In times of crisis and confusion, Dr. Charles Stanley has learned the one phrase that can carry him through: "God, You are in control." The peace he has experienced in life stems from that foundational belief. In Finding Peace, Dr. Stanley shares with readers how they, too, can experience an unshakeable peace which "passes all understanding." Filled with encouragement to lift the soul, Finding Peace offers insight on what causes us to live without God's peace in our lives, and how we can reverse course and open our hearts to receive it. Also, Stanley gives his perspective on the things that hinder peace-including the "Four Great Hallmarks of God's Peace" and "Five Essential Beliefs for a Peaceful Heart"-to put the important message of this book into concrete terms. Addressing regret, anxiety, and fear, Dr. Stanley extends hope for overcoming the obstacles that block peace with the Lord. Finally, he gives direction on learning to live a life of contentment.
Publishers Weekly,First-time novelist Reid taps into two fan bases-Amish fiction and angel tales-in this lovely story that seamlessly blends both worlds. Judith Fischer is the first to reach her brother, Samuel, after a dramatic fall, and she sees a tall Englischer kneeling near him. The stranger disappears, but Judith later meets him repeatedly, coming to understand he's an angel. The Amish community doesn't believe, as Judith does, that Samuel will walk again; instead, they turn on her for her talk of angels. Only Andrew Lapp befriends her as Judith struggles with her faith, her wayward sister, Martha, and the chaos of her feelings for Levi Plank. Judith's dreams reveal the choices she must make, but can she face the ire of her Old Order Amish community in light of what the angel reveals? Will she leave her Michigan home, and perhaps her dreams for the future, and so avoid shaming her family? Reid has written a fine novel that provides, as its series title claims, a bit of "heaven on earth." (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Publishers Weekly,If Christian publishing phenomenon Lucado has been criticized for anything, it's for repeating the same basic themes in his books: Christ, his death on the cross and the grace and forgiveness offered to those who follow him. This latest doesn't deviate, but somehow manages to make these themes crisp and compelling. The essays, each built around an episode in the life of Jesus, are often unabashedly poignant, at times humorous and always hopeful. Lucado's unique retellings cast Jesus as a compassionate personal friend who isn't put off by anyone's past mistakes. In one essay, Jesus urges a reluctant Matthew (the tax collector) not to ditch his old acquaintances, while Matthew argues "But Jesus, these guys... half of them are on parole. Josh hasn't worn socks since his Bar Mitzvah...." A reach-for-the-hanky story portrays Jesus as "The Trashman," willing to take the burdens of others on himself. Throughout this book-as he has in others-Lucado explores the paradox of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine: "Midwifed by a carpenter. Bathed by a peasant girl. The maker of the world with a bellybutton. The author of the Torah being taught the Torah." Lucado clearly portrays God's love, forgiveness and concern about the smallest details, "for even though he is in heaven, he never left the neighborhood." Solidly grounded in Scripture, drenched in the trademark Lucado anecdotes that have endeared him to legions of fans, this book may be his best in a decade. (Sept. 4) Forecast: With this title Lucado will have 33 million books in print, not including the music, audio and video products that have been spun off his various books. At least one of his titles has appeared on an ECPA bestseller list every month for the last 12 years (and in February, he had 18 different books on the various ECPA lists). Watch for PW's interview with Max Lucado in late August, as part of our "Innovators" series. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved