FaithfulReader.com - 2010 Easter Roundup

Spring is a time of rejoicing and rebirth, both in nature and in faith. In celebration of the Easter season and the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we at FaithfulReader.com have selected a wide range of literature that will connect with you on a spiritual and emotional level. These works will remind you of the trials and tribulations that Jesus faced --- all in the name of love for His people.

Billy Joe Daugherty
WaterBrook Press
Christian Living
ISBN:

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360˚ LIFE is filled with the late Billy Joe Daugherty’s warm wisdom and challenging insights that will guide readers into a life of fulfillment, courage and joy. Sharing from his own life, as well as from the examples of people from the Bible and those living today, Billy Joe reveals a clear path to a flourishing faith.

Gwen Ford Faulkenberry
Summerside Press
Christian Living
ISBN:

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When things are going our way, it’s easy to praise God and believe that He has our best in mind. But in this world, life happens. Jobs are lost. Marriage commitments are broken. Illnesses devastate us. Yet we still have hope. Like everyone else, Christians have struggles but in the midst of them, Jesus fashions beauty from ashes and holds us up when things are tough. If God is sovereign and God is good at the same time, then every day can be a beautiful day regardless of the circumstances...because He is with us.

Lee Strobel
Zondervan
Religious Studies
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THE CASE FOR THE RESURRECTION, a 96-page booklet from bestselling author Lee Strobel, provides new evidence that shines a fresh light on the Bible’s most important story --- the resurrection. Whether you’re a pastor, layperson, student, parent, or grandparent…leading up to the Easter holiday season is a time when millions of people are looking for engaging ways to bring the Easter story to life.

Ginger Garrett
David C. Cook
Fiction
ISBN:

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Wrenched from a simple life for her beauty, Esther finds herself at the mercy of King Xerxes. Leaving behind her only relative, her cousin, Mordecai, and her first true love, Cyrus, she is thrown headlong into the unrestrained extravagance of palace living. Quick of mind and strong in spirit, she refuses to suffer the fate of her harem sisters and boldly challenges Xerxes to give of his heart before taking his pleasure, thus sealing her place beside him a queen. While conspiracy spins its diabolical web, Esther’s mind and spirit waver, and she is forced to confront the past in order to save her future --- and that of an entire nation.

Brock and Bodie Thoene
Tyndale House Publishers
Fiction
ISBN:

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The lepers in the Valley of Mak’ob hear rumors that a miracle worker is walking the earth. Ten are chosen to search for him, knowing that outside the Valley lies almost certain death. Could this healer be the Messiah they long for? And will they find him in time? You will be touched by the stories of these broken, weary travelers searching for the Messiah.

William Moss
The Barnabas Agency
Christian Living
ISBN:

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Inner peace is attainable in the person and presence of Christ. God wants us to find peace, and He will show us the way, if we are willing to accept it.

There are many distractions that stand in the way of our inner peace. Sometimes these are due to our circumstances. Other times it is our sin or the attitudes of our hearts that stand between us and the inner peace we crave. Through prayer and meditation, we can transcend all the distractions and difficulties of our days if we live by the Spirit and put God’s love and presence first.

Andrew Wilson
David C. Cook
Biblical Studies
ISBN:

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In 56 short narratives, GODSTORIES explores the beautiful, triumphant, often heartbreaking and always glorious stories that make up the gospel of God --- GODSTORIES.

Just as we have one God in three persons, and one church made up of many people, so in Scripture we have one gospel made up of many stories. Inside readers will rediscover the glorious mission of God, freedom from sin, and how the promises of God never fail.

Prepare to be stunned and in total amazement at the many-faceted gospel story, the greatest story ever told

Rob and Susan Cotrell
Summerside Press
Devotional
ISBN:

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In 2005, Rob Cottrell began writing and sending a daily encouraging e-mail --- a “HopeMinute” --- to hundreds of families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Through these messages of hope, days have been brightened and hearts have been changed. The best of these encouraging moments have been revised, expanded and accented by inspiring prayers written by Rob’s wife, Susan.

Angie Smith
B&H Books
Memoir
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In 2008, Angie Smith and her husband Todd (lead singer of the group Selah) learned through ultrasound that their fourth daughter had conditions making her “incompatible with life.” Advised to terminate the pregnancy, the Smiths chose instead to carry this child and allow room for a miracle. That miracle came the day they met Audrey Caroline and got the chance to love her for the precious two-and-a-half hours she lived on earth.

Upon receiving the original diagnosis, Angie started a blog (“Bring the Rain”) to keep family and friends informed of their journey. Soon, the site exploded in popularity, connecting with thousands who were either experiencing their own heartbreaking situations or simply curious about how God could carry someone through something so tragic. I WILL CARRY YOU tells the powerful story of a parent losing her child, interwoven with the biblical story of Lazarus to help those who mourn to still have hope --- to find grace and peace in the sacred dance of grief and joy.

Bob Perks
Thomas Nelson
Religion & Spirituality
ISBN:

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I WISH YOU ENOUGH encompasses eight values needed for true contentment and happiness, and transforms them into eight wishes --- or sentiments --- for the reader. Through short, inspirational stories about everyday people, author Bob Perks reopens our eyes and hearts to the abundance all around that we so often take for granted.

Matt Mikalatos
BarnaBooks
Fiction
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IMAGINARY JESUS is an hilarious, fast-paced, not-quite-fictional story that’s unlike anything you’ve ever read before. When Matt Mikalatos realizes that his longtime buddy in the robe and sandals isn’t the real Jesus at all, but an imaginary one, he embarks on a mission to find the real thing. On his wild ride through time, space and Portland, Oregon, he encounters hundreds of other Imaginary Jesuses determined to stand in his way (like Legalistic Jesus, Perpetually Angry Jesus, and Magic 8 Ball Jesus). But Matt won’t stop until he finds the real Jesus --- and finally gets an answer to the question that’s haunted him for years. Be warned: IMAGINARY JESUS may bring you face-to-face with an imposter in your own life.

Tim LaHaye, with David Minasian
David C. Cook
Religion & Spirituality
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Bestselling author Tim LaHaye, together with co-author David Minasian, looks back through history and peers into the prophetic future to show us why the world’s “Jesus Fascination” should come as no surprise; every generation since Christ has grappled with the question, Who was He? What does He mean to us here, today?

After reading about Jesus’ life, legacy and pervasive influence, you may find yourself connecting the dots of your own spiritual journey and answering the timeless question that came from the lips of Jesus Himself: Who do you say that I am?

Sarah Young
Thomas Nelson
Christian Living
ISBN:

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Knowing Jesus on a deeper, more personal level not only means sharing all aspects of your life with the Savior, but it means seeing Him at work in your life as well. Whether you're struggling your way through a valley or reaping a bounty of blessings, Jesus is very much alive and present. The question is, Do you recognize His voice? His desire to fellowship with you? JESUS LIVES exemplifys Jesus' presence in your life, giving insight and wisdom, and bringing to light the truth of Romans 8:11: The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you!

Joan Chittister
Thomas Nelson
Christian Living/Spiritual Growth
ISBN:

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The liturgical year, beginning on the first Sunday of Advent and carrying through the following November, sets out to attune the life of the Christian to the life of Christ. This book opens what may at first seem to be simply an arbitrary arrangement of ancient holy days to their essential relationship to one another and their ongoing meaning to us today. It is an excursion into life from the Christian perspective, from the viewpoint of those who set out not only to follow Jesus but to live as Jesus lived and to think as Jesus thought.

Darin Hufford
Windblown Media
Christian Life
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THE MISUNDERSTOOD GOD analyzes what religion says about God’s heart and personality and measures it up to what God calls Himself: Love. It simplifies a generation’s tangled perceptions of God by taking a journey through the 16 aspects of love described in one of the most well-known Bible passages in the world: 1 Corinthians 13, also known as “the love chapter.” So many Christians have been bombarded with confusing teachings and doctrines that their understanding of God resembles a tightly tangled ball of Christmas tree lights. This book takes that twisted mess and replaces it with one soft, warm light of truth that anyone can embrace: God is love.

Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell
Living Books
Christian Living
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The inspirational classic, MORE THAN A CARPENTER, is now updated for a new generation of seekers with a fresh look, revised material, and a new chapter that addresses questions commonly raised today. Former skeptic Josh McDowell is now joined by his son Sean as they examine the evidence about Jesus. Is he really the Lord he claimed to be? How can we know for sure? MORE THAN A CARPENTER offers arguments for faith from a skeptic turned believer. Since its original publication in 1977, this modern classic has sold over 15 million copies, been translated into dozens of languages, and introduced countless people to the real Jesus. Now with new content that addresses questions raised by today’s popular atheist writers.

Andy Andrews
Thomas Nelson
Christian Living/Spiritual Growth
ISBN:

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A small town filled with regular people and their regular problems discovers the bigger picture when things look darkest. A mysterious old man named Jones shows up and communicates what he calls “a little perspective.” Jones explains that he has been given a gift of noticing things that others miss. In his simple interactions, Jones speaks to that part in everyone that is yearning to understand why things happen and what they can do about it. Based on a remarkable true story, THE NOTICER beautifully blends fiction, allegory and inspiration.

William Lane Craig
David C. Cook
Christian Life/Spiritual Growth
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In his engaging style, Dr. William Lane Craig offers four arguments for God’s existence, defends the historicity of Jesus’ personal claims and resurrection, addresses the problem of suffering, and shows why religious relativism doesn’t work. Along the way, he shares his own story of following God’s call.

This one-stop, how-to-defend-your-faith manual will equip you to advance faith conversations deliberately, applying straightforward, cool-headed arguments. You will discover not just what you believe, but why you believe --- and how being on guard with the truth has the power to change lives forever.

Priscilla Shirer
B&H Books
Christian Living
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The Egyptians in Exodus 1 were intent on enslaving the Israelites, wearing them down so that God’s chosen people would become disillusioned and not live up to their destiny. Of the original two million Israelites who received God’s invitation to enter the Promised Land, only two actually entered it!

Similarly, modern day Christians often hear and understand the promises of God each Sunday morning at church but then rarely choose to experience them in everyday life. In ONE IN A MILLION, Bible teacher Priscilla Shirer invites us to change that pattern for good, living beyond our circumstances and expecting to see God move in miraculous ways day after day. Without a doubt, we can find and follow God’s purpose for our journey. We can make it to the Promised Land!

Robert J. Morgan
B&H Books
Christian Living
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In THE PROMISE, bestselling author Robert J. Morgan (THEN SINGS MY SOUL) illuminates the power of Romans 8:28 through real-life stories of hope overcoming heartache and points readers to an unshakable basis for faith and joy. With gentle yet certain power, the book inspires us to deal more effectively with everyday stress and strain and to be more equipped for serious trouble. You can use and share THE PROMISE with others through all things, in every hour of need.

Adrian Warnock
Crossway Books
Religious Studies
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In RAISED WITH CHRIST, author Adrian Warnock writes out of deep concern that compared to his atoning death, Jesus' resurrection sparks relatively little discussion in the church. We can become so focused on the cross where Christ died for our sins, that we almost forget he was "raised for our justification."

The resurrection changes the cross from a tragedy into a triumph. It changes fear into love, despair into joy. It changes people from being spiritually dead to being alive to God. It changes anxiety into a hope that goes beyond the grave. It changes our sinful hearts so they want to follow the Lord Jesus. RAISED WITH CHRIST is an urgent charge to churches and believers to consider how the resurrection changes everything.

Jerry B. Jenkins
Tyndale House Publishers
Fiction
ISBN:

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RIVEN is the powerful story a man who seems hopelessly lost before he meets the One who can save even the most troubled soul. RIVEN is a novel that will remind you that the love of God can transform even the hardest heart. RIVEN will cause you to look at Christ’s ultimate sacrifice in a new way this Easter.

D.A. Carson
Crossway Books
Religious Studies
ISBN:

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SCANDALOUS is the latest addition to the Re:Lit series. Through the exposition of five passages of Scripture, D.A. Carson helps readers to more fully understand and appreciate the scandal of the cross. "Everything that we know and appreciate and praise God for springs from this bloody cross," Carson explains. "Gifts of the Spirit, fellowship with the saints, comfort in life and death, the hope of heaven, and anticipated resurrection. Even in our new identity --- we are no longer failures or disappointments, but deeply loved, blood bought, human beings, redeemed by Christ, and declared just by God."

E. Stanley Jones
Summerside Press
Devotional
ISBN:

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What makes the difference between ordinary living and extraordinary, victorious living? How can we build a new inner strength that shines through in our outward character and relationships? Our own efforts to rise above are ineffective, but by applying the power of God’s Word, we can close the gap between our reality and our beliefs. VICTORIOUS LIVING is a devotional classic written in 1936 by E. Stanley Jones, the greatest Christian leader of his day. Now this vibrant work is making a long-deserved comeback, updated for the 21st century by noted editor Dean Merrill.

For Younger Readers

Kenneth N. Taylor
Tyndale Kids
Religion & Spirituality
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Ken Taylor’s bestselling book is now updated with all-new bright and colorful illustrations and a larger trim size. Using the alphabet as a learning tool, the easy-to-use format of this beloved picture book connects Bible themes and verses that teach kids ages 3-7 Christian values. Each spread represents a letter of the alphabet and a Christian value or moral lesson beginning with the same letter. Kids are encouraged to find the lesson being modeled (or not) in the illustrations. They are also asked questions to help them apply the lesson to their lives. This book is sure to win the hearts of kids and parents alike.

created by Andrew McDonough
Zondervan
Fiction
ISBN:

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Shouts of praise…waving branches…and Jesus going to Jerusalem. All of this adds up to what seems like a joyful event. Read as the donkey that gives Jesus a ride tells his side of the story with help from his grandfather.

Cindy Kenney
Zonderkidz
Fiction
ISBN:

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This adaptation of the new VeggieTales® video, An Easter Carol, shares the real meaning of Easter in a fun and entertaining way! Ebenezer Nezzer is confused about what Easter really means, and he’s determined to turn a little town in London into Easter Land --- filled with Easter egg hunts and chocolate bunnies. Can anyone stop him? When he receives a visit from a tiny angel, Ebenezer gets a glimpse at Easter past, present and future, and finds out what life might be like without the hope of a real Easter! With the help of his Veggie friends, Ebenezer makes some amazing discoveries and realizes that the hope of Easter is life everlasting…if you believe in Jesus.

written by Mike Thaler
illustrated by Jared Lee
Zonderkidz
Fiction
ISBN:

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Join the Easter egg hunt with a skeptical young boy as he questions the tradition of eggs and bunnies, and finds out the true purpose of our Easter celebration. With humor and love for the church, the creators of the Black Lagoon series show readers what Easter is really all about.

written by Virginia Kroll
illustrated by Sally Wern Comport
Zonderkidz
Fiction
ISBN:

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Anya’s family is too poor to buy eggs to decorate for Easter. But then Anya discovers an abandoned nest of goose eggs and plans an Easter surprise. Yet there’s more than one surprise in store in this tender tale set in 19th-century Ukraine.

Beth Ryan
Thomas Nelson
Fiction
ISBN:

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Six-year-old Katie’s next-door neighbor, Papa Jack, has the most beautiful flowers in town. He seems like a mean man, but Katie has a special place in his heart. Every Easter Sunday, she stops by to get her flowers for the Flowering of the Cross at church. Only this year, Papa Jack decides to come along, and Katie helps him discover the real meaning of the Cross. Designed to place God’s truths in the heart of children, THE FLOWERING CROSS has suggestions throughout that will help parents share God’s Word with their child.

written by Lisa Tawn Bergren
illustrated by Laura J. Bryant
WaterBrook Press
Fiction
ISBN:

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Grampa Bear’s gentle explanations of all the different kinds of love for families, friends, and moms and dads teach Little Cub the importance of loving others and the gift of God’s love for her --- the biggest love of all!

Mark Bernthal
Zonderkidz
Fiction
ISBN:

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God’s Easter Love --- Children six and under will love hunting for Easter eggs along with BOZ, Drew and Gracie in this brightly colored die-cut board book. BOZ has hidden eggs in all sorts of fun places! Kids will discover new life in trees, flowers, birds and ducks. As each egg is found, children will uncover fun reminders of Jesus’ gift of new life for everyone.

written by Tish Rabe
illustrated by Frank Endersby
Thomas Nelson
Fiction
ISBN:

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Introducing the I Believe Bunny --- a delightful new series that helps kids learn about believing, sharing, and putting their faith into action. Children will identify with Bunny and learn along with him that God is always there to help. Not only does this precious book teach the importance of calling on God for our every need, it helps children remember to be thankful for God’s work in their lives.

written by Chris Auer
illustrated by Rick Johnson
Zonderkidz
Fiction
ISBN:

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Eight-year-old Kerry loves the ocean. But on this visit to the beach, she discovers a little-known treasure and learns of the story of Easter revealed in the sand dollar. Now you and your child can discover the story behind this small ocean treasure as stunning illustrations form the backdrop for this familiar seaside legend. Seen through the eyes of children, THE LEGEND OF THE SAND DOLLAR shares the timeless hope of resurrection and new life --- the promise of Easter.

Stephen Elkins
Thomas Nelson
Fiction
ISBN:

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The LULLABIBLE is a great gift for first-time mommies, baptisms, or dedications. This precious book and CD is a must-have for every nursery. Because each of the lullabies delivers a message of God’s love from the Bible, little ones can fall asleep listening to the comforting assurance of God’s promises. Beautifully illustrated, the LULLABIBLE is a timeless treasury of stories and verses for parents and children to share.

Heidi Hess Saxton
Thomas Nelson
Bible Stories
ISBN:

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With almost 200 stories, this book is an excellent resource for children and families to grow together in their faith and knowledge of Catholic tradition. It uses selections from the actual text of the highly respected and readable New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, including stories from the Deuterocanonical Books. With its thorough teaching of Catholic faith, Bible stories and classic art, this Bible Storybook will be a welcome addition to Catholic homes, schools and churches.

Gwen Ellis
Thomas Nelson
Bible Stories
ISBN:

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From the Read and Share Bible brand, this retelling of the Easter story is explained in a way that helps young children understand the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. This story walks through the last week of Christ’s life and is told in a way that teaches children about the amazing gift Jesus gave us. Events include His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through His appearance to the disciples and His ascension. The animated DVD includes 15 minutes of stories plus coloring pages and other bonus features.

written by Dandi Daley Mackall
illustrated by Anna Vojtech
Zonderkidz
Fiction
ISBN:

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Brought to life with colorful, tender illustrations, THE STORY OF THE EASTER ROBIN will captivate and teach your child about compassion and faith.

--- Compiled and written by Steve Giordano