Richard Exley Ministries

To Read an Excerpt from "The Alabaster Cross" Click here

Trapped in a world of anger, 29-year-old Bryan Whittaker cannot move on with his life until he takes a journey into his past...a dangerous journey that will lead him into the heart of the Amazon Rain Forest.  Instead of the revenge he seeks Bryan finds Diana and through her love he is able to make peace with his past and find redemption.

When his missionary father disappeared, while on a mission of mercy to a remote tribe deep in the interior of the Amazon Rain Forest, seven-year-old Bryan's life changed forever. He lost not only his father but also his faith.  He could not trust a God who seemingly turned a deaf ear to a small boy's desperate prayers.

Consumed with a grief she could not share, Bryan's mother left him to grieve alone a burden too heavy for any child to bear.  As a consequence his grief turned into anger and he began a twenty-two year odyssey of broken relationships.  His toxic rage destroyed his faith, made him a terrible son to his mother, estranged him from his sister and ruined his marriage.  It wounded him, turned him into an emotional cripple, unable to express any emotion except anger.

Recently divorced, his mother newly buried, and at odds with his sister, Bryan is at a crossroads in his life.  Bitter, resentful, unable to hold a job and most of all unable to love or be loved he takes his share of the small inheritance from his mother's modest estate and heads for the Amazon Basin in a desperate attempt to discover what happened to his father.

The Alabaster Cross is a deeply human story about the complexities of love between a man and a woman, parents and children, a brother and a sister, and ultimately the transforming power of divine love.

If you've ever struggled to restore a broken relationship you will identify with Bryan's journey as he strives to make peace with his past.

The Alabaster Cross
Emerald Pointe Books 2006
Trade Size Paperback 384 pages

This is your chance to prove YOU'VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES

In a society where it has become socially acceptable to hide who we really are, author Richard Exley, addresses the daunting pressures all men face challenging them to confront those issues with conviction and strength of character.

A compelling presentation, without theological posturing, Exley speaks about the uncomfortable and often unspoken issues of manhood addressing everything from financial pressures, integrity, health, juggling the demands of family and career and the real price of infidelity.

As a man created in the image of God, you are destined for greatness. You were created to conquer. You may feel it is too late, that you've been robbed of your destiny. Efforts to prove your masculinity, whatever form they may have takenathletic exploits, financial success, sexual escapades, or even feats of courage may have all proven futile. Think again.  While your inner enemies can never be defeated with the carnal weapons of physical prowess or business acumen they are no match for the Truth.  God's truth will defeat these enemies and set you free to fulfill your destiny. 

Set in a devotional format, the chapters are short, hard-hitting, and straight to the point utilizing action steps designed to help you integrate these principles into your own daily life.

But enough of that let's get started your destiny is calling.

Man of Valor
White Stone Books, 2005
Paperback 238 pages

This exquisite and compelling book by best-selling author, Richard Exley, helps readers meet the Savior in a marvelously fresh way. "You will see Jesus as you've never seen Him before through the eyes of those who were there."

Readers will see Jesus through the eyes of His mother, Mary. His friend, Simon Peter. His betrayer, Judas. His judge, Pontius Pilate. His executioner, a Roman Centurion. His fellow criminal, a repentant thief.

More importantly, readers will see themselves in all of these portraits—meeting Jesus, experiencing His life, witnessing first-hand His crucifixion, His death, His burial, and His glorious resurrection.

Luminous, vivid, and tender, this is Exley’s most insightful and inspiring book ever!

DELIVER ME(Thomas Nelson Publishers)
by Richard Exley

"Strength for the Storm" (Thomas Nelson Publishers)
by Richard Exley

Do not despair! God is with you. That is the faith-affirming message of "Strength for the Storm," a map for dealing with the troubles that inevitably arise in our lives.

Using dozens of real-life examples, contemporary and biblical, Richard Exley powerfully demonstrates how God not only guides us through difficult periods but transforms those times into positive experiences for our ultimate good.

Whatever problems you face -- death, illness, disaster, broken relationships, betrayal, financial difficulties -- "Strength for the Storm" is filled with practical, Scripture-based lessons that will help you:

1)Prepare for life's inevitable storms

2)Discover God's help that is always available

3)Remain spiritually and emotionally healthy

4)Rebuild your life after tragedy strikes

"Strength for the Storm" is an invaluable reference for ministers, counselors, those enduring a crisis or tragedy, Christians who want to be prepared for future trials, and friends of anyone in the midst of trouble.

STRENGTH FOR THE STORM
(Thomas Nelson Publishers 1999)
Hardcover, 234 pages

Never before have men faced the challenges that confront them in today’s fast-paced, high-tech, society. Constant demands on their time place their relationships with God and their family at risk, while threatening their peace of mind.

“Today’s man,” writes Richard Exley, “is in constant danger of becoming enslaved by the very things that were supposed to make his life easier. Notebook computers, fax machine, pagers, and cellular phones all threaten to take him hostage. No matter where he goes, his work goes with him. In truth, his time, (his life) is not his own.

The resulting risk to his physical health and well-being is very real, but it pales in comparison to the dangers which this constant pressure poses to his mental, emotional and spiritual health. Of course, these stresses inevitably affect his wife, children, friends and career.

“The Making of a Man” is designed to help men successfully meet and conquer the challenges of the 21st century. Sixty-five power-packed devotionals cover a number of vital topics including:

· JOB SECURITY IN A COMPETITIVE WORKPLACE

·GOD’S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

·FINDING GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE

·KEEPING ROMANCE IN YOUR MARRIAGE

·THE ART OF PARENTING

· THE POWER OF A FRIEND

Each inspiring devotional gives you:

· ACTION STEPS TO FACE THE CHALLENGE OF BEING A MAN

· QUOTES THAT WILL MOTIVATE YOU THROUGHOUT THE DAY

· A SCRIPTURE THAT OPENS GOD’S PROMISES TO YOU

“The Making of a Man” will give you guidance, encouragement and the reassurance that you can, and will, triumph over the challenges facing you. Read “The Making of a Man” and become the man that God destined you to be.

The Making of a Man
(Honor Books 1993)
Hardcover – 205 pages

WHEN YOU LOSE SOMEONE YOU LOVE

Comfort for Those Who Grieve (RiverOak, 2001)
by Richard Exley

Written as a series of heart-to-heart letters, best-selling author Richard Exley draws on years of pastoral ministry to give you the comfort of a true friend. You'll draw reassurance from the real experiences of others who have faced devastating loss, and begin to see how hope can one day triumph over grief. Most importantly, you will discover how the mercy and grace of God provide the promise of eternal life.

Your most difficult questions -- including your doubts about God's goodness, or perhaps His very existence, are fearlessly addressed. Realistic and empathetic insights will enable you to trust God with your loss even though it seems to make no sense.

Long after the flowers have faded and the sympathy cards are tucked away, "When You Lose Someone You Love" will still be speaking peace and promise to your heart. An expression of continuing concern and comfort, it is sure to be your most welcome companion during your journey through grief.

When You Lose Someone You Love
(RiverOak Publishing, 2001)
Paperback, 97 pages

The Ultimate Gift is a novel about the legacy of a self-made billionaire named Red Stevens.  Following his death Red’s family have gathered in the conference room of the prestigious law firm of Hamilton, Hamilton, & Hamilton for the reading of his will. A provision of the will requires that each beneficiary leave the room after learning of his or her inheritance. In due course the gleeful beneficiaries depart one by one.  Finally only one family member remains – a twenty-four year old great-nephew named Jason, who sits sullenly at the far end of the conference table, sure that he has been cut out of the will.

He hasn’t been but Red Stevens has attached some stipulations to Jason’s inheritance.  He has devised a plan – what he calls “the ultimate gift” – to help Jason become the man he was meant to be. It consists of twelve assignments and if Jason successfully completes each assignment he will receive his inheritance, but if he fails even a single assignment he will be left penniless.

The Ultimate Gift allows you to join Jason on his year long quest to complete the twelve assignments and in the process become the man he was meant to be.

What Others Are Saying:

“I love this book. I see this book becoming of the great and inspiring movies of all time. It touches my heart and soul deeply, profoundly and permanently, and will yours too.”

      Mark Victor Hansen
      Co-creator, #1 New York Times
      Best selling series, “Chicken Soup for the Soul”

“A wonderful story. Needed wisdom for you and old alike. Written by one of the most extraordinary men of our era.”

      Steve Forbes
      President, CEO and Editor-in-Chief
      Forbes Magazine

What others are saying about Then Came Faith

The Civil War is over.  She wants to get far away from her cruel former mistress, but the world beyond the plantation is a frightening, unknown wilderness. He has fought the good fight in Union blue; now he must fight his way home through a hostile, defeated South.

Delia was born a slave and then physically and emotionally battered all of her seventeen years. Finally free, she strikes out on her own, making friends with a little band of former slaves and a handsome black soldier, Ezra Johns.

Certain that God has brought Delia into his life, Ezra wonders how he can help her realize her true value.

Delia’s heart feels drawn to Ezra, but she struggles for feelings of worth and happiness.

A long and arduous journey takes this rag-tag band of survivors through a violent flood, bitter southerners, hunger and exhaustion under a blazing summer sun, and even a murder charge and near-lynching.

With the help of two humble white farmers, they at last earn train fare to Boston. Back in his home city, Ezra completes his education. However, he discovers that despite his service to his country, black men still must struggle for respect and a place in American society. His only hope for a promising future is to go West. But now that Delia has found her own success in the city, will she leave her new found happiness, and go with Ezra into the wilderness?

A story of courage and resilience in the face of fierce opposition and the triumphant dignity of the human spirit.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Louise Gouge is the author of six novels, and to her credit, she is the recipient of several writing awards, including The Road to Romance Reviewers Choice Award, placing second in the prestigious American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year, first in the esteemed Inspirational Readers Choice Award for Historical Fiction, and garnered a rare four star review from Romantic Times BOOKclub Magazine. Gouge teaches creative writing at Valencia Community College, and has resided in Central Florida, along with her husband for the past twenty-five years.

To read an excerpt from Then Came Faith, click here

What others are saying about Then Came Faith

The Civil War is over-she wants to help the Suth heal and repent of its past.  He swears never to forgive the North for what they did to his family.

When Juliana Harris lands on the docks of new Orleans from her prestigious home in Boston, her welcoming party has been diverted and only a rough and roucous throng greet her.  She is rescued by the handsome Andre Beauchamp, who quickly recognizes her predicament-and her remarkable beauty-and makes sure she is safely escorted to her new home.

Juliana has traveled to this war-ravaged city to minister to the people devastated by the conflicy-having been a strict abolitionist who was part of the Underground Railroad-she seeks to help the South understand the transgression of slavery.  Andre and Juliana's attraction is immediate and obvious, but they quickly discover how diverse two people can be in their values and beliefs.

Andre, a Confederate naval officer, returns from the war to discover his father has been hanged by the Yankees, his brother has died of disease and deprivation, his mother is mentally incapacitated and institutionalized, and the glorious and beloved estate of his youth smolders in ruin.  His rage against the North knows no bounds-and he has rejected the God whom he blames as allowing the marauders from the North to rob him of his family and inheritance.

The question is whether these two strong-willed individuals will be able to swallow their pride and discover a common path to rebuilding the city-and their own lives.

Death is all around us. We feel its long-extending reach on a daily basis.  We see it on the evening news.  We experience it vicariously through friends, co-workers, and fellow church members.  But when death knocks on a loved one's door, there's no way we can truly be prepared for the emotional, physical, and spiritual impact it can have on our lives.

From Grief to Greatfulness is one family's true life account of personal loss and the arduous healing process that follows.  It deals with the specific stages that accompany bereavement including shock, emptiness, exhaustion and loss of meaning.  This book also spells out the temptations that inherently come along such as andger, guilt, and an overwhelming desire to simply give up.  It gently shares Biblical truths that will help grieving individuals trust in God above their emotions and allos them to praise Him in spite of their deep hurts.

Each chapter of this compelling narrative contains highly descriptive word pictures that place the reader firmly in the authors shoes.  Anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one will immediately connect with the heart of this universal story.  More importantly, this book encourages its readers to embrace the memories of those who have passed on, to be thankful and gratefiul for the gift of life, and utimately to look forward to a Heavenly redemption and the promise of eternity.

For anyone who has lost a loved one, the priciples conveyed in this book represent the important and vital steps in overcoming the struggle of grief-to once again embrace life with hope.