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Sources of Strength: Meditations on Scripture for a Living Faith
For Jimmy Carter, Holy Scripture has been a constant companion, a source of inspiration and strength in both good times and bad. A lifetime of devoted Bible reading has taught him that the truths of Scripture have the power to enrich and transform our daily lives in unexpected ways. Sources of Strength is his invitation to share in the spiritual bounty of Scripture and the joyous, more fulfilling life that a living faith makes possible.
ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýPresident Jimmy Carter has been known for decades as an avid student and teacher of the Bible. His adult Sunday school classes in his hometown Baptist church are well attended...and world famous. As The New York Times put it, "These weekly sessions...are remarkable for the ability of regular folks to walk in, grab a seat and exchange views with the 39th President of the United States. But they are also remarkable for what Mr. Carter has to say."
ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýNow, this most admired American has selected fifty-two of his favorite Bible meditations from his teachings to share with those searching for new faith, or for a deeper understanding of lifelong beliefs. The result is this remarkable book, Sources of Strength.
ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýBased on Old and New Testament passages, these thoughtful, inspiring lessons reflect themes that touch every the blessings and challenges of family love; loss, grief, and healing; forgiveness and reconciliation; the meaning of the good life; and, above all, the transforming power of God's love in our lives.
ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýA lifetime of devoted Bible reading has taught him that the truths of Scripture have the power to enrich and transform readers' daily lives in unexpected ways. As President Carter writes, "The Bible offers concrete guidance for overcoming our weaknesses and striving toward the...life for which we were created."
ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýPresident Jimmy Carter has been known for decades as an avid student and teacher of the Bible. His adult Sunday school classes in his hometown Baptist church are well attended...and world famous. As The New York Times put it, "These weekly sessions...are remarkable for the ability of regular folks to walk in, grab a seat and exchange views with the 39th President of the United States. But they are also remarkable for what Mr. Carter has to say."
ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýNow, this most admired American has selected fifty-two of his favorite Bible meditations from his teachings to share with those searching for new faith, or for a deeper understanding of lifelong beliefs. The result is this remarkable book, Sources of Strength.
ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýBased on Old and New Testament passages, these thoughtful, inspiring lessons reflect themes that touch every the blessings and challenges of family love; loss, grief, and healing; forgiveness and reconciliation; the meaning of the good life; and, above all, the transforming power of God's love in our lives.
ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýA lifetime of devoted Bible reading has taught him that the truths of Scripture have the power to enrich and transform readers' daily lives in unexpected ways. As President Carter writes, "The Bible offers concrete guidance for overcoming our weaknesses and striving toward the...life for which we were created."
272 pages, Paperback
First published December 12, 1991
85 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Jimmy Carter
268Ìýbooks632ÌýfollowersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ database with this name.
James Earl Carter, Junior, known as Jimmy, the thirty-ninth president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, creditably established energy-conservation measures, concluded the treaties of Panama Canal in 1978, negotiated the accords of Camp David between Egypt and Israel in 1979, and won the Nobel Prize of 2002 for peace.
Ronald Wilson Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter, the incumbent, in the presidential election of 1980.
He served and received. Carter served two terms in the senate of Georgia and as the 76th governor from 1971 to 1975.
Carter created new Cabinet-level Department of education. A national policy included price decontrol and new technology. From 1977, people reduced foreign oil imports one-half to 1982. In foreign affairs, Carter pursued the second round of strategic arms limitation talks (SALT). Carter sought to put a stronger emphasis on human rights in 1979. People saw his return of the zone as a major concession of influence in Latin America, and Carter came under heavy criticism.
Iranian students in 1979 took over the American embassy and held hostages, and an attempt to rescue them failed; several additional major crises, including serious fuel shortages and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, marked the final year of his tenure. Edward Moore Kennedy challenged significantly higher disapproval ratings of Carter for nomination of the Democratic Party before the election of 1980. Carter defeated Kennedy for the nomination lost the election to Ronald Wilson Reagan, a Republican.
Carter left office and with Rosalynn Smith Carter, his wife, afterward founded the nongovernmental center and organization that works to advance human rights. He traveled extensively to conduct, to observe elections, and to advance disease prevention and eradication in developing nations. He, a key, also figured in the project of habitat for humanity. Carter particularly vocalized on the Palestinian conflict.
James Earl Carter, Junior, known as Jimmy, the thirty-ninth president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, creditably established energy-conservation measures, concluded the treaties of Panama Canal in 1978, negotiated the accords of Camp David between Egypt and Israel in 1979, and won the Nobel Prize of 2002 for peace.
Ronald Wilson Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter, the incumbent, in the presidential election of 1980.
He served and received. Carter served two terms in the senate of Georgia and as the 76th governor from 1971 to 1975.
Carter created new Cabinet-level Department of education. A national policy included price decontrol and new technology. From 1977, people reduced foreign oil imports one-half to 1982. In foreign affairs, Carter pursued the second round of strategic arms limitation talks (SALT). Carter sought to put a stronger emphasis on human rights in 1979. People saw his return of the zone as a major concession of influence in Latin America, and Carter came under heavy criticism.
Iranian students in 1979 took over the American embassy and held hostages, and an attempt to rescue them failed; several additional major crises, including serious fuel shortages and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, marked the final year of his tenure. Edward Moore Kennedy challenged significantly higher disapproval ratings of Carter for nomination of the Democratic Party before the election of 1980. Carter defeated Kennedy for the nomination lost the election to Ronald Wilson Reagan, a Republican.
Carter left office and with Rosalynn Smith Carter, his wife, afterward founded the nongovernmental center and organization that works to advance human rights. He traveled extensively to conduct, to observe elections, and to advance disease prevention and eradication in developing nations. He, a key, also figured in the project of habitat for humanity. Carter particularly vocalized on the Palestinian conflict.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 6, 2024
Gotta admire a former president whose faith is not just something he parades around during election season. This book is a compilation of 52 Sunday School lessons former President Carter taught over the years as a Sunday School teacher. He beautifully weaves together biblical insights, personal illustrations, and practical applications for how to live like a Christian. One of my regrets is that I didn’t take a Sunday to go to Plains, Georgia and sit in his Sunday School class. I believe he’s the real deal.
February 28, 2011
I could not disagree with former President Carter's politics more, but thoroughly enjoyed & cherish this book. Beautifully written by a man that truly has a heart for God. An excellent read for anyone in need of God's comfort & grace.
June 6, 2023
Solid theology, and I enjoyed getting a peak at the heart and mind of a past president�
April 24, 2025
A president who really was a committed Christian first and foremost.
He also was a very able preacher - there are many valuable lessons in this book.
He also was a very able preacher - there are many valuable lessons in this book.
November 1, 2019
This was a really inspirational book that cited a short biblical passage at the beginning of each short (2-4 pages) chapter. Then Mr. Carter went on to give personal inspirations as to how this passage was a struggle or an inspiration to him and his life. The writer encourages the reader to read the book one chapter at a time and digest the text slowly. I loved this approach and followed his recommendation and found great comfort to know that a person who was one of our Presidents and a person of great integrity also struggles but still strives towards goodness.
September 27, 2015
I am so impressed with this. So positive and uplifting... not to mention illuminating.
May 22, 2022
For years, President jimmy Carter taught an adult Sunday School class in a Baptist church. He taught the class when he was a peanut farmer. He taught the class regularly when he was governor of Georgia. And astonishingly, as often as he was able, he taught the class during the four years he was president of the United States. The class was so popular that on the Sundays when it was known he would teach, reservations needed to be made. This book is a compilation of 52 short devotional readings, each based on a Sunday School class lesson taught by President Carter. One might expect such a book to be more filled with political rather than scriptural wisdom, but one would be mistaken. Carter shows an incredible knowledge of scripture. It is evident that the study of the Bible is an important priority in his life. His insights are thoughtful and his applications practical to day to day life. When a political story is interjected, it is for illustrative purposes only and adds to the message being presented. I found his insights, with only an exception or two, to be firmly in the mainstream of evangelical thought. While this is a very good and encouraging devotional, I recognize that if it had been written by Joe Schmoo it may not have found a publisher. The president’s name on the cover is what sells it. But that’s not a bad thing. To me that is what makes this volume so appealing, that I am being encouraged and challenged to grow in my Christian faith by a President of the United States. Could the same be said about the writings of any other President of the last 100 years?
January 29, 2021
“Sources of Strength� is an outstanding work to add to one's growing in their faith. I first pored over this piece ages ago and have read it again!
This reference presents helpful, encouraging lessons that reveal matters of ordinary living: the blessings and challenges of family devotion; loss, despair, and healing; and, above all, the transforming influence of God’s love in our lives.
An outstanding resource to add to any library.
May 22, 2025
During a time when I felt a need to dive deeper into meditation and connecting with God, I found President Carter's book. I read a chapter every morning and not only do I feel more grounded, but I feel like I have more insight into who President Carter was and stood for. He brings his experience, his knowledge of the Bible and the truth we see all around us and connects it all in a way that is simply human and real.
February 4, 2019
Rated: C+
It heartwarming to realized that one of the Presidents in my lifetime is an unabashed follower of Jesus Christ. After his term, he still teach a Bible Study Class in Plains, GA. This book is a companion book to "Living Faith". Fifty-two short meditations for either weekly or daily reading. Good book with honest commentary.
It heartwarming to realized that one of the Presidents in my lifetime is an unabashed follower of Jesus Christ. After his term, he still teach a Bible Study Class in Plains, GA. This book is a companion book to "Living Faith". Fifty-two short meditations for either weekly or daily reading. Good book with honest commentary.
December 6, 2019
Before and after his term as President of the United States, Jimmy Carter was a Sunday School teacher. These are the lessons that he taught.
If you're a lifelong Christian looking for edgier insights into less quoted passages, read Tony Campolo's book. If you're willing to revisit familiar passages and look for fresh insights, read this one.
If you're a lifelong Christian looking for edgier insights into less quoted passages, read Tony Campolo's book. If you're willing to revisit familiar passages and look for fresh insights, read this one.
January 1, 2022
This book is light, but frank. Each "meditation" starts out with scripture and then gives a 3-10 page write-up of how Carter thinks about the verse and what it means for Christian living. I feel like any Christian, no matter the sect, could find something meaningful in this book. Really happy I read this, and would recommend to just about anyone.
February 26, 2025
This is an excellent dsily devotional book (That's how I used it) written by a President whose faith and service I admired so much. Each meditation is a synopsis of one of the Sunday school lessons that Carter taught either in Washington D. C. or in Plains, GA. This is one book that I will keep and definitely read again.
August 24, 2020
Shortened version of some of President Carter's church class lectures on 52 topics. Each is 3 to 6 pages long. Interesting as a way to view this man who had done more before and after he was president that any other president.
August 26, 2022
Jimmy Carter was a better president, a moral leader, and a very profound teacher. His story is set through his writings when he taught the scriptures throughout his life. Well done Jimmy Carter a good and decent human being.
January 11, 2025
Well-written and spiritually-motivating. I was touched by how much President Carter cared about others. His entire life, he tried to do the right thing & adhere to higher standards. I believe this book epitomizes how every American should live his/her life.
April 17, 2018
This is a series of lessons Pres. Carter used in his Sunday School class. I found them enlightening, strengthening and full of wisdom.
April 25, 2020
A useful guide to how I might conduct my life. Jimmy Carter is to be admired.
May 17, 2020
Great sermons
July 20, 2022
#71 of 120 books pledged to read during 2022
February 21, 2025
A wonderful daily devotional for me. How I wish I'd heard him teach in person, but this is the next best thing. He brings the scriptures to life and understanding so well.
March 6, 2025
Surprisingly ecumenical apology for the basic beliefs and practices of the Christian faith. Light reading. From the author's heart.
September 11, 2023
As a pastor over two decades I read many devotional works in search of sermon ideas and material. This volume would serve a preacher very well for that purpose, though I no longer am working at the craft. The author's reputation was made in public endeavors other than Bible teaching so it was sort of a find to discover so many original insights and sound observations on scripture. Other writers doing this for their living are less accomplished. I positively recommend this Baptist Sunday School teacher's lessons as helpful supplements for a pilgrim with an education at Princeton Theological Seminary and years of Bible study in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
October 18, 2016
further of how insightful President Carter was and remains to be....monotheist or not, these passages are worthy daily reminders of the importance of grace, humility and forgiveness....
November 21, 2010
This is the most boring book I have ever read. I made it through about 50 pages and kept falling asleep (of course, I was reading it before I went to bed each night). Perhaps there is someone out there who finds Jimmy Carter's ruminations on the Bible interesting. I am not he. Yet another reason to dislike Jimmy Carter, as if I needed more. Bad president, bad writer. Go back to growing peanuts, you Baptist hillbilly.
March 9, 2015
This is a book of Carter's Sunday School lessons. Although this could be boring, it's not. He has taught for decades, even thru his military years and his depth of wisdom is evident. I'll go back and read this over and over. His section on God's Healing is especially sweet. Even though he has had a very successful life and career, he has evidently gone to the Lord thru all his trials. Enjoy!
August 21, 2016
This has been cited as an unforgettable spiritual autobiography, Carter's life
described as Faith in Action. I totally agree. He has selected 52 of his favorite
Bible meditations for us to read, one for each week. However, we can pick and
choose. It is a wonderful read on Scripture for giving us a Living Faith.
described as Faith in Action. I totally agree. He has selected 52 of his favorite
Bible meditations for us to read, one for each week. However, we can pick and
choose. It is a wonderful read on Scripture for giving us a Living Faith.
September 25, 2009
This book is full of simple, basic meditations on the Bible by our former President. He has a gentle reading voice, and you can't go wrong by going back to the basics and applying these lessons to your life.
April 1, 2013
Several scriptures, as chosen and interpreted by our former president, a man under-appreciated in his devotion to humanity. As a non-Christian, the book was both inspiring and educational. The best part was that I got to meet Mr. Carter several years ago when he autographed my book.
November 4, 2007
Short essays from his Sunday School teachings. Very good.
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