Matthew records no fewer than 13 parables of Jesus about the kingdom of heaven. No doubt, the Son of God placed great emphasis on the kingdom, declaring it to be “at hand” and yet coming. Jesus used parables to reveal previously hidden truths about the kingdom, but for many it remains a mystery. When we turn to the Scriptures, we find perplexing and seemingly contradictory teachings about the kingdom, yet it was the primary focus of Christ’s teaching.

What is the kingdom of heaven? Is the kingdom here already, or are we to wait for it? Why did Jesus use parables to describe it? Who’s in the kingdom and who’s not? Why are some cast out of the kingdom? And what can we learn from Jesus’ stories of mustard seeds, pearls and bridesmaids? The Kingdom According to Jesus explores these questions in a simple and compelling way that encourages readers to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33).

Divorce, unemployment, accidents, cancer, addictions, war, disabilities, loneliness…why do we have so many heartaches and problems? Why does God allow bad things to happen to His children?

& n b s p ; & nbsp;          In Trusting God Through Troubles & Tears, author Cindy Rooy guides us on an inspiring journey exploring three of God’s attributes to prove His trustworthiness. She presents ways to develop one’s faith in God and reveals the benefits of trusting Him. This practical study features nine biblical reasons why God allows pain and adversity in our lives.

& n b s p ; & nbsp;          The book’s relevant topic is applicable for men and women, teens to seniors, and designed for individual study and small groups. Each of the six chapters contains five encouraging lessons plus group discussion questions. Written in conversational style, the lessons include personal stories, questions, activities, Bible reading, prayer suggestions, and space for journaling. This six-week workbook is ideal for short-term and summertime Bible studies.

For Frampton Frog, life is good in Jacob’s Meadow. He is a friend to all who live there, especially to Bugle-eye Frog. So, when Bugle-eye’s treasured umbrella goes missing, Frampton Frog hops into action to help him find it.

In Frampton Frog Visits Little Bugle-Eye, author Kathleen Bettilyon introduces readers to Frampton Frog, Little Bugle-eye, Betty Bunny, and the other residents of Jacob’s Meadow. All Frampton wants to do is to be a true friend and a servant of Christ to those who live in the meadow. As he helps Bugle-eye search for his missing umbrella, Frampton has the perfect chance to share what it means to be a friend as well as to teach the meadow’s residents about one of Christ’s most important lessons: forgiveness.

 Frampton Frog Visits Little Bugle-Eye teaches children about friendship, understanding, and forgiveness. We can all learn a lesson from Frampton Frog, Bugle-eye Frog, and the other creatures that make their home in Jacob’s Meadow.

Be Not Deceived offers detailed guidance for studying the Bible’s many passages that speak about the second coming of Jesus Christ. For each passage, it provides a condensed guide to the clear meaning of the verses, summaries of the work of past biblical scholars, and cross-references to other Bible passages. Author Robert Burke Burns also incorporates a variety of supporting articles that connect the words of the Scriptures to events in the contemporary world.

A curious reader of the Bible will come across passages that can present challenges for interpretation. In the same way, an attentive citizen will read and hear news reports that lead one to wonder about history’s sometimes confusing twists and turns. Be Not Deceived brings a wealth of faithful scholarship and study to bear on how the Bible anticipates and responds to the vagaries of history. By surveying the whole witness of the Bible, Be Not Deceived empowers its readers to respond knowledgeably to the world’s challenges and to live faithfully by the Word of God.

You may find yourself wondering about the world’s turmoil. You might ask how the Bible’s witness speaks of hope in the second coming of Jesus Christ. You may be seeking to equip yourself to make wise and obedient decisions to follow the Lord and to live in ways that glorify God. You will find in studying Be Not Deceived that it will speak to your questions and concerns, your search for a witness, and your desire for wisdom.

Be Not Deceived offers detailed guidance for studying the Bible’s many passages that speak about the second coming of Jesus Christ. For each passage, it provides a condensed guide to the clear meaning of the verses, summaries of the work of past biblical scholars, and cross-references to other Bible passages. Author Robert Burke Burns also incorporates a variety of supporting articles that connect the words of the Scriptures to events in the contemporary world.

A curious reader of the Bible will come across passages that can present challenges for interpretation. In the same way, an attentive citizen will read and hear news reports that lead one to wonder about history’s sometimes confusing twists and turns. Be Not Deceived brings a wealth of faithful scholarship and study to bear on how the Bible anticipates and responds to the vagaries of history. By surveying the whole witness of the Bible, Be Not Deceived empowers its readers to respond knowledgeably to the world’s challenges and to live faithfully by the Word of God.

You may find yourself wondering about the world’s turmoil. You might ask how the Bible’s witness speaks of hope in the second coming of Jesus Christ. You may be seeking to equip yourself to make wise and obedient decisions to follow the Lord and to live in ways that glorify God. You will find in studying Be Not Deceived that it will speak to your questions and concerns, your search for a witness, and your desire for wisdom.

Amos was a stern prophet with a serious message. Far from being seeker friendly, he was tough and direct in an age similar to ours: prosperous, self-sufficient and for the most part having forgotten God. Because the spiritual and living conditions were so similar to our day, there is much we can learn from this faithful Old Testament prophet.

Dr. Fred Wood has spent a lifetime of both loving and teaching his sheep. Throughout the commentary, you will soon hear his soft heart amid the harsh judgments of God from the tongue of Amos. Serious Bible readers will enjoy the clarity of thought and exegetical prowess Dr. Wood brings to the task. Blending grammatical accuracy with a wealth of knowledge related to customs, manners, culture, geography and ancient history, this book provides insight into Amos’ uncompromising message and application to today’s contemporary world.

No one, from the person in the pew to the person in the pulpit, is immune to financial hardship. Personal finance and money management decisions affect more than individual lives—they impact relationships among people and, in the case of ministers, professional ministry. To develop and maintain credibility, it is important for ministers to establish a positive financial testimony before God and before their congregation. In Managing Money in the Ministry, author Christopher Stocklin—Doctor of Ministry and author of Cash, Credit, and Control and Financial Transformation—guides current and prospective ministers through an enlightening, personal, biblical approach to adopting healthy spending practices, eliminating debt, minimizing expenses, and maximizing income.

God is not concerned with how much money a minister has, but He does care what is done with that money. Using biblical lessons and personal experiences, Dr. Stocklin focuses on helping ministers implement a personal strategy to track expenses, develop future financial planning, establish a cash cushion, practice biblical stewardship, and institute spendable income parameters. Ignoring a financial plan can lead to financial wandering akin to the nation of Israel in the Old Testament, thus revealing a lack of direction, aim, and purpose.

Ministers cannot afford to separate their personal journey with God from their financial decisions. By creating direction and goals in personal finances, ministers can experience financial freedom and truly exalt the Lord Jesus Christ.

No one, from the person in the pew to the person in the pulpit, is immune to financial hardship. Personal finance and money management decisions affect more than individual lives—they impact relationships among people and, in the case of ministers, professional ministry. To develop and maintain credibility, it is important for ministers to establish a positive financial testimony before God and before their congregation. In Managing Money in the Ministry, author Christopher Stocklin—Doctor of Ministry and author of Cash, Credit, and Control and Financial Transformation—guides current and prospective ministers through an enlightening, personal, biblical approach to adopting healthy spending practices, eliminating debt, minimizing expenses, and maximizing income.

God is not concerned with how much money a minister has, but He does care what is done with that money. Using biblical lessons and personal experiences, Dr. Stocklin focuses on helping ministers implement a personal strategy to track expenses, develop future financial planning, establish a cash cushion, practice biblical stewardship, and institute spendable income parameters. Ignoring a financial plan can lead to financial wandering akin to the nation of Israel in the Old Testament, thus revealing a lack of direction, aim, and purpose.

Ministers cannot afford to separate their personal journey with God from their financial decisions. By creating direction and goals in personal finances, ministers can experience financial freedom and truly exalt the Lord Jesus Christ.

No one, from the person in the pew to the person in the pulpit, is immune to financial hardship. Personal finance and money management decisions affect more than individual lives—they impact relationships among people and, in the case of ministers, professional ministry. To develop and maintain credibility, it is important for ministers to establish a positive financial testimony before God and before their congregation. In Managing Money in the Ministry, author Christopher Stocklin—Doctor of Ministry and author of Cash, Credit, and Control and Financial Transformation—guides current and prospective ministers through an enlightening, personal, biblical approach to adopting healthy spending practices, eliminating debt, minimizing expenses, and maximizing income.

God is not concerned with how much money a minister has, but He does care what is done with that money. Using biblical lessons and personal experiences, Dr. Stocklin focuses on helping ministers implement a personal strategy to track expenses, develop future financial planning, establish a cash cushion, practice biblical stewardship, and institute spendable income parameters. Ignoring a financial plan can lead to financial wandering akin to the nation of Israel in the Old Testament, thus revealing a lack of direction, aim, and purpose.

Ministers cannot afford to separate their personal journey with God from their financial decisions. By creating direction and goals in personal finances, ministers can experience financial freedom and truly exalt the Lord Jesus Christ.

NANA, DOES GOD LOVE THE DEVIL?, written by Cathy Campbell and illustrated by Rachel Lessing, is a delightful and engaging story of a grandmother (Nana) and a granddaughter (Rachel) that is simple to read and understand, but is deep with spiritual truths.  This book was written for children, but really, people of all ages can enjoy this day that Nana and Rachel spend together.  Discover the answer to the question, “Does God love the devil?” along with Rachel!  Nana answers many other questions that Rachel has.  Read this fun story and get something out of it more than entertainment!

Dick Wright, Editorial Cartoonist and

Pastor, Community Christian Fellowship

Warrenton, Virginia

Fear. It paralyzes us and makes us want to flee from conflicts, problems, responsibilities, life. It makes us want to turn to our “drugs of choice,” whatever they may be, since they offer us immediate distraction and relief. When we run in fear, we run as Jonah did—away from the Lord—but as the Lord in His dynamic power, wisdom, and perfect love was ever at Jonah’s side, so He is at ours.

In I Ran, but I Couldn’t Hide: Solace, Serenity, and Joy from the Book of Jonah, author and former pastor Bill Favorite traces Jonah’s dramatic journey from learning God’s intended path for him and his subsequent flight in the opposite direction to his repentance, deliverance, success, and surrender. Written from Jonah’s perspective, I Ran, but I Couldn’t Hide invites us to relate our own experiences to the trials and victories Jonah faced.