Upper Room – förlag

Journey through this Advent season with a purposeful focus on the Christ child. Meeting the Messiah encourages you to slow down and pay attention to the real meaning of Christmas.

Six weeks of short readings and guided reflection will enrich your celebration of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. You will be filled with joy and thanksgiving as you think about scripture passages from the perspectives of the Holy Spirit, John the Baptist, Mary, the shepherds, the magi, and Jesus himself.

This year, look closely at the Christ child as if you were meeting him for the first time. For individual or group study.

Many of us long to hear God’s voice, yet we often overlook the great wisdom God gave us in our bodies. There is a deep connection between our bodies and spirits.

What might happen if we listened more deeply to the wisdom of our bodies? How might listening with our whole selves change the way we listen to God?

A stroke at age 31 forced Whitney Simpson to slow down and listen more deeply to her body. In the process she discovered how to listen more deeply to God. During her journey of healing and wholeness, Whitney explored ancient practices that she found helpful in connecting her body and spirit, including:

Listening to God with the entire body, not simply with our ears, may seem like a strange concept. Yet God created the body and the breath as gifts for us to explore. Most important, we don’t have to experience a crisis to learn to listen to God’s activity in and around us. Each of us can slow down and listen for God just as we are—in breath, body, and spirit.

This 40-day guide to holy listening offers daily meditations that can be completed in as little as 30 minutes. Each meditation includes scripture, yoga postures, a breath prayer, suggested essential oils, and reflection questions. The book provides descriptions and simple illustrations of yoga poses and suggests seated poses as modifications for all poses, making it accessible to both experienced yoga practitioners and those new to yoga.

Allow this book to invite you on a journey of holy listening as you explore ancient tools and new ways of experiencing the presence of God.

Reading and reflecting on scripture is a spiritual practice that provides daily inspiration and spiritual nourishment for those who seek God. In this best-selling devotional guide, readers encounter a diverse community of thoughtful Christian writers and theologians who guide them toward a deeper relationship with God.

Each reading in The Upper Room Disciplines includes a selected scripture passage, a meditation on the scripture, and a prayer or suggestion for reflection. Disciplines offers 7 days of engagement with the upcoming Sunday’s lectionary texts. Each week of devotions is written by one author and focuses on one theme to provide extended depth into how the ancient stories of the Bible apply to our lives today.

Writers for 2019 include Tony Campolo, Daniel Benedict, James Harnish, Michael Williams, Sharon Seyfarth Garner, Todd Outcalt, James Howell, Melissa Tidwell, Larry Peacock, and Steve Harper.

The Advent and Christmas season is often associated with joy, love, generosity, and unity. But for many people, this time of year magnifies loneliness, anxiety, grief, and despair. While others are enjoying celebrations with their friends and families, those who are hurting often feel even more lost, abandoned, and alone than ever.

"Not all Christmases are white; some are blue," Todd Outcalt writes. Blue Christmas is a devotional book for the 28 days of Advent and Christmas Day. Each devotion includes a scripture selection, meditation, prayer, and suggested Advent action. The book also features additional prayers, a "Blue Christmas" worship service, and reflection questions.

In these honest devotions, readers will find their fears and realities named and brought into the light of God''s love. They will be led to sit with their experiences, acknowledge their losses, and remember Jesus'' promise "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

Blue Christmas reminds us that all of our Christmases, even the darkest ones, can be filled with honesty and hope if we are first willing to sit in silence and bring our deepest fears to God.

Who came up with the idea of using nativity scenes to celebrate Christmas? Many might be surprised to learn that Francis of Assisi, the well-known thirteenth-century saint, is credited with creating the first nativity scene. The Living Nativity introduces readers to Saint Francis and his joyous reenactment of the birth of Jesus, complete with a manger and animals.

The Living Nativity explores how nativity sets, Advent wreaths, candles, carols, Christmas cards, and other traditions help prepare our hearts for the God "who bends low to enter our world and our lives." Prayer poems for each day of the season lead readers to deepen their spiritual journey, and the book provides a guided pattern for individuals and small groups to share reflections and experience activities that open their hearts to the Christ child.

The Living Nativity provides a prayer, meditation, and reflection questions for each day of Advent. The Leader''s Guide includes suggestions for worship, discussion questions focused on the readings, and guidance for a mini-retreat on a theme of the week.

For too long Lent has been thought of as a season of self-sacrifice and discipline that sounds to many Christians like a list of spiritual chores. Lenten disciplines become the spiritual equivalent of New Year''s resolutions to lose weight, be healthier, or practice better money management. These promises are easily made and often quickly broken, leaving us feeling like we do not measure up to what we should be.

In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul joyfully turns to spiritual practices that draw him closer to God amid persecution and imprisonment. These practices keep Paul connected to a sense of God''s power and presence. Joy flows from Paul and becomes a vital part of his relationship with the Philippians.

Because of This I Rejoice is a 6-week study of Philippians that explores what Paul teaches about joyfully practicing spiritual disciplines. The intent of these disciplines is to help us focus less on ourselves and more on God. This Lenten study invites us to engage in the same spiritual practices as a way to grow closer to God and allow joy to flow through our lives.

Many of us spend our lives searching for something to satisfy our deepest longings. Yet we will never find complete satisfaction in human relationships, possessions, or personal power. As Saint Augustine wrote, "Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you [God]."

Lent offers us the opportunity to deepen our friendship with God. The idea of being friends with God may intimidate some, but the authors of this book provide practical tips for developing a closer relationship with God. Set aside at least 15 to 20 minutes each day to spend with God, the introduction suggests. Read the scripture texts and reflections, and pay attention to what they evoke in you. Then talk to God about your thoughts and feelings just as you would to your best friend.

During Lent Jesus invites us to spend time with him and to renew our friendship with him. This encouraging book reminds us that we are beloved children of a God who deeply desires friendship with us. The meditations help us realize that through friendship with God, we will satisfy our hearts'' yearnings.

Dé a sus hijos el mejor regalo de todos, transmítales su fe.

En Crianza y fe, Kara Lassen Oliver ofrece una guía práctica para ayudar a los padres, abuelos y otros adultos interesados en nutrir la fe de sus hijos. Durante cuatro semanas por temporada, ofrece sugerencias fáciles de seguir para las familias durante las temporadas de Adviento, Cuaresma, verano y de regreso a la escuela.

Características de este libro:

El legado más valioso que podemos transmitir a nuestros hijos, nietos y otros niños es una herencia espiritual. Kara Oliver nos muestra cómo hacerlo exactamente, cómo transmitirles nuestra fe.

In secular mainstream America, meditation has become as ubiquitous as yoga. But how does meditation fit into Christianity, and how does it differ from prayer?

One Breath at a Time: A Skeptic''s Guide to Christian Meditation reframes meditation for those who are skeptical because (1) they doubt their ability to be still and quiet and (2) they doubt the validity of meditation as a Christian spiritual practice. Using scripture, theology, and examples from the early church, this book challenges the prayer habits of Christians that leave little room for enough silence to experience and listen for God.

Using five approaches—breath meditation, lectio divina, centering meditation, loving-kindness meditation, and devotional meditation—One Breath at a Time provides a practical, 40-day guide to beginning and sustaining a Christian meditation practice in an often chaotic world.

Jesus affirmed that the greatest purpose of our lives is to love God. But how do we express love to a God we can''t see or touch?

Each of us has a body, and our bodies and senses provide tangible ways for us to know and love God. Author Wendy LeBolt writes, "We are made to move in God''s direction, by God''s initiative, and at God''s pace. Our bodies will speak to us if we listen. Our bodies will teach us if we pay attention."

Made to Move is a 6-week study designed to help people of all ages experience God through heart, soul, mind, strength, and stretch, using activities that engage the body and its senses, as well as the mind, including its imagination. Through daily prayer, scripture reading, reflection, and activities, individuals and groups will discover the masterpiece God created and is continuously crafting in their lives.

Made to Move can be used by individuals and groups, including intergenerational groups. Includes a Leader''s Guide.

Revealed: What the Bible Can Teach You About Yourself presents a unique look at a familiar cast of biblical characters through the eyes of a psychologist. While weaving in her personal story of healing, Schaffner uses her professional background to expertly highlight themes of seeking simplicity, finding purpose, and navigating painful and emotional experiences.

Comprised of compelling, relatable stories, Revealed makes the Bible come alive to readers in a personal and meaningful way. Through an in-depth look at the hearts of well-known biblical characters, Schaffner explores ways readers can relate to these cherished stories in their own spiritual lives, acknowledging that everyone shares the common experiences of being pulled toward external measures such as wealth, achievement, and affirmation from others.

The author challenges readers to face the reality of their hearts and begin an inward journey of renewal, listening for God''s voice in unlikely places—and through unlikely people. Readers will see themselves more clearly through the lens of scripture and ultimately experience deeper self-awareness and spiritual growth.

This Life That Is Ours offers 40 gentle meditations with guidance for reflection on the spiritual journey of motherhood. These practical, soul-affirming meditations nurture a mother''s heart and spiritual life in a season fraught with overwhelm, exhaustion, and loss of identity. Through the lens of Burdette''s real-life stories, the reader is invited to ponder her experience and to contemplate where God might be present.

This book is divided into three sections. Reflections in the first section, "Becoming a Mother," explore the dynamics of being a new mother and the whirlwind experience of those early months and years. The second section, "Becoming Yourself," considers what it means to return home to yourself—to begin to find your identity again, both within the realm of motherhood and outside of it. The third section, "Becoming Holy," names the holy paradoxes of motherhood—the ways it can be both extraordinary and mundane, both gift and sacrifice—ultimately deepening one''s experience of the holiness of motherhood.

This Life That Is Ours includes an introduction, a preparatory guide for the reflective journey, a closing spiritual practice, and a conclusion. This book can be used in communities of mom groups, intergenerational groups of women, or spouse groups and would make a great gift for new mothers and mothers-to-be.

Tomar algunos minutos para hacer una pausa es bueno para el alma. Estas pausas nos dan la oportunidad de reorganizarnos, reflexionar y volver a centrarnos en Dios.

En Pausas para la Cuaresma, Trevor Hudson ofrece un libro bellamente minimalista en el que se centra en una palabra para cada día de Cuaresma. Nos invita a hacer una pausa, enfocarnos en la palabra, leer una Escritura y una breve meditación relacionada con la palabra y luego, a ofrecer una oración.

Hacer estas pausas nos ayudarán a encontrar tiempo para Dios y a refrescar nuestro espíritu, incluso en medio de una vida muy ocupada. Esto puede hacer posible percibir la presencia de Dios de una manera nueva y descubrir que Dios quiere encontrarse con nosotros en medio de nuestra vida, tal como ella es, con todas sus complicaciones.

Hacer una breve pausa para detenerse unos minutos cada día puede ayudarnos a mantener el equilibrio en nuestras vidas, especialmente durante las temporadas del Adviento y de Navidad. En este libro, sencillo pero no menos simplista, Trevor Hudson se centra en una palabra bíblica que nos ofrece regocijo a través de una meditación para cada día del Adviento. Sus perspicaces reflexiones sobre la palabra de cada día nos invitan a una comprensión más profunda del Adviento.

Hudson también explora brevemente las vidas y pensamientos de 4 personajes significativos en la historia de la Navidad, animándonos a sumergirnos en la historia dramática de esa temporada, y nos ofrece una sencilla práctica diaria que nos ayuda a involucrarnos en el drama del Adviento. El enfoque minimalista de Hudson y su escritura conversacional nos llevan a descubrir cómo podemos abrir nuestros corazones y nuestras vidas más generosamente a Dios.

Each One a Minister, a revised and enlarged edition of Carter''s previous book by the same title, begins with a 6-session study of Ephesians. Carter engages the reader in discovering the meaning of church, ministry, and gifts from the early church up to the present.

As a follow-up to the Bible study, readers and study groups look at ways in which God''s gifts are practical as well as spiritual. Four ministry categories, closely connected to the congregational primary task (receive, relate, equip, send), are identified. Scripture readings, activities, and ways to implement specific ministries are suggested.

Designed to encourage individuals to discover God''s call to ministry in their own lives, Each One a Minister leads toward practical ways of using gifts in ministries in our congregations and in our communities. An ideal resource for clergy, lay leaders, study groups, and others seeking to identify and use their gifts in meaningful ways.

Discover Your Spiritual Gifts Leader''s Guide is also available.

Douglas Ruffle escribe Hacia una mentalidad misionera utilizando los principios intemporales de E. Stanley Jones y los transfiere para su uso en la actualidad. Ruffle nos enseña a acercarnos al campo misionero como si fuéramos de un país diferente y aprendiéramos una nueva cultura, una nueva forma de comunicación y una nueva forma de conectar a las personas con las buenas nuevas del Evangelio de Jesucristo.

Don''t Look Down: Answering Jesus'' Call to Walk on the Water is for followers of Jesus who may find themselves stuck in a rut spiritually, at a decision point but too afraid to make a move or wondering why they aren’t living a more fulfilled, purposeful life.

This book features practical application for turning faith into Kingdom work and discipleship in our faith communities. It also features fresh, encouraging, and imitable stories of people (church planters and entrepreneurs) who have heard Jesus say to them, "Come," and who have walked with Jesus in remarkable and instructive ways.

Many believers today want to see their faith in action. They want to know where Jesus is going to use them for his glory in the world. Yet, many are stuck not knowing how to turn the ignition on their faith. They may not expect to hear from God or may not have the courage to answer God''s call. This book will be a spark to help people out of their "boats" and onto whatever water Jesus has called them. It is an ideal resource for church planters, church planting teams and teaching pastors, couples, college students, ministry leaders, and anyone hoping to put their faith into motion.

Because of the more aggressive and confrontational tactics we hear about, evangelism has developed a bad connotation. Doors are shut hurriedly, phone calls end abruptly, and e-mails left unanswered.

After all, isn''t this a task better handled by the pastor?

Perhaps it''s time to reexamine John Wesley''s model of evangelism as a full, natural circle—where it''s a communal beginning point rather than a solitary end.

The central motive of authentic evangelism is: Having received a message that''s made all the difference in our lives, we desire to share that message with others in the hope that it will transform their lives as well. Wesley models an evangelism that reaches out and welcomes, invites, and nurtures, and speaks to both head and heart.

"Evangelism is about relationship," the authors write. "How we are in relationship to God, who is able to transform us into new beings. How we are in relationship to our neighbor, whom we must love like ourselves."

As one reviewer says, "Knight and Powe have given us a relational book. They describe the deep connection between John Wesley''s thoughts, Charles Wesley''s hymns, scholarly thinking about evangelism and biblical understandings of the gospel—all in relation to the needs, concerns, and hopes of everyday people."

Learn on your own or as a congregational group from this practical study on living an evangelistic life that demonstrates the transforming power of loving God and neighbor.