August 2010 Advert

Name Above All Names by Abundant Life Ministries

Distributed by Integrity Media Africa

It has been said that adversity yields great art. And in the life of every believer, adversity yields great faith. So it stands to reason that when adversity shapes together art and faith, the results can be extraordinary. Located in Bradford, England, Abundant Life Ministries is a remarkable testimony to the creative and spiritual power of adversity. Guided by Pastor Paul Scanlon, and with help from worship leaders Jonathan "Jock" James, Matt Hooper and Mark Stevens, Abundant Life has crafted songs that are inspired by and written for their community. Guided by Dove Award-winning producer Bernie Herms (Casting Crowns, Selah and Brad Paisley), Name Above All Names is a powerful collection of worship music that's as unique as Bradford itself. "There's an aggression, a determination, a defiance, that comes across in the songs," Mark says. "We place that sound in context of our city." Bradford needs real, direct strength and vision. It needs a church that's going to rise up with power." Jock adds, "We wanted to write songs that would help churches, that people can use in their congregations... we're about the local church, and people connecting with God." The result of their efforts is a soundtrack of hope conquering adversity.

Invisible Things by Joel Auge

Distributed by Integrity Media Africa

Canadian singer and songwriter Joel Auge follows his acclaimed solo debut On The Blue with Invisible Things, an 11-track studio album produced by himself and young producers Nathan Finochio and David Kuwabara. Auge, who has been compared to everyone from Rufus Wainwright and Jason Mraz to Snow Patrol, is known for combining simple, profound lyrics with unusual and sometimes haunting instrumentation. His latest effort doesn't disappoint. Invisible Things delivers all-new, worship-minded songs that capture the rawness of human emotion and chronicle a life of faith from "Here to Love," a plea for purpose and a promise of service, to the tender "Addison," a love song to his baby daughter.

Does God feel your pain? - H. Wayne House & William Grover

Christian Art Publishers

Wayne House (professor of biblical studies) and William Grover (teacher of language arts to handicapped students) skillfully interweave compassion, honesty, and scriptural counsel as they explore the issue of whether God shares in our human pain. They explore issues and provide readers with comfort and hope as they look at questions such as:

• Why does God allow evil in the world?
• Why does God permit pain in our lives?
• How can God be in control when Satan is at work?
• Why aren't prayers being answered?
• Is it possible to know joy even in the midst of pain?

Read this book to learn more about the greatness of God's love and mercy towards his children.

Live in God's Anointing - TD Jakes

Struik Christian Media

From the gift catalog of Struik Christian Media comes another glossy classic by TD Jakes, featuring excerpts from Anointing Fall On Me. TD Jakes gives you the keys to unlock the secret code to your ultimate destiny. Through the Holy Spirit you are capable of achieving more than you ever imagined. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things... (John 14:26). Bishop Jakes shares practical truths about God's glory and goodness that will carry you to new and exciting heights of splendor, hope, and love that only the Master could design especially for you. Take the first step into the rest of your life allow the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit to fall on you today!

Take Hold Of Your Dream - Jentezen Franklin

Struik Christian Media

Living your dreams isn't easy. It takes persistence and tenacity, along with belief and faith in yourself, in God, and in the message He has given you. Jentezen Franklin uses examples from biblical characters who knew the power of grabbing hold of the dreams and visions God gave them and not letting go until they came to pass. You will discover not only the unique dream God has already given you, but will also learn how to grab hold of the tools for turning your dream into reality. With full-color interior design and inspirational images.

COME OF AGE - The road to spiritual maturity by Angus Buchan

Angus Buchan always knew that life is but a vapour, like grass of the field, here today but gone tomorrow. But at the 2009 Mighty Men Conference on his shalom he came to the full realisation of brevity of life. What happened at that conference made him realize that we are not here forever, and that while we are here we need to make a difference. The one moment Angus was standing on the platform, preaching his heart out to the biggest crowd of men that's ever gathered for a conference in South Africa. The next moment he was laying in the grass, helpless, possibly due to a heart attack. Today he firmly believes that in the fifteen minutes it took to fly from the farm to the hospital, the Lord Jesus Christ healed him miraculously because of the effective, fervent prayers of righteous people all over the world. That weekend not only brought him to his knees, but also to maturity. He has come of age.

Come of age is the story of Angus Buchan's inspiring life and ministry, continuing from where Faith Like Potatoes left off. With his testimony he makes you rethink your own life. He inspires in you an unwavering faith in the power of God.

Life Overflowing - T.D. Jakes

Bethany House / Christian Art Publishers

Explore the Great Themes in the Book of Ephesians With Bishop Jakes Study the apostle Paul's epistle to the Ephesians chapter by chapter as Bishop Jakes teaches you what it means to have a life overflowing with God's power. Beginning with the incredible love God has for His children and the plans He has for you beyond your wildest dreams, T.D. Jakes goes on to explore true intimacy with God, the marriage relationship, and spiritual warfare. He includes all of the key teachings from Ephesians in this comprehensive book. Has God's Extravagant Love for You Changed Your Life?

Now's the time to fully grasp what it means to be loved by God, to open your eyes to the exciting and life-changing truths found in the epistle to the Ephesians. Your walk with God will never the same. T.D. Jakes powerfully teaches from the book of Ephesians, leading you into precious intimacy with your heavenly Father. You'll discover the "unsearchable riches" of what it means to live in total consecration to God. Here in one volume you have all the key teachings from Bishop Jakes' SIX PILLARS FROM EPHESIANS series:

1. Loved by God
2. Experiencing Jesus
3. Intimacy with God
4. Life Overflowing
5. Celebrating Marriage
6. Overcoming the Enemy.

When you rely on the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit each day, you will experience a life that's "exceedingly abundantly" above all you could ask or think. And once you've tasted this overflowing life, you'll never want to turn back.

Living Without God - Ronald Aronson

Review by John Andrew
Counterpoint / Horizon Books

Deviating from the somewhat conventional approach of atheist literature, wherein the author typically launches an overt diatribe against religion (usually Christianity), Aronson aims to afford the contemporary atheist (or secularist) a means to counter what he views as the problematic rise in spirituality in modern times and the absence of vision in modern atheism, as well as advice on how to lead a fulfilled life without God. Aronson's writing is eloquent and draws inspiration from the works of notable secular philosophers. However, despite the author's introductory assertions that he aims not to provide another "construct" or religion for people to subscribe to, from the Christian perspective it is difficult to view the book as little more than that.

Awakening The Kind Heart by Kathleen McDonald

Review by John Andrew
Wisdom Publications/Horizon Books

Awakening the Kind Heart's basic premise is to aid the reader in developing their "loving-kindness" towards their fellow man, by virtue of meditation on positive thoughts and words, and through adherence to principles which aim to negate hostile emotions. However, critical reading evinces that several of these 'revolutionary truths' are little more than convoluted rehashes of the laws which Jesus so succinctly paraphrased in His command; that we are to love others as we do ourselves. A myriad of Christian principles which antedate the ones expounded on in this book, such as the importance of guarding one's thoughts and words, and the power of the tongue, are similarly recycled (albeit peppered with Buddhist ideology). Save yourself time and money, and read 1 Corinthians 13 instead.

The Adolescent Storm - Meg Fargher and Helen Dooley

Review by Sharon Malan

One thing to know for sure is that this is a handbook in the true sense of the word. I initially felt as if I was reading an academic paper. However, as I progressed, I was met with some interesting case studies of real life issues that high school students face on a daily basis. This book not only provides insight to the world of the life of a teenager but creates an opportunity of understanding and guiding your adolescent through these years. I would like to suggest that all parents of adolescents read this book when considering the pressure that both parties find themselves under. I believe that the authors, HELEN DOOLEY (psychotherapist) and MEG FARGHER (ex-headmistress) have captured their experience in understanding adolescents in a unique way, which is ultimately to the advantage of parents of adolescents. Let's face it; school is not what it was like when we were once there.

Coach your child for life - Tanya van Zyl

Review by Sharon Malan
Christian Art

This book is just what the title says. The author gives us practical guide that is packed with ideas to not only help your children but also to build and maintain a strong relationship with children. I personally found this guide to be a logical and practical way of thinking that I know, yet I have failed to implement. Tanya has made the implementation of various scriptural principals in child rearing doable for me. There is also a CD included on which Tanya explains some key aspects. The CD contains some coaching conversations that you can listen to with your children. I now have the tools to raise children with an "I can" attitude who can look past a problem and move forward with goals. And, fear not! Tanya is right by your side helping you coach your child in setting these goals.

Her Mother's Hope - Francine Rivers

Review by Patricia Kruger
Christian Art

Her Mother's Hope is the long awaited novel by the best selling author Francine Rivers. This is a first part of a two part epic that spans across generations and continents which explores the bond and love, the unconscious feelings affecting behaviour, forcing growth and change between mother and daughter. Marriage and motherhood brings joy and heartbreak. Martha must give up her life long ambition, she submits to her husband and children, her long kept secret causes her daughter Hildarama to doubt her love. Hildarama wants to gain acceptance by trying to please her mother, she falls in love has children of her own. Her tough love towards her daughter Carolyn is misunderstood. Do not miss the second part "Her Daughter's Dream".

August 2010 Cover

August 2010 Editorial

Education. This is a word and term that is bandied about often, sometimes carelessly and recklessly, sometimes in ignorance, but mostly for noble causes. After all, education in general is a noble cause since it defines in essence the transference of knowledge from one generation to the next; this in turn begs us to appreciate noble aspirations, such as legacy.

But really, education begins and ends in the home, and has less to do with formal schooling than one may think! It seems to be a popular notion that education starts the day we are enrolled for Grade 1 (or Grade R or something similar) and then continues through to Grade 12; after that further education may or may not happen at college, Technikon or university level, after which we go into our respective fields... educated and qualified. Nothing could be further from the truth. As I said, education starts at home (or at the hospital) the day we are born. I am of the opinion that we come into the world fully and perfectly formed as the person we are supposed to be. The road we need to walk (through education) from birth to death is the process of bringing out that perfect being, and that whole person. For most of us, the attainment of reaching that perfection while on earth is probably not feasible, however, it shouldn't stop us from trying. I also think that eternity (if we were to view eternity in terms of time - which it isn't!) is simply the continuance of this road. Until all eternity I believe we will be involved in this educational process - discovering who and what we are in the fullness of God.

Now if this is my belief, then I've also set myself up for quite a task regarding my own children, to those for whom I am either a biological or spiritual father. (I use the word "father" in the broadest sense when referring to my relationship with people with no biological connection). In truth, we all are constantly involved in this dual role - the role of educator and in the place of being educated. By the way, "being educated" is not a destination, but rather a waypoint! Understanding the gravity of my responsibility I can no longer point a finger and make statements such as, "Yes, but the education system is this-or-that," when talking about the failings of society. No, I must make up my mind that I am here to teach and learn all at the same time.

Understanding this responsibility is one thing, but it also implies that we need some kind of yardstick or measuring tool outside of ourselves that is bigger and better, further and more educated/informed, to guide us in the process. Fortunately there is the Absolute against which we are able to measure anything from our achievement to our progress and everything in between. The Absolute, is of course, none other than the Creator, who conceived our shape and being in the first place. So, in essence, our road of educational discovery is to find out more about the Creator; this will allow us to get to grips with who we are supposed to be, and allow us the grace to help every other person, who by necessity is hugely different than us. We are in this journey and adventure together, let us make the best of it and enjoy the ride.