Fortify Your Soul: 40 Letters to Friends Seeking Purpose and Peace

by Laurie Hayden-Bergey

Overview

It’s never too late to discover your purpose in life! 
Do you want to live a more meaningful life?
 
Unfortunately, something so simple can get complicated… really fast. With thousands of books and seminars available—all trying to give you the secrets to a more purposeful life—you might be asking: Is it really this hard to know who I am and what I have been put on Earth to do?
 No, it’s not. 
In Fortify Your Soul, Laurie Hayden Bergey takes you on an inspirational journey that is often humorous, always relatable, and consistently encouraging.
 
You’ll discover…

• Spiritual growth that makes sense and gives purpose to your everyday life
• That there is actually a written blueprint to direct you toward who you were designed to be
• That you can transform your thoughts and attitudes in positive ways
• How you can be a catalyst for transformation…wherever you are, whatever you do

Laurie shares 40 entertaining and down-to-earth devotional stories of people who triumphed over adversity, overcame personal challenges, and fulfilled their destinies. Each story will give you new keys to unlock your purpose and supply you with tools and fortification for this great adventure, the life you were created to live!
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780768406023
Publisher:	Destiny Image Publishers
Publication date:	02/01/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	782 KB

About the Author

Laurie Hayden Bergey and her husband Brook are the founders of Miracle Waters Ministries and The Gift List. Laurie has her Masters in Practical Ministry. She also serves as an ordained deacon at New Covenant Christian Community Church in Bethlehem, PA. Her creative passions include being a glass jewelry master craftsman, and an amateur chocolatier. Laurie has also served in the United States Peace Corps in Niger, West Africa. Visit the author’s ministry website: miraclewaters.org. Visit the author's blog: fortifymylife.wordpress.com.

Table of Contents

Foreword Tricia Jack Groblewski 21

Foreword Leif Hetland 23

Introduction 25

An Approximate Time Line 29

Part I Old Testament-Popular Stories Revisited 31

Fortification 1 Noah 33

Fortification 2 David's Early Years 41

Fortification 3 Jonah 47

Fortification 4 Moses 53

Fortification 5 Joseph 61

Fortification 6 Elijah 69

Fortification 7 Gideon 77

Fortification 8 David's Psalm 40 83

Fortification 9 Saul, David, Solomon 91

Fortification 10 Job 97

Part II New Testament-From the Desert into Ministry 103

Fortification 11 Jesus In the Desert-Test One 105

Fortification 12 Jesus in the Desert-Test Two 111

Fortification 13 Jesus in the Desert-Test Three 117

Fortification 14 Andrew, Peter, John the Baptist 123

Fortification 15 Clean Leper 129

Fortification 16 He Healed Them All 133

Part III Old Testament-From the Wilderness to Conquest 139

Fortification 17 The Ten Commandments 141

Fortification 18 Joshua 147

Fortification 19 Deborah and Barak 153

Fortification 20 Samson 159

Part IV New Testament-On the Way to the Cross 167

Fortification 21 Loaves and Fish 169

Fortification 22 Calm the Storm 175

Fortification 23 Pharisees 181

Fortification 24 Two Blind Men 189

Fortification 25 The Greatest Commandment 197

Fortification 26 Lazarus 203

Fortification 27 Forty Minus One 209

Part V Old Testament-Captivity and Restoration 217

Fortification 28 Joash 219

Fortification 29 Isaiah 225

Fortification 30 Jeremiah 231

Fortification 31 Nehemiah and Ezra 237

Part VI New Testament-From the Cross to the Apostles 245

Fortification 32 Freedom 247

Fortification 33 The Great Commission 253

Fortification 34 The "Crippled" Beggar 261

Fortification 35 Stephen 267

Fortification 36 Saul Becomes Paul 273

Fortification 37 Philip 281

Fortification 38 Peter and Tabtiha 287

Fortification 39 Cloud of Witnesses 293

Part VII Now-Your Turn 299

Fortification 40 "Chapter 40" 301

Appendix 140 Names or God 307

Recommended Resources 311

Editorial Reviews

ENDORSEMENTS:
 
 
In the life-restoring ministry of Betel (described in these pages), were always looking for modern story tellers, writers who can demystify ancient truths to make scripture accessible to the hardest heart or most unbelieving 21st-century mind. FORTIFY YOUR SOUL does that. It's non-threatening, easy and relaxed, like a coffee-table book for the hungry soul, satisfying so many tastes at once. Its a volume of personal letters, a thought-provoking journal, an inspiring devotional book, and a Bible-study guide all in one. Forty sacred stories, all but forgotten by this generation, are retold with the crisp wit and seeming intimacy of a close friend who understands the disbelief of a Christophobic world. Laurie asks as many honest, jargon-free questions of the Bible as she answers. She cleverly draws out the pithy essence of these timeless accounts, simultaneously provoking a curiosity to understand them deeper—and the God who stars in them. How quickly can I get copies of this book for the hundreds of broken, recovering Betel men and women who need it?
 
Kent & Mary Alice Martin
 
Directors, Betel UK
 
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I have excitedly awaited the release of FORTIFY YOUR SOUL, by Laurie Hayden Bergey. Finally we have an excellent introductory book regarding the main characters of scripture, written in easy to read language and accessible to all readers. This book will be the kind that you need to buy a boxful and keep on hand for old friends and new believers. Laurie is a dear friend and someone I watched grow over the last decade, I wholeheartedly encourage you to check out this book.
 
— Jonathan Welton, Best Selling Author, Director of The Welton Academy
 
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"I am so impressed with this book. I can't wait to get it into the hands of patients, and onto the shelves of the Caron Book Store. Laurie, keep in touch, and God bless your work."
 
— "Father Bill" Hultberg, OSFS , Spiritual Advisor , Caron Treatment Centers
 
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"I am delighted to hear of Laurie Hayden Bergey's fascinating book project and wish her every success."
 
Reverend Nicky Gumbel, The Alpha Program, Holy Trinity Brompton, London, UK
 
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Working directly with the prison and recovery community, I would love to be able to pass FORTIFY YOUR SOUL along just as we have the Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren. Fortify My Life looks very practical and easy to apply to the lives of those who wish to fulfill their purpose for the King of Kings and the Lord of lords, Jesus Christ. As we work with those who are continually struggling to find their real identity, this book will be another great tool to help them understand Scripture and the awesome plan that God has for their lives. Laurie Hayden Bergey has the full endorsement of CLPRM. We will also be looking forward to her visiting our ministry!
 
- Bob Sofronski
 
Executive Director of Christian Life Prison & Recovery Ministries (CLPRM.ORG)
 
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FORTIFY YOUR SOUL contains a refreshing narrative that is genuine, heart-felt and lovingly poignant. Laurie Hayden Bergey takes the truths of the Bible and makes them accessible and relevant to a post-modern generation by wearing her heart on her sleeve as she gives practical and powerful insights through a text that will draw you into the heart of our creator.
 
Michael E. Dunstan
 
Youth Pastor PNEUMA - New Covenant Christian Community Church
 
Secondary English/Language Arts Teacher
 
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FORTIFY YOUR SOUL is a refreshing look at 40 events in the Bible.  The narrative is straightforward and true to the Scriptures.  Laurie Hayden draws you in however, by painting the scenery around the story.  Her observations introduce us to a Holy God with a sense of humor.  I recommend this book for those who would like a fresh look at Gods Word not just for the novelty but to help us think through how God wants to strengthen us.  More than entertainment, Lauries glimpses of God encourage you to love him in return.
 
John Manzano
 
Leadership Director, Grace Presbytery
 
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FORTIFY YOUR SOUL provides a wonderful opportunity for some to begin a spiritual journey and for others to explore their faith and enrich their ability to manage life challenges.  I highly recommend this book to members of the Recovery Community who want to increase their knowledge of the role God can play in changing lives.
 
Beverly J. Haberle
 
Executive Director The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.
 
& Project Director PRO-ACT Pennsylvania Recovery Organization Achieving Community Together
 
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FORTIFY YOUR SOUL is a creative and refreshing book. It brings three important strands together. Firstly 'stories'. In today's world stories are what people love to hear and what better stories than Bible stories. Secondly 'Interaction'. This book opens doors for discussion and personal evaluation. And thirdly 'purpose'. The interesting thread of 40 takes the reader on a journey that I believe really will 'strengthen lives and activate destinies! Recommended reading!
 
— Stuart Bell. Senior Pastor, New Life Lincoln, England and leader of the Ground Level Network of churches.
 
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Without question, what comes to mind when I think of Laurie is patience, wisdom, and a discerning spirit.
 
In her book FORTIFY YOUR SOUL, you can for sure expect a reflection of these qualities in her narratives and helpful stories that will keep you pondering about Jesus, life, and purpose. Because she walks out these qualities in her daily life, these qualities in her are the best examples of a Christian character that encourage and help many people through her writing.
 
Laurie lives out what she expresses by faith on paper, helping those in most need and keeping many thinking about their life with Jesus. She not only lives out Gods Dream for her own life, but she echos through empathy, and helps through genuine concern, the life expressions of many who ordinarily would give up, but instead move forward to a better future of hope and grace through Christ Jesus.
 
—David Michael Donnangelo Author of: Dreaming Gods Dreams & Director of: Kingdoms Keys Ministries
 
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One of the things we love most about Laurie is her ability to reach people no matter where they are. This book is a necessity in everyones collection because it will intrigue the unbeliever to a level of desire that they never knew God put in their hearts, and it will spark hunger in any believer no matter what level their walk is to seek Gods Word even deeper.  Lauries compassion and love for all people truly exemplifies her walk with Christ, and we cannot wait for the book to come to print so that we can share with others!
 
—Jerry & Teri Klinger, Redeeming Love Transformations Ministries
 
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FORTIFY YOUR SOUL is not like the Bible stories you might have heard at church. With her witty sense of humor and fresh, conversational style, Laurie Hayden Bergey will show you how God has changed the lives of people in the past and how He can change your life today.
 
—  Jamie Janosz, Moody Bible Institute professor and author of When Others Shuddered: Eight Women Who Refused to Give Up
 
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Motivated by her strong faith and a deep love, Laurie began to write a series of letters to dear "Dude" to entertain and encourage him as he was living through a very changing life experience.  "Dude" told me that a group of his friends would gather around to hear him read the letters he received from Laurie.  These thought-provoking letters were touching the lives of an unlikely group of people.
 
I was honored to be there at the beginning to hear the first letters and am so excited to see these turned into a book that will touch many lives. FORTIFY YOUR SOUL is a must read!!!
 
— Patricia L. Chapman, Breeder/Owner of Smarty Jones, Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner in 2004
 
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"FORTIFY YOUR SOUL  is an excellent, well written book addressing many of the issues and realities facing those who are incarcerated.  I have used a number of different books and teachings in Northampton County Prison over the last 12 years and FORTIFY YOUR SOUL provides the structure, hope, and answers needed, directly from the bible in an easy to understand format."
 
Chad Licsko
Prison Ministry Leader
New Covenant Christian Community Church
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Thank you to Laurie Hayden Bergey for writing an empowering, challenging, life-changing book that is so necessary. From my experience as a counseling psychologist, I can tell you that Christians and non-Christians, alike, are crying out to know their place in the world, wondering why life can be so hard, and what all this heartache is for. They want to change but need help to do so.  FORTIFY YOUR SOUL provides the structure to work through these challenges and will leave the reader with a stronger sense of their own identity, potential and greatness.
 
— Jennifer Crall, Ph.D., Counseling Psychologist
 
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When a book excites you about reading the Bible, I say you have a winner!  In her book Laurie has thrown a lifeline to the seeker and believer.
 
— Pat Huber, President WBPH TV60
 
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These stories came to me at a time when I was questioning my being and worth. I was battling addiction, and many of the problems that come with that lifestyle. And, I had no faith. Fortify My Llife gave me strength and something to believe in. Me! And now I give all the credit to God. I am well to this day and helping others in times of need. Laurie's  knowledge and fun outlook on life make this book a "must read".
 
~ David, the "Dude" to whom Fortify Your Soul was originally written

From the Publisher