Beauty & The Gospel ISSUE NO 11 VOL 2

Beauty & The Gospel MADE PERFECT THROUGH JESUS CHRIST

WHAT IS MINISTRY IDOLTRY ?

EXCLUSIVE ! " a worshiper whose heart cry is for people to experience and draw closer to God "

DR SABINA

HOW TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL LIKE WILDFIRE

17 Ways Christians Can Give Back this Christmas

ISSUE NO 10 VOL 2 NOVEMBER 2019 ISSUE NO 11 VOL 2 DECEMBER 2019

PLUS!

THE BIBLE SMUGGLER

+ THE PURPOSE OF CHRISTMAS

& YOUNG , MARRIED & BORN AGAIN

VISION ROMANS 15:20-21 20 Accordingly I set a goal to preach the gospel, not where Christ’s name was already known, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation; 21 but [instead I would act on this goal] as it is written [in Scripture], “They who had no news of Him shall see, And they who have not heard [of Him] shall understand.”

MISSION 1 CORINTHIANS 1:17 17 For Christ did not send me [as an apostle] to baptize, but [commissioned and empowered me] to preach the good news [of salvation]—not with clever and eloquent speech [as an orator], so that the cross of Christ would not be [b]made ineffective [deprived of its saving power].

TABLE Â OF CONTENTS PASTOR THUTO GEZANI

PERSECUTION

*CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE*

DR ANDRE & JEN ROEBERT

IMPORTANCE OF GUARDING THE HEART

MISSIONARY WORK UNCLE ANGUS BUCHAN

MINISTER MONICA

A GENTLE ANSWER ~ BY : ANGUS BUCHAN CREATIVE IN CHRIST RUTH, A WOMAN OF HER WORD!

RABBI SCHNEIDER

CYNTHIA SCHNEIDER

BE UNAPOLOGETIC

editor's note Your majesty THIS IS THE FESTIVE SEASON & MAY JESUS CHRIST BE THE REASON! Child of God, we’ve spent toooo much time buying each other gifts on the King’s birthday. We at Beauty& The Gospel challenge you to do things differently this season hence forth and Christ Jesus be the season.

Picture this, do you think if Master Jesus was here on earth on His birthday He’d be seated with the Apostles celebrating His birthday and exchanging gifts? Or He’d probably be busy with His Father’s business by giving people the message of life. The message of life doesn’t sometimes need you to stand in the street and preach but by you giving, you’ve done half the job. Actions speak louder than words.

Remember Child of God as 1 Peter 2 v11-12 says that we are temporary residents and foreigners in this world. We cannot afford to be doing the customs of this world. For the world, this season doesn’t mean anything to them and it’s about making and spending money. As for us, we know the true meaning, it’s because of this season we are alive so let’s go out there and give life to others. I know that you know a family that is need and doesn’t have any hope. Or how about making a donation to an organisation that do just that, give to the needy. As Pastor John Hagee says: “The more you give, the more greed no longer has a hold on you” .

tsakani mhlongo editor-in-chief

Photo by @mentalist_photography

Devotions by the anointed Dr André and Jenny Roebert

It's Already in Your Hand Message taken from 2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV) 2 Corinthians 9:10(NIV): "Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness."

God supplies seed to the sower. If you have been longing to sow financial seed into God's Kingdom, but circumstances have held you back from giving what you desire to give to God, despair no longer! You can begin with what you already have in your hand. The Bible teaches that any seed, no matter the size, when given as an act of faith and love, will fall upon fertile soil and produce a mighty harvest! That means the tiniest seed, when sown according to God's stipulations, will produce a steady supply for us to continuously give into God's kingdom and be the blessing we were purposed to be. You can be the habitual sower you have longed to be, and walk in the bountiful blessing and provision of the Lord, when you take that step to act in faith and sow what He has already placed in your hand.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF GUARDING YOUR HEART! source: www.gotquestions.org Proverbs 4:23–26 instructs believers to, “above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.” When Solomon refers to guarding the heart, he really means the inner core of a person—the thoughts, feelings, desires, will, and choices that make that person who he/she is. The Bible tells us that our thoughts often dictate who we become (Proverbs 23:7; 27:19). The mind of a man reflects who he really is, not simply his actions or words. That is why God examines the heart of a man, not simply his outward appearance and what he appears to be (1 Samuel 16:7).

Although Egypt was stricken with one calamity after another when the pharaoh refused to release the Israelites from their bondage, he hardened his heart against the truth that God Almighty intended to deliver His people from Egypt (Exodus 7:22; 8:32; 9:34). In Psalm 95:7–8, King David pleaded with his people not to harden their hearts in rebellion against God as they did in the wilderness. There are many things that can harden the heart and lead a person to deny God, and just like cholesterol blocks blood flow, they keep a believer from having a free flow of God’s peace and blessings derived from obedience.

Guarding against a rebellious spirit and cultivating a spirit of submissive obedience to God’s Word, therefore, is the first step in guarding the heart.

Just as there are many diseases and disorders that can affect the physical heart, there are many ailments of the spiritual heart that can impair growth and development as a believer.

Atherosclerosis is a hardening of the arteries due to accumulated cholesterol plaques and scarring in the artery walls. Hardening of the spiritual heart can also occur. Hardening of the heart occurs when we are presented with God’s truth, and we refuse to acknowledge or accept it.

Heart murmurs are abnormal flow patterns due to faulty heart valves. Heart valves act as doors to prevent the backward flow of blood into the heart. Spiritual heart murmurs occur when believers engage in complaining, gossip, disputes, and contention. Believers are instructed many times to avoid grumbling, murmuring, and complaining (Exodus 16:3; John 6:43; Philippians 2:14). By engaging in these activities, believers shift their focus away from the plans, purposes, and past blessings of God to the things of the -

world. God sees this as a lack of faith, and without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Instead, Christians are instructed to strive for contentment in all things, trusting in God to provide what is needed in His good time (Hebrews 13:5).

Guarding against a complaining spirit and cultivating a spirit of gratitude and trust is the second step toward guarding the heart.

Congestive heart failure is an inability of the heart to successfully pump blood through the body due to weaknesses within its walls.

Congestive heart failure can result from hypertension (high blood pressure), myocardial infarctions (heart attacks), and abnormal enlargement of the heart. The spiritual equivalents are anger, giving in to temptation, and pride. Anger acts like a poison on the body, both physically and spiritually, and makes believers more vulnerable to the temptation to hurt others with their actions and words. Ephesians 4:31–32 instructs, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Every Christian is locked in a constant, intense war with demonic forces. Many of us become so intent on fighting the external spiritual war that we forget that much of our battle is not with external forces, but with our own mind and thoughts. James 1:14–16 tells us, “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.” Sin always begins in the mind. A sinner must first conceive and dwell on the sinful action before he actually carries it out.

The first line of defense, therefore, must be to refuse to even contemplate a wrongful action.

The apostle Paul tells us to take every thought captive, so that it conforms to the will of God (2 Corinthians 10:3–5).

Proverbs 16:18 tells us that pride leads to destruction. Proverbs 16:5, says, “Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord.”

Pride was the first great sin of Satan, when he thought that he could be like God and incited one third of the angels to attempt a coup in heaven (Ezekiel 28:17). For this reason, Satan was cast from heaven. Satan also tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden by appealing to her ego. He said, “For God knows that when you eat from [the forbidden tree] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Eve desired to be as wise as God, so she capitulated to Satan’s advice to eat of the fruit of the tree. Pride was, therefore, the downfall of man, as well. Satan did not want man to obey God but to become his own god—determining for himself reality, meaning, and ethics. This satanic philosophy is the foundational philosophy of sorcery, secular humanism, and New Age mysticism.

Avoiding anger, pride, and temptation are also critical elements of guarding the heart.

The apostle Paul instructs us, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). Dwelling on these things will help to build a guard fence around our hearts.

exclusive

"NEVER LOOSE SIGHT OF THE CROSS AND WHAT JESUS DID FOR US".

1. Who is Sabina personally and professionally and where are you from?

I would say Sabina is just a simple girl who loves to chat, write, laugh, dance and enjoy good fellowship with family and friends. I love teaching dance choreography and also love to read. I enjoy being outdoors on quite spring & summer days, admiring all the greenery and beautiful shades of blooming flowers.

Professionally, I am an International Recording Artist, Songwriter, Worship Leader, Host & Executive Producer of a series known as ‘The Dominion Series. I am also an Inspirational Speaker and Life Coach, and enjoy speaking at corporate events, women and youth conferences empowering, motivating and encouraging people towards attaining the fullness of their God given potential.

2. Who does Sabina say, THE SON OF MAN IS? This is a loaded question. I can go on and on LOL. His name is JESUS! He is the King of Kings and Lord of all Lords. Lord over all nations and kingdoms in all the earth. All power in heaven and earth was given to him.

The Lion of Judah, The only Son of the Most High God. He God and a part of the Godhead, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. He is my Savior and deliverer! He has changed my life in ways I cannot ever describe and fully translate into words. I encourage every reader who does not know Him to call His name. He is LOVE, and a representation of the Love the Father has for all of us – all of mankind… irrespective of where you find yourself in this world. No one is too far from his reach. He is longing to save, forgive and longing to have fellowship with anyone who asks Him with all sincerity from his/her heart.

3. When I say the name Jesus what comes to mind?

Power, Deliverance, Victory, Love, Strength, Our Helper and Defense, Our Comfort 4. You’re a worshipper whose heart cry is for people to experience and draw closer to God through praise and worship. Share with us about this heart cry and the importance?

EXCLUSIVE WITH dr sabina Every living human has a void within themselves that they spend their whole life trying to fill. Family, friends, riches and fame will not fill that void. This is a depth that can only be filled by God. Getting to know Him gives every life purpose and fulfillment. Praise and worship is the secret key that draws all to experience God personally and daily grow closer to Him. He makes life worth living.

5. How can Christians get to a place of craving to worship and return to real intimacy and reaching out to the Creator?

Through submission and repentance.

Take off the fake fronts and masks we show to everyone around us. He already knows what is in our hearts and all our inner struggles. We need to be honest with ourselves, call it out for what it is, lay it at the feet of -

Jesus and cry out to him in all sincerity to touch us and draw us in.

That creates real intimacy.

6. You have your latest album out HE REIGNS. Take us through the process from the beginning to the end, what inspired you to write the album especially the song HE REIGNS and what do you want to impart to the listener?

‘He Reigns!’ is a declaration of the Power and Authority. It is the album title to serve as a reminder that our God is greater than whatever we may face. The Lord gave me this song during my time of worship when facing a challenging situation. He impressed on my heart that no matter how impossible our situation-

may seem He Reigns supreme over it all. As we declare this over and over we begin to believe it more and more in our hearts and in our spirits and it stirs up faith knowing God is able. I can tell you today that He proved faithful and performed a mighty miracle for me. I want listeners to declare it and experience His mighty hand as well.

The ‘He Reigns’ album is one that will stir listeners into worship and into praise. It also incorporates some of the classic timeless hymns captures some.

7. Tell us more about the conference speaking that you do?

I speak both faith-based conferences and corporate events. I speak on a variety many things from culture to women’s conferences, and youth conferences.

8. You’ve had the outpouring of blessings of being part of TV shows by Dr. Bobby Jones on the Bobby Jones Gospel Presents TV show, the Babbie’s House Show’ hosted by Multiple Dove Award winner Babbie Mason etc. Share with us about that experience and what you’ve taken from it?

They have been amazing and life changing blessings. He has given me the opportunity to be on radio shows and reach audiences I never thought I would. One thing I have learned through this process is that God would surprise you and blow your mind once you decide to obey the call and say ‘YES’. I had no idea He would open these doors and multiple others He has opened for me. It is all for His glory. It is His work and He deserves all the Glory.

Babbie Mason has been a wonderful mentor, support and coach.

9. You have an Easter Single titled: ‘He Chose the Nails’ inspired by the Holy Spirit recorded in 2012. Tell us more about that single, along with the love story and testimonies?

I had no plans of recording any music at that time. I was encouraged by my vocal coach and some other music industry professionals to enter an upcoming vocal talent search competition. I reluctantly finally obliged. It lasted a couple of weeks and at the end of it all I won a recording contract package which became the spring board to recording the Easter single. It was totally God orchestrated.

We have received many powerful testimonies re-dedication to Christ, of lives that have been transformed after gaining an understanding that what Jesus did was a CHOICE. He did not have to die for our sins. He did it because he Loves us more than any person could ever love us.

10. Talking about the Holy Spirit, WHO IS HE TO YOU? My closest confidant. My helper to intercede in prayer. He helps me in everything I do from giving me wisdom to tackle the toughest issues to being my guide on everything I do daily.

11. How important is it to be around people with a purpose that is aligned to yours?

Critically important. It spurs and drives you to fulfill your purpose.

12. To someone going through the worst right now, what’s your message?

Don’t give up , Trust God and worship and press in in prayer. Find a mature, trusted Christian friend, leader, mentor who would give good counsel and talk about what you are going through.

Talking is therapy. Remember there is NOTHING impossible with God.

13. If you could change something’s about the modern church, what would it be?

My desire is that the modern church worldwide will never loose sight of the cross and what Jesus did for us. Let love and the cross always be mentioned and let the altar call for salvation never get old or archaic. This is the essence of our faith and the reason we live

14. What can you say to the young Christian who has decided that they will become committed to Jesus and the gospel when they are older?

Welcome to the family! You have made the best decision of your life. This journey will have many ups and downs but it is worth your eternity. Never give up and never loose faith – We have Jesus who won every battle in advance on your behalf so rest assured you will NOT fail. We are all in this race and are here to cheer you to completion.

15. Last words or rather advice for Christians in these end times?

Stand strong. Be vigilant, Don’t compromise in your beliefs, no matter what.

There is an agenda of the devil to twist the scriptures and cause many to loose faith. Read and search the scriptures for yourself and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and understanding. He is our great teacher. You may see many leaders of faith and Christian role models (men and women of God) loose their faith or walk contrary to the Bible’s teachings. Do not get discouraged, make Jesus your only role model and look to Him. REMEMBER your only GOAL is to make heaven and take as many people as possible with you

16. How can people get in touch with you and access your music and schedule?

Visit my website at www.sabinamusic.org . There are links to download my music on my website. Music is also available on Itunes, Spotify and via all music outlets worldwide.

My email is : sabinamusic7@gmail.com.

You can also check out my social media handles Instagram: @sabina_musik and any of my Facebook pages - Sabina Music Worshipper, Sabina Music-org or Sabina Music-org

I will say lately I am pretty active on Instagram so you can reach out to me on my IG page.

. ... . na i ab s . dr

facts about meeeeee!

A Legacy is ….?

What people don’t know is that I …….?

To have my life, music, books and all of our Tv &

I used to be shy and still am sometimes ( I

video productions communicating by all means

know it is hard to believe)

necessary that God is all powerful, Jesus loves you and Desires a personal relationship

If it weren’t for Jesus I would …….?

with every human being

Not be alive today. He has kept me through very challenging times in my life

In my bag you will find….?

My phone, a small scented sanitizer, a small make up pouch with my favorite foundation, tons of lip gloss, my favourite matte lipstick,

Purpose is…….?

Discovering what brings you fulfilment. Knowing who you were made to be and how you can use that passion you discovered you carry to change someone’s life for

and about 3 other colored lipsticks for

the better?

emergencies. J . I also always have a copy of one of my CDs to give us a gift to bless someone :-)

Favourite Artist?

Multiple! Some of my all time favorites are Cece Winans, Micah Stampley, Rebecca Malope, Babbie

Can’t live without?

Mason, Richard Smallwood, Chris Tomlin, Bethel Worship

my lipstick and jewelry (I think..)

I will retire the day ……?

Lipstick or eyelashes?

I draw my last breath

Lipstick. Eyelashes are worn on very special occasions for short periods of time…lol. The

Best advice ever received?

moment I put them on I feel the need to start

Be true to who you are. Never try to be someone

rubbing my eyes until they fall off or until they

else or compareyourself to someone else. Admire

start screaming “ ‘Sabina’ we are here! In a

what others have accomplished but KEEP staying

few minutes we can no longer hang on for

your course and keep pressing and pushing through

dear life”

to fulfil your dreams and passions.

FEATURED

Divine Satisfaction Beloved, if you are bored right now in your Christian walk, if you feel that your relationship with God has become stagnant —I want you to know that you do not have to stay put. If you will trust God and completely surrender yourself unto Him, Father is going to bring you into a new realm of His reality and to a new dimension of experiencing His eternal life. But, you have to let go of where you are at. If you are too concerned about what people think about you that you won’t step out of the crowd to be peculiar, to be different—you are going to stay stuck, stationary, and unsatisfied. However, if you are willing to let go and follow Him, even if it does not make sense at the time, God is going to bring you into something fresh, new, and superior to where you are now!

All of us should be seeking to have an experience like Abraham. Remember, God came to Abraham and said: “Go forth from your country, And from your relatives And from your father’s house, To the land which I will show you (Genesis 12:1).“ Abraham was willing to leave what he was comfortable with, forsake all that made him secure (in the natural), and not consider what others thought—because he trusted God. To receive something more with God, to obtain the extraordinary, we cannot be concerned with our comforts or being different. If we are too afraid of standing out

Even though it can be scary, be assured that there is a reward on the other side! This is the pathway beloved, to fully reaching your destiny!

This is the way of eternal life. It is an everlasting adventure in God! It is a never-ending journey in the spirit!

Beloved, if you will persist and trust Him wholeheartedly, being convinced that He is with you all the way, knowing He loves you, confident He is leading you and believing He is going to bring you into something good—you will get there! If you will follow Him and let go of some of the things you need to let go of, you are going to enter more and more into His realm of eternal life. God’s Spirit is living, active, and real. Beloved, we can truly only have divine satisfaction in God if we pursue Him with our all!

“in the crowd” or of taking a step of faith like Abraham, God is unable to do something new for us because we are holding on to where we are. If you hold on to where you are, how can you come out of that place into a new thing? You have got to trust HaShem (God), and let go and then follow Him where He leads you.

RABBI SCHNEIDER

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“So many things in this life have no eternal value. It will profit us nothing to live for earthly pleasures, but Jesus has a reward for those who live for Him. In this study, Daniel Kolenda reveals how our works are beneficial to the Kingdom.

“My friend, this is real. How you live matters. What you do during your life matters. And you will give an account for it.”

– Daniel Kolenda THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST (PART 2) We will all give an account for the things done in the body —“whether good or bad”—a point that confuses many people.

“Does this mean that we’re going to answer for our sins again?

Is God going to dredge up those sins from the bottom of the sea where He buried them, and thrust them back in our faces at the Judgment Seat of Christ?”

Emphatically, unequivocally, and categorically: No. That would insult the Spirit of grace and the glory of the cross. It would contradict Scripture. Sins that God forgives— sins under the blood of Jesus Christ —are gone forever. You will never be judged for them again. God has cast them into the sea (Mic. 7:19).

Isaiah says, “You have cast all my sins behind your back” (Isa. 38:17).

Essentially, God is saying, “I have put those sins in a place where I will never see them again. They are gone and we are marching forward into a totally renewed view of your future!”

So then, what does Scripture refer to when it says that we will give an account for the things that we’ve done, good or bad (2 Cor. 5:10)? The Greek words translated “good” and “bad” in this passage are agathos and phaulos. In this context, these words do not refer only to morally good or bad deeds.

Rather, they imply an evaluation of “beneficial” versus “worthless.”

This is a very important point. My friend, you can be saved, you can be forgiven, you can be on your way to heaven, and still live for worthless things—and many Christians do! It’s so easy to get caught up with the cares of life, the day-to-day activities, the pointless amusements, and worthless distractions that consume the days, weeks, months, and years of our lives yet have no eternal worth!

Yes, we will all give an account one day. But this reckoning will not deal with individual sins already forgiven by God. Those sins are gone. No, we will give an account for the way we lived our lives as redeemed children of God—for the things we did with the time, opportunities and resources God put into our hands.

Remember the parable of the servants who were given talents by their master? When the master returned from his journey, he wanted an account of his investment in their lives. Then each received a reward according to what he had done (Matt.

25:14-30). It will be the same for us.

Christ’s Judgment Seat will not be like a kindergarten award ceremony where everyone receives the same reward so no one feels left out. No, some will receive more reward than others. And some will even be ashamed.

In Revelation 22:12 (NKJV), Jesus said, “Behold I am coming quickly and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” We must make this crucial distinction.

When it comes to salvation, it’s not about works at all. But when it comes to eternal rewards, it is all about works. It does matter what you do and it does matter how you live. In eternity, some are going to have greater status than others.

That may sound unfair. But do you think that someone like Mother Teresa who spent her whole life giving to the poor and sacrificing herself for others is going to receive the same reward as some guy who spent most of his life sitting on the couch playing Xbox?

That would be unrighteous and our God is a righteous judge. Hebrews 6:10 says that God is not unjust; that He will not forget your work and the love that you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. That means it would be unrighteous for God to forget your work.

The Scriptures are clear. God will reward each of us according to our work. And that day is close at hand. He is coming quickly and His reward is with Him. But what does that look like? What kind of rewards are these?

How does this reward system operate?

… To be continued

We hope you enjoyed this Bible Study

by Daniel Kolenda. Be on the lookout for the third part of “THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST” (PART 3) in the next issue!.

-------------------------------------------This Bible Study Introduction has been taken from Evangelist Daniel Kolenda’s book, “The Judgment Seat of Christ.”

Rediscover the amazing Truths that surround the Judgement Seat of Christ, one of the forgotten treasures of Scripture. It is a theme central to the doctrine of the New Testament authors and especially to Jesus Christ Himself.

Devotions by the anointed Dr André and Jenny Roebert

Feed Your Faith!

Message taken from Joshua 1:9 (AMP) Joshua 1:9 (AMP): "...Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

When God called Joshua to do the seemingly impossible, He urged him to be strong and very courageous, and not allow anything or anyone to intimidate him. His confidence was based on knowing God would be with him every single step of the way. Joshua understood that his assignment would include facing tremendous danger and circumstances that would be beyond his control. He didn't fail to acknowledge these challenges, but determined to be strong and courageous when the time came to face them. Just like Joshua, we can refuses to let fear overcome us. It all depends on whether we feed that fear, or feed our faith. We feed our faith by building it on the truth of God's Word, and declaring it over our lives and circumstances.

-CONTRIBUTOR-

A GENTLE ANSWER We are so honored to share this beautiful article written by Uncle Angus Buchan . A Born Again, spirit filled servant of the Gospel. Thanking you once again Angus for sharing this article with us.

He is an Author, Evangelist, Farmer, Husband, Father and Grandfather.

A Gentle Answer We are living in turbulent times and we don't have to be a prophet to see that. Everywhere we look there is anger, there is confusion, there are malicious words being spoken without thought, and there's a lot of hurt taking place.

Early in the morning while praying about using this subject as a column, I felt the Holy Spirit direct me to go to The Book of John 8, and to read the story of the adulterous woman and the Pharisees. The story is very simple. The Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, not primarily for justice, but to try and catch out the Lord so that they could eventually accuse Him and kill Him. Is it not amazing that so often harsh words are just the cover up for alternative reasons and motives which are unseen at the time? The Pharisees came to Jesus and they said, “According to the law of Moses this woman should be stoned, because she was caught in the act of adultery, but what do you say?” Jesus stooped down and He wrote on the ground with his finger (we don't know what He wrote, but He was totally calm and at peace). They continued to provoke Him and question Him. Eventually He stood up and said in John 8:7 (NKJV), “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”

Then He stooped down again and commenced to write on the ground.

Proverbs 15:1 says “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.” Jesus then asked the woman, “Where are your accusers?”

She said, “There are none!” He replied, “I don't accuse you either, go and sin no more! Your sins are forgiven.” Like never before we need to watch what we say. I read that a harsh word is a word of pain. It is normally a word that causes a lot of hurt and a wise word will promote calm interactions.

We need to encourage one another rather than discourage one another.

Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, because you are always sarcastic at someone else's cost and not your own. We need to be very careful how we speak. The Bible tells us in The Book of James that the tongue is almost like a spark that can start a forest fire. We have seen that happen in our own beloved South Africa. A foolish, careless word spoken can cause so much pain, damage and could even cause a revolution.

But those of us who are ambassadors for Jesus Christ need to start to practice using gentle answers, especially when we are provoked unfairly. People will do that especially if they know that we are followers of Christ. They will try to manipulate and make us angry, but we must respond the same way as our Master, because He says we need to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile. It is not an easy thing to do, especially when those people that are doing it to us are purposefully trying to cause us to deny our stand for God. May the Lord bless you as you follow in His footsteps.

God bless Angus Buchan

- MISSIONS -

Persecution in East Africa

article by: www.opendoorsusa.org

Abdul Razak* is an Open Doors trainer who lives in East Africa—but he has not always followed Jesus. And he did not accept Jesus easily. His journey was long and tumultuous, and worsened by Christians’ inability to answer his questions about the faith.

But the Holy Spirit made the words of John 3:5 (“‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.’”) stick in his heart, and prevented him from giving up his search for truth.

Today the frustrations that made his road to Jesus so difficult drive his passion to equip Christians to defend their faith—and to offer the best possible help to Muslims seeking the way, the truth and the light.

I was born into a Muslim family, and was training to be a staunch and well-learned imam. I started attending a madrasa to study the Quran, and all the rules of Islam, while in elementary school. By the time I finished elementary school, I taught other children.

I also became a disciple of an imam who was feared by all. One day, shortly before his death, this imam told me something very upsetting: “I had a vision in which I saw you leaving the ways of Allah.” I was shocked and pleaded to know more, but he was not ready to tell me. He passed away before he could.

After his burial, people expected me to fill his position but I wanted to finish my education first. It was during this time that I attended an open-air evangelistic event. I am not sure why I went, because I hated Christians and saw them as evil pagans. But that day I heard words that changed my life forever. The speaker preached from John 3:5: “‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.’”

As much as I tried, I could not forget those words. They burned in my heart, and took me on a long, winding, and very frustrating road in search of the truth. I went back and forth between the mosque and Christians, searching for answers. For a long time, I found none.

When I asked Muslims about this verse, they dismissed it as typical Christian talk. They warned me: “Christians are bad people. If you listen to them, you will be like them.” They told me to challenge Christians about their belief in Jesus and the Trinity, but that did not help me find the answers I was looking for. They even tried to prove from the Bible that Christianity was false.

When I went to Christians about my confusion, they could not answer me either. One pastor offended me greatly when he claimed things about Islam and the Prophet Mohammed. This caused even more questions, which mosque leaders were unable to answer.

There was one thing I noticed in my back-and-forth thinking, though: Whenever Christians prayed for me, I experienced peace. From childhood, I had been tormented by recurring nightmares and visions about a terrifying snake. Sometimes I could physically feel its horrible presence with me. When they prayed, the snake was gone, and I had peace. I wanted that peace to last.

That drove me even more to search for answers. I asked a Christian to take me to church, but the moment that church leaders saw I was a devout Muslim, they would be too scared to receive me.

We went from church to church, and it was always the same. At one church a pastor nervously asked me, “Do you want to become a Christian?”

I was shocked. “No—God forbid!” I answered. “I just want to be baptized so I can enter the kingdom of God and continue in Islam.” That closed the door immediately.

Finally, I came to a church where people patiently answered my questions. For two months, we debated faith. Eventually they gently told me the truth. “You are looking for the way to salvation in Islam, but it is only found in Christ,” they said.

They started teaching me about the divinity of Christ from John’s Gospel. I still went back and forth between the church and the mosque, confused, and in desperate need of answers. Then, one day, the group of Christians told me that I had a choice to make, and fervently prayed for me.

Afterwards, peace filled my heart. That night I dreamed about the snake again, but this time a light consumed the snake. It died.

Afterwards, even though there were still some things that confused me, I was sure that I had found the right way. I was baptized and stayed inside the church compound for my own safety.

Risking it all for the truth The pastor gave me a Bible and I attended Bible classes over the next two years. This was a very precious time for me: The snake that tormented me all my life was no longer there. The desire to enter the kingdom of God was fulfilled, and, above all, I could see Islam for what it really was. It was as if it was something hidden in a bottle that had been poured out.

I started attending evangelistic events, sharing my testimony. I also started to preach. I wanted Muslims to know the things I had struggled with, and be able to make their own choices. Many people came to Christ. I felt so happy.

Then someone who knew me attended one of these meetings and told my family. That night, my mother called me and ordered me home. When I got there, she told me, “I don’t know what you did, but people from your mosque came here and threw words at me that I can’t even interpret.

What did you do?” I told her I had become a follower of Jesus, a Christian. “The snake is dead, mom,” I said.

She knew exactly how much these visions had tormented me. “Who killed the snake?” she asked. I tried as best I could to explain my journey, but it all confused her too much. I was summoned to the mosque to answer the leaders’ questions. For hours they grilled me, challenging me with verses from the Bible and the Quran. When they spoke about the Bible, I knew I had a lot to learn.

But when they spoke about the Quran, they were out of their depth. They were older than me, but I was their teacher.

“We know, according to the scripture, that there is firewood which will be used to burn people on the last day. You are that firewood,” they told me, as we parted ways.

I returned to the capital to finish my studies. At the same time, I preached the gospel. My family hated this and disowned me. I was no longer welcome at home. My older sister, who had helped pay for my studies, withdrew her support.

But the Lord provided. A Christian offered to pay for the remainder of my studies, and later even paid for me to attend Bible school in another country. It was not easy, but God helped me.

Eventually, as I shared my faith with my family, they began to follow Jesus, one by one. And then, one day, when my father—who had been an imam!—was very sick, I took him to the capital for medical care. This gave me the opportunity to share my faith with him too. He also believed in Jesus. Now my entire family had become Christians!

Helping others avoid an unnecessarily difficult journey I encountered Open Doors during my time in Bible School outside of my country, and, after I came home, I attended many of their seminars. Afterwards I became one of their trainers. Together we work to make people aware of what Islam teaches, and the impact it has on the lives of people. We want people to be alert, and to not be ignorantly drawn into Islam.

Our courses have helped Christians understand their own faith more clearly. Radical Muslims visit our area at least twice a year to preach Islam, and say things about the Bible and the church that confuse Christians. But now local believers see that their faith is so great and that Jesus is so big, even if He is despised by these Muslim preachers.

We also tell these Christians how they can share the gospel with Muslims. We have seen an increase in Muslim seekers. They ask many questions about Christianity, sincerely desiring to know the truth.

We see Jesus coming into the lives of people. We see Jesus clearly intervening. Jesus is there for us. People are brought to Christ. Even though they are chased away by their communities, they still have hope. We thank God that in all that we are suffering, in all that we are going through, Jesus is there giving us assurance, and He intervenes for us in a very special way.

We know He does that through people like you, so we ask that you continue supporting us.

PRAY WITH US Please pray for me to have the strength and protection to continue doing this work. It is not easy. I want Him to use me more, so I need prayers that will help me reach new places.

Pray for those who have not yet become Christians. They are without Christ and without hope, and they know nothing about Christianity. Pray that God will open their hearts that they may see this light that we now have, so that they can accept Jesus Christ too.

Pray for others too who preach the gospel in Muslim-dominated regions. Pray that God would strengthen them, and remove fear and discouragement so that they can continue with the mission.

Pray for believers who converted from Islam. Life can be tough for them in this region: some are kicked out of their homes, left without their school fees, abandoned; some have had their farm land confiscated, and others lose custody of their children. Pray for them to be strong, that God may wipe away their tears and give them the assurance of salvation. Pray for their families to become Christians too.

Pray also that the strategies of Islam to draw in many people through offering money, opportunity, and relief aid, etc., will fail. Pray that Christians will understand the snares to catch them.

www.opendoorsusa

-contributor-

RUTH, a woman of her word! written by: Pastor Tee

This following article is taken from the book of

beginning of Ruth’s process to destiny starts.

Ruth.

We must keep in mind that whenever there is a famine in the Word of God, it’s birthing

Please do read the story before. This is one of

destiny/purpose for an individual e.g. Joseph.

the stories amongst many that gives one hope

We see that the famine in Egypt birthed his

that Lord, I’m in this situation right now and no

destiny. Now back to Ruth. The famine in Israel

matter what it feels like, You will come through

brought her a husband who was not a Moabite

for me. Most importantly help me to be faithful

but an Israelite.

in my good and bad.

The death of the husband We learn that Ruth was a woman of her Word.

Her husband and father in-law later died and

She wasn’t there for time being but for life. She

was left with the decision that I’d like to think

had seen the power of the Miracle Working God

that everyone would make “to go back home

in the pain that she and Naomi faced with losing

and maybe later, have the grace of marrying

their husbands.

again”. But Ruth didn’t see it that way and made a promise that she would not leave her mother

The Famine

in- law. I ask myself that it’s like she had a word

We read within the First Chapter that there was

of prophecy from a man of God somewhere,

a severe famine in Israel and that’s where the -

stating her future hence the decision but it

her therefore, she must make a plan to see what

wasn’t the case. I’d like to think the life

we eat.

she lived with the Jewish family gave her an idea ,an encounter with the Most High God and she

Ruth honoured and respected Naomi and

wasn’t about to leave this God and the woman

treated her like her own mother, and because

who introduced her to Him and go back to man

of that and with the decision to leave her

made gods that had no life let alone power. To

country, family and gods to Worship God

later say the words in Ruth 1v 16-17 (NLT):

Almighty, God couldn’t have rewarded her with

“Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back.

anything less than what He blessed her with,

Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I

which as a matter of fact must have blew her

will. Your people will be my people, and your

mind till today. I mean to be married to an

God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die,

influential , wealthy, God fearing husband, then

and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish

the grand finale by being the great grandmother

me severely if I allow anything but death to

of King David and the cherry on top being the

separate us!”

ancestor of Master Jesus. Can I get a HALLELUJAH FOR THE GOD WHO IS A

RUTH, THE WOMAN OF HER WORD

REWARDER!

In chapter 2 we read that Ruth arrived in Bethlehem and instantly received favour. The

IN THE MIDST OF PAIN WITH THE LOSS OF A

fact that the 1st and only field she was

HUSBAND AND FATHER IN- LAW

opportune to work in was of her father in-laws

·

relative. By being a foreigner in a foreign land,

decided to serve Him.

deciding to not sit and have her mother in-law

·

Didn’t leave Naomi and went back home.

work for her but she did the working, it shows

·

Didn’t make Naomi’s life a living hell but

us that she:

brought joy and maybe, could have been the

·

Loved her mother in-law

reason Naomi could have found strength to keep

·

Kind

on serving and trusting God even in pain. It

·

Hard worker

could be Naomi would have seen God working

·

Faithful

through Ruth.

·

Fearless

·

·

Responsible

in their journey with God and their lives to pull

·

Knew who God Almighty was

through.

·

Honest

·

Ruth didn’t curse Naomi’s and her God but

We learn that they both needed each other

Naomi played a big role of a midwife to

Ruth and Ruth played a big role of being a I mean let’s be honest, it mustn’t have been

provider and comforter in Naomi’s life (Which is

easy for a foreigner who it was her first time

what our Master Jesus through the Holy Spirit is

in a foreign land to immediately take

today, Glory be to God).

responsibility for her mother in-law and self.

·

Even though Naomi had lost sons and a

husband , she gained a daughter who loved She didn’t complain and sit back with the

her so much , a son in- law and grandchild.

mentality that “because I don’t know this place

·

let my mother be the one who makes a plan, I’ve

with sons and a husband but came back to

already shown her kindness by coming back

Israel with a daughter , who through the mercy

with-

of God, kept her father in-law Elimelech’s -

Yes, Naomi left Israel to Moab

genealogy alive by marrying Boaz , who happened to be a close relative of Naomi’s late husband .

guide to life and in abundance, HALLELUJAH!I also love the fact that when Boaz showed Ruth favour, she didn’t develop pride, arrogance or rebellion towards Naomi. She could have

ALL THE GLORY GOES TO MASTER JESUS WHO IS ALL-KNOWING AND HAS DEFINITELY FULFILLED JEREMIAH 29 v 11 and Jeremiah 1 v 5.

THE GOD WHO QUALIFIES THE UNQUALIFIED Ruth was a foreigner and broke. She got favoured by a man who was influential and wealthy. We all know that the society we live in that was and is a rare combination because the wealthy get married and associated with the wealthy.

RUTH, A WOMAN OF INTERGRITY We read in Chapter 2 V 23 “So Ruth worked alongside the women in Boaz fields…….” We learn that even though she had now found out who Boaz was she never developed pride but “’continued working alongside the women”.

Maybe had it been someone else they would have opted to now place themselves as a leader and stop showing humility but she continued to work alongside with them!

easily turned her back on Naomi, but she continued living with her.

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR Chapter 3 v 8 says: “Around midnight Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over. He was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet”.

When we study the Bible, we find the revelation that a lot of life changing things happen in the midnight hour e.g. (Exodus 12 v 29).

It says that “suddenly Boaz woke up and turned over”. There is power in the SUDDENLY when God Almighty is the initiator of the suddenly!

Ask Joseph , David, Esther, Gideon, Elisha, Elijah, Ezra, Jonah, Daniel , Shadrack , Meshach and Abednego need I go on … and lastly yourself. We see that as “he suddenly woke up AND turned over” as he was turning over so was his story from: Boas the Bachelor to Boaz the Husband

Chapter 3 Even though she might have had feelings for Boaz or maybe had sensed a connection, she never took matters into her hands but waited for God, who worked through Naomi to say it was time, with instructions and therefore things worked out for her good!

Ruth did things according to the Jewish custom as instructed/guided by Naomi, fulfilling her vow to Naomi in Ch 1 v 17 “………. if I allow anything but death to separate us!”

Boaz the fatherless to Boaz the father And as he was turning over so was Ruth’s life, who happened to be at his feet. For Ruth: From foreigner to a local From widow to wife From poverty to prosperity From Moabite to Israelite From loner to united From beggar to blessed From sowing to reaping

We see that as Ruth was doing everything that Naomi instructed, Naomi was Ruth’s guide to the Jewish customs and we see today that the Holy Spirit and the Holy Word of God are our-

From humility to humility From daughter to mother From grace and favour to more grace and favour

A WORD, FOR THE CHILD OF GOD

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE BOOK OF

This story reminds me of single godly men who

RUTH

come across many women daily but their eyes

We got through painful circumstances in life but

just like Boaz, are closed and only “suddenly

it’s through that pain that something bigger,

wake up and turn over” to the Ruth when she

surpassing our imagination is birthed, known as

shows up sent by God Almighty. With that being

PURPOSE. Showing kindness and being faithful

said, at midnight which seems to be the feeling

to God and His chosen nation bears a hefty

when waiting for God Almighty to move in your

reward.Jesus Christ is the Only One who

situation, but remember He is a God of

qualifies the unqualified. At midnight hour there

suddenly and turn around at the hour you least

is a sudden awakening and turn around. Lastly,

expect. So whatever you are waiting on God for,

wherever He sends one, He provides. For He is

be encouraged that He will move when the time

the WAY, TRUTH AND LIFE AND IN ABUNDANCE!

is right (Isaiah 60:22).

Glory be to Master Jesus!!!

WHEN ALL IS DONE, REMAIN HUMBLE! In Chapter 3v 14 see that Ruth after everything that God had done, the provision, sudden turn around, she remained humble. After her encounter with Boaz at midnight, she didn’t go and tell people who today would be friends, colleagues, social media, well anyone who has an ear would have heard about her encounter.

We sometimes ruin the process because of our tongue, with the urge to let people know. We see that she went back to the one who had sent her, Naomi.

In verse 18 - we learn that Naomi was a wise woman who wasn’t looking out to sell Ruth but had Ruth’s best interest at heart. She taught Ruth to be patient which shows wisdom and faith.

Finally we learn that Boaz was labelled as the family redeemer who resembles Master Jesus, Who is our Redeemer who brings sudden turn a rounds.

Devotions by the anointed Dr André and Jenny Roebert

The Power of Prayer and Praise Message taken from Colossians 4:2 (AMPC) Colossians 4:2 (AMPC): "Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving."

Essentially, prayer involves us surrendering everything to God, and seeking out His wisdom and mercy. That includes laying any issue down before Him, expecting to receive His wisdom concerning it. As long as there is a will to surrender and a will to listen and obey - a new beginning is in site! God's Spirit and His Word will always provide the wisdom we need to overcome any situation, every time. But sometimes, before we can hear or see it clearly, we need to wipe away the clouds of despair and worry that cause us to become easily overwhelmed. That's where PRAISE comes in! Our praise supercharges us with the power, faith and hope we need to have an overcoming attitude when we pray. It clears away the clouds of doubt and confusion as it silences the enemy, and allows us to hear God and clearly see His perspective. Instead of the flesh having the upper hand, our spirit man is now dominating the battleground. Make your prayers powerfully effective as you pray deliberately and expectantly, with a heart overflowing with thankful praise.

2019 Beauty & The Gospel Partakers Here's their thought's about CHRISTmas

THE BALOYI'S

ZINHLE XULU

young , married & born again

exclusive

1. What does Christmas mean to you?

It means redemption, Matthew 1:21 says she will give birth to a Son and was to be given the name Jesus because He will SAVE his people from their sins.

1. What does Christmas mean to you?

It is a beautiful reminder of God’s most powerful love expression to us on earth. For me it is a day all about love more than anything.

2. What message would you love to tell Mater Jesus regarding His birthday, according to the Gentile calendar?

No amount of words is good enough to express how grateful we are to our Savior, we love you King Jesus and as much as we live, we shall worship and lift your name on high. We love you, and we thank you for coming down on earth to save us, reign Jesus reign…

2. What message would you love to tell Master Jesus regarding His birthday, according to the Gentile calendar?

What I would say to Him is that regardless of when He was born I am just eternally thankful that He was and that He came and saved my life. There may be people who have twisted and misused the meaning behind His birth but some of us are eternally grateful and it will forever mean everything to us.

MINISTER MONICA

THE NJUA'S

contributor

young, married & born again

1. What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas means celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ my savior and reflecting on God’s mercy to send His only son to pay the price for our sins with friends and family. It is a time of reminding myself How great and awesome God is and how Jesus interceded for us all.

Christmas is a time of jubilee, so I celebrate with an immeasurable amount of gratitude.

2. What message would you love to tell Mater Jesus regarding His birthday, according to the Gentile calendar?

Thank you, Jesus, for being the one who intercedes on our behalf to the father. Thank you for leaving your thrown in heaven to pave the way for us. Jesus, your birthday is a special day and so I celebrate you with a heart of thanksgiving. I am forever grateful and indebted to you.

1. What does Christmas mean to you?

For us, Christmas is a time of reflection, where we take time to take stock of the year that just went by and how

by God’s grace we grew, was challenged and blessed.

2. What message would you love to tell Mater Jesus regarding His birthday, according to the Gentile calendar?

Thank You for coming for us. Thank you for giving up everything so that we can know You and have a relationship with You.

THE CAPRON'S

PASTOR MOKGADI

young , married & born again

exclusive

1. What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas to us means family, unity, peace, and most importantly Jesus. It’s about celebrating the birth of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

1. What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas to me is one of the most important days in my life because I am where I am today because of Christmas.

I am going to spend eternity with God because Jesus Christ took a decision to come to earth and die for me. If it wasn’t for Christmas I could have died in my sins and I am so grateful for this day.

2. What message would you love to tell Mater Jesus regarding His birthday, according to the Gentile calendar?

If we could send Jesus Christ a birthday message, we would say, “We praise, thank, and worship you Jesus for leaving the throne in heaven and coming to live among us and identify with us during your life, ministry, death, and resurrection here on earth. No gift or amount of money on this earth can compare to You as the everlasting gift. Thank You Jesus!”

2. What message would you love to tell Master Jesus regarding His birthday, according to the Gentile calendar?

I would say to Him “thank you for saving my life and thank you for being breaking every curse in my life. Thank you for your unselfish heart. Thank you for loving me and my family. Thank you for the peace in my life. Thank you for sacrificing your life for me and thank you for who You are.

WORSHIP SAINTS

TEBOGO MOTLHABI

exclusive

creative in Christ

1. What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas to us is all about celebrating Jesus, His birth and Life. We take the day as one of the greatest happenings to us as it meant an ushering of a new covenant, a covenant of grace,hope and Love and not only that but abundance(fullness) of a Life (John 10:10) above trials and tribulations 2. What message would you love to tell Mater Jesus regarding His birthday, according to the Gentile calendar?

All glory and honor belongs to Him, for HIs Love and faithfulness endure forever. We Love Him beyond what words can begin to describe. None compares to Him and our prayer is that we dwell in His house forever and ever

1. What does Christmas mean to you?

A time to be with loved ones, sharing gifts and reminisce about the goodness of the Lord in our lives.

2. What message would you love to tell Mater Jesus regarding His birthday, according to the Gentile calendar?

Thank you for being our Lord and Savior. I am grateful for your love and grace.

THE HLATSWAYO' S

KENDRA DUBLIN

young , married & born again

contributor

1. What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas to us means, a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ our personal savior.

- It is time to spend with your family or the loved ones together.

- It is also a time to share goodies to the less priviledged ones or to bless someone with a gift.

2. What message would you love to tell Mater Jesus regarding His birthday, according to the Gentile calendar?

WOW we would thank Him for dying on the cross for our sins and today we are called the children of God. By His death, we were redeemed and reconciled with God. You sacrificed Your life for us once and for all and You rose from the death which is the ultimate gift.

1. What does Christmas mean to you?

It's a time for family gatherings and for extra meditation of Jesus' birth. I was in retail for half of my life, so Christmas has been tainted by long working hours, crazy customers and training new people for temporary jobs. I'm hoping I can get to a place where this time of year can be cleared of my time in retail.

2. What message would you love to tell Master Jesus regarding His birthday, according to the Gentile calendar?

Thank you for living, so I can live. Thank you for your purpose that directly correlates with my purpose.

Thank you for your grace that can never be erased, replaced or borrowed. Thank you for being YOU!

DR SABINA

ANESI IGEBU

exclusive

christian blogger

1. What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas is a celebration of the Love of Christ. It is a reminder that God desires all to be reconciled to him and demonstrated His love for us by giving the greatest gift of Love - Jesus

1. What does Christmas mean to you?

And now, to me, Christmas is a time of celebration, for all Christians. It’s not just about the date but it is marked as a time of the year where we celebrate Jesus our Lord and thank Him for coming to this earth to save us. It shouldn’t just be celebrated on December 25th , but every day we should thank God for His precious eternal gift and mercies in our lives.

2. What message would you love to tell Mater Jesus regarding His birthday, according to the Gentile calendar?

That we would live everyday honoring Him and make a conscious effort to offer ourselves as a gift offering, holy and pleasing in His sight. My desire is that my life and all I exude daily would draw others to come to know Jesus

2. What message would you love to tell Mater Jesus regarding His birthday, according to the Gentile calendar?

Dear Father, Brother, Friend and King, I thank You for Your abundant love and the gift of salvation. For coming to the earth over 2000 years ago to justify us and fulfill the plan You had for us since the beginning of time,

LYDIA MOLISE

PASTOR THUTO GEZANI

exclusive

contributor

1. What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas means pausing and focusing on the birth of Christ. How God our Father loves us.

2. What message would you love to tell Mater Jesus regarding His birthday, according to the Gentile calendar?

Thank you for giving me life eternally. l can never thank you enough, no sacrifice will ever match what you did. l love you Lord!

1. What does Christmas mean to you?

For me Christmas actually means a day that the world has chosen to remember and celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ, although we as believers understand that Christ was not born on that day but it really pleases me that the Lord Jesus is being celebrated and acknowledge, for the world to show such significance just blesses me 2. What message would you love to tell Master Jesus regarding His birthday, according to the Gentile calendar?

I’m actually just lost for words because I just cannot comprehend how great Christ is and I am just lost for word to thank him for being my personal Lord and Savior, he is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, he is the beginning of my life and the end of my life and his Grace is sufficient in my life and that I am honored to always be in his presence, Christ is my first love and I honor his mercy and grace upon my life and I appreciate him always

THE IRISH'S young , married & born again 1. What does Christmas mean to you?

Raynetta: As a Christian, we celebrate it as the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Birth of Love itself. Unlike others I didn’t care much about Valentine’s Day, like I absolutely hated it for all the superficial stuff, but Christmas makes me feel like the people do non Valentine’s Day. Michael: I can definitely agree with my wife; Christmas is the best time of the year for me. I have created some of the happiest memories and fondest times during that time of year.

2. What message would you love to tell Mater Jesus regarding His birthday, according to the Gentile calendar?

Raynetta: Jesus, you make everything that much special especially your birthday. Thank you for being born and sacrificing so much for me.

I pray that how we choose to celebrate not only makes you feel loved but makes you smile. Thank you for being the greatest to not only this world but to me. Happy birthday! And Merry CHRISTmas =) Michael: Happy birthday Jesus! I want to thank you for being born and making Christmas what it is. It isn’t about Santa and all the other things, but it’s about giving life meaning and giving this time of year the special feeling of love. I also want to thank you for dying for all of my sins. I love you!

From our family to yours we want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

LET EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE THE LORD. PRAISE THE LORD! BELOVED, THANK YOU FOR SHARING 2019 WITH US AND WE WISH YOU A CHRIST FILLED DAY!

Beauty & The Gospel

-feature-

The Purpose of Christmas by: Pat Robertson

It's interesting that Jesus made a

How many of us are like that today?

significant statement about His birth just

Sometimes it takes a tragedy, such as a

before His death. During Jesus' trial, Pilate

death in the family or the recent terrorist

asked about His identity. Jesus replied, "For

attacks, before people take time to

this I have been born, and for this I have

measure their lives against what is

come into the world, to bear witness to the

genuinely meaningful and true.

truth" (John 18:37b, NASB).

When a carpenter says, "I'm going to true Jesus didn't say He was born to preach or

up a piece of wood," he lines up a board

heal, but that His fundamental purpose was

to conform with the standard of a plumb

to bear witness to the truth.

line. Opinions don't count -- only the

Pilate then asked, "What is truth?" But he

truth.

was in too much of a hurry to wait for the answer .

Down through the ages, Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 14:6a;Â John 8:32).

Jesus came into the world bearing a message of paramount importance: God is our creator, sustainer, and redeemer; to see the Father, we must look at His Son.

The reason Jesus was born is that we might know God! This is why we celebrate Christmas with such joy year after year.

Through Jesus called "Emmanuel," which means God with us, God is indeed with us in youth and old age, in good times and bad, in tragedy and triumph.

But in bringing us this wonderful message, Jesus goes a step further -- and entrusts us with the tremendous responsibility of sharing God's Word with others. "You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8b). Millions of lost souls desperately need the life-giving message of the Gospel!

-featured-

TABITHA

CREATIVE IN

CHRIST

ASARE

(Q) Who is Tabitha Asare ,

(Q) You dance as an act of

However, I just kept making

personally and professionally

worship. What is worship to

them. Local groups in Las Vegas

and where are you from?

you?

began asking me where I got

(A) Personally – I am a fun mom

(A) To me worship is a lifestyle. It

my garments and I told them

of a 5-year-old beauty. Her

is more than me dancing. It

that I made them. They made

name is Esther. I love traveling

actually begins with living a life in

me make some for them and

& eating good food!

obedience to the Father. Worship

then I stopped in 2014 after

Professionally – I am a full-time

to God is when we give, when

finding out I was pregnant.

entrepreneur, author, branding

we study the Word of God,

- In March of 2017 a group came

strategist and minister of the

commune with Him and share

to me and asked me to create

Gospel.

God’s love with the masses.

overlays for them. In that

- I currently am a resident of Las

(Q) Normally, the word dance

moment, I prayed and I told the

Vegas, Nevada, however I was

would never be associated

Lord that this was what I

born and raised in Beaumont,

with worship. Did you face any

wanted to do to serve His

Texas.

challenges, rejection or harsh

people. I asked Him to show me

(Q) Who does Tabitha say,

words when starting out or

exactly how to create the

THE SON OF MAN IS?

even till today?

overlays and perfect them. I

(A) Simply put the Son of Man is

(A) Oh, MY! Yes! The church has

immediately got the pattern

Jesus, the King of Kings & Lord

begun to accept dance ministry

downloaded into my spirit.

of Lords.

throughout the World, however,

- I have made over 5000

(Q) When I say the name

when I began dancing in 1996 it

garments since then. It has

Jesus what comes to mind?

was frowned upon. That made us

definitely been a blessing to

(A) The Prince of Peace.

study the Word of God even

see that just as Tabitha in the

Whenever I am in distress or in

more. My favourite example of

Bible, I am able to give the gift

trouble, I call on the Prince of

dance from a biblical perspective

that God gave me back to my

Peace.

was when the Women followed

fellow dance sisters in Christ.

(Q) What started out as a

Miriam after crossing the red see

- While creating Kingdom

dream has become your

with their tambourines and the

Garments, the Lord mandated

reality, which is dancing for

dance. We see in the book of

me to make sure that I

the Kingdom. Tell us more

Psalms we are commanded

empower dancers with

about.

to Praise God with the

education. The Facebook Live

(A) My dream has always been

tambourine and dance. This gives

Show Garment Talk Tuesday

to serve the body of Christ in

us our right to worship through

was birthed. After having

whatever capacity God

dance.

requests from all over the

desired to give me. I began

(Q) You’re the owner of Praise

United States for me to teach,

dancing and creating my own

Dance Overlays and

the Lord gave me permission to

dance-wear to minister in

Revelations Of Dance. Share

begin a dance school &

because garments didn’t fit

with us the vision and journey.

Christian Dance Company

right and they were very costly.

(A) The Vision of Praise Dance

through Revelations School of

The Lordrevealed to me to serve

Overlays is to equip Kingdom

Dance.

my fellow dance sisters by

Dancers with knowledge and

(Q) Praise Dance Overlays by

creating affordable garments

quality garments. The vision is to

Tabitha is a Busnistry

for them. To date, I have sold

give back to the dance

( Business + Ministry) birthed

over 5,000 and counting. My

community as much as I can.

out of a need you saw for the

reality is that I wake up every

- Well, years ago, I would say

Kingdom dancer. Tell us more

morning, take my daughter to

about 12 yrs ago to be exact. I

about that.

school and then create

began making my own dance

garments for Kingdom Dancers.

garments they were terrible.

(A) As a Christian dancer,

I explained to her that we are to

- The Branding Solutions

garments were limited for those

be set apart and we have to

(Q) What exactly do you do?

of us on a budget. I remember

understand that we are to serve

(A) Now, I help other aspiring

going to dance conferences and

the Kingdom as ministers. That

authors to publish their books

not being able to find anything

even includes our clothing. The

for free. I teach them the steps

for less than $45. I used to feel

church building is often

and give them the tools. I have a

kind of left out because

compared to a hospital. So we

few branding clients, where I

everyone else had on beautiful

know that there may be souls

help them with creating

garments and I didn’t. Then I

who come in and are still

Facebook Live Shows and

remember hearing horror

struggling with certain issues. We

branding themselves on the

stories about dancers spending

don’t want anything we do to be

internet.

bill money to buy garments to

the cause of one of our brothers

minister in. It made me sick, so

or sisters to stumble. We should

(Q) How important is it to have

when I prayed about it, the Lord

remain covered.

proper branding when wanting

told me that if I take care of His

- Also, if we want to go Biblical.

to make an impact?

Kingdom dancers He would

We have definitely forgotten the

(A) It is extremely important.

supply all of my needs. My

fact that the Word of God tells us

The way you brand yourself is

prices range from $4.99 -$69.99.

not to conform to the world, but

everything. I believe that you

The Lord gave me strategy on

to be transformed by the

have properly branded yourself

how to find the inexpensive

renewing of our minds. When we

when someone can look at a

fabrics that I needed to offer

renew our minds, the old man

flyer and know it’s yours without

affordable garments. I feel so

passes away and we are new

even reading it.

good that I obeyed the voice of

creatures. That includes the way

the Lord when dancers write to

we dress.

The Hadassah Mantle

me thanking me because they

- We see issues, as it pertains to

(Q) What is it and why it?

had been dancing in choir robes

Christians dressing modestly,

(A) Hadassah's Mantle is a

or graduation gowns because

because many have not renewed

ministry totally focused on

they couldn’t afford anything

their minds. Having a relationship

Encouraging, Uplifting, &

quality. Now they can dance

with the Lord will reveal those

Empowering the Woman to

before the King of kings in

things that need to be worked

SLAY & PRAY as she awaits her

beautiful garments.

out.

King! I offer online inspiration to

(Q) Some of the Body of Christ

- I remember I used to club and

women world wide! I am

seems to have conformed to

go to church at the same time. I

pushing women to DESTINY

the systems of this world and

didn’t see anything wrong with

through inspiration from the

dressing is one of them.

the way I dressed. The more I

Holy Spirit.

Where we no more see

began to get closer to God and

modesty but immorality.

move away from the World, the

(Q) The importance for single

Whats your take on that, and

more the Lord would show me

women to maintain their purity

with you providing modest

the error of my ways, such as the

until marriage?

garments?

way I was dressing. I remember

(A) God commands us to do so.

(A) Oh, Man! You are going to

putting on a skirt that I’d been

get me in trouble with this one..

wearing to church and it seemed

(Q) As Children of God, how can

LOL.

smaller. I weighed myself

we live in purity in every except

- I recently encountered a

because I thought I gained

of our lives?

technically trained dancer who

weight. I didn’t, it was just that

(A) We can live in purity but

is now making worship dance

my mind had been renewed,

constantly renewing our minds

her focus. I remember her

so I changed clothes and tossed

in Christ & showing God’s love.

stating that she couldn’t

it in the trash.

One of my favourite scriptures is

understand why we danced

(Q) There’s also Tabitha

Titus 1:15, it’s speaks about to

with soo many layers. She felt

Branding Solutions and

the pure everything is pure.

like it mess up her extensions

Hadassah’s Mantle. Let’s start

and dance moves were covered.

with:

Meaning that we must live

(A) I’m a people watcher. I have

(Q) Lastly, advice you can give

positive, uplifting and

sat back and watched many

to young women desiring to

encouraging lives to those

different people competewith

join Kingdom Dancing?

around us. Aim to see the good

one another , when in actuality if

(A) DO YOUR RESEARCH!

in others. The moment we allow

they join together, there would

Kingdom dance is so much

negativity to settle in, we

be a greater mentality. The word

more than just a hobby or

become corrupt and are no

of God tells us to dwell in Unity.

exercise. We use our bodies to

longer pure. Negative thoughts

This means there is no room for

preach, evangelize, heal and

are of the adversary the devil.

competition in the Kingdom. We

deliver. You must know that it

(Q) Your ministry is about

are to compliment one another,

is ministry and not just

helping women. Share with us

so that the Kingdom may

movement.

the journey and the

advance.

experiences that you think

(Q) If Jesus were to visit you

name Tabitha Asare. What do

shaped you to have the grace

for one day, what would you

you want them to know?

and wisdom to help them?

say to Him and how would

(A) I want people to know that I

(A) Well, at the age of 12 I was

you spend the rest of the day

love Jesus. That He is first in

sexually abused by my

with Him?

everything that I do and that I

grandfather. That led me down

(A) My mom tells me a story all

only move when He tells me to

a path of promiscuity and I

the time that I vividly remember

move!

began a career in the Adult Film

about me being in the bathe and

(Q) How can people get in

Industry & as an Escort. I got

telling her that I saw Jesus. I

touch with you and access

married and he was verbally

would want to know if that was

your work and schedule?

abusive. After coming out of

really him I saw… LOL

(A) They

those things, I realized that I

- I would spend the rest of the

can follow me on Instagram:

didn’t have any self esteem and

day, just sitting at his feet

i. @HadassahsMantle

that self esteem is everything. I

listening to the many parables he

ii.@PraiseDanceOverlays

vow to encourage every woman

has to tell.

- On Facebook:

that I meet and push them into

(Q) What most do you miss

i. Tabtiha Asare Branding

their destiny.

about the “old time true

Solutions

(Q) You’re an author of 2

gospel”?

ii. Praise Dance Overlays

books with the plan to release

(A) The authenticity of it. It was

- Websites

one more in early 2020. What

cut and dry and was what it was.

www.PraiseDanceOverlays.com

can we expect?

I believe that today we offer a

www.TabithaAsareBranding.co

(A) Dates of the Cloth… It is a

very watered version of the

m

collection of hilarious short

Gospel. I also believe that the

stories based upon experiences

Old time Gospel set the

I’ve had while dating as a

atmosphere for miracles, signs, &

Christian woman.

wonders. Today every is about

(Q) You’re motto is: “When

making a name for themselves

you win, I win and the

instead of lifting up the Name

Kingdom wins”. How did you

that is above all names.

come with this motto and the importance of helping one another?

(Q) When people hear the

fact file

and talents through every

avenue available out there. >< In my bag you will find….?

(Q)You are a nominee which is a Toys, Pens, Paper, My Wallet, Cell big deal, for the BEST RAP at Phone & Receipts (tons of them, the 10th Sabc Gospel Crown lol) Awards and for the SONG

WRITER OF THE YEAR at the >< Can’t live without?

Wawela Music Awards. What Seafood, especially Shrimp & does being nominated mean to Crab legs you?

(A) It means people do see and >< I dream of …..? acknowledge the work that God Moving to Accra, Ghana so that is doing through me in Christ my daughter can be close to her Jesus. family.

(Q) You not only a rapper but your first love is MUSIC >< 2019 was ….

PRODUCTION. You’ve had the The year of the test! I was tested opportunity to produce some so much in my faith and I have music themes for big soapies in grown more than I ever South Africa. Tell us more about imagined this year. I am looking that. forward to 2020.

(A) I had a huge catalogue of music that I produced and I >< Weave or makeup? didn’t want them to go to waste Make up so I joint a company called LALELA MUSIC for music >< What people don’t know is publishing and because they that I …….? liked the music that I was Am actually very shy until I get to producing the CEO Alan Lazar know you personally. of Lalela music who’s based in LA gave me a call one day said >< If it weren’t for Jesus I he wanted me to collaborate would? with me by writing and Be sooo lost! producing music themes.

(Q) Still on the topic of music >< Can’t stop thinking about? themes and music production.

Helping others and Sharing the What’s that one show you are Gospel praying to be a part of and given

the chance, which two artists >< Purpose is…….? nationally and internationally The reason for everything I do. would you love to produce Everyone has a purpose and it is their album? our responsibility to do (A) - Actually the one show that I everything our hearts set out to would love to be a part of is THE do until we find our purpose.

QUEEN if given a chance - Nationally, my two artists >< Favourite Minister? would be Takie Ndou and Bishop TD Jakes Pastor Lungi Ndala

@HadassahsMantle

@PraiseDanceOverlays

- Internationally, would be >< Best advice ever received?

Kanye West and Chance the To leap and a net will appear. rapper.

SCRIPTURE OF THE MONTH

27 Why would you strive for food that is perishable and not be passionate to seek the food of eternal life, which never spoils?[a] I, the Son of Man, am ready to give you what matters most, for God the Father has destined me for this purpose.”[b]

JOHN 6:27 (TPT)

FEATURE

HOW TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL LIKE WILDFIRE source : end times bible prophecy.com

The Gospel spread like wildfire in the early church. For example, a single speech from Peter converted 3,000 people (Acts 2:41), and after he gave a second speech, the number of believers totaled 5,000 (Acts 4:4). In only a few decades, the Good News of Jesus Christ spread from Jerusalem to the entire Mediterranean, including Rome itself. But why? And how can we make it spread like that again?

Entire books have been written on this subject, and the early church did a lot of things today's church should copy. But one thing the early church did supercharged the spread of the Gospel. What was it? It had to do with the method of preaching.

The first century church preached God's Word in a way you rarely hear today. And the Bible says God's Word will never come back empty (Isaiah 55:11). It always produces. What did the early church do so differently? They preached this special message - "The Messiah you're looking for is Jesus" (Acts 5:42). At first glance, this doesn't seem unique. After all, many people today preach "Jesus is the Messiah." But that's not all the early church preached. The Gospel they preached included a critical element we often overlook today.

The Messiah You Are Looking For Go back and read Acts 5:42 one more time. To the early church, Jesus was more than just the Messiah. He was the Messiah"you're looking for."

In the first century, everyone in Israel was looking for the Messiah. The Jewish leaders asked John the Baptist is he was the Messiah (John 1:1921). The wise men traveled from distant lands to find the Messiah (Matthew 2:2), and King Herod tried to kill the Messiah (Matthew 2:16).

At first glance, this doesn't seem unique. After all, many people today preach"Jesus is the Messiah." But that's not all the early church preached.

This begs the question - why was everyone "looking" for the Messiah?

One simple reason. Messianic fever ran rampant in that generation because the scriptures said the Messiah would come. The Jewish scriptures pointed to the coming of a Messiah, a Savior for both the Jewish people and the entire world. A number of passages known as the Messianic prophecies detailed the Messiah's birth, life, death, and victory over the grave. They told how His sacrifice would save a multitude from "death in waterless dungeon" (Zechariah 9:11). And those prophecies said the Messiah would appear at that exact moment in history. So it's no wonder people were looking for the Messiah.

For the early church, preaching the Gospel meant more than simply proclaiming "Jesus is your Savior." It meant teaching "Jesus is the Messiah, the one the scriptures point to." Jesus said Himself, "The scriptures point to me" (John 5:39). In other words, the early church taught fulfilled bible prophecy. They pointed to Jesus and His fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies as proof Jesus is the Messiah. For unbelievers, this is a powerful message. It provides rock solid evidence of the identity of Jesus.

Isaiah. The passage he read (Isaiah 53:7-8) was a prophecy describing the trial and execution of Jesus. Beginning with this same scripture, Philip explained the Good News about Jesus, and the eunuch believed.

Fulfilled prophecy proves Jesus is who He said He was - the Messiah.

The Early Church Think this is a minor difference? Think again.

When I say this message was the Gospel of the early church, you don't have to take my word for it. Simply check your Bible. From beginning to end, the Book of Acts shows how the early church used fulfilled prophecy as the primary tool of evangelism. This wasn't just part of the message. It was the message.

In example after example, the Book of Acts shows the apostles spreading the Good News about Jesus.

And they did it with bible prophecy. Let's look at some examples: 1) Peter - Peter pointed to the fulfilled Messianic prophecies as clear proof Jesus was the long awaited Messiah (Acts 2:14-40). His speech on Pentecost led three thousand people to give their lives to Jesus (Acts 2:41). Preaching in the Temple, he said the life of Jesus fulfilled what the prophets had written about the Messiah (Acts 3:18-24). Many of the people who heard Peter's message believed it (Acts 4:4).

Later, when sharing the Gospel with Cornelius and his household, Peter said Jesus is the One "all the prophets testified about" (Acts 10:43). Again and again, Peter pointed to fulfilled prophecy as the foundation for belief in Jesus.

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2) Philip – Philip also used fulfilled prophecy to share the Gospel (Acts 8:26-39). While traveling from Jerusalem to Gaza, Philip met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority. Seated in his carriage, the eunuch read aloud from the Book of -

3) Paul – The Bible says Paul's primary method of sharing the Gospel was to reason from the scriptures (Acts 17:2-3). When asked to speak in the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia, Paul spoke about the history of Israel and the promise of a coming Messiah. He then explained that Jesus fulfilled all the Messianic prophecies (Acts 13:16-42). And he explained all that the prophets had said about Him. As a result, many believed (Acts 13:43).

When Paul went to Berea, the Bible says the Bereans "searched the scriptures day and night to see if what Paul and Silas taught them was true" (Acts 17:11). This begs the question. Why would they search the scriptures unless Paul and Silas were teaching from the scriptures?

At this time, the only scriptures were what we today call the Old Testament. Paul and Silas taught from the scriptures by pointing to the Messianic prophecies and how Jesus fulfilled them. The Book of Acts is filled with more examples of this method of preaching: · In the synagogue in Corinth, Paul testified that Jesus was the Messiah (Acts 18:5). · In Caesarea, Paul said, "I teach nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen" (Acts 26:22). · Paul asked King Agrippa, "Do you believe the prophets?" (Acts 26:27). · In Rome, Paul preached, "the hope of Israelthe Messiah - has already come" (Acts 28:20). · Paul used "the law of Moses and the books of the prophets" to persuade the Romans about Jesus (Acts 28:23).

The Bible shows this was a common technique in the early church. It says Apollos also used the scriptures to explain that Jesus was the Messiah (Acts 18:28). The truth is clear. If you don't study bible prophecy, you're missing one of the greatest evangelistic tools of all time. What better way to respond to those who demand evidence? What better way to demonstrate Jesus is the Messiah than to tell people about the many prophecies He fulfilled?

The Messiah the World Is Still Looking For Today, millions of people are still looking for a Messiah. Not because the prophets said to look for one, but because their lives are filled with emptiness. People are sad, lonely, and depressed.

They live unfulfilling and unsatisfying lives in a constant search for peace and rest. You can show them where to find peace and rest. You can give them a great gift. Share the Gospel today. Ask your friends if they've ever heard of the prophecies Jesus fulfilled. Ask them these questions: · Did you know the Bible foretold the birthplace of the Messiah 700 years before it happened (Micah 5:2) · Did you know the Bible declared the exact year the Messiah would appear (Daniel 9:25)? · Did you know the Bible said a friend would betray the Messiah for the exact sum of 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12)?

Most of all, ask them, "Did you know one person fulfilled all these prophecies and more?" His name is Jesus. That's right. Jesus and Jesus alone fulfilled these prophecies. He's the fulfillment of everything the prophets wrote (Matthew 5:17). Hundreds of years before the Romans invented crucifixion, the Bible described the Messiah as suffering from just such a punishment. The scriptures said His hands and feet would be pierced (Psalm 22:16). They were. The scriptures said they would give Him bitter wine to drink (Psalm 69:21) and pierce His side (Zechariah 12:10). They did. The scriptures said they would gamble for His clothes (Psalm 22:18). They did. Most of all, the scriptures said He would conquer the grave (Psalm 49:15). He did.

They said, because of Him, you are counted as righteous in the eyes of God (Romans 4:24). And guess what? You are. May the whole world praise the name of Jesus!

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------------------------------------------------------------------Britt Gillette is the founder of End Times Bible Prophecy and the author of Coming To Jesus and Signs Of The Second Coming. Receive his book 7 Signs of the End Times for FREE when you sign up for his monthly newsletter.

-SERIES-

BY: PASTOR THUTO GEZANI

WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS (PART 3) Relationships today are more defined by what the world says than what the word of God says.

Because this topic has not been thoroughly taught so it becomes much easier to go with what everyone is saying or doing.

What I want to achieve at the end of this series, is for you to actually say that I want to become an example of how a relationship should look like.

5 THINGS THAT GOD WANTS TO GIVE ALL OF US BEFORE HE GIVES US THE PERSON He outlined the things that He needs to deposit into our lives before we partner with someone else. We tend to look for people to take the place that only God can give us. He laid a clear foundation. Â

A. PLACE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not an accommodation, God desires to place you in a position that He knows that purpose can happen in your life. Many of us desire to place ourselves. You are searching for people to validate the place you are in, but God gave Adam a place that he had nothing to do with it, He created Eden and placed him there. So, whatever you think is a coincident, its Gods placement for you. He placed you in that family, as crazy as they may be, there are some things that God had to teach you, there are some things He had to develop from inside of you, there are things that had to be built for the purpose He has called you to do.

We tend to fight the place so hard. We fight the job that God placed us in, the people God placed us around and we fight the church he planted us in.

B. PURPOSE - if you are always denying the place, purpose can never be revealed, and God is saying: I’m trying to reveal the purpose. If you start to embrace the place He put you in, you start to understand the purpose He put you there.

All this is before a person. Before God brought Eve He placed Adam and this was not an option. When you in a place and you are uncomfortable then it’s for your growth.

So, Adam started working in purpose before he got a person. In other words what I’m saying is while you looking for him or her, God is trying to reveal why you are here. Until you stop fighting having people in the places that God can only fill you’ll always be disappointed with where God has you.

You can never be comfortable in the identity of another person.

C. PROVISION- vs 9 says: the Lord God made all sort of trees to grow up. If you have to go and position yourself to provide for what God has called to do its not Him, He supplies where He calls us to. GOD ONLY FUNDS HIS IDEAS, GOD MAKES PROVISION GROW WHEREVER HE IS.

D. IDENTITY-vs 8 says He placed a man that He made. God made us to be like Him. If your identity, the person you think you are, your character, your personality are being identified by everyone but God, you have a mis view of who you supposed to be and this is the enemies tactic to have you not know who you are. The enemy is not scared of a faker, he’s not scared of a person posing to be somebody else, he’s not scared of a counterfeit, he’s scared of you finding out WHO YOU ARE and what God has created you to be. You can never be comfortable in the identity of another person. The beauty of it all is that, with God you don’t have to guess your identity, He has given you an identity.

E. PARAMETERS/ BOUNDRIES - vs 16 the Lord God warmed him, you may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you shall surely die. What the world will tell you is that how can a loving God make limits? There is an EXCEPT because He loves you and any good parent knows that if you don’t set limitations on you children, they not going to hurt themselves on purpose but because of what’s around.

Hence why so many people are hurt by relationships it’s because they did not listen to the parameters/ boundaries that God gave for purity, for accountability, for being honest and open, we didn’t listen to the parameters so we get into the relationship and we let that be defined by our feelings.

You need to understand that two is better than one, even by messing up.

So, if I don’t have standards and I get with somebody who doesn’t have standards we going to create a hot mess. If you don’t have standards before you enter into relationships, the relationships will create standards that you will live by. You need to understand that God gave these 5 things before He gave a person!

THE SOCIETY HAS FED US WITH SO MANY THINGS THAT ARE CONTRADICTING THE WORD OF GOD. WE ARE SO FULL OF WHAT THE WORLD SAYS COMPARED TO THE WORD. 1 PETER 1:3 BY HIS DIVINE POWER, GOD HAS GIVEN US EVERYTHING WE NEED FOR LIVING A GODLY LIFE. WE HAVE RECEIVED ALL OF THIS BY COMING TO KNOW HIM, THE ONE WHO CALLED US TO HIMSELF BY MEANS OF HIS MARVELOUS GLORY AND EXCELLENCE. Before the person, if you get to know the Creator, He will begin to fill all the areas that are filled by people’s opinions, attitudes and relationships What I’m basically saying is maybe you got a person before the steps and maybe you kind of feeling stuck and don’t know what to do.

• SPEND MORE TIME WITH HIM HOW DO I DO THAT YOU ASK? DO THE WORD, FINDING OUT YOUR PLACE, PURPOSE, IDENTITY AND PARAMETERS BY PRAYER AND TALKING TO GOD.

IN CLOSURE 1 Corinthians 10: 23 YOU SAY “I AM ALLOWED TO DO ANYTHING-BUT NOT EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD IS GOOD FOR YOU.YOU SAY, IM ALLOWED TO DO ANYTHING – BUT NOT EVERYTHING IS BENEFICIAL

THE REAL POWER OF LIVING A MATURED CHRISTAIN LIFE IS TO KNOW THAT YOU CAN AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO.

may the love of Christ Jesus abide richly in you.

Pastoe Thutho Gezani

feature

Breaking Strong Holds by: Julyza Ruiz

A stronghold is something that keeps someone bound in chains.

A stronghold is the spiritual side of someone or something that holds them back from their calling, destiny and enjoying life. Strongholds can be passed down from generation to generation. Or can be formed by a decision someone makes.

Many strongholds have a grip or “a strong hold” on someone. And I believe the only way to break it off is by Jesus Christ alone. By fasting, praying, covering of the blood, repenting, renouncing, and turning away from making that decision again. To repent, means to turn away and never go back to it.

Matthew 12:44 says, “Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order.”

If someone gets deliverance and returns to their old lifestyle, the demons come back stronger and with more of them.

Matthew 12:45 says, “Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation."” This scripture is talking about keeping your “house” clean. Meaning, your being. Your soul, spirit, body. Your temple.

To examine if we have a stronghold, as the Holy Spirit. Is there certain areas where you feel “chained and in bondage?” Don’t worry, there is freedom in Jesus Christ. Cry out to God and He will heal you, and deliver you. You can be healed and set free forever.

the words of the godly are a life-giving fountain ~ PROVERBS 10: 11

words

of

wisdom

FEATURE

does holy yoga exist?

SOURCE: WWW.GOTQUESTIONS.ORG

Answer: Holy

yoga or Christian yoga is a

During holy yoga sessions, Christian music is

movement that combines yoga with Christian

played in the background, and the chanting of

practice, attempting to adapt the spiritual

names of Hindu deities is changed to the

content of yoga to a Christian worldview.

chanting of Bible verses. All of this is an attempt to use yoga as a Christian worship

Yoga has been practiced for decades in some

experience to deepen one’s faith in God.

Catholic, Episcopal, and mainline Protestant churches; in more recent years, “holy yoga” has

The origins of yoga are undoubtedly pagan.

made inroads into some evangelical churches.

The question becomes, can yoga be transformed into something of spiritual value

In the Eastern world, yoga is an overtly

to Christians? Can secular (or pagan) yoga be

spiritual practice connected to the

turned into holy yoga? Here are some

worship of the Hindu gods. In the West, yoga is

considerations:

usually presented as a physical exercise or means to manage stress. The goal of yoga

Yoga’s focus on Self is inherently unbiblical.

in Hinduism is to acquire deep knowledge of

The Bible never tells us to focus on ourselves;

the Self and to unite the Self with the

rather, we are to die to self and follow Christ

impersonal, all-pervading Brahman. Holy yoga

(Matthew 16:24). Our focus is to be on our

tweaks that goal so that it sounds more

Savior, “the pioneer and perfecter of faith”

“Christian”; the goal of holy yoga is to acquire

(Hebrews 12:2).

deep knowledge of the Self in Christ.

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We concentrate on the Creator of heaven and earth, not on His creation.

Yogic methods such as visualization, controlled breathing, and chanting are recommended to help practitioners clear the

The intrinsic philosophy of yoga is that we have everything we need within ourselves—and that we ourselves are god. This is also unbiblical. Such philosophy cannot really be “Christianized.” God is transcendent; He exists outside of ourselves, and we are told to seek Him (Zephaniah 2:3).

mind, calm the body, and connect with God. In holy yoga, the image visualized might be a candle, a cross, or a picture of Jesus; the problem is, such visualization is not taught in Scripture and is exactly the method used in transcendental meditation and other mind-altering New Age techniques. Also, Scripture warns against the empty repetition

Connection with God does not come through yogic meditation, concentration, or the

of words (Matthew 6:7), and clearing our minds is not a biblical command.

disassociation of one’s senses from one’s Self.

Scripture tells us that Jesus is the only way to “connect” with God (John 14:6), and the Word of God itself is sufficient to guide us through life (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Reading the Bible and praying may sound mundane to some, but those are the means God has given us to know Him better. Holy yoga comes close to being a form of Christian mysticism that exalts experience over traditional Bible study and prayer.

Brooke Boon, a prominent promoter of holy yoga, wrote, “Yoga can be thought of as a philosophy. It’s the idea that by bringing a union of focus between mind and body, while simultaneously making the mind and body stronger and more flexible, we become more authentic people, able to hear God and experience Him in previously impossible ways” (Holy Yoga: Exercise for the Christian Body and Soul, New York: Faith Words, 2007, p. 8–9; quoted by Elliot Miller in “The Yoga Boom: A

Holy yoga advances the notion that breath control and the position of the body are somehow related to spiritual and mental health. There is absolutely nothing in the Bible to suggest such a relation. In fact, the Bible says that we can be “wasting away” outwardly, yet “renewed day by day” inwardly (2 Corinthians 4:16; cf. 12:7–10). We can control our minds and grow spiritually even if the condition of our bodies is far from

Call for Christian Discernment,” Christian Research Journal, volume 31, number 02, 2008). Examine carefully what Boon says: if holy yoga allows Christians to “hear God and experience Him in previously impossible ways,” then why is the Bible silent about yoga? Why didn’t Jesus teach yoga? To “become more authentic people” and truly hear God, do we really need to borrow a technique from Hinduism?

ideal. Yogis often speak of an “emotionalbody” or a “spiritual body,” but those concepts are foreign to Scripture. The soul is not a “body.”

Yoga, with its roots in Hinduism, is a spiritually dangerous practice. Simply changing the intent of the practice does not negate its inherent theological problems. Holy yoga’s

Teachers of holy yoga promote the practice of meditation as understood in New Age and Eastern mysticism.

reliance on pagan notions of man’s nature, its linking of physicality with spirituality, and its support of contemplative prayer are all reasons to avoid the practice.

Connection with God does not come through yogic meditation!

Devotions by the anointed Dr André and Jenny Roebert

Joy Overcomes!

Message taken from 1 Thessalonians 1:6 (AMPC) 1 Thessalonians 1:6 (AMPC): "And you [set yourselves to] become imitators of us and [through us] of the Lord Himself, for you welcomed our message in [spite of] much persecution, with joy [inspired] by the Holy Spirit" The spiritual force of joy comes through the working of the Holy Spirit in us. It's most effective during times of great difficulty or hardship. The believers Paul was addressing were living under tremendously stressful and dangerous conditions because of their faith. But he encourages them by reminding them of the benefits we can expect as we allow joy to work inside us.

He said the believers were set up to become imitators of Paul and Christ. In other words, when joy had done its active work, it produced the same quality and maturity of those who overcome, inside of them. Paul said this happened when the believers welcomed the message, in the heat of their persecution. Joy comes when we willingly embrace the truth of God's Word, in the midst of our trouble. Joy comes when we allow what God says about our outcome to be more prominent than any opposing thought. It will infuse us with supernatural strength to undergird our faith and will cause us to endure and overcome every trial, every time.

-missionary-

Meet Bao, a 33-year-old father of two—and a Bible smuggler.

In the last year, Bao has given away more than 100,000

In Vietnam (#17 on the World Watch List), getting Bibles to people isn’t easy. Converts to Christianity from

children’s Bibles throughout

Buddhist or ethnic-

Vietnam, where churches

animist backgrounds face

gather in secret, squeezed by

increasing persecution.

increasing restrictions against practicing any other faith other than Buddhism. Based on statistics, he says, the need for

For the last two years, Bao, a 33-year-old believer who has served as a partner with Open Doors’ Children’s Bible Project in

Bibles may be up to 2 million

Vietnam. Here, he shares

people.

how his faith has led him into the high-risk

A Literal Lifeline

For Bao, God’s Word became a lifeline some 14 years ago when he was in high school.

“I thought life had no meaning,” he says. “I felt empty—I wanted to commit suicide. My house was near a river, and many -

THE BIBLE SMUGGLER

adventure of distributing God’s Word.

by: www.opendoors.com

times I walked past it and

Bao soon realized that God’s big

At that time, more than 20

thought: What if I just jump into

plans also included him. After

people accepted Jesus. Bao’s

the river to die?”

the first camp, Bao served many

story of multiplying believers

more times, growing in his

sounds like Paul and Barnabas’

love for children’s ministry.

journey of spreading the gospel

Knowing he had these thoughts, Bao’s Christian

from city to city: “I and another

friends invited him to come

While he attended programs for

person who stayed in his house

with them to their church. Each

teenagers, he grew increasingly

took care of the new believers.

time he went, he returned

drawn to the beauty of seeing

When the new believers became

again. At first, he came to

children touched and changed

mature, we would go with a

church just to kill time.

by God.

group of believers to a place far from the main town.”

“Each day, though, I wondered:

Friends began to ask Bao why

Why is it that Christians have a

he wanted to work with

Like Paul, Bao soon faced

strange joy in their lives?

children. His response is

persecution. Government

“I couldn’t feel it, but I wanted

instructive for every believer

officials heard about the

to. So, I Challenged God, saying

wanting to see the church

burgeoning movement and took

to Him, “If you are real, show

advance: “I see a young army of

steps to crush it. Police stormed

me.’”

God. When a child comes to

the worship time, stopping the

God and He changes him, that

service and forcing people to

One day during worship time at

child can become a good

flee, scattering in all different

the church, Bao says God

servant of God. I feel very happy

direction. Except Bao and the

showed Himself. “It was just an

to give a part of myself to serve

owner of the house.

ordinary day of worship,” he

these future warriors.”

“Who Allowed You to Gather

recalls, “but I felt God’s Spirit Leading a Movement of New

Here?”

Disciples

Not knowing what to say or do,

That day was a turning point in

Since becoming a Christian, Bao

Bao kept silent.

the high school student’s life; his

has risked his life numerous

“Who allowed you to gather

transformation led to next steps.

times to share his faith with

here?” the officer yelled. “Where

“My life completely changed,”

both children and adults. Six

did all these materials come

Bao shares, “and I had a desire

years ago, he was traveling

from?”

to serve Him.”

through central Vietnam,

come and touch me.”

sharing Christ, when he came to

They confiscated the Bibles and

A Young Army of God

the home of a local man and

other Christian materials and

As Bao continued to grow in his

stayed with him to share the

kept Bao in jail that day, then

relationship with Jesus, the

gospel. It was time well spent.

freed him that night. From then

church invited him to serve at a

Bao led him to Christ, and he

one, none of the new believers in

children’s camp for pastors’ kids.

began sharing the gospel with

the house church dared to talk

It was there that the teenager

many. During that time, Bao

to him. Bao soon learned why.

realized he had a big heart for

says, lots of people came to

The government threatened to

children.

know God.

stop the food supply from

“I found that the children there

“That area was a quiet

were very special,” he

(Communist) area,” he explains.

remembers, “and I knew that

“They didn’t know that God is

“Because the tension was too

God had a big plan for all of

love. They have to suffer under

high and for the good of the

them.”

(spiritual) bondage.

people there, I left the area,” Bao

coming into their area if they talked to him.

says, adding that some still keep in touch with him and some -

have continued to pursue their faith.

The police warned Bao that if he ever returned to the area, they would put more pressure on the people in the community. Most people there are farmers who depend on the government for The Job of a Sower

At the beginning of 2016, Open Doors invited Bao to join the Children’s Bible Project. Bao is the first to say that smuggling Bibles isn’t easy. The government is always watching.

“We’re trying not to let them know where we come from or who we are,” Bao says. “We try to hide ourselves.”

When Bao started distributing Bibles, he didn’t expect the huge welcome the Children’s Bible received. He understood more as he learned that children and adults alike are learning from it. “What matters most is that the Word of God comes to everyone,” he says.

He’s thankful to be a witness to the impact.

“When I distribute Children’s Bibles in the big churches, they honor the book not only as a free gift but as material to teachGod’s Word.

They also use this book for evangelism.

And I believe that it’s going farther, and that its impact will spread wider.

“God’s Word must be easy for people to reach. The Children’s Bible is one of the easiest ways to let different kinds of people know about Him. I believe this is the job of a sower. We continue to sow, and God continues to make it grow.”

Bao vehemently believes that revival will come to his country.

As a result, he’s doing everything he can to prepare the church for it.

“We have to prepare the next generation. To give them the vision, so that they can see the Word of God and live in faithfulness,” he says. “They will be the ones who do miraculous things. I believe this generation will be the one to do mighty things for God.” Persecuted believers in Vietnam and around the world need Bible smugglers like Bao to bring Scripture to them. You have an opportunity to support these brave volunteers and get God’s Word into the hands of believers who have no Bible.

-contributor-

BE UNAPOLOGETIC by: Minister Monica

In Romans 12:2 God tells us not to conform to the ways of this world, not to follow the customs nor patterns because we are new creations in Christ Jesus, and we have been transformed by the renewing of our minds. As easy as it is to read this scripture many of us struggle to perform the necessary actions to please God, because we are so busy trying to fit in.

Jesus never said it would be easy to follow Him, which is why He said to His disciples, “if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?( Matthew 16:24-26).

I fasted and prayed earnestly seeking God’s direction for everything He gave me; ministry, job, my brand, and all other prophecies spoken over my life. However, what was revealed to me was that before I could see His provisions and the manifestation of His supernatural power in my life I had to be delivered from seeking affirmation from others. If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10) Now, walking in my freedom and authority, I beseech you brothers and sisters to awaken from your slumber.

Arise people of God, so that God’s will can be done on earth as it is in heaven. Don’t be swayed by the ungodly counsel of men. Don’t be distracted by evil doers and naysayers. They will cause you to walk away from your purpose and die never having to fulfill your destiny.

When people criticize you for serving God, for being too righteous or too holy, don’t back down! Do not conform or succumb to darkness but stand out and continue to let your light shine before all men. We gain nothing when we try to fit in, because we are set apart to give all the glory to God. Therefore, be UNAPOLOGETIC for preaching the undiluted Gospel of Jesus Christ. Be UNAPOLOGETIC for the calling on your life. Be UNAPOLOGETIC for serving the most high God. Moses had a powerful anointing over his life; a calling to lead the Israelites to the promised land. However, Moses faced a test and failed which caused him to not step foot into the promised land. What a shame it was that Moses was influenced by the pessimism of the Israelites that when God told him to speak to the rock, instead in anger he disobeyed and struck the rock twice. As a punishment God told him, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them” (Number 20:12 NIV)

God’s words came to pass. Moses, climb up to mount Nebo and the Lord showed Him the promised Land and Moses died there in Moab (Deuteronomy 34 NIV).

Before Moses died, he had to anoint Joshua to be the new leader for the people. What a shame it was that Moses lack of obedience caused him to lose his position in authority and never set foot into the promised land. This is a time for us to rise up in boldness and tell the world about Jesus. We are not called to hold a title but to fulfill kingdom purpose in the earth realm so that souls may be saved. If we do not do as God instructed, surely, we will hear, “Depart from me, ye that work in iniquity" ( Matthew 7:21-23).

Walk in the authority and power Jesus gave you! Don’t be ashamed! Be UNAPOLOGETIC for the glory of God on your life.

Thank you for reading.

Be Encouraged Monica Theophilus

God tells us not to conformto the ways of this world, not to follow the customs nor patterns because we are new creations in Christ Jesus

-contributor-

17

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Ways Christians Can Give Back this Christmas BY: CARRIE LOWRANCE

We have officially entered the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. There is shopping to do, goodies to bake, activities for the kids and the list goes on. It seems like everyone is focused on what they want to receive. The kids go to see Santa and we as adults have to come up with lists for friends and family for what we would like to have this Christmas season. Not that there is anything wrong with this, shopping and giving presents is one of my favorite things to do. However, there are many ways we can give during this season too. Automatically people think money, but there are other ways to donate your time, talents, and belongings too.

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Romans 12:8

Monetary Giving

supplies to help lift families out of

1. The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

poverty,etc.

2. Gleaning For The World: This ministry

3. Matthew 25:Ministries; This ministry is

works in the U.S. by providing aid for families

anational humanitarian aid and disaster

in disasters, food for impoverished

relief organization. They help the

Americans, personal care items for veterans,

poorest of the poor locally, regionally,

etc. They also minister around the world by

nationally and internationally no

providing positive solutions to families living

matter what race, creed or political

in refugee camps who have been impacted

persuasion. You can help by donating

by terrorism, by helping woman overcome

financially, donating products as well as

the lack of feminine hygiene products and by

several other ways.

providing sustainable job training and -

4. Operation Compassion: This ministry -

-featured-

serves all kinds-of people through their

together and have plenty of goodies to

various programs. Relief America responds to

take home.

national disasters. Compassion America

10. Offer to watch someone’s pets

serves the poor and underprivileged in

while they are gone. If your friend is

America’s largest cities. Dream America

going to their in-laws house for an early

supplies Native Americans that live on

or late Christmas get together, offer

reservations in the western United States

to watch their furry companions. They will

with necessities that are hard to obtain (food,

have peace of mind knowing they are

water,educational materials), widows and

in good hands and the animals will be glad

children are a priority. Hope America targets

not to have to be boarded.

one of the four most extreme poverty areas

11. Volunteer at your church. Make it a

in the U. S., the Appalachians by providing

family affair and help with bake sales,

food, hot meals, job training, etc. Focuses on

Christmas pageants, etc. When I was

children, single parents, widows and senior

growing up, my Mom and I used to serve

adults. Global Compassion Network provides

coffee, cookies and hot chocolate to the

countries of the developing world with

people outside in the live nativity that our

medical supplies, textbooks, clothing,etc.

church had every year.

You must each decide in your heart

Giving Of Time

how much to give. And don’t give

5. Help an elderly neighbor decorate for

reluctantly or in response to pressure.

Christmas. Many of our elderly are alone on

“For God loves a person who gives

the holidays and don’t always have the

cheerfully.” >2 Corinthians 9:7

physical stamina to put up a tree or drag boxes from the basement and attic.

Other Ways To Give

6. Help your neighbor or a friend put up

12. Bake for friends and family.

their outside Christmas lights. It doesn’t

13. Donate to Toys for Tots.

matter if the display is big or small, this can

14. Adopt a single Mom or low income

be a very daunting task.

family. Buy them food for their Christmas

7. Have a wrapping party with a

dinner and some gifts. Even better, leave

friend. Get together and help each other

it on their porch anonymously.

wrap gifts. Order in lunch or just have

15. Volunteer at an animal shelter.

cookies and coffee for a treat. And don’t

16. Donate personal items to a homeless

forget the Christmas music.

shelter or veterans home.

8. Go on a baking blitz with a friend. Each

17. Start a 'giving jar’ for next year.

of you pick out 2-3 recipes that you want to

Recently we saved all of our change for

make and when you are all done, split the

an eight month period just to see how

goodies. You will have a lot of fun socializing-

much it would add up to.

FEATURED

10 CLIQUES THAT EXIST IN EVERY CHURCH

A clique is merely a group of people who bond over similar interests.

by: Lindsey Brady

Any community of people is bound to have a problem with cliques, and the church is no exception. But before you get up in arms at the idea of church members screaming "You can't sit with us!" across the sanctuary (Mean Girls, anyone?!), please know that cliques aren't all bad.

A clique is merely a group of people who bond over similar interests. I don't know about you, but I'm all for people making friends; however, where cliques get their notoriously lousy rap is from how difficult it can be for outsiders to get into the group.

That is where the problem lies.But it's time to say"no more!" to exclusivity.So, without further ado,here are ten familiar cliques in church and how to break your way into them.

1. That Group of Moms Have you ever noticed that close-knit group of moms who seem to do everything with one another? Despite having a handful of kids under five, they appear to have it all together. They make it to church on time, have a purse full of snacks for their kiddos, and always wear the perfect outfit.

But what separates them from the rest of the moms is the fact that they seem to volunteer for everything. They participate in at least two Bible studies a week, volunteer for the elderly outreach, and cook dinner for the homeless shelter.

They're unstoppable alone, but together, they're a force to be reckoned with.

How to break into the clique: First, you need to be a woman with kids.

(Sorry fellows!) You need to start signing up for things ASAP, as many as you can squeeze into your schedule. You might want to consider being a stay-at-home mom, too.

FEATURED

And don't forget about colorcoordinating your family's attire at least once a week.Bonus points if you include Fido.

2. The Third Generation-ers Who isn't aware of those who've been in your church for decades? They're usually the people who give the most push back when it comes to things like changing the flooring in the lobby or replacing the organ with an acoustic guitar. What sets this group apart, though, is their use of these key phrase: "That's not the way we've done things in the past," "My grandmother would be rolling in her grave," and "People nowadays…" (fill in the blank with anything they want to complain about).

How to break into the clique: Unfortunately, this is a tough clique to crack. There are very few things you can do to make up for the lineage that your family is missing. But one way to get in the triple-gen's good graces is to seek out their wisdom. Ask them for their opinions on church matters. Even if you don't agree, they'll have more respect for your opinion if you listen to theirs 3. The Single Ladies The Single Ladies are a group of influential women who are, well, single.

These women are adventure seeking, coffee loving, Jesus pursuing gals who spend most-to-all of their time together. They are each other's best friends and closest companions. But as a woman who recently transitioned from a single to married, I can attest to the exclusivity of the Single Ladies.

Once in the middle of the group, I now find myself as an outsider. With less time to spend with my old gal pals, I have slowly lost my footing in the group.

How to break into the clique: You can't just cannonball into the middle of this circle. First, you need to seek out friendship individually with one or two of these women. Once you've built trust up, they'll invite you into a small group setting with two or three of their friends. Soon, you'll be asked to girls' nights galore!

4. The Worship Band Whether paid or volunteers, the members of the worship band have a closeness not often found in other ministries. Due to the nature of the skills required, their community seems impossible to break into, even when they aren't on the stage.

It's like their aura of coolness creates an impenetrable force field wherever they go.

How to break into the clique: More importantly than your musical ability is your style. Hit up the local boutiques to find yourself some skinny jeans and a baggy v-neck. Don't forget your hipster glasses and beanie to complete your look. You'll know you're in when you get an Instagram follow from the worship leader.

5. The Worship Band Groupies Where there's a band, there are the groupies. You'll find these people fighting for the front row seat during worship. But they don't just stop there. They'll also be at every outside event the band plays, from brewery open mic nights to the lighting of the town Christmas tree. And they always wear the band's t-shirt when they go to local free-trade coffee shop … you know...just in case they run into a band member.

How to break into the clique: First and foremost, you need to by the band's EP. Now, you're not going to be able to fight the front-row sitters, but here's your in: volunteer to help run sound or slides. You'll get some great oneon-one time with the band, and if you're lucky enough, you'll get a post-church brunch invite.

6. The Inner Circle The "Inner Circle" is comprised of a church's lead staff members and their best friends.

These are the people who have the pastor's cell phone number, spend holidays with his family, and sometimes even go on vacation together.

How to break into the clique: This is a hard clique to break. No, it isn't because the pastor is inaccessible.

Breaking into anyone's closest friend group, in general, is hard. The most important thing is to be authentic and make sure you're showing up to church services and events. This way you have more face time with the pastor. Lastly, give it some time. Friendship doesn't form overnight. And even if you don't break the "inner circle," you're bound to make some more friends yourself!

7. The Bible Nerds I have a soft spot for nerds of any kind, but especially for Bible nerds. These are the people who recreationally translate passages of the Bible from their original Hebrew.

They'll also provide an unsolicited exegesis about any section, New or Old Testament. Hands down, the best part of Bible Nerds is their curiosity for the things not yet learned.

How to break into the clique: The best way to break into this clique is to seek out one-on-one mentorship. Tell the B.N. in pursuit that you've noticed how diligent she studies the Word and tell her you'd love to learn. She'll be so honored that you took notice, she'll appreciate your desire to learn, and she'll be ecstatic to teach you!

8. The Second Row from the Back The people who sit in the second row from the back just really click. They have all made an effort to come to church, but want to have the freedom to go unnoticed. Maybe it's because they are new or they don't want to be pressured to volunteer, or perhaps they just want to make a quick exit. No matter the reason, there's a mutual understanding to remain low key.

How to break into the clique: These people aren't going to seek you out on your territory. You must seek them out. But before you try sitting in their row, you need to keep a few things in mind. First, you can't come off as too eager. That'll be a sure giveaway. Next, you can't try to get them to volunteer for anything. That'll scare them away. Lastly, you need patience. If you want to reach these people, slow and steady will win the race.

9. Youth Workers Youth workers have an extraordinary power: they can relate to teenagers in a way that builds trust without compromising authority. Any parent on the opposite end of combo sighs and eye rolls will tell you how much they appreciate another adult pouring into their kid's life. But youth workers can seem intimidating. They apparently have something fresh about them since teenagers love them. Plus, they're usually surrounded by a boisterous crowd of teens, making them very hard to approach.

How to break into the clique: As a previous youth worker, I'm not exaggerating when I say that youth workers would love for you to break their clique. Seriously! Please consider serving your church's youth group! There will never be too many caring adults in these teenagers' lives.

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10. Pastors' Kids Can anyone blame pastors' kids from sticking together? PKs face a series of challenges that other kids just don't have to. There's an unfair expectation for them to never make a mistake, and they're in the spotlight when, inevitably, they aren't perfect. Finding friends who understand this pressure is a beautiful gift.

How to break into the clique: The one key to breaking into a circle of PKs is to be very genuine and nonjudgmental. These kids need someone who isn't shoveling more expectations on them. They just want to be treated like an average person. Try and find commonalities outside of church and build from there. Bonus: the closer in age to the PK, the more likely you are to become friends.

---------------------------------------------Lindsey Brady is a brand-new wife and stepmother who loves to spend time in nature or going for long runs. When she's feeling a bit more sedentary, she'll watch an entire season of any Food Network show in a single sitting. You can follow her on Instagram at real.slim.brady.

Devotions by the anointed Dr AndrĂŠ and Jenny Roebert

Free to Live by the Spirit Message taken from Romans 7:6b (AMPC) Romans 7:6b (AMPC):Â "So now we serve not under [obedience to] the old code of written regulations, but [under obedience to the promptings] of the Spirit in newness [of life]."

When the Bible says we can live as free men, it means free from the law of sin and death. In other words, before we knew Christ Jesus, our spirits were dead in sin. We belonged to the devil and were subject to his nature. Sin had power over us and its power always leads to death. Because of God's grace, our accepting Jesus as personal Lord and Saviour gives us a brand new spirit nature. Our re-born spirit has been recreated in Christ Jesus - it is alive, perfect, and free of sin. We now have a spirit that's full of God's character, gifts and power! So we aren't held to ransom by having to live by legalistic regulations that are impossible to obey. Instead, we live by the leading of the Holy Spirit, Who makes God's Word alive to us, and has it transform us from the inside out.

This is real freedom! It's learning to live by the Spirit without being controlled by the flesh.

young , married &

BORN AGAIN A wedding is a ceremony where two people are united in marriage. Created by God for us.

1. Who are you individually (personally &

We can never learn enough and this couple does exactly that. They teach , encourage and live. Enjoy and make sure you have a note book with you, you will definitely be taking notes. Here's the love story of Michael & Raynetta Irish

expressive individual who isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t limited to only art

professionally)?

Michael : Individually I am a creative and and writing, but I have other skills that I am dedicated to perfecting. I enjoy learning about the Asian Culture and Art. I am fascinated with the building and designing of high performance sports-

cars. I have a natural ability to build and repair electronics and/or house appliances. Being Born and Raised in Antigua I have a deep love and appreciation for nature.

Professionally: I am a business owner and professional photographer/videographer for Pairfect Fit Empire established December of 2015.

Raynetta: Individually I am also a creative and expressive individual who loves to sing, dance, do creative writing, play musical instruments. I am known to be a ball of energy because of my personality and what I bring to any room I walk in. I am the lover of all things 90’s being that I was born during that era: loving the fashion, music, television sitcoms, and movies created in that time. I have a secret fascination with Broadway musicals and always wanted to be a part of one or stage play. I am a huge lover of any Disney (I can be quizzed on anything concerning it and an easily answer. Christmas is my favorite Holiday ever.

Professionally: I am assistant Directress of a Community Dance and Mime Ministry started by my older sister Genevieve Carvil- Harris called D.C.L.A.R.E. and DECREE Community Arts Ministry for the past 16 years. I am Co-CEO and Business owner of Pairfect Fit Empire alongside with my husband with specializing mainly in the area of editing, administration, and videography throughout the company. I am also a Self-published author and soon to publish the book highlighting our fertility journey.

2. How and when did you meet?

Michael and I met January 4, 2014 Via an online dating site named OkCupid. The day prior Michael was getting ready to delete his page (he couldn’t remember his password) and I was just deciding if I was ready to create one or not. Early January 4th during a sleepless night, I decided to start on the page (answering the questions and putting information about me) but couldn’t add pictures from my phone. After a night of sleep, I woke up and added pictures from my computer.

About 15 minutes later, Michael clicked on my profile and no one else mattered. From the first message we stayed close.

3. How long did you date before you got married?

Michael and I had dated long distance for a year and a half. He was still in Antigua and I in Miami, Fl. Michael moved to Miami December of 2015 where we continued to date making it officially 2 years of dating.

4. How did you individually know that He , She was the one?

Michael: I can’t really answer how, but I can say it became more apparent as we got to know each other.

However, I knew from our initial conversation that she would be someone special in my life.

Raynetta: I knew Michael was the one for me when he showed me through his actions that he was everything I prayed. I had written a list on everything I prayed my husband would be July of 2013, by September of 2014 Michael displayed all of the things I prayed for with no knowledge of the list.

5. Whe did you get married?

Michael and I got married August 6, 2016 6. Take us through the process of the wedding celebration how was that and if there is any changes you could have made?

The day of the wedding was one for the books. I had an early morning hair appointment after not being able to get more than about 30 minutes of sleep the previous night from preparing for the big day and just not being able to sleep because of nerves. Earlier that week, I had to have an emergency tooth extract that left me in extreme pain coming up to the wedding Michael has to nurse me back to health, while making sure all the wedding guests from out of state were picked up from the airport on time and situated.

Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate .

-Ecclesiastes 4:12

On the wedding day back at the hotel, the wedding partiesand Michael were getting ready for the wedding while I was still getting myhair ready until I met up and we all did the finishing touches together withthe make-up artist and photography/videography team. Once 4pm hit we were allready for everything to start and the butterflies set in, nothing else matteredbut me walking down the aisle to meet my love.

The ceremony was beyond a dreamand a reflection of our love. We didn’t have a wedding planner because we knewhow we wanted everything to go. And it was the best event we have throwntogether up to date.

7. How has your relationship changed from dating to marriage?

Our relationship has evolved I wouldn’t say it changed much. We now have more supportive roles of each other being on the quest towards our dreams. We didn’t live together before marriage, so we had to adjust to those changes, but it wasn’t hard at all. Also, we learned to stand together when storms of life hit us (one major storm was confronting infertility issues) 8. If you could change the perception that people have about marriage, what would it be?

Michael: I would change the perception of people thinking that marriage is easy. Marriage is hard work that is needed from both sides constantly, don’t get me wrong there are a lot of fun days that come along with it, but on those hard days both man and wife need to pull together to make it through.

Raynetta: I would change the perception of people thinking that love is perfect.

That is the biggest myth ever, there is no perfect man or perfect woman that equate to a perfect love. Love is everything but perfect, people are -

going to disappoint, they are going to mes-sup, they are going to anger you.

Even with all of that Love is going to make you smile for no reason, it’s going to give you butterflies randomly, it’s going to surprise you, it will make your life worth living.

9. For the single person out there,wondering when they are getting married ,what advice would you give them?

Michael: don’t give up, hold on your time is coming. It’s important not to rush the process it can cause you to overlook important warning signs that can protect you from a situation that can break you.

Raynetta: I would advise them to know their worth as an individual before seeking affection from someone else. If you can’t identify that first you will accept any and everything given by the first appealing individual.

10. How do you deal with problems that you encounter as a married couple?

We as a couple deal with problems by working on giving space enough space before trying to fix anything.

I (Raynetta) am a person that believes we should face it head on and deal with it immediately. Michael on the other hand need more time because he is more soft spoken than me. Our compromise is if one is having a bad day and not ready to talk about it, the other gives time to feel and take in what’s really happening in that moment, and when ready to talk about it then we will come together and talk about it. We believe in support and love always and that something that keeps us together and going strong.

11. Challenges you’re facing as a married and born again couple?

Like all couples the challenges of adjusting to adult living was common,

Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate .

-Ecclesiastes 4:12

the many new experiences we found ourselves facing were: juggling new work schedules, work stresses, finding time for intimacy, and communication.

We had different schedules at the beginning of our marriage and I mean the very beginning. With sacrifice and focus on the same goal, we made it through that rough patch with a stronger appreciation for each other.

One struggle that challenged our faith has been the journey to parenthood. I was diagnosed with a hormonal disorder by the name of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) a week after we returned from our honeymoon back in 2016. Here we were excited to start trying for children and we were met with the hard news that we would have an extended time getting pregnant. That was three years ago. We had to change everything about our lifestyles especially eating because it affected our progress and would make me sick all the time. At first it was extremely hard, but now with all we have learned, still learning, and applied other couples that are dealing with similar struggles look to us for encouragement and guidance. We aren’t where we want to be yet but we aren’t where we started and we have keeping our faith and we thank God for that.

12. Things you wish you were told about marriage?

Raynetta: I honestly don’t know how to respond to this question because I observed a lot growing up from my parents’ marriage and from other people’s marriages. Their actions spoke to me more than their mouths did. All relationships and marriages are different but one thing I knew for sure was that it would always take hard work from both side to make them last. My parents have been married for over 30 years and I saw growing up the good days and bad days, but I also saw two people that were dedicated to making it work

because they didn’t want to lose each other. I didn’t idolize their marriage but I learned from the good and bad to help show me what I hoped to one-day have myself.

Michael: I too don’t really have a response to this question because in my opinion no one can really give advice on set marriage because all marriages and relationships are different.

13. Who is Jesus Christ to you individually and as a couple?

Michael: Jesus Christ to me is my constant reminder, He is my reassurance, and my very reason to keep going in this life. As cliché as it sounds He truly is my everything. My Doctor, lawyer, friend, counselor, listening ear, healer and so much more.

If there is someone I know I can always depend on, Jesus never will nor have let me down.

Raynetta: Jesus Christ is indescribable.

He is that amazing, that great, that breathtaking. I smile just thinking about Him. He was the only one that truly knew what I needed and held my hand in strength as He guided me to it.

He was the only one that knew what I prayed for, who I trusted with my deepest and most treasured secret. He delivered Michael to me and made sure I got out of my own way so I wouldn’t miss Him. That’s a true best friend, He always had and continues to have my best interest at heart. I owe Him everything.

As a couple He is our solid rock. We honestly wouldn’t be here without Him, we wouldn’t know each other today without His divine appointment and overseeing of our friendship, to our relationship, now our marriage.

14. One word, if possible to describe your marriage?

UNIQUE!

let no one separate -Ecclesiastes 4:12

Therefore what God has joined together,

YOUNG, MARRIED & BORN AGAIN

the irish's

BLOG

THE FRAGRANCE OF KNOWING HIM (PART 1)

Hello everyone I am well aware of the growing sense of urgency emerging in the church No secret self-pride pushing and concerning us living in the last of the last manipulating its way behind our words or days here on earth. It’s as though there’s a actions. Only those with clean hands and a great expectation for the church to step pure heart will be able to move as one into a new and greater level of glory in with Him in the times that we are Jesus – where we know how to press in stepping into. and experience a deeper walk of intimacy with Him. F O L L O W R E B A O N I N S T A G R A Psalms M @ R24:4-6 E B Asays, M O“He T Lwho O Ghas E Lclean W A hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted himself up We are called to an inseparable connection to falsehood or to what is false, nor sworn with the Lord, where we are deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the completely and continuously being Lord and righteousness from the God of his transformed into His image from the salvation. This is the generation [description] inside out – becoming one with His heart, of those who seek Him [who inquire of and for having our minds in complete unity Him and of necessity require Him], who seek with His thoughts and declaring His truth Your face, [O God of] Jacob. [pause, and think in love and authority everywhere we of that]!” are, and everywhere we go!

The Bible identifies the generation who We are living in a time where the church is deliberately seeks the Lord face to face, as coming into complete submission to the their necessity, as having clean hands and Lordship of Jesus Christ so we can rise up a pure heart, enabling them to carry His in His authority to stand our ground in agenda as their own. Why is this so faith, push the enemy back, and usher in important? I believe one reason to be so the Glory of God as this world has never intimately and intricately connected to seen. To stand completely submitted to Jesus, through His Holy Spirit, is so we can Jesus, like this, requires everything of carry the fragrance of knowing Him. ourselves. A complete surrender of our wills to Jesus, where we become 2 Corinthians 2:14 says, “But thanks be to God, inseparably connected to Him in heart, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as thought, and everything we do. The only trophies of Christ’s victory] and through us way we can achieve this is through a daily spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the dying to ourselves as we surrender to knowledge of God everywhere,…”

Him. This means there cannot be one selfish motive or agenda lurking in our I know in times past we have focused on hearts and minds. the first part of this scripture as a sure -

BLOG hope and encouragement – engraving the truth that we will always triumph in Christ Jesus in our hearts. Of course this is a wonderful promise of never ending victory for everyone who continues to live in Christ Jesus!

Today, I want to place emphasis on the verses that immediately follow after this great promise! Verse 15 and 16 say, “For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: To the latter it is an aroma [wafted] from death to death [a fatal odor, the smell of doom]; to the former it is an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]…

Did you know that you can instinctively recognize if someone has been in the Presence of the Lord? There is a strong, undeniable sense of His unconditional love, tenderness, confidence and beautiful humility that lingers on that person. But this isn’t something only sensed by those who are believers. This fragrance of knowing God is recognizable and very evident to those who are not saved, but are open to the Gospel, and those who are closed to it too. We’ve heard many testimonies of people who after having a personal encounter with God, carried the Presence of the Lord on them without even realising the effect it would have on perfect strangers. People could sense the Presence of the Lord on them, became convicted of their sins, and as a result – surrendered their lives to Jesus on the spot. There was one incident where a man, after attending a revival meeting, walked into a store and without mentioning a word, the man serving him behind the counter, burst into tears and knew he had to surrender his life to the Lord.

The Bible says there is a distinct spiritual fragrance that comes on us, and is carried by us when we push into the presence of the Lord, seek Him in His Word, and encounter Him. The fragrance of the knowledge of God we carry is discernible and becomes evident to those who are being saved.

Meaning their hearts are open to the Gospel since the Holy Spirit is already at work in them. For them, the fragrance of knowing God is an aroma drawing them into receiving His saving grace. It’s like that final tug on their hearts that’s needed for them to openly surrender and fully commit their lives to Him.Then, there are those who's hearts are closed to the Gospel, for whatever reason, and the fragrance of knowing God that is evident on us, is a strong sense of doom. They know unless they repent, they are going to a Godless eternity.

Either way, this fragrance of knowing God is very real, and the Bible calls it an actual ministry. One that we must qualify for.

In the next post , I’m going to share from God’s Word, how it says we can qualify to operate in this ministry of carrying the fragrance of the knowledge of God. Until then, choose to diligently push into the presence of the Lord, seek Him in His Word, and encounter Him. Seek His face as your necessity, and allow His Holy Spirit, and His Word to do a transforming work in you. A work where you begin each day confident that you have clean hands and a pure heart before Him – ready to step into a glorious partnership with Him.

ALL MY LOVE,

JENNY

-FEATURED-

MINISTRY IDOLATRY BY: WWW.GOTQUESTIONS.ORG

Firstly, an idol is anything that replaces the one, true God in our lives. Normally, we think of idolatry as involving statues, bank accounts, or some type of material possession. But even our service to the Lord can become an idol. If we allow our work for the Lord to become more important than our fellowship with the Lord, we are guilty of ministry idolatry.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones defined ministry idolatry this way: “To love the ‘work of the Lord’ more than the ‘Lord of the work’ is ministry idolatry.”

This type of idolatry is subtle and difficult to fight. Those who serve the Lord naturally find joy and satisfaction in their service. The problem comes when we begin to find more joy and satisfaction in the work than in Christ. Our love for Jesus cools, while we still do “Christian work” fervently.

Jesus spoke about the peril of losing our first love in His rebuke of the church at Ephesus: “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first” (Revelation 2:3–4). Was the Ephesian church guilty of ministry idolatry?

In Luke 10, when the 70 disciples return from witnessing in nearby villages, they are filled with joy as they recount the wonderful things that they had done in “the Lord’s work”; even the demons had been subject to their commands.

Jesus cautions them: “Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:17– 20). In other words, their focus needed to be on the Lord’s work for them, not their work for the Lord. Where was their joy coming from? From their experience of serving Jesus, or from simply knowing Jesus? We, along with the 70, must guard against the encroachment of ministry idolatry.

“To love the ‘work of the Lord’ more than the ‘Lord of the work’ is ministry idolatry.”

The story of Mary and Martha could also be an illustration of ministry idolatry! Martha was busy serving the Lord by readying things for supper, an activity that she seemed to find great satisfaction in. Her sister, Mary, was quite satisfied to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to Him talk. When Martha grew impatient with Mary’s seeming inattention to all that needed to be done, Jesus took Mary’s side: “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42). A relationship with Christ takes precedence over ministry for Christ.

Ministry idolatry is the unguarded heart wandering from the “Lord of the work” to embrace the “work of the Lord.” How does it happen? Ministry idolatry occurs when we delight more in what God is doing through us than what He has done, is doing, and will do in glory (see Romans 8:28– 30). Christ is not just a person we serve; He is our very life (Colossians 3:4)!

To help guard against ministry idolatry, pastor and author Eric Geiger has five questions we can ask ourselves (adapted from https://ericgeiger.com/2013/05/five-questions-todiscern-ministry-idolatry, accessed 10/9/2019): 1) How much of my contentment is connected to the tide of my ministry influence?

2) Do my prayers reflect that I am m ore thankful for the salvation He has provided for me or for the ministry He has given me?

3) If I had to choose, which would I prefer: a closer walk with Jesus or a more “effective ministry”?

4) If my ministry were suddenly taken from me, would I still rejoice?

5) Do I seek God only for His blessing and direction, or do I also seek God for Him? In the end, the cure for ministry idolatry is to get back to the gospel. We are saved by grace, because of what Jesus Christ did on our behalf.

Jesus and His work is the ultimate basis of our joy, and nothing should be allowed to eclipse the glory of Christ in our hearts.

FEATURED

Heart and Soul Correction The natural inclination of the heart is to think that we are the center of the universe, and that the world revolves around ourselves. Truly this defines the root of all sins. Even for those of us who seek to follow Jesus, the daily routines, external stimuli, fears and insecurities propel us to focus our thoughts and energy upon ourselves. Our heart and soul need corrected and aligned with truth from our Father so that we grow, thrive and complete the call upon our lives.

In Ezekiel 36:22–38, we find Father God soulcorrecting His children. “It is not for your sake…that I am about to act, but for My holy name…I will vindicate the holiness of My great name…Then the nations will know that I am the LORD,…when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight.” What a wake-up call and soul correction! The entire purpose of God moving on our behalf is that His own holiness and glory would shine! Our lives revolve around God, like planets around the sun, and we serve to reflect the power and greatness of God. “For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands…Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk

By God's power we are transformed, and anything holy, good and powerful must be understood as coming from God Himself, not from ourselves, that the Lord receives all glory and honor!

Let us daily repent of our self-centered fears and insecurities, and repent of our focus upon others and the material world, to declare that the LORD reigns over our lives and over all of history. Be still and know that He is God. LORD, I let go and lose myself in Your holiness, power and greatness, for Your Namesake. Thank You, for the gift of salvation, the gift of Your Spirit that lives and moves within me, and the equipment to follow You. Your strength be perfected in my weakness and may Your story be completed perfectly through my life today, that I would reflect Your glory!

in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances…so you will be My people, and I will be your God…I am not doing this for your sake,” declares the Lord GOD “…I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places will be rebuilt…Then they will know that I am the LORD.”’”

CYNTHIA SCHNEIDER

Devotions by the anointed Dr AndrĂŠ and Jenny Roebert

Follow His Every Move Message taken from John 5:19 (NIV) John 5:19 (NIV):Â "Jesus gave them this answer: 'Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.'"

Isn't it encouraging knowing that Jesus would never expect us to do anything He wouldn't do Himself? Jesus was perfectly obedient to the will of His Father, and He openly demonstrated His obedience in everything He did and said.

Here's the nugget of truth that will revolutionise our walk of obedience to Him... Jesus made it abundantly clear that He did nothing of His own accord, but precisely followed His Father's every move. He remained perfectly in sync with what He heard and saw His Father say and do, and He relied on His strength and wisdom to do it! When we choose to fix our full attention on what the HolySpirit is teaching and guiding us to do, and rely on His strength and wisdom to do it, we will find ourselves being perfectly in sync with His will and purpose. Fix your eyes on the Lord, follow His every move - and you will fulfil His perfect plan for your life.

FEATURE-

WHERE SATAN WILL ATTACK YOU TODAY

ost m re r a u o s se tle u t a a c t b ith be n a t w or imp nd lost a n o w ts. n e m argu

BY: JON BLOOM

You wonder why it’s so hard to find some peace of mind? Well, peace is hard to come by when you live in a warzone.

And like it or not, you are in a war — a very serious one. This war is cosmic in its proportions. It involves God, humans, angels, demons, principalities, powers, nations, and antichrists.

And do you know where the front of the battle is? It’s in your head.

We Destroy Arguments Here is how Paul describes it in 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (emphasis added): For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

For he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).

You don’t want Satan as an ally. He’s treacherous.

He’s out to murder you with lies.

Watch Your Emotions Watch your emotions. They are signals of arguments. Your emotions, which can land on you like vague impressions or moods, are usually responses to an argument. Moods don’t come out of nowhere. When we are angry, discouraged, depressed, anxious, self-pitying, fearful, or irritable, it is likely because we are believing something very specific.

To battle sin is to battle unbelief — or destroy arguments. And in order to battle unbelief effectively, we must press doubts and temptations into specific arguments. What specifically is being asserted or promised to us?

Only then can we destroy the enemy’s false arguments with true ones.

The Victory That Overcomes the World

What are the satanic strongholds that spiritually imprison people, the strongholds that we seek to destroy? Arguments and opinions. Where is the battle raging? Where our thoughts are.

And arguments are not merely strongholds; they are weapons of mass destruction.Adam and Eve (and all of us with them) fell because of an argument. They believed the serpent’s argument and stopped believing God. That is the deadly essence of sin: not believing God. To not believe God is to ally with Satan, whom Jesus said is “a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth. . . .

The victory that overcomes the world is our faith (1 John 5:4). This is precisely why the devil does not want us to think clearly about sin. He wants to keep things vague so he can imprison or disarm us. But Jesus wants us to think clearly. He wants us to know the truth because the truth brings freedom: “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31–32) So as freedom fighters let’s fight against “unbelieving hearts” by exhorting one another every day (Hebrews 3:12–13) to live in the freedom — and peace (John 16:33) — of the truth.

ANNOUNCEMENT s s e pr e m u s E s e i s m i s h . t t i e r e , o e p r o m e h th le .I nd c y a n i i e t d r H e ga a d a s e is a y e

e a n s k n t i u e n z o i e a y T . g l sa l e a l l a l m a s ab e l n i h o wa a T g v . n a s i l s r l i to y Ca r u b a i l tr sa n o o n c o s free

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