Spiritual Growth

Reading Program 1999

ALL GOD’S CHILDREN: A BIBLICAL CRITIQUE OF RACISM

Westminster John Knox Press, 1997
144 pages
Steven L. McKenzie
#4901/$12.00

In this inspirational and educational book, the author looks at biblical passages used to defend racist beliefs and practices. The Bible’s true message, the author insists, leads us away from racism to God’s vision of wholeness for all.

ASKING GOD YOUR HARDEST QUESTIONS (Study & discussion)

Harold Shaw Publishers, 1996
253 pages
Lloyd J. Ogilvie
#4904/$12.00

With warmth and clarity, the writer offers thoughtful, biblical insights to modern questions about life. The author, the chaplain of the U.S. Senate, encourages us to ask God anything. Each chapter ends with discussion questions.

CATHERINE BOOTH: A BIOGRAPHY OF THE COFOUNDER OF THE SALVATION ARMY

Baker Books, 1996
336 pages
Roger J. Green
#4909/$15.00

This is the story of a 19th century woman far ahead of her time, whose greatest desire was to bring people to Christ. Reflecting her Wesleyan roots, Catherine Booth believed women were equal to men and had the right to preach. She was a strong advocate for the poor and worked in the temperance movement. Ms. Booth helped change her world.

DEWDROPS ON SPIDERWEBS: CONNECTIONS MADE VISIBLE (Easy reading)

Herald Press, 1997
186 pages
Susan Classen
#4919/$10.00

Though the author is familiar with the human struggles of poverty, war and injustice, she looks for hints of beauty that draw us through struggle toward God’s hopes and dreams for humankind. Her search for God invites others to enter more deeply into their own experience of God in daily life.

THE EDUCATED PERSON’S THUMBNAIL INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE (Study & discussion)

Chalice Press, 1997
170 pages
Lowell K. Handy
#4922/$16.00

A resource for the 1998-99 spiritual-growth study on "The Bible: The Book that Bridges the Millennia," this book explores biblical history, origins, translations and interpretations. Each chapter ends with discussion questions.

GLIMPSES OF GRACE: DAILY THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS

Harper SanFrancisco, 1998
384 pages
Madeleine L’Engle with Carole F. Chase
#4929/$13.00

Providing inspiration and guidance for each day of the year, this collection of 366 writings is filled with spiritual insight and personal observations that are intimate, practical and provocative. The devotions speak to the simple joys and sorrows of daily life and the deepest questions of the human spirit.

GOD, I KNOW YOU’RE HERE SOMEWHERE: FINDING GOD IN THE CLUTTER OF LIFE (Easy reading)

Bethany House Publishers, 1996
159 pages
Elizabeth Cody Newenhuyse
#4930/$9.00

The author -- a wife, mother and homemaker -- writes with insight and humor about finding God in the hectic clutter and details of life. She shares the good news that God makes room for us even when we have lost sight of God.

LEARNING TO LEAD FROM YOUR SPIRITUAL CENTER

Abingdon Press, 1996
149 pages
Patricia D. Brown
#4940/$11.95

Leadership is a spiritual quest that requires us to be open to God’s presence and to center our leadership in ways that are faithful to the Gospel, writes this book’s author. Using stories from the workplace, church and community, she helps readers live and lead in Spirit-filled ways.

LESSONS IN LIVING

Anchor Books, Doubleday Dell, 1998
176 pages
Susan L. Taylor
#4941/$11.95

Using experiences and insights from her own life, the author deals with issues of faith, commitment and the celebration of the journey of life. She believes we grow through grappling with life’s challenges, and offers spiritual insights and encouragement to help us move forward more boldly in faith.

LIFEKEYS: DISCOVERING WHO YOU ARE, WHY YOU’RE HERE, WHAT YOU DO BEST

Bethany House Publishers, 1996
272 pages
Jane A.G. Kise, David Stark, Sandra Krebs Hirsh
#4942/$15.00

Stories, inventories and easy-to-use tests help readers discover their talents, spiritual gifts and values. Discovering our gifts enables us to understand God’s purpose for us in life.

LIKE A GARDEN: A BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITY OF GROWTH

Westminster John Knox Press, 1996
102 pages
Sara Covin Juengst
#4943/$13.00

The author uses garden metaphors to convey images of God’s care, our responsibility to be stewards of the earth and what it means to bear fruit. This book includes biblical passages, poems, drawings and reflection questions.

THE ONE YEAR BOOK OF HYMNS: 365 DEVOTIONAL READINGS BASED ON GREAT HYMNS OF FAITH (Easy reading)

Tyndale House Publishers, 1995
Robert K. Brown and Mark R. Norton, editors
#4951/$15.00

In this book, each day’s devotion begins with a classic hymn followed by information on how the hymn came to be written. Passages of Scripture and spiritual reflections bring new insights and meaning to favorite hymns of the faith.

PEOPLE ON THE WAY: ASIAN NORTH AMERICANS DISCOVERING CHRIST, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

Judson Press, 1996
300 pages
David Ng, editor
#4954/$15.00

Asian-American Christians share their struggle to integrate their faith with Asian culture. Each chapter begins with a personal story followed by questions and analysis to help the reader understand the interaction of Gospel and culture in the Asian experience.

SURPRISES BY THE RIVER: THE PROPHECY OF EZEKIEL

Chalice Press, 1993
154 pages
Jon L. Berquist
#4966/$12.00

This insightful exploration of the book and visions of Ezekiel gives a moving account of one prophet’s wrestling with God’s ever-surprising presence.

WOMEN’S SPIRITUAL PASSAGES: CELEBRATING FAITH AFTER 40 (Easy reading)

Harold Shaw Publishers, 1996
240 pages
Lucinda Secrest McDowell, editor
#4975/$10.00

In this collection, women from many walks of life look back on their lives and reflect on the spiritual lessons they have learned. Readers will be encouraged by these women who rely on the grace of a God who never changes.