Advertisement
| what god wants for christmas: A Very Noisy Christmas Tim Thornborough, 2021-12-15 A fun re-telling of the Christmas story for young children, including regular invitations to make some noise! Some people think that Christmas was a Silent Night. Far from it. It was filled with shouting, singing and screaming! It was as noisy as any of our Christmas celebrations. This fun and fresh retelling of the Christmas story comes with invitations to make some noise, so that children can join in as parents read to them. But it also shows children that at the heart of the Christmas story is something we should all be quiet and see: God's Son Jesus was born, so that we can be friends with God forever. A wonderful Christmas gift for children aged 2-4. |
| what god wants for christmas: No More Faking Fine Esther Fleece Allen, 2017-01-10 Scripture reveals a God who meets us where we are, not where we pretend to be. No More Faking Fine is your invitation to get honest with God through the life-giving language of lament. If you've ever been given empty clichés during challenging times, you know how painful it is to be misunderstood by well-meaning people. When life hurts, we often feel pressure--from others and ourselves--to keep it together, suck it up, or pray it away. But Scripture reveals a God who lovingly invites us to give honest voice to our emotions when life hits hard. For most of her life, Esther Fleece Allen believed she could bypass the painful emotions of her broken past by shutting them down altogether. She was known as an achiever and an overcomer on the fast track to success. But in silencing her pain, she robbed herself of the opportunity to be healed. Maybe you've done the same. Esther's journey into healing began when she discovered that God has given us a real-world way to deal with raw emotions and an alternative to the coping mechanisms that end up causing more pain. It's called lament--the gut-level, honest prayer that God never ignores, never silences, and never wastes. No More Faking Fine is your permission to lament, taking you on a journey down the unexpected pathway to true intimacy with God. Drawing from careful biblical study and hard-won insight, Esther reveals how to use God's own language to come closer to him as he leads us through our pain to the light on the other side, teaching you that: We are robbing ourselves of a divine mystery and a divine intimacy when we pretend to have it all together God does not expect us to be perfect; instead, he meets us where we are There is hope beyond your heartache, disappointment, and grief Like Esther, you'll soon find that when one person stops faking fine, it gives everyone else permission to do the same. |
| what god wants for christmas: The Elf on the Shelf Carol V. Aebersold, Chanda A. Bell, 2012-02-01 The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition is an activity the entire family will enjoy. Based on the tradition Carol Aebersold began with her family in the 1970s, this cleverly rhymed children's book explains that Santa knows who is naughty and/or nice because he sends a scout elf to every home. During the holiday season, the elf watches children by day and reports to Santa each night. When children awake, the elf has returned from the North Pole and can be found hiding in a different location. This activity allows The Elf on the Shelf to become a delightful hide-and-seek game. |
| what god wants for christmas: Chasing Vines Beth Moore, 2020-02-04 Join bestselling author Beth Moore in her life-changing quest of vine-chasing—and learn how everything changes when you discover the true meaning of a fruitful, God-pleasing, meaning-filled life. God wants us to flourish. In fact, he delights in our flourishing. Life isn’t always fun, but in Christ it can always be fruitful. In Chasing Vines, Beth shows us from Scripture how all of life’s concerns—the delights and the trials—matter to God. He uses all of it to help us flourish and be fruitful. Looking through the lens of Christ’s transforming teaching in John 15, Beth gives us a panoramic view of biblical teachings on the Vine, vineyards, vine-dressing, and fruitfulness. Along the way you’ll discover why fruitfulness is so important to God—and how He can use anything that happens to us for His glory and our flourishing. Nothing is for nothing. Join Beth on her journey of discovering what it means to chase vines and to live a life of meaning and fruitfulness. An inspiring spiritual book for every Christian. |
| what god wants for christmas: Putting God Back in the Holidays Bill Thrasher, Penny Thrasher, 2010-10-01 Instead of the joy-filled celebrations that we build up in our minds, the holidays (pick one, any one) can often become stress-filled, money-draining, joy-less days of the year that we just want to get through. And it is by our own volition that we have refused too many times to allow our holiday celebrations to be the spiritual experience they are meant to be. This book has been conceived and designed over 30 years as Dr. Bill Thrasher has spoken to thousands of people, helping them realize the spiritual battle that surrounds their celebration of the holidays. Littered with practical thoughts, ideas, experiences, and stories, Putting God Back in the Holidays will help you and your family celebrate holidays and birthdays with biblical truth in mind. |
| what god wants for christmas: God Gave Us Family Lisa Tawn Bergren, 2017-10-17 Little Pup’s wolf family is on their way to a special reunion—with lots of cousins, games, roasting marshmallows, and fun! As the young wolf thinks about different kinds of families, it’s the perfect opportunity for Mama and Papa to teach their inquisitive child about the families that God brings together. Some families are big and others are small, some are led by grandparents or just one parent, and some families include adopted little ones– yet each family is truly special. Even the members of Little Pup’s pack make up an important role in his family, although they sometimes pester him. Papa gently reminds his son… “We need to love the family God gave us.” A heartwarming and colorful addition to the best-selling God Gave Us series, this tale will delight young hearts and help them understand how families of all types reflect God’s unconditional love. |
| what god wants for christmas: The Year of Living Happy Alli Worthington, 2018-10-02 Take a daily step toward joy and contentment and ditch stress, overwhelming thoughts, and boredom with encouraging and biblical messages from Alli Worthington. You do your best to live life well—you work hard to be present in the moment, take care of the people in your life, knock it out of the park at work and home. And yet, somehow, you still have days (perhaps more than you'd like to admit) where you're simultaneously stressed and bored, and you wonder if you even know how to be happy. Is happiness a worthy goal? Does happiness matter to God, or does He only care about holier things? Alli Worthington gets it. As a wife, mother of five boys, author, speaker, and entrepreneur, she knows a thing or two about being busy, stressed, and happy in the midst of a crazy world! Over the years, she's seen how happiness gets a bad rap in Christian circles, and now she is standing up to shout the good news from the roof (or the internet, as the case may be): You are allowed to be happy! Yes, you! You can be happy right now! Join Alli for The Year of Living Happy: Finding Contentment and Connection in a Crazy World, and find the roots of your happiest life yet. Each of the 100 short and inspirational entries includes a thoughtful message from Alli, based on God’s Word practical ways to make your life happier day by day a journaling section This gorgeous book is an empowering gift for yourself or any woman you love. It can be used as a daily devotional or as a guided journal. Be part of this exciting message: Happiness and holiness can coexist for a beautiful life. Don’t miss the great big adventure God has for you. Let this be The Year of Living Happy! |
| what god wants for christmas: Keep Believing: Finding God in Your Deepest Struggles (2019 Edition) Dr. Ray Pritchard, The biggest barrier to faith is life itself. Divorce. Cancer. Infertility. Death. There are times in our lives in which God seems very far away. We don't understand His silence. We only feel the intensity of our pain and the echoing question of 'why?' The Bible declares that God is good, but can we still believe this when our lives are falling apart? In Keep Believing, Dr. Pritchard affirms what the Bible declares: that God is good and His mercy endures forever. This is true regardless of our moment-by-moment experience. God has provided comfort in our times of struggle and healing in our times of hurt through the balm of His Word. You believed in the light of day; will you still believe at midnight? Search the Scriptures with Dr. Pritchard for words of encouragement and hope. Put your confidence in the God who sorrowfully watched His Son suffer at Calvary for your benefit. Know that the same loving heavenly Father has everything completely under control. He is with you and longs to comfort you as you struggle through your hard times. Take a tell-tale look at your devotion to the Lord and His never-ending love and commitment to you in Keep Believing. You served God in the sunshine; will you now serve him in the shadows? |
| what god wants for christmas: The Purpose of Christmas Rick Warren, 2012-12-11 In his powerful yet compassionate voice, Pastor Rick Warren tells the most wonderful story of all - the story of God come to earth in the form of a human infant. Warren goes back to that day long ago when the baby Jesus was born in the manger. In this clarion call to 'remember the reason for the season', readers are taken back in time to the simple origins of a baby who changed history forever. Warren gives readers an intimate look into his family heritage as he shares the fifty-year-old Warren Christmas tradition of having a birthday party for Jesus. Through stirring imagery and compelling insights, this book celebrates the significance and promise of this cherished holiday. |
| what god wants for christmas: The Berenstain Bears' Harvest Festival Mike Berenstain, 2015-08-04 Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear teach children how to celebrate the blessings of the fall harvest season by rejoicing in God. Young readers will develop an understanding of giving thanks and the virtue of gratitude in this addition to The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series. Join the Berenstain Bears as they explore the value of giving thanks in The Berenstain Bears' Harvest Festival. Joining the community in the Chapel in the Woods’ Harvest Festival, Brother, Sister, and Honey participate in apple picking, a hayride, and visiting the pumpkin patch while giving thanks to God’s autumn harvest blessing. Children will discover ways to implement traditional religious values and share God’s goodness in Zonderkidz The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series of books. The Berenstain Bears' Harvest Festival: Encourages age appropriate discussions about being thankful and showing gratitude for God’s blessings An engaging story about the joys of fall and how they reflect God’s blessing Perfect for back-to-school reading, seasonal holiday reading, birthday gifts, and holiday?gift-giving For early reader ages 4-8 to read aloud at home or in a classroom, or read aloud with parents or grandparents The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series: Features the hand-drawn artwork of the Berenstain family Continues in the much-loved footsteps of Stan and Jan Berenstain with the Berenstain Bears series of books Is part of one of the bestselling children’s book series ever created, with more than 250 books published and nearly 300 million copies sold to date Look for additional inspirational children’s picture books in The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series with over 13 million copies sold.? |
| what god wants for christmas: A Gift to Remember Merideth Tullous, 2020-07 What does Santa want you to REMEMBER? It's Christmas time and the elves are working as the big day is fast approaching. As Santa finishes reading your special letter, Mrs. Claus asks him what he would give to each child if he could give just ONE gift. Santa decides to make something magical for all the children of the world.Love Santa? Love Jesus? Dive into these beautifully illustrated pages to discover how each Christmas we can all REMEMBER what's truly important in life. A Gift to Remember features Santa, elves, ornaments, a seek-and-find, and magic dust! This picture book will offer young children a fun, relatable story where Santa reminds us about kindness, love and the gift of baby Jesus. This book was inspired by a 7-year old boy and his unselfish letter to Santa. |
| what god wants for christmas: God's Bucket List Teresa Tomeo, 2013-11-05 From the popular EWTN TV and radio personality comes a to-do list that's just divine. Scripture tells us only God knows the desires of our hearts. It was, after all, God who placed them there because they are designed to lead us to His will for our lives. Why, then, is it so challenging at times to figure out if we are on the right track when it comes to what we believe we want or need? God's Bucket List will examine what God wants for each of us: mercy, fruitfulness, fellowship, and peace, just to name a few, and will explain what the Christian faith teaches about these gifts and how we can begin to achieve and cross out, one by one, the items on that heavenly list. |
| what god wants for christmas: A Birthday Party for Jesus Susan Jones, 2017-11-07 The meaning of Christmas is often overshadowed by the wave of commercialism that precedes it. It’s all too easy for kids to lose sight of the true meaning of this holiday when their daily cartoons include a flood of toy commercials and their focus is on their own wish list. This book is a heartwarming reminder to children that Christmas isn’t about Santa or asking for presents; it’s about celebrating Jesus’s birthday. This inviting, full-color, illustrated picture book tells a story of forest animals preparing for a big and exciting event. Each page provides another clue to young readers that somewhere in the forest, one special animal knows the true meaning of Christmas and wants to share it with the rest of his forest friends. By the final page of the story, kids will better understand that the greatest joy of the Christmas season is in celebrating the life of Jesus with their family and community. Teaches young children to enjoy Christmas by celebrating Jesus! Warm, endearing animal illustrations will entice pre-readers and early readers and inspire their imagination Reinforces Christian values in a non-judgmental and non-threatening way Helps to balance the bombardment of commercialism during the holiday months The perfect addition to any family’s holiday book collection |
| what god wants for christmas: A Different Kind of Christmas Mike Slaughter, 2012-09-01 Every year, we say we’re going to cut back, simplify, and have a family Christmas that focuses on the real reason for the season—Jesus. But every year, advertisements beckon, the children plead, and it seems easier just to indulge our wants and whims. Overspending, overeating, materialism, and busyness rob us of our peace and joy and rob Jesus of his rightful role as the center of our celebration. This book of devotional readings is designed to draw your entire family into closer fellowship with God as you respond to this Christmas season and the call of God to live generously all year around. The devotional includes thirty short readings, Scripture, prayer, and stories about helping others at Christmas. A Different Kind of Christmas: Devotional Readings for the Season is a great gift idea for family, friends, teachers, and ministry leaders. |
| what god wants for christmas: What God Wants Every Dad to Know James Merritt, 2013-04-01 In What God Wants Every Dad to Know, Pastor James Merritt encourages dads to pass along to their children God’s timeless wisdom found in Proverbs. Through his personable and engaging style, he reveals important life principles on such key topics as finances use of the tongue sexuality work ethic friendships No book ever written has been a better or more practical guide than Proverbs for helping fathers guide their children toward right choices and away from wrong ones. The advice of wise King Solomon remains invaluable for today’s dads struggling with the pressures of home and career responsibilities, travel, broken families, and other realities of modern life. Merritt makes liberal use of anecdotes and stories from his own experience as the father of three children as he urges dads to take seriously their important role as leaders in their homes and their responsibility to teach godly wisdom to their children. |
| what god wants for christmas: Hidden Christmas Timothy Keller, 2016-10-25 From pastor and New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller comes the perfect gift for the Christmas holiday—a profoundly moving and intellectually provocative examination of the nativity story Even people who are not practicing Christians think they are familiar with the story of the nativity. Every Christmas displays of Baby Jesus resting in a manger decorate lawns and churchyards, and songs about shepherds and angels fill the air. Yet despite the abundance of these Christian references in popular culture, how many of us have examined the hard edges of this biblical story? In his new book Timothy Keller takes readers on an illuminating journey into the surprising background of the nativity. By understanding the message of hope and salvation within the Bible’s account of Jesus’ birth, readers will experience the redeeming power of God’s grace in a deeper and more meaningful way. |
| what god wants for christmas: Finding God's Blessings in Brokenness Charles F. Stanley, 2017-02-21 Broken. Blessed. How can those two words possibly go together? Considering just how shattering life’s blows can be, can we honestly believe God will bring good out of our most heartbreaking crises? “It’s difficult to discern the blessing in the midst of brokenness,” says Dr. Charles Stanley. “Certain circumstances in life hurt, at times so intensely that we think we will never heal.” The catalysts for brokenness all possess a wrenching pain and the power to forever alter our life. But they also possess one thing more: the potential for discovering a richness in living we otherwise never would know. Perhaps you’ve already experienced circumstances so shattering you may wonder today whether it’s even possible to pick up the pieces. And maybe you can’t. But God can. “After brokenness, we can experience God’s greatest blessings.” In Finding God’s Blessings in Brokenness, Dr. Stanley will carry you through the hard times and show you how God’s glory is consistent throughout and always available. A gentle, encouraging way to explore God’s purpose and power as only experienced through the darkest times of life, this book will encourage you as you journey through the dry seasons. Set amidst beautiful photography and a timeless design, Dr. Stanley’s words of encouragement and hope will guide you to growth and the joy of the Lord. Finding God’s Blessings in Brokenness is a thoughtful and inspiring gift to encourage anyone struggling through a dark season, as well as a thoughtful gift for anyone going through loss. |
| what god wants for christmas: Christian Minimalism Becca Ehrlich, 2021-05-17 Ehrlich’s insightful self-help guide will resonate with Christians wishing to streamline an overstuffed life.—Publishers Weekly Logically, we all know our purpose in life is not wrapped up in accumulating possessions, wealth, power, and prestige—Jesus is very clear about that—but society tells us otherwise. Christian Minimalism attempts to cut through our assumptions and society’s lies about what life should look like and invites readers into a life that Jesus calls us to live: one lived intentionally, free of physical, spiritual, and emotional clutter. Written by a woman who simplified her own life and practices these principles daily, this book gives readers a fresh perspective on how to live out God’s grace for us in new and exciting ways and live out our faith in a way that is deeply satisfying. |
| what god wants for christmas: 21 Days of Christmas Kathy Ide, 2015-09-01 Christmas is more than just a holiday. It is a time to recapture the joy and wonder of God’s greatest gift: His Son, Jesus. 21 Days of Christmas will warm your heart with stories about giving, loving, and family. These engaging tales celebrate the hope and joy that make this blessed season unique. At the end of each story you’ll find an insightful message that will help you discover anew the true meaning of this special time of year. So grab a cup of hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick, curl up in your favorite chair beside a picture window overlooking a serene spot, and savor the true meaning of Christmas through these inspirational and encouraging stories. |
| what god wants for christmas: God Will Help You Max Lucado, 2020-12-29 We all experience disappointing setbacks, overwhelming loneliness, and paralyzing fear at some point in our lives. It sometimes seems as if nothing will help. In God Will Help You, New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado encourages us to trust in the God who is working miracles in the big and small things. With God, no setback is too big to solve, and no prayer goes unnoticed. God is still working. Each chapter offers reassurance through miracles big and small that He will meet us in the midst of life's messes. God will help if you feel anxious, solve your problems, through fear if you are stuck, when you are lonely, in daily life in illness, during grief, with guidance, to forgive God Will Help You is an interactive book: filled with biblical miracles and current stories thoughts to ponder, prayers, Scripture, and journaling prompts with space for reflection with an easy-to-read and easy-to-use design and a beautiful ribbon marker This book is a great self-purchase for anyone struggling with anxiety, loneliness, grief, or fear. God Will Help You is a thoughtful gift for anyone who has recently lost a loved one, needs an encouragement, endures a difficult season, or struggles with daily stressors. |
| what god wants for christmas: Bread of Life Abigail Dodds, 2021 Abigail Dodds invites readers to ponder and celebrate God's spiritual and physical provision in Christ through the hands-on art of bread making. |
| what god wants for christmas: The Gift of the Magi O. Henry, 2021-12-22 The Gift of the Magi is a short story by O. Henry first published in 1905. The story tells of a young husband and wife and how they deal with the challenge of buying secret Christmas gifts for each other with very little money. As a sentimental story with a moral lesson about gift-giving, it has been popular for adaptation, especially for presentation at Christmas time. |
| what god wants for christmas: God Gets Everything God Wants Katie Hays, 2021-09-21 A gospel of hope, inclusion, and defiance If God gets everything God wants, and if what God wants is you, can anything stand in God’s way? Too many Christians have been taught that core aspects of who they are—their gender, their sexual orientation, their politics, their skepticism—prevent God from loving them fully. For these individuals, church has been a painful experience of exclusion, despite the reality that Jesus was the embodiment of God’s radical inclusion. Katie Hays invites weary Christians, former Christians, and the Christ-curious to take another look at God through the testimony of our biblical ancestors and to reimagine the church as a community of beautiful, broken, and burdened people doing their best to grow into their baptisms together. Hays insists that yes, God does get everything God wants, and—even better—we’re invited to want what God wants, too, and want it “more and more and more, until life feels abundant and eternal and delicious and drunken with possibility.” This is a message of stouthearted faith anchored in wonder—not false certainty. Atheists are welcome. Those who feel uneasy inside a church are welcome. Those still angry at other Christians are welcome. Because no matter what we’ve experienced, the God who still adores this world is the God of hope, inclusion, and defiance of the powers that be. And for those who are willing to collaborate in “the painstaking work of examining our Christian faith and sorting it out—the good stuff from the harmful stuff, the stuff with integrity from the stuff we simply inherited from family or church or . . . the cultural air we’re breathing”—there await life-giving possibilities found nowhere else. |
| what god wants for christmas: Wonderful Wacky Words Suzy Toronto, 2015 Author Suzy Toronto wants you to never forget that you are a child of God with many special gifts to share. That's why she's created this book of wonderful things God wants you to remember each and every day of your life. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up or a deep assurance that you are loved, Suzy Toronto and her inspiring characters will encourage you to believe in miracles, live a life filled with prayer and integrity, and always have faith in God and in yourself. |
| what god wants for christmas: Holy Bible (NIV) Various Authors,, 2008-09-02 The NIV is the world's best-selling modern translation, with over 150 million copies in print since its first full publication in 1978. This highly accurate and smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English has the largest library of printed and electronic support material of any modern translation. |
| what god wants for christmas: Jesus Loves Me John S. Dickerson, 2021-02-02 If you asked a millennial or younger person in your church, What do I need to believe to be a Christian? what would they say? At a time when truth is up for grabs, a journalist-turned-pastor wants to help believers understand what they believe. How? By using the simple lyrics Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. In this winsome book, bestselling author John S. Dickerson clearly and faithfully explains essential Christian beliefs, using simple stories that have resonated with his congregation of thousands. He guides readers into these basic beliefs, and most importantly, he illustrates why these beliefs matter. The result is an easy-to-read primer, designed for a time when Christianity is questioned and challenged. It is a great study for young adults, new believers, and long-time believers who want to reclaim the essentials. For anyone who wants their small group, church, or loved ones to embrace the authority of Scripture and the nonnegotiable doctrines of Christianity. What does it mean to be a genuine Jesus follower in an age when most people, including many self-described Christians, believe that God is well-pleased with a life lived in alignment with a 'designer faith' of their own making? In Jesus Loves Me, John Dickerson answers that question with a deep dive into the simple but profound gospel that Jesus taught as the only kind of faith the Heavenly Father would be well-pleased with. As Dickerson points out, we can't be true Jesus followers if we don't know who He is or what He said and never bother to actually live like He told us to live. Whether you are a brand-new Jesus follower or a longtime veteran, this book will help you nail down the basics of what it means to genuinely know and follow Jesus.--Larry Osborne, author and pastor, North Coast Church Most Christians would tell you they believe the Bible to be God's Word. And yet many of those same Christians could not even articulate what the core beliefs are to the Christian faith. In Jesus Loves Me, John Dickerson does a great job of helping believers understand the basic teachings of Scripture. This is a great resource for any Christian who needs to build a stronger foundation to their faith.--Steve Poe, lead pastor of Northview Church, Carmel, Indiana |
| what god wants for christmas: All the Colors of Christmas (Board) Matthew Paul Turner, 2022-09-27 The bestselling author of When God Made You and When I Pray for You captures the wonder of Christmas and the joy of Jesus' birth in a lyrical exploration of what makes the season so colorful, magical, and personal. In his trademark style, Matthew Paul Turner celebrates the Christmas season, particularly the colors that infuse the holiday and all the memorable sensations and experiences—including a festive market, sledding, and nativity scene—connected to those bright hues. Matthew draws his readers into a whirling ribbon of the familiar reds and greens of Christmas, as well as other festive hues, including white, gold, blue, and brown. Christmas is RED. It's a bright shiny sled. It's candy canes, and toy store lanes. It's sprinkles on sweet bread. Christmas is BROWN It’s pinecones scattered round… It’s a cradle soft with hay And a donkey’s gentle bray. It’s God within a baby’s skin on that very first Christmas Day. All the colors come together when readers are reminded that Christmas is YOU—you’re a part of the story, the joy and the glory! Matthew shows us again and again that the holidays are nothing without being with the people we love, celebrating treasured traditions, and making new memories—all in vivid color. |
| what god wants for christmas: The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby Erin MacPherson, 2013 Everything you need to know about pregnancy--from weight gain to stretch marks to figuring out how to rely on Christ through the ups and downs of the next nine months. This comprehensive guide is packed with information that every newly pregnant Christian mama needs--including: help for pregnancy insomnia, morning sickness, weight gain and more advice on how to maintain a godly attitude and outlook during pregnancy--even when you're feeling anything but godly what to expect from doctor check-ups, your encounters with the scale and labor and delivery tips on how to survive food cravings, aversions, and even dreaded pregnancy exercise healthy eating advice for pregnancy that doesn't outright ban ice cream sundaes ideas on how to keep your marriage a priority when you're pregnant, including a guide for Christian dads-to-be and even pregnancy sex tips This detailed guide takes you through each trimester with helpful tips, humorous accounts, and supportive spiritual advice--all with a girlfriend-to-girlfriend approach that will help moms feel comfortable as they navigate this life-changing time. |
| what god wants for christmas: The Life God Wants You to Have Gregory K. Popcak, 2011-09 Originally published in 2003 under the title: Life shouldn't look like this. |
| what god wants for christmas: All In Mark Batterson, 2013-09-24 Christians who want to take the next step in their faith walk need look no further. It's time to ante up and go all in with God. The Gospel costs nothing. You can't earn it or buy it. It can only be received as a free gift, which is compliments of God's grace. It doesn't cost anything, but it demands everything. It demands that we go all in, putting all that we have into God's hands. But why do so many Christians hesitate to do that? And when did we start believing that the Gospel is an insurance plan? We're afraid that if we go all in that we might miss out on what life has to offer. But Jesus did not die to keep us safe. He died to make us dangerous. So, let's step out of spiritual no man's land and kneel at the foot of the cross of Christ and surrender to his lordship. It's time to dethrone yourself and enthrone Christ as king, and Pastor Mark Batterson is here to show you how. Using his customary vivid, contemporary illustrations, as well as biblical characters like Shamgar, Elisha, Jonathan, and even Judas, you will be challenged to trade what Batterson calls inverted Christianity for true discipleship as you strip away your excuses and inhibitions and follow God completely. It's now or never. Are you ready to go all in and all out for God? Also available: All In student edition, video curriculum, and study guide. |
| what god wants for christmas: How Long, O Lord? D. A. Carson, 2006-09-01 This clear and accessible treatment of key biblical themes related to human suffering and evil is written by one of the most respected evangelical biblical scholars alive today. Carson brings together a close, careful exposition of key biblical passages with helpful pastoral applications. The second edition has been updated throughout. |
| what god wants for christmas: Good News of Great Joy John Piper, 2021-08-18 25 Advent Readings by Pastor and Author John Piper Come, let us adore him. This beloved Advent refrain captures the heart of the season. Advent is for adoring Jesus. It is a season of preparation to ready our hearts for the glory of Christmas Day as we celebrate the coming of the eternal God in our frail humanity. These twenty-five short devotional readings from John Piper aim to help you keep Christ at the center of the Advent season. |
| what god wants for christmas: God Wants You Well Andrew Wommack, 2010-07-02 Health is something everyone wants. Billions of dollars are spent each year trying to retain or restore health. It is a basic desire of all mankind. Anyone who likes sickness must be mentally sick! Yet, religion has told us that God is the one who wants us sick. It even tries to make us believe that sickness is a blessing. That's just not... |
| what god wants for christmas: What God Wants for Your Life Frederick W. Schmidt, 2011-05-24 A Practical and Engaging Guide for Changing the Way We Seek God's Will How do we know God's will for our lives? This question lies at the heart of Christian life. And yet, attempting to understand our greater purpose can become a source of frustration as we look for help when making important life decisions. Spiritual retreat leader and Episcopal priest Fred Schmidt reveals how we can better recognize the difference between God's will and our own, deepen our ability to hear God's voice, and sharpen our powers of discernment. |
| what god wants for christmas: Christmas: A Gift for Every Heart Charles F. Stanley, 2021-12-07 Beloved pastor Dr. Charles Stanley takes us back to our truest and best reason for celebration—the birth of Christ. By revisiting the people and events of that first Christmas, Dr. Stanley reveals the unique lessons that long-ago starry night offers to each of us today. Such timeless truths as . . . true peace and joy are found only in Christ, not in the things of this world; Christmas itself is undeniable evidence that God always keeps His promises; the Lord God not only lives and reigns, but He is intimately involved in every circumstance of our lives; and the perfect gift for us to give Jesus is the gift of our own heart. Christmas is a gift to everyone on earth. That gift has different meaning to God—Christ’s birth was His perfect plan that unfolded in His perfect time. This message is followed by a celebration of who Jesus is—God came down, reigning King, suffering Servant, Savior of the world—and the lessons learned through His birth from the perspectives of: Mary, the virgin mother Joseph, faithful and obedient servant of God the innkeeper who had no vacancy the townspeople who were indifferent to what was happening around them the wise men who, by faith, followed the star and brought gifts of genuine worship and adoration and Isaiah, looking for the wonderful counselor Christmas: A Gift for Every Heart is a highly designed Christmas gift book with beautiful callouts, Dr. Stanley’s own personal thoughts and memories, Scripture, and four-color photography. This will be a treasured gift for Advent and Christmas that will be read again and again. |
| what god wants for christmas: Walking Through Fire Vaneetha Rendall Risner, 2021-01-19 The astonishing, Job-like story of how an existence filled with loss, suffering, questioning, and anger became a life filled with shocking and incomprehensible peace and joy. Vaneetha Risner contracted polio as an infant, was misdiagnosed, and lived with widespread paralysis. She lived in and out of the hospital for ten years and, after each stay, would return to a life filled with bullying. When she became a Christian, though, she thought things would get easier, and they did: carefree college days, a dream job in Boston, and an MBA from Stanford where she met and married a classmate. But life unraveled. Again. She had four miscarriages. Her son died because of a doctor's mistake. And Vaneetha was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome, meaning she would likely become a quadriplegic. And then her husband betrayed her and moved out, leaving her to raise two adolescent daughters alone. This was not the abundant life she thought God had promised her. But, as Vaneetha discovered, everything she experienced was designed to draw her closer to Christ as she discovered that intimacy with God in suffering can be breathtakingly beautiful. |
| what god wants for christmas: Searching for Christmas J.D. Greear, 2020-10-01 Most of us are familiar with the events of the first Christmas—the manger scene, shepherds watching sheep, angels singing their songs, and wise men arriving—but what if there’s more to the story? What if the birth of Jesus is actually the most significant event in all of history and can transform our lives? This evangelistic book goes beyond the birth of Jesus to look at what he did when he grew up and how he fulfilled the names given to him centuries beforehand by the prophet Isaiah. In a compelling, insightful, winsome and personal way, J.D. Greear shows that if we get to know the God who lies behind the Christmas story and at the heart of the Christmas story, we'll discover the joy, hope, purpose and belonging we're all searching for. Readers will see that Jesus is the Wonderful Counsellor, who can guide them in all truth; the Mighty God, who made and owns everything; the Eternal Father, who they can trust to love them for ever; and the Prince of Peace, who died in their place so that they can be forgiven and accepted eternally. |
| what god wants for christmas: Encouragement for Today Renee Swope, Lysa TerKeurst, Samantha Evilsizer, 2013-09-24 Pull away from the things that pull you down and find lasting encouragement for today. The women at Proverbs 31 Ministries offer 100 devotions of wit, wisdom, and encouragement for women. For twenty years the P31 team has equipped and encouraged nearly a million women to live in the power of God’s truths that apply to their everyday life. Written by women from every walk of life, you will find inspiration to live authentically and fully grounded in the Word of God. The P31 Team shares from the realities of everyday life including highs and lows, humorous stories and tender moments. You will be drawn toward the truths God offers and enabled to rise above and become all God created you to be. |
| what god wants for christmas: Expecting to See Jesus Anne Graham Lotz, 2011-08-23 Expecting to See Jesus--the expanded edition of I Saw the Lord--is the result of Anne Graham Lotz's life lived in the hope of Jesus' return. As you journey with her through the pages of the Bible, you'll come to realize why she lives her life expecting to see Jesus at any minute. And, she wants to make sure you and all other Christians are ready for that moment when your faith becomes sight. Anne knows from personal experience that it's in the busyness of our days, as we're drifting in comfortable complacency, that we most need a wake-up call--a jolt that pushes us to seek out a revival of our passion for Jesus that began as a blazing fire but somehow has died down to an ineffective glow. In Expecting to See Jesus, Anne points out the biblical signs she sees in the world all around us and shows how you can experience an authentic, deeper, richer relationship with God in a life-changing, fire-blazing revival. |
| what god wants for christmas: The Wondrous and True Story of Christmas Gordon Bitner Hinckley, 2003 |
What God Wants For Christmas by Darius Rucker
God wants for there to be peace on Earth not just during Christmas be every day. He wants the pews to be filled on Sundays and that’s including the front pews
What GOd Wants for CHristmas - Redeemer Presbyterian Church
Directly after spying on my children’s attempt to create yet another homemade gift today, I found myself in Psalm 50 reading and studying about what God most wants from us, His children. …
What God Wants For Christmas (book) - oldshop.whitney.org
In chapter 1, this book will provide an overview of What God Wants For Christmas. The first chapter will explore what What God Wants For Christmas is, why What God Wants For …
What Jesus Wants for Christmas
What I want for Christmas this year is for all of us to understand what Christmas really means. If God really did what He said He did, then Christmas holds a much deeper and higher meaning …
WHAT GOD WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS - TheLordsway.com
WHAT GOD WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS SCRIPTURE - Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, …
What God Wanted for Christmas - Fujian Evangelical Church
In contrast, Micah spoke God’s message truthfully “But as for me, I am filled with power— with the Spirit of the Lord. I am filled with justice and strength to boldly declare Israel’s sin and …
“What od Wants for hristmas” - corinthtoday.org
the exodus from Egypt. At Sinai, God makes a binding agreement with Israel. He promised to bless Israel if they obeyed his laws (namely the 10 commandments) and to curse them if they …
GOD C wants for hristmas - FamilyLife®
Christmas Family Fun Night 1. Set aside a night for your family to decorate the Christmas tree. 2. Play fun Christmas music. Make peppermint hot cocoa (see recipe) and begin the evening by …
What Jesus wants for Christmas - cdn.subsplash.com
What Jesus wants for Christmas Intro: Jn 1:1-18 From John’s perspective Christmas is about one thing above all others…The glory of God invading the darkness In other words - Christmas is …
Ø Show Gift Box 1: (Angel) In the beginning, God ... - Moravian …
What God wants for Christmas? It’s - to you - a surprise. In box number seven it is disguised. But no peaking! Be patient! For this you must wait. It’s what you offer Him and it’s really great! This …
Carols: A Christmas Devotional - FaithBridge
Carols: A Christmas Devotional God is with us – in answered promises, realized dreams, and refreshed hope. How could we help but sing? During this Christmas season, explore the songs …
GOD IS FOR LIFE, NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS - chmc.org.uk
Christ is the most valuable, life changing gift that any of us will ever receive. He is for life and not just for Christmas, so you don’t even have to wait for Christmas to come, to allow his presence …
Christmas Hope: A Free Christmas Play for Children - Ministry-To …
Christmas is about God’s love, hope, and the peace that comes from knowing Jesus. (Lights fade on family, lingering on the cross scene and then all lights off.)
Edexcel English Literature GCSE - Physics & Maths Tutor
“God bless us, Every one!” The religious focus of Tiny Tim’s statement presents him as an exemplary child who embodies the spirit of Christmas . This is heightened by the phrase …
“Good News for Everyone” - Ministry-To-Children
This children's message will help you teach about the Birth of Jesus from Matthew 1:18-25. Download the printable sermon below and then watch the demonstration video as you prepare …
With Love From GOD TO YOU - Bible Society
How do you like my blue oceans and my green lands? God did a good job when he made me, way back in the beginning. And that’s where today’s story, the Christmas story, starts – in the …
Warren and Betty Wiersbe, - The Christian Answer
Supposing we were to ask God what He wants us to know, how would He respond? If God is there, is He silent, or does He communicate? And if He does speak, what does He want to …
GOD WANTS US TO KNOW HIM - ministrygrid.lifeway.com
God wants us to know Him. God made a special plan for us to know Him. He sent His Son, Jesus, to be born as a baby. This is . why we celebrate Christmas. Jesus, the Word made flesh, was …
Good News of Great Joy - John Piper
glory of God in the incarnate Christ, your Savior, your Lord, your brother, your friend. John Piper’s Good News of Great Joy takes you on an exploration of the good news of Christmas, inviting …
A Seasonal All Age Worship Service
To enable all ages to see that at Christmas God came close to us through Jesus; making it possible for us to live in close relationship with Him both now and eternally. This is a non …
What God Wants For Christmas by Darius Rucker
God wants for there to be peace on Earth not just during Christmas be every day. He wants the pews to be filled on Sundays and that’s including the front pews
What GOd Wants for CHristmas - Redeemer Presbyterian Church
Directly after spying on my children’s attempt to create yet another homemade gift today, I found myself in Psalm 50 reading and studying about what God most wants from us, His children. …
What God Wants For Christmas (book) - oldshop.whitney.org
In chapter 1, this book will provide an overview of What God Wants For Christmas. The first chapter will explore what What God Wants For Christmas is, why What God Wants For Christmas is vital, and how to effectively learn about What God Wants For Christmas.
What Jesus Wants for Christmas
What I want for Christmas this year is for all of us to understand what Christmas really means. If God really did what He said He did, then Christmas holds a much deeper and higher meaning than we may have ever understood. Let’s look at Paul’s claim in Ephesians 1 that Jesus Christ “fills all in all” in the context Paul intended it.
WHAT GOD WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS - TheLordsway.com
WHAT GOD WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS SCRIPTURE - Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
What God Wanted for Christmas - Fujian Evangelical Church
In contrast, Micah spoke God’s message truthfully “But as for me, I am filled with power— with the Spirit of the Lord. I am filled with justice and strength to boldly declare Israel’s sin and rebellion.” (Micah 3: 8; NLT)
“What od Wants for hristmas” - corinthtoday.org
the exodus from Egypt. At Sinai, God makes a binding agreement with Israel. He promised to bless Israel if they obeyed his laws (namely the 10 commandments) and to curse them if they disobeyed his laws. So if they did what God says, God would bless them and they would be his witnesses to the world. And if they disobeyed, there were consequences.
GOD C wants for hristmas - FamilyLife®
Christmas Family Fun Night 1. Set aside a night for your family to decorate the Christmas tree. 2. Play fun Christmas music. Make peppermint hot cocoa (see recipe) and begin the evening by going through the What God Wants for Christmas nativity—remind your …
What Jesus wants for Christmas - cdn.subsplash.com
What Jesus wants for Christmas Intro: Jn 1:1-18 From John’s perspective Christmas is about one thing above all others…The glory of God invading the darkness In other words - Christmas is not about hot coco and presents - it is the story of an invasion of light into the darkness
Ø Show Gift Box 1: (Angel) In the beginning, God ... - Moravian Christmas
What God wants for Christmas? It’s - to you - a surprise. In box number seven it is disguised. But no peaking! Be patient! For this you must wait. It’s what you offer Him and it’s really great! This story begins when Isaiah did tell that a virgin would give birth to Immanuel.
Carols: A Christmas Devotional - FaithBridge
Carols: A Christmas Devotional God is with us – in answered promises, realized dreams, and refreshed hope. How could we help but sing? During this Christmas season, explore the songs that were born from our joy that Christ has entered the world and rediscover their relevance in …
GOD IS FOR LIFE, NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS - chmc.org.uk
Christ is the most valuable, life changing gift that any of us will ever receive. He is for life and not just for Christmas, so you don’t even have to wait for Christmas to come, to allow his presence in the world and in your life to make a difference.
Christmas Hope: A Free Christmas Play for Children - Ministry-To …
Christmas is about God’s love, hope, and the peace that comes from knowing Jesus. (Lights fade on family, lingering on the cross scene and then all lights off.)
Edexcel English Literature GCSE - Physics & Maths Tutor
“God bless us, Every one!” The religious focus of Tiny Tim’s statement presents him as an exemplary child who embodies the spirit of Christmas . This is heightened by the phrase “every one” which highlights that he is compassionate and caring, both of these are traits which further the endearing nature of his character.
“Good News for Everyone” - Ministry-To-Children
This children's message will help you teach about the Birth of Jesus from Matthew 1:18-25. Download the printable sermon below and then watch the demonstration video as you prepare your Christmas object lesson. Keywords: Christmas, Children's Message, Sunday School, Children's Ministry, Ministry-To-Children.com, Birth of Jesus Created Date
With Love From GOD TO YOU - Bible Society
How do you like my blue oceans and my green lands? God did a good job when he made me, way back in the beginning. And that’s where today’s story, the Christmas story, starts – in the beginning! But first, I’m going to need some help from you. When I say each of these words, I need you to join in with an action:
Warren and Betty Wiersbe, - The Christian Answer
Supposing we were to ask God what He wants us to know, how would He respond? If God is there, is He silent, or does He communicate? And if He does speak, what does He want to communicate to us? What is He passionate about? What is on the mind of God? Is what concerns Him, the same as what bothers us?
GOD WANTS US TO KNOW HIM - ministrygrid.lifeway.com
God wants us to know Him. God made a special plan for us to know Him. He sent His Son, Jesus, to be born as a baby. This is . why we celebrate Christmas. Jesus, the Word made flesh, was born to save us from our sin. Jesus . grew up and lived a perfect life in our place. Then He died on the cross for our sins and rose again. Through Jesus, we ...
Good News of Great Joy - John Piper
glory of God in the incarnate Christ, your Savior, your Lord, your brother, your friend. John Piper’s Good News of Great Joy takes you on an exploration of the good news of Christmas, inviting you to join him in wonder, awe, and a joy that surpasses holiday cheer. This book is about everlasting joy, and Piper will point you to it,
A Seasonal All Age Worship Service
To enable all ages to see that at Christmas God came close to us through Jesus; making it possible for us to live in close relationship with Him both now and eternally. This is a non-Eucharistic All Age Service.
