Building a Discipling Culture – September 10, 2014

Building a Discipling Culture Paperback – September 10, 2014
Author: Mike Breen ID: 0982452101

We often wonder what Jesus will ask us when we meet Him face to face. We believe that some of his first questions will be about discipleship. How have we followed His Great Commission to make disciples? How many disciples did we raise up to do greater things than we ourselves achieved? Who “imitates our lives as we imitate Christ”? Jesus did not command us to build the church; He called us to make disciples. Effective discipleship creates the church, not the other way around. This is the first of many new Huddle resources that will give you practical and Biblical insights on building a culture of discipleship in your community.

Paperback: 236 pagesPublisher: 3DM Publishing; 2nd edition (September 10, 2014)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 0982452101ISBN-13: 978-0982452103 Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Best Sellers Rank: #14,759 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #21 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Churches & Church Leadership > Pastoral Resources #24 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Churches & Church Leadership > Church Leadership #3277 in Books > Religion & Spirituality
I have the good fortune of knowing the authors and some of the other people that stand behind both the content and the lived-out reality of the text. I titled this post "The Church Could Use More Books Like This," for 3 reasons.

1) This book isn’t theory, it emerges from decades of experience and reflection. And not just any experience, but experience in the trenches of Post-Christian Britain. It’s not a perfect symmetry, but in many ways, the United States is following quick on the cultural heels of Western Europe and we would do well to pay careful attention to the insights of our brothers and sisters who are seeking to live into the reality of God’s Kingdom in that context.

2) The focus of this book is something that a great many of us should be embarrassed is not more central to our ecclesiologies, discipleship. For far too long, discipleship has been seen as an add-on to the life of our churches. The assumption of these authors, however, is that churches actually only exist for one single purpose, to make disciples of Jesus. They’ll come right out and tell you that their way isn’t the only way to go about it, but they are unrelenting in their assertion that creating a discipling culture is imperative to a healthy identity and life for local congregations.

3) The final reason the Church needs more books like this is because it will provoke important questions. Vested readers are sure to find their margins filled with marks and notes. The assumptions and conclusions in this book emerge from a theological perspective which, though not fully unpacked here, will undoubtedly result in readers discovering that they may need to rethink some of their own perspectives and paradigms in order to really receive what the authors are saying and doing.
As a book on personal discipleship, that is reflecting on how I worship, pray, and work in God’s kingdom around me, Building a Discipling Culture is excellent. The author has some unique and Bible-based insight around all parts of how we relate to God and the world around us. I especially liked his section on prayer that for the first time, for me anyway, really took the Lord’s prayer and used it as a structure for daily prayer. It seemed to address how God would have us a pray much more completely then, say, the ACTS approach.

The other breakthrough I had with this book was personal gifts. Mr. Cockram presents the five gifts of Apostle, Pastor, Teacher, Prophet, and Evangelists. His concept that we have a dominant one but use all of them seems much more on-target than so many presentations on gifts. It is also interesting how he separates Pastor and Teacher. The explanation goes a long way in showing how we can all be pastors while most "pastors" are probably primarily teachers.

As a book about alternative ways to approach church, something I know it is used for, I found it a bit odd. The whole shapes approach is interesting but seems to create a new "secret language" of worship. Now instead of a "bullwark never failing" and various other churchy references, we can talk about the hexagon, circle, or various charts. The gifts, for example, are the five-fold ministries, the pentagon. He even goes so far as to say "this language should be the DNA….shared by you and the people you are discipling". I found it all too intentionally cryptic and think there is too much "secret, special" words we use amongst ourselves.
Download Building a Discipling Culture – September 10, 2014

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Let God Fight Your Battles

Let God Fight Your Battles: Being Peaceful in the Storm Hardcover – June 2, 2015
Author: Joyce Meyer ID: 1455587834

About the Author

JOYCE MEYER is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s leading practical Bible teachers. Enjoying Everyday Life airs daily on hundreds of television networks and radio stations worldwide. Joyce has written nearly 100 inspirational books. Bestsellers include God Is Not Mad at You; Making Good Habits, Breaking Bad Habits; Living Beyond Your Feelings; Power Thoughts; Battlefield of the Mind; and The Confident Woman. Joyce travels extensively, holding conferences throughout the year, speaking to thousands around the world.
Learn more: JoyceMeyer.org.

Hardcover: 160 pagesPublisher: FaithWords (June 2, 2015)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1455587834ISBN-13: 978-1455587834 Product Dimensions: 4.8 x 0.8 x 6.8 inches Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Best Sellers Rank: #6,450 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #45 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Bible Study & Reference > Bible Study #69 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Christian Living > Personal Growth #145 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Christian Living > Spiritual Growth

We tend to get so focused on our problems and what we need to do to fix them. This book reminds us that God has it under control. He knows just what we need and at the right time. Oh how He loves us! He is waiting for us to turn to Him and trust Him completely. Such an encouraging read.

Joyce is such a practical person, someone to relate to in every day life. She is real and transparent, easy to understand and such an encouragement to those who are suffering. Thank you Joyce Meyer for being willing to tell your story with HOPE and the love of Jesus Christ.

First place to go to in our struggles is to God . Joyce gives us action items. Things we can do to draw near to God rather than allow anxiety or worry or fighting before we know what God would have us to for the victory… Which is what we want victory and God’s will.
Download Let God Fight Your Battles: Being Peaceful in the Storm – June 2, 2015

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Parenting Teens With Love And Logic: Preparing Adolescents for Responsible Adulthood, Updated and Expanded Edition Upd Exp Ed. Foster Cline, Jim Fay Pdf Download

Parenting Teens With Love And Logic: Preparing Adolescents for Responsible Adulthood, Updated and Expanded Edition [Hardcover] [2006] Upd Exp Ed. Foster Cline, Jim Fay Paperback
Author: ID: B00CSGG4MC

Will be shipped from US

PaperbackPublisher: NavPress Publishing ID: B00CSGG4MC Best Sellers Rank: #86,591 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #218 in Books > Parenting & Relationships > Parenting > Teenagers

This is an incredibe book. I wish I had read it sooner. Cline explains the necessity of consistency. He discusses the danger of rescuing teens and how doing so threatens their maturity. The book discuses a variey of parenting styles with the pros and cons of each. Part 3, called Parenting Pearls was my favorite part. Practical solutions are offered for issues such as back talk, driving, curfews, dating, parties, internet, grades, money, music, and jobs, just to name a few.

I recommend this book to anyone wih teens (its never too late) and preteens. You won’t be sorry.

I have a very independent 14 year old daughter who does not respond well to being told what to do. Using love and logic strategies works really well with her. If I ask her what her plan is for homework tonight, she gives me a reasonable plan and does it, which is much better than yelling at her all night long to get it done. This works in a lot of different situations. For example if I ask her what the consequence should be (before hand) if she doesn’t get her room cleaned when she says she will, there is a lot less arguing about doing her room or about the consequences if she does not get her room clean.

Great advice, that works. Bonus; so easy to jump around and find info on the issue you need help with. Don’t need to read the whole book first, who has time for that when you are in the trenches!
Download Parenting Teens With Love And Logic: Preparing Adolescents for Responsible Adulthood, Updated and Expanded Edition Upd Exp Ed. Foster Cline, Jim Fay Pdf Download

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Download Parenting Teens With Love And Logic: Preparing Adolescents for Responsible Adulthood, Updated and Expanded Edition Upd Exp Ed. Foster Cline, Jim Fay

Parenting Teens With Love And Logic: Preparing Adolescents for Responsible Adulthood, Updated and Expanded Edition [Hardcover] [2006] Upd Exp Ed. Foster Cline, Jim Fay Paperback
Author: ID: B00CSGG4MC

Will be shipped from US

PaperbackPublisher: NavPress Publishing ID: B00CSGG4MC Best Sellers Rank: #86,591 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #218 in Books > Parenting & Relationships > Parenting > Teenagers

This is an incredibe book. I wish I had read it sooner. Cline explains the necessity of consistency. He discusses the danger of rescuing teens and how doing so threatens their maturity. The book discuses a variey of parenting styles with the pros and cons of each. Part 3, called Parenting Pearls was my favorite part. Practical solutions are offered for issues such as back talk, driving, curfews, dating, parties, internet, grades, money, music, and jobs, just to name a few.

I recommend this book to anyone wih teens (its never too late) and preteens. You won’t be sorry.

I have a very independent 14 year old daughter who does not respond well to being told what to do. Using love and logic strategies works really well with her. If I ask her what her plan is for homework tonight, she gives me a reasonable plan and does it, which is much better than yelling at her all night long to get it done. This works in a lot of different situations. For example if I ask her what the consequence should be (before hand) if she doesn’t get her room cleaned when she says she will, there is a lot less arguing about doing her room or about the consequences if she does not get her room clean.

Great advice, that works. Bonus; so easy to jump around and find info on the issue you need help with. Don’t need to read the whole book first, who has time for that when you are in the trenches!
Download Parenting Teens With Love And Logic: Preparing Adolescents for Responsible Adulthood, Updated and Expanded Edition Upd Exp Ed. Foster Cline, Jim Fay

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How To Practice Pdf Download

How To Practice: The Way To A Meaningful Life Audio CD – Unabridged, Audiobook, CD
Author: Visit ‘s Dalai Lama Page ID: 0743507789

.com Review

As a primer on living the good life, few books compete with How to Practice, another profound offering from the exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Westerners may be confused by the book’s title, assuming that it focuses solely on Buddhist meditation and prayer techniques. Though it does address meditation and prayer, at its core this is a book that demonstrates how day-to-day living can be a spiritual practice. There are two ways to create happiness:The first is external. By obtaining better clothes, better shelter, and better friends we can find a certain measure of happiness and satisfaction. The second is through mental development, which yields inner happiness. However, these two approaches are not equally viable. External happiness cannot last long without its counterpart…. However, if you have peace of mind you can find happiness even under the most difficult circumstances. As he has in previous books (An Open Heart, The Art of Happiness), the Dalai Lama reminds us that developing peace of mind means paying attention to our daily attitudes and choices as well as taking the time to meditate and be prayerful. The six-part book covers Buddhist meditation techniques and visualization exercises as well as daily thoughts and actions that foster morality and wisdom. –Gail Hudson –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

The Dalai Lama, a formidable teacher, presents a way that is the middle way, but not necessarily the easy way. Because the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has a natural gift as well as the translating and publishing resources that makes his teachings accessible, it is easy to forget the rigor and depth of those teachings. Too, Buddhism so often appears in the West as a system of daily behavior and practice that it is also easy to overlook the compelling intellectual challenge it presents to the Western understanding of reality. His Holiness starts on familiar Buddhist ground (morality of action, suffering, compassion) and chapter by chapter adds doctrine and complexity until teachings from the heights of imaginative Tantra and Tibetan deity yoga are being explicated. For the uninitiated the climb is steep, and those seeking general ethical guidance would do better with an easier text (His Holiness has written those, too). For the serious, however, the Dalai Lama offers elegant clarity about the paradoxes at the heart of Buddhism including the central Heart Sutra itself, the teaching of form-is-emptiness and about the intellectual intricacy of Buddhist teachings. Tibetan Buddhism is considered the esoteric wing of Buddhism; this slice shows some layers of its complexity while whetting the spiritual appetite for more understanding, or what Buddhists would call the intention for enlightenment.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

–This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Audio CDPublisher: Simon & Schuster Audio; Unabridged edition (January 1, 2002)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 0743507789ISBN-13: 978-0743507783 Product Dimensions: 1 x 5 x 5.5 inches Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Best Sellers Rank: #751,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #113 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Philosophy > Eastern > Buddhism > Dalai Lama #614 in Books > Books on CD > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity #874 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Philosophy > Eastern > Buddhism > Rituals & Practice
This book by H.H. the Dalai Lama may be read by those wishing an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and by those wishing to begin or develop their practice.

The Dalai Lama attempts to answer the basic question: "How can people be happy?" His answer outlines a path of spiritual growth and practice. Although based upon Tibetan Buddhism, there is wisdom in the book for anybody seeking spiritual growth, within or without any specific religious practice.

The book consists of six short sections. It begins with a brief discussion of the life of the Buddha which, as the Dalai Lama points out, encompasses the basic teachings of the Buddhist path: morality, concentrated meditation and wisdom. The Dalai Lama then explains the basis of each teaching in short chapters. It is good that the book gives its focus to moral practice — curing anger, lust, hatred, and agression and wishing well to oneself and others.

Chapter III of the book discusses meditation practices and will introduce the beginner to the value of meditation and to several meditation techniques. The Dalai Lama stresses the need for consistent practice and for patience and for the need of controlling one’s expectations.

There are several chapters which discuss the difficult but key Buddhist teaching of dependent origination. Much of this material the Dalai Lama also covers in an earlier book called "The Meaning of Life."

There is a concluding section on Tantra, a uniquely Tibetan practice. I think it is better for the average person to remain with the practices of morality and concentration described earlier in the book.
This is not really an introductory Buddhist text, although the previous reviews suggest that some (but not all) non-Buddhists have gained by reading it. Rather, it’s title exactly describes it – if you are a practicing Buddhist, it tells you "How To Practice".

Of course, there is no single way to practice – in fact, there are at least 84,000 ways to practice spread over many traditions (Theravadan (SE Asia), Mahayanan (Zen, Pure Land), and Vajrayana (Tibetan). This book is primarily written for Tibetan Buddhists, but the guidelines are sufficiently broad that I have given this book to Zen and Theravaden Buddhists who found much to agree about.

The book is broken into three major sections – mirroring the three fold grouping often applied to the 8-fold path: morality, meditation and wisdom. The book also introduces the Tantric methods of Vajrayanan Buddhism.

Each chapter covers it’s topic in a clear, concise fashion, and ends with a "Summary for Daily Practice". This helps tie the writing (which can be somewhat theoretical) into the title of the book "How To Practice".

The first section introduces the Four Noble Truths, and expands upon them and finally brings them to ground in practices such as such as the Four Wholesum Practices, the Six Perfections, etc.

The second section is a brief but very clear introduction to various types of meditation, including analytical and stabilizing meditation, etc. I have loaned the book to other practitioners and they agree that this is a great book to loan to beginners.

The third section is about Wisdom – the nature of reality and relative and ultimate truth (and for those of you who are really dedicated – emptiness).
Download How To Practice: The Way To A Meaningful Life Audio CD – Unabridged, Audiobook, CD Pdf Download

SamaptaLajawardi316

How To Practice

How To Practice: The Way To A Meaningful Life Audio CD – Unabridged, Audiobook, CD
Author: Visit ‘s Dalai Lama Page ID: 0743507789

.com Review

As a primer on living the good life, few books compete with How to Practice, another profound offering from the exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Westerners may be confused by the book’s title, assuming that it focuses solely on Buddhist meditation and prayer techniques. Though it does address meditation and prayer, at its core this is a book that demonstrates how day-to-day living can be a spiritual practice. There are two ways to create happiness:The first is external. By obtaining better clothes, better shelter, and better friends we can find a certain measure of happiness and satisfaction. The second is through mental development, which yields inner happiness. However, these two approaches are not equally viable. External happiness cannot last long without its counterpart…. However, if you have peace of mind you can find happiness even under the most difficult circumstances. As he has in previous books (An Open Heart, The Art of Happiness), the Dalai Lama reminds us that developing peace of mind means paying attention to our daily attitudes and choices as well as taking the time to meditate and be prayerful. The six-part book covers Buddhist meditation techniques and visualization exercises as well as daily thoughts and actions that foster morality and wisdom. –Gail Hudson –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

The Dalai Lama, a formidable teacher, presents a way that is the middle way, but not necessarily the easy way. Because the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has a natural gift as well as the translating and publishing resources that makes his teachings accessible, it is easy to forget the rigor and depth of those teachings. Too, Buddhism so often appears in the West as a system of daily behavior and practice that it is also easy to overlook the compelling intellectual challenge it presents to the Western understanding of reality. His Holiness starts on familiar Buddhist ground (morality of action, suffering, compassion) and chapter by chapter adds doctrine and complexity until teachings from the heights of imaginative Tantra and Tibetan deity yoga are being explicated. For the uninitiated the climb is steep, and those seeking general ethical guidance would do better with an easier text (His Holiness has written those, too). For the serious, however, the Dalai Lama offers elegant clarity about the paradoxes at the heart of Buddhism including the central Heart Sutra itself, the teaching of form-is-emptiness and about the intellectual intricacy of Buddhist teachings. Tibetan Buddhism is considered the esoteric wing of Buddhism; this slice shows some layers of its complexity while whetting the spiritual appetite for more understanding, or what Buddhists would call the intention for enlightenment.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

–This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Audio CDPublisher: Simon & Schuster Audio; Unabridged edition (January 1, 2002)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 0743507789ISBN-13: 978-0743507783 Product Dimensions: 1 x 5 x 5.5 inches Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Best Sellers Rank: #751,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #113 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Philosophy > Eastern > Buddhism > Dalai Lama #614 in Books > Books on CD > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity #874 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Philosophy > Eastern > Buddhism > Rituals & Practice
This book by H.H. the Dalai Lama may be read by those wishing an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and by those wishing to begin or develop their practice.

The Dalai Lama attempts to answer the basic question: "How can people be happy?" His answer outlines a path of spiritual growth and practice. Although based upon Tibetan Buddhism, there is wisdom in the book for anybody seeking spiritual growth, within or without any specific religious practice.

The book consists of six short sections. It begins with a brief discussion of the life of the Buddha which, as the Dalai Lama points out, encompasses the basic teachings of the Buddhist path: morality, concentrated meditation and wisdom. The Dalai Lama then explains the basis of each teaching in short chapters. It is good that the book gives its focus to moral practice — curing anger, lust, hatred, and agression and wishing well to oneself and others.

Chapter III of the book discusses meditation practices and will introduce the beginner to the value of meditation and to several meditation techniques. The Dalai Lama stresses the need for consistent practice and for patience and for the need of controlling one’s expectations.

There are several chapters which discuss the difficult but key Buddhist teaching of dependent origination. Much of this material the Dalai Lama also covers in an earlier book called "The Meaning of Life."

There is a concluding section on Tantra, a uniquely Tibetan practice. I think it is better for the average person to remain with the practices of morality and concentration described earlier in the book.
This is not really an introductory Buddhist text, although the previous reviews suggest that some (but not all) non-Buddhists have gained by reading it. Rather, it’s title exactly describes it – if you are a practicing Buddhist, it tells you "How To Practice".

Of course, there is no single way to practice – in fact, there are at least 84,000 ways to practice spread over many traditions (Theravadan (SE Asia), Mahayanan (Zen, Pure Land), and Vajrayana (Tibetan). This book is primarily written for Tibetan Buddhists, but the guidelines are sufficiently broad that I have given this book to Zen and Theravaden Buddhists who found much to agree about.

The book is broken into three major sections – mirroring the three fold grouping often applied to the 8-fold path: morality, meditation and wisdom. The book also introduces the Tantric methods of Vajrayanan Buddhism.

Each chapter covers it’s topic in a clear, concise fashion, and ends with a "Summary for Daily Practice". This helps tie the writing (which can be somewhat theoretical) into the title of the book "How To Practice".

The first section introduces the Four Noble Truths, and expands upon them and finally brings them to ground in practices such as such as the Four Wholesum Practices, the Six Perfections, etc.

The second section is a brief but very clear introduction to various types of meditation, including analytical and stabilizing meditation, etc. I have loaned the book to other practitioners and they agree that this is a great book to loan to beginners.

The third section is about Wisdom – the nature of reality and relative and ultimate truth (and for those of you who are really dedicated – emptiness).
Download How To Practice: The Way To A Meaningful Life Audio CD – Unabridged, Audiobook, CD

SamaptaLajawardi316

Life of the Beloved

Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World Paperback – October 1, 2002
Author: Visit ‘s Henri J. M. Nouwen Page ID: 0824519868

Review

A beautiful and sensitive book that reaches out to the believer. –Church and Synagogue Library Association

Anyone who is searching for the Spirit of God in the world today will benefit from reading it. –Horizons

For those unfamiliar with his work, this volume is a wonderful place to begin. Another significant achievement. –Circuit Rider

Anyone who is searching for the Spirit of God in the world today will benefit from reading it. –Horizons

For those unfamiliar with his work, this volume is a wonderful place to begin. Another significant achievement. –Circuit Rider

–This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

From the Publisher

Over 200,000 copies in print! When Nouwen was asked by a secular Jewish friend to explain his faith in simple language, he responded with his greatest legacy, Life of the Beloved, which shows that all people, believers and nonbelievers, are beloved by God unconditionally.

See all Editorial Reviews

Paperback: 160 pagesPublisher: The Crossroad Publishing Company; 10 Anv edition (October 1, 2002)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 0824519868ISBN-13: 978-0824519865 Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.5 x 7.5 inches Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Best Sellers Rank: #7,558 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #42 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Catholicism #63 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Christian Denominations & Sects #526 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Christian Living
During a time of personal uncertainty, emptiness and sadness, the mere title of this book moved something inside of me; enough to purchase it with the strong intent of reading it, later that evening. Needless to say, I tried several times, but never felt in the mood, although, I knew it would be a good read.
Six months later, experiencing the same feelings, I took a trip to visit some terminally ill, elder family members and carried this book, as part of my reading.
Well!! A good read doesn’t begin to describe this book!! It is powerful, enjoyable, moving, easy to read, entertaining, thought provoking, emotional, educational, nurturing and full of love. WOW! All that packed into 119 pages! It is simply written, as though, the author was conversing with me and yet, in other parts, I could hear the Voice of God telling me very simply, that I was BELOVED, a child of His. The power of this book is so Amazing!! As, I write these words, I have an intense feeling of being loved, emotional stirrings in the bottom of my gut and goosebumps on my arms. I am more in touch with God in my daily life, His loving and tender Presence and Voice everywhere, in everything. This book has changed my prior feelings of emptiness, sadness and uncertainty to a more joyful, simple, thankful, childlike approach to living, a sense of peace within myself, a clarity and certainty of my path in life and a powerful, moving love for God in my moment to moment living. Is my life 100 % perfect? Yes, and No, but as I work with God towards that moment of Utopia; I am thankful, centered and at peace in the knowledge that I am BELOVED, safe in God’s Love for me and that everything will unfold, exactly as it is meant to be for me, with my prayer,love,faith and willingness to see God’s message for me.
Download Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World – October 1, 2002

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