The chance of playing on any Division 1 college basketball team ... 1.3%. The chance of playing at your dream school ... practically 0%. It was a long shot to say the least. The road to Chapel Hill would begin early in Leah's young life and be comprised of mountain-tops and valleys and sunshines and storms. The journey was one of the highest of highs and lowest of lows. It would be a path that tested, challenged and grew her faith. The path to dreams is often found to have side paths and crossroads with different options. Unforeseen roadblocks can make navigation difficult, often trying your faith and testing your strength. Leah kept going ... and with God made the long shot. You will be encouraged and challenged by her testimony.
As we mark the 50th Earth Day (April 22, 2020), Christians can reflect on how caring for God’s creation is connected to our faith. Drawing on the beloved hymn “For the Beauty of the Earth,” each week of this 40-day Lenten devotional focuses on a different aspect of the splendor of nature, how God nurtures our spirit through creation, and how we must protect our precious home. As we walk with Jesus along shorelines, through gardens, and among trees, we learn from the “birds of the air” and “the lilies of the field.” When our Lenten journey takes us into the heart of Earth itself at Jesus’ tomb, we anticipate the resurrection with eager longing and active hope. Each five-minute devotional includes a scripture, reflection, and prayer.
How can we proclaim justice for God's Creation in the face of global warming? How does fracking fit with "the earth and its fullness are the Lord's?" Creation-Crisis Preaching works with the premise that all of Creation, including humankind, needs to hear the Good News of Jesus' resurrection in this age in which humanity is "crucifying" Creation. Informed by years of experience as an environmental activist and minister, Leah Schade equips preachers to interpret the Bible through a "green" lens, become rooted in environmental theology, and learn how to understand their preaching context in terms of the particular political, cultural, and biotic setting of their congregation. Creation-Crisis Preaching provides both theoretical grounding and practical tips for preachers to create environmental sermons that are relevant, courageous, creative, pastoral, and inspiring.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • An eye-opening, no-holds-barred memoir about life in the Church of Scientology, now with a new afterword by the author—the outspoken actress and star of the A&E docuseries Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath Leah Remini has never been the type to hold her tongue. That willingness to speak her mind, stand her ground, and rattle the occasional cage has enabled this tough-talking girl from Brooklyn to forge an enduring and successful career in Hollywood. But being a troublemaker has come at a cost. That was never more evident than in 2013, when Remini loudly and publicly broke with the Church of Scientology. Now, in this frank, funny, poignant memoir, the former King of Queens star opens up about that experience for the first time, revealing the in-depth details of her painful split with the church and its controversial practices. Indoctrinated into the church as a child while living with her mother and sister in New York, Remini eventually moved to Los Angeles, where her dreams of becoming an actress and advancing Scientology’s causes grew increasingly intertwined. As an adult, she found the success she’d worked so hard for, and with it a prominent place in the hierarchy of celebrity Scientologists alongside people such as Tom Cruise, Scientology’s most high-profile adherent. Remini spent time directly with Cruise and was included among the guests at his 2006 wedding to Katie Holmes. But when she began to raise questions about some of the church’s actions, she found herself a target. In the end, she was declared by the church to be a threat to their organization and therefore a “Suppressive Person,” and as a result, all of her fellow parishioners—including members of her own family—were told to disconnect from her. Forever. Bold, brash, and bravely confessional, Troublemaker chronicles Leah Remini’s remarkable journey toward emotional and spiritual freedom, both for herself and for her family. This is a memoir designed to reveal the hard-won truths of a life lived honestly—from an author unafraid of the consequences. Praise for Troublemaker “An aggressively honest memoir . . . Troublemaker is the most raw and revealing Scientology memoir to date.”—Entertainment Weekly “Leah’s story is a juicy, inside-Hollywood read, but it’s more than that. It’s a moving story about the value of questioning authority and how one woman survived a profound crisis of faith.”—People
This innovative volume provides an interdisciplinary, theoretically innovative answer to an enduring question for Pentecostal/charismatic Christianities: how do women lead churches? This study fills this lacuna by examining the leadership and legacy of two architects of the Pentecostal movement - Maria Woodworth-Etter and Aimee Semple McPherson.
Preaching in the Purple Zone is a resource for helping the church understand the challenges facing parish pastors, while encouraging and equipping preachers to address the vital justice issues of our time.This book provides practical instruction for navigating the hazards of prophetic preaching with tested strategies and prudent tactics grounded in biblical and theological foundations. Key to this endeavor is using a method of civil discourse called “deliberative dialogue” for finding common values among politically diverse parishioners. Unique to this book is instruction on using the sermon-dialogue-sermon process developed by the author that expands the pastor’s level of engagement on justice issues with parishioners beyond the single sermon. This book equips clergy to help their congregations respectfully engage in deliberation about “hot topics,” find the values that bind them together, and respond faithfully to God’s Word.
The shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, reignited a long-smoldering movement for justice, with many St. Louis-area clergy stepping up to support the emerging young leaders of today's Civil Rights Movement. Seminary professor Leah Gunning Francis was among the activists, and her interviews with more than two dozen faith leaders and with the new movement's organizers take us behind the scenes of the continuing protests. Ferguson and Faith demonstrates that being called to lead a faithful life can take us to places we never expected to go, with people who never expected us to join hands with them. Ferguson and Faith: Sparking Leadership and Awakening Community is the first book from the partnership of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and Chalice Press.
Facing Change explores how Christians can face change in their lives from a faith-based, biblical perspective. Readers will learn how God is present amid change and how faith sustains them. Study questions are provided at the end of each chapter. Insights: Bible Studies for Growing Faith is a fresh and timely Bible study series. In these short-term, thematically based resources, individuals and groups are invited to find meaning and direction for their lives by exploring the Scriptures in a way that is both thoughtful and thought-provoking.
The future is uncertain. But flourishing doesn’t have to be. We know without a doubt the power of humans to change the earth in lasting ways. Climate change is not a niche issue: it is the unfolding story of our embodied lives. As we join in with the groaning of creation, we wonder, How will we and coming generations make our home in an inhospitable future? In the face of environmental and social upheaval, Tending Tomorrow lays out a path for Christians worried about our collective future and seeking courage and inspiration for the journey ahead. Drawing on metaphors from the natural world, author Leah Reesor-Keller offers foundational, transformative practices for leaders and communities to foster healthier cultures during a time of ecological devastation. When we dig into the roots of faith and culture, and envision new interactions and patterns, we plant seeds of change. Seeds that ignite courageous imagination. Seeds that repair injustice. Seeds that nurture a tomorrow where possibilities bloom and people and planet flourish. Like mycorrhizal networks of fungi in a forest, we can build nourishing webs of connection to sustain ourselves and future generations. As we bravely and humbly cultivate healing and reconciliation, good, liberating, and flourishing things will emerge.
Worship needs to be a delight and not just a duty. This book brings out these aspects and you will be delighted not only to read the blessed contents but you also begin to enjoy your fellowship with God and other believers. (Pastor Ambrose Nyanga'u-senior Pastor, Parklands Baptist Church Nairobi)
Being the seventeenth child in a polygamous family, the author enjoys a stable childhood in a small African village. However, that sense of stability and security is lost when her father dies. She witnesses her mothers struggle to send her to high school and wonders what will become of her dreams to pursue further education. Does God still answer prayers? Join her on this remarkable journey of faith to a changed destiny.
Apocalyptic texts are often seen as either frightening or irrelevant, a tool for fearmongering and manipulation or for the lucrative doomsday industry. But Apocalypse When?: Interpreting and Preaching Apocalyptic Texts equips readers to understand these texts as sources of encouragement and strength for the church. As the world faces threats of war, poverty, climate and environmental crises, and political upheaval, churches can draw on the wisdom and courage of our biblical ancestors who faced their own calamities and persecutions. Their struggles against powerful economic, militaristic, cultural, and social forces drew them closer to God. We have much to learn from their faith, ethical integrity, and dedication to the promises of God that engender hope in the midst of turmoil and terror. With solid historical exegesis, thought-provoking ideas for preaching, and examples of sermons that creatively and compellingly proclaim God’s word, this book provides much-needed guidance for the church in tumultuous times.
Sin has been a part of our world since Adam and Eve first bit into that forbidden fruit. But before that, God created a perfect world with a perfect plan for mankind. As you read Genesis of Original Intent, Leah Augustine Dent takes you on a journey looking back to God’s original intent for the church and the individuals that make up the church, and she points us to find God’s perfect plan for us again. Genesis of Original Intent will encourage you to get aligned with God’s Word and His purpose for your life as part of the larger body of Christ as well as your individual call in life. While Leah backs everything up Scripturally, she also paints pictures with her words to capture your attention.
Behind the founding of the Joseph Smith Foundation is an untold, inspirational story of a software engineer father who felt called to uphold the Prophet Joseph Smith & the Restoration with only his homeschool family as his production team! Now his children tell candid stories of what it was like growing up with the Joseph Smith Foundation—from video editing, research, and book writing to the many miracles along the way. This heartfelt narrative also embraces the challenges facing many families today: divorce, mental illness, abuse, teen struggles, a loss of a child, cancer, slander, betrayal, and financial hardship. Hannah, Leah, and Isaiah also share their individual conversions to the Gospel, along with their witness that the Gospel of Jesus Christ holds the answers to solve even the most difficult, the most heart-breaking, and the most traumatic of situations. From a family team—a dad with his kids—came the Joseph Smith Foundation and many other projects that point church members to gospel principles, blessing the lives of thousands in the Church today. This book is an inspiring guide for families to discover their own mission and inspire their youth to change the world—a testimony that the God of Israel will prevail! James F. Stoddard III was a visionary leader who felt from a very young age that he had a mission to perform. He began an intense study of the gospel before his teen years and later committed all of his time and resources to defend the Restoration. From the time he was a 13-year-old young man, he invested hours, days, weeks, and years into studying forgotten teachings from inspired prophets and presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then, he decided to try something revolutionary! Together, he and his family would apply these teachings and live their counsel practically. Not just infusing gospel principles into school and career, but actually building his family's entire lives—diet, education, work, recreation, entertainment, etc.—around, on, and with the Rock of Revelation. He ‘experimented on the word’ by creating a home with exceptionally high standards, a home focused on consecrated service, a home that became a productive center for missionary work, entrepreneurial business, and worldwide teaching. He hit upon a secret that many may overlook: his mission to change the world would be performed with and through his family! A Christ-Centered Home is the heartfelt story told by some of his children documenting the joy—even in the midst of suffering and pain—that is possible when a family raises the bar in their standards, lives the principles of Jesus Christ, consecrates their time and talents, and follows in the footsteps of the Master, Jesus Christ. A message of hope that the Gospel can transform and heal every family in every situation.
Meet Shawn, Jasmine, and Kiara...three cousins who have been doing a lot of playing and even more growing during summer break. Join them as they learn about what makes the Lord's Church unique and why it is special (1 Peter 2:9).
If you enjoy reading about all the interesting characters in the Bible, then you will enjoy Bible Characters in Poetry. Leah Stevens, an ordained minister, and a Bible scholar-historian, has years of experience in following God. I am happy to recommend this book of poems. The Lord has prepared her for just this purpose. Enjoy as you read with an open heart. Pastor Rev. Oscar Whiteside, Jr., Living Waters Church, Augusta, Georgia Bible Characters in Poetry has recaptured the spirit of the times. It will make you feel as though you were an eyewitness. I am confident this book will be a classic in its field. Betty Wiley, Bible scholar and teacher I am touched each time I read these poems. It just amazes me to read such beautifully written, God-inspired words. Each poem is heartfelt and refreshing. Pastor Rev. Stephen Black, Sr., Solomons Porch Pentecostal Church, Augusta, Ga.
GOD WANTS TO MAKE YOUR NAME GREAT! When God made woman, He made her with a specific purpose in mind. While His plan has not changed, we often get off track when we allow our everyday lives to take us away from the will of God. How can we stay focused on our ministry? How can we fulfill our responsibilities in excellence and live happy, effective lives without burning out? How can we become women of greatness? In this powerful book, Leah H. McNair reveals Gods ideal guide to greatness for women in ministry. By sharing biblical principles for leadership, Leah explores the heart of key issues that shape the character of women in leadership. The Guide to Greatness for Women in Ministry is incredibly informative, and it will propel you to the ultimate level of successful ministry. The information Leah shares will transform your life! You will learn how to maximize your authority by improving your personal and spiritual image. It will guide you to ways of operating in His power rather than your own. There is nothing better than knowing Gods divine plan for your life and being empowered to walk in it! This book will help to develop your leadership ability as you seek to enhance those around you. It is an investment in your ministry, a way to grow and challenge yourself to be a better leader. Grab hold to the reality of where you are now and realize it is not your final destination. God is waiting to work in and through you in ways you have never imagined. Step out and begin a new journey to becoming a great woman!
What does Gods voice sound like? Does God still call regular people to do remarkable things? Can God really change a lukewarm life into a passionate and energetic life lived for him? Cofounders of Beautiful Day Foundation tell the inspiring story of how the foundation was born, each from their unique but similar perspectives! Coauthors and fastest friends ever Leah and Michele desire to share things they have seen firsthand along their marvelous faith voyage to encourage others to break away from those fearful paths that paralyze so many. Gods sweet calling has led these two everyday women to, among other things, create a nonprofit foundation that deeply impacts communities. Leah and Michele use humor, passion, and their friendship to encourage you to dig in and find out what God wants your life to be about!
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