In this volume of the For Today series, author and pastor James Howell takes us on an engaging exploration of the Beatitudes. Howell considers each of the well-known phrases in these passages from Matthew and creatively applies Jesus' teachings to our contemporary world and Christian lives.
The For Today series was designed to provide reliable and accessible resources for the study and real life application of important biblical texts, theological documents, and Christian practices. The emphasis of the series is not only on the realization and appreciation of what these subjects have meant in the past, but also on their value in the present--"for today." Thought-provoking questions are included at the end of each chapter, making the books ideal for personal study and group use.

The Beatitudes for Today

Religion & Spirituality

Howell, James C.

Christian Books & Bibles

Westminster/John Knox Press

How are we to know “the will of God?” In this honest discussion, veteran pastor and theologian James C. Howell considers a number of issues relating to God’s will, how it is known, how it is done, and how we respond when bad things happen and we feel God is absent or has turned away from us. In this sensitive presentation, Howell explores these questions and provides ways of recognizing the true things to which we can hold in the midst of hard times. 
Howell proceeds simply and practically to consider personal understandings of God, God’s will for our lives, and ways in which God’s will is lived. He reflects on what to do and believe when bad things happen, “why they happen, and the quest for God in the midst of it all, recognizing that God’s will is for good. Howell provides pastoral and theological help for the issues we face in life, showing us what we can do and how to “believe even more deeply in God, even as we grieve losses, resist evil, and muster hope.” Questions for discussion accompany each chapter.

The Will of God: Answering the Hard Questions

This introductory-level book on Christianity looks clearly at what the church believed and taught throughout its history. Hard questions about the Bible, theology, and the Christian life are dealt with. As author, veteran scholar, and pastor James Howell puts it, "Great hope rests in thinking through these questions." In doing so, he explores what it means to live as a Christian, as part of the church community, and also what it means to live with the hope Christian faith provides, even for those who "previously believed there was no hope. Study questions for discussion are included.

Introducing Christianity: Exploring the Bible, Faith, and Life

This wonderful devotional book will stimulate both mind and heart. Howell provides contexts for the selected verses and draws from a wide range of sources to illuminate their meaning for Christian faith and life today. His insights are richly rewarding. He encourages, inspires, and motivates us to understand the biblical verses in relation to faithful Christian discipleship. Howell's pastoral sensitivities combined with his studies and seasoned wisdom make this book an outstanding companion to Scripture reading and a gift to all Bible readers.

40 Treasured Bible Verses: A Devotional

Veteran pastor James C. Howell skillfully unpacks one of the most powerful verses in the Old Testament, Micah 6:8: "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Howell illuminates the original context in which this verse was written, while demonstrating how it can still guide us in our lives today.
A Leader's Guide is also included in this book, making it a wonderful resource for both group and individual use.

What Does the Lord Require?: Doing Justice, Loving Kindness, and Walking Humbly

There is no doubt that the task of preaching can sometimes be overwhelming. Combining veteran wisdom, practicality, and a contagious reverence for the beauty of God's Word, veteran pastor James C. Howell leads pastors and teachers through the joyful and perplexing craft and practice of preaching. Drawing on a wide range of resources, Howell provides discussions on the "Subject Matters of Preaching," "Where Sermons Happen," "When Sermons Happen," and the "Life of the Body." The conclusion on "The Preaching Self" considers the person of the preacher. These seasoned reflections will be of great help for all who preach.

The Beauty of the Word: The Challenge and Wonder of Preaching

Prayer is not easy, yet learning to pray can be learned. The Beautiful Work of Learning to Pray is a brief but probing guide into the life of prayer. James Howell examines the many barriers to prayer (such as our busyness, how uncomfortable with silence we are, our doubts and fears) and invites the reader to take a fresh approach to the devotional life. Each lesson begins with a scripture passage and the author draws comfortably and appropriately from a rich array of other sources (Annie Dillard, St. Augustine, Henri Nowen, Kathy Mattea, Madeleine L’Engle, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, St. Francis, Oscar Romero, and the movie Good Will Hunting are a sampling.) The author’s own engaging writing style, including his ability to illumine his ideas with the shared wisdom of others, is a major strength of this book. While each “lesson” is only two book pages long, the author draws from a deep well of wisdom about prayer. Howell leads the reader through the “subjects” of prayer (e.g. praise, confession, giving thanks), and digs deeply into theological issues such as whether prayer works, prayer and suffering, and forgiveness. According to the author, “In the end, prayer draws us into community with others-- out of our “curved in” lives and into the world in service.” The Beautiful Work of Learning to Pray will be helpful to the novice in spiritual life as well as long-time Christians who are striving for a more profound relationship with God. Includes Study Guide, List of Sources, and Scripture Index.

The Beautiful Work of Learning to Pray: 31 Lessons

ABINGDON PRESS *

This book is designed to help preachers find and use the riches of the Psalms for preaching. The authors address the perception that the Psalms often go neglected in preparing for one of the central acts of worship: preaching. McCann and Howell demonstrate that the Psalms offer the preacher broad, rich possibilities for the congregation's engagement with the Scripture. Each chapter concludes with a brief sample.

Preaching the Psalms

McCann JR., J. Clinton

In 27 brief lessons on the Holy Spirit, James Howell introduces us to the third person of the Trinity, "this personal, elusive, invisible, powerful Spirit." Who is the Holy Spirit? What is the work of the Spirit? How can I connect with the Holy Spirit in my life? What would that look like? These are just a few of the questions believers may struggle with as they attempt to come to a fuller understanding of the Holy Spirit. Drawing on his own experience as well as the wisdom of other writers, Howell invites readers to know and experience God the Spirit. The title of the book comes from a quotation by Bernard of Clairvaux that it is appropriate to think of the Holy Spirit as a kiss. The author explains that Clairvaux "is imagining God the Father loving his son Jesus so tenderly that God would kiss the son, and the Spirit then would be that kiss." Some of the lessons are: The Spirit in the Trinity, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, The Spirit and Creation, The Spirit in Us, Culture and the Spirit, The Spirit in the Church, Sending the Comforter, The Spirit and Freedom, and The Spirit and the Future. Each lesson begins with a prayer written by the author. A study guide is included to assist small group leaders.

The Kiss of God: 27 Lessons on the Holy Spirit

Using the Apostles’ Creed as the “primary text” this book explores what we believe as Christians and how those beliefs are relevant today. The author’s goal is to help pastors educate and transform members of their congregations. He examines the Creed phrase by phrase in brief sections suitable for congregational study or for emailing to the congregation. For each phrase in the Creed, a "deeper reflection" provides material for preaching a 13-sermon series or for further congregatonal study. A detailed appendix includes recommendations of hymns and songs related to each phrase in the Creed; the suggestions are keyed to several hymnals and songbooks.

The Life We Claim: The Apostles' Creed for Preaching, Teaching, and Worship

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Books by Howell, James C.