LifeChange Books

"A prescription for explosive and effective prayer" —Pat Boone “ The Power of Crying Out will bless and inspire you with a deeper understanding of God’s grace and power. Bill Gothard’s book has reawakened in me a strong desire to cry out to my Lord with passion and expectancy.” —Dr. Gary Smalley, counselor and bestselling author When members of the early church cried out to God in urgent need, the place shook with the power of their supplication. In this compelling vision for modern-day supplication, Bill Gothard recognizes the key truth that only God's almighty power can rescue His children in times of distress. Using illustrations from Scripture and testimonies from everyday people, Gothard demonstrates the power of crying out—and how God can shake the world of those who cry out to Him today. His compelling teaching will revolutionize the way you pray— for all time!

Simply Jesus. What would it mean to fix our attention fully on the Person of Christ? To approach Him apart from systems, formulas, religion, and well-meaning Christian culture? To see Jesus Himself? And how would that change us? Moody Bible College President Joseph Stowell ponders these probing questions -- showing through dramatic stories and surprising insights how believers can experience significant life-change as they encounter Christ -- our model of understanding, love, and courage, today. Simply Jesus identifies experiences that can awaken the realization of our basic need to focus on Him ... like temptation, trouble, and surrender. A book intended for both spiritual seekers and Christians who are ready for a fresh, personal encounter with the Savior their heart searches for. Clear, stylish typeset, with user-friendly links to referenced Scripture.

“ God is Up to Something Great will thrill you with its message about our wise and sovereign Heavenly Father’s plan for your life.”—Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse and The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association All of us go through good, bad, and just plain ugly times. But that’s only half the story. God can tak all the experiences of your life and use them to make you unbelievably better at what He’s created you for! But you say, “I am in a mess; it’s the biggest mess anyone ever made. You don’t know my mess!” There’s only one answer for that, says Tony: “ You don’t know my God.”

Using personal experience and biblical examples, well-known pastor Greg Laurie illustrates how prayer works in different people's lives. In spiritual terms, Jacob wrestled with God for years. The Syro-Phoenician Woman also wrestled with Jesus, but briefly, her argument arising from a wholly different situation. Yet God brought them both to roughly the same kind of relationship with Himself. He softened Jacob's will and rewarded his submission; He honored the woman's determination and rewarded her resolve. Through these examples, readers will discover how heartfelt prayer and willing submission can bring them into their own unique, rewarding relationships with God.

People today are hungry for God's sure guidance in their churches. But how do they find it? One of the strongest prophetic voices to the church today, Henry Blackaby, helps Christians grasp God's pattern for strengthening their churches, rather than relying on human ideas and methods that leave God on the periphery. They'll learn how to be sensitive individually and corporately to the effort of the Spirit, exploring the trustworthy principles by which the Lord longs to guide each congregation toward its own distinctive mission.

Surely there's more than one way to get to heaven? Bestselling author Andy Stanley addresses this popular belief held even among Christians. But believing that all good people go to heaven raises major problems, Stanley reveals. Is goodness not rewarded, then? Is Christianity not fair? Maybe not, he says. Readers will find out why Jesus taught that goodness is not even a requirement to enter heaven - and why Christianity is beyond fair. Andy Stanley leads believers and skeptics alike to a grateful awareness of God's enormous grace and mercy. Good People Go to Heaven...Don’t They? Sure they do. It only makes sense. Actually, it doesn’t really make any sense at all. Smart, educated, accomplished men and women everywhere are banking their eternities on a theory that doesn’t hold water. Chances are, you’ve never really thought it through. But you owe it to yourself to do so. Find out now what’s wrong with the most popular theory about heaven—and what it really takes to get there.

Tony Evans leads readers on a journey through the eyes of the disciples, revealing how God's gift of the Holy Spirit turned them from quivering cowards into bold martyrs who built His church and changed the world. In the same way, the unchanging power of the Spirit can ignite a fire in readers' lives today -- transforming them from sleepwalkers into wide-awake witnesses for Him. Dr. Evans shows how the power of the Spirit brings wisdom, freedom, and joy to the Christian -- as well as glory to God's kingdom -- and how holy habits can keep readers plugged in to the eternal source of spiritual power. Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” What kind of difference is the Holy Spirit of God making in your daily life? You’ve probably heard confusing, often conflicting information about who the Spirit is and what He does. You may feel disconnected from Him, even as you long to experience His dynamic presence and power. Here is the practical help you’ve been looking for. With clear, simple teaching straight from the Word of God, Tony Evans shows you how to intimately know the Holy Spirit—His fruit, His power, His guidance—for a life of victory and joy.

Running on Empty? The Holy Spirit's empowerment comes when we step into the forward motion of God's love flowing through us--not backwards into our comfortable shell! A time comes when we just don't have anything left over to give. We run out of faith, energy, strength, patience, options, peace, joy, ideas, and even love. So when God's call comes knocking and our resources seem thin, we tend to hole up and hide from the needs of others. But that's exactly when God's greatest blessing is within a single step, according to Jill Briscoe. He's asking us to obey, senseless as it may seem. God has given us what we need to fill up when we run low. It’s the incredible gift of Himself. In this engaging book, Jill Briscoe guides you to a source of ample sustenance. Even as you empty yourself, the Holy Spirit will fill you. And in giving yourself away, you will find life.

YOU CAN START OVER AGAIN Many Christians become so discouraged because of their sins and failures that they give up on ever having fellowship with God again. They also fear that their broken relationships will never heal. For everyone who has wished for a fresh beginning, here is good news. This gentle, affirming book emphasises how much God wants his wandering children to return to him. Award-winning author and pastor Erwin Lutzer provides solutions to common questions about how to reconnect with God and with those we are estranged from. Thanks to God’s grace, it is never too late to do what’s right. In this powerful, practical book, bestselling author Erwin Lutzer shows you how to clear your conscience and reestablish broken relationships. Worthy or not, you can know real, lasting peace - and the assurance that God still has a plan for your life. Story Behind the Book The idea for this book came to me when speaking at Promise Keepers. There were many men who came to faith in Christ, but then failed in their walk the next week or the next month. So they assumed that this new life was not for them; they thought that God was so angry with their failure, they might just as well live on the fringes of the Christian faith, rather than making it the core of their lives. This is a message of grace, not only in establishing our relationship with God, but in reconciling with those we have wronged, or who have wronged us.

Rediscover one of the most beloved passages of Scripture—the 23rd Psalm—and the God who is more than enough to meet all your needs. The Lord is my Shepherd; I Shall Not Want. More than a lovely poem, Psalm 23 confronts distress and anxiety, fear and uncertainty, showing that if the Lord is your Shepherd, you can be confident in all the frightening circumstances of your life. In this book, Dr. Tony Evans explains how your worries will melt away as you trust God to meet your spiritual, directional, emotional, physical, and eternal needs. When your spiritual energy is drained, He’ll lead you to refreshment. When you’re confused by the world around you, God will guide you onto the right path. When your life seems threatened by forces outside your control, God promises His protection. No matter how things appear, your Good Shepherd is constantly at work on your behalf, and you can rely fully on His goodness and mercy all the days of your life.

The Old Testament is our "kindergarten" for understanding the pattern of the Holy Spirit's gifting and work. That pattern is this: God gives an assignment to a person; then the Holy Spirit is given to equip him or her for the assignment. The proof of the Spirit's presence is that the person is able to complete the assignment effectively through the supernatural enabling of the Holy Spirit. Truly understood and embraced, the Holy Spirit's gifts allow the Church to be Christ-centered, to maintain unity and oneness of heart, and to practice genuine, powerful love. WHAT EXACTLY HAVE YOU BEEN GIVEN? Surprises are in store when we explore biblically what spiritual gifts really are, how they fit with our natural strengths and talents, and how they match our calling and assignments from God. This book will help restore the Holy Spirit to the center of your understanding and practice of spiritual gifts, and set you free to serve God as never before. Story Behind the Book The Old Testament is our "kindergarten" for understanding the pattern of the Holy Spirit’s gifting and work. That pattern is this: God gives an assignment to a person; then the Holy Spirit is given to equip him or her for the assignment. The proof of the Spirit’s presence is that the person is able to complete the assignment effectively through the supernatural enabling of the Holy Spirit. Truly understood and embraced, the Holy Spirit’s gifts allow the church to be Christ-centered, to maintain unity and oneness of heart, and to practice genuine, powerful love.

WHAT’S THE KEY TO HAVING MORE PASSION FOR CHRIST, THE CROSS, AND THE GOSPEL ? The answer is to look at the death of Christ not from our point of view, but from God’s. That’s what this book helps you do in a profound, strategic, and life-changing way. Author C. J. Mahaney exposes our human tendency to look at the Savior’s death (and at everything else!) through our own subjective feelings and impressions, rather than from the standpoint of objective truth. By nature we always begin with ourselves rather than with God. But by following the God-first "Divine Order" in how we think—and by asking "What do I believe?" instead of "How do I feel?"—we’re freed up to embrace the right truth in the right way. The right feelings quickly follow, and they’re reliable because they’re anchored in truth. The Secret to Sustaining Joy Do you desire more passion for Christ? Then learn to see His death not from our point of view, but from God’s. Author C. J. Mahaney puts you at our Savior’s side—and into His soul—during the most emotionally wrenching moments of His final hours. As you better understand the true nature of His struggle, you’ll grasp more than ever the staggering significance of why Jesus died…and fully experience His sacrifice as a personal act of love for you . Allow the deepest truths of Calvary to stir your passion for Christ our mediator into a flame that burns your whole life long. Story Behind the Book There’s nothing more overpowering than to climb Calvary ’s hill in childlike attentiveness and wonder, with all our distractions and wrong assumptions cleared away. This book was written that we might be gripped by gratitude and enflamed in passion for the Savior, Christ our Mediator, who suffered the Father’s righteous wrath for us.

This book explores how verbal blessings can change and restore difficult relationships, highlighting the great power of the living God to work in our daily lives. The spoken blessing is a powerful spiritual weapon with enduring impact. By giving spoken blessings, we can see healing brought to aching souls and restoration brought to bruised relationships. Such wonders are accomplished by the power of God’s Spirit through the agency of spoken blessings, just as Scripture affirms: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." Our words have the power to crush or to heal, to break bones or to plant a tree of life where none has grown before. And these dynamics of the spoken blessing may be truer today than ever. Mr. Gothard’s timely message brings this awareness to us in a helpful and encouraging way. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Proverbs 18:21 What if spoken blessings could grant freedom from years of bitter hurts? What if they could break down the walls that divide husband from wife, parent from child, and friend from friend? Our words have lasting impact not only for harm, but also for great good. By speaking blessings, we can help bring healing to aching souls and restoration to bruised relationships. Let Bill Gothard share with you the secret of spoken blessings, and embark on a rich family tradition that brings harmony and closeness beyond anything you’ve previously experienced. Story Behind the Book While dealing with layer after layer of hurts, fears, and barriers that teenagers experience with their parents and God, I often heard cruel statements by a parent during a time of anger. Statements like “I wish you were never born” or “You’ll never amount to anything” were like deadly poison affecting everything in that teenager’s life. Such is the power of a verbal curse. However, more powerful have been the verbal blessings of a parent to a son or daughter. They have been like sources of refreshment and energy that have guided the goals and decisions of those who received them. With such lasting results from the life-and-death power of the tongue, it was essential to me that this book be written.

Twin Towers Down, New Hope on the Rise When the Twin Towers fell, a whole new world of fear and doubt emerged. “Where is God in all of this?” we ask. To be constantly on guard against terrorist attacks, not to mention crises that hit us on a personal level, is exhausting. But in the midst of this “new normal” world of fear, one thing remains the same: God still reigns. While we may be tempted to turn to food, shopping, busyness, even family, God is the only answer we can count on. He is our source for peace, comfort, and confidence in the midst of chaos. Jill Briscoe encourages the hurting and weary to run unencumbered into the arms of God. And this all-encompassing peace that may seem so elusive right now will become yours to stay. Escape Fear Expand Faith Embrace the Future Where is God in the midst of our world’s catastrophic events? Where is God in the midst of our deepest pain? We may think we’re getting along with God, until a 9/11 happens. Global or personal, tragedy wreaks havoc on our souls. How are you supposed to trust the One letting it all happen? The New Normal won’t give you pat answers. But it will guide you to a place of security in the face of inexplicable calamity. By being honest about your anxieties, willing to respond to God’s instruction, and ready to take a leap of faith, you’ll find a new, hope-filled future waiting for you. It’s the new normal you’ve been longing for. Story Behind the Book “I was in the air on September 11, 2001 . More than anything for me, the event served as a wake up call to evangelism,” says Briscoe. “I realized the time is short and the days are evil…the Lord is coming soon! So let’s seize the day!” Based on a sermon she gave at Elmbrook Church soon after that day etched itself in history, The New Normal speaks to an America in shock, but with a message that is even more pertinent today.

I Ask Myself Every Day...“Am I Good Enough?” Christians claim that Jesus is the only way to heaven. But how could a good God, who created the entire universe in all its diversity, be so limiting? Is Christianity unfair? Isn’t it more fitting to believe that good people from any religious or nonreligious background go to heaven, rather than people from one particular belief system? Maybe not, says Andy Stanley. In this updated edition of the bestselling book, teen readers will find out why Jesus taught that goodness is not even a requirement to enter heaven—and why Christianity is beyond fair. Andy Stanley leads the next generation of young people to a grateful awareness of God’s enormous grace and mercy. If only good people go to heaven, would I make the cut? If Christianity is true, why is God so narrow-minded? And why aren’t the answers obvious?! They are. Find out why being “good enough” has nothing to do with heaven’s requirements, and why God is, in fact, not fair at all. Story Behind the Book Andy Stanley has a heart for families and a special place for today’s youth. Having served for many years as a youth and young adult pastor at a large church in Atlanta, his greatest goal was to lead a young person to Christ. With the success of his book How Good Is Good Enough and its acceptance as a widely used evangelistic tool, it was a natural step to refine this important question for the youth of today. Andy wanted to write a text that was aimed right at the heart of today’s young culture and put a cover on the book that would interest and attract them to it. Today’s youth are constantly looking for assurances in a crazy world. They get that assurance by learning that it is not how good you are, but that you are forgiven.

Does God Really Have Your Best Interest at Heart? Doubting His holiness? Thinking maybe you shouldn’t completely surrender to Him, that you’re better off in charge of your own life? Well, say hello to the father of these lies: Satan. He’s an old pro using the same brilliant, deceptive tactics to harm you every time—unless you dare call his bluff and refuse to ever be his victim again. In God Can Not Be Trusted (and Five Other Lies of Satan), you’ll discover how to recognize the devil’s six ancient tactics, and claim victory over each one. Your only hope is in the power of Jesus Christ. Because only Christ can conquer Satan. He already has. So flood your mind with truth, and begin to see the lies for what they are. You’ll never be duped by them again, free to live abundantly in light of God’s truth! Have You Been Fooled? God must be out to get me. I’m better off doing my own thing. Sure it’s a sin, but I can get away with it! Do you recognize these thoughts? Then you have been fooled. And Satan is laughing. Because if he can deceive you, he will destroy your state of mind, ruin your relationships, and steal your joy. Do not let him. Dr. Tony Evans equips you to recognize Satan’s conniving tactics and boldly declare his lies for what they are. Winning this game is easier than you may think. And victorious living in light of God’s truth is your daily reward! Story Behind the Book A common theme emerged as Tony Evans held counseling sessions with countless individuals. People seemed completely unaware of how the spiritual realm was at work in their lives. “They saw clearly with their physical eyes,” he says, “but remained unaware of the evil, unseen spiritual activity that either caused or aggravated their physical world. Even in my own life, when I faced challenges or struggles, I would often reference the physical system without first looking at the spiritual cause,” says Tony. “Thus this book’s message was born to more effectively help people understand and address their struggles from a spiritual point of view.”

Inside Out Transformation You are who you are, but not for long. People may do all they can to change on the outside, but lasting, genuine change starts on the inside. The true miracle from God, the transformation He wants to make in you today, beckons. Follow pastor Tony Evans as he digs into Scripture to equip you with tools for accelerating this miracle in your life. The cycle of recurring mistakes can be broken as you let trials and temptations develop your character. And if becoming like Christ sounds too lofty or unrealistic for you, think again. Because the road to Christlikeness has only one requirement: a willing heart. You must desire the change and seek the transformation. Get ready; it’s time for a whole new you! You Can Be More… You Can Be Different God has a guaranteed transformation in store for you. And it doesn’t require nonstop religious activity or willpower made of steel. All it takes is your willing heart. This book is not a step-by-step, do-it-yourself program, but an encouraging guide to how God will use everything in your life to bring about this radical inner change…if you’ll willingly let Him. Forget trying to grind out the Christian life. Learn instead about the extreme makeover God has in mind for you, and the wise and loving way He will make it happen. Life will never be the same when you’re a whole new you ! Story Behind the Book “As a preacher, I talk with many Christians whose faith is based in ‘I’—‘What am I doing to make myself stronger in my faith?’ It’s my privilege to tell them that there really isn’t anything they can do to make their faith work better. That’s because God has done it all by sending His son, Jesus, to die for us on the cross. Our only part in this bargain is to allow God, through His Holy Spirit, to make us more and more like Jesus every day we live on this earth. He wants our lives to emulate that of Jesus Christ, who lived the only perfect life in human history. He wants us to be so connected to Jesus that people will look at us and see the resemblance.” —Tony Evans

Remember Jesus Christ? Although it seems almost too obvious, the center of our faith is surprisingly easy to forget. Dynamic pastor C.J. Mahaney shows how to overcome our tendency to move on from the gospel of grace. Finding joy in the gospel -- whose promises allow us to escape condemnation whenever it attacks -- helps us avoid the prevalent trap of legalism. With practical suggestions, Mahaney demonstrates the difference between knowing the gospel... and making it the main thing in daily decisions and daily living. What Are You Centered On? Sometimes the most important truths are the easiest to forget. It’s time to get back to the starting point of the Christian life—the cross of Christ. Jesus’ work on your behalf must be the central motivation for your life and faith—the main thing. “Never move on,” says C.J. Mahaney, who shows you how to center every day around the cross of Calvary and how to escape the pitfalls of legalism, condemnation, and feelings-driven faith. Tap into the gospel’s power and see how a cross centered focus can transform your life today!