The Power of a Focused Heart: 8 Life Lessons from the Beatitudes - Softcover

Redding, Mary Lou

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0835898180 ISBN 13: 9780835898188

Publisher: Upper Room Books, 2005

Synopsis

"Looking to simplify your life? quiet your mind? find your unique spiritual gift(s) and make a difference? Turn to the Beatitudes!
Sometimes teachings from well-known biblical passages are so obvious and preached so often that we overlook other helpful, not-so-obvious lessons. The Beatitudes are celebrated as being the template for humble Christian living. Dig deeper and you'll also find practical applications for living a simpler yet more spiritually engaged life, especially in this distraction-heavy and frenzied world.
"...the Beatitudes are not easy sayings we can glibly incorporate in our way of life," writes Redding. "Like so much of what Jesus said, they invite us to move beyond first impressions and surface meanings. They challenge us to explore."
Using Jesus' teachings about the kingdom of heaven and how that message spurs us to critically evaluate our priorities, Redding says we must learn to say no to some things to say yes to God.
The book's brief chapters are just-right for today's busy schedules and can be read in minutes. Daily exercises following each chapter will help you consider and practice lessons learned and respond to scripture in a self-guided study. Also included are meeting plans for an eight-session small-group study of the book."

About this title

About the Author:

Mary Lou Redding is Editorial Director of The Upper Room daily devotional guide. She grew up in Central Florida and now lives in Tennessee. She holds a BA in English Literature from Oral Roberts University and an MA in Rhetoric and Writing from the University of Tulsa. Redding is the author of numerous magazine articles and books and is a former president of the Associated Church Press. Mary Lou teaches at numerous writers' workshops in the United States and abroad, speaks at events, and leads retreats.
Norvene Vest is a spiritual director, internationally known retreat leader and the author of several books. She lives in southern Arizona. Vest is a Benedictine oblate.

About this edition

• Publisher: Upper Room Books
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0835898180
• ISBN 13: 9780835898188
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 162