Books published by Multnomah Press

New York Times bestsellerPastor Steven Furtick draws on the biblical story of Elisha to give you the confidence to know that nothing is impossible with God, the clarity to see the next step He's calling you to take, and the courage to do anything He tells you to do. Most of us aren't in danger of ruining our lives, but we are in danger of wasting them. We all have honest moments when we're gripped by a desire to feel that what we're doing matters more. That who we are matters more. And according to John 14:12, Jesus wants the very same thing for every one of us: "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."That single promise-"even greater things than these"-should be enough to shatter our acceptance of spiritual mediocrity. Unfortunately, most believers have only tried and given up on vague notions of greatness…then settled into a life that's just good enough.But God has a vision for your life that is Greater. God is ready to accomplish a greatness in your life that is entirely out of human reach-beyond anything you see in yourself on your best day, but exactly what God has seen in you all along.In Greater, Pastor Steven Furtick draws on the biblical story of Elisha to empower you to: • Take a God-given dream from idea to reality • Stretch your limited resources and abilities in ways you never thought possible • Replace the images of yourself that keep you feeling stuck in the past • Make a significant impact with your life starting today, rather than making endless plans for tomorrow that you never get around toIf you're tired of being ordinary, it's time to dream bigger. If you're feeling overwhelmed about where to begin, it's time to start smaller. It's time to ignite God's Greater vision for your life.

In the Secrets of the Vine Bible Study: Leader''s Edition, Bruce Wilkinson shows groups how the three Secrets of the Vine introduced in the bestselling book are supported throughout Scripture. This insightful Bible study provides a personal encounter with the life-changing teaching of Jesus in John 15, an inspiring look at God''s intervention in His people''s lives from Bible times to the present, a practical approach to a meaningful relationship with Him, and a visual and interactive learning tool for individual or group use. Topical, conversational, and application-oriented, the question-and-answer format makes this flexible four-week study an ideal resource for the first-time or veteran group leader.

The daughter and granddaughter of Billy Graham share inspiring stories from their family life that offer compelling insights for leaving a legacy of faith."An inspiring guide for living with intentionality and instilling truth in the next generation."-Dr. Tony EvansPassing on our faith does not happen passively-it's something we intentionally pursue with prayer and joy. Yet many of us struggle to know what it looks like to live out a contagious faith in today's world. We long for spiritual wisdom on how to ignite faith in our children, grandchildren, and others we encounter. Jesus Followers offers practical ideas, biblical teaching, and inspiring true stories from Anne Graham Lotz and her daughter Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright for effectively running the race of faith and passing the Baton of Truth to the next generation. Drawing on the fascinating genealogy of Genesis 5, Anne explores the unique impact of our witness, worship, work, and walk. Rachel-Ruth illustrates each of these critical elements with stories from the Graham and Lotz families, offering vivid descriptions of how God's truth was passed on by word and example. Jesus Followers not only offers a glimpse into the living rooms and prayer closets of a faith-filled family, but it also equips you with the wisdom, motivation, and practical ideas for consistently and joyfully sharing your faith.

God Delights in You! Imagine a girl on a swing: leaning backward and easily pumping her legs back and forth, closing her eyes while the wind blows through her hair. She is safe, she is secure, she is free and forgiven. Perhaps you find yourself thinking, I want to feel loved and safe and secure. I want to feel free. I want to turn my face toward heaven and experience God’s smile . Did you know that girl can be you? Because God’s love–a love not based upon your performance, but on Christ’s–proclaims the truth that you are His and He is glad He chose you. This freedom in Christ is meant to become a part of you, something you relish every day. It’s like learning how to swing: it can’t ever be unlearned. So climb on…your time to soar has arrived! Who Is that Girl on a Swing? She’s free. She’s safe. She’s secure. She’s forgiven. She’s happy. She’s a child of God. And so are you. With warm understanding, refreshing humor, and striking biblical honesty, Nancy Kennedy reflects on the ways women often keep themselves from enjoying the freedom that’s already theirs. Because not only do you belong to God, He is glad He chose you. Not only does He love you unconditionally, He likes you! And not only does He lavish you with grace, He smiles upon you. Once you learn how to swing, you can’t un-learn it. Once you know true freedom in Christ, you can’t un-know it. It’s yours for good (and it’s a lot fun). So climb on…it’s time to soar! Endorsements “Ahhh. Nancy ’s words let me be my imperfect self and still know that there is no wind strong enough to release me from my Father’s grip.” Karon Phillips Goodman author of Another Fine Mess, Lord! and the Woman’s Guide series “Nancy Kenndy writes with amazing humor, heart, and insight. Girl on a Swing soars!” Heather Kopp author of Roar: A Christian Family Guide to the Chronicles of Narnia Story Behind the BookThe Story Behind the Book “Girl on a Swing came from a greeting card image where a young girl is soaring on a swing. She’s free and at peace, with herself and her surroundings. As I studied that image I came to realize that the girl is me–because in Christ I am free and at rest. God smiles on His own, and I am at peace. But my experience as a speaker at women’s retreats has shown me that many women have difficulty believing that for themselves. This book will help them grasp the truth.” –Nancy Kennedy

Marriage has never been easy. But sometimes it takes surprisingly little to yield infinite rewards. This eye-opening book by marriage experts Nancy Cobb and Connie Grigsby contains humorous and profound true stories of turning points in marriages. From brushing her teeth at a different sink to letting her husband finish his sentences, each woman''s story expresses the staggering impact that simple actions can have on marriages everywhere. More fulfilling relationships, expanded ministry opportunities, and a more intimate walk with God await the readers of this book when they see how God''s best for their marriages may be just one small decision away.Sometimes the smallest thing can turn a marriage around! When Nancy Cobb and Connie Grigsby asked women about the best thing they ever did for their marriages, the responses were daringly honest. Here are fifty eye-opening, often humorous true stories—including contributions from Cynthia Heald, Dee Brestin, Rosemary Jensen, and Donna Otto—that will inspire you with moments that build stronger marriages. Bring down walls between you and your husband Adjust to differences in your personalities Deal with the damage and heartbreak of betrayal Go on living when everything goes terribly wrong God’s best for your marriage may be one small decision away!

The car accident that killed Abby Patterson''s husband and daughter has left her with a limp and chronic pain. Still, Abby strikes out, determined to build a new life for herself away from her overbearing parents. Her perfect cottage home on the beach has one tiny irritant: Marsh Winslow, her landlord. But when Abby witnesses a hit-and-run accident and events make it clear that Abby is now a target, she and Marsh join forces to uncover a dangerous secret. Together they discover that God is in the business of putting broken lives back together so that they are more beautiful than ever.

For Christian parents eager to see their children come closer to the Lord, Cheri Fuller''s When Children Pray is a godsend. There''s no better testament to the power and effectiveness of children''s prayers than these stories of how God answers the prayers of our children and youth. Most important, this book prepares parents to teach their children how to pray -- not merely the mechanics, but understanding and claiming the power of their heavenly Father through prayer. Busy parents and those with questions about their own prayer commitments will find When Children Pray, now in an updated, contemporary cover, especially helpful in passing on a legacy of faith to the next generation.

Competition for church members in Mount Oak has reached a furious peak. When tragedy strikes one of their hometown sons, the church women are drawn together through compassion. The Church Ladies is a contemporary tale illustrating how women can have a major impact on the church. Through friendships that reach beneath surface level -- and trials more severe than simple -- they unite with common purpose: to pray, share, and comfort. Slowly, the community of believers learns that the church grows when it is rooted in love. Characters you''ll laugh and cry with, in situations every woman will instantly relate to, light up this page-turner about a miracle that could happen anywhere.

Do you want to know a secret?What's so secret about God? Nothing. And yet everything.Scripture tells us, "the secret things belong to the Lord our God." God has secrets. Some to keep, and some to tell. And who doesn't want to know a secret?Most of us are filled with an incurable urge to discover secrets, to walk the higher and hidden roads. And it is our God, our wonderfully mysterious God, who has placed that yearning within us. He is the treasure we seek...the precious gem to be mined.So take the time to spend these one hundred concise, life-changing appointments with him. And discover incredible handholds of refreshment, courage, and endurance you can cling to in Secret Strength.

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.

This revised and updated edition of The Fight of Your Life features a new title, refreshed design, and 70% new content.From every side--the Internet, social media, interactions with friends, in both their public and private lives--teens are persuaded to follow the world's way over God's every day. Culture's mantra "live for today" has become the slogan of this generation! But, one thing remains true--mom and dad are still the greatest influence in the life of their child. Based on timeless biblical truths, Raising Successful Teens equips parents with positive, encouraging, and practical advice. A family and teen culture expert with more than 25 years of ministry experience, Jeffrey Dean gives parents the street-level approach they need to help their teens wisely and safely navigate technology, friendships, dating relationships, social media, and more. Parents will learn how to keep the lines of communication open and stay involved in their teens' lives.

FINALIST FOR THE CHRISTIAN BOOK AWARD® • Join beloved Bible teacher and best-selling author Dee Brestin in discovering the surprising places Jesus shows up in the Old Testament and the unexpected ways He speaks into our lives today.Offering a fascinating perspective on the historic, poetic, and prophetic books of the Old Testament, Brestin draws on her deep understanding of the full scope of the Bible to explore the timeless story of God's quest to rescue each of us. She combines rich teaching, memorable storytelling, and an in-depth Bible study component to create a resource that shows readers how the story began (the books of Moses), how to live in the story (the poetic books), and how the story will end (the prophets).

His Final Words Are Your New Beginning It’s Good Friday. The Son of God is giving up his life. What does he want to say to us in His final hours? What does He tell the people standing at the foot of the cross, to pass down to the ages? He speaks only seven short statements. Words of forgiveness, salvation, relationship, abandonment, distress, triumph, and reunion. Seven statements that mean everything. In Seven-Mile Miracle, Pastor Steven Furtick shows us how Jesus’s last words offer mile markers for our journey in relationship with God. It’s a lifelong journey and it’s not always easy. But Jesus is both our guide and our destination as we travel. Includes questions for reflection and a forty-day reading guide to Jesus’s death and resurrection.A Proven Path for Spiritual Growth From time to time we all feel stuck in our relationship with God and frustrated by life’s setbacks. Jesus faced what could have been the ultimate defeat on the cross. Yet he emerged triumphant through his relationship with his heavenly Father. And he showed us the way so that we could do the same. In Seven-Mile Miracle, Steven Furtick explores how Jesus’s seven last statements on the cross offer a proven spiritual growth path for us. You will experience the Easter message more personally than ever before as you engage the words of forgiveness, salvation, relationship, abandonment, distress, triumph, reunion.  After all, we are not simply believers—people who have put our faith in Jesus. We are not simply disciples—pupils who learn from him. We are called to be followers of Christ. This is your opportunity to follow Jesus through his death, and move forward in his resurrection power, starting now.

An invitation to find beauty and meaning in the ordinary and imperfect aspects of your life; not as a call to settle for less, but rather as a way to mysteriously participate in God''s power and purpose.Glenn Packiam wants to empower readers to find great joy, purpose, and passion in their daily living. While bread may be one of the most common items on our dinner tables, Jesus chose to take it at the Last Supper and invest deep, wonderful, and transcendent meaning in it. Like the bread that was blessed, broken, and given; readers will see how God uses ordinary experiences to cultivate their mission and their brokenness to bring healing to the world. The ordinary is not the enemy; it is the means by which God accomplishes the miraculous. Through clear biblical teaching and practical steps, Packiam leads the reader into a more purposeful, directed, hopeful future.

Are you ready to respond to the most relevant questions of sexuality today?Lifetime monogamy is passé. Pornography infiltrates nearly every home. Homosexuality is accepted. Lust has been redefined. The family as an institution is questioned.We are reminded every day that assumptions about what is right and wrong, sexually, are different today than they were fifty–or even ten–years ago. Christian principles that formed the pattern for generations of American families are conspicuously absent. What happened and why? How do we respond to the dramatic shift in our culture’s perspective on sex? As one of today’s most influential thinkers, Dr. Albert Mohler addresses these critical topics in a thoughtful, cut-to-the-chase style in Desire and Deceit. As you follow Mohler’s guidance in applying biblical solutions to today’s most highly charged issues, you will be not only equipped but also inspired to speak the truth in a society hungry for answers.

Who Is Stealing Your Time? Each day, there are things you know you have to do. Then there are things you really ought to do, plus things you desperately want to do. But how do we find time for it all? Stuart Briscoe, former senior pastor of Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin, presents an outstanding commentary on evaluating our priorities so that the concerns of this world do not rob us of our valuable time. Prioritizing our lives isn’t easy, particularly when we consider the conflict that can arise between doing what is good and being comfortable, popular, and profitable. But Briscoe calls Christians to boldly address any areas of selfishness and to begin to see life through kingdom eyes. When we do, our priorities will change to focus on goodness, righteousness, and truth.“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” —Jesus (Matthew 6:33 ) It sounds great in theory to seek God’s kingdom first, but is it really feasible? So many things rob your precious time that you wonder if you can afford to bump everything else in your life to secondary status. But this is not about prioritizing. This is a matter of heart. While you long for harmony in your harried schedule and significance amidst the busyness, God yearns to give them to you. Stuart Briscoe’s insights will guide you to the focused, fulfilling life you long for. Because once you begin seeking the Lord before all else, all else simply falls into place. What are you waiting for? You have no time to waste. Story Behind the BookStu Briscoe travels more than he is home, so time is a premium for him and his wife, Jill. He has found that the only way to stay focused on his life and ministry is to put first things first and not allow those things that attempt to steal his time to succeed. Upon further study, he has discovered that the right approach to managing his time and priorities is really to put the right things first. By putting God’s kingdom first and seeking His will, everything else falls naturally into place.

God’s Spirit once took the prophet Ezekiel to a vast valley filled with brittle, parched-dry bones—a potent picture of widespread spiritual dryness. But by the Word of God proclaimed through Ezekiel’s mouth, those piles of bones took on sinew and flesh and skin, then were infused with life-giving, wind-driven breath from the Spirit of God. A sweeping vista of skeletons was turned instead into a force of fired-up warriors ready to do battle for the Lord. A transformation just as dramatic is what God wants to generate in our individual lives today and in the life of His church. Dry Bones Dancing is about escaping religious dryness to move on to true spiritual passion. The results will be an experience of supernatural power and peace in the presence of God as you are invited to go deeper and see God’s character and glory as never before.Broken . . . Whole Parched . . . Flourishing Dry Bones . . . Dancing Is the landscape of your spirit all too desert-like? Then it’s time for a change. It’s time for a miracle. And God is ready to give it to you. Author and speaker Dr. Tony Evans boldly declares the truth: God’s people are not meant to dwell in a lifeless valley. But if we are to embrace pure joy and rich passion once again, God requires a humble heart. Evans shows desert-dwellers how to pinpoint what brought them there in the first place—and how to get out. Experience spiritual nourishment and vitality once again. And get ready… …to dance!Story Behind the BookAfter many years of ministering to Christians burned out by religion and spiritually dry, Tony Evans searched the Scriptures for answers to share with everyone who is seeking to rekindle their passion for God. He found the perfect passage in Ezekiel. Through his study of the story, he bolstered his own spiritual passion, and now he shares it with those seeking to be rebuilt and reenergized by and for God.

Pray Together, Stay Together!Marriage is full of changing seasons—some bright with promise, others more challenging. Strong marriages require daily maintenance—and a strong, mutual commitment to the God who enables us to love and persevere.Designed to help you pray and consider God’s Word together, each devotion offers practical, biblically grounded advice that will encourage you to deepen your relationship with God and draw closer to each other."It is our hope that God will use these daily devotions to help you enhance the spiritual, emotional, and personal development of your marriage relationship. Then you, too, will be able to look with confidence into the future and say, ''Our Love Is Here to Stay!''"—Tony and Lois Evans

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 may have heard confusing, even 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.

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

Eating For Excellence makes food fun! Sheri Rose shares her original recipes, her off-beat humor, and her motivational skills in this lively cookbook. This book is for any woman who wants to eat well, have fun, and not feel deprived. Sheri Rose is best known for her ability to educate and motivate people to excellence. Using these recipes and eating plan helped her lose over 50 pounds, conquer chronic fatigue, and regain her health.

Less Effort, More Joy What is the second mile? It’s the difference between living as a good person and enjoying life as a child of God. When you “do your best” for someone, you go the first mile. When God does His best through you, you experience the second mile. This can happen only when you let Christ in you take over and empower you to accomplish what is impossible by your natural abilities. While others see you on the first mile, they see Christ on the second. This miraculous Christian life will overwhelm you with more time, energy, and peace. You can’t help but freely give more away! Because God does not reward your duty, He blesses your relationship with His Son. It’s time to experience radical living. It’s time to enter into the second mile! Cease to Strive… “ If someone forces you to go one mile,” Jesus said, “go with him two miles” (Matthew 5: 41). Are you obligated to serve…regardless of a mediocre attitude? Are you supposed to be exhausted? …So God Can Thrive Author Mel Blackaby carefully unfolds the true meaning of Christ’s words so you will see that it’s not about you. While the world sees your good works on the first mile, they see Christ’s power working through you on the second. He carries the burden and takes you beyond yourself. First mile living is cramped and unsatisfying. When you stride beyond it, chains fall off and freedom ensues. True rest, fulfillment, joy, and other surprising treasures become yours—when you dare to embark upon the second mile. Story Behind the Book“As a pastor in North America , I am amazed by how many Christians struggle with depression, anxiety, and stress. The burdens of life overwhelm them, and they pull back from serving the Lord, thinking they can’t take any more pressure. While visiting Mozambique , I went to the home of a native pastor who also works a secular job to support his life, his church, and another mission church. I was shocked at how little he had. He was giving his all to the Lord and existing on the bare minimum. As I consider his challenges, I am struck by his contagious smile. He has taken the yoke of Jesus and learned from Him; he has found rest for his soul and lives abundantly; he is walking in the second mile. I want God’s children everywhere to know the same joy and privilege that comes from serving God.” — Mel Blackaby

The Angel of Mercy series follows the adventures of certified medical nurse Breanna Baylor as she seeks to serve her fellow man and restore her relationship with her true love-John Stranger of the Journeys of the Stranger series-in the post-Civil War West. A Promise for Breanna finds the heroine face to face with Frank Miller, the man who once broke her heart and led her to mistrust men, sabotaging her relationship with John Stranger. Suspense, danger, romance, and spiritual truth each play a part in this compelling story that draws readers into the life of an angel of mercy.

HER ENEMY WILL STOP AT NOTHING FOR CONTROL…SHE WILL RISK EVERYTHING FOR FREEDOM. A horrific crime shatters Lisa Harper’s idyllic childhood. Her father is dead and her desperate mother, Annie, quickly marries Dutch Hauk, an abusive monster who soon reveals his hatred for Lisa.  To protect her, Annie defies her ruthless husband and forfeits custody to a trusted friend. Enraged, Dutch vows to keep Annie and Lisa apart—and he does. Years later, though keenly aware of Dutch’s evil intent, Lisa and her mother seize a chance to be a family, safe in a home where love dwells. But they fail to fathom how far Dutch will go to keep his vow.  Determined to control his women, Dutch proves resourceful. His associates in crime are feared at the highest levels across the globe—and for Lisa they plan a fate worse than death. Yet she too has formidable connections, including former Special Operations Officer Mark Taylor. Burdened by his own traumatic past, Mark has loved Lisa from afar. Now, for Lisa and her mother to survive, Mark must risk his life—and even more difficult for him, he must trust God. All as one question haunts them: Can Mark and Lisa untangle these deadly ties before it’s too late? “Vicki Hinze has…talent for transforming the unlikely into something beautiful.”—PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY