The Fog Of Faith

True story of Leona Stucky's childhood in a Kansas Mennonite farm community and the violence and challenge of faith which results from an abusive marriage.

Keeping your faith burning bright when all you want to do is burn out In Faith in the Fog, bestselling author Jeff Lucas explores the pain and fear that many Christians feel when walking through a spiritual fog, when doubts about faith undermine the joy of belief. After the Resurrection—when the disciples found themselves on the fog bank of unresolved shame, failure, and confusion—what Jesus did to help them and what he didn’t do is both enlightening and inspirational. Here, you will focus on the person of Jesus and the way he approaches those who are worn out when life is tough. Who Jesus really is—rather than the way we instinctively perceive him emotionally and theologically—is what will make the difference and help clear the fog. Through a broad approach, Faith in the Fog tackles the feelings of failure, uselessness, and shame, which are often the underlying causes of depression and burnout among Christians.

War-Worn Faith You want the flare of your faith to burn as intensely as a fire on the battlefield. That means digging into God’s truth regardless of the chaos raging around you. These devotions are written by a man who had considered war something that someone else always did, and was then himself deployed to Iraq as a company commander. From the frontlines of the blackest days and in the face of inexplicable suffering, you’ll discover the heart of the question, “Why, God?” and its often unsettling answer. Because in war, as in contemporary America , reality involves struggle, trial, and triumph. Let God meet you in the midst of life’s nonsense to find the peace that is a crucial part of His impeccable plan. Why, God? War screams the same questions whispered in everyday life. The battlefield explodes with the same tenacity of emotions that wretch our souls. Smoke fills the air just as doubt clouds our minds. Are you on the frontlines of war overseas? Or perhaps your battle is personal, deep within. These devotions, penned by Captain Chris Plekenpol while on the battlefield in Iraq, expose the depths of inexplicable suffering as well as the heights of incredible victory in God. Through every adversity and in any circumstance, you will find a still voice reminding you of God’s sovereignty…in war and peace. “Faith forged in the crucible of combat! Chris Plekenpol is a warrior and he has compiled a great guide for victory in the battles we all face.” Oliver L. North Host of “War Stories” on Fox News and author of The Assassins “There is no theory here. Just the battle-tested insights of a soldier who has learned to trust his heavenly Father in the valley of the shadow of death. You are going to love this book.” Andy Stanley Pastor, North Point Community Church “Amazing encouragement from the heart of the battle!” Louie Giglio Passion Conferences Story Behind the Book “I began writing devotionals as both a preparation for seminary and as a ministry tool during my service in Korea . At first, I sent them only to a few people. Then, as I wrote more frequently, I received e-mails requesting my devotions. I continued writing during my deployment to Iraq , tackling such issues as life in combat as well as the triumph of God in the battle. My purpose in writing this book is to further God’s work in my life by ministering to others through my experience in the heart of the battle.” —Chris Plekenpol

Is God Just a Distant Concept? An Award-Winning Religion Correspondent is Convinced the Answer is No and Explores the Possible Relationship with Our Creator Fox News Religion Correspondent Lauren Green uses her wealth of stories, vast network of contacts, and her own extensive study of theology to take the reader on a unique journey of spiritual discovery. With few female authors writing in the field of theology, Green provides an important perspective to all who wish to move closer to not only a deeper relationship with God but an understanding of what makes that possible. Green gathers insight from some amazing guides along the way, through personal conversations with some of the leading minds in the world on the topic of Christianity. These include: Timothy Keller John Piper Alister McGrath William Lane Craig John Lennox Sir John Polkinghorne Amy Beckman Elizabeth Lev … and many more Is God simply an accessory that we carry with us? Something similar to what we might download from a music site to suit our personal tastes—a personal assistant in a way? Or is He His law, His structure, and His authoritative Word contained in the Holy Scripture, an objective reality to which you daily shape your life? If we believe or know we should believe that it’s the latter, how do we make this happen? How do we live joyfully under God’s will in a world so drenched in the will of human desire? Lighthouse Faith explores the heart of the Christian doctrine and a pathway of perceiving God as an interactive hands-on presence; a caring and loving being. The first commandment is a life-giving force loaded with information about the world in which we live. This law stands atop the other nine commandments as a beacon of light, illuminating the created order, just as a lighthouse lamp shines in a darkened space, heralding a way to safety.

See website: http://originlasbyweber.com AOF 8/27/03 ANCHORS OF FAITH IS A BOOK THAT TELLS YOU HOW TO HAVE MORE FUN IN YOUR LIFE! One time, when I was on the road as a salesman, just for fun, I took a survey of the people I met every day for a whole week. I asked each person to describe his or her life to me in a few short words. I wrote down their comments and later arranged them into two groups of responses. From the first group (#1) I heard comments like: life is boring, a sad saga, annoying, many struggles, very challenging, filled with emotional ups and downs, very bland, like a roller coaster, always dull, difficult, unpredictable, strained, disgusting. But, there was a second group (#2) who replied with enthusiasm. They said things like: my life is good! Great! Expectant! A blast! Pregnant! Peaceful! Quiet! Blessed! Happy and - lots of fun! If were to ask you to describe your life to me, would you respond like those in negative group #1 or as those in positive group #2? Well if you find yourself in negative group #1, Ive got good news for you. You can learn how to put all of that behind you. You can acquire a positive, optimistic outlook and at the same time put more fun in your life! How? READ THIS BOOK! You see, in my book I explain, with many examples and true stories how God demonstrated again and again to me that his greatest desire is to be our best friend. Our buddy. Our guide. But, best of all, he wants us to see him as our own personal loving father who wants nothing less than the best of everything for us - as his son or daughter because he loves us so very much. As I prayerfully wrote this book (Anchors Of Faith) about events in my life, I realized that there was something "mysterious" happening in each story. I dont mean this is a "mystery" book, but, instead, as you read it, I believe you will be aware of what I call the "mysterious" spiritual message God has put in this book especially for you. That message seems to be written "between the lines" of what I wrote. My words and thoughts are simply my honest attempt to explain to you, by way of many examples and stories about my life, the hundreds of ways God wants to help us have interesting and enjoyable lives. In addition, he does his best to help us find answers to lifes constant questions about: faith, children, the Bible, fellowship, missions, money, prayer and self worth. So, if you want to find ways to change your attitude about your life, find ways to have more fun and what I call a blast or a party for the rest of your life, you need to read this book soon! Sincerely, Terrance L. Weber

An exploration of identity and faith, Seeing Through the Fog invites readers to a vibrant life, an expectant life, a life of joy in each new morning. Pastor Ed Dobson has spent his life preaching sermons, but this book is not a sermon. He has spent more than ten years with a debilitating illness, but this book is not about grief. He has found joy in the midst of sorrow, but this book is not about looking on the bright side. Seeing Through the Fog is about living well when you realize you can’t live forever. It is about having gratitude for each sunrise, birthday, and moment of knowing God more. It is about holding hope when circumstances hold pain. With stories, wisdom and unique content distinct from the popular film series about Ed, Seeing Through the Fog will encourage readers in their own difficulties and give them hope for their future.

In my years in the Prayer Ministry, I have come to discover that there are many diverse views of prayer, apprehensions, misunderstanding, misuse of prayer for financial gain through the exploitation of seekers of help. Thus, in many instances, the object of prayer, praying to God, has shifted from God to faith in men who promote prayer through Wealth and Healing Ministries. These men promote prayer, by manipulating their followers' minds, as the only power to gain wealth and healing while acting as their intermediaries between them and God to receive answers to their prayers. Their goal, however, is to make money on the backs of their followers who are manipulated to believe in the so-called miracles they perform for them. The power and true benefits are now shifting to false miracle-working prayers. Of course there is a place fro and power in intercessory prayer, no one should be made to believe that there are some special people who alone who can, and must pray to God to experience his blessing. The single most important requirement of prayer is faith in God. When personal faith in God is absent, prayer dies and the experience of the power and blessings from prayer are lost. Faith, however, may not necessarily translate into victory in every circumstance. what acts of faith do guarantee is that we will please God and eventually be rewarded by him. The purpose of this book, The Prayer of Faith (Praying with Hope), is to help everyone who prays to understand that prayer is first, building a relationship with God, through Jesus and not just to receive or see miracles. It explains that anyone who exercised faith in Jesus can literally move the "mountains" in their lives, if they prayed and prayed the right way. Faith treats things hoped for as a reality, with a conviction that what is being asked for, has a real answer. Faith is, therefore, mandatory for those who approach God. Faith is never easy, it wasn't meant to be so. But the more convinced we are of the reality of an all-good, all-loving, all-powerful God, the more our trust will grow, and the least we will be overwhelmed by doubts and temptations. How strong is your faith? As thou has believed, so be it done unto thee. Discover the secret, the power and joy of praying by faith to move your mountains as you read on.

Today's neurological research has placed habit at the center of human behavior; we are what we do repetitively. When we want to add something to our life, whether it's exercise, prayer, or just getting up earlier in the morning, we know that we must turn an activity into a habit through repetition or it just won't stick. What would happen if we applied the same kind of daily dedication to faith? Could faith become a habit, a given--automatic? With vulnerable storytelling and insightful readings of both Old and New Testament passages, Jen Pollock Michel invites the convinced and the curious into a 40-day Bible reading experience. Vividly translating ancient truths for a secular age, Michel highlights how the biblical text invites us to see, know, live, love, and obey. The daily reflection questions and weekly discussion guides invite both individuals and groups, believers and doubters alike, to explore how faith, even faith as small as a mustard seed, might grow into a life-defining habit.