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Abingdon New Testament Commentaries: Ephesians (Abingdon New Testament Commentaries)
by Pheme PerkinsIn this volume, Pheme Perkins mines the writings from Nag Hammadi and Qumran for illuminating parallels to Ephesians, showing how a first-century audience would have heard and responded to the various parts of the letter. Under her sure guidance, contemporary readers are led to see the rhetorical power and the theological depth of this pseudonymous letter.
At the Crossroads: Leadership Lessons for the Second Half of Life
by Dave Wilson Clayton L. SmithRetirement can be the most purpose-filled, satisfying, fun phase of your life!Thousands of men and women are retiring each day, and many look forward to this phase of life with equal parts excitement and anxiety. Baby boomers have high expectations of retirement: they want to be redeployed to a life that is meaningful, significant, and full of joy. But this requires thoughtful planning, and many soon-to-be retirees wonder how they’ll get there, or if they’re even on the right path. At the Crossroads, by Clayton Smith and Dave Wilson, is a six-week Bible-based study offering comprehensive, practical help for Christians who are approaching, entering, or already in retirement. Readers can work through the book on their own or as part of a group. The book guides readers through a study and reflection process to discover their purpose, passion, and mission for retirement. It includes self-assessments and other planning tools to help readers develop a personal and spiritual mission statement. The book also facilitates discussions with family and friends about shared priorities, expectations, and end-of-life decisions, bringing a sense of peace for all involved. Finally, the book includes a chapter on financial planning, with a focus on the reader’s legacy, for an impact that will last through generations."Most churches do too little to reach people who are nearing or entering retirement. Case in point: the baby boomer generation, which is slipping away from the church. At the Crossroads is a gift for people in this group—and for church leaders seeking to nurture them. It offers a way for retirees to reclaim God’s purpose for their lives and to serve as never before. This is powerful for the individual and for the church! Pastors should use this as the basis for preretirement classes. It is a comprehensive study in service, community, stewardship, life purpose, and spirituality." —William B. Randolph, Director, Aging and Older Adult Ministries, Discipleship Ministries (UMC)"For Boomers who are ready to take a serious look at their future, At The Crossroads is an excellent place to start. Perfect for small groups and individuals who are ready to engage in six critical discussions, participants will be guided to discover their purpose as they move into the second half of life." - Rev. Dr. Craig Kennet Miller, author of Boomer Spirituality: Seven Values for the Second Half of Life and Director of Congregational Development at Discipleship Ministries with the United Methodist Church. "A useful tool for a community of Boomers looking to build and grow an enriching fellowship for the body, mind and spirit. We are excited to use this study ...!" -- Tiwana Whitten, First United Methodist Church, Topeka KS."At the Crossroads is a creative six week bible-based study that will help those of us over 55 to prepare for, transition into or live out our retirement years in more exciting and productive ways. I thank Clayton Smith and Dave Wilson for sharing from their experiences as an executive pastor and lay leader at Church of the Resurrection in a resource that will help us move from senior adult programs that mainly focus on "entertainment and travel" to instead preparing and motivating seniors to use their many gifts and graces in their church and community. I especially appreciate the book being grounded in biblical practices while using business-like methods that will be familiar to recent retirees. The "tools" included and available "on-line" help develop an inventory that will be used as building blocks for establishing a personal Mission/Purpose Statement and Strategic Plan. The many "God Stories" in personal interviews and the Chapter that focuses on "Caring Conversations" with family and friends make this book special in accomplishing a bridge to the many current "Boomers" who think of retirement as a "career shift" not as a traditional approach to retirement." -- Paul R. Ervin, Jr., Director of Generous Living, Long’s Chapel UMC, Lake Junaluska, N
Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible (Genesis to Revelation series)
by Robert JewettStudy the entire Book of Romans, beginning with an introduction to Paul and following through his life and his call. Some of the major ideas explored are: his purpose and situation, righteousness and wrath, being set free from sin, new life in the Spirit, and a tolerant ethic.More than 3.5 million copies of the series have been sold.This revision of the Abingdon classic Genesis to Revelation Series is a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible based on the NIV. These studies help readers strengthen their understanding and appreciation of the Bible by enabling them to engage the Scripture on three levels: What does the Bible say? Questions to consider while reading the passage for each session. What does the passage mean? Unpacks key verses in the selected passage. How does the Scripture relate to my life? Provides three major ideas that have meaning for our lives today. The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words.The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. The simple format makes the study easy to use. Includes maps and glossary with key pronunciation helps.Updates will include: New cover designs. New interior designs. Leader Guide per matching Participant Book (rather than multiple volumes in one book). Updated to 2011 revision of the New International Version Translation (NIV). Updated references to New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible. Include biblical chapters on the contents page beside session lesson titles for at-a-glance overview of biblical structure. Include larger divisions within the contents page to reflect macro-structure of each biblical book. Ex: Genesis 1-11; Genesis 12-50; Exodus 1-15; Exodus 16-40; Isaiah 1-39; Isaiah 40-66.The simple format makes the study easy to use. Each volume is 13 sessions and has a separate leader guide.
The End of Preaching
by Thomas H. TroegerThe End of Preaching is equal parts instruction and inspiration, offering practical help for every preacher and seminarian, and providing a new way of thinking about the purpose and craft of preaching. Tom Troeger explores the end--or purpose--of preaching as prayer. He gently reveals layer after layer of meaning for the preacher and the practice of preaching, giving deep insight into the preacher's approach, the task of preaching itself, and the impact of preaching on the hearers. This is a book to be studied and savored, a wonderful gift for one’s self or any preacher friend.Thomas Troeger delivered the 2016 Beecher Lectures, the nation's most prestigious and influential series of lectures on the topic of preaching. The series was established at Yale University in 1871.
Worship Together in Your Church as in Heaven
by Josh Davis Nikki LernerWorship Together in Your Church as in Heavenis a practical and foundational resource for pastors and worshipleaders of all kinds. It addresses an urgent need in the church today:as our communities become increasingly diverse, how can we offer worshipthat is authentic and engaging for all of God’s people, includinglongtime church members? The authors offer an empathetic, step-by-stepapproach, providing readers with knowledge, skills, and strategies tosuccessfully introduce inclusive, multicultural worship in any setting.Davis and Lerner are expert practitioners and pioneers who invite us tobreak new ground with them, making worship that more closely reflectsGod’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven."Multiculturalis more than a buzzword. It is God’s desire for the church. Davis andLerner’s practical approach shows us how to truly reflect God’smulticultural kingdom in worship."—Rosario Picardo, Executive Pastor of New Church Development, Ginghamsburg Church, Tipp City, OH"Thisis an essential and practical guide that every worship leader, pastor,and church leader needs to read, learn, digest, and practice." —James R. Hart, President, Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies, Orange Park, FL"Lerner and Davis’s superb book is a practical resource for connection and community-building in any environment." —Lance Winkler, Director of Contemporary Worship, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, KS"Worship Together in Your Church as in Heavenoffers a wealth of good theology, encouraging case studies, life-testedmodels, and strategies for developing multicultural worship in allkinds of communities. We’ve been waiting a long time for this book!" —Robin P. Harris, President, International Council of Ethnodoxologists; Director, Center for Excellence in World Arts"Worship Together in Your Church as in Heavenwill help you identify the critical questions, take intentional steps,and promote a spirit of inclusion in your church. Your worship willreflect God’s love for all people, not just one kind of people, in anincreasingly diverse society." —Mark DeYmaz, Lead Pastor, Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas; author of Leading a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church
Daily Bible Study Summer 2025
by Timothy Merrill Betsy Haas Rhoda E. PrestonGrow your faith daily. Transform your life.Experience God in deeper ways by spending time in God’s Word. Daily Bible Study is the perfect resource for individuals who want to grow in their relationship with God and enhance their engagement with lessons in Adult Bible Studies. Designed to meet the needs of busy people, each daily reading includes a Scripture reference, a personal faith-related question, an explanation and application of the biblical text, and a prayer, all on one page. Available in print and eBook and as an app.Summer 2025 Theme: Living FaithThis summer, Daily Bible Study presents a series of readings supporting the theme “Living Faith.” These readings, divided into three units, lead us to consider the church, the issues within it, the wisdom God provides in dealing with these issues, and the spiritual resources God provides for us to live into the church’s mission. These daily readings come from the Old and New Testament texts and prepare us for the lessons in Adult Bible Studies.This resource, endorsed by the Curriculum Resources Committee of The United Methodist Church, offers a year-round, daily Bible study plan.
Now That They Are Grown: Successfully Parenting Your Adult Children
by Ronald J. GreerWe don’t stop being parents when our kids are grown...but some things do change.Life is filled with change. As our sons and daughters move into young adulthood, our role of what it means to be loving parents changes dramatically. This book aims to help readers miss as many potholes as possible in making the transition from parenting children to being parents of young adults. Here are ways to nurture our adult children while encouraging their independence and maturity. Learn to have balance. Here is how to respond to them in times of struggle. Readers will see how to be supportive, yet not intrusive, caring without enabling dependency.The questions are important. The answers are not obvious. It is a new day in our relationships with our children. The page has been turned, and we are now writing the new chapter in the life of our family. It is important that we get it right.
Preaching from the Soul: Insistent Observations on the Sacred Art
by J. Ellsworth KalasCareful biblical interpretation; insights into contemporary life; polished delivery; humorous anecdotes; these are the building blocks of preaching that genuinely reach people. Right? Wrong, says Ellsworth Kalas. We have all encountered preachers who seem to know all the fine points of exegesis and inflection, yet whose sermons leave us surprisingly unmoved, aware that we were in the presence of good speaking, but not great preaching. The difference, Kalas reminds us, lies in that hard-to-describe, yet essential quality known as soul. Soul is the collection of those perspectives and convictions that matter most to the preacher. Soul preaching means offering one's particular ideas, attitudes, and convictions fully to the congregation. When one preaches with soul, one engages the biblical text with the core of one's values and beliefs. Soul preaching is, in other words, simply giving the whole self to the task of proclamation. While the concept may sound simple, the reality is anything but. In the clear, insightful style for which he is known, Kalas takes readers on a path of discovery, introducing them to the unique gifts that they can bring to preaching, and the best way to engage those gifts in preparing and delivering the sermon.
Common English Bible: A Fresh Translation To Touch The Heart And Mind
by Common English BibleTake a fresh look at the Bible while you experience a new translation. The Common English Bible is relevant, readable, and reliable. The result is a new version that the typical reader or worshipper is able to understand. 115 leading biblical scholars from 22 faith traditions and 77 reading specialists in 13 denominations worked on this translation.
Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner's Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven (Sermon on the Mount)
by Amy-Jill LevineThe Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7, contains some of Jesus most profound and most memorable teachings. What might these teachings have mean to his disciples, and to the others who first heard them? How do they enhance our reading of the rest of the Gospel of Matthew, and how do they speak across the centuries to listeners today? How, if we pay careful attention to his words, does Jesus provide us a road map to living as God would have us live?In Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner's Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine introduces the major topics in the Sermon on the Mount, explains historical and theological contexts, and shows how the words of Jesus echo his Jewish tradition and speak forward to reach hearts and minds today.This book provides a rich and challenging learning experience for the individual reader and also makes a wonderful, six-week group study with the additional Leader Guide, DVD, and 40-day readings
Holy Living: Spiritual Practices of Building a Life of Faith (Holy Living)
by Ray Buckley"While physical training has some value, training in holy living is useful for everything. It has promise for this life now and the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:8 CEB) Christians crave a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. The spiritual disciplines are historical practices that can guide us in our daily walk, bringing us closer to Christ. The Holy Living series brings a fresh perspective on the spiritual disciplines, enabling us to apply their practices to our current lives. Practicing these spiritual disciplines opens us to God's transforming love.Prayer has always been a central component in the life of a Christian. For many people, prayer is as natural as breathing; for others, it's a challenging task. No matter your comfort level or experience with prayer, this book will help you explore the purpose of prayer, the nature of prayer, and the results of a life of prayer. It leads you to be open to the transformation prayer can bring to your life and helps you better engage in prayer both individually and with others.This is one of series of eight books. Each book in this series introduces a spiritual practice, suggests way of living the practice daily, and provides opportunities to grow personally and in a faith community with others who engage with the practice. Each book consists of an introduction and four chapters and includes questions for personal reflection and group discussion.Other disciplines studied: Celebration, Confession, Discernment, Neighboring, Prayer, Simplicity, Study, and Worship.
Six Steps to a Generous Life: Living Your Commitment to Christ
by Bob CrossmanSo how do we even begin to live a more generous life? First, it comes by acknowledging where our resources come from. This affordable and pocket-sized book presents giving as a lifelong journey in Christian discipleship with emphasis on six specific areas: Bible Reading Prayer Worship Service Financial Giving Witness Using excerpts from Committed to Christ, a six-week stewardship program, readers will cultivate a thankful heart that leads to giving more than they could ever imagine.
The Greatest Story Never Told: Revive Us Again
by Leonard SweetGod raises up Methodists for such a time as this. Here is a ditty Len Sweet’s Methodist grandfather used to sing: A Methodist, a Methodist will I be A Methodist will I die. I’ve been baptized in the Methodist way And I’ll live on the Methodist side. What "genius" of Methodism inspired this kind of love and loyalty in the earlier years of the faith? What did it mean to live in "the Methodist way" and to die on "the Methodist side?" Perhaps it is time to resurrect a neo-Wesleyan identity and to challenge the prevailing "one-calorie Methodism" that characterizes so much of our tribe today. What makes a Methodist? How can we re-ignite the spark of genius that motivated such commitment in our cloud of witnesses? The essence of Methodism’s genius resides in two famous Wesleyan mantras: "heart strangely warmed" (inward experiences with a fire in the heart) and "the world is our parish" (outward experiences with waterfalls of cutting-edge intelligence). For Wesley, internal combustion, the former, led to external combustion, the latter. In the 18th century, Methodists in general (and in their younger years, the Wesley brothers themselves) were accused of being too "sexy." What else could all those "love feasts" and "strangely warmed hearts" be about? Why else were all those women in positions of leadership? With this book the author hopes to bring back to life some of Methodism’s sexiness so that our current reproduction crisis can be reversed.
Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America
by Jennifer HarveyThis New York Times best-selling book is a guide for families, educators, and communities to raise their children to be able and active anti-racist allies.With a foreword by Tim Wise, Raising White Kids is for families, churches, educators, and communities who want to equip their children to be active and able participants in a society that is becoming one of the most racially diverse in the world while remaining full of racial tensions. For white people who are committed to equity and justice, living in a nation that remains racially unjust and deeply segregated creates unique conundrums.These conundrums begin early in life and impact the racial development of white children in powerful ways. What can we do within our homes, communities and schools? Should we teach our children to be "colorblind"? Or, should we teach them to notice race? What roles do we want to equip them to play in addressing racism when they encounter it? What strategies will help our children learn to function well in a diverse nation?Talking about race means naming the reality of white privilege and hierarchy. How do we talk about race honestly, then, without making our children feel bad about being white? Most importantly, how do we do any of this in age-appropriate ways?While a great deal of public discussion exists in regard to the impact of race and racism on children of color, meaningful dialogue about and resources for understanding the impact of race on white children are woefully absent. Raising White Kids steps into that void."Most white Americans didn't get from our own families the concrete teaching and modeling we needed to be active in the work of racial justice ourselves, let alone to feel equipped now to talk about race with and teach anti-racism to our children. There is so much we need to learn and it's urgent that we do so. But the good news is: we can," says Jennifer Harvey.
Guidelines Scouting & Civic Youth-Serving Ministry: Build Effective Scouting Ministry in Your Church
by CokesburyThe United Methodist Church is endowed with certain responsibilities that allow scouting and civic youth serving programs to become a ministry. This is what differentiates us from a civic or community-based club. This Guideline will help explain the Office of Civic Youth Serving Agencies/Scouting (OCYSAS), the five chosen programs, and how to lead in this ministry area.This is one of the twenty-six Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation 2017-2020 that cover church leadership areas including Church Council and Small Membership Church; the administrative areas ofFinance and Trustees; and ministry areas focused on nurture, outreach, and witness including Worship, Evangelism, Stewardship, Christian Education, age-level ministries, Communications, and more.
Close to Home: A Chicory Inn Novel - Book 4 (A Chicory Inn Novel)
by Deborah RaneyBree Cordel Whitman is a Whitman by marriage, but sometimes she forgets she wasn’t born into Grant and Audrey’s family. Her late husband, Timothy Whitman, gave his life for his country on a windblown hill in Afghanistan. Bree has let the love of Tim’s family keep her ties to him strong—in the same way she keeps Tim’s memory alive for them. But it’s been almost five years, and she can’t hang onto the past forever.Fighting the guilt she feels for wanting to love again, she can’t help her dreams about a tall, dark, and handsome man—a man who is not her Tim. How can she accept the flirtations from Drew Brooks without throwing the Whitman family back into grieving? And how can Drew compete with the ghost of a hero and the hero’s very alive family who seem to hold some spell over the woman who shares their name . . . a woman he might just love?
Home for Christmas Youth Study Book: Tales of Hope and Second Chances (Home for Christmas)
by Justin ColemanHome for Christmas brings inspiring stories of hope and second chances into the Advent season. Author and pastor Justin Coleman matches real life stories of struggle and triumph to the Advent themes of hope, love, joy, and peace to show how the light of Christmas shines brightly even in hard times. Each chapter lifts up a scripture reflection alongside tales of men and women who reflect on the Advent themes with love and longing. Throughout each of the four chapters and the accompanying DVD for a small-group experience, Coleman captures the stories of formerly incarcerated men and women as they find work and opportunity through Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, California. These men and women share their holiday memories and experiences in light of the hope and new life they’ve experienced at Homeboy. This Youth Study Book takes the ideas presented in the book and interprets them for young people grades 6-12.
I Am the Lord Who Heals You: Reflections on Healing, Wholeness, and Restoration
by G. Scott MorrisThis is a collection of sermons which explores Christian understandings of healing, wholeness, and restoration. Among the contributors are Walter Brueggemann, Barbara Brown Taylor, Maxie Dunnam, Barbara Lundblad, William Sloane Coffin, and Reginald Mallett. The editor of the volume, G. Scott Morris, is a physician and an elder in The United Methodist Church. He is founder and executive director of the Church Health Center in Memphis, Tennessee, the largest faith-based, not-for-profit primary health clinic in America.
Hearing Beyond the Words: How to Become a Listening Pastor
by Emma J. JustesOnly when pastors hear beyond the words, can they care-fully minister. Pastors listen all the time. Or do they? Listening is more than a developed skill; it is an awesome gift of hospitality offered to others. According to Dr. Emma Justes, hearing beyond the words signifies an intimate relationship characterized by humility, thoughtful availability, vulnerability, and mutuality. Listening requires focused attention and openness. To help the reader learn this essential skill, the author includes exercises at the end of each chapter to build needed competency for this healing ministry.
Journey to the Cross: Reflecting on 24 Hours That Changed the World
by Adam HamiltonExperience the final hours of Jesus’ life in new ways as you take your own journey to the cross. Based on Adam Hamilton's devotions from 24 Hours That Changed the World, this new edition contains added content to help readers prepare heart and mind for Easter: descriptions of Hamilton’s travel to the Holy Land, historical and scriptural content from each chapter of 24 Hours, links to online travel videos and photographs, as well as Scripture, prayers, and opportunities for personal journaling.Journey to the Cross is excellent for individual devotion and reflection and can also be used in a small group experience.
Fierce - Women's Bible Study Leader Guide: Women of the Bible Who Changed the World (Fierce)
by Jennifer CowartLearn from the fierce women of God who changed the world. The word fierce is trendy. It is used to describe women who are extreme athletes, high-level executives, or supermodels. Women at the top of their game. But what about the rest of us? Can we be fierce? Absolutely! In fact, women like us have been changing the world for thousands of years—many who received little fanfare yet lived fiercely anyway. In this six-week study we will look at lesser-known female characters in the Bible and the ways they changed the world by living into God’s calling, including: The midwives of Egypt (Shiphrah and Puah), who made hard decisions in the face of evil Deborah, who was an unlikely and powerful leader Naaman's slave girl, who bravely points others to God's healing power The Woman at the Well, who boldly repented and shared her faith Lois and Eunice, who parented with intentionality and effectiveness Dorcas, who showed kindness to those in need. As we explore their lives, we will discover how we too can live into our callings, honor the Lord, and even change the world through our courage, faithfulness, and obedience. Bible Study Features: A six-week study of lesser-known female characters in the Bible. Helps women consider how they can be fierce women of God. Workbook includes five devotional lessons for every week of study. Each DVD segment features an opening "fierce" vignette followed by engaging Bible teaching with practical life application.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Participant Workbook and DVD.
Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible
by Keith SchovilleStudy the entire books of Hebrews; James; First and Second Peter; First, Second, and Third John; and Jude, including the uniqueness of God's final revelation for the salvation of the people, essential instruction in the faith, strengthening faith in the midst of the difficulties of life, faith and works, fellowship with God and with other believers, encouragement to be ruled by love, and the spiritual health of the church. Some of the major ideas explored are: developing a personal relationship with Christ; running the race of life; your Christian experience; your influence in the life of your church; Jesus as a historical person; the second coming of Christ; and Christian hospitality.Leader Guide includes: A verse-by-verse, in-depth look at the Scriptures. Background material, including word studies and history of the biblical setting. Answers to questions asked in the Participant Book. Application of the Scripture to daily life situations. Discussion suggestions. A variety of study options. Practical tips for leaders to use.More than 3.5 million copies of the series have been sold.This revision of the Abingdon classic Genesis to Revelation Series is a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible based on the NIV. These studies help readers strengthen their understandingand appreciation of the Bible by enabling them to engage the Scripture on three levels: What does the Bible say? Questions to consider while reading the passage for each session. What does the passage mean? Unpacks key verses in the selected passage. How does the Scripture relate to my life? Provides three major ideas that have meaning for our lives today.The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. The simple format makes the study easy to use.Updates will include: New cover designs. New interior designs. Leader Guide per matching Participant Book (rather than multiple volumes in one book). Updated to 2011 revision of the New International Version Translation (NIV). Updated references to New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible. Include biblical chapters on the contents page beside session lesson titles for at-a-glance overview of biblical structure. Include larger divisions within the contents page to reflect macro-structure of each biblical book. Ex: Genesis 1-11; Genesis 12-50; Exodus 1-15; Exodus 16-40; Isaiah 1-39; Isaiah 40-66.The simple format makes the study easy to use. Each volume is 13 sessions.
Surrendered: 40 Devotions to Help You Let Go and Live Like Jesus (Surrendered)
by Barb RooseAre you tired of following your feelings or being disappointed by unchanging circumstances? In this forty-day devotional journey, women will learn how to surrender like Jesus and experience God’s power and peace in their life as never before! Inspired by Jesus’s forty days in the wilderness, the devotions are divided into four sections:1. Letting Go of Circumstances2. Letting Go of Others3. Letting Go of Expectations4. Living Like JesusEach devotion features a Scripture, a big idea, a biblical or personal story, a letting go principle, and personal reflection and application questions. Women can practice letting go as they draw closer to Jesus than ever before. Features forty devotions inspired by Jesus's forty days in the wilderness. Devotions give readers inspiration to find peace in their own lives. Excellent stand-alone resource or companion to the Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus Bible study. Includes Scripture, stories, letting go principles, application questions, and more.
Not a Silent Night Youth Study Book: Mary Looks Back to Bethlehem (Not a Silent Night Advent series)
by Adam HamiltonThis five-session study for Advent highlights the experiences of Mary,Jesus’ mother, by looking at key moments from Jesus’ life and ministryfrom her perspective. Readings from Scripture; devotional essays; artfor reflection; craft suggestions and recipes; and dramatic monologuesimagining Mary's thoughts and feelings all give youth the opportunityfor prayerful contemplation in the midst of the busy holiday season.
Joseph - Women's Bible Study Participant Book: The Journey to Forgiveness (Joseph)
by Melissa SpoelstraAll of us know what it's like to be hurt or betrayed. Often it's asmall breach such as being spoken to rudely or overlooked in a time ofneed. Other times we experience lies, gossip, or harsh words that cut usto the core. Some of us have endured unspeakable pain through abuse,adultery, or abandonment. God knows the pain we cause each other andlongs to help us learn to practice forgiveness.Nowhere do we see forgiveness played out more fully in Scripture than inthe biblical story of Joseph.This six-week study explores what God has to say to us about graceand forgiveness through Joseph's story of trial and triumph found inGenesis 37-50. As we study his dreams, his betrayers, his dysfunctionalfamily, his struggle to forgive, and his journey toward reconciliation,we'll find truths that echo into our own personal situations as well aspractical help for answering common questions, such as:How do I stop dwelling on the hurt?Is forgiving someone excusing what happened?When will I stop having to re-forgive?Is there a difference between forgiveness and reconciliation?How can I forgive and still set boundaries?Is it ever okay not to forgive?Whether or not you are working through a hurtful situation right now,you can learn from Joseph how to release your past and present hurts toGod and allow Him to do a supernatural work of forgiveness in yourlife. God wants to use the very things intended to hurt you as a sourceof blessing in your life and the lives of others.The Participant Book includes five days of lessons for each week, combining study of Scripture with personal reflection, application, and prayer. Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Leader Guide, DVD with six 20-25 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study’s components).