Equip Book of the Month: December

8 December 2014Blog, Book Reviews, Equip Book ClubChristian Books

A Life Already Started: Dr Megan Best

Finding a positive path in an unplanned pregnancy…

When you are faced with an unwanted pregnancy, it may feel like the walls are closing in, and you are overwhelmed with choices:

Should you terminate?
Should you keep the baby or adopt it out?
Should you tell the father?
Your parents?
Where will you live and how will you deal with finances?

Don’t panic, God has not left you to manage on your own. This immensely practical book looks at all the options from a Christian perspective, starting with the realization that the child in the womb is ‘already a life’ and that this should be the place to move forward from. A life already started also looks at how we, as God’s people, can genuinely love and support women who did not intend to become pregnant.

Usual Price: R150.00

Special Equip BoM Price: R100.00

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Look at these great new bible studies from James Dobson …..

5 December 2014Blog, New Releases, Special PromotionsChristian Books

These studies are a must for any parent and are a very affordable price too. Each kit includes 4 short DVD sessions & a bible study book.

Bringing up Boys: Shaping the next generation of Men

How can you connect with your son when you are correcting him?
What roles do Mom & Dad play in shaping their son into a man?
What does testosterone do, and why is it a priceless gift?

Dr. Dobson offers parents of sons a guidebook through the land of testosterone, offering practical help to invest in your family legacy.

CBD PRICE: R245.00

Bringing up Girls: If only she were as simple as sugar & spice

What makes raising girls different from raising boys?
How can we combat culture’s negative effects on our daughters

Discover why the three “T’s” – Talk, Touch, and Time – are so important in our relationship with our daughters, and how to have a positive generational impact on them.

CBD PRICE: R245.00

The Strong-willed Child : Surviving birth through Adolescence

How can you shape a child’s will without breaking it?
Are you able to recognize the difference between irres-ponsibility & willful disobedience when your child messes up?

This is a practical “how-to” study series on discipline and child-rearing. It focuses on sibling rivalry, hyperactivity, self-esteem, and the most common errors made by frustrated parents.

CBD PRICE: R245.00

Dare to Discipline : Answers to your toughest questions

Do you feel like you’re using anger to resolve every disciplinary need?
Do you have trouble staying consistent with discipline when you are tired?
Is it okay to spank your child, or will it lead him to hit others and become a violent person?

This study guide is designed to help you lead your children through the tough job of growing up and teach you how to meet your children’s needs of love, trust, affection & discipline.

CBD PRICE: R245.00

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Let’s be Frank

3 December 2014Blog, DevotionalsChristian Books

Frank Retief was pastor at St James Church Cape Town for 31 years, having planted the church in 1968 with his wife Beulah. He became the Presiding Bishop of the Church of England in South Africa until he retired in 2010. Frank remains active in ministry through preaching, teaching, pastoral work & writing, and has authored a number of books.

Giving

Luke 21 verse 2 – 4: He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”You, who read this, may remember that in chapter 19 verses 45 – 48 Jesus drove out of the temple those who were trading commercially, saying “It is written, my house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers.” (Chapter 19 v 46)

Now we read of another incident in the temple that caught the eye of Jesus. And it also concerned money. The Scribes were experts in the knowledge of Scripture and were able to use scripture in such a way that drew from the public not only a great admiration for being so seemingly erudite, but they also looked for financial gain. Thus Jesus “looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. “ (Chapter 21 v 1). There was a collection box of some sort and the wealthy put their gifts into it, and it seemed to be very ostentatious. But Luke tells us he also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. Jesus commended her in verse 3. “I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.” This was a very strange statement to make, but Jesus explains that the others gave out of their wealth. It was no hardship to give, but this poor widow gave out of her poverty. She gave all she had to live on.

Now, why was the widow’s action so commendable? Because she placed the welfare of the work of God’s Kingdom above her own, that’s why. To her the more important thing was, not her own provision, but provision for the work and the teaching of God’s law to go on.The implication is that the excessive measures taken by the temple authorities to get money, took no account of the poor and needy, who should have been assisted by the temple. So Jesus in this way lets us know that in spite of the temple corruption, he was not blind to the true devotions of many people who had genuine piety. They truly trusted in God. Jesus gives an eternal commendation to this poor anonymous person’s gift and she, without knowing it, would become part of the preaching of the Gospel forever.

Notice two things.

First, the greed of the human heart will be with us until Jesus comes, and it will always be seen in every human endeavor, including that of religion. The apostle Paul spoke of men “who think their godliness is a means of financial gain.” (1 Timothy 6 v 5) We have seen plenty of these people in our own time and will see them again and again in our generation. Enough said.
The other observation is that however small your service for Christ may be, whether that of effort, or money, nothing goes unnoticed. Jesus sees all and knows all, and all will find their due reward in due course.

You are not unnoticed, nor unappreciated by your father in Heaven.

Follow Frank Retief’s daily blog on http://frankretief.co.za/

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Daily readings for the Advent Season

1 December 2014Blog, Book Reviews, Special PromotionsChristian Books

You know how we all love Advent calendars especially the ones with chocolates……?

There something about the element of surprise when we “open” a window and find a treat.

Shock and Awe In this advent book beginning on the 1st December and going right through to the 6th of January, we find a spiritual treat every day as it reminds us of how Jesus birth was met with wonder, astonishment and even incredulity.

Ian Coffey describes God’s method of granting us His Grace as shock and awe. Shock that a heavenly king was to come to earth as a lowly baby and Awesomeness of the way God delivers on his promises time after time.

We begin with the story of God’s promise and covenant with Abraham in Genesis and end with John’s vision of the new heaven and earth in Revelation. The book is filled with anecdotes, snippets and quotes from other Christian writers and from the author himself which just add that little bit extra to an already challenging yet comforting book.

There is also a short study guide at the back is helpful and can only serve to encourage either individuals or even a small group. If this gem is not on your” books to read” list it should be, better still buy an extra copy and “bless” someone with it. It’s far more practical and uplifting than an advent calendar.

NORMAL PRICE: R120.00

HALF PRICE PROMOTION: R60.00 (valid for sales in December only)

Our plans ….. He provides…..

26 November 2014Blog, DevotionalsChristian Books

A devotion by Trevor Bradley

I was sharing with someone this morning the quote that has seen me through many difficult hours. Times when life just doesn’t make sense or when there is expectation/faith burning in my heart for an anticipated answer to prayer.

Here is a quote I like – “The last 30 minutes on the journey of faith is the longest”

Proverbs 16 vs 9 says ‘”We make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps”
Psalm 32 vs 8 reminds us that ‘”I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. With my eye watching over you I WILL counsel you”

ALL IS IN HIS HANDS.
It is hard at times to comprehend, but it’s true. I have to console myself with the truth that my heavenly Father loves me and HIS plans for me are good. His timetable is not mine. But this I know, that no good thing will HE withhold from me.

Hear Psalm 84 vs 11 ”the Lord is a sun and a shield. The Lord gives grace and glory. No good thing does HE withhold from those who walk uprightly”.

Why is this so real to me today.? Because for some time now our family has been looking to make plans about a certain issue in our lives. We were encouraged to take a certain, established plan of action that would put us on a desired path. BUT today we heard that the route we wanted to take has been firmly shut, forever.

Thus I have had to flee to those verses before you today. It is in these promises that I find the comfort that with my plans GOD WILL MAKE THE WAY..It’s all HIM. As HE instructed the children of Israel to do, so I must do. ‘Stand still and see the salvation the LORD will accomplish for you today.

The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent’ Our plans…Christ the provider/way.
Amen- so be it according to HIS word.

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Book Review : Does Grace grow best in winter?

24 November 2014Blog, Book ReviewsChristian Books

By Ligon Duncan

Few things trouble our hearts and minds like suffering. “Why is this happening? Why me? How can I get through this? Can I get through this?” God says we can, but he says more. Suffering is not merely to be endured. It comes into our lives for good reasons. Suffering affords seasons for growth in ways we would not grow otherwise.

This book prepares believers for hardship when it comes their way. Learning some of the purposes for suffering, how it connects us with our Lord and his people, and what God’s Word says to us in the midst of our pain will enable us to glorify him in the most troubling times. The wealth of Scripture in this readable book, its focus on the passion and sympathy of Jesus, and thoughtful study questions for reflection or group discussion will help to transform not only our outlook on suffering but on our lives.

Regardless of your current circumstances, this book will help you to perceive God’s purpose in suffering, receive God’s grace in trails and draw near to our great High Priest who suffered the unimaginable horrors of the cross for us.

CBD PRICE: R120.00

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Tim Keller’s latest book has arrived

14 November 2014Blog, Book Reviews, New ReleasesChristian Books

Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with Christ

Christians are taught in their churches and schools that prayer is the most powerful way to experience God. But few receive instruction or guidance in how to make prayer genuinely meaningful. In Prayer, renowned pastor Timothy Keller delves into the many facets of this everyday act.

With his trademark insights and energy, Keller offers biblical guidance as well as specific prayers for certain situations, such as dealing with grief, loss, love, and forgiveness. He discusses ways to make prayers more personal and powerful, and how to establish a practice of prayer that works for each reader.

CBD Price: R340 (hardcover)

Stock is currently available only at our Head Office Store and on-line shopping cart.

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Why we neglect our bibles …..

13 November 2014Blog, DevotionalsChristian Books

We assume every Christian has a Bible that is worn down, marked up, and paired with a journal stuffed with multicolored spiritual reflections…..

But that’s often not true. Many Christians find it difficult to get into a daily habit of Bible reading. John Piper recently addressed four common causes of Bible neglect in the Christian life, like: “I don’t read my Bible because . . .

. . . it seems so irrelevant to my life.”
. . . I don’t have time.”
. . . I go to church every Sunday.”
. . . I find it confusing.”

Read here as John Piper shares his answers to these questions and more.

Our Daily Bread Annual Edition 2011 CBD has a wonderful selection of dated and undated devotional material to suit your requirements & assist you with your daily walk with God.

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Two brand new bible studies just arrived.

7 November 2014Blog, New ReleasesChristian Books

We have just received a shipment of bible studies including two new DVD-based studies by Priscilla Shirer & Matt Chandler. Make sure you stock up before the start of the new year.

RECOVERING REDEMPTION : MATT CHANDLER

All of us have a sense of dissatisfaction. And we typically look for solutions in four areas: self, others, the world, and religion. But none of these will satisfy. Recovering Redemption is about recovering what is lost and broken—our relationship with Jesus—because the gospel is the remedy to fix all things: every struggle, every circumstance, every relationship, everything.

In this 12-session study, Matt Chandler explains the implications of the gospel with surprising clarity and striking candor. Those who have been Christ followers for years will find that it helps connect the dots of their faith, serving as a bridge between salvation and maturity. It’s also an essential study for new believers.

Click here to watch an introduction to this bible study.

Workbook: R155.00 DVD: R820.00

Breathe: Priscilla Shirer

Breathe We are in bondage to busyness. We constantly strive to complete the limitless to-do lists that hinder us from experiencing all that God has for us. We miss the moments because we rush ahead to the next thing. It is time for us to breathe and build margin into our lives for God. Sabbath was intended as a gift, and it is still a gift to us today.

Join Priscilla and discover Sabbath margin – the boundary God enables us to put around things we enjoy so that we never become slaves again. If you are weary, worn out, and exhausted the concept of Sabbath will change your life.

Click here to see an introduction of this Bible Study.

Workbook: R150.00 DVD: R330.00

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Moments with a Mom: To be a Mom

5 November 2014Blog, DevotionalsChristian Books

Candice is a busy wife to Matt and mom of Noah (5) and Tyler (3 going on 21). Candice also works part-time at our Rosebank Store of Christian Book Discounters. In her spare time Candice writes for her own blog and is a travel consultant.

To be a mom, I’m sure means different things to different moms. Each journey into and through motherhood is littered with moments and memories that are particular to that mom and to her journey with her children.

I’m a mom of two ~ and believe me, I don’t profess to know anything at all about being the perfect mom. Actually, the longer I’m a mom, the more I realise how much I really don’t know at all. The only thing I can lean on is daily grace and patience from their (and my) Creator and the never-ending, unconditional well of love for my two little mini-me’s.

What does it mean to be a mom? Through my “I’m-Noah-and-Tyla’s-mom” lens, here’s what it looks like to me so far ~ because I don’t think I’ll ever stop learning.

To be a mom is to be able to laugh at yourself. Life with babies is serious business but in all honesty, sometimes it’s just so not funny, that it’s hysterical.

To be a mom is to be a personal chef, chauffeur, doctor, artist, hairdresser, stylist, counsellor, walking encyclopaedia of a wide number of subjects (right now for me it’s the solar system and superheroes), cheerleader, advice giver ~ the list is endless. You’re everything to them.

To be a mom is to know more about Veggietales, Dora the Explorer, Cars, Barney and Bob the Builder than you know about current breaking news stories and the latest One Direction single.

To be a mom is to realise that growing up is over-rated. Who said moms can’t climb on jungle gyms and hang upside down on the monkey bars? (I still do this…) Who said that when you reach a certain age you can’t wear your princess fairy dress up costume to do the grocery shopping? My children show me every day that life doesn’t have to all that serious, really.

To be a mom is to realise how much magic you miss out on, just because you don’t take the time to notice it. My children notice that there’s magic every day in the small things ~ lying in the garden and watching clouds, putting on your favourite song and prancing around like no-body’s watching, driving with all the windows down and letting your hair dance behind you .

To be a mom means encouraging your kids to do things that you might be afraid of them doing. It’s not our job to instil fear in our children when they try new things. My daughter loves her gymnastics class and at three years old, I can’t tell you that it doesn’t scare me to see her on the bar already. She could hurt herself! I’m scared, but she’s not ~ time to paint on that encouraging smile and take a long sip of Coca Cola.

To a be mom is to realise how many things are actually out of your control and in turn, how much we need to trust our little treasures to our Heavenly Father. Motherhood should drive us moms to our knees ~ we should carry them to Jesus daily as we realise just how much of their lives we don’t have control over and how much of the world we can’t protect them from.

To be a mom is provide ultimate security and trust all within the palm of your hand, literally. When you hold a little hand in yours, just know that that little heart believes that whatever happens next, you’ll be there to get them through it.

To be a mom means keeping your promises. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. Always be the ultimate example in keeping your word and following through when you say you will.

To be a mom is to be brave, is to be strong, is to fight ~ even when you can’t imagine taking just one more step and putting one foot in front of the other.

To be a mom is to sign up for sacrifice. The essence of motherhood is sacrifice.

“The emotional labour pains of becoming a mother are far greater than the physical pangs of birth; these are the growing surges of your heart as it pushes out selfishness and fear and makes room for sacrifice and love.” (Joy Kusek)

To be a mom is to listen intently and show grace.

To be a mom is to create and leave a legacy.

To be a mom is being conscious of the fact that little eyes are always watching.

To be a mom is to live with open arms, no matter what.

To be a mom is to witness the fingerprint of the Father on every detail of a life.

To be a mom is to realise that you matter.

AND MOST OF ALL, I couldn’t say this better and to this day, it’s the best description of motherhood I’ve ever read:

To be a mom is to decide to forever have your heart go walking around outside your body (Elizabeth Stone).

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Book Review: God is just not fair

3 November 2014Blog, Book ReviewsChristian Books

by Jennifer Rothschild

Finding hope when life just doesn’t make sense ……

This is a book about finding more than just answers. It’s for anyone who needs hope when life doesn’t make sense – for all who reach for a God who feels distant. Do you believe God is just not fair? If you’re like Jennifer Rothschild, you wrestle with questions when you experience painful circumstances. Does God care? Does he hear my prayers? Is he even there?

Blinded as a teenager, Jennifer overcame daunting obstacles, found strength in God, and launched a successful speaking and writing ministry. Then in her 40’s, everything changed. Jennifer hit a wall of depression and discontent that shook her to her core, undermining many of her past assumptions about her faith. Jennifer wondered who God was and why he continued to allow her to struggle and doubt. Where, Jennifer pleaded, is his hand of healing and hope in my life now?

As Jennifer tackles the six big questions of faith, she will help you:

Trust God more than your feelings.
Strengthen your faith when you feel beat up by life.
Embrace your obstacles and start experiencing their purpose.
Face your disappointment and grow stronger from your loss.

CBD PRICE: R185.00

Gary Gilley Promotion

24 October 2014Blog, Special PromotionsChristian Books

Gary Gilley has just spent the past 3 weeks preaching and ministering in the Gauteng area. We are offering Gary’s books at special promotional prices until the end of November 2014. Available on-line and from our Rosebank & Head Office stores.

THIS LITTLE CHURCH WENT TO MARKET

With the spectacular successes of mega churches, churches all over the world are buying into the market-driven philosophy of church growth and expansion. But what price have these churches paid in order to fill their pew with scores of people? Is the market-driven phenomenon comparable to such historic movements as the Evangelical Revival? Or has the church lost its culture wars?

The most significant forces pressing against the church are entertainment, market-driven philosophies and psychology. These three are largely absent from the Bible, yet are startlingly prevalent in evangelical churches. This is a serious and timely call for churches to return to their scriptural roots ….. before it is too late.

CBD PRICE: R100.00

THIS LITTLE CHURCH STAYED AT HOME

In This Little Church Stayed Home, Dr Gilley explores the manifold temptations of conservative churches to sell out to modern trends and innovations, including the present temptation towards mystical theology. Churches toying with new measures will be challenged to remain true to the historic doctrines of the Christian faith and to remain faithful to God s chosen means of converting sinners to himself: the good news of Jesus Christ.

CBD PRICE: R80.00

THIS LITTLE CHURCH HAD NONE

Evangelicals have been desperately trying to impress the world for decades, becoming thoroughly worldly in the process. it is hard to think of any significant fad that evangelicals haven’t latched onto. Holiness has practically fallen out of the evangelical vocabulary. This book is a skilful analysis and critique of contemporary evangelical movement and a powerful plea for Christians to recover their love for the truth.

CBD PRICE: R90.00

IS THAT YOU LORD?

We live in a world of communication, and yet communication is a messy business – poor call quality dropped lines & misdials are common. And that is before we try to get the other person to understand what we are saying …… Perhaps this is how we feel about communicating with God? But what does the bible say? Gilley shows us what God’s Word teaches on this important subject which will guide you to a biblical soundness.

CBD PRICE: R70.00

While stocks last. E & OE

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