Fascinating Stories Of Forgotten Lives

Join pastor and bestselling author Charles Swindoll as he explores the lives of 13 biblical hidden figures whose stories have remained in the shadows of history for long enough. Somehow life has taught us poorly. We're trained to think that the most significant people are star athletes, actors, and musicians--the ones we applaud, those whose autographs we seek, or those who have worldly fame. But Swindoll teaches us that most often, the people really worth noting are those who turn from a 'nobody' into a 'somebody' but never receive credit. Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives reminds us of a core truth: success in God's kingdom and in the church depends upon faithful people the public rarely knows. The Old Testament contains numerous fascinating stories of forgotten lives--unsung heroes whose actions, sacrifices, or battles failed to ascribe them worldly applause. These great lives, however, reveal significant people whom God honors in the pages of His Word and, therefore, deserve our serious attention and emulation. From the misfortunes of Esau to the bravery of Abigail, each of these unlikely heroes has four unique elements in common: A selfless sense of devotion A mission A love of harmony A contagious joy Join Swindoll in this eighth volume of the bestselling Great Lives from God's Word series as he examines little-remembered Bible characters and events, helping you discover biblical principles and practical applications for living so that you can be who you already are in God's eyes--a person of true significance.

"Portrait of twelve lives from the Old Testament whose lives have great lessons to teach us"--Provided by publisher.

In concert with the million-selling Great Lives series of books, comes the newest addition to the Great Lives study guides. Focusing on a dozen of the heroes and their stories of leadership, trial, and tribulation found within the Old Testament, renowned pastor Charles Swindoll illuminates the lives of such characters as: Lot, Abraham, Noah, Solomon, Jonah, Deborah, Isaiah, and Ruth. Modeled after the other workbooks in this series, feature sections include Digging Deeper, an examination of Christian belief and practice; Taking Truth to Heart, guidance for personal reflection and living a Christian life; In Other Words, a selection of quotes and questions from a variety of authors for meditation and application; Treasures from the Text, including directed study from the Scriptures themselves and Nuggets of Wisdom, specific encouragement from the Pastor himself. Versatile enough for use in small groups and as a church curriculum, as well as individual study.

Bestselling author Charles Swindoll challenges us to take a closer look at Job's life, carefully examining his response to the unexpected and painful experiences that assaulted his once peaceful and God-honoring existence--and we might just find that Job is a hero after all. When you think of Job, you may think of a hapless victim of unfair treatment. His disastrous circumstances overwhelmed him, his so-called friends belittled him, and his distraught wife discouraged and abandoned him. Even God seemed to desert him. At first glance, Job may not seem like the traditional portrait of a hero, but Job's patience, strength, and dedication in the face of unforeseen suffering makes his story worth knowing. As Swindoll traces Job's life and legacy, he challenges us to apply the lessons Job learned firsthand to our own lives, including the importance of: Maintaining integrity no matter what happens Accepting the challenge to change Counting on the justice of the Lord to roll down in his time instead of seeking revenge Resting contentedly in God's plan, timing, and purpose for you We have no way of knowing what tomorrow may bring, but if it is anything like the past, we know that storms will always come. And when they do we have a choice--to react in bitterness and anger or fall to our knees like Job and trust God even though we cannot understand why he would permit such a thing to occur.

Do others look to you for leadership? Do you face a major task or shoulder heavy responsibilities? Do you want to take your leadership skills to a higher level? When Nehemiah confronted the task of rebuilding Jerusalem's wall, he was heartbroken by the damage he saw and nearly overwhelmed by the task that lay before him. Yet through the application of timeless leadership principles, Nehemiah completed this nearly impossible project, and laid a pattern for success which is just as valid for us today. Charles Swindoll brings his sensible and straightforward style to offer a deeply spiritual approach to the role of leader. Whatever the context, secular or ministerial, he demonstrates how to size up a task, organize and motivate a team, and respond to inevitable obstacles such as these: Unforeseen setbacks Unrelenting deadlines Criticism and outside resistance Personality conflicts Financial pressures and temptations The insights that Swindoll draws from Nehemiah's wise administration will change your approach to leadership forever.

Parents often find themselves suspended between snowcapped mountains of exhilaration and craggy chasms of desperation. To be sure, parenting these days is a white-knuckle adventure?a scary roller coaster ride we only hope we can survive. Is there any hope at all that we can actually thrive as parents? What an awesome privilege we have been given! What an opportunity to grow deeper in our relationship with our heavenly Father! Such privilege and opportunity certainly demand more of us than we can give. We need help. Fortunately, help has arrived! Based on beloved pastor and teacher Chuch Swindoll's Parenting: From Surviving to Thriving, this workbook explores God's divine plan for successful families. This inductive Bible study workbook will help you discover: The best-kept secret of wise parenting. Why kids move from resentment to rebellion. How to restore relationships after you've blown it. Parents' secret struggles and how to cope with them. Whether you're doing these studies alone, with your family, or as part of a group, this workbook will equip you with Scripture-based tools to help transform your relationship with your children from a struggle to survive into a lifelong love that thrives.

We desperately need role models worth following. Authentic heroes. People of integrity. Great lives to inspire us to do better, to climb higher, to stand taller. ?Chuck Swindoll Great Days with the Great Lives is a collection of biographies taken from the Great Lives from God's Word series. Each day provides a Scripture reference and devotional thought based on the experience of some of the greatest heroes of the Bible?men and women whose authentic walk with God will teach us, encourage us, and warn us. These profiles in character from one of America's most beloved teachers, Chuck Swindoll, offer us hope for the future. They show us that God can do extraordinary things through ordinary men and women like us. They teach us what it means to be genuinely spiritual people?people after God's own heart. Join us now for 365 Great Days with Great Lives?an exploration into the hearts and lives of God's heroes who continue to instruct and inspire.

Who do you say that I am? Whether or not you know it, this question, posed by Jesus, is the most important question you'll ever answer. But it's not only a question for those who haven't trusted Jesus for salvation; it's also one for those who call themselves followers of Christ. Many will claim to know the answer, but even Peter, who answered it correctly, didn't fully understand who Jesus was until later. And in a culture two millennia removed, Jesus' true identity and purpose are often obscure, making His question relevant and vital, both for non-Christians and Christians alike. This Bible Companion is designed to help you answer His question, so that you might know Jesus?the real Jesus as revealed in the Bible. But be warned. This book doesn't offer a mere biographical study because He was no mere man. Regardless of what you think of Jesus, encountering Him in the Bible is a mind-changing and life-altering event. So, if you're ready to answer Jesus' question truthfully, then this Bible Companion will serve as a good guide to His life and teachings. And it can help you grow to know Him better than you ever have.