The Book Store

The BookStore

Below you will find a collection of my favorite books that I believe will transform your life. I have personally read many of these and they are the best of the best of what I have had the privilege to study. When you click the link to purchase, it will take you to another site to purchase the book. I do not make any money off the sales of any of this material located on this page. This page is just here to help and inspire you to pick up a good book and study about God's Word or things relevant to us as Christians today. These are recommended reading by us here at Connecting The Gap. The first four books are authored by my pasters at James River Church based out of Ozark, Mo.

JUNE 4, 2019

Soul Set Free

Rediscover the missing piece in what today’s Christians believe about the Christian life. As lead Pastor of one of America’s biggest churches, John Lindell went on a personal quest for answers and discovered the true meaning behind God’s grace, and when he came to see the full revelation of God’s commitment to us, it changed his life forever.

In Soul Set Free, Lindell invites you on a life-changing journey through the Book of Romans. Learn to no longer view the gospel as anything less than a truth that sets your soul free.

The good news of the gospel can be summed up in three parts: Christ died for our sins, we are forgiven through faith in Christ, and heaven is our reward upon death. However, none of these parts cover what transpired when we were saved.

The gospel is even better than what we believe. It brings joy but it’s even better. It’s forgiveness of sins but it’s even better. It’s God sending His only Son but it’s even better.

APRIL 20, 2021

A New Normal

Too many of us visit the land of God’s blessing but never live there.

What if what you have grown accustomed to is far less than what God has for you?
What if what you call “normal” falls tragically short of what you were created for?
What if the difference between you living in God’s best and where you find yourself today is simply your willingness to rise up and fight to experience the new normal—He has for you?

The truth is far too many of us visit the land of God’s blessing but never live there.
We spend much of our lives feeling like we are on the outside of His blessing looking in, but never knowing a sustained experience of God’s best. The reason for our sporadic acquaintance with the fullness of God’s goodness is that we are not willing to wage the battle necessary to inhabit that new normal. This book explores the pathway into the Promise Land that Joshua and the people of Israel trekked and provides spiritual principles for fighting the spiritual battles that unlock a life of walking in God’s best.

In New Normal, John Lindell invites you to join him on a life-changing journey following Joshua and the nation of Israel as they find out what it takes to live in the land of blessing God has prepared for them. Through these pages, you will discover an existence where you no longer view God’s best as a passing reality but as the place where you live.

Experience God’s best for your life!

OCTOBER 4, 2016

She Believes

With over seven billion people in the world, it can be difficult for women to believe they were designed for a purpose. That they individually have value, and their life has meaning that goes beyond what they see or have been told to believe. But that's just the life-changing message Debbie Lindell passionately shares and champions. Every woman, no matter her history, social status, or position in society, was beautifully and magnificently designed by her Creator to live an amazing life.

In She Believes, Lindell shares with women the beautiful truth of God's love for them, empowering them to live out their own unique purpose and bring change to their homes, their workplaces, their communities, and the world. With personal stories and biblical truth, Debbie invites women to trust God's Word--and discover the incredible, abundant life that he created them to live.

OCTOBER 1, 2019

She Prays

One of the most wonderful things about walking with God is that we can have an intimate and real relationship with him. He wants us to know him so well that we are comfortable talking to him about anything and everything. Yet, there are times when we feel disconnected and insecure. We desire to grow in prayer, but we don't know where to begin, what to say, or how to listen for his voice.

In She Prays, Debbie Lindell invites you on a 31-day journey to experience a confident and conversational relationship with your heavenly Father. She shows you how to replace the pressure to perform in prayer with a faith-filled expectation--trusting that God is delighted with every conversation and every word we whisper to him. Her desire is that your soul will be transformed as your confidence in prayer grows, and that your faith will be strengthened as you see God work through your prayers in ways you never imagined possible.

MAY 23, 2022

The Confluence

What if a king wanted to meet with you?

Would it be life-changing... or would it be disappointing?

It has been a life-long war that currently has no end in sight. A reluctant and weary soldier is invited to meet with a king under terms of peace from an opposing kingdom.

Out of everyone possible, why the soldier? Is it a trap? Does he deny the invitation to avoid his potential capture and execution? Or does he courageously risk accusations of treason, among other possible consequences, to face the king for the sake of his curiosity?

SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

More Than A Healer

Our hearts, our bodies, and our world are desperate for healing. Whether we are experiencing physical, emotional, or financial brokenness, we rightfully look to Jesus to perform a masterful restoration. But how does healing fit into God's will, especially when God doesn't heal? And how do we catch ourselves from slipping into the trap of seeking God for what he can do for us, and not for who he really is?

Author, pastor, and frequently sought speaker Costi Hinn provides clarity through thoughtful answers and biblical truths about Jesus and his healing ministry. Growing up immersed in one of the world's leading faith-healing dynasties, Costi witnessed the tragedy of people chasing after healing more than the Healer. And now he shares with others the true power and hope that comes from a genuine relationship with God.

With captivating stories--beginning with the vivid memory of the night he discovered his son's cancer diagnosis--Costi empathetically unpacks the layered feelings and questions we have about God and his healing power and provides practical principles for growing close to Jesus. With gentle clarity and biblical wisdom, Costi explains how to pray for healing while submitting to God's sovereignty, navigate tough conversations about the topic, and hold on to faith even in the most painful trials.

More than chasing after the Jesus we want, this hopeful and encouraging book will guide us to discovering the Jesus we truly need.

FEBRUARY 2, 2016

Not A Fan

After years of serving God, pastor and bestselling author Kyle Idleman had a startling revelation: for too long, he had been living as a fan of Jesus; someone who tried to make Christianity seem as appealing, comfortable, and convenient as he possibly could to others. Idleman decided something had to change--he needed to embark on the journey of becoming a completely committed follower of God, not just a fan.

Fans want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires sacrifice, while followers are all in and completely committed to Christ. Not a Fan gives you the tools you need to determine exactly where you stand when it comes to your relationship with Jesus.

No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, Not a Fan calls you to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple. With frankness and a touch of humor, Idleman invites you to:

Examine your relationship with God
Determine if you're following Jesus or just following the rules
Pray the way Jesus prayed
Start truly living for the one who gave his all for you
This expanded and updated version of Not a Fan also includes a new introduction and an entirely new chapter about how to practically live out the book's core message.

Join Idleman as he challenges you to take an honest look at your relationship with Jesus and discover what it really means to be a follower.

NOVEMBER 13, 2018

Not Supposed To Be This Way

What do you do when God’s timing seems questionable, His lack of intervention hurtful, and His promises doubtful?

Life often looks so very different than we hoped or expected. Some events may simply catch us off guard for a moment, but others shatter us completely. We feel disappointed and disillusioned, and we quietly start to wonder about the reality of God’s goodness.

Lysa TerKeurst understands this deeply. But she's also discovered that our disappointments can be the divine appointments our souls need to radically encounter God. In It's Not Supposed to Be This Way, Lysa invites us into her own journey of faith and, with grit, vulnerability, and honest humor, helps us to:

Stop being pulled into the anxiety of disappointment by discovering how to better process unmet expectations and other painful situations.
Train ourselves to recognize the three strategies of the enemy so we can stand strong and persevere through unsettling relationships and uncertain outcomes.
Discover the secret of being steadfast and not panicking when God actually does give us more than we can handle.
Shift our suspicion that God is cruel or unfair to the biblical assurance that God is protecting and preparing us.
Know how to encourage a friend and help her navigate hard realities with real help from God's truth.

CRAIG GROESCHEL

OCTOBER 27, 2015

#Struggles

We all love the benefits of technology and social media, but even with the incredible upsides, many of us suspect there are unintended negative consequences that are beyond our control. We’ve lost perspective, even perhaps ourselves.

In this timely and life-changing new book, New York Times bestselling author and pastor of LifeChurch.tv Craig Groeschel encourages readers who are hungry to regain control over their lives and put Christ first again. He walks them through biblical values that all Christ followers know are essential, but are even more important for our maxed out, selfie-centered world.

The more you compare, the less satisfied you are. The more we interact online, the more we crave face to face intimacy, but the harder it is to find. The more filtered our lives become, the more challenging it is to be authentic. The more information about the pain in the world we’re exposed to the more difficult it is to care.

It’s time to refresh and rediscover our understanding of the biblical principles that life with Christ brings: contentment, intimacy, authenticity, compassion, rest and more. Groeschel taps in to some of the most up-to-date studies on the effects of social media on our emotions and our friendships. And he offers real-life examples of how we struggle with social media, how it masks our real struggles, and how we can reclaim a Christ-centered life.

With helpful appendices like the 10 Commandments of Using Social Media to Strengthen Your Faith, and Creating Safeguards for Your Digital Devices, you’ll find #Struggles to be just the guide to bring balance and real-life engagement to your everyday life.

MAY 11, 2021

Don't Give The Enemy A Seat At Your Table

Discover how to break free from the chains of negative thinking and experience true freedom from unhealthy thoughts and emotions.

The Enemy is constantly seeking to fill your mind with destructive and harmful thoughts—whether of fear, worry, insecurity, anxiety, temptation, envy. . . . It’s all too easy for Satan to manipulate his way into a seat at the table intended for only you and Jesus, and to try making himself at home in your mind. It’s an ongoing battle, but one you can win!

In Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table, bestselling author and pastor Louie Giglio shares practical ways to overcome the Enemy’s lies and instead find peace and security in any challenging circumstance or situation. By drawing from Psalm 23 as a framework, he offers biblical insight on how to . . .

Cancel the lies that will wreck your life.
Take empowering steps to live fully alive in Christ.
Stop the spiral of shame, temptation, and insecurity.
Restore peace and rest in your life.
Embrace the true purpose behind your journey through challenging circumstances.
Break free from the endless cycle of destructive thinking.

You can find freedom from the war inside your mind—if you allow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, to lead the battle. Learn how to find encouragement, hope, and strength no matter what valleys you face. It’s time to reject the lies and listen to the truth.

JANUARY 1, 2022

Unlocking Kingdom Power

Are you hungry to see God healing people? Are you tired of seeing people plagued by sickness and unbelief? Pastor Tom Loud has seen thousands of healing miracles. Every single time he goes out to minister healing, he sees people healed. Many people also get saved and set free in the process.

As Tom explains, none of this is because of anything special about him. As a believer in Jesus Christ, you can get the same results!

The results began to come for Tom after he had a few simple revelations about what the Bible actually says. Now, Tom teaches these principles all over the world. People come from all over the world to be trained by him. And his YouTube channel has reached millions of viewers with demonstrations of God’s supernatural power.

In Unlocking Kingdom Power, you will learn how to:
Understand Your Identity in Christ
Walk in Full Authority Over Sickness, Disease, and the Enemy
Overcome Your Carnal Mind
Walk in the Spirit Mind
Fulfill God’s Calling for You
Routinely See People Saved, Healed, and Delivered

Are you ready to see more of God’s power in your life?

JANUARY 11, 2022

Last Supper On The Moon

If there are places in your heart and corners of your mind that feel just as deep and dark and inaccessible as outer space, this book is for you. Fight as you may, unearthing the happiness and fulfillment you long for can feel nearly impossible.

In Psalm 8 David urges us to consider the heavens, to look up at the night sky. Doing so will help you discover fundamental truths about God. Namely, that—even though his love for you is as beyond comprehension as the farthest corners of the universe—through his Son, you can grab hold of it, and it has the power to transform your inner space.

Bestselling author Levi Lusko shares how you can:

learn that life is not about “finding yourself” but discovering who Jesus is
believe that God’s love and forgiveness is grander than even your greatest failure
buck the mundane of everyday life and start dreaming again
Embark on an adventure tracing the words and wonders of Jesus on his trek to the cross. Let The Last Supper on the Moon compel you to live with a more profound sense of purpose and a grander view of Jesus, and set you on a trajectory to life, and life more abundantly.

CRAIG GROESCHEL

FEBRUARY 16, 2021

Winning The War In Your Mind

Are your thoughts out of control--just like your life? Do you long to break free from the spiral of destructive thinking? Let God's truth become your battle plan to win the war in your mind!

We've all tried to think our way out of bad habits and unhealthy thought patterns, only to find ourselves stuck with an out-of-control mind and off-track daily life. Pastor and New York Times bestselling author Craig Groeschel understands deeply this daily battle against self-doubt and negative thinking, and in this powerful new book he reveals the strategies he's discovered to change your mind and your life for the long-term.

Drawing upon Scripture and the latest findings of brain science, Groeschel lays out practical strategies that will free you from the grip of harmful, destructive thinking and enable you to live the life of joy and peace that God intends you to live. Winning the War in Your Mind will help you:

Learn how your brain works and see how to rewire it.
Identify the lies your enemy wants you to believe. Recognize and short-circuit your mental triggers for destructive thinking. See how prayer and praise will transform your mind. Develop practices that allow God's thoughts to become your thoughts.

God has something better for your life than your old ways of thinking. It's time to change your mind so God can change your life.

NOVEMBER 8, 2022

Good Boundaries and Goodbyes

Relationships are wonderful . . . until they're not.

Join #1 New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst as she helps you stop the dysfunction of unhealthy relationships by showing you biblical ways to set boundaries--and, when necessary, say goodbye--without losing the best of who you are.

Is it unloving or selfish to set a boundary? Are Christians ever called to walk away from a relationship that’s no longer safe or sustainable? Lysa TerKeurst deeply understands these hard questions in the midst of relational struggles.

But after thousands of hours of counseling intensives and extensive theological research that transformed the way she defined healthy relationships, Lysa is now more committed than ever to loving people well without losing the best of who she is. She wants to help you do the same. In these pages Lysa will help you:

Understand the five factors to remember when implementing healthy boundaries.
Determine the appropriate amount of personal and emotional access someone has to you based on how responsible they'll be with that access.
Stop being misled and emotionally paralyzed by wrongly interpreted or weaponized scriptures that perpetuate unhealthy dynamics in difficult relationships.
Overcome the frustrating cycle of ineffective boundary-setting with realistic scripts and practical strategies to help you communicate, keep, and implement healthier patterns.
Be equipped to say goodbye without guilt when a relationship has shifted from difficult to destructive and is no longer sustainable.
Receive therapeutic wisdom you can trust directly from Lysa’s Christian counselor Jim Cress, who weighs in throughout the book.

You'll be relieved to learn that boundaries aren't just a good idea, they're a God idea.

OCTOBER 18, 2022

Abiding Conversations

"I am the vine. You are the branches. Abide in me, and I will abide in you. If you abide in me, you will bear much fruit. Apart from me, you can do nothing" (John 15:5, NIV).This is Abiding Conversations, the Lord's voice as it echoes through His Word, and my prayers offered in response to His Shepherd's voice. Know. Obey. Confess. Give thanks. These five words have helped guide my reading of the Bible. They draw me into intimate conversations with my Creator and Lord as I am led by the Holy Spirit in prayer. Come join me in this journey of not just reading God's Word but communing in conversation with our Maker.

MARCH 1, 2017

Bible Prophecy Answer Book

Studying Prophecy Can Change Your Life

Strengthen your faith and find real hope for the future in this extensive resource that provides concise answers to your most burning questions about Bible prophecy and the end times. Topics include everything from how to interpret prophecy to clarifying the perplexing specifics of the rapture, the antichrist, and the afterlife.

Respected Bible scholar Ron Rhodes addresses questions many are asking, such as...

Is it important that we be aware of the signs of the times?
Do Christians agree about the role of America in Bible prophecy?
Is there biblical evidence that the church will escape the tribulation period?
Will only believers enter into Christ's millennial kingdom?
In what way will the heavens and earth be made "new"?
Whether you're looking for quick instruction or you're eager to go deeper, this accessible Q&A-style guide will help you navigate prophetic Scripture passages and better understand matters of eternal significance.

JOHN & NANCY CHASE

August 25, 2022

Under the Potted Rose

Great! That's just great! Just because I skipped out on that stupid economics class one too many times, I can't graduate with the rest of my class. Now that horrible man, Principal Speace, is assigning me some lame "special assignment" to earn my diploma. As if I haven't already worked hard enough in the past twelve years. He gave me 50 days to get it done, and it looks like it will take every bit of that ...

Sara is 18 and ready to graduate high school, but because she has skipped class too many times, Principal Speace will not give her a diploma. She is faced with an ultimatum: either complete a special assignment that will last 50 days or return next semester to complete the class.

Coming from an abusive, single-parent home, Sara is eager to graduate so she can get a job and move out on her own, so she grudgingly accepts the assignment.

Each assignment is a mystery. When Sara completes an assignment and leaves her report under the potted rose in front of the school, she finds another brief note from Principal Speace about her next adventure.

What follows are situations that challenge her in every way and shape the rest of her life.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2022

No Reason to Hide

Will You Be Complicit, Complacent, or Courageous?

In a culture with an ever-narrowing definition of tolerance, Christians can no longer stay silent about the divide between the Bible’s truth and the world’s lies. From bestselling author Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer, No Reason to Hide examines the toxic roots behind the alarming symptoms of a nation in spiritual freefall—and why your faith must empower you to engage rather than hide.

As you read, you’ll be equipped to defend your biblical beliefs with confidence and compassion. You’ll also identify how you can respond to the battleground issues of today, including
identity-driven social justice ideologies that seek to divide rather than unite
cultural attacks on the definitions of sex and gender that turn language into a war
progressive pushes within the church that ultimately desecrate the Bible’s teachings

A call for believers to standing firm in today’s oppressive world, No Reason to Hide is a rallying reminder that will ready Christians everywhere to have the courage to proclaim Scripture’s truth to a culture in desperate need of what only God can offer.

APRIL 10, 2024

Backyard Benny

After moving into CityTown's newest neighborhood, four future friends face the furriest of fiascos... finding a dumpster-diving-dog named Benny a new home! Join Deon, Rain, Izzy, and Noah as they learn to overcome anxiety, face their fear of failure, and furnish fur-ever friendships.

- Backyard Benny offers more than just a compelling story for children to engage and relate with - it provides readers with phonetical exercise through the creative use of alliteration and dictional pacing.

- Readers are also given agency over the story by being invited to complete the captivating illustrations created by Megan van der Berg using their own resources.

- The cast of characters is intentionally diverse, (both in appearance and abilities) ensuring everyone who reads Backyard Benny will recognize a part of themselves within the story.

- Backyard Benny can be enjoyed by children of all ages, but has been carefully crafted to attract audiences between the ages of 5-9 years old.

JULY 30, 2024

Favored

Have you ever felt like God has Favorites, but you are not one of them?

God does have favorites, but the good news is, ‘You can be one too.’ The choice is up to you. On this journey, you will learn what it means to choose to be his favorite, discover freedom in walking with Christ, learn how to access more of God and steward his favor in your life.

God’s Favorites: Spend Time With Him, See What He is Doing, and Have Faith for the Supernatural in Their Lives.

© 2024 Connecting The Gap