Can't Travel to the Holy Land? This Devotional Will Take You There Spiritually

What do the key sites from the land of the Bible teach us about how to live our lives today? Pastor and acclaimed tour leader Dr. John DeLancey contends that one's own faith can be deepened by examining significant ancient sites of the Holy Land and deriving spiritual applications from them.

In his unique site-to-site devotional guide, Devotional Treasures from the Holy Land, Dr. DeLancey--drawing on a year of study in Jerusalem and two decades of experience in leading tours to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt--guides the reader through 68 ancient sites including both common and lesser-known locations. For each site, DeLancey offers a remarkable blend of historical, geographical, and Scriptural information. He begins by updating the reader on archaeological excavations and interpreting the authenticity of the discoveries at each spot. He then follows with sound devotional thoughts that can be gleaned from each place mentioned.

His descriptions cause Bible stories to spring to life as he gives thoughtfully informed analyses shared based on years of careful research and of interaction with the Holy Land. Devotional Treasures from the Holy Land forms an invaluable help to those on tour in Bible lands as well as those who can experience them only from their armchairs at home.

John DeLancey is a pastor and founder of Biblical Israel Tours, a ministry designed to help people have a firsthand experience of Israel and other Bible lands. He has led numerous tours of the Holy Land and has excavated at two archaeological sites in Israel. He holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Cedarville University, a Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity Seminary. He has studied for one year at the Jerusalem University College in Israel. He and his wife, Sue, have three children.

More Christmas Gift Ideas--Only Two Weeks Left!

For the Intellectual
Created to be Spiritual and Jesus Restores True Spirituality by Joe Tarry
In a conversational tone, Joe takes readers through first the Old Testament and, in his second book in the series, the New Testament, showing how Satan tries to thwart God's plan for His people.

Evolution: How a Theory Made a Monkey Out of Man by Sam McCormick
After years of believing evolution fit into his biblical views, Sam was introduced to surprising information that sparked a three-year exhaustive study of the theories of evolution and six-day creation. He has compiled his findings in this easy-to-read book.

My Professor Says the Bible is a Myth by Thomas B. Tribelhorn
This explosive book exposes the claims against the Bible as a gross distortion of the evidence. Dr. Tribelhorn brings a lifetime of experience and intensive study in Israel to bring the reader face-to-face with the real facts.

For the History Buff
Historical Atlas of Texas Methodism by William Carson Hardt and John Wesley Hardt
This is a superb exposition of how the Methodist faith came to Texas and how that faith shaped—and was shaped by—historic movements in the Lone State State and nation.

Manley Beasley: Man of Faith -- Instrument of Power by Ron Owens
From intensive care units to the pulpits of America and beyond, Brother Manley, as he was known to the thousands of lives he touched, goes on living through the testimonies and teachings found in this book that some are saying is destined to become a classic.

For the Fiction Fanatic
The Daughter of No One by Viola Palmer
This story is the rapidly moving fiction book of a young girl living on the border of Nicaragua and Honduras.

When the Heart Soars Free by Kay Moore
A storybook romance blooms when two ski experts meet in a picturesque mountain wonderland.

A Father's Betrayal by Ashley Williams
He used to call me his son. Now he calls me his prisoner. Alone . . . Betrayed . . . Forgotten . . . But faith in God never can be broken. Follow this fictional story.



For the Poetry-Lover
So by Martha Bible Smith
Even at 93 years of age Martha Bible Smith is not afraid to delve into "the life of the mind". In this volume-her second book of poetry to be published-Smith poignantly and profoundly explores themes of family, friends, memories, aging, and even current events.

For the Mission-Minded
On the Go for the Lord by William D. Bailey
Dr. Bailey's travels have taken him literally around the world. In this, his third volume, Dr. Bailey brings his travels up to date as of late 2010.

Misadventures in Travel: A Missionary's Experience in Brazil by Paula Edwards
Assigned as itinerant mappers, Van and Paula were to travel the Brazilian coastline and identify fishing villages that needed churches planted there. Nothing could have prepared them for the adventure that followed.

No Retreat--No Regrets by Jamie and Lea Peters
For Jamie and Lea Peters the overwhelming passion that seizes them day-in and day-out is for the continent of Africa and the souls there that do not know Jesus as Savior.


Still looking for other ideas? Check these out here.

Still Looking for Christmas Gift Ideas?

Here are a few ideas to get started on your Christmas list. Check back early next week for additional suggestions.

For Kids
Bo Peep's Prize by Tammy Gaynier Steeples
Will Holly get her costume together in time for her school's Horse Show?

The Little Brown-Haired Girl and The Secret Tree Club by Kay Moore
When the Little Brown-Haired Girl and her neighborhood friends decide to form a "Secret-Tree Club", they have no idea that they are about to uncover the biggest news on the block!

See more children's books...

For the Fitness-Guru
Fit to Serve by Stephanie Dean
A six-week Bible study by Christian health expert and dietitian Stephanie Dean focuses on helping each individual member of the Body of Christ to function at optimum capacity, which means each person strives to be spiritually and physically fit to serve.

See more books on life issues...

For the Busy Mom or Wife
Pace Yourself: 365 Devotions from the Daily Grind by Rebekkah Trittipoe
An ultra-marathon runner, Rebekkah includes daily devotions to inspire, encourage, and help us see God's revelations in the mundane things of life.

See more Bible Studies...

Visit our website to browse for even more ideas.

Anne Fortenberry Featured on Blog Tour

To help readers conquer their spiritual New Year's resolutions, the blogs listed below have participated in a blog tour for Anne Fortenberry's Faith that Works: A Topical Study on the Book of James. Anne's book is a nine-week Bible study that delves in-depth into James' writings, including the topics of faith and works. Check out the posts and reviews of Anne's book at the blogs listed below.

My Reading Room
A Peek at My Bookshelf
Creative Madness
A View from My Beach Chair
Sunny Island Breezes
Christy's Book Blog
O'Joy of My Life
Window to My World
Joyful Mother
Incurable Disease of Writing
Ponderings from My Heart
WORD Up!
Mocha with Linda
It Starts with Me
Radiant Lit

Author, Missionary Anne Fortenberry Speaks with SuperTalk Mississippi

On October 1, Anne discussed her new book, Faith that Works: A Topical Study on the Book of James with SuperTalk Mississippi host Paul Gallo on The Gallo Radio Show. Anne will be speaking at various churches throughout Mississippi through October, so the host graciously allowed Anne to interview on the show. You can listen to the audio here.




Verses discussed during the interview: Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3.

Hannibal Author, Mississippi Native on SuperTalk Mississippi

Anne Fortenberry, author of Faith that Works: A Topical Study on the Book of James, will speak with Paul Gallo on The Gallo Radio Show, SuperTalk Mississippi, on Thursday, October 1 at 8:00am CST. Visit SuperTalk Mississippi's website at www.supertalkms.com to listen live.

This will kick off Anne's tour through Mississippi to speak and host book signings at several churches in the state. You can catch Anne at Central Baptist Church in Meridian, at First Baptist Church in Brookhaven, and at First Baptist Church in Gulfport. Contact the churches for dates and times.

Anne grew up and graduated high school in Gulfport. She attended Mississippi College in Clinton and Gilfoy School of Nursing in Jackson. She and her husband have also lived in Ridgeland, Hazlehurst and Brookhaven.

How do you blend faith with living day-to-day?

Our faith in God saves us; the Bible testifies to that. But what difference does that faith make in our lives? If works don't insure our salvation, what's the purpose of right Christian behavior? If we have transformed lives in Christ, what specific works represent an outgrowth of our belief?

Anne Fortenberry tackles all these questions in her new, nine-week interactive Bible study, Faith that Works. In a warmhearted, personal approach, Anne reveals fresh insights into the Book of James that will strengthen participants' faith, enrich their walk with the Lord, and challenge them to apply well-known scriptural principles.

Participants in a Faith that Works small group will learn how to cope with trails and temptations, how to develop characteristics such as obedience, tongue control, wisdom, and trust in God, how to endure suffering, and how to restore wandering believers, among other topics.

A separate leader guide (ISBN 1-978-934749-50-0) provides helps for those facilitating a Faith that Works group in weekly sessions.

Anne Fortenberry has served as a Southern Baptist missionary, a university lecturer and division chair, and a health-care consultant. She holds a doctor of nursing science degree from the Louisiana State University Medical Center School of Nursing, a master of science from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a bachelor of science from Mississippi College. She and her husband, Archie, are parents of three grown children.

Great Books for Family Wellness Month

May is Family Wellness Month. And while, at least subconsciously, you most likely work on keeping your family healthy all year long, May is a great time to re-examine your family before the busy days of summer are here. Through the rest of the month, we'll feature books that can help your family in one way or another.

Our first features is a Bible study called Proverbs and Principles for Parenting Practically Perfect Progeny by Jean Stockdale. Jean says, "Since I was a new mom, the reality of training a child in the way he should go and bringing him up in the fear and nurture of the Lord was an overwhelming prospect to me. I have not forgotten those angst-ridden early days of mothering. That crystal-clear memory is what drives me to write a Bible study geared toward mothers of children of all ages."

Join Jean Stockdale in a pithy pilgrimage through Proverbs as she shows moms of children from toddlers through teans how to impact their families for time and eternity through the art of Christian homemaking and child-rearing. The interactive workbook also contains a leader guide and helps for churches desiring to being this though-provoking seven-week study. And while this Bible study is geared toward moms, Proverbs and Principles could also be used as a devotional for husband and wife to study together.

Hannibal Author to Teach Class on Book

Hannibal author Stephanie Dean, a registered dietitian and seminary student, will be teaching a class at Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall, TX, about her new book, Fit to Serve. Reporter Amy Van Vleck with the Rockwall County News wrote a fabulous article on Ms. Dean and her book:

Fitness. It is on everyone’s mind. Consistently reaching the top five in New Year’s Resolutions lists, health and fitness are popular goals this time of year. Health clubs and diet centers are teeming with those seeking to improve their health.

There is a special “fitness” class coming soon, as part of the Hot Topics series offered at Lake Pointe Church, that approaches health and fitness from an unusual perspective. While we are all familiar with fitness for cardiovascular health, fitness for rehabilitation, fitness for relaxation, and even fitness for recreation, what does it mean to be fit to serve?

Dietitian Stephanie Dean has written a book to be used in the class that combines the need for physical and spiritual health.

Fit to Serve, the class and the book, are based on the importance of staying both spiritually and physically fit. In the first week, Dean looks at one of the basic spiritual disciplines of studying God’s Word, the Bible. In the book, she explains why studying the Bible is important and how the Bible can help in everyday situations. Dean uses the example of her own struggle with determining a career path and the direction she received by studying God’s Word.

“Nutrition can be a ministry,” she said, as she described her journey into the healthcare profession. “There is a tendency to be consumed with looking a certain way,” she added. Giving in to this pressure leads to all sorts of physical, emotional, and spiritual derailments. “We tend to rely more on our crutch than we rely on God,” Dean said. “But once we remember that our identity is in Christ, we can really recognize who God is.

“We are all on a spiritual journey,” she added. “The physical side [of health] is a choice everyday; that’s why I focus on preventative medicine.

“But in the book of Deuteronomy and in Matthew 22, we learn that we are to love God, then love others. So, how can I move beyond myself— to a neighbor—if I am not healthy, if I am unable?

“That’s where serving is involved. For Christians, called to be good stewards, we must consider the gap between our physical and spiritual abilities.”

What a concept!

Designed for use in group meetings such as the Hot Topics class, the book contains five lessons each week for six weeks that combine spiritual disciplines, nutrition and exercise for a comprehensive wellness program. Dean coordinated with Don and Carol Mathus, fitness experts, and Julie Bender, a dietitian, to create a step-by-step plan to improve one’s well-being. The plan centers on the spiritual condition as the foundation for a healthy life.

Each daily lesson includes a spiritually focused topic and a Health Bite with tips and specific exercise guidelines. The spiritual portion is divided into six disciplines: Bible study, prayer, worship, service, solitudeand simplicity. Spiritual topics such as anxiety, forgiveness and faith are studied from a biblical perspective. The Health Bites include tips for staying motivated, exercising correctly, eating a balanced diet and setting goals – all with the over-arching theme that “health improvement is forever.”

The uniqueness of this class, connecting our ability to serve with fitness, leads one to wonder where it fits in the life committed to Christ. Dean says that service solidifies your relationship to the church.

“I needed my co-writers to do what they do best,” she said. “They are gifted in different ways. We are one body with many parts, and we are designed to work together.”

Fit to Serve is not only a six-week class and a book, it is a Bible study to be shared with other believers who want to shed some light on their struggles—within a Christian context—while shedding some pounds and releasing some tension. It is one of several “Hot Topics” classes being offered at Lake Pointe Church beginning the weekend of January 24/25. These one-hour classes take place during weekend services and childcare is provided.

The Fit to Serve class is offered at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays beginning January 25. To register, visit lakepointe.org.

View the original article here.