Books we recommend
INNER TRANSFORMATION
It is quite possible that true change does not come in the way we expected. Because it does not mean going to church more often, participating in more religious activities, reading even more of the Bible, or being nicer to others. Instead, its core has to do with facing the realities we hide in our hearts and opening our lives to God’s transformative work—through which we receive the freedom to be authentic, courageous, and loving.
And by confronting what we hide within ourselves and opening up to God’s transformative work, we discover that through confusion we come to a more authentic and deeper faith; that from disappointment a steadfast hope is born in us; and that the awareness of our own sinfulness enables us to love our neighbors as we ourselves are loved by Christ.
True change is possible if we are willing to let it come from within. It is an inner transformation.
Dr. Larry Crabb He graduated from the Clinical Psychology department at the University of Illinois in 1969, and in 1970 he earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the same university. He worked as an assistant in the Psychology Department at the University of Illinois (1970–1971), becoming the director of the Psychological Counseling Center at Florida Atlantic University (1971–1973). He practiced psychology in the private sector at the Psychology Clinic in Boca Raton, Florida (1973–1982). Since 1982, he has taught at Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, serving as chair of the Psychology Department (1982–1989). Since 1989, he has held the position of resident university professor at Colorado Christian University and is the director of the Institute for Biblical Counseling. He is the author of several books and numerous articles, as well as a frequently invited speaker at seminars and conferences.
Father of two sons and a grandfather (he has two granddaughters from one of his sons), he lives with his wife, Rachel, in Colorado, USA.
Prayer Shield
Right now, someone you know desperately needs your prayers. This is the person on the front lines, leading God’s army in the world to proclaim His good news. Pastors, teachers, and all kinds of leaders are under severe attack from the enemy. And they depend on the prayers of those who care to help them overcome. The enemy knows where our leaders are vulnerable and strikes at their weakest points. But the greatest power is on our side. Through intercessory prayer, you can strengthen your leaders with God’s power and protection.
DiVINE DIRECTION
YOU ARE ONLY ONE CHOICE AWAY FROM THE BEST DECISION YOU’VE EVER MADE.
The decisions we make today determine the stories we tell about our lives tomorrow. Every day, from dawn to dusk, we make choice after choice—small in essence. But those choices keep adding up, each intertwining with the others, forming a tapestry called the story of our lives.
In one way or another, every decision you make is a lifelong decision, whether you see where it ultimately leads or not. So, if you want to change your life, if you want to align the beliefs you claim to have with the way you live, and if you’re willing to let God write the story of your life, Divine Direction is exactly what you need to start this new journey.
The best decision you can make is always the next one. Every decision should bring you closer to who God created you to be, turning your life toward a story you’d be glad to share. The choice is yours.
Now is the time. Step into the divine direction of your calling!
CRAIG GROESCHEL is an author and founding pastor of Life Church, an organization that developed YouVersion and the Bible App, designed to promote access to Scripture for people around the globe. Craig and his wife, Amy, have six children and live in the Edmond, Oklahoma area, where LifeChurch was founded in 1996. Craig frequently speaks at conferences worldwide, hosts the Leadership Podcast with Craig Groeschel, and is the author of several bestselling books.
ExponenTial
This is a book full of practical examples of a compelling vision and inspiring stories. It will challenge you to grow through multiplication, at a time when so many churches are not even experiencing growth through addition. Jon and Dave are not mere theorists. I have seen their work up close and can say that they wholeheartedly desire to see believers rediscovering their purpose in God.
— Ed Stetzer, President of LifeWay Research
terRitorial SPIRITS
Understanding Spiritual Warfare and Territorial Spirits
“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world” (Ephesians 6:12, NIV). For generations, when Christians have engaged in spiritual warfare, they have often focused on “Satan” as the primary adversary. However, C. Peter Wagner gathered a number of ministers who teach from personal experience that the “principalities and powers” are more than just Satan—there is an entire hierarchy of demons in this world. Often, missionaries and ministers find they are much more successful in a region when they first engage in spiritual warfare and pray against the evil power that rules over that area.
C. Peter Wagner compiled this book with many voices, speaking from Scripture and personal experience, teaching the reality of territorial spirits and the necessity of waging targeted, powerful warfare against them to reach the souls these evil powers have held captive for too long. You will learn:
There is an entire hierarchy of demons in this world, many with specific geographic territories.
Once the power of a territorial spirit is broken, ministry in that area can be much more effective.
How to wage war against evil spirits to break their power over the people in a region.
Christians must take seriously what the Bible teaches about spiritual warfare. Arm yourself with this book!
WHY NOT WOMEN?
Millions and millions of women around the world look over the shoulder of the Church, longing to see the freedom Jesus won for them at Calvary. Millions have found freedom in Christ, yet they are still bound by human ideas—ideas that pressure women to let culture, rather than God, determine their place in the Kingdom.
While wounded men and women from all over the world, beyond the walls of the Church, cry out, “Is there any hope? Does anyone care about me?”, their sisters inside the Church ask, “How can I share my hope with others? How can I, as a woman, serve God?” Many women who have responded to God’s call for public ministry in the Kingdom now hold leadership positions. They wonder, “Will the Church support us?”
