Title: The power of a story /
Authors: Moore, James W. 1938-
Year: 2014
Subjects: Storytelling Religious aspects Christianity.; Storytelling Religious aspects Christianity
Abstract: A good story entertains; a great one inspires. Within these pages you'll find stories about how giving a stranger a ride in the rain led a skeptic to the church ("The Power of Kindness"); how the author was lifted by the simple touch of hands from members of his congregation in a moment of personal tragedy and loss ("The Healing Power of the Church"); how a little boy afraid of the dark reached out for the comfort of familiarity ("Jesus Gives God a Face"); and many others. Jesus knows the importance of telling stories to convey a message, and he used stories often to make an important point or share a biblical truth. Like the ones Jesus told, the stories and reflections in this book highlight valuable lessons about faith, hope, and love, and they show how stories have the power to move us to a deeper love for God and for other people. (back cover).
Contents: Introduction: The power of a story -- Finding God in unexpected places -- Are you standing in God's way? -- The sin of presumptuous religion -- Little things mean a lot -- The power of kindness -- Have you ever been reduced to a shameful silence? -- The amazing serenity of Jesus -- Is there any hope? -- Spiritual maturity -- Three stages of life -- Magnanimity: The essential spirit of a Christian -- The best qualities in life are reflections of God -- The healing power of the church -- Celebrating the joy of the journey -- The dangers of the blame game -- Five different ways to learn the truth -- Agents of forgiveness -- Vicarious lessons from the foot of the cross -- The calling -- Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger -- Celebrating your own uniqueness and the uniqueness of others -- The ahs and blahs of life -- Travel light -- The power of love -- God is with us...always -- We are God's family -- We have met the enemy and he is us -- Use it or lose it -- Why do we wait for permission? -- Not trying is worse than trying and failing -- Success, failure: How do you tell the difference? -- Turning problems into opportunities -- Clowns and prophets -- The battle within -- Jesus give God a face -- What is the subtle difference? -- Dealing with disappointment creatively -- Three breakthroughs that can change your life -- Are you eager to be apathetic? -- Leaving the world a better place than you found it -- The Christmas gifts that always fit -- Discussion guide.