The Practice of the Presence of Jesus by Joni Eareckson Tada - WaterBrook & Multnomah

 The Practice of the Presence of Jesus by Joni Eareckson Tada - WaterBrook & Multnomah 

Vivimos en un mundo de prisas, de correr, donde te aplauden si produces, no si haces pausas. Cuando alguien te recomiende meditar, reflexionar, hacer pausas, escucha. Te cuento que duré mucho tiempo buscando el libro del hermano Lawrence. En muchos libros que respeto y autores que sigo, lo citaban. En conferencias, podcasts y en muchos lugares más escuchaba referencias a este material, pero jamás lo encontraba. Algo me decía que debía buscarlo y leerlo. Fue hasta que murió un pastor italiano, que estaba de misiones en México y me donó muchos de sus libros, venía ese ejemplar, muy viejo y gastado (lo que le da aún más valor) por lo cual es un tesoro invaluable para mi. Ahora que Joni Eareckson Tada tiene este libro, hablando de este tema también, meditaciones para practicar la presencia del Señor como el hermano Lawrence, supe de inmediato que lo iba a disfrutar mucho. Si dentro de ti sabes que necesitas crecer en esta práctica, no lo pienses y consíguelo, este sí es mucho más fácil de adquirir. Bendiciones. 

ENG

We live in a world of rushing, of running, where you are applauded if you produce, not if you take breaks. When someone recommends you meditate, reflect, take breaks, listen. I tell you that I spent a long time looking for Brother Lawrence's book. In many books that I respect and authors that I follow, they cited him. In conferences, podcasts and in many other places I heard references to this material, but I never found it. Something told me I should look it up and read it. It was until an Italian pastor died, who was on missions in Mexico and donated many of his books to me, that copy came, very old and worn (which gives it even more value) making it an invaluable treasure for me. Now that Joni Eareckson Tada has this book, talking about this topic as well, meditations to practice the presence of the Lord like Brother Lawrence, I knew right away that I was going to really enjoy it. If within you know that you need to grow in this practice, don't think about it and get it, this is much easier to acquire. Blessings.

Description

Discover the joy of intentionally dwelling in the presence of God as the beloved author of Joni weaves contemporary insights with the timeless wisdom of seventeenth-century monk Brother Lawrence.

"Suffering has a way of heaving you beyond the shallows of life where your faith feels ankle-deep. It casts you out into the fathomless depths of God." —Joni, from the Introduction

Brother Lawrence lived through the drudgeries of monastery kitchen duty during the turbulence of 1600s France. Joni Eareckson Tada suffered a terrible accident that broke her neck and left her paralyzed. This tragedy led her from a life of distant faith to a life as a devout Christian, and she later became a worldwide disability advocate and influencer, sharing her experiences of suffering with grace. In both their lives, they each found the secret to peace, joy, and a way of being in constant conversation with the Father . . . every day and every hour . . . practicing the presence of God.

The Practice of the Presence of Jesus ushers in wisdom from these two everyday saints, more than 400 years apart, to teach and inspire you to experience the nearness of God in your life. Through rich devotional content from Brother Lawrence’s The Practice of the Presence of God, accompanied by original art and never-before-published insights from Joni, you’ll experience a unique blend of past and present wisdom on such themes as humility, thankfulness, fear, worship, obedience, and more. Each devotion ushers you into the peace of the Good Shepherd.

Holier Than Thou How God’s Holiness Helps Us Trust Him by Jackie Hill Perry - B&H Publishing

Holier Than Thou How God’s Holiness Helps Us Trust Him by Jackie Hill Perry - B&H Publishing

 

You can read this review in Spanish in this site, where it was also published: Here. 

Who can we trust?

Have you ever wondered: Who can I trust? I do. Many times. In a world stained by sin, where everything collapses and nothing is forever, where betrayal, deceit, manipulation and idolatry are the order of the day, where bad news fills the tabloids: it is a real relief to remember that There is only one good, holy, trustworthy God who sustains my life. That is what this book is about, the Holy nature of God, above all else, the human, the captivating and the fallible.

Is another book on Holiness necessary?

Does one more content on the holiness of God seem excessive to you? Will some attempt or effort be enough to encompass all that He is? I applaud the collaboration and interest of current authors, such as Jackie, to learn from the scholars of yesteryear, the fathers of the faith, theologians and time-tested writers, so that the current generation can know them as well and benefit from their contents, which perhaps otherwise would not happen. I am glad that the young author takes the challenge to write about such profound themes, such as the holiness of God. This book is different from others of hers. I hope that many will also take the time to read the Word and who you quote, it is worth it.

Is it possible to capture the Holiness of God in a book?

Trying to capture the greatness of God in a book are big words. I consider any person who embarks with his pen and letters to such sublime, infinite and eternal territories as daring. It requires fortitude and humility to know that his words will not cover everything, but still be willing to take the challenge of turning the spotlight on Him, once again, and go through the biblical passages that open our eyes to the essence of His nature, on a journey of holiness revealed in creation, in the fall and in redemption.

What do our beliefs about the holiness of God have to do with our daily lives?

Several premises and reasonings of Jackie Hill Perry revolve around the phrase of AW Tozer "What comes to mind when we think of God is the most important thing in us." She argues that people always act based on what they believe about God, that the foundation of idolatry, the sin that it engenders, and the idols that you choose to put in their place make it necessary to go to the roots of our beliefs, to empty ourselves of everything. and fill ourselves with Him, live grateful and according to His Holiness.

The author draws our attention to how "the soil on which all sin grows is unbelief", and stresses that " the foundation of our idolatry, the sin that begets all other sins, is a specific belief about God." When we understand the holiness of God, compared to people, that affects how we think of Him and determines our behavior and God consequences. That is why it is important to analyze our beliefs in light of the Bible.

About the book and its style.

"The Holy God" is a book is short and digestible. In seven chapters, it deals with various current, useful and practical topics in light of the holiness of God. You will read about moral perfection, transcendence, Idolatry, Holy Justice, Holy Vision and Contemplation that leads us to appreciate the holiness of God. Each chapter helps to understand the nature of God in comparison to ours, offering reasons to trust Him and grow in our relationship and dependence, enjoy His Holy Justice and yearn to live in holiness as well, in the end, to be able to see Him as He is. .

Jackie's style is biblical, interesting, and profound. Amid his short stories and quirky humor, he sows pearls of wisdom. Its sharpness is enjoyed, which feels so sharp in some paragraphs. The translation is very good, to my liking I prefer to read in the author's language, since it seems to me that the musicality and cadence of words is more appreciated. Being an artist of spoken poetry, you will notice that she has a peculiar cadence. The style of the authors may change as the years go by, but the eternal truths, character, faithfulness, and holiness of God are immovable and inscrutable.

Who can benefit from this reading?

I believe that this book can be useful for people of any gender and age, students or teachers, especially for:

-People whose trust and faith have been inconsistent due to various disappointments in their lives, who need to remember that God does not fail and is trustworthy.

-People whose faith has perhaps grown cold and need their wonder for God to awaken.

-People absorbed in various idols that distract and want to destroy.

-People who already love, serve and desire God, and want to make him known to others.

Throughout each page of "The Holy God" you will find the enormous beauty of God compared to any idol. His holiness makes him unique, therefore he is our justice and hope. It is my hope and prayer that this reading will help us to remain absorbed before his incomparable Holiness.

He is Holy, Holy, Holy.

And if you also ask yourself today, I remind you: Yes, we can trust him.

In the Lord I Take Refuge 150 Daily Devotions through the Psalms by Dane C. Ortlund - Crossway

In the Lord I Take Refuge 150 Daily Devotions through the Psalms by Dane C. Ortlund - Crossway

He venido a apreciando mucho el trabajo de los Ortlund. No sé aún si es su manera de expresarse o su claridad al hacerlo, o su contenido elegido, pero me hace sentido y me es fácil de conectar con ellos. Aunque no soy mucho de leer diario un devocional, reconozco que disfruté mucho este, quizá por los otros contenidos de tipo no devocional que he leído de Ortlund y que me han animado en mi caminar de fe. Disfruta este devocional si necesitas ánimo, consuelo o considera regalarlo a alguien más, su portada es hermosa, pero más el interior. 

I have come to greatly appreciate the work of the Ortlunds. I don't know yet if it's their way of expressing themselves or their clarity in doing so, or their chosen content, but it makes sense to me and it's easy for me to connect with them. Although I am not much of a reader of a devotional every day, I admit that I really enjoyed this one, perhaps because of the other non-devotional content that I have read from Ortlund and that has encouraged me in my walk of faith. Enjoy this devotional if you need encouragement, comfort or consider giving it to someone else, its cover is beautiful, but even more so is the inside.

Description

In the Lord I Take Refuge invites readers to experience the Psalms in a new and refreshing way, featuring devotional content written by Dane Ortlund.

Advance Praise

“This world has beauty and delight as well as brokenness and pain. As joy and sorrow mingle together, we long for words to express both our cries for deliverance and our songs of rejoicing. Dane Ortlund’s new devotional, In the Lord I Take Refuge, invites us to commune with God through the words of the Psalms. These encouraging daily reflections will guide your prayers, refresh your heart, and strengthen your soul as you walk with God in the ups and downs of life.”

—Melissa B. Kruger, Director of Women’s Initiatives, The Gospel Coalition; author, Growing Together

“This devotional book beautifully reminds us that we need no better devotional material than the Psalms themselves. Dane Ortlund is pointing the way, serving as a wise and restrained guide to help us enter and join the prayers and praises of the psalter. He never fails to point us to Christ, the Savior who shines through the Psalms from beginning to end.”

—Kathleen Nielson, author; speaker; Senior Adviser, The Gospel Coalition

“This is a book to keep by your bed, to begin or end each day feeding on these words God has given to us to pray and sing back to him. Dane’s brief insights into each psalm help us to bridge the gap between the psalmist’s time and our own, between his battles, questions, joys, desires, and laments and our own, leading us to love and worship.”

—Nancy Guthrie, Bible teacher; author, Even Better than Eden

“Here it is! A devotional book based on the Bible’s own devotional book. It is an idea so obvious we may have missed it because—unlike our spiritual forefathers, who often read through the book of Psalms every week—we have allowed ourselves to be obsessed with the short term and the quick fix and to become devoted to the latest thing. But now the author whose Gentle and Lowly has helped so many to see Christ more clearly takes us gently by the hand to Jesus’s own devotional manual, the prayer book he loved, and the blueprint for his own life and ministry, and leads us to him all over again, day after day. Thank you, Dane Ortlund, for more treasure!”

—Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

“A book like this is hard to find: not a commentary on the Psalms but a brief model, from a trusted voice, on how to meditate on them. Come to be fed by Dane’s meditations and learn how to meditate for yourself; to take a word or phrase in context and linger over it to obtain food, in Christ, for your soul; and to enrich and deepen your own communion with Christ in the Bible’s songbook. Take up and feed.”

—David Mathis, Senior Teacher and Executive Editor, desiringGod.org; Pastor, Cities Church, Saint Paul, Minnesota; author, Habits of Grace

 In the Lord I Take Refuge by . #IntheLordITakeRefuge

The Teen's Guide to Face-to-Face Connections in a Screen-to-Screen World 40 Tips to Meaningful Communication by Jonathan McKee; Alyssa McKee - Barbour Publishing, Inc.

The Teen's Guide to Face-to-Face Connections in a Screen-to-Screen World 40 Tips to Meaningful Communication by Jonathan McKee; Alyssa McKee - Barbour Publishing.

you can get it here: https://amzn.to/3e24S3b
pub date 1 nov 2020

         #TheTeensGuidetoFacetoFaceConnectionsinaScreentoScreenWorld

This is a short and simple book with a very important message. I recommend this kind of book to parents whose children are not very into reading, the ideas are surrounded by a lot of examples and personal stories and everything is simplified so anyone will understand it. Do not expect very scientific facts or very deep thoughts explained, but it will be an excellent tool if you are seeking help to start sharing ideas about the effects of screens in your teen life this can be helpful for you. If you have read a lot about this topic, you won't find a lot of new information, but I can say I enjoyed a lot the idea of a dad and daughter writing together for a good purpose. I´m always telling my children that once it is on the cloud you can´t delete it... this topic is included. I really like the topic of dealing with conflict in person, not texts, videos, or chats, to give the importance the relationship deserves. You can give it as a present, useful tips.


Description

What if your phone truly helped you connect with people more than disconnect with those around you?
You CAN dare to be relationally different in a screen-to-screen culture.
 
But. . .honestly, I like my phone.
So what should I do?
 
You probably enjoy screens but don’t want them hurting your relationships with the people who matter most, right?  What if you could improve your face-to-face relationships, develop deeper connections, resolve conflict, and confidently communicate with friends, parents, teachers, roommates, coworkers, potential employers…even the barista at your local coffee shop?
 
What if you paused to think before you posted, avoiding some of the hurt and consequences that almost always lead to regret after?

What if you became a master of your own screen-time instead of letting it master you?

What if you became more screen-wise?
 

40 real-life realizations including. . .

* Your phone doesn’t have an UNSEND button.

*Texting is a dumb way to manage conflict.

* We all need a digital detox every once in a while.

* Sometimes less is more.

* Sometimes the people we love the most are the people we ignored all day.

Author and youth culture expert, Jonathan McKee, and his daughter Alyssa McKee, uncover forty random realizations they’ve discovered over the last five years.  Screens provide fun platforms to connect with faraway friends; and sometimes the people we love the most are the people we ignore all day.  Jonathan and Alyssa help young adults navigate face-to-face communication in a screen-to-screen world too!  Maybe they’ll help you navigate face-to-face communication in a screen-to-screen world too!

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Charitable Writing Cultivating Virtue Through Our Words by Richard Hughes Gibson; James Edward Beitler III InterVarsity Press IVP Academic

Charitable Writing Cultivating Virtue Through Our Words by Richard Hughes Gibson; James Edward Beitler III - InterVarsity Press

This title captured my attention because I use to think about tangible things when I hear the word Charity. But charity means love, so I started thinking: I can definitely love through my words, so I took it, I´m glad I did. Everything we "eat" with our brains has an effect on us. I hope and pray many could make a pact with their writing and decide to cultivate just pure, lovely and true. I liked how the author makes a connection between spiritual instruction and writing instruction. I know God loves words, he leaves us the Bible, so we must take care of what we leave through our own words. My favorite part of the book it is when the author defines Humility and how it reshapes or writing practice. I don´t want to spoil you. Get the book. Just one quote:

"God has endowed us with profound capacities to learn, to ponder, to hypothesize, to reason, to understand. These powers apply to a range of fields and areas of inquiry—not least the knowledge of God himself! To recognize this is to realize that delighting in our thinking, delighting in our nimble intellects, may be a godly pursuit. To cultivate humility in regard to our ideas does not, in G. K. Chesterton’s words, require that we become “too mentally modest to believe in the multiplication table.”15 Rather, such humility liberates us. As Dow observes, “Because intellectually humble people value truth over their egos need to be right, they are freed up to admit the limits of their own knowledge. This freedom naturally produces a teachable spirit and the habit of humble inquiry that are at the heart of sustained personal"

you can pre-order it here: you can pre-order it here: https://amzn.to/33HJ8Wo 
pub date 15-dec-2020

Description

Our written words carry weight. Unfortunately, in today's cultural climate, our writing is too often laced with harsh judgments and vitriol rather than careful consideration and generosity. But might the Christian faith transform how we approach the task of writing? How might we love God and our neighbors through our writing? This book is not a style guide that teaches you where to place the comma and how to cite your sources (as important as those things are). Rather, it offers a vision for expressing one's faith through writing and for understanding writing itself as a spiritual practice that cultivates virtue. Under the guidance of two experienced Christian writers who draw on authors and artists throughout the church's history, we learn how we might embrace writing as an act of discipleship for today—and how we might faithfully bear the weight of our written words.

#CharitableWriting

Hoping for Happiness Turning Life's Most Elusive Feeling into Lasting Reality by Barnabas Piper - The Good Book Company

Hoping for Happiness Turning Life's Most Elusive Feeling into Lasting Reality by Barnabas Piper - The Good Book Company

                                                       

                                      you can get it here: https://amzn.to/34Gvliv

I just had the opportunity to read/listen the new book by Barnabas Piper about happiness, (as you all may know, this is not a very common topic for me to read about). I enjoyed the clarity and simplicity Barnabas had to share his ideas, and that he point you to the fountain of life: Jesus. I enjoy audiobooks most when the audio is recorded by the author, everything changes when they add their own tone and style (you can find it in ONE Audiobooks). It is very uplifting to listen an author, their process and vulnerability while writing.

I would like to say to Barnabas is this, and leave it here on my blog so I can remember:
Thank you, Barnabas. Something happened while I was reading. I´m going through several processes in my life and for some reason, I wanted to read your book. I had several "aha" moments deep thoughts around your ideas, and I´m thankful for it because you ignited those, it was very helpful. I really like it when someone shares his voice even when they come from a family with other authors and that may be intimidating. I can relate in many things. I´m amazed how you were able to overcome all the trash people throws after a divorce, or comparison, (even when they don´t know you or know how hard it is to start again). You have keep going and I admire that, it is a great example to me in several other areas. I had never ever read about "Evangeliguilt", but it was kind of fun to read about it and also helpful to know how to "call" it (I´m not sure if you created or not the word). As I read/heard your content I was encouraged to keep my eyes on Jesus, leave behind all the burdens, to carry on with the best attitude and thankfulness no matter what, keep going even if I fall, not to think everything is said and done, and to remember the Word and Love of God is forever. Holiness and happiness coexist. We must show it.

Description:

Everyone wants to be happy, and we all pursue happiness in different ways. Some people are thrill-seekers; others are homebodies. Some people are loners; others love big families or communities. Some people express things creatively; others consume what is created. Some sing; others listen to music. Whatever we find happiness in, we are united by our desire for work that matters and relationships that fulfil.

As Christians, we often fall into the trap of basing our hopes on earthly things, even when we know they only make us happy for a short time. But how are we to experience happiness in this life? How do we avoid expecting too much of earthly things and being disappointed, or expecting too little and becoming cynics?

In this book, recovering cynic Barnabas Piper helps us to throw off both the unrealistic expectations that end in disappointment and the guilty sense that Christians are not meant to have fun. He shows how having a clear view of the reality of the fall and the promise of redemption frees us to live a life that's grounded, hopeful, and genuinely happy.

Foreword by Randy Alcorn, best-selling author of many books, including Happiness and The Treasure Principle, and the director of Eternal Perspective Ministries.

 

Contents

• 1. The American Dream
• 2. Expecting Too Little, Too Much, and Just Right
• 3. Hanging Happiness on the Right Hooks
• 4. We Live Cursed
• 5. Deal in Reality
• 6. Every Good and Perfect (and Fun) Gift
• 7. In This Life There Will Be Trouble
• 8. Don't Fear the Reaper
• 9. Pleasures Now and Forevermore
• 10. Happiness vs Holiness
• 11. The Pleasure of the Promise
• 12. Grounded Happiness
• 13. Finding Happiness
  
  
  

The 40-Day Social Media FastExchange Your Online Distractions for Real-Life Devotionby Wendy Speake - Baker Books

The 40-Day Social Media FastExchange Your Online Distractions for Real-Life Devotionby Wendy Speake - Baker Books

Pub Date 03 Nov 2020
you can pre order it here https://amzn.to/3hhbquY

She did it again. Wendy Speake encourages me to focus on Jesus just as she did with the sugar fast, now she encourages us to quit sugar (remember? The 40-Day Sugar Fast: Where Physical Detox Meets Spiritual Transformation) for the brain and go for the real thing with God and his Word. 

I have been not around social media since June 2020 to _____ (don´t know yet when I´m coming back, I feel so comfortable and free like this) so I was an ideal reader for this book. I think as I was on this journey this book would be extra support for my life to focus on the important, and sure it was. I love to be in touch and have meaningful connections with people, but I´m a lot like Jesus, needing to go alone with the father, silence and quiet places are a gift for me. For you too if you try. This book is a great company if you decide to have that kind of time.

If you have never ever done something like this I encourage you to do it, it is like a detox for your brain. I have several friends who are always saying goodbye publicly and in some hours they come back, they can´t, it is a huge addiction, I have talked to them but it is very rooted and they don´t really want to change. I hope you don´t have your identity in others or your enjoyment may come from several real places, not just online people. Do not expect something just about quitting your digital habits, but expect to get closer to Jesus, your family, neighbor and get closer to real friends. If you or your family are really into social media, you all may do these devotionals together and get healthier in that area of your life. 

Description

Are you addicted to your phone? Do you find yourself engaging online but unengaged at home with the people right in front of you? Do you spend hours scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, newsfeeds, and YouTube videos? Have your devices become divisive--dividing you from family and friends and, most importantly, God? What would happen if you took some time to fast from social media in order to get social with God and others once more?

In the pattern of her popular 40-Day Sugar Fast, Wendy Speake offers you The 40-Day Social Media Fast. This "screen sabbatical" is designed to help you become fully conscious of your dependence on social media so you can purposefully unplug from screens and plug into real life with the help of a very real God. Take a break from everyone and everything you follow online. Disconnect in order to reconnect with the only One who said "follow me."

The Powerful Purpose of Introverts Why the World Needs You to Be You by Holley Gerth - Revell

The Powerful Purpose of Introverts Why the World Needs You to Be You by Holley Gerth - Revell

Pub date 15 sep 2020

You can pre-order it here: https://amzn.to/35lhd05

I like to read what Holley Gerth writes, it is not my first book by her. I find her style very fresh and sincere. I like her as a person and writer, I´d like to have a friend like her around (I feel like she is when I read her). Feel like I know her, and I really like that she embraces who she is, even when she doesn´t have the common or popular famous people personality, that is what attracted to me to this title (also all the people I love who are introverts). I consider myself 50% each so I feel related too. In this book, I found a way to love even better the introverts around me and appreciate their qualities also to enjoy and accept myself in the areas I´m one. I liked the test the author provided in the book/author site, probably is a good idea if you go and get to know your % of introversion. 

I like the emphasis she makes explaining the fact that introversion "isn´t about how much someone likes people or enjoy socializing, but it is wired into the brain and nervous system" (I dislike when people says that you are the way you are just because you were raised differently or because your social interactions were a lot or just a few, it is a different design from the womb). 

I liked the chapter on HSP Highly Sensitive People, if you are sensitive and observe/feel everything around you, you will resonate with this content, you will feel seen and understood. God made everyone different for a reason. 

This book is going to make you value who you and others are and respect them, their own limits, and peculiarities. Diversity has richness.

"It never occurred to me that it takes mental maturity to honor our limits. True strength isn’t gritting our teeth and ignoring our done point and pain. Instead, it’s saying, “That’s all I can do for now. It’s enough. I’m enough.” Never apologize for your sensitivity— no matter what area it’s in for you. It’s not a weakness. It’s not a fault. It’s not something to change. It’s a powerful way God made you."    (I´d like to add that some people will  never like or understand forget about love some aspects of you), they will always be trying to change you or won't be able to respect your limits, and it is ok to expect that... people are different and won´t love or accept every kind of personality). 

While reading this book I wanted to read Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas... she quotes him and shares about 9 spiritual pathways, I found that interesting, I´ll get it. 

The book club questions at the end I believe are so fun to go through and get to know each other's minds.

I really like her little note to extroverts, I think it is so sweet to know she wants to notice everyone and not to divide. 

What a priviledge to be able to read this material before it is available to everyone, I´m sure you want to preorder now. 

Please let me know your % (it is ok if you do it in private, I understand introverts preffer that). 

 

Description

Would it surprise you to know that Joanna Gaines, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, Oprah, Jerry Seinfeld, C. S. Lewis, Max Lucado, and Meryl Streep are all introverts? Even though introverts make up half the population, most people still don't fully understand what it means to be one.

Research shows the qualities introverts may see as struggles can be their greatest strengths. Introverts don't need to act more like extroverts to thrive, lead, and make a difference. Instead, they need to truly understand who God created them to be so they can avoid pitfalls like insecurity or anxiety and bravely offer their gifts to the world.

In this transformative book, Holley Gerth dives into the brain science behind introversion to help you understand the psychological, relational, and spiritual aspects of being an introvert. She explores how introverts can make meaningful connections, experience quiet confidence, cultivate soul-filling solitude, exercise unexpected influence, and much more.

If you're an introvert, or if you love, lead, or share life with an introvert, you need this empowering, insightful book!

Redeeming Power Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church by Diane Langberg - Baker Academic & Brazos Press

Redeeming Power Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church by Diane Langberg - Baker Academic & Brazos Press

you can pre-order it here

pub date 20 oct 2020

ESPAÑOL

Si amas la iglesia, leer este libro significa dolerte en cada página. No lo leí para llorar o por masoquista, no... lo leí porque sé que ha habido, hay y seguirá habiendo abuso en la iglesia y eso me duele. El abuso es inaceptable, con consecuencias espantosas y un dolor incalculable en todos los que una situación así toca. El abuso no sólo afecta a los implicados o las víctimas, sino a todos los que se enteran alrededor, a los cercanos y lejanos y además el nombre de Cristo es vituperado por ello. Por eso mucho eso creen. La desconfianza y  decepción crecen. Por eso la confianza se quiebra y nada vuelve a ser igual. He crecido involucrada en la iglesia y sé que, lamentablemente, lo que Diane Langberg menciona en este libro es verdad, por otro lado, también he visto que aún hay verdad y personas que jamás se implicarían en algo así. Cuando ha habido abuso, aún puede haber arrepentimiento, perdón (pedido y otorgado) y la oportunidad que Dios da de volver a comenzar, esto, en el mejor de los casos. En el peor la falta de perdón siempre está presente y los deseos de venganza también.. Algunos  buscan perdón, misericordia y gracia. No todos. He de decir que prefiero los casos en los cuales jamás ocurre algo así pero sucede.Es mi oración que el pecado que rodea el mundo y se inflitra a veces detrás de las caras más inesperadas pare y la iglesia no siga sufriendo este tipo de abuso. Agradecida por este tipo de contenidos que abren los ojos a muchas personas a tiempo para no seguir siendo parte de esta cadena de abuso de poder, sino que la exponen para arrepentimiento, renuncia, cambio y que no vuelva a suceder.     

ENLSISHIf you love the church, reading this book means aching on every page. I didn't read it to cry or as a masochist, no ... I read it because I know that there has been, there is, and will continue to be abuse in the church, and that hurts me. Abuse is unacceptable, with dire consequences and incalculable pain for everyone touched by such a situation. Abuse not only affects those involved or the victims, but everyone who finds out about it, those near and far, and also the name of Christ is reviled for it. That's why they believe a lot. Distrust and disappointment grow. That is why trust is broken and nothing is the same again. I have grown involved in the church and I know that, unfortunately, what Diane Langberg mentions in this book is true, on the other hand, I have also seen that there is still truth and people who would never get involved in something like that. When there has been abuse, there can still be repentance, forgiveness (requested and granted), and the opportunity that God gives to start over, this, in the best of cases. At worst the unforgiveness is always present and the desires for revenge as well. Some seek forgiveness, mercy, and grace. Not all. I have to say that I prefer the cases in which something like this never happens but it happens. It is my prayer that the sin that surrounds the world and sometimes infiltrates behind the most unexpected faces stops and the church does not continue to suffer this type of abuse. Grateful for this type of content that opens the eyes of many people in time not to continue being part of this chain of abuse of power, but rather to expose it for repentance, resignation, change and that it does not happen again.

Description

Power has a God-given role in human relationships and institutions, but it can lead to abuse when used in unhealthy ways. Speaking into current #MeToo and #ChurchToo conversations, this book shows that the body of Christ desperately needs to understand the forms power takes, how it is abused, and how to respond to abuses of power.

Although many Christians want to prevent abuse in their churches and organizations, they lack a deep and clear-eyed understanding of how power actually works. Internationally recognized psychologist Diane Langberg offers a clinical and theological framework for understanding how power operates, the effects of the abuse of power, and how power can be redeemed and restored to its proper God-given place in relationships and institutions. This book not only helps Christian leaders identify and resist abusive systems but also shows how they can use power to protect the vulnerable in their midst.

Advance Praise

“This book is one of the most important works for a pastor, or anyone in a position of authority, to dwell on. Langberg’s work laying out the relationship between power and abuse and contrasting it with how power is exercised in the person and work of Christ is foundational for any leader or ministry desiring to reflect the gospel. This book is a must-read for spiritual leaders and for every Christian as we seek to exhort each other to righteousness and use redemptively whatever authority we have in our own spheres.”—Rachael Denhollander, speaker, victim advocate, and attorney; author of What Is a Girl Worth? 

“In this weighty and timely book, Dr. Langberg addresses a topic that too often goes ignored or even dismissed: power. As human beings, we have been given power and that power can be used to serve or to oppress. You will need to read this book with a highlighter and a box of tissues nearby. As a tender and experienced therapist, Langberg writes a book that painfully reveals even as it lovingly heals. Redeeming Power is essential reading for every leader and anyone who wishes to use what power they have to bless and heal in a world that so often curses and wounds.”—Jemar Tisby, New York Times bestselling author of The Color of Compromise 

“Redeeming Power should be on the must-read list of every pastor, leader, boss, coach, parent, and educator—anyone interested in learning how to use power to bless, not curse. No stodgy academic language here—she is a woman on fire, and in a manner worthy of the prophets before her, she delivers a call for justice on behalf of those deeply wounded by power wielded in ungodly ways. This book is packed with biblical truths, insight, wisdom, conviction, and instruction for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. I believe what she has written could change the world if properly applied, because it is straight from the heart of our compassionate God.”—Kay Warren, co-founder, Saddleback Church 

“Vintage Diane Langberg! Bold. Challenging. Christ-exalting. Langberg is a strong advocate and voice for the vulnerable and voiceless.”—Tim Clinton, president, American Association of Christian Counselors 

“With the clear-eyed assessment of Jeremiah and the courage of Esther, Diane Langberg looks leaders square in the eye and tells the unflinching truth about power. This is difficult truth that every leader needs to know but most work hard to avoid. Be assured that the author’s love for God and his people will lead you down the potentially painful path to where mercy and hope await. How can an author weave together the pain of abuse with the promise of properly leveraged power? Langberg shows you in Redeeming Power. Her relentless pursuit of protecting the powerless is supported by her decades of listening for God’s voice amid victims’ pain, as well as that of the perpetrators, some of whom don’t realize the damage their words and actions produce. May we listen carefully to this prophetic admonition. Langberg’s voice needs to be heard by all of us. For all who hunger for healing and yearn to know how power can be both abused and properly used, this book is for you.”—Robert L. Briggs, president and CEO, American Bible Society 

“With immeasurable insight and grace, Dr. Diane Langberg’s Redeeming Power exhorts people, institutions, and nations to wake up, repent, and seek the kingdom of God by looking critically at the imbalances and injustices we have allowed to flourish. If there was ever a time we needed to receive this challenging, life-saving word, it’s now. Thank God for choosing Diane to profess it!”—Jeanne L. Allert, founder and executive director, The Samaritan Women 

“This book broke my heart, instructed my soul, and pointed me to the most powerful King-Servant-Healer, who lovingly humbled himself to overcome evil with good. This is an anointed book, reflecting theological sensitivity and egregious life experiences, calling us to steward and reclaim power for its original purpose: human flourishing.”—Ronald A. Matthews, president, Eastern University 

“Every now and then you come across a resource that you passionately want to recommend to others because you know its contents are that essential and valuable. Redeeming Power is one of those resources. Diane Langberg helps us see and understand the truths we so often miss, ignore, or explain away because they are shrouded in much deception of self and others. Redeeming Power is a ray of light streaming through systems and hearts darkened by the abuse of authority. Those who read will discover truths that can reveal, free, and heal. Her words honor the voices of victims who have too often been silenced, calling us all away from exploitation and corruption toward compassion and righteousness—toward Jesus himself.”—Wade Mullen, assistant professor and director of the MDiv program, Capital Seminary & Graduate School; author of Something’s Not Right: Decoding the Hidden Tactics of Abuse—and Freeing Yourself from Its Power 

“Diane Langberg has done us all an excellent service with this book. There is currently a desperate need within the church to better understand power dynamics. The cost of the church not fully grasping what power is and how it is appropriately stewarded is too high. I see this regularly as I care for those who have endured both spiritual abuse and racial trauma within the church. This book is profound yet accessible and carries with it the potential to inform and heal. I commend it wholeheartedly to all.”—Kyle J. Howard, Soul Care Provider, Lighting a Path, Inc. 

“The most difficult aspect of my profession is seeing the pain and suffering that people can inflict on each other, especially in church and family environments that should be safe and protective. Dr. Langberg has spent decades understanding what the process of healing from personal and systemic trauma looks like. Her book gives a voice to these hurting people who have journeyed from silence and shame to redemptive healing. It is required reading for anyone who seeks substantial training in helping victims of emotional, sexual, physical, and racial trauma find God’s ‘redeeming power’ from the behavioral, psychological, and spiritual consequences of trauma.”—Michael R. Lyles, MD, psychiatrist, speaker, and visiting lecturer

Companions in the Darkness Seven Saints Who Struggled with Depression and Doubt by Diana Gruver - InterVarsity Press

Companions in the Darkness Seven Saints Who Struggled with Depression and Doubt by Diana Gruver - InterVarsity Press

you can get it here: https://amzn.to/2TBghgV 

pub date 24 nov 2020

Even when we are in 2020 there is so much stigma related to depression. We may have more information now, but if you have suffered from depression you know there is a long way to overcome this issue. There is a lot of stigma around this topic. This book talks about people we all know who suffered from depression: Spurgeon, Martin Luther King Jr, and other saints. It is encouraging to read this and know that even in deep and dark holes, hope rises. It is amazing to me to realize God not just knows about this but He let this happen, for a reason. There are valuable lessons you will get from this book. It is beautiful to remember we don´t walk alone when going through lonely and dark valleys.

Description

The church's relationship with depression has been fraught: for centuries, depression was assumed to be evidence of personal sin or even demonic influence. The depressed have often been ostracized or institutionalized. In recent years the conversation has begun to change, and the stigma has lessened—but as anyone who suffers from depression knows, we still have a long way to go. In Companions in the Darkness, Diana Gruver looks back into church history and finds depression in the lives of some of our most beloved saints, including Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon, Mother Teresa, and Martin Luther King Jr. Without trying to diagnose these figures from a distance, Gruver tells their stories in fresh ways, taking from each a particular lesson that can encourage or guide those who suffer today. Drawing on her own experience with depression, Gruver offers a wealth of practical wisdom both for those in the darkness and those who care for them. Not only can these saints teach us valuable lessons about the experience of depression, they can also be a source of hope and empathy for us today. They can be our companions in the darkness.

Why Is My Teenager Feeling Like This? A Guide for Helping Teens through Anxiety and Depression by David Murray - Crossway

Why Is My Teenager Feeling Like This? A Guide for Helping Teens through Anxiety and Depression by David Murray - Crossway

pub date 14 jul 2020
you can get it here https://amzn.to/2GKItv7

When I saw this title I thought: no one deserves to feel like that, let alone a teenager, let alone the teens you love. But it happens, more than we can imagine. Do you remember your own struggles during those years? I have seen more resources about these 2 topics because they seem like the newest cultural pandemic. This resource you can pair with the one for the teen (if you are the leader or parent). This guide has the goal of you to understand how depression affects your soul, body, and relationships, I think it is useful for the parent to get it too. I wish as a mom and counselor this problem to diminish, not to rise. I hope all of us could cooperate for that to happen. If our teen is healthy we need to think about his friends.

Description

Adults play a vital role in helping teenagers through anxiety and depression, and this book gives spiritual encouragement and practical direction for parents and other adults who want to help but don’t know what to do. A companion volume to Murray’s Why Am I Feeling Like This?, written for teenagers.

A Note From the Publisher

PDF may not be compatible with all reading devices

Advance Praise

“In a day and age when many parents, even Christian ones, feel as though they are ill-equipped to parent their children facing all sorts of issues, along comes David Murray to give us a powerful parental tool in shepherding our children who battle anxiety and depression. With this book (and the accompanying student version), parents no longer have to be or feel ill-prepared to navigate such overwhelming issues. I just wish I had this book years ago.”
—Ed Stetzer, Executive Director, Billy Graham Center for Evangelism, Wheaton College

“Parenting is good for our prayer lives, we find, especially when sons and daughters are navigating the many anxieties that seem to coincide with the teenage years. David Murray has the practical experience and spiritual wisdom to help. Based in biblical truth and at the same time sensitive to the psychological and physiological complexities of human emotions, Murray’s companion guides tell real-life stories that empower teens and their parents to understand their feelings, care well for one another, and take concrete steps toward healing together.”
—Phil and Lisa Ryken, President, Wheaton College, and his wife, Lisa Ryken

“In this book, David Murray comes alongside parents who may be willfully naive about or find themselves completely overwhelmed by how to help their child deal with depression, offering understandable explanations of the issues and equipping them for important conversations.”
—Nancy Guthrie, Bible teacher; author, Even Better than Eden: Nine Ways the Bible’s Story Changes Everything about Your Story

“Parents are the most influential and important individuals in their teenager’s life. But often parents struggle because they just don't understand what their teen is feeling. This can be especially true of parents of teens dealing with anxiety and depression. In Why Is My Teenager Feeling Like This?, Murray provides a remarkable resource for those parents. Thoroughly researched and filled with practical, biblical strategies, this is an absolute must-read for parents who want to help their struggling teen more effectively.”
—Jaquelle Crowe Ferris, Founder and COO, The Young Writer; author, This Changes Everything

“Parenting a teen who is riddled with anxiety or depression can be a daunting and overwhelming journey. Parents are often plagued by questions: How did this happen? Did I cause this? Has God abandoned us? In his compelling resource for parents, Why Is My Teenager Feeling Like This?, David Murray restores hope by providing both practical insight and meaningful strategies that promote healthy change. This is a must-read for parents navigating the darkness of depression or anxiety!”
—Emilie DeYoung, Supervisor for Child and Adolescent Counseling, Family Wellness Center, Zeeland, Michigan

“With anxiety and depression at an all-time high in today’s teens, this book could not come at a more crucial time. As someone who battled anxiety and depression as a teen and now navigates it with her own child, I found Why Is My Teenager Feeling Like This? to be an extremely practical, helpful, biblical, and hopeful book. Rather than giving spiritually cliché answers to a complex and multilayered issue, David Murray compassionately walks alongside hurting and overwhelmed parents, offering clarity, understanding, and wise counsel in how to better understand their teens’ unique battles with anxiety and depression, as well as providing the practical and spiritual tools to support them through it. Whether you have a teen or want to prepare for the teen years, this book is a must-read. And you never know, you might even see yourself in these pages and find a path toward your own healing along the way.”
—Sarah Walton, coauthor, Hope When It Hurts and Together through the Storms

“This book has opened our eyes to the real nature of our son’s struggle with anxiety and depression. It has helped us to communicate with him more effectively, empathize more lovingly, and turn our hearts from criticism to encouragement and understanding. It has made a difference in our relationship with our son, our family, and, most importantly, with Christ! The practical exercises not only helped our son but are also making an impact in our own lives as well. If you have a child who is fighting for hope, meaning, and relief from the death grip of anxiety and depression, we highly recommend this book!”
—Layne and Tanya, parents of a teenager

“I wish I had this book when I first entered youth ministry. David Murray’s discussion of who gets anxiety and depression, what causes these feelings, and what we can do to help teens we care about is compassionate, insightful, and tremendously helpful. His extensive list of tools to help teens toward healing is excellent, but his advice on how to partner with teens and how to walk alongside them in the process is what makes this book so valuable. Why Is My Teenager Feeling Like This? offered insights into my own moments of anxiety while also giving me practical wisdom for caring for teens.”
—Christopher Walker, Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

“Whether you are unfamiliar or well-acquainted with anxiety and depression, David Murray’s Why Is My Teenager Feeling Like This? will equip you with practical tools and theological truth as you shepherd your teen. I know I will return to this book when I’m anxious or when I need to support a loved one who is. Highly recommend it!”
—Kristen Wetherell, author, Fight Your Fears; coauthor, Hope When It Hurts