"What's the point of it all?" In the postmodern world, the meaning and direction of human existence is increasingly a question mark with few satisfying answers forthcoming. People of faith are not immune to such questions as they struggle to meaningfully connect their faith to their daily lives. In GPS: Finding Direction on Your Faith and Life Journey, Strommen makes the case that much of this existential struggle is born of an anthropocentric worldview that has banished God to the margins, leaving humans with the futile task of playing God as they attempt to create their own meaning, purpose, and identity. Drawing on core Christian understandings through a Lutheran lens, the author asserts that life-giving meaning and purpose are gifts given by God alone, who frees people from their self-justifying ways to take an inventory of their many gifts and participate in a new creation where love of neighbor is the social currency. It is the core theme of this book that God is in fact present, deeply invested and at work in the everyday world, calling everyone daily to partner with God to co-create a more trustworthy, loving, and hopeful world.

"What's the point of it all?" In the postmodern world, the meaning and direction of human existence is increasingly a question mark with few satisfying answers forthcoming. People of faith are not immune to such questions as they struggle to meaningfully connect their faith to their daily lives. In GPS: Finding Direction on Your Faith and Life Journey, Strommen makes the case that much of this existential struggle is born of an anthropocentric worldview that has banished God to the margins, leaving humans with the futile task of playing God as they attempt to create their own meaning, purpose, and identity. Drawing on core Christian understandings through a Lutheran lens, the author asserts that life-giving meaning and purpose are gifts given by God alone, who frees people from their self-justifying ways to take an inventory of their many gifts and participate in a new creation where love of neighbor is the social currency. It is the core theme of this book that God is in fact present, deeply invested and at work in the everyday world, calling everyone daily to partner with God to co-create a more trustworthy, loving, and hopeful world.

There are many people who claim they are devout Christians but when asked what it means to be a Christian, they cannot give a clear and direct answer. Some of them live their lives contradictory to their beliefs and to the teachings of God. These and many other instances lead them nowhere but to a dead end. But which is the right path to joyous Christian living? In his new revealing book, author David Ray Gutierrez takes readers on a Journey to Joy by living the Christian life according to the Word of God explained by the Epistle of Paul to the Philippians. Divided into four major components, Journey to Joy provides an in-depth explanation of the messages that the Book of Philippians tries to convey to every Christian believer. These four components which are described as important journeys—The Journey of Conduct, The Journey of Character, The Journey of Consequence, and The Journey of Influence—represent the four chapters of the book that are simplified and refined to give readers a better understanding of the Word of God. Supported by personal experiences and spiritual insights, this book will help anyone define the meaning of Christianity, discover the secret to living a joyful Christian life, and develop a closer relationship with God.

If you are ready to ask for directions to navigate this life, you are ready to open the book of Proverbs. In Proverbs you will find clear and often concise counsel, addressing every conceivable area of life. Most importantly, you will find the living God, the One who created you and purposefully placed you in the life you live-with all its beauty and challenges. His desire, as we work our way through the book of Proverbs, is twofold. Not only does He want to give you a map for this life, but He also wants to assure you He is present with you. He is lovingly traveling alongside you and empowering you to reach your intended destination: His glory, which is always your good. Get ready to take the journey of a lifetime. The journey and the destination are truly amazing!

Need clarity on what to do next? It is not that there are no options, or nobody give you advice. On the contrary, the choices can be overwhelming. What is important is knowing what is right for you in your season. Say "NO" to the noise and "YES" to your life. Lost that "spark" somewhere along the way? You are an unique gift to the world - discover clarity of direction and shine! Joel Boggess has Master's degrees in counseling and business. He has been a life and career coach since 2006. In addition to his own journey, Joel offers a number of real-life accounts of the growth and success his clients have experienced. These stories bring to life the truths he offers. Highly relatable and immediately applicable, Finding Your Voice will help you get back in touch with the real you to live your best possible life. You will learn: How to get "unstuck" and move forward to the life you were born to live How to take control of your schedule and live a life with less chaos and more meaning How to make better decisions for work, home and family, and to be at peace with your life direction How to identify unique gifts and skills that enable you to make a difference in the world

Prepare to be inspired and uplifted as you explore the remarkable power of faith and flexibility in navigating life's journey.

Around 83% of Americans claim to be Christians. But only 64% of Americans say they believe in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Obviously, those polls alone indicate we have a problem in terms of understanding what it means to be a "Christian" (a follower of Jesus). Add to that confusion the statement made by Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord.' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers!'" No one wants to be turned away from heaven's gates. But clearly there are those who think they are "Christians" who are not. How can a person know that he or she is a true follower of Jesus? In a letter, from the Bible, written by James, the half-brother of Jesus and a leader in the first church in Jerusalem, we find tests of faith which reveal evidence as to who is a true follower of the Son of God. James challenges us to examine our attitude, our speech, our relationships, and even our prayers. The evidence is not always easy to face, but it is revealing and sure. So, come along on this journey of faith and discovery and allow the Spirit of God through the Word of God to prove your faith genuine. For all eternity, you will thank God that you lived this life by true faith in his Son, Jesus!

Women are searching for wisdom beyond themselves, for discernment that makes God’s will and way clear for daily living. No books in Scripture hold more instruction for how to live according to divine wisdom than do Psalms and Proverbs, and these daily devotions mine their riches with choice, seasoned counsel. Blessed will be the woman who pursues this path to wisdom with passion and commitment.

Western culture has long prized the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) as a benchmark of a person's mental abilities. And since the mid-nineties we have known of other forms of intelligence such as emotional and social. Now, prolific author, former pastor, and leadership development specialist Alan E. Nelson introduces "spiritual intelligence"--a person's ability to assimilate faith into everyday life. Churches and individuals are coming to the conclusion that far too many people are active in church their entire lives but never mature, going directly from Pampers to Depends. How can this be? In Spiritual Intelligence, Nelson will help readers take charge of their spiritual growth by helping them incorporate methods Jesus used in teaching his disciples. Readers will assess their own spiritual maturity and learn what steps to take next in their journey of discipleship.