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To simply call Dave Richardson Jr.’s new book, “Transparent,” an apologetics book would be an easy way to ignore what is underneath the surface of its powerful new look at why you believe the way you do.Everyone makes assumptions.“Those assumptions are the things that drive us and control us every day,” Richardson told me. “It’s like an autopilot in our head.”I interviewed Richardson during the International Christian Retail Show. He was there to promote his book, “Transparent: How to See Through the Powerful Assumptions That Control You.”He earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Portland, a master’s degree in theological studies from the International School of Theology and a MTh. in applied theology from the University of Oxford. He worked with Campus Crusade for Christ (or Cru) for 30 years, spending most of his time with professors.The premise of “Transparent” came about from Richardson’s 20 years’ work with university and college professors, helping them connect faith with what they do. He researched how people come to faith and why some abandon it. He said that many Christians’ assumptions are not biblical.While God is big in many people’s lives and they may have a good prayer life, the average person rarely asks, “How does God inform what you do at work?”“They couldn’t tell you,” he said. “How does God make a difference in your work? Because He actually gives you knowledge about what you do.”He recalled attending a conference about 15 years ago in which the late philosopher Dallas Willard was speaking to professors. Willard asked them who the smartest person was in their fields. He said if it was anyone other than Jesus Christ, they had named the wrong person.“If Jesus does not contribute to knowledge in your field, then why does He contribute knowledge in your personal life?”Christian professors go to class and teach the same way that atheists do, even at Christian universities, Richardson said.Richardson is challenging assumptions at numerous levels, beyond the book.He said he is starting up a new foundation, The Assumptions Institute. According to its website (theassumptionsinstitute.org), it “is at the forefront of helping families and churches reduce the number of Christian youth leaving their faith. Understanding assumptions can help us change people's lives.”
One of his tools is an app that helps parents walk through assumptions with their kids. Say the parent and child are watching a movie. The parent can take the app and in a few steps walk through the movie’s assumptions with the child.Why is that important? Research shows that 60 percent to 75 percent of children raised within the church or a ministry will leave in their 20s, and very few will return, Richardson said.“I know why it happens and I know when it happens and it’s not in the university and it’s not in the high school,” he said. “It starts in the kindergarten. And it starts with the basic assumptions we teach our young kids. And it’s really the church that pushes the kids out the door. And they don’t even realize what’s going on.”The app (Critical Assumptions Test) is made for everyone, not just parents, but also for professors. Parents can use the app to prepare their children for the day they go off to university or career.“When the world comes at them with all these wild crazy things, they’ll be able to discern quickly whether it’s true or whether it’s not so they’ll accept it or reject it and how that all relates back to their faith in Christ,” he said.The book is available on Amazon. It will be available from major book stores Aug. 16, the date the app launches online. Richardson has three websites for more information:theassumptionsinstitute.orgthetransparentbook.comdaverichardson.org

To simply call Dave Richardson Jr.’s new book, “Transparent,” an apologetics book would be an easy way to ignore what is underneath the surface of its powerful new look at why you believe the way you do. Everyone makes assumptions. “Those assumptions are the things that drive us and control us every day,” Richardson told me. “It’s like an autopilot in our head.” I interviewed Richardson during the International Christian Retail Show. He was there to promote his book, “Transparent: How to See Through the Powerful Assumptions That Control You.” He earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Portland, a master’s degree in theological studies from the International School of Theology and a MTh. in applied theology from the University of Oxford. He worked with Campus Crusade for Christ (or Cru) for 30 years, spending most of his time with professors. The premise of “Transparent” came about from Richardson’s 20 years’ work with university and college professors, helping them connect faith with what they do. He researched how people come to faith and why some abandon it. He said that many Christians’ assumptions are not biblical. While God is big in many people’s lives and they may have a good prayer life, the average person rarely asks, “How does God inform what you do at work?” “They couldn’t tell you,” he said. “How does God make a difference in your work? Because He actually gives you knowledge about what you do.” He recalled attending a conference about 15 years ago in which the late philosopher Dallas Willard was speaking to professors. Willard asked them who the smartest person was in their fields. He said if it was anyone other than Jesus Christ, they had named the wrong person. “If Jesus does not contribute to knowledge in your field, then why does He contribute knowledge in your personal life?” Christian professors go to class and teach the same way that atheists do, even at Christian universities, Richardson said. Richardson is challenging assumptions at numerous levels, beyond the book. He said he is starting up a new foundation, The Assumptions Institute. According to its website (theassumptionsinstitute.org), it “is at the forefront of helping families and churches reduce the number of Christian youth leaving their faith. Understanding assumptions can help us change people's lives.”
One of his tools is an app that helps parents walk through assumptions with their kids. Say the parent and child are watching a movie. The parent can take the app and in a few steps walk through the movie’s assumptions with the child. Why is that important? Research shows that 60 percent to 75 percent of children raised within the church or a ministry will leave in their 20s, and very few will return, Richardson said. “I know why it happens and I know when it happens and it’s not in the university and it’s not in the high school,” he said. “It starts in the kindergarten. And it starts with the basic assumptions we teach our young kids. And it’s really the church that pushes the kids out the door. And they don’t even realize what’s going on.” The app (Critical Assumptions Test) is made for everyone, not just parents, but also for professors. Parents can use the app to prepare their children for the day they go off to university or career. “When the world comes at them with all these wild crazy things, they’ll be able to discern quickly whether it’s true or whether it’s not so they’ll accept it or reject it and how that all relates back to their faith in Christ,” he said. The book is available on Amazon. It will be available from major book stores Aug. 16, the date the app launches online. Richardson has three websites for more information: theassumptionsinstitute.org thetransparentbook.com daverichardson.org

“Shepherd, Potter, Spy and the Star Namer: Survival in Canaan” is a fascinating title for a fascinating book.The historical fiction novel is told from the point of view of a 12-year-old shepherd boy, Keshub, in the land of Canaan during the period where Joshua leads the Israelites into the Promised Land. Keshub is a Gibeonite, a people who lived in the Promised Land before Israel claimed the territory that God had promised them.The author is Peggy Miracle Consolver, a Sunday School teacher of 35 years’ experience.Keshub tended his flocks and dreamt of having adventures beyond his valley. The shepherd, a potter’s apprentice, found adventure as the Hebrews approach his land and he helped hide the Amorite king’s son. He became a spy to keep watch over the Hewbrews.The book’s description reads, “True to scripture and authenticated by archeological research, this tale of God’s grace puts flesh and blood on the enigmatic Gibeonites who make a treaty with Joshua. ‘Shepherd, Potter, Spy and the Star Namer’ looks at Joshua’s story from a new point of view. In the end, Keshub becomes a major player in the life of the leader of the Hebrews.”I interviewed Consolver at the International Christian Retail Show. She said she came up with the story after Joshua 9 and 10 kept catching her eye. The Gibeonites responded to the Hebrews differently from every other people in Canaan.“I constructed a family and gave them a faith element,” Consolver said. “All that part is fiction. But they did what they did for some reason. Something they were seeking, the true God.”She was intrigued by why the Gibeonites approached Joshua in humility and basically said “We are your servants.”“They said that because ‘We see what your God does for you,’” She said. “That tells me there is a heart attitude there for seeking God.”Consolver said her research included taking a class in Old Testament pottery and going on an archaelogical dig in Israel.The book will be available Sept. 1 from major retailers and Amazon. Her website is PeggyConsolver.com.—Jason Reynolds

“Shepherd, Potter, Spy and the Star Namer: Survival in Canaan” is a fascinating title for a fascinating book. The historical fiction novel is told from the point of view of a 12-year-old shepherd boy, Keshub, in the land of Canaan during the period where Joshua leads the Israelites into the Promised Land. Keshub is a Gibeonite, a people who lived in the Promised Land before Israel claimed the territory that God had promised them. The author is Peggy Miracle Consolver, a Sunday School teacher of 35 years’ experience. Keshub tended his flocks and dreamt of having adventures beyond his valley. The shepherd, a potter’s apprentice, found adventure as the Hebrews approach his land and he helped hide the Amorite king’s son. He became a spy to keep watch over the Hewbrews. The book’s description reads, “True to scripture and authenticated by archeological research, this tale of God’s grace puts flesh and blood on the enigmatic Gibeonites who make a treaty with Joshua. ‘Shepherd, Potter, Spy and the Star Namer’ looks at Joshua’s story from a new point of view. In the end, Keshub becomes a major player in the life of the leader of the Hebrews.” I interviewed Consolver at the International Christian Retail Show. She said she came up with the story after Joshua 9 and 10 kept catching her eye. The Gibeonites responded to the Hebrews differently from every other people in Canaan. “I constructed a family and gave them a faith element,” Consolver said. “All that part is fiction. But they did what they did for some reason. Something they were seeking, the true God.” She was intrigued by why the Gibeonites approached Joshua in humility and basically said “We are your servants.” “They said that because ‘We see what your God does for you,’” She said. “That tells me there is a heart attitude there for seeking God.” Consolver said her research included taking a class in Old Testament pottery and going on an archaelogical dig in Israel. The book will be available Sept. 1 from major retailers and Amazon. Her website is PeggyConsolver.com. —Jason Reynolds

Carol McLeod, a Christian radio personality, invites women to experience exuberant joy and hope with God through her new weekly devotional titled “Joy for All Seasons.”McLeod is a public speaker and prolific radio and podcast personality in addition to writing books and more. Her program “Defiant Joy! Radio with Carol McLeod” is found on Sirius XM’s Family Talk 131 from Monday-Friday at 2:30 p.m. Eastern as well as several local radio stations. She describes the radio show as Bible teaching to encourage people. She has a podcast available on her website at JustJoyMinistries.com/podcast. On the Charisma Podcast Network she is part of the Spirit Led Woman Broadcast, and she has a daily podcast. Her other projects include writing devotionals for the Youversion Bible app.In her new book “Joy for All Seasons,” available Sept. 1, 2016, McLeod says she provides a weekly summons into God’s presence complete with rich experiences. The book includes Bible verses to consider and questions to ponder. It is perfect for a personal devotional handbook or for group discussion. This is a “once-in-a-lifetime” book that will be read and re-read year after year after year. I interviewed McLeod at the International Christian Retail Show in Cincinnati in June 2016.“I’ve always wanted to do a devotional,” she said. “I think it’s a great tool to give to people. You give them a book and they think ‘I got to read this whole book.’ A devotional … ‘it’s like taking a daily vitamin. I can read one a week. I can do this.’”The 52 devotionals take you around the calendar year. It takes you through the “seasons” of a woman’s life, from career women to young wives to widows. The book is good for Bible study and Sunday School groups.McLeod has three daughters-in-law and two daughters. Every Christmas she buys them all the same devotional book. They live thousands of miles apart “and it binds our hearts together. The girls will text each other and say ‘Did you read what it said today?’”Each week’s theme will be different, from hope to peace to worry to getting through a hard situation to relationships. Every chapter has questions and Bible verses. There are graphics, illustrations and pages to write on, making it a devotional journal.Although she has five children and seven grandchildren now, McLeod thought she would never have such a large family: She had five miscarriages while taking fertility treatments.“I was unbelievably depressed. I lived in that black hole. My hormones were out of control. My heart and my arms were empty.”How did she escape that hopelessness? An “addiction” to the Bible.“The bible delivered me from that dark place.”She carried the Bible around the house while doing chores. She wrote verses on cards and laminated them so she could take them into the shower.Thinking she could not get pregnant anymore, during the time between Christmas and New Year’s one year, she was watching a Christian program on TV. A pastor and his wife were on. The wife spoke to the camera and said there was a pastor’s wife was watching (McLeod’s husband was a pastor) who had suffered repeated miscarriages and she was pregnant. The wife on TV said “Walk in faith, not in fear, because this one’s going to stick.”McLeod gave birth soon after.She wanted another child and went back on fertility drugs. The doctor convinced her to end the treatments about nine months later. The following month she got pregnant on her own. That child was named Joy.Four years later McLeod gave birth to Joanie. She thought she had the flu at first because she “knew” she could not get pregnant again. It took 4.5 months to learn she was pregnant.“That’s why I have the passion to help women walk through their circumstances with the joy that is only found in Jesus.”She tells women she cannot change their circumstances but she can help them process their circumstances. She tells young mothers that how they raise their children is more important than who the next president will be. We need to vote and educate, “but the way we do life on a daily basis is very important. We all must live in His (God’s) honor.”—Jason Reynolds

Carol McLeod, a Christian radio personality, invites women to experience exuberant joy and hope with God through her new weekly devotional titled “Joy for All Seasons.” McLeod is a public speaker and prolific radio and podcast personality in addition to writing books and more. Her program “Defiant Joy! Radio with Carol McLeod” is found on Sirius XM’s Family Talk 131 from Monday-Friday at 2:30 p.m. Eastern as well as several local radio stations. She describes the radio show as Bible teaching to encourage people. She has a podcast available on her website at JustJoyMinistries.com/podcast. On the Charisma Podcast Network she is part of the Spirit Led Woman Broadcast, and she has a daily podcast. Her other projects include writing devotionals for the Youversion Bible app. In her new book “Joy for All Seasons,” available Sept. 1, 2016, McLeod says she provides a weekly summons into God’s presence complete with rich experiences. The book includes Bible verses to consider and questions to ponder. It is perfect for a personal devotional handbook or for group discussion. This is a “once-in-a-lifetime” book that will be read and re-read year after year after year. I interviewed McLeod at the International Christian Retail Show in Cincinnati in June 2016. “I’ve always wanted to do a devotional,” she said. “I think it’s a great tool to give to people. You give them a book and they think ‘I got to read this whole book.’ A devotional … ‘it’s like taking a daily vitamin. I can read one a week. I can do this.’” The 52 devotionals take you around the calendar year. It takes you through the “seasons” of a woman’s life, from career women to young wives to widows. The book is good for Bible study and Sunday School groups. McLeod has three daughters-in-law and two daughters. Every Christmas she buys them all the same devotional book. They live thousands of miles apart “and it binds our hearts together. The girls will text each other and say ‘Did you read what it said today?’” Each week’s theme will be different, from hope to peace to worry to getting through a hard situation to relationships. Every chapter has questions and Bible verses. There are graphics, illustrations and pages to write on, making it a devotional journal. Although she has five children and seven grandchildren now, McLeod thought she would never have such a large family: She had five miscarriages while taking fertility treatments. “I was unbelievably depressed. I lived in that black hole. My hormones were out of control. My heart and my arms were empty.” How did she escape that hopelessness? An “addiction” to the Bible. “The bible delivered me from that dark place.” She carried the Bible around the house while doing chores. She wrote verses on cards and laminated them so she could take them into the shower. Thinking she could not get pregnant anymore, during the time between Christmas and New Year’s one year, she was watching a Christian program on TV. A pastor and his wife were on. The wife spoke to the camera and said there was a pastor’s wife was watching (McLeod’s husband was a pastor) who had suffered repeated miscarriages and she was pregnant. The wife on TV said “Walk in faith, not in fear, because this one’s going to stick.” McLeod gave birth soon after. She wanted another child and went back on fertility drugs. The doctor convinced her to end the treatments about nine months later. The following month she got pregnant on her own. That child was named Joy. Four years later McLeod gave birth to Joanie. She thought she had the flu at first because she “knew” she could not get pregnant again. It took 4.5 months to learn she was pregnant. “That’s why I have the passion to help women walk through their circumstances with the joy that is only found in Jesus.” She tells women she cannot change their circumstances but she can help them process their circumstances. She tells young mothers that how they raise their children is more important than who the next president will be. We need to vote and educate, “but the way we do life on a daily basis is very important. We all must live in His (God’s) honor.” —Jason Reynolds

What’s in a name? A lot, when you are talking about the Creator of the universe.Children’s author Diane Stortz wants to help children better understand some of God’s names — 40 of His names, to be exact.Stortz’s publisher, Tommy Nelson (an imprint of Thomas Nelson), has released her new book titled “I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God.” This is her third Bible story book.The book takes 40 of God’s names or descriptive titles from Genesis to Revelation and tells a story behind each, she said during an interview at the International Christian Retail Show. Each story can help a child get to know God better.“When you know someone better, you’re generally closer to them.”In addition to providing the story behind each name, Stortz’s book provides the Hebrew or Greek word, the pronunciation of the Hebrew and the Bible verse that mentions the name. (Jehovah Tsuri: the God who helps me and Jehovah Rophe: the God who heals me are two examples.)Stortz is an author and former editorial director whose heart’s desire is to “tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord" (Psalm 78:4). Diane's books include “Words to Dream On,” “The Sweetest Story Bible,” and “A Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year.” Diane and her husband reside in Cincinnati, and have two married daughters. Diane enjoys walking, gardening, and visiting her four young grandsons.Her next book that will be released is “Baby, Baby.” It is a board book with rhyming poems about things babies do.Her website is http://www.dianestortz.com.I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust GodBy: Diane StortzThomas NelsonHardcoverISBN-13: 9780529120663Price: $16.99—Jason Reynolds

What’s in a name? A lot, when you are talking about the Creator of the universe. Children’s author Diane Stortz wants to help children better understand some of God’s names — 40 of His names, to be exact. Stortz’s publisher, Tommy Nelson (an imprint of Thomas Nelson), has released her new book titled “I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God.” This is her third Bible story book. The book takes 40 of God’s names or descriptive titles from Genesis to Revelation and tells a story behind each, she said during an interview at the International Christian Retail Show. Each story can help a child get to know God better. “When you know someone better, you’re generally closer to them.” In addition to providing the story behind each name, Stortz’s book provides the Hebrew or Greek word, the pronunciation of the Hebrew and the Bible verse that mentions the name. (Jehovah Tsuri: the God who helps me and Jehovah Rophe: the God who heals me are two examples.) Stortz is an author and former editorial director whose heart’s desire is to “tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord" (Psalm 78:4). Diane's books include “Words to Dream On,” “The Sweetest Story Bible,” and “A Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year.” Diane and her husband reside in Cincinnati, and have two married daughters. Diane enjoys walking, gardening, and visiting her four young grandsons. Her next book that will be released is “Baby, Baby.” It is a board book with rhyming poems about things babies do. Her website is http://www.dianestortz.com. I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God By: Diane Stortz Thomas Nelson Hardcover ISBN-13: 9780529120663 Price: $16.99 —Jason Reynolds

Baptist preacher Kent Philpott has a heart for sharing the Gospel with his Muslim neighbors. And he is ready to help you share the Good News as well with his second-edition book titled, “If Allah Wills.”Philpott, pastor of evangelical churches for 45 years, former leader in the Jesus People Movement in San Francisco, has been writing about Islam since 2001.Since 1984 he has worked as pastor of Miller Avenue Baptist Church in Mill Valley, California. He was a long-time baseball coach for high schools and San Quentin State Prison. Philpott is the director of Earthen Vessel Publishing and author of numerous books.“If Allah Wills” has 15 chapters, seven appeals (asking Muslim readers to consider and reflect on a point), seven contrasts (asking Muslim readers to compare and contrast point of theology), and one appeal and contrast that essentially is asking Muslim readers to think critically about Islam. Philpott does not condemn Muslims or attack the tenets of Islam or the prophet Muhammad but reaches out with care and concern with an offer of the love and grace of Jesus.I interviewed Philpott in June 2016 at the International Christian Retail Show in Cincinnati.“I’ve always had an interest in Islam since 2001. Like many people I was angry at Muslim people, fearful and wondering what’s going on. For reasons I can’t explain I feel like God gave me a love for Muslim people.”Philpott said his town holds the Muslim Center of Mill Valley. He began to reach out to the center’s congregation after he held an Islamic study class at his church. During that process, God changed his heart. He saw Islam as a dangerous religion, but instead of making him judgmental, he wanted to reach out to Muslims.He invited a Sunni imam from the mosque to speak to his church, then did the same with a Shia imam, an Afghani living in the East Bay.Philpott said he studied what the imams said. He conducted research on Islam using non-Christian materials so his research would not carry a Christian bias.“I was afraid of that,” he said. “I had it in myself.”His research brought him to such topics as Muslims who had become atheists or Sufis , such as reformer Ayaan Hirsi Ali.“My interest was reaching them with the Gospel,” Philpott said. Muslims have a high regard for Jesus, but they consider him a prophet who will return on the day of judgment; Muslims deny the cross.“If Allah Wills” is 116 pages; Philpott said he tried to keep it under 100 to keep the price low to help people buy it. The book is written to help Christians understand Islam and how to approach Muslims with the Gospel. The book invites Muslims to examine what they believe. It does not attack them. The last chapter tells who Jesus is and goes through the seven “I am” statements Jesus made in the chapter of John in the Bible.Philpott said he has a heart for Muslims, whom he said are stuck in their religion. It was only when he visited the mosque that he learned how “absolutely obsessive it becomes. To be a faithful Muslim you have to be an obsessive compulsive individual. I’m a little bit that way myself. I can see how these people are really trapped in it. It’s the ablutions, the washings, that are so consuming.”Before praying in the mosque, Muslims must to go a room that is set aside for washing. They wash their hands up to the elbows and the feet up to the ankles. They wash the nose three times up to the base of the skull and then inhale because, Muslims believe, the jinn (supernatural creatures) come up into them through the nose, so you have to expel them to be pure before praying.“It’s all-consuming. It’s far more than Christianity in what it’s demanding of you.”Some Muslims become Sufis to try to reform the religion. (Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam.) To leave Islam is to lose all your identity, Philpott said.Philpott said he has spoken the last couple of years with a number of ex-Muslims who became Christians after seeing Jesus in visions or dreams. “It takes that for them to convert, and even still they have a difficult time. (Helping guide) Muslims is not easy. Their view of the Bible has been distorted.” They have learned defenses against the Bible since an early age in school.“These are the most spiritual people,” he said. “These people want to know God and serve God.”“If Allah Wills” is available on Amazon and on Philpott’s website, evpbooks.com. He and his wife Katie own Earthen Vessel Publishing. On evpbooks.com, use code friendofEVP to save 20 percent on “If Allah Wills,” normally a $7.95 cover price.

Baptist preacher Kent Philpott has a heart for sharing the Gospel with his Muslim neighbors. And he is ready to help you share the Good News as well with his second-edition book titled, “If Allah Wills.” Philpott, pastor of evangelical churches for 45 years, former leader in the Jesus People Movement in San Francisco, has been writing about Islam since 2001. Since 1984 he has worked as pastor of Miller Avenue Baptist Church in Mill Valley, California. He was a long-time baseball coach for high schools and San Quentin State Prison. Philpott is the director of Earthen Vessel Publishing and author of numerous books. “If Allah Wills” has 15 chapters, seven appeals (asking Muslim readers to consider and reflect on a point), seven contrasts (asking Muslim readers to compare and contrast point of theology), and one appeal and contrast that essentially is asking Muslim readers to think critically about Islam. Philpott does not condemn Muslims or attack the tenets of Islam or the prophet Muhammad but reaches out with care and concern with an offer of the love and grace of Jesus. I interviewed Philpott in June 2016 at the International Christian Retail Show in Cincinnati. “I’ve always had an interest in Islam since 2001. Like many people I was angry at Muslim people, fearful and wondering what’s going on. For reasons I can’t explain I feel like God gave me a love for Muslim people.” Philpott said his town holds the Muslim Center of Mill Valley. He began to reach out to the center’s congregation after he held an Islamic study class at his church. During that process, God changed his heart. He saw Islam as a dangerous religion, but instead of making him judgmental, he wanted to reach out to Muslims. He invited a Sunni imam from the mosque to speak to his church, then did the same with a Shia imam, an Afghani living in the East Bay. Philpott said he studied what the imams said. He conducted research on Islam using non-Christian materials so his research would not carry a Christian bias. “I was afraid of that,” he said. “I had it in myself.” His research brought him to such topics as Muslims who had become atheists or Sufis , such as reformer Ayaan Hirsi Ali. “My interest was reaching them with the Gospel,” Philpott said. Muslims have a high regard for Jesus, but they consider him a prophet who will return on the day of judgment; Muslims deny the cross. “If Allah Wills” is 116 pages; Philpott said he tried to keep it under 100 to keep the price low to help people buy it. The book is written to help Christians understand Islam and how to approach Muslims with the Gospel. The book invites Muslims to examine what they believe. It does not attack them. The last chapter tells who Jesus is and goes through the seven “I am” statements Jesus made in the chapter of John in the Bible. Philpott said he has a heart for Muslims, whom he said are stuck in their religion. It was only when he visited the mosque that he learned how “absolutely obsessive it becomes. To be a faithful Muslim you have to be an obsessive compulsive individual. I’m a little bit that way myself. I can see how these people are really trapped in it. It’s the ablutions, the washings, that are so consuming.” Before praying in the mosque, Muslims must to go a room that is set aside for washing. They wash their hands up to the elbows and the feet up to the ankles. They wash the nose three times up to the base of the skull and then inhale because, Muslims believe, the jinn (supernatural creatures) come up into them through the nose, so you have to expel them to be pure before praying. “It’s all-consuming. It’s far more than Christianity in what it’s demanding of you.” Some Muslims become Sufis to try to reform the religion. (Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam.) To leave Islam is to lose all your identity, Philpott said. Philpott said he has spoken the last couple of years with a number of ex-Muslims who became Christians after seeing Jesus in visions or dreams. “It takes that for them to convert, and even still they have a difficult time. (Helping guide) Muslims is not easy. Their view of the Bible has been distorted.” They have learned defenses against the Bible since an early age in school. “These are the most spiritual people,” he said. “These people want to know God and serve God.” “If Allah Wills” is available on Amazon and on Philpott’s website, evpbooks.com. He and his wife Katie own Earthen Vessel Publishing. On evpbooks.com, use code friendofEVP to save 20 percent on “If Allah Wills,” normally a $7.95 cover price.

Dr. James Goll of Franklin, Tennessee is president of Encounters Network, an international outreach ministry. He has written 35 books, including his latest, Releasing Spiritual Gifts Today, which is the topic of this column. The book is published by Whitaker House publishers and is in the Christianity/Pentecostal & Charismatic categories. I like how his book is readable. While it covers deep theological matters, it is approachable for the average reader; one does not have to be a seminary student.The word “today” in the title Releasing Spiritual Gifts Today is important, Goll told me during an interview in June at the International Christian Retail Show. Goll said he first wrote the book and called it Releasing Spiritual Gifts. However, “It seemed flat.” He prayed and the word “‘today’ was just alive in me. And I go, ‘Oh my goodness. I have to rewrite this book.’ So in a three-day period I go through and I rewrote the book. And I brought in a lot more storyline, and I updated it with a ‘now tense’ which makes it more enjoyable reading as well as scripturally grounded.”Addressing spiritual gifts, Goll said, “I don’t believe spiritual gifts are limited to an elite group.”Galatians talks about such gifts as love, peace, patience and self control. If those are available to every believer, and Goll believes they are, then why aren’t the gifts of the Holy Spirit available to every Christian? They are, he said.“The Holy Spirit Himself, He is a gift of the Father and the Son.” Jesus said He would leave but send a helper. That helper is the Holy Spirit.Goll said he tries to weave together certain strands of truth every time he speaks or writes. First, it is biblically grounded. Releasing Spiritual Gifts Today has over 200 scriptural references.Second is precedence in Jewish and church history. He will give examples of a particular gift of the Holy Spirit as modeled in the life of Charles Spurgeon, for example. He also gives examples of people who are using the Holy Spirit's gifts today.Goll said another point to consider with gifts is that you do not only receive them, but you should release them, or share them.“A lot of people receive, but they leave their hands in their pockets. Jesus said you shall lay hands upon the sick” to heal.“As you sow you reap.” In other words, your gifts will be multiplied, he said, if you use the gifts you already have. “The more you give of what God has given to you there will be a multiplication.”In one chapter he lists out every single gift of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Bible. His book talks about how people elevate some gifts above others. However, having one particular gift does not make a person a “super Christian.” Being faithful to your gift brings increase.Goll said he also encourages people not to place their identifies in their gifts, which can change over time, but to place their identity in Christ alone.There is much more in the book, but I willl not give it all away. For more information on Goll, go to jamesgoll.com or encountersnetwork.com. The book is available on Amazon or WhitakerHouse.com.

Dr. James Goll of Franklin, Tennessee is president of Encounters Network, an international outreach ministry. He has written 35 books, including his latest, Releasing Spiritual Gifts Today, which is the topic of this column. The book is published by Whitaker House publishers and is in the Christianity/Pentecostal & Charismatic categories. I like how his book is readable. While it covers deep theological matters, it is approachable for the average reader; one does not have to be a seminary student. The word “today” in the title Releasing Spiritual Gifts Today is important, Goll told me during an interview in June at the International Christian Retail Show. Goll said he first wrote the book and called it Releasing Spiritual Gifts. However, “It seemed flat.” He prayed and the word “‘today’ was just alive in me. And I go, ‘Oh my goodness. I have to rewrite this book.’ So in a three-day period I go through and I rewrote the book. And I brought in a lot more storyline, and I updated it with a ‘now tense’ which makes it more enjoyable reading as well as scripturally grounded.” Addressing spiritual gifts, Goll said, “I don’t believe spiritual gifts are limited to an elite group.” Galatians talks about such gifts as love, peace, patience and self control. If those are available to every believer, and Goll believes they are, then why aren’t the gifts of the Holy Spirit available to every Christian? They are, he said. “The Holy Spirit Himself, He is a gift of the Father and the Son.” Jesus said He would leave but send a helper. That helper is the Holy Spirit. Goll said he tries to weave together certain strands of truth every time he speaks or writes. First, it is biblically grounded. Releasing Spiritual Gifts Today has over 200 scriptural references. Second is precedence in Jewish and church history. He will give examples of a particular gift of the Holy Spirit as modeled in the life of Charles Spurgeon, for example. He also gives examples of people who are using the Holy Spirit's gifts today. Goll said another point to consider with gifts is that you do not only receive them, but you should release them, or share them. “A lot of people receive, but they leave their hands in their pockets. Jesus said you shall lay hands upon the sick” to heal. “As you sow you reap.” In other words, your gifts will be multiplied, he said, if you use the gifts you already have. “The more you give of what God has given to you there will be a multiplication.” In one chapter he lists out every single gift of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Bible. His book talks about how people elevate some gifts above others. However, having one particular gift does not make a person a “super Christian.” Being faithful to your gift brings increase. Goll said he also encourages people not to place their identifies in their gifts, which can change over time, but to place their identity in Christ alone. There is much more in the book, but I willl not give it all away. For more information on Goll, go to jamesgoll.com or encountersnetwork.com. The book is available on Amazon or WhitakerHouse.com.

Zoro the drummer, or the minister of groove as he’s called, has played for the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown and Frankie Valli. Now, the minister of groove is stepping up his efforts to help people discover, develop and use their God-given gifts and talents.That may seem like an odd thing for a drummer to focus on. But Zoro is not your average musician. He has been a teacher and motiviational speaker for years. Feeling led by God, he has condensed his lesson plans into a book titled “Soar!” The book, which will be available Sept. 1, 2016, is published by Emerge Publishing.Over the years, Zoro has championed various causes. He’s a spokesperson for Compassion International and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, and he’s been honored at the nation’s capital for promoting responsible fatherhood and mentoring as part of the White House Fatherhood Champions of Change program, according to his website.I interviewed Zoro during the International Christian Retail Show in June 2016. He is one of the most dynamic speakers I have run across in my years in journalism. I left my interview recharged despite having been on the run for several days.Zoro said God gave him the vision to write Soar! and gave him the time to write it, after he had been teaching its principles for years. “These are the principles God showed me to soar with.” “Soar!” will help you discover your God-given talents and how to develop and deploy them. There are nine life-changing principles in the book.It would be mistake to say you do not have any God-given talents, Zoro told me. “Everybody on this planet has gifts and abilities. As a society, sometimes, unfortunately, we only view a talent as someone with an athletic talent. Or a writer. Everyone has something. It’s a question of discovering it and placing a value on it.”Zoro said that while he is skilled in music, he is not skilled in math. “An accountant has a gift for numbers that a musician … doesn’t have. That talent is equally as important as my talent. It’s having something you do better than others. Everybody has that. When they discover it, it makes them come alive. It has nothing to do with money, it has nothing to do with fame or fortune.”People often sense their gifts when they are young but become discouraged, sometimes by others, including those closest to them. “Hopefully later in life it will resurface,” he said. “You can’t let anyone stop you from that thing you feel called to.”Soar! features the true story about actor/dancer Fred Astaire, whom Zoro called the greatest dancer of all time. During Astaire’s first screen test, the director said he could not sing or dance — and he was balding. Of course, Astaire became a huge celebrity. He had that director’s comments on paper and had it framed to hang on the wall to serve as a reminder.We can’t choose what gifts we have, but we can choose how we develop the gifts we have, Zoro said. Not everything we do is visible to others, but God sees what we do.“People put too much value on how many likes you’re getting on Facebook,” he said. “Be willing to make a difference with what God gave you.”More information on Zoro International Ministries is at zoroministries.org. Look him up on Facebook as Zoro the drummer. He has motivational quotes on there. “Soar!” will be available on Amazon and from major bookstores.

Zoro the drummer, or the minister of groove as he’s called, has played for the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown and Frankie Valli. Now, the minister of groove is stepping up his efforts to help people discover, develop and use their God-given gifts and talents. That may seem like an odd thing for a drummer to focus on. But Zoro is not your average musician. He has been a teacher and motiviational speaker for years. Feeling led by God, he has condensed his lesson plans into a book titled “Soar!” The book, which will be available Sept. 1, 2016, is published by Emerge Publishing. Over the years, Zoro has championed various causes. He’s a spokesperson for Compassion International and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, and he’s been honored at the nation’s capital for promoting responsible fatherhood and mentoring as part of the White House Fatherhood Champions of Change program, according to his website. I interviewed Zoro during the International Christian Retail Show in June 2016. He is one of the most dynamic speakers I have run across in my years in journalism. I left my interview recharged despite having been on the run for several days. Zoro said God gave him the vision to write Soar! and gave him the time to write it, after he had been teaching its principles for years. “These are the principles God showed me to soar with.” “Soar!” will help you discover your God-given talents and how to develop and deploy them. There are nine life-changing principles in the book. It would be mistake to say you do not have any God-given talents, Zoro told me. “Everybody on this planet has gifts and abilities. As a society, sometimes, unfortunately, we only view a talent as someone with an athletic talent. Or a writer. Everyone has something. It’s a question of discovering it and placing a value on it.” Zoro said that while he is skilled in music, he is not skilled in math. “An accountant has a gift for numbers that a musician … doesn’t have. That talent is equally as important as my talent. It’s having something you do better than others. Everybody has that. When they discover it, it makes them come alive. It has nothing to do with money, it has nothing to do with fame or fortune.” People often sense their gifts when they are young but become discouraged, sometimes by others, including those closest to them. “Hopefully later in life it will resurface,” he said. “You can’t let anyone stop you from that thing you feel called to.” Soar! features the true story about actor/dancer Fred Astaire, whom Zoro called the greatest dancer of all time. During Astaire’s first screen test, the director said he could not sing or dance — and he was balding. Of course, Astaire became a huge celebrity. He had that director’s comments on paper and had it framed to hang on the wall to serve as a reminder. We can’t choose what gifts we have, but we can choose how we develop the gifts we have, Zoro said. Not everything we do is visible to others, but God sees what we do. “People put too much value on how many likes you’re getting on Facebook,” he said. “Be willing to make a difference with what God gave you.” More information on Zoro International Ministries is at zoroministries.org. Look him up on Facebook as Zoro the drummer. He has motivational quotes on there. “Soar!” will be available on Amazon and from major bookstores.

One author of preschoolers’ bedtime books is writing her titles based on her own experiences of getting her youngest son to bed.Amy Parker has written and co-written more than 40 books for children, teens, and adults, with more than a million copies sold. Most of her writing is done for young children in the Christian market.I interviewed Amy during the International Christian Retail Show where she was promoting her book “The Plans I Have For You.” This was my first time to meet Amy, who it turns out is my neighbor in Middle Tennessee — she virtually lives up the road from me.Amy started off writing on the side. Her first authored book was “A Night Night Prayer.”That book started a line of “Night Night” books which sturdy and padded. “Parents just seem to love them. And we all need resources for getting our kids to sleep at night. I was getting a wiggly red-head to sleep … a 3 year old.I had sung all the songs. And I had looked out the window and I had seen a tree swaying in the dark and I said, ‘Shh, the trees are sleeping.’ And that got his attention.”After her son went to sleep, she wrote the verse that became the “Night Night” prayer. The books lead the parent and child through a list of objects and/or people or pets to to whom they can say “night night.”“It’s a simple way for children to acclimate to the nighttime routine.”The repetition and routine can help young kids gain reading confidence, she said.“The Plans I Have For You” is a whimsical book based on Jeremiah 29:11. In the book, God speaks in a first person voice to the child and tells of the plans He has for him or her. That book came out last fall, and a board book version will come out in July 2016 for toddlers and preschoolers.“Night Night Farm” is releasing in July 2016 as well, and Amy calls that “the cutest book.” Although Amy and her publisher had planned the book, her editor saw a cute YouTube video of goats wearing clothes and that started the illustrative ball rolling. “We have to have all of the animals in pajamas,” the editor said. The animals say good night in their “animal voices.” So very young children can learn animal sounds as a result.She has collaborated with authors ranging from New York Times bestsellers to her very own son. Two of these collaborations, “Firebird” and “Courageous Teens,” are recipients of Christian Retailing's Best Awards. But Amy's greatest reward is being a wife to Daniel and a mom to their amazing sons, Michael and Ethan.More information is at amyparkerbooks.com.—Jason Reynolds

One author of preschoolers’ bedtime books is writing her titles based on her own experiences of getting her youngest son to bed. Amy Parker has written and co-written more than 40 books for children, teens, and adults, with more than a million copies sold. Most of her writing is done for young children in the Christian market. I interviewed Amy during the International Christian Retail Show where she was promoting her book “The Plans I Have For You.” This was my first time to meet Amy, who it turns out is my neighbor in Middle Tennessee — she virtually lives up the road from me. Amy started off writing on the side. Her first authored book was “A Night Night Prayer.” That book started a line of “Night Night” books which sturdy and padded. “Parents just seem to love them. And we all need resources for getting our kids to sleep at night. I was getting a wiggly red-head to sleep … a 3 year old.I had sung all the songs. And I had looked out the window and I had seen a tree swaying in the dark and I said, ‘Shh, the trees are sleeping.’ And that got his attention.” After her son went to sleep, she wrote the verse that became the “Night Night” prayer. The books lead the parent and child through a list of objects and/or people or pets to to whom they can say “night night.” “It’s a simple way for children to acclimate to the nighttime routine.” The repetition and routine can help young kids gain reading confidence, she said. “The Plans I Have For You” is a whimsical book based on Jeremiah 29:11. In the book, God speaks in a first person voice to the child and tells of the plans He has for him or her. That book came out last fall, and a board book version will come out in July 2016 for toddlers and preschoolers. “Night Night Farm” is releasing in July 2016 as well, and Amy calls that “the cutest book.” Although Amy and her publisher had planned the book, her editor saw a cute YouTube video of goats wearing clothes and that started the illustrative ball rolling. “We have to have all of the animals in pajamas,” the editor said. The animals say good night in their “animal voices.” So very young children can learn animal sounds as a result. She has collaborated with authors ranging from New York Times bestsellers to her very own son. Two of these collaborations, “Firebird” and “Courageous Teens,” are recipients of Christian Retailing's Best Awards. But Amy's greatest reward is being a wife to Daniel and a mom to their amazing sons, Michael and Ethan. More information is at amyparkerbooks.com. —Jason Reynolds

Award-winning documentary Patterns of Evidence showed stunning proof of how science proves the biblical accounts of the Exodus. Now, the documentary series continues with the next chapter, titled Young Explorers.Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus won 13 awards. The sequel, Patterns of Evidence: Young Explorers, follows up the 2015 film by chronicling how 10 young people met the filmmaker, Timothy Mahoney, on a wilderness camping trip and learned about his investigation of Moses and the Hebrew Exodus out of Egypt.By the end of the weekend, the campers want to join Mahoney on his quest. The campers are invited to read their Bibles before each adventure and look for clues in the text. Mahoney takes the campers into a virtual reality chamber to "explore" places and events mentioned in the Bible. They find a pattern of evidence that corresponds with the Exodus and the fall of Jericho.I interviewed Mahoney (of Thinking Man Films) during the International Christian Retail Show in Cincinnati in June 2016 as he prepared to launch Young Explorers in the fall. He said his documentaries can dispell the teachings at universities that Exodus did not happen.When he grew up people told him the stories of Exodus and other Old Testament accounts were not true. In 2001 he took a film crew to Egypt to find places where the Jews were supposed to have lived. People told him there was no evidence. That set off a crisis of faith.That set Mahoney on a 12 year journey to study the Bible and find evidence, not necessarily in places where people said to look.The Bible is being challenged more than ever. "The historical credibility of the Bible is, I think, the big question. ... There is evidence for the Bible. There is evidence for the Exodus. And there's a huge, powerful pattern of evidence."Christianity is based upon a God who has intervened in the world throughout history, he said.Apologetics film takes youths on faith quest. A still from the documentary film Patterns of Evidence: Young Explorers.One piece of archeological evidence Mahoney mentioned is the biblical account of Rahab, a prostitute who lived in Jericho. Her house was built into the city's wall, the wall which fell during the city's conquest — except for Rahab's home. A portion of that city's walls stands to this day.For more information about archeology and evidence that matches the Bible, go to patternsofevidence.com and sign up for "Thinker Updates."If you are interested in viewing Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus, it is available on DVD and Blu-ray at patternsofevidence.com. It features stunning animations and a cast including narrator Kevin Sorbo (God’s Not Dead, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys), interviews with leading archaeologists including Israel Finkelstein, Kent Weeks, and David Rohl, and guest appearances by Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Shimon Peres.On Facebook, search for Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus.--Jason Reynolds

Award-winning documentary Patterns of Evidence showed stunning proof of how science proves the biblical accounts of the Exodus. Now, the documentary series continues with the next chapter, titled Young Explorers. Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus won 13 awards. The sequel, Patterns of Evidence: Young Explorers, follows up the 2015 film by chronicling how 10 young people met the filmmaker, Timothy Mahoney, on a wilderness camping trip and learned about his investigation of Moses and the Hebrew Exodus out of Egypt. By the end of the weekend, the campers want to join Mahoney on his quest. The campers are invited to read their Bibles before each adventure and look for clues in the text. Mahoney takes the campers into a virtual reality chamber to "explore" places and events mentioned in the Bible. They find a pattern of evidence that corresponds with the Exodus and the fall of Jericho. I interviewed Mahoney (of Thinking Man Films) during the International Christian Retail Show in Cincinnati in June 2016 as he prepared to launch Young Explorers in the fall. He said his documentaries can dispell the teachings at universities that Exodus did not happen. When he grew up people told him the stories of Exodus and other Old Testament accounts were not true. In 2001 he took a film crew to Egypt to find places where the Jews were supposed to have lived. People told him there was no evidence. That set off a crisis of faith. That set Mahoney on a 12 year journey to study the Bible and find evidence, not necessarily in places where people said to look. The Bible is being challenged more than ever. "The historical credibility of the Bible is, I think, the big question. ... There is evidence for the Bible. There is evidence for the Exodus. And there's a huge, powerful pattern of evidence." Christianity is based upon a God who has intervened in the world throughout history, he said. Apologetics film takes youths on faith quest. A still from the documentary film Patterns of Evidence: Young Explorers. One piece of archeological evidence Mahoney mentioned is the biblical account of Rahab, a prostitute who lived in Jericho. Her house was built into the city's wall, the wall which fell during the city's conquest — except for Rahab's home. A portion of that city's walls stands to this day. For more information about archeology and evidence that matches the Bible, go to patternsofevidence.com and sign up for "Thinker Updates." If you are interested in viewing Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus, it is available on DVD and Blu-ray at patternsofevidence.com. It features stunning animations and a cast including narrator Kevin Sorbo (God’s Not Dead, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys), interviews with leading archaeologists including Israel Finkelstein, Kent Weeks, and David Rohl, and guest appearances by Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Shimon Peres. On Facebook, search for Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus. --Jason Reynolds

After Phil’s trip to the International Christian Retail Show, the gang discusses the current state of Christian retail. Moving on to current events, they touch on the tragic shooting in Aurora, Colorado and NCAA punishments for Penn State. Lastly, the crew responds to listeners' questions about dreams and calling!