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A MAGAZINE PUBLISHED BY CARMEL: MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
ISSUE 31
THE PROVERBS 31 CHURCH:
FULFILMENT TEACHING BY GERRI DI SOMMA
Maturing As A Son Of God Embrace Destiny TEACHING BY GERRI DI SOMMA
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TEACHING BY MICHELLE DI SOMMA
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All teachings in this edition are abridged. Full versions are available to order on CD or DVD.
‘He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.’ Luke 9:2
The consistency of our Christian character makes an important contribution to our lives as we follow the Spirit’s leading. In this edition of twenty-four-seven we take a look at the importance of Christian character from a number of directions.
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Both the St Revolution and Empowered Women’s Conference reports show the importance of maturity in the current climate if the message of the Gospel is to impact the world today. The Youth show us the importance of maturity in leadership. The Women show the importance of maturity from the standpoint of fully taking hold of God’s purpose and provision for their lives. Pastor Gerri’s article about being mature children of God encapsulates the basic challenge which faces believers, and his article concerning the fulfilment of the Church from his series on the Proverbs 31 Church sets this in the context of the Church as a whole. We also introduce ‘Found Heaven’ in this issue where the testimonies of believers become a witness to the wider world. So we pray that this issue of twenty-four-seven encourages you to press on and take hold of all that God has prepared for you.
Gerri and Michelle Di Somma
EVENTS
CONTENTS
JUNE Fri 3 to Sat 9 July Sat 18 Sat 18 to Mon 20 Mon 20 Fri 24
Anointed Marriage Course (weekly) 7:00pm Valiant Men’s Breakfast 8:30am Roy Fields at Carmel 7:00pm, 6:30pm & 7:00pm Carmel Bible College Open Day 9:15am Exceptional Women’s Outreach, ‘Vintage Vault’ 7:00pm
Youth Conference EW Conference Family Transformation
08 TEACHING
The Proverbs 31 Church, Fulfilment By Gerri Di Somma
12 TEACHING
JULY Sat 9 Sun 23
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Carmel Bible College Graduation Ceremony 7:00pm Exceptional Women’s Breakfast 8:30am
Embrace Destiny By Michelle Di Somma
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GUEST SPEAKERS EW Conference Lara Martin & Yvonne Brooks
AUGUST Sun 14 to Fri 19
St Revolution ‘Youth Camp’
16 TEACHING
SEPTEMBER Sat 10 Sat 17 Sat 24
Valiant Men’s Breakfast 8:30am Exceptional Women’s Outreach Event Exceptional Girls’ Conference
Please note some of the dates and times of up and coming events may be subject to change. See carmel: website for all the latest information.
Facebook: carmelcentre.org
Maturing As A Son Of God By Gerri Di Somma
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FOUND HEAVEN Testimonies
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C:VIEW YOUTH CONFERENCE
Mission, purpose and vision must be clearly stated and communicated God’s mission for the redemption of mankind was fully prepared and the means for its outworking put in place before the foundation of the world. This never resulted in rigid religion when carried out among Spirit-led men and women. But it released a flow of life-giving love which could embrace the lost and restore them to sonship with God. Know your mission and purpose. Make it your vision and pursue it with passion.
Graphically based on the television adventure series ‘The A-Team’, the 2011 Youth Conference on 25th and 26th February both challenged and excited the youth who attended. The Conference called ‘Building an A-Team for Youth Ministry’ used film, games, the preached word and focussed discussion to fulfil its mandate. Youth from a number of churches worshipped God with energy and unrestrained devotion as they were led by the Carmel Youth Worship Team. It is important that worship is uninhibited, particularly for young people in regard to their music and physical expression. Worship comes from the whole being. Worship is key to answering Young People’s need to explore and express their relationship with God in ways which enable them to communicate fully with Him as they mature as believers.
Every Christian is called to leadership The main speakers on the Friday and Saturday nights were Pastor Gerri Di Somma from Carmel and Pastor Robbie Howells from Newport City Church. Recognising that every Christian is called to leadership in their life in one area or another, it was made clear that young people are no exception. Whatever their individual age, they were addressed as leaders, or potential leaders.
There must be accountability in leadership There must be accountability in leadership, the Youth were told. The Church is the body of Christ and each organ only exists to serve in connection with others; none can function alone. Therefore relationships of accountability and mutual support are vital among leaders. Being different has no value unless it serves others in some functional way. Independence can be divisive.
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The Youth leaders from the churches attending the Conference gathered together on the Saturday morning to look at some of the detail involved in building an A-Team for Youth Ministry. This was led by the Youth Leadership at Carmel which is headed up by Ralph and Joanna Di Somma.
Structure is important for achieving mission goals The discussion covered a wide range of issues. They looked at the importance of structure in connection with achieving mission goals and being in harmony with the mission and vision of the local Church of which the Youth are a part. The St Revolution structure was used to explain and demonstrate this. For Youth Leaders to have a clear mandate from the senior Pastor of the Church is paramount and with it a clear sense of common mission, being expressed in a way that relates to Young People.
Recruiting leaders is a priority Recruiting leaders was another important area of discussion in which the value of raising them up through the Youth Ministry was emphasised. It was noted that giving people responsibilities was far more effective in Youth Ministry that giving titles. Finances and raising funds were discussed as well as discipleship and mentoring. Outreach and the weekly agenda were also looked at.
C:VIEW EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
Carmel’s annual Exceptional Women’s Conference was launched by Michelle Di Somma as part of her vision to impact women from churches and the wider community, to encourage them to consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. Hebrews 10:24.
MAKING PROVISION FOR VULNERABLE WOMEN
Hosted by Michelle, ‘Embrace’ was the third Conference. Michelle welcomed visitors and pastors from local churches, the UK and from two churches in Italy. Girls from Carmel Junior School performed an opening dance.
1. The New Hope Trust
The theme ‘Embrace’ urged those present to allow God to change them so that they are not moved by circumstances, but by God. The ministry exhorted them to identify with and follow the example of Paul to fight the fight of faith, run the race set before them by God and maintain their faith. This would entail forgetting past hurts, suffering and disappointments and pressing on towards all God intends, to “embrace the fight, embrace the race and embrace the faith.”
Part of Michelle’s vision is to help vulnerable women. Funds were raised through the Conference for three particular areas of need:
Children in orphanages in Moldova, Eastern Europe, must leave the orphanage at sixteen. Most have nowhere else to go and many fall prey to sex-traffickers, who subject them to a shocking life of slavery and torture from which there is no hope of escape. Some have died. The Trust has established a house for girls over sixteen. It provides accommodation and supplies, but more important, it gives them a home and protection. It is named after Stella, one of the young women who died from being exploited. 2. Women’s Prison Ministry, Bristol
As a result, at the end of their lives, Exceptional Women would be able to say, like the apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7.
Volunteers from Carmel visit and minister within local prisons. God’s message of forgiveness and hope to the lost, hurting, broken and often forsaken has resulted in many salvations and recommitments.
Michelle was supported by the ministry and teaching of guest speakers Yvonne Brooks and Lara Martin. Yvonne is the First Pastor of New Jerusalem Apostolic Church, Founder and Director of Women of Purpose Ministries, UK. She will be remembered for her message and her humour, which, she said, “Is part of how God made me.” Lara is a gifted song-writer, teacher and worship leader, part of the Leadership of The Kingdom Worship Movement in the UK. Lara’s teaching was interspersed with songs she had written. (See pages 12 to 15.)
More and more women are breaking the law and ending up behind bars. Many are victims of sexual or domestic abuse; 66% are mothers, 40% attempt suicide and 30% harm themselves in custody. For five years, Carmel volunteers have shared God’s love with women of all ages and backgrounds within Eastwood Park Women’s Prison.
COMMISSIONING CEREMONY Women who had completed the women’s mentoring course at Carmel were specifically acknowledged during the Conference as having graduated to become Mentor Group Leaders. They made a public declaration of their faith and were recognised for their achievement and faithfulness. (See issue 30 for more information.)
3. Exceptional Girls’ Conference, carmel Increasing numbers of young women are involved with alcohol and drug abuse, promiscuous relationships, unwanted pregnancies and abortions. Many are trapped by fear and shame in violent and abusive relationships. With this in mind, a conference will be launched in September for young women from 12-25, to captivate their hearts for God before the world captivates them.
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FAMILY TRANSFORMATION
FAMILY TRANSFORMATION:
BUILDING FAMILIES – CHANGING NATIONS In this modern world and so-called advanced society there is an unfolding tragedy. Family life is being sacrificed on the altars of personal freedom and economic necessity. Where caring and sharing was once an intrinsic part of social life, the underlying trend has been towards the survival of the fittest, or the richest. You don’t have to look far to see the profound damage and scarring of individuals that has followed in its wake. At Carmel Centre we challenge this modern trend and, knowing God’s Word for families and society, we have put in place four different courses through which people can receive healing and wholeness in place of the pain and hurt they have suffered. These courses are: Positioned For Blessing; The Anointed Marriage; Divorce Care and Grief Share.
POSITIONED FOR BLESSING Knowing that the challenges of life cannot be avoided, Positioned For Blessing is a powerful and effective course which enables a person to position themselves to receive the blessing God has for them so they can go on and be a blessing to others. Positioned For Blessing brings healing to people’s lives where there has been brokenness and where they are carrying wounds from hurtful experiences. It also enables them to come out from under the shadows of their past. Positioned For Blessing is also for those who want to refresh their lives in God’s presence. There do not have to be ‘issues’ which bring you to the course. But
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one issue is paramount: that you are positioned to know and experience the blessings God has prepared for you as His child and as your inheritance. Quote: “It helped me take off the weight of something I had been carrying for years. I now see myself as valuable, worth something and precious to God and I can now receive fully what God has for me.” Quote: “It was so good to see where I was out of line with God and to be able to reposition myself where I could receive all He has prepared for me.”
THE ANOINTED MARRIAGE The Anointed Marriage Course is one no married couple should miss. Whether you think you have the perfect marriage or know things are not as they should be, this course is a great place to be as you look again God’s design for marriage. We spend many years preparing ourselves for our working lives, but little attention is paid to this life-long relationship. It doesn’t take long after the marriage to discover the challenges it presents. Then it can become a scramble to sort out a common approach in what becomes a battle of wills. Some abandon the relationship and others just live with it until the scars become a pain that they endure. However, it is not too late to enjoy the full blessing of marriage. God created the family to be the foundational structure and instrument for blessing in the Church, community and nation, but the pressures of the world have often brought into marriage weariness, tension and division. It is right for any married couple to expect to experience
the joy of deeper intimacy and fulfilment. The Anointed Marriage can take you there. Quote: “It rekindled the tenderness of love and devotion and refocused our communication where our work had pushed us apart.” Quote: “I realised there was a lot of life’s debris which was separating us. This was a wonderful opportunity to dump the debris and embrace each other fully again.”
DIVORCE CARE With family life no longer central in modern society, divorce has become a familiar part of life. It is now very easy to get a divorce and more and more couples are taking that path to solve their problems. Whatever may have happened, divorce leaves people hurt one way or another by the separation, and healing from divorce is not easy. For some it’s a long and sometimes painful process. At Divorce Care there are people who will walk alongside the divorced person as they go through what is one of life’s most difficult experiences. They don’t have to go through separation or divorce alone. But being gripped by anger, grief, unforgiveness, fear or loneliness can be so damaging that it ruins a person’s life. Those who attend Divorce Care learn from Christian counsellors in the field of divorce and the stories of those who have been through it. Above all else, they learn from the Word of God which has so much to say to the person in this situation. Lives are transformed in the process of Divorce Care so they can go forward, healed and restored, and enjoy the fullness of life which God has prepared for them.
For many it can be a confusing time following the death of a loved one. Often issues arise which they have never thought of, and inner emotions, precious memories and deeply felt hurts become entangled so the process of reorienting their lives becomes almost unmanageable. Video interviews with experts and the real-life stories of people who have experienced the death of a loved one provide essential understanding. However, the power of God’s Word to sustain, heal and redirect their lives towards a fruitful future is the central feature of this course which has been so vital to many who have attended. Quote: “I tend to bury things and act as though things are normal. I needed to take this opportunity to recognise and confront my emotions, so buried grief could be healed and I could live a truly God-blessed life.” Quote: “It was very important for me to share my personal experiences in a small support group.”
David and Helen Owens, who have been partners at Carmel since 2003, now lead Family Transformation. Gifted and with considerable and relevant experience, they bring a vital resource to this ministry. Says Helen: “People can come into a loving and caring environment where they feel safe to allow the Holy Spirit to deal with buried issues in their lives. In this way they are able to find healing and wholeness through an encounter with God.”
Quote: “It changed my life and set me on the road for God to heal me and restore relationships in my life.” Quote: “Understanding the turmoil inside me, and being able to forgive and experience the peace of God was so important for me to get back to a more normal life.”
GRIEF SHARE Losing a spouse, child, family member or friend will probably leave the mourner feeling as if few people understand the deep hurt and sadness they’re experiencing. It may be hard for them to be optimistic about the future. However, Grief Share provides them with a forum where they are not alone and they are among people who understand what they are going through.
DAVID AND HELEN OWENS Contact Carmel today and book your place. Irrespective of your immediate need, Positioned for Blessing is a ‘must’ for all believers. Don’t let a day go without stepping towards God’s wholeness and prosperity which He has prepared for you. Contact Carmel Ministries International or go to our web site: www.carmelcentre.org.
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TEACHING BY GERRI DI SOMMA
“The Church must identify its gifting, have a clear understanding of purpose, maturing every believer and must be entrepreneurially active.”
THE PROVERBS 31 CHURCH:
FULFILMENT Though Proverbs 31 seems to be concerned with a woman, when looked at closely, that woman can be seen to be the Church, the Bride of Christ. This relationship between Christ and His Church is a mystery, the Bible tells us. Ephesians 5:32. It is a mystery which has now been revealed to those who belong to the Bridegroom. The burden put on a woman to live to the Proverbs 31 standard would be near impossible to achieve. However, when seen in the context of the Church in all its facets, Proverbs 31 takes on a dimension that far exceeds any individual’s capacity. It expresses something only a corporate body could entertain.
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Though, in the terminology of the Bible, we are all sons, whether male or female, it also says that we are the one Bride of Christ, whether male or female. Our main responsibility is to bring men and women to Christ and into the kingdom of God. Every indication is that the time is short, and there’s still plenty of work to be done. Believers must be mature to fulfill the calling of God. Proverbs 31 is a spiritual lesson for the empowering of the Church and it speaks of leadership and function. This article summarises the last part of the six part series on the Proverbs 31 Church, now available in recorded form from The Book Shop at Carmel. First, let me give an overview of the first five parts:
1. The FAILURE of the Church. Proverbs 31:1-9 The Church loses its spirituality and influence by being pre-occupied with worldly attractions, carelessly handling grace for personal gain, ignoring the role and help of the Holy Spirit, and by neglecting the righteous duty of the Church.
2. The FRAMING or defining of the Church: Proverbs 31:10-12 Who can find a virtuous wife? The Church must be morally excellent, free from contamination, positive in disposition, courageous in circumstances and loving in relationship.
3. How the Church should FUNCTION: Proverbs 31:13-18 The Church must identify its gifting, have a clear understanding of purpose, maturing every believer and must be entrepreneurially active.
4. The FOCUS of the Church: Proverbs 31:19-20 There is no time for idleness. The Church must stretch out its hands to be productive, reach out to the poor and needy, and provide protection for all who come within her family.
5. The FASHION of the Church: Proverbs 31:21-25 Whatever the situation, the character of the Church is revealed by its ‘clothing’, which should be the righteousness of Christ. This provides covering for the young, weak and infirm. It is spiritual clothing that befits the whole Church as a kingdom of priests to God. This includes the clothing of power that comes by the Holy Spirit so that the Church can do all that is required of it.
6. The FULFILMENT of the Church: Proverbs 31:26-31 Here we complete our journey from the Church’s failure to its fulfilment. We have covered a lot of ground in describing the responsibilities of a Proverbs 31 Church. In this final part we conclude with the key aspects of its life, which demonstrate the priority of its purpose and the evidence of its fulfilment. We see this in a number of ways:
a. Her message is the Good News of salvation: She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26 The Good News of salvation came to us through Jesus Christ, who is the wisdom of God. The kindness of God is expressed to us through Christ in us, the hope of glory. We must teach every man the wisdom of God, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. That is where our energy must be directed. Our conduct and lifestyle must always commend Christ and the Gospel. Our time is not ours in which to indulge ourselves, but it belongs to God, in which we serve Him before all others. Colossians 1:27-29; 4:5-6; Titus 2:6-8. Our message must not condemn but confront unbelief. Jesus did not condemn the unbeliever, yet He challenged the religious because of their false doctrine. We know that we are achieving our mission when we are preaching the full gospel message of salvation.
b. She maintains the proper order of her home: She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27 The Church is a place of order in which the order of God is revealed. There is God-appointed authority governing God-appointed responsibilities which efficiently facilitate the work that must be done. The God-centred Church is not only empowered by the Spirit, but also takes on the nature of the Spirit. The life of faith may involve the risk of trust, but that risk is based on the solid Rock, who is Christ. The house that is in order presents opportunities for service and the service of the house leaves no room for idleness. The fear of God fills the house. The reputation of this house travels far and many come to it and experience the ways of God and learn from its success and service in the community. 1 Corinthians 14:40; Colossians 2:5; Titus 1:5.
c. She has a generational testimony: Her children rise up and call her blessed; her hus d he praises her. Proverbs 31:28 It is not often that children commend their parents these days, but this woman has left a legacy in her children and children’s children which speaks of her worth.
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TEACHING BY GERRI DI SOMMA
Church is to be, of all places, a place where family stability is found both in the body of the Church as a whole and in individual families. The generational influence of a Church will provide the pillars of growth and the power to sustain a saving and healing community from one generation to another. Genesis 50:22-23. The true value of your parenting skills is revealed when your children become parents. Then the reality and substance you have birthed into them becomes evident in their parenting. The praise of the husband as head of the house declares his wife’s worth throughout the city as proven by the generations. The Christian life is not theoretical, but reveals itself in the works of life.
d. She is affirmed prophetically by Jesus: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all”. Proverbs 31:29. The term ‘daughters’ in the Bible often refers to the women of a region, or to women in some poetical sense. Often one ‘daughter’ was singled out to be praised above others and receive expressions of the highest love. Genesis 30:13; 34:1; Song of Solomon 2:2; 6:9. The woman’s virtues are her strength. The more she responds to her Bridegroom in preparation for the marriage feast, the more He praises her and rejoices over her as the day draws near for Him to take her away to his Father’s house, where He has prepared a place for her. Everything He does for her and says about her lifts her up with praise. From the beginning, after we were born again, we knew that the Son of God had died that we may live and was raised up so that we might live together with Him. He continually gives himself to us that we might be cleansed through the washing of the water of the Word, until the day we come into him as a chaste virgin, without spot or wrinkle, for the marriage to be consummated for all eternity. 2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 5:27
e. Character and not charm is what identifies her: Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30 “The works of her hands and the results of her ministry will testify on her behalf.”
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Good works and not superficial adornment are what identify her; her character is what sustains her ability to succeed. Our relationship with God determines the extent of His nature to be found in us.
You can dress the Church up, but if the sanctifying work of the Bridegroom is not found in it, it will ultimately be fruitless and fall. We cannot assess the strength and effectiveness of a Church by appearances and organisation. We know it by its fruit. The Laodicean Church was rich, powerful and strong, or so it thought; yet in the eyes of God it was poor, pitiful, blind and naked. It needed to buy gold refined in the fire and a white robe. They had to wash themselves in the blood of Jesus Christ, basically, because they were not fit to come into judgment and they would be spewed out of God’s mouth. In their case, beauty was deceitful. Revelation 3:14-22. Outward appearances cannot save you or sustain you. There will always be spots and wrinkles in a Church which never rises to its full potential. Where the Spirit’s fruit is at work among a people, no law can bring it down, no compromise will be found in it and no divisiveness will undermine it. Its beauty and character come from the fear of God within it.
f. She is open for her works to be examined: Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:31 The gates talk about authority being exercised in judgment and instruction. The works of her hands and the results of her ministry will testify on her behalf. In this we are reminded that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. In many of His parables Jesus talked about men having to give account for what they do or have been given.
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 1 Corinthians 3:9-14. This building, the Church, has been growing from generation to generation from when Christ first said He would build His Church. Where He has been obeyed and consistently followed, the Church has gone from strength to strength in preparation for the Day of His Coming. Are we prepared to be fully tested and examined?
Our relationship with God determines the extent of His nature to be found in us
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TEACHING BY MICHELLE DI SOMMA
Embrace: Y our
future
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greater
At the end of his life, Paul said, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7. Paul, who previously persecuted the early Church, could now declare to everyone His obedience to God. How did that become possible? His experience on the Damascus road utterly changed him, but he then had to realise what God wanted to do with him, and do it.
than
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Paul completely embraced his destiny. He said: Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14. How did Paul forget his murderous past? How can we learn from him to forget our sins, mistakes, failures and weaknesses, our hurts and disappointments, and fulfill the upward call of God in our lives?
Let go the past If you hold on to your past you can’t move on to fulfill your future. You cannot live in or cling to the past and the future at the same time.
To fulfill his destiny, there were two crucial things Paul had to do: forget his past and embrace his future. As a Christian, his future would require him to fight the fight of faith in the face of opposition, difficulty and hardship. He would be beaten, stoned, imprisoned, shipwrecked and face many other challenges, yet he would always run the race set before him with endurance. No matter what happened, he would never waver in his faith. Paul had to let go of his past and embrace his future: to embrace the fight, embrace the race and embrace the faith. ‘Embrace’ means to hold fast, to accept eagerly, to receive and to take on something.
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Some memories may be difficult to let go of, but it’s essential. ‘Forgetting’ means to neglect, to dismiss from mind, disregard and ignore. In other words, choosing not to dwell on them, not to allow those thought patterns to repeat like a DVD in your head. You may have been a victim, but a victim mentality renders you powerless to fulfill your destiny. God wants to set you completely free, but you have to let go. We sometimes also have to let go of memories of good things. Great memories of places, people or situations can hold us back if we live in the past, yearning for them. Even an amazing, special encounter with God can become a stumbling block if we dwell on it and risk missing what He has for us now. Many believers get stuck on the memories of good things instead of moving into the greater things.
Change your focus I used to watch a lot of real life crime scene investigation programmes containing graphic detail. One night I dreamed that I was strangling someone. I awoke, relieved it was only a dream but shocked to recognise that what you meditate on and pay constant attention to, is what will ultimately consume you. We must choose to change our focus. We need to stop focusing on our past: what went wrong, the way we were, how it affected us. We need to take our eyes off insecurity, fear, anxiety and re-focus on all that God has for us: “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” Then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:16-17. God doesn’t remember our past, so neither should we.
Allow God to minister His Word One of the reasons we keep remembering the past is because the first part of Hebrews 10:16 has not taken effect in our lives. God says He will put His laws into our hearts, that is, our understanding and our will. ‘To put’ means to give, bestow, deliver, minister, supply, furnish. God has given, bestowed, delivered, ministered, supplied and furnished us with His Word. But we also have a part to play for it to be truly written into our hearts and minds. We must gather as believers where His Word is ministered, making ourselves available to the Word. We must read, study and meditate on the Word so we know it and it speaks to us. 2 Timothy 2:15, KJV. There was shame in my life from my past, but when I went to Bible College, the Word ministered to my heart and changed me. It transformed me and brought me into a realm of the Spirit that I didn’t know was possible, and I know it will continue to move me more and more into the Spirit realm as long as I continue to let His Word minister to me.
obedience, to change lives, impact us, deliver us, set us free from everything holding us captive and re-direct us to the good plans and purposes God has for us. Jeremiah 29:11. When we choose to allow the Word into our hearts and to live it, we experience life as God intended: freedom from condemnation, guilt, wrong-thinking, wrong beliefs, freedom from the enemy’s lies, from pain and suffering. Yes, Satan will still try to put it back on you, but the Word in you will enable you to withstand and overcome.
Reach forward Paul said he was reaching forward to those things which are ahead. When you know and live the Word, you are empowered to forget your past and embrace your future, to reach forward to what God has in store for you. To ‘reach forward’ means to advance and to increase. Advance and increase in your destiny and walk with the Lord, increase spiritually and become a powerhouse, want more of what God has for you. We have all the power we need, but sometimes we just don’t use it, and we can’t advance unless we let go of the rubbish of the past. Realise what God is doing in your life. Let Him encompass your whole life, to empower you to bring others to Him. Recognise what is not of God and reject it. The enemy always aims to steal, kill and destroy but God always brings life through Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, who lives in you. Hebrews 12:2. Knowing this, move forward, no matter how difficult the obstacles or the course ahead. Embrace your fight, your race and your faith so you too will be able to echo Paul’s words: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7.
Obey the Word Governments don’t make up laws as they go along. They consider them carefully over time before revealing them, and they are for our protection and benefit. As with the Word, we have the choice to obey or disobey. Disobedience is rebellion. God’s Word is to teach us
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EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE GUEST SPEAKER
Lara martin
Embrace the presence of god
Our response to God’s presence can either glorify or dishonour God, make us or break us. When the Philistines defeated the Israelites, they took the Ark of the Covenant as a trophy, setting it beside their god Dagon in his temple. This demonstrated the supposed superiority of their god. However, the Ark represented the presence of Almighty God. The following morning, Dagon was found on his face before the Ark of the Lord. They replaced their idol, but the next morning it was on its face, decapitated and with only its torso intact. 1 Samuel 5. This story is a warning. God does not tolerate idolatry or the presence of anything which challenges His supreme authority. This means we must face certain issues.
to that point, but rather submit voluntarily and willingly, letting Him lead and guide in everything.
Implement godly order God warns: You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are all around you. Deuteronomy 6:14. When circumstances and people command too much importance, they may not displace God in your life, but it’s as if you have demoted God and given them equal importance. Give God the right priority and don’t permit distractions to draw you away from Him or compete for His attention. Failure to correct ungodly order and align our life with God’s Word takes us further off track. We become so familiar with wrong priorities and wrong thinking that we overlook and accept them to the point of worshipping things or people. Submit everything to God and allow Him to help you realign your priorities. Too many activities clutter life; re-assess so you’re always available to God. Consider what you think as ‘My ministry, my gifts, my career…’ as His.
Acknowledge God’s value I worked in a jewellers. The most expensive piece was put on a pedestal in the most prominent part of the window, under the lights. I saw and handled precious, valuable jewellery daily. After selling the most expensive ring in the shop, another was put in its place. I checked the display several times. Suddenly I realised the ring was gone. I found it, but was shocked that I had become so familiar with something of such great value that I hadn’t noticed it was missing when I first looked.
Submit to God alone God loves you unconditionally and He wants you to know His love. He wants you to love Him with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5. He wants you to worship only Him. Exodus 34:14. He is a jealous God; He wants relationship, communion, interaction and conversation with you. God wants to be your all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:28. Submit yourself fully to Him alone, allowing Him to be your only God. Sometimes God breaks us to bring us
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Don’t take God and His presence for granted. Though He is with you every day, you must continually acknowledge His presence and value Him above all else.
Welcome the new Mature in your relationship with God. Identify your ‘Dagons’, get rid of them and don’t pick them up again. Adjust what is out of order and embrace better, new ways of thinking and responding to God, others and situations. Give God His rightful priority. Walk in step with Him daily, and embrace new challenges. Don’t let life undo what God has done. Listen to Him. When He speaks, don’t filter it through your own or others’ understanding. If God said it, it will happen because He makes space for His purpose.
EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE GUEST SPEAKER
YVONNE BROOKS Embrace WHO YOU ARE Many people struggle to accept and see themselves as God sees them. They cannot believe that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14.
for women, so they could discover their purpose, learn obedience and live a godly lifestyle. I didn’t believe I could do any of it, but I listened and obeyed. God knew my abilities before He chose me, and He knows yours. Every experience and emotion, every rejection and pain, He’ll use for His glory when you listen and obey. It’s you He wants for this time and purpose. If He had wanted someone else, He would have used them.
My own perception of what I was, or was not, made me expert at self-rejection. Life was miserable. I had to take my focus off my poor background, off others’ prejudice and low expectations of me, off my low self-image, and re-focus on who I am in Christ. A changed, exciting and fulfilled life began when I realised I was born with purpose, on purpose and for purpose.
Be yourself: God made you When you embrace who you are, it is not vanity, but recognition that God has invested His best in you so you can fulfill His calling. We make excuses, through fear, believing we can’t, that we lack the education or the experience. But God only asks us for what He’s already given us. Recognise the gifts, talents, abilities and faith within you so you can activate them. I love to laugh, but when I preached I would be serious and completely different. God showed me that my humour was part of how He made me and that I can use it, even when I preach, to glorify Him. Don’t try to please or impress people, but be true to who He made you to be and let Him use the real you.
Do what God gives you to do
Get your perspectives right I used to think God was waiting to punish me for making mistakes. But I realised He is a loving God who loves me more than anybody loves me and He has plans and purposes for my life which are good. Jeremiah 29:11. Knowing that God cared for me changed my perspective of Him and of myself. I fell asleep at night in His presence, hearing Him say, “I love you.” I embraced God and let Him embrace me.
At the end of his life Paul said he had fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7. Before our life ends we should all aim to finish everything God has given us to do, to glorify Him through our exploits, faith and example, by our ability to embrace what He’s given us to do.
Everything changed. Outwardly, everything was the same, but inwardly, I was totally different. God has taken me from strength to strength and enabled me to succeed for Him in areas I would never have dreamed possible.
However, we have to learn to hear and obey, consistently. When God first asked me to speak, I didn’t want to. If I had ten minutes, I would sing for nine and speak for one minute. When I started to obey, He led me to establish many different ministries
The enemy’s lies and the negatives in your life are not the last word on your life. God’s Word is the defining Word, the last Word, which stands no matter what. Everything He planned from the beginning, everything He has started in you, He will finish when you embrace who you are in Him.
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TEACHING BY GERRI DI SOMMA
HIGH FLYING MATURing as a SON OF GOD
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26
God wants mature sons who know the difference between right and wrong and choose right every time. Our choices will always reveal the reality of where we are in life as Christians. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26. Paul tells us that this is who we are in Christ. However, our conduct in life may be seen as something different. This will depend on how mature we are as believers: how practised we are in applying God’s Word to our lives and how ready we are to lose our life for Christ’s sake that we may find it. Matthew 16:25. Generally speaking, three levels of maturity can be observed among believers.
1. The Child – 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 These are those who content themselves with a relatively shallow level of Christian life. Their attitudes and conduct deny them a mature relationship with their Lord through the solid food of His Word. You are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? They perpetuate division and gossip, and reduce the things of God to base expressions of the carnal mind.
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The child takes no responsibility, just wanting what pleases them. The child applies little or no effort to grow up into Christ, but is content to play whatever game doesn’t require them to step up from their carnality towards maturity. A child must, of necessity, be under the instruction of someone mature because he or she has not got what it takes to be responsible for their own life. A carnal Christian needs to grow up into Christ. Ephesians 4:15.
2. The Parent – Galatians 4:1-5 Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Galatians 4:1-5. In the days this was written, guardians and stewards were overseers in a house. They also tutored the owner’s sons until they reached maturity in regard to God’s Word and taking on the responsibilities of the
house. One of the main responsibilities of Church leadership is to bring the sons of the house, both men and women, to maturity, so they can take on responsibilities in the house, the Church. Usually, leadership appoints people to assist with this. However, what often happens is that there are people who appoint themselves to oversee others, to parent them. They end up having a controlling influence on those they parent this way. This often arises because they are not truly submitting to the authority in the Church and use their influence to ‘correct’ what they perceive to be out of order. These are the ‘parents’ I am referring to, who indirectly seek to manage or alter the affairs of the Church’s life. They sometimes seem like self-appointed sheriffs who try and marshal people in the Church to conform to their view of things. They draw people to themselves. This is serious immaturity which shows that they are not being led by the Spirit as mature sons. Romans 8:14.
3. Sons: mature believers – Hebrews 5:12-14; 6:1-4 Jesus instructed His close followers to make disciples of all nations. Those who are mature sons of God are teachers who are able to make disciples because they feed on the solid food of the Word and are skilled in the Word of righteousness. By reason of the consistent application of the Word, they have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:12-14. They make right choices. Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2. Let us go on to perfection or maturity as true sons. Sons are well established in the basics of Christian teaching and practice. They are self-feeders who are led by the Spirit of God. They diligently apply themselves to the Word so they are continually ready to obey the Spirit’s leading. We need to feed ourselves on the Word of God and listen to the Holy Spirit as a matter of our normal Christian life. Feeding ourselves on the Word should be our daily banquet, and being led by the Spirit our natural response. One of the big issues that is found in Churches these days is that many people want to remain spoon fed as children, rather than grow up into Christ. Many want
to be passive and ‘blessed’ rather than grow up and take responsibility for their part in the Body of Christ, the Church, and be blessed. And this is the challenge: the one who grows up denies himself in order to put the interests of others and the Gospel before himself; as the apostle Paul said: I die daily. 1 Corinthians 15:31. Three ways to identify whether we are sons: a. In our behaviour Our interactive behaviour when expressing the love of God reveals the true nature of God’s family in which love never fails. When I became a man, I put away childish things. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:8, 11, 13. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. Hebrews 10:24-25. b. In our judgement Our behaviour and relationships are dependent on how sensitive we are to God. Our desire to be in control of our lives often leaves Him on the sidelines. As a result we live in sin because of our independence. We need to be skilled in the God-given Word of righteousness so that we are living in the Spirit and becoming fully adjusted to the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:9-16. Then sin and Satan will find no opportunity in us and our judgement will be right. c. In our choices It follows that our choices in life must become specifically directed towards the revealed will of God at all points. Everything that passes in our lives must become governed in that direction. As with Joshua, the fundamental choice of life concerning who we will serve is with us all the time. Joshua made his choice: as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15.
What choices do you make? Look at your life and consider where you are in relation to God and His Church
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TESTIMONIES FOUND HEAVEN
‘Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!’ John 4:34
All over the world people are being introduced to the power of God and yet many doubt whether God really exists. Found Heaven is about presenting evidence that God does exist. This is done through the stories of how people have encountered Him and what difference it has made to their lives. Here are some of the stories which we have recently received. The web site www.foundheaven.com contains a large selection of stories which we have already received. This can be important to the person wanting to tell someone about Jesus. The person receiving the Gospel can be directed to the web site where the stories will back up what they have been told: real people with real experience of God. Here are a few:
I left school at 16 and got locked into a situation which effectively took my life away from me. I was going nowhere and became very depressed. It seemed that life wasn’t worth living and there was no future. In 1966 I was somewhere I didn’t want to be, in a meeting with lots of Christians, about 280 miles from home. I was bored and waiting for the event to end. During the final hymn, I looked up and it was as if I was looking at a blinding light. I seemed as if I was looking at God. I became convicted about sin in my life, but at the same time it seemed as though a river of blood flowed from God’s throne and washed over and through me. My life instantly changed. That same evening, the Holy Spirit revealed future events for my life and I was baptised in the Spirit. Life is remarkably different and amazing. Knowing God’s love and having a relationship with Jesus is what motivates me and keeps me focussed in everything. God makes life worth living. He gave me a future and a hope, not just on this earth, but in the life to come. Knowing God’s love has made me want to be involved with God’s people. It is my joy to serve the body of Christ through the abilities God has given me. Life is full, purposeful, with a reason. It’s just a joy to be a believer.
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I grew up in a Christian home but for a long time didn’t have a genuine belief. I always had plans for my life, but they were always about gaining qualifications. There was no real sense of purpose. After leaving College, I didn’t know what to do next. Although there were various options open to me, life seemed meaningless, empty. I lacked hope, becoming shameful and distant from everything. At the lowest point of my life, I went to a youth camp. Before the final meeting, I said to God, “It needs to be all or nothing this evening.” And He suddenly seemed so real to me that I knew He was there. I knew He was watching over me and had a purpose for me. I realised I was meant to go to Bible College, and there I learned who I am in Him, what He has done for me and how I can stand in His authority. Every day is a continual process of growing in God. I don’t worry about anything because He fights my battles for me and wants the best for me. Whatever direction I may have chosen, my life would probably have been successful, but without God it would have been meaningless. I work in my local church in charge of digital work, websites and audio work. Work for external clients provides resources for the church. God always gives the most amazing ideas. He never lets me down. He is always there and is always faithful.
My life was about partying, drinking, smoking and relationships with women. I thought it filled the emptiness inside, but it didn’t. My brother was a born-again Christian and asked me to come and play football for his church team, Carmel United. I loved football, so I agreed. The first training session was a shock, because everyone treated me with respect. This was a new experience for me. I was dealing with a lot of issues in my life. The football manager invited me to church, and I became a born-again Christian. The pastor laid hands on me and prayed, saying, “Your transformation will be radical.” He was right. Since knowing God, my life has changed dramatically. I used to be fearful about people and what they might think or say, but now I have peace. I’m not going down the path I was on before. I know it would have led to even more dangerous things. I volunteer for my church, doing video editing. I also work with a Christian football coach. I’m so thankful I work in an environment with fellow-believers, so thankful for what God has done for me and for my family.
I grew up in Saudi Arabia with my family. As a child I had no Christian influence from family members, but when I was ten, I was allowed to go to church with some friends. It was the only recognised church in Saudi Arabia, and was held in a specific compound. All other churches were banned. But when my parents moved, I went to an underground church. I watched a DVD on the life of Jesus and how we need a relationship with Him. I knew I needed Jesus, and I gave my life to Him. My parents also gave their lives to Jesus. Amazingly, although my brothers were living in different countries, at the same time they also gave their lives to Jesus. When we got together we were astounded at what God had done for us as a family. I know He loves me no matter what. He has a plan for my life and is involved in every aspect of it. My life is full of meaning and every day is an exciting adventure. I really enjoy being a Christian. None of the things and activities I did previously fulfilled or satisfied me, or filled that void inside that only Jesus can. I’m married to an amazing man. We both work in our local church, where I’m the HR manager and also help organise provisions for people in need. Together we pastor the young people in the church. Our next step is to plant a church in Cape Town, South Africa; something which I’m really excited about.
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VISION BECOMES A REALITY carmel: MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
C A R M E L
M I N I S T R I E S
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
P R E S E N T S
A GOD THING! CONFERENCE 2011 AT CARMEL CENTRE UK GUEST SPEAKERS
HOSTED BY
MICHELLE MARK TRINA GERRI HANKINS HANKINS DI SOMMA DI SOMMA WED 19TH – SAT 23RD OCTOBER 2011 If undelivered please return to carmel: ministries international 817a bath road brislington bristol bs4 5nl INTERNATIONAL
carmel: MINISTRIES