Blessed are those who defy God. Although bumper stickers abound that propose otherwise, the Bible itself reveals that just because "God says it," does not, in fact, mean "that settles it." On the contrary, a close reading of Scripture reveals that God does not want us to blindly obey him, but rather, invites us to "lock hands" with him and fight. The purpose of this book is to show another way to understand the Bible, one in which readers are not asked to accept what God says, but on the contrary: to say no to it, not because they merely want to, but because the God of the Bible actually requires it.

Gary Gray marries his first girlfriend, a fellow student from Central Florida Christian College who loves Disney World as much as he does. They are 19 years old, God-fearing, and eager to start a family, but a week before their wedding Gary goes into a rest-stop bathroom and lets something happen. God Says No is his testimony -- the story of a young black Christian struggling with desire and belief, with his love for his wife and his appetite for other men, told in a singular, emotional voice. Driven by desperation and religious visions, the path that Gary Gray takes -- from revival meetings to "out" life in Atlanta to a pray-away-the-gay ministry in Memphis, Tennessee -- gives a riveting picture of how a life like his can be lived, and how it can't.

“A memoir … and a book of wisdom.” – Rev. Andy Lambkin “Brenda reminds us to live courageously in the face of adversity.” – Fr. Mark James O.P. What do we do when deep grief invades our lives? How do we negotiate the unwelcomed journey we find ourselves on? What do we do with our unspeakable pain? Even more, what do we do when we have asked God to spare the life of our loved one and he does not give the answer we hope for? In When God Says No, Brenda Smit-James tells the story of her journey with grief following the untimely death of her mother – a journey where she questioned God and his goodness, questioned whether Jesus was worth following, and questioned the relevance of the Christian life. In telling her story, Brenda shows us how grief can be engaged and not merely endured and how we can face the darkness of grief with quiet courage and, in so doing, find a way back into the light again.

No is not a four-letter word, but it certainly feels like one. It’s one thing to feel God’s love when life goes your way, but what happens to your faith when life doesn’t go as you had planned? When prayers go unanswered and dreams unfulfilled? When the sick stay sick and the dead do not rise? When you’re lost in the desert and the Promised Land seems like empty promise? When God says, “No,” how do you grapple with disappointment? Author Elizabeth Laing Thompson walks alongside readers as she tackles the difficulties that stymie our faith, stifle our prayers, and stunt our relationship with God. When God Says, “No” will help you to discover hope when life feels hopeless, good in what feels bad, and new dreams when old ones have died. This book is a fantastic reminder of Who is in charge—Who He is and how He works. How He loves us and why He limits us. The better we know Him, the more we understand that He says “No” to a few things, so He might say “Yes” to many more.

When God Says No is a rare gift which grants the reader access into the very soul of a mother as she desperately tries to hold onto faith, while accepting the disabilities of her child, profoundly affected by autism and epilepsy. "He has rescued me from the edge when I was sure I would fall, crashing to a million pieces. I have spent hours in the darkness, sitting and rocking on the floor, fighting for my sanity. Wailing and moaning when too grieved to pray. I have felt the spirit of fear paralyze me. I met the spirit of suicide while driving over a bridge. I have carried the dark cloud of depression and experienced the suffocating breathlessness of anxiety. I have faced death on every level, the death of body, soul and spirit, each time rising again with the resolve to live another day." -Denise Wynn "These raw and naked writings reveal the unquenchable, patient love between a mother and her precious son. Within every page is fresh hope for the most difficult situation, and a gentle wind of grace to lift up the weary and carry one straight into the arms of the One who heals the broken and the hurting." -Nancy J. Grandquist, author and speaker

What if God wants you to wait? Most of us know what it’s like to wait for God to change our circumstances. But, whether we’re waiting for physical healing, emotional breakthrough, or better relationships, waiting is something we usually try to avoid. Why? Because waiting is painful and hard. The truth is, it’s also inevitable. In Still Waiting, Ann Swindell explores the depths of why God wants us to wait by chronicling her own compelling story of waiting for healing from an incurable condition. She offers a vibrant retelling of the biblical account of the Bleeding Woman that parallels her story—and yours, too. Let Ann help you see the promise that is hidden in the ache of waiting and the hope of what God can—and will—do as you wait on him.

"Is God listening? "Can he be trusted?" In this book, Yancey tackles the questions caused by a God who doesn't always do what we think he's supposed to do.

Explaining how to become a Christian hedonist, a bestselling author offers guidance on how to find spiritual joy to readers who are unsure of where to seek it.

Your life is not too ordinary, your world is not too small, and your work is not too insignificant to make a difference--instead, all of it is a stage set for you to glorify God. Join bestselling author Joni Eareckson Tada as she shares daily devotions designed to help you embrace your eternal purpose. Do you ever wonder why God created you? The Bible says it plainly: God created you to showcase His glory--to enjoy it, display it, and demonstrate it every day to all those you encounter. Through this award-winning, 365-day devotional, Joni will help you discover how to put God's glory on full display, no matter what challenges you're facing. A Spectacle of Glory will prepare you to take on each day with the help of: A heartfelt story A timely verse from Scripture A thoughtful prayer for deeper reflection throughout the day An inspirational figure to millions of people in the more than forty years of her ministry, Joni Eareckson Tada has shared honestly about the struggles of living as a quadriplegic and dealing with chronic pain. Let A Spectacle of Glory give you the tools you need to focus your heart on the One who longs to lead and guide you every day and every step of the way.

When she was just a child, Heather’s life was altered by an accident that all but destroyed her internal organs. The doctors gave her no chance—but with God’s grace, she proved them wrong. When they said she would never walk, she defied them again. And though they insisted she could never have children, she did. When others said no—God said yes. More than a story of suffering and survival, Heather’s life is a testament to the power of faith. From the first decisive moments after the accident, Heather and her mother were able to give their fear and panic to God, and trust Him to act as a source of strength in their lives. With her husband DeWayne and her daughter Mackenzie—the two greatest miracles in her life—Heather has found great joy, and many reasons to give praise. This is her amazing and inspiring true story.