When The Bottom Line Is Faithfulness

"This book contains invaluable reflections for managers of all types of Christian organizations." -- Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly "The book is most helpful in its analysis of Christian service organizations and its suggestions for their management." -- Mennonite Quarterly Review "... this thoughtful and engaging book makes a major contribution to the study of the nonprofit sector and helps tackle the void that exists in the analysis of religious service organizations."Â -- Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly This book provides the principles that can help religious service organizations foster good management and achieve their foundational goals.

There are thousands of Christians in the workplace who are either unaware or just ignoring the assistance of the Holy Spirit provides. Consequently, many forfeit the tremendous advantage they could have as Christians. They unwittingly choose second best when they could have the very best.

Yet many who sit next to us in the pew at church fit that description, says author Wesley Hill. As a celibate gay Christian, Hill gives us a glimpse of what it looks like to wrestle firsthand with God's ''No'' to same-sex relationships. What does it mean for gay Christians to live faithful to God while struggling with the challenge of their homosexuality? What is God's will for believers who experience same-sex desires? Those who choose celibacy are often left to deal with loneliness and the hunger for relationships. How can gay Christians experience God's favor and blessing in the midst of a struggle that for many brings a crippling sense of shame and guilt? Weaving together reflections from his own life and the lives of other Christians, such as Henri Nouwen and Gerard Manley Hopkins, Hill offers a fresh perspective on these questions. He advocates neither unqualified ''healing'' for those who struggle, nor their accommodation to temptation, but rather faithfulness in the midst of brokenness. ''I hope this book may encourage other homosexual Christians to take the risky step of opening up their lives to others in the body of Christ,'' Hill writes. ''In so doing, they may find, as I have, by grace, that being known is spiritually healthier than remaining behind closed doors, that the light is better than the darkness.

In response to the moralism and relativism that characterize the present age, Gary Tyra presents an evangelical ethic for "everyday" moral faithfulness, arguing that Christians can have confidence in their Christ-centered, Spirit-enabled ability to discern and do the will of God in any moral situation.

What does the Christian life look like when life is unpredictable, hard, or just plain ordinary? We live in an instant-gratification world, where results are quickly measured and words like discipline and perseverance evoke thoughts of legalism or asceticism. But Everyday Faithfulness explores what daily perseverance in Christ looks like during various seasons when spiritual growth seems especially difficult. Working through the unique challenges that come with seasons of waiting, caretaking, suffering, worry, spiritual dryness, and more, this book delves into practical ways to build habits into everyday life that will aid in spiritual growth throughout a lifetime. Each chapter closes with a real-life example of a woman whose life of regular, everyday faithfulness will encourage readers to remain steadfast in theirs. Published in partnership with the Gospel Coalition.

The Life Application Bible Commentary series is the only commentary to offer sermon and lesson applications alongside stirring commentary. Each volume in the series provides in-depth explanation, background, and application for every verse in the text. Perfect for sermon preparation and lesson planning, this one-of-a-kind reference provides excellent quotes and a bibliography for additional commentary. Additional features include Charts, diagrams, and maps on the same page as their related verses Quotes from various versions, such as the NIV, NRSV, and NLT Key information graphically highlighted

The regular use of a devotional book can assist with one's spiritual growth. Whether you are beginning your faith journey or desire to develop a deeper relationship with Christ, you will find this book to be engaging. Selected topics are based on newsworthy stories, historical events, or other twice-told tales. The author frequently draws personal inspiration from biblical parables and scriptural references as they relate to his own life experience. The reading of these 366 devotions is unique in that they can be utilized every day for a full year or weekly over a seven-year period. Reflection questions following each devotion will benefit and challenge the reader to consider possible direction for change through application in one's daily activities.

Having led an online Bible Study for many years, I began compiling my notes initially as a legacy to leave to my children. As I have continued to refine my notes through the research, it is my desire and prayer that the thoughts compiled help each person deepen their understanding of God’s Love Letter we call the Bible and enrich their individual relationship with our Creator - God the Father.