, but imperfect, biblical heroes like Moses, Elijah, Peter, and Paul, we see God meets us in our troubles and chooses us even if we seem unqualified.The Participant Workbook includes five daily readings for each week, combining study of Scripture with personal reflection, application, and prayer and is designed to use with the Leader Guide and DVD.
More Notes from the Universe: Life, Dreams and Happiness
by Mike DooleySometimes life is like reading a book. Days, weeks, even years just repeat themselves. . . until you turn the page. The Universe returns in this second volume of Notes from the Universe, overflowing with even more valuable reminders of the absolute power you have over your life. Whether opened at random or read from front to back, the powerful affirmations penned by author Mike Dooley will have you once again thinking positively, feeling confident, and walking the path to personal fulfillment. It's never been easier, with the inspiration and empowerment of the Universe's eternal love opening all the doors. The secret to manifesting change was unlocked in the first book of the Notes from the Universe trilogy, and the lessons continue here, drawing you ever closer to the life you always dreamed you would live.
More Power To You: Get Recharged and Empowered for Ministry
by T. F. TenneyFrom the book: If there is enough power in one crumb to heal a sick daughter... If there is enough power in one crumb from past experience to make the tormenting demons take flight... If there was enough power in one crumb to cause Him to remain in His place and dispatch wholeness from Heaven... If there was enough power in one Crumb for an outcast Gentile woman to receive a "whatever you want is yours"... How much more power must there be in the whole loaf and permanent presence that belongs to the children of God today? T.F. Tenney has downloaded from the archives of Heaven timeless truths that transcend the artificial explanations of spiritual realities presented in too many pulpits of today. More Power to You picks up the baton where Secret Sources of Power left off with more paradoxical presentations of kingdom truths. The power of the crumb, the power of the whisper, and the power of the clay are just some of the delectable delights served up by this patriarch in the faith. Here is fresh food from an ancient pantry that will satisfy the hunger of your heart and empower you for your own spiritual journey.
More Power to You: Declarations to Break Free from Fear and Take Back Your Life
by Margaret FeinbergLife-changing healing can be yours. And you can make it happen in only 90 seconds a day. Each of the 52 devotions in More Power to You by Bible teacher Margaret Feinberg examines a popular lie in our culture and invites you to replace that lie with a biblical affirmation of truth that will bring joy to your soul.In a culture that constantly tells us we're not good enough, not beautiful enough, and not doing enough, it's easy to feel as if we have nothing to offer. Lies about who we are and how we are failing slip into our thinking until we believe they are reality. But that's not what God intends for us.In More Power to You, Margaret Feinberg:exposes these false beliefsshows you that the places of your deepest hurts can become wellsprings of your greatest healingshares the daily practice that has been so life changing for her: Daily DeclarationsYou'll launch into each day by reading the 90-Second Daily Declaration aloud, paying attention to what the Holy Spirit may be highlighting for you. Then you'll read through the weekly devotion, exploring the what and the why behind those biblical truths. These brief but powerful devotions are designed to unleash the true you and remind you of who you really are.More Power to You equips men and women to:embrace your true identity every dayfind power in knowing you are already worthy in God's eyesbreak free from the negative thoughts that hold you hostageTry the 90-Second Daily Declaration Challenge and experience the joyous life God wants for you.