Sunday, May 3, 2009

I AM says, "You Are..." by CJ Rapp


I AM says, “You Are…” Understanding Your Identity in Christ is the first book by Bible teacher and speaker CJ Rapp. Not only does this book explore your rock solid identity in Christ, it also helps the reader identity patterns of thinking that threaten healthy self-esteem. For each daily devotional, questions have been included. These questions provide an opportunity for personal study or for sharing the journey with a small group. It’s perfect for women’s ministry groups to use as a six week study.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
CJ Rapp believes her purpose is clearly defined in Colossians 2:2-3:

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3 (NIV)
Her desire and purpose is to help women:

· Embrace their identity in Christ.
· Walk the path of discipleship with integrity.
· Encourage growth and spiritual healing.
· Empower women to recognize and embrace the unique purpose for which they were created.

A gifted communicator, CJ's deep love and passion for scripture is contagious as she gently and humbly shares her insights while encouraging women to discover for themselves the treasures found in Gods word.

CJ is a Bible teacher, speaker, curriculum writer, and author. She is also the host of Walk it Well radio. CJ speaks at women’s conferences, retreats, outreach events, and youth conferences.

CJ is the President and CEO of Unfading Beauty Ministries, Inc. Unfading Beauty Ministries, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage, equip, and empower followers of Christ to live God honoring lives under the power and direction of the Holy Spirit.



An Interview with CJ:


What inspired you to write I AM says, “You Are…” Understanding Your Identity in Christ?


One of the biggest challenges in my life has been overcoming insecurity and low self-esteem. In fact, my journey was long and difficult. My low self-esteem began during my teen years and remained into my thirties.


In my late twenties I began to follow Christ. I committed my life to Him and began to read the Bible. As I read, I discovered that His Word actually contradicted lies I had long believed about my worth and my value. His words were kind, compassionate, and full of love. The more I read the more I realized that God loved me and that he didn't think I was stupid, ugly, or worthless. Instead His Word says that I am priceless, a masterpiece, a treasure, and I am His child. He even loved me enough to send His Son to die for me. That was shocking! The girl who grew up believing that she had little worth or value was passionately loved and desired by the Creator of the universe! It was life changing for me. Through my study, acceptance of His truth, and application of God’s Word I was set free. I like to say that God replaced the trash, my negative thoughts, with the truth or the treasure of God’s Word.


The more I read the more I realized I held the keys to freedom and healing in my hands. Not just for me but for other people just like me. Three years ago God impressed on my heart the importance of sharing my journey with others. My heart’s desire in writing this devotional Bible study is to help other people find the same hope, freedom, and healing that I have found.


Who is the target audience for I AM says, “You Are…”?


Understanding your identity in Christ is important for women of all ages. This devotional is written so women in all stages of life can relate to the topic of discussion. For example, day one is titled, I AM says, “You Are Significant.” Women of all ages need to know that they are significant to God’s plan.



What are some of the topics covered?

Each day begins with this identity statement, I AM says, “You Are…” The thirty daily themes cover many aspects of our identity in Christ such as:


I AM says, “You Are loved.”
I AM says, “You Are beautiful.”
I AM says, “You Are unique.”
I AM says, “You Are forgiven.”



Do you have a website or blog for your audience to check out?


Yes! I have a blog site
www.cjrapp.wordpress.com for women to interact and share their thoughts on the daily themes. Small groups and Women’s Ministries also have a tab on the blog where they can share their insights and idea’s.


I AM says, “You Are…” Understanding Your Identity in Christ provides women with a glimpse of God’s heart for them. Embracing the truths from Scripture found in this book can help women overcome the low self-esteem that studies say over 80% of American women suffer from. The quickest way to get your copy is to order from amazon.com. For more information about CJ Rapp visit her website at
www.cjrapp.com. Don’t forget that this study can be used in small groups and as a church wide women’s ministry study.


To follow this blog tour for more opportunities to win a FREE copy of the book, please visit
www.ChristianSpeakerServices. (Rules for book drawings vary. Please see individual blogs for specifics.)



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