Most of us long to be in control—of our schedule, our relationships, and our future. Newlywed Laura Story thought she had control over the great life ahead of her. After all, she followed Jesus and had a promising new job as a worship leader. Why would God not want to fulfill her dreams? But when Laura and her husband, Martin, faced a brain tumor, infertility, and a son’s birth defect, she realized she’d been looking for a happiness that comes from circumstances, rather than a deeper joy that comes from God. Again and again, Laura had to surrender her vision for her life so she could embrace God’s vision. And again and again she learned that even in the midst of shattered dreams, God’s plan brought greater joy than she could have imagined. Now the Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter known for such hits as “Blessings,” “Indescribable,” and “Mighty to Save” shares her powerful story of finding blessing in her deepest pain. In, I Give Up, Laura explores: How to delight in God’s gifts no matter your circumstances. Why waiting on God is a daily decision, not a step-by-step process. The strength we find from meditating on God’s Word. Why surrendering to God leads to reconciliation with others. How the things we consider to be losses are ways for God to display his glory. As Laura writes, she no longer wants to be in control of her life. She wants to be rooted in the God who is in control. I Give Up will help you Discover a deeper life of worship, a fuller life of joy, and a freer life of true surrender as you open your hands to God. And give up.

Thomas turns to the classic writings of well-known Christians to offer a program for rediscovering an authentic Christian spirituality that applies to everyday life's frustrations, problems, and even joys. "Many will be grateful for the forceful sensitivity of this survey of classical insights into our fellowship with God".--J.I. Packer.

Not a Fan has already called more than one million readers to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple--moving from fan to follower in their relationship with Jesus. After years of serving God, pastor and bestselling author Kyle Idleman had a startling revelation: for too long, he had been living as a fan of Jesus; someone who tried to make Christianity seem as appealing, comfortable, and convenient as he possibly could to others. Idleman decided something had to change--he needed to embark on the journey of becoming a completely committed follower of God, not just a fan. Fans want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires sacrifice, while followers are all in and completely committed to Christ. Not a Fan gives you the tools you need to determine exactly where you stand when it comes to your relationship with Jesus. No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, Not a Fan calls you to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple. With frankness and a touch of humor, Idleman invites you to: Examine your relationship with God Determine if you're following Jesus or just following the rules Pray the way Jesus prayed Start truly living for the one who gave his all for you This expanded and updated version of Not a Fan also includes a new introduction and an entirely new chapter about how to practically live out the book's core message. Join Idleman as he challenges you to take an honest look at your relationship with Jesus and discover what it really means to be a follower.

God is not a distant dead God. He is the opposite. He is an alive, all-knowing, seeing, omnipresent, loving God. He never leaves us. You can have a daily walk and talk with Him, but you have to want it and choose it. Come along with me on a daily exciting adventure filled with miracles of my past, present, and hope for the future. You will see and hear who God is and what He does when you choose a totally surrendered life to Him. When you choose to listen, you will hear Him. When you choose to speak to Him, He will communicate back. When you choose to obey by faith what He is guiding you to do, miracles follow. You will begin to experience the abundant life He came to give us. God did not write a book and then lose His voice.

No one can deny that situations in the world today are become more catastrophic, and the end-times seem to be drawing closer with each new day. However, all hope is not lost, whether for Christians or non-Christians, as confidence for the future ahead can be regained again in complete surrender to the Creator of each person: the Almighty God. So, how does one go about giving everything in his/her life over to God in surrender? It's easier said than done; but to Crystal Archibald, author of the new book Total Surrender, it is possible to lovingly give God one's life to be used for His purposes. Our everything needs to be surrendered to God. All of our hopes and aspirations should be totally embedded in God's will for our lives and although its much easier said than done, it is a much better perspective... Crystal pinpoints several avenues of sin where people can fall into temptation and agree to the devil's promptings to give into their fleshy desires and wishes. She compares these examples of present-day temptations people struggle with to what people from the Bible endured, people who handled similar enticements but sought God for redemption. Think of King David and his overwhelming desire to commit adultery with the married Bathsheba, which led him down a dangerous path that was later redeemed by God. The same with Paul, as his sin-led pursuit of killing Christians guided him to be saved by God and continue on a new path bringing people to Christ. These miracles happen only when the person came to God in total surrender, wanting His will for life instead of personal will. Surrender doesn't have to be seen as giving up, but giving towards a greater reason for life in God's ultimate plan for the world.

What if the key to changing your life--and yourself--is already in your hand? So many women struggle with what to do with their daily lives. They feel trapped in everyday drudgery and disappointment, in dull domestic duties, and in mundane jobs they despise. Where is the abundant, purposeful life they were promised? Kari Patterson shows readers the truth: in each unremarkable life lies an opportunity to see, know, love, and be utterly transformed by a God who meets everyone right where they are. Instead of stepping away from real life to find God, Patterson equips women with a six-step practice to move further in and meet Him in the humdrum moments of everyday existence. And when a woman's inner being is truly changed by the sacred, everything in her world changes too--right down to tackling the dirty dishes. Through entertaining narrative, candid real-life stories, Bible study, and practical instruction, Sacred Mundane guides individuals or small groups to discover the beautiful sacredness in the lives they already lead. Women who long to grow in God and make a real difference in the world--no matter how small--will reach eagerly for this book and the radical transformation it offers. "Our daily routine, with its mundane tasks and mindless repetition, is ultimately an offering of worship to God. What a great truth from a great God!" --Ann Byle, author of The Making of a Christian Bestseller and coauthor of Devotions for the Soul Surfer