Mel Lawrenz

How can we help our kids enjoy a meaningful Easter season? We know that our kids get swept up in the gifts and the lights and the celebrations of Christmas, but we also know that a real connection with the meaning of the birth of Jesus is the best thing that can happen for them--and for us.This 22-day devotional for kids will help them learn about the story of Jesus, and the meaning of his death and resurrection. Each day's short reading (a little more than 100 words) focuses on a single idea. Young readers will learn what they mean and get, through the simple illustrations, memorable pictures in their heads. Knowing Him for Kids: A Devotional for the Easter Season is appropriate for children approximately ages 6 through 13.To come together as families, parents can follow along with the adult version, Knowing Him for Kids: A Devotional for the Easter Season, which has the same daily themes as the kids' book.A WORD TO KIDS...The most wonderful story ever is about the life of Jesus. He did amazing miracles. He spoke the truth. He loved his followers, just like he loves each of us. The end of his life is so important, especially that he came back to life after his enemies had him killed This small book is all about the wonderful life of Jesus and his resurrection which is what Easter is all about ABOUT THE AUTHORMel Lawrenz is the author of 19 books with Zondervan, Baker, IVP, and others. He has been a pastor for more than 35 years. He and his wife, Ingrid, raised two kids, Eva and Christopher.ALSO, FOR KIDS, A Book of Prayers for Kids: Ways to Talk to God Every Day (WordWay, 2018)

Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award "Eva not breathing. Pray." That text message was Mel Lawrenz's entry into the harsh reality of losing his thirty-year-old daughter. Things would never be the same. How could he and his family cope with this devastating loss? In this narrative of grief, Pastor Mel Lawrenz chronicles how his family struggled to survive the sudden death of their beloved daughter. In raw, vivid episodes, he describes the immediacy of the pain and the uncertainty of what comes next. In the agony of traumatic loss, Lawrenz apprehends the realities of love and life and offers insights on how to navigate our life priorities before or after tragedy hits. You are not alone. You too can find a way forward.

To get to the treasure of the Bible, you've got to do some digging.All believers are students of the Bible. We can and must develop our skills in digging into the true meaning of Scripture. Then we will get the treasure. In this book you will learn how to... choose which translation(s) you use observe the facts understand the flow of meaning of a biblical book develop your biblical vocabulary study a topic in the Bible study a Bible passage use the basic skills of Bible interpretation apply the truths of Scripture to your life recognize false teaching and much more... The Bible has changed history, shaped civilizations, given hope to hundreds of millions of people. Its descriptions of truth give us a reliable map for the paths of our lives, leading us to blessings and warning us away from destruction. Its message of grace and love heals us and guides us into authentic relationship with God.ABOUT THE AUTHORMel Lawrenz trains an international network of Christian leaders, ministry pioneers, and thought-leaders. He served as senior pastor of Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin, for ten years, having succeeded Stuart Briscoe, and now serves as Elmbrook's minister at large. He has a Ph.D. in the history of Christian thought (Marquette University) and is on the adjunct faculty of Trinity International University. He has authored or co-authored 18 books.____________READERS' COMMENTS ABOUT HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE: A SIMPLE GUIDE (WordWay, 2014)"Clear, easy to read, great explanations... and in everyday language. It provides a 'big picture' of the Bible and how I can understand it better. It's a resource I'll refer to quite often... and encourage others to also. This is a MUST READ ""Rarely have I seen a book take something as misunderstood as the Bible and make it so simple to understand. It is clear, concise, interesting and well written. It's gave me both an explanation of all aspects of the Bible and the encouragement to approach God's word with confidence.""This is a GREAT resource for ANYONE. If you are new to reading the Bible or if you've been reading it for years ... there's good information in this book for you."CHAPTERSPart I. Being a Student of Scripture1. It's All About Zeal2. Which Bible?3. How Scripture Examines Us4. Facts and Faith5. Observation6. Curiosity7. Understanding the Intent of the Biblical AuthorsPart II. The Ways of Studying the Bible8. The Many Genres of Scripture9. Approaching a Biblical Book10. Understanding the Flow of Meaning of a Biblical Book11. Studying a Particular Bible Passage12. The Meaning of Specific Words in the Bible13. Do We Need to Know Hebrew and Greek?14. Developing Our Biblical Vocabulary15. Two Approaches: Discovery and Questions16. How to Do a Topical Study of Scripture17. Using Bible Commentaries18. Studying a Biblical CharacterPart III. Interpreting and Applying the Bible19. The Basics of Bible Interpretation20. Let Scripture Interpret Scripture21. Illumination and the Study of Scripture22. One Meaning, Many Applications23. The Indwelling Word24. Avoiding Mistakes in the Application of Scripture25. Devotional Reflection26. How to Recognize False Teaching27. We Are in This Together28. Conviction and Commitment

Dozens of prayers for kids to use for every day, difficult days, and special days. What could be more important than giving our kids the tools to keep them connected to God? Kids are wired to have faith. And prayer is the way they (and we) make our bond with God strong. Kids don't need simplistic prayers. They need to be inspired to use the minds and hearts God gave them to speak specifically about every circumstance of life. Prayers include... A Mealtime Prayer - A Prayer to Start the Day - A Prayer to End the Day - Before You Read the Bible - When You are Sad - When You are Afraid - When You are Lonely - When You've Lost a Friend - When You Are Being Bullied - When You are Confused - When You Have Done Wrong - When You Accomplished Something Good - When Your Father is Not Doing Well - When Your Mother is Not Doing Well - When Someone You Love is Ill - On Your Birthday - To God Our Father - To Jesus the Son of God - To God the Holy Spirit - When Someone You Love Has Died - When Your Pet Is Ill - At Christmas Time - Thanks for Your Mother - Thanks for Your Father - Thanks For Your Family - Prayer for Faith - Prayer for Hope - Prayer for Love - Before Going to Church - When You Have to Say Sorry - About School - For the Beginning of the School Year - For the End of the School Year For ages 7 to 12, approximately. More info at www.BookOfPrayersForKids.com A word to the kid who has this book... Our great God in heaven loves every person he ever created. And he wants to hear from us We can call out for God's help, thank God for good things, seek his love when we have done wrong. But sometimes we wonder how to pray. The 50 prayers here are for everyday use. Prayers to start the day, end the day, mealtime prayers, prayers for when we are ill, confused, lonely, or happy. Prayers for family, for friends, for school. And may others. Don't stick this book on a shelf Put it in your backpack, beside your bed, at your dinner table-wherever you can reach for it Use the prayers. Talk to God

"If you are in a position of positive influence, if you exercise leadership in any way, your faith in God gives you a power—a hidden power—that will allow you to make an enduring difference in the lives of other people and organizations. But how does that power work?"So says Mel Lawrenz in this fresh look at leadership which offers practical and biblical guidance to believers who want to have a deep influence and who want to know: What is the proper use of authority and power? Where do good ideas come from? How can we deal with failure? What does God expect of us?Drawing from more than thirty years of experience in pastoral ministry, Lawrenz writes for Christians in any position of influence. This book provides a new baseline for 21st century Christian leadership, addressing issues such as: • building integrity• seizing opportunities• exploring new horizons• speaking into crises• receiving power• accepting authority• promoting truth• managing expectations• dealing with criticismUsing real-life examples, key Scripture passages, and history, Lawrenz shows that when believers align their responsibility to lead with the teaching of Jesus and the work of God’s Spirit, their spiritual influence will have integrity and enduring effectiveness. "Lawrenz gives us hope that the leadership pendulum which has swung from 'over- spiritualized' to 'de-spiritualized' in recent generations may have finally come to rest where it always belonged—upon Jesus Christ." - Skye Jethani, Senior Editor, Leadership Journal, from the foreword "It is exciting to think about believers at every level of society rising to a new call to exercise powerful spiritual influence. In his newest book Mel Lawrenz has given us all a new baseline for leadership that is personal, wise, and spiritual. It spans the generations and reaches across cultures. Just think what will happen if believers in positions of influence tie into the wisdom and the power that comes from God in order to bring restoration in our broken world!” - Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor, National Community Church in Washington, D.C.

En algunas ocasiones sabemos con exactitud qu debemos decir en oraci n pero en otras pareciera dif cil hallar las palabras adecuadas. No es algo inusual. Es la raz n por la que los seguidores de Cristo a trav s de los siglos han escrito oraciones para apoyarse mutuamente, plegarias basadas en los valores y los par metros que encontramos en la Escritura. En Oraciones por nuestra vida, el autor y pastor Mel Lawrenz ofrece 95 oraciones distintas que pueden usarse en pocas de tensi n, durante ocasiones especiales y como gu as cotidianas. Por ejemplo: Cuando estamos enfermos Oraciones matinales Cuando estamos desanimados Oraciones vespertinas Por fe y salvaci n Oraciones durante la comida Cuando somos tentados Alabanza a Cristo el Se or Por nuestros amigos Gratitud por un logro significativo Por la naci n Cuando necesitamos direcci n Cuando alguien contrae matrimonio y decenas de oraciones adicionales. Puedes usar estas oraciones en privado, en grupo, en una ocasi n especial o en la iglesia. O tambi n adaptarlas como mejor consideres.

Sometimes we know exactly what to pray, and sometimes it seems hard to find the right words. That is not unusual. That is why Christians have been writing prayers to support each other for centuries, based on the values and the standards we find in Scripture.In Prayers for Our Lives author and pastor Mel Lawrenz offers 95 different prayers to be used in times of distress, on special occasions, and as daily patterns. For instance: Morning PrayersEvening PrayersMealtime PrayersFor the FamilyFor WorshipWhen We Are IllWhen We Are DiscouragedFor Faith and SalvationWhen We Are TemptedFor FriendsFor the NationWhen Someone Gets MarriedPraise to Christ the LordThanks for a Major AchievementWhen We Need Guidanceand dozens moreYou can use these prayers in private times, in a group, for a special occasion, or in church. Or adapt them as you see fit.ENDORSEMENT"Mel writes with disarming honesty, and each prayer is like a cry of the heart. Here child-like simplicity meets sage-like wisdom, all of it spoken so intimately that living breath still seems to fill each word. Lifelines indeed."-Mark Buchanan, author, pastor, professor

Jes s es lo suficientemente intrigante como una figura hist rica, pero es mucho m s que eso. Jes s el Mes as es la fuente de gracia y verdad, perd n y confrontaci n, poder, sabidur a y vida. No es de sorprenderse que el ap stol Pablo dijera: Lo he perdido todo a fin de conocer a Cristo, experimentar el poder que se manifest en su resurrecci n, participar en sus sufrimientos y llegar a ser semejante a l en su muerte. As espero alcanzar la resurrecci n de entre los muertos (Filipenses 3.10-11). Conocer a Cristo es un conjunto de lecturas devocionales que pone el foco en la raz n por la que Cristo vino y qu logr para la humanidad mediante Su muerte sacrificial y resurrecci n triunfal. _____ Mel Lawrenz sirve al Se or como parte del equipo pastoral de la Iglesia Elmbrook en Brookfield, Wisconsin (EE. UU.), donde previamente se desempe como pastor principal. Tiene un doctorado en historia del pensamiento cristiano (Marquette University) y es adjunto en la facultad de Trinity International University. Es autor y coautor de diecis is libros publicados por Zondervan, Baker, Regal, Leadership Network y otros. _____ Jesus is intriguing enough as a historical figure, but he is much more than that. Jesus the Messiah is the source of grace and truth, forgiveness and confrontation, power and wisdom and life. No wonder the apostle Paul said: "I want to know Christ-yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead" (Philippians 3:10-11). Knowing Him is a set of devotional readings for the Easter season focusing on why Christ came, and what he accomplished for humanity through his sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection.

Los d as previos a la Navidad constituyen una oportunidad extraordinaria para crecer en el conocimiento de Jes s, el Cristo, quien se denomin a s mismo como el camino, la verdad y la vida. En muchas ocasiones Jes s les dijo a sus seguidores los motivos por los que hab a venido. La gente com n no suele hablar de esa forma. Aunque tengamos un sentido de prop sito en la vida, no decimos que hemos venido al mundo con una misi n especial. Jes s dijo que lleg para cumplir la Escritura: No piensen que he venido a anular la ley o los profetas; no he venido a anularlos sino a darles cumplimiento (Mt. 5.17). Dijo que vino a predicar y proclamar: V monos de aqu a otras aldeas cercanas donde tambi n pueda predicar; para esto he venido (Mc. 1.38). Dijo que vino a sacarnos de la oscuridad: Yo soy la luz que ha venido al mundo, para que todo el que crea en m no viva en tinieblas (Jn. 12.46). Puesto de pie ante Poncio Pilato, Jes s dijo: Eres t quien dice que soy rey. Yo para esto nac , y para esto vine al mundo: para dar testimonio de la verdad (Jn. 18.37) Dijo que vino a dar vida: Yo he venido para que tengan vida, y la tengan en abundancia (Jn. 10.10). Y si todo eso no fuera suficiente, dijo que lleg con el fin de servir y darse en sacrificio: Porque ni aun el Hijo del hombre vino para que le sirvan, sino para servir y para dar su vida en rescate por muchos (Mc. 10.45). Hay distintas formas de contemplar la realidad transformadora de la venida del Hijo de Dios. En este devocional consideraremos veinticinco palabras o frases claves asociadas con el nacimiento de Jes s. Pensaremos en alegr a, paz, Emanuel, pastor, sabios, Mar a, estrella, carne, virgen, consejero, pr ncipe, pesebre y m s. En cada una de estas palabras se encierra un tesoro. Puedes leer el texto de forma diaria o seguir el ritmo que prefieras. Si comienzas el primer d a de diciembre, terminar s el d a de Navidad, pero en realidad puedes hacer las lecturas en cualquier momento durante la temporada navide a. Dios te bendiga al acercarte m s a Cristo este a o.

"An urgent call..." -Os Guinness What is a human being worth? That is the opening question in this new book by Mel Lawrenz which explores the meaning of human dignity and its connection with the Christian gospel and mission. Human dignity is a widely-held ideal, but there is much confusion over what it means. Is it simply autonomy-the supposed right that people have for complete self-determination? Is it good behavior? Is human dignity the basis for protection for all people, especially the vulnerable, founded on the reality that people are created in the image of God? Lawrenz speaks to the issue of dignity not just as a philosophical topic, but as an everyday reality. This is "a time for dignity" because of the many indignities that diminish people, whether abuse, illness, aging, injustice, terrorism, economic crises, etc. The mandate of the gospel requires specific commitments to recognizing and respecting human worth-all carried out in obedience to Jesus Christ. CONTENTS What is a Human Being Worth? Slap in the Face: The Insults of Indignity Restoring Dignity The Mandate of the Gospel The Dignity of Jesus ENDORSEMENT "The dignity of the person is the bedrock of any society with a human face. But if the last century witnessed some of history's greatest violations, the coming century may well prove worse. A Time for Dignity is an urgent call.... Followers of Jesus must not fail to rise to the challenge of the hour." -Os Guinness, author and social critic EXCERPT Despite all the painful circumstances of life that can make us feel incomplete, or less than fully human, most people do not give up the hope that they have some worth, some dignity. Illness makes us less than whole. Aging diminishes the body and oftentimes the mind. Abusive relationships violate. Loss and trauma fracture people's lives like earthquakes that weaken the whole structure of life. Unemployment and under-employment rob people of a sense of purpose. Many who have a job work for managers who treat them like gears in a machine. Yet most people hope that there is something higher about personhood that cannot be taken away. Most people want to hold their heads up.

Do you ever wish you understood the Bible better? Almost everyone does. Mature believers and new believers. Young and old. Those who have read the Bible for years and those just starting out. This book, How to Understand the Bible: A Simple Guide, will help you gain an overall perspective on the flow and meaning of Scripture. It addresses questions like: What is the Big Picture of the Bible? What About Bible Translations? How Should We Understand the Stories of the Old Testament? How Should We Interpret What the Prophets Had to Say? How Should We Understand the Teachings of Jesus? What Was Jesus Teaching in the Parables? How Can We Hear God's Voice in Scripture? What are the Proper Ways to Apply Scripture to Life Today? ... and much more. Knowing the Bible better is about knowing God better. And then we are better able to handle the hard realities of life and to realize the love and truth of God. WHAT READERS ARE SAYING "Clear, easy to read, great explanations... and in everyday language. It provides a 'big picture' of the Bible and how I can understand it better. It's a resource I'll refer to quite often... and encourage others to also. This is a MUST READ " "This is a GREAT resource for ANYONE. If you are new to reading the Bible or if you've been reading it for years ... there's good information in this book for you." Rarely have I seen a book take something as misunderstood as the Bible and make it so simple to understand. It is clear, concise, interesting and well written. It's gave me both an explanation of all aspects of the Bible and the encouragement to approach God's word with confidence.

Alguna vez so aste con entender mejor la Biblia? Casi todos lo hacemos. Creyentes maduros y nuevos creyentes. J venes y ancianos. Aquellos que hemos le do la Biblia durante a os y quienes apenas comienzan la aventura. Este libro te ayudar a adquirir una perspectiva general del flujo y el significado de la Escritura. Aborda cuestiones como: Cu l es el panorama general de la Biblia? Qu traducci n b blica deber a usar? C mo deber amos entender las historias del Antiguo Testamento? C mo deber amos interpretar aquello que los profetas ten an para decir? C mo deber amos entender las ense anzas de Jes s? Qu ense Jes s mediante las par bolas? C mo podemos o r la voz de Dios en la Escritura? Cu les son las formas adecuadas de aplicar la Escritura a la vida actual? ... y mucho m s. Conocer mejor la Biblia implica conocer mejor a Dios. Solo as podremos ser m s capaces de enfrentar las duras realidades de la vida y comprender el amor y la verdad de Dios. * * * * * Do you ever wish you understood the Bible better? Almost everyone does. Mature believers and new believers. Young and old. Those who have read the Bible for years and those just starting out. This book, How to Understand the Bible: A Simple Guide, will help you gain an overall perspective on the flow and meaning of Scripture. It addresses questions like: What is the Big Picture of the Bible? What About Bible Translations? How Should We Understand the Stories of the Old Testament? How Should We Interpret What the Prophets Had to Say? How Should We Understand the Teachings of Jesus? What Was Jesus Teaching in the Parables? How Can We Hear God's Voice in Scripture? What are the Proper Ways to Apply Scripture to Life Today? ... and much more. Knowing the Bible better is about knowing God better. And then we are better able to handle the hard realities of life and to realize the love and truth of God.

DISCOVER HOW YOU CAN FIND FREEDOM FROM GUILT AND SHAMEDo any of the following apply to you?I need forgiveness from God, but I don't know how to find it.It's only a matter of time before people find out I'm not good enough.I am disconnected and lonely.How can I figure out when I am guilty and when I am innocent?I don't think I'm worth being loved.I don't want to be so angry, jealous, and judgmental.I need to have a stronger connection with God.If these statements sound familiar to you-you are not alone. Even the most emotionally healthy people today experience degrees of the anguish brought on by shame and guilt. The heavy burden of shame and guilt can often keep us from connecting with others and enjoying the freedom of living in Christ.In Overcoming Guilt and Shame Dr. Daniel Green and Dr. Mel Lawrenz discuss the many ways in which guilt and shame both subtly and overtly manifest themselves in our lives. Using pastoral counseling and illustrative psychological case studies, they uncover the causes of and healthy responses to shame and guilt.Daniel Green (Ph.D., University of Arkansas) is clinical director of New Life Resources, Inc. in Brookfield, WI.Mel Lawrenz (Ph.D., Marquette University) is minister at large for Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, WI, and director of The Brook Network (www.thebrooknetwork.org).

What can we do to keep the joy in Christmas? The Christmas season can be your time for personal spiritual renewal. A time of joy and celebration. In this daily devotional for the month of December pastor and author Mel Lawrenz provides insight and inspiration that keeps Christ in Christmas. Each daily reading unpacks the meaning of words like joy, peace, Immanuel, shepherd, Magi, Mary, star, flesh, virgin, counselor, prince, manger, and more.What Readers Are Saying..."What a great devotional This could be used at any time during the year, but these Scriptures at Advent make it come alive. Even more importantly, it addresses 'What does this mean to you'""It was wonderful to have a new Christmas devotional every morning. My morning Bible time was enhanced with these readings.""Simply amazing collection of thoughts to make the true meaning of Christmas very plain. This devotional will help put us in the right frame of mind to celebrate Jesus' birthday with all the awe and blessings it represents.""In today's fast-paced society it is refreshing to have a devotional that is focused on the true meaning of Christmas. I plan to read this when I feel spiritually unbalanced throughout the year. Of course, it will now before my 'go to' Advent devotional every December ""Informative yet fascinating, meticulous yet simple. It is truly a joy to read this Christmas devotional as you literally become a part of the story of Jesus as it unfolds into the story of Christmas, the true reason for the season. Anyone reading this will truly be blessed "

Do you ever wish you understood the Bible better?Almost everyone does. Mature believers and new believers. Young and old. Those who have read the Bible for years and those just starting out.This book, How to Understand the Bible: A Simple Guide, will help you gain an overall perspective on the flow and meaning of Scripture. It addresses questions like: What is the Big Picture of the Bible?What About Bible Translations?How Should We Understand the Stories of the Old Testament?How Should We Interpret What the Prophets Had to Say?How Should We Understand the Teachings of Jesus?What Was Jesus Teaching in the Parables?How Can We Hear God's Voice in Scripture?What are the Proper Ways to Apply Scripture to Life Today?... and much more.Knowing the Bible better is about knowing God better. And then we are better able to handle the hard realities of life and to realize the love and truth of God.

«La influencia espiritual es provocada por el Espíritu de Dios, cuya obra consiste en transformar al espíritu humano, devolviéndonos la forma original con la cual Dios nos diseñó. Esto sucede cuando el Espíritu logra influir —in–fluir— en nosotros. Y se produce a lo largo de miles de pasos escondidos e imperceptibles.» En este novedoso estudio de lo que es el liderazgo, Mel Lawrenz sostiene que necesitamos mirar más allá de la superficie, hasta el núcleo mismo de la dinámica espiritual de la vida, para comprender mejor cómo los líderes pueden tener una influencia duradera en la vida de las personas y de las organizaciones que dirigen. Aprovechando la experiencia adquirida en más de veinte años de ministerio pastoral, Lawrenz escribe para los cristianos que tienen algún tipo de liderazgo, cualquiera que este sea, aunque se centra de una manera especial en los líderes más jóvenes.Este libro nos facilita un nuevo punto de partida para el liderazgo cristiano del siglo veintiuno. En él se incluyen las claves para llegar a logros y capacidades que son necesarios para un liderazgo eficaz, entre ellos los siguientes:ü edificar integridad en su persona y sus relaciones ü aprovechar las oportunidades ü explorar nuevos horizontesü resolver las crisisü recibir poderü aceptar la autoridadü fomentar la verdadü controlar las expectativasü enfrentarse a las críticas