Do you sometimes wonder about God’s plan, specifically why He gave our children free will to do the things they do? More thoughtful and holy thinkers have tackled the question. It’s a mystery, mostly, but in its raw form, parental mishaps help us get closer to God. Consider: Learning patience while spitwads land in your drink Embracing the absurdity of teens wearing shorts in the winter Practicing gentleness as you explain (again) why it is important to restock the toilet paper Regret, humiliation, control … you can let go of these when you laugh and make peace with the idea that God may just have a sense of humor after all. With anecdotes, prayers, devotionals, and reflections, Why Did God Give My Kids Free Will? shows readers the hilarious, spiritual journey of life with kids sure to inspire and unite Christian parents.

Thirty biblical meditations for women that offer hope in times of suffering. Thirty biblical meditations for women that offer hope in times of suffering. Hurt is real. But so is hope. Kristen and Sarah have walked through, and are walking in, difficult times. So these thirty biblical reflections are full of realism about the hurts of life-yet overwhelmingly full of hope about the God who gives life. This book will gently encourage and greatly help any woman who is struggling with suffering-whether physical, emotional or psychological, and whether for a season or for longer. It is a book to buy for yourself, or to buy for a member of your church or friend. For anyone who is hurting, this book will give hope, not just for life beyond the suffering, but for life in the suffering. Each chapter contains a biblical reflection, with questions and prayers, and a space for journaling.

When a mother’s journey begins, one is venturing into the unknown. It’s hard to imagine what this tiny little baby will be as an adult. My journey was difficult, heart-wrenching, and laborious and yet joyful, worth every tear and strife. My child seemed impossible to me, but God chose me to be the mother of this impossible child. And what we deem impossible, God makes possible (Luke 18:27). From the introduction In The Impossible Kid, relationship coach and pastor’s wife Lucille Williams writes an exceptionally honest and funny account of parenting a strong-willed child. Through 11 entertaining chapters, this book provides practical tools for parents to sow seeds of encouragement in their kids as they aspire to raise adults who reflect the nature and character of God. Endorsed by Dr. Gary Smalley, The Impossible Kid is an encouraging and informative read, covering topics including family dysfunctions, feeling like an inadequate parent, creative and effective discipline, parenting with integrity, the dreaded sex talk, learning to laugh together, and keeping God as the focal point in the home.

New York Times bestseller What is Jesus worth to you? It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily... But who do you know who lives like that? Do you? In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple--then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a "successful" suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus. Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment -- a one-year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring.

Everybody's thirsty. We're thirsty for a world without suffering. A world defined by peace, joy, and love. We're thirsty for paradise. How do we try to quench this thirst? We sip saltwater. We consume things that look, feel, and sound as if they'll quench our thirst, but they only make us thirstier. Sipping Saltwater points us to the only drink that will satisfy us now and eternally-Christ's living water-and shows us how to drink it. Book jacket.

A New York Times bestseller people can believe in—by "a pioneer of the new urban Christians" (Christianity Today) and the "C.S. Lewis for the 21st century" (Newsweek). Timothy Keller, the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, addresses the frequent doubts that skeptics, and even ardent believers, have about religion. Using literature, philosophy, real-life conversations, and potent reasoning, Keller explains how the belief in a Christian God is, in fact, a sound and rational one. To true believers he offers a solid platform on which to stand their ground against the backlash to religion created by the Age of Skepticism. And to skeptics, atheists, and agnostics, he provides a challenging argument for pursuing the reason for God.