new voice new tone new style Tobi Loba

David’s Camp Magazine

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Showing the way, the truth, and the life...John 14:6

Free Sept/oct 2018

QUIZ OF THE EDITION PAGE11

WHEN THE STORMS ARISE PAGE 2

YOUR STORY IS FOR HIS GLORY PAGE 12

CONTRADICTING VOICES PAGE 10

MENTAL HEALTH PAGE 4

MOMENTUM PAGE 5

HEALTH TALK PAGE 3

Tobi Loba

New Voice, New Tone, New Style, New Anointing... meet

PAGE 6

16 WAYS TO FIND A WIFE PAGE 9

Letter From THE

EDITOR

David Oluwole-David

WHEN THE

a prolific writer, an ardent Bible student, an author and has compassion for the liberation of souls that are yet to know about the faithfulness and goodness of God.

Storms Arise O

ne of the interesting thing about our God is as a father, a good Father, He has made available for us the manual to navigate through our journey in life. God, being an all-knowing God already knew there would be some stages in our lives when we are so overwhelmed with the issues of life that we struggle to pray. He knows there’d be a time when our willingness to praise His name, pray to Him or cry out for help would have been badly strained.

some good sleep in the middle of storms. I’ve done it many times and will do it again. When the bailiffs write to say they are visiting to possess your property the next day, when the bills are overwhelming and there’s no way you can pay them all with your income, when your marriage is just not working despite doing your best to make it work, when that health deterioration won’t halt, when that child keeps getting into troubles and he’s giving you sleepless nights and you’ve prayed to God but nothing is changing, go get some good sleep sister. It’s good for your sanity as well.

My point is calm down, you aren’t the first to face a storm.

At this time, while God steps aside most times to see how you will 2. Pray. I say it again, pray. Storms don’t disappear because of your deal with the situation, He has however made available to us the appearance or how you look. Storms is no respecter of persons. manual that can serve as our guide at this period of our Storms didn’t respect Jesus, they won’t show you an lives. iota of respect. When Jesus arose in the scripture “Storms are above, He didn’t say to the storms, ‘didn’t you know devil’s reaction That manual is called the Holy Bible.

I’m here, or do you know who I am?’ No! Jesus arose Friends, you must know that “storms are devil’s reaction to show you’re making too much and prayed. The Bible says, He rebuked the storms. to show you’re making too much rapid progress.” rapid progress.” Friends, you’ve got to arise and rebuke those storms Our classical example in times of storms when the with the power in the name of Jesus.

-David storms arise is no other than the indisputable storms Oluwole-David 3. Trust God. Some elements of trusting God is specialist, Jesus Christ, the Son of David. despite being in the middle of pandemonium and Mark 4:35-39... great storms, to go and sleep.

“That day when evening came, He said to His disciples, “Let us go Job stayed calm and trusted God. Did you hear what he said in over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took Him Job 13:15...”Though He slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will along, just as He was, in the boat. There were also other boats maintain mine own ways before him.” Continued on page 3 with Him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the Editors boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleepOlamide Ajayi ing on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, Bose Oluwole-David don’t you care if we drown?”

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be Contributing Writers still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm” The scripture starts with...”He said to His disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” That’s making rapid progress and that often invites the devil’s reaction which is always with storms.

The 3 Things You Can do when Storms Arise 1. Keep Calm. Have you seen that caption: ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’? Panicking doesn’t calm storms which was what the disciples were doing. Crying doesn’t keep away storms either. Your crying doesn’t pacify the devil. Stop crying, brother! In Ziklag, David and his men cried out their eyes, yet nothing changed. Storms are merciless.

We learned in the midst of the turbulence, raging storms, Jesus was sleeping.

I have learned there is absolutely nothing wrong to go and get 2

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David Oluwole-David Dr. Margaret Rutherford Eniola Israel Pastor Olamide Ajayi Pastor Layo Afuape Bose Oluwole-David Joshua Tosh Ima Nkanta

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Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6

- Rachael Eniola Israel

- A qualified public health practitioner

HEALTH TALK

Anxiety disorder A

nxiety disorders are a group of mental disorders characterized by significant feelings of anxiety and fear. Anxiety is a worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.

Past or childhood experiences Your current life situation Physical and mental health problems Drugs and medication Treatment of Anxiety

Types of Anxiety disorders Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – This means having regular Self-help resource might be the first treatment option your doctor or uncontrollable worries about many different things in your offers you as they are available quite quickly, and there is a chance everyday life. it could help you to feel better without GRASSROOT HEALTH INITIATIVE PRESENTS Social Anxiety Disorder – This diagnosis means you experience extreme fear or anxiety triggered by social situations (such as parties, workplaces, or any situation in which you have to talk to another person).

Panic Disorder – This means having regular or frequent panic attacks without a clear cause or trigger.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AND FREE CHECK Do you know that High Blood Pressure is on the rise and is increasingly a significant cause of death and disability amount African people.

Recent research has shown that there is 44.9% prevalence of Hypertension in Nigeria.

This is why Grassroot Health Initiative is collaborating with five Local governments in Lagos Nigeria to raise awareness campaign by providing information to increase knowledge of the prevention and management of Hypertension and will be offering a free blood pressure check.

Please support this project by donating to: GRASSROOT HEALTH INITIATIVE SORT CODE: 08-71-99 A/C NO: 13058654 For more information on volunteering opportunities, please visit our website: www.grassroothealthinitiatives.co.uk

Phobias – A phobia is an extreme fear or anxiety triggered by a particular situation (such as social situations) or a particular object such as spiders

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – This is a diagnosis you may be given if you develop anxiety problems after going through something you found traumatic. PTSD can cause flashbacks or nightmares which can feel like you are reliving all the fear and anxiety you experienced during the actual event.

Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) – You may be given this diagnosis if your anxiety problems involve having repetitive thoughts, behaviours or urges Causes of Anxiety

needing to try other options. Self-help could be delivered through workbooks and computer -based CBT program.

Medications is another form of treatment. Please see your GP for best advice.

If self-help resources are not likely to help with the anxiety problems you are experiencing, your doctor might be able to offer you a talking treatment. There are two types of talking treatment recommended for anxiety and panic:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – This focuses on how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect your feelings and behaviour, and teaches you coping skills for dealing with different problems.

Applied Relaxation Therapy – This involves learning how to relax your muscles in situations where you normally experience anxiety.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ADVICE PLEASE CONTACT us via: Tel: 07723511133 Email:grassroothealthinitiative@yahoo.com Or follow us social media Twitter: @healthgrassroot Facebook: @grassroothealthinitiative Instagram: @grassroothealthinitiative

Continued from page 2

WHEN THE

Storms Arise

Trust is priceless. You don’t get it from mediocres. The Psalmist says even “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3) I pray for every man or woman out there who are at their wits’ end, your storms are cancelled right now in the name of Jesus. Storms in our lives are rebuked in Jesus name.

In this September edition of the magazine, we showcase the exceptionally gifted Tobi Loba as our Star Influence. She is anointed for this season and generation. We also have other soul-lifting write-ups by Pastor Layo Afuape, Pastor Joshua Tosh, Pastor Ima Nkanta, Dr. Margaret Rutherford, sis. Eniola Israel and a host of others.

David

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MENTAL HEALTH

4 COMMON MISTAKES IN THE HARD, FRUSTRATING, AWESOME, AND COMPLICATED JOB OF

BY DR. MARGARET RUTHERFORD

F

alling in love can be heaven on earth.

When you find love “the second time around” is no different. Not only do you appreciate having found each other, you’ve hopefully learned about yourselves as individuals and as partners from past experiences. You’ve recognized mistakes that you made in your first marriage, and now decide it’s time to take the leap and blend your families.

Now you’re a stepparent.

You may have had some concerns prior to saying “I do” as you watched your partner with their children, or with yours. You may have noticed that they allowed their children to do stuff that you’d never allow your children to do, or the opposite. The two of you talked about it, and agreed, “You parent your kids and I’ll parent mine.” So it didn’t seem too daunting that her eighteen year-old son had never had a job or hibernated in his room. Or that his fourteen year-old daughter was good in school and generally responsible, but was flippant and bossy at home.

How Long Does A Successful Blending Take and Why Is It Hard?

It seemed manageable. But pulling a blended family off can be hard work.

Research shows that the norm for how much time it takes for the family to feel bonded is much longer than most people think. Much longer — like 5 to 10 years.

Most new second wives and husbands don’t like it when they hear that statistic.

There are factual dynamics that influence the solidity of the relationship between stepchild and stepparent.

• The context of how everyone met.

• How long they’ve known each other.

• How old the children were when their parent’s divorce occurred.

• Whether or not it’s a second or third or fourth marriage (because there’s lots of alimony, child support, and ex’s in general).

• How amicable the divorce of the child’s biological parent was. Or is.

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And there are others. So, it can be complicated. If you’re pulling it off, then congratulate yourself. You’re working hard and making something work that’s emotionally and often pragmatically difficult.

And those kudos go to stepparents, ex’s and kids alike.

There are things that can be done to try to ensure the relationship between stepparent and stepchild is healthy and rewarding. And there are some common mistakes that you, with the very best of intentions, can make.

Here are four very common mistakes…

1) Jumping in too fast as an authority.

If you and your new spouse dated for quite a while and let the children get to know you, then step-parenting can be smooth sailing. What’s quite a while?

Years. Children, especially younger ones, will usually welcome a new adult who wants to love them into their world. However, many adults rush the process, only giving their kids a few weeks or months to make the life-altering transition from “me and your mom” to “me and your new mom.”

If you jump in too fast as an authority, you set yourself up for a struggle, even failure. You’re suddenly there in the home.

But you haven’t earned the respect that goes along with being an authority figure.

You don’t have that child’s trust, simply because his mother or father loves you.

You have to wait.

Give your opinion to the biological parent while not putting up with disrespect.

Work on developing a relationship. As much as you might care about the child, the healthiest thing to do is support the person you love.

2)Seeing the kids as an extension of the ex.

They may look like the ex. They may have

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character traits of the ex. They might even be parroting things the ex says, “I bet she told her to say that to me.” Or, “The only reason he’s doing that is because his mother hates me, and he knows it.” Sadly, it could be true. The child may have heard the ex talking about you.

However, they are individuals in their own right, not miniature versions of the ex nor their messengers. They may be stuck in the middle of an ugly adult situation that they didn’t choose, and you’ll only make it worse by not understanding how difficult that may be for them.

Try to make it easier by not putting them in the middle. Be yourself, be kind and loving and accepting, and give them the opportunity to see the real you. Eventually they will figure out that you’re a positive addition to their life.

3) Blaming the kids for disagreements with your partner about their parenting style.

You always put your kids to bed by having a set time every night. The light is turned off, prayers are said, kisses and out you go. Your new spouse, on the other hand, doesn’t have a set bedtime. It could be 8 one night, 9 the next. He believes that there should be some time that they have to just relax and be on their cell phones or get some last minute studying done.

Then, if they want, a little talking or reading, Then lights out. It’s all kind of spontaneous.

You decide that his kids are spoiled and needy. He tells you that you have a rigid, old school approach.

You obviously have different parenting styles. It’s best to leave the kids out of it; try to decide how you are going to respect each other, now that you’re one family.

That can take some adjusting to decide how this new combined family is going to tackle things.

Continued on page 11

Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6

MOMENTUM F

or many, this new season holds lots of exciting promises. Some of these exciting promises include getting a new job, marriage, breakthrough in business, successful career, building a house, buying a new car, traveling overseas, starting a business, receiving a healing, among others.

The hope for accomplishment of these promises has raised your faith, shaped your life, changed your relationship and drawn you closer to God based on your conviction that nothing can actually be achieved without him.

You have also resolved to stop drinking, to turn off from the company of wrong friends, to renounce sin and its lusts, to attend fellowship regularly, study, fast and pray. You have resolved to be a good person, be a good spouse, faithful and loving God and your family. You have resolved to give more time to God and his kingdom progress; pay your tithe and live every moment of your life to please Jesus.

What a great decision! Any change in life begins with a decision.

Your decision determines your destiny. If you make a right decision, you will receive the courage to move ahead with it. If you make a wrong decision, you also will receive the prodding of a wrong spirit to act it out. Esau decided to jettison his birthright for food and he lost his destiny and blessing of the firstborn. The prodigal son decided to return to the father when he almost crashed his destiny, he regained the honour and glory of his destiny.

Behind the crystallization of every good decision is momentum.

This is what I’m inspired to share with you.

As I stayed awake in my moment of contemplation, I heard the word - momentum. I have heard about this phrase several times, and have made use of it in speeches and writings. Like many others, I have been using this phrase to mean maximizing the opportunity. And nothing is bad about this. But what most of us in public speaking don’t tell our audiences is the power to maximize the opportunity ...

So I decided to listen more, and what I heard didn’t fit into the old mould of what I knew about momentum earlier. The new meaning I was getting was pointing me to a person, a being - as the Momentum.

So I did a quick check, and what I found changed my understanding of the actual usage of this word - momentum. On the natural, I saw that momentum is a scientific concept referring to “the quantity of motion in a moving body, being always proportioned to the quantity of matter multiplied into the velocity; impetus.”

I screamed aloud within. I felt some kind of implosion within, like a volcano shattering the rock and exploding. “Oh, Holy Spirit you’re my momentum,” I yelled. Yes, this is true for believers who have received Him. He’s really the Momentum. The life giver, comforter, advocate, inspirer, strengthener, way maker, helper, friend, partner, teacher, counselor, healer. He is much more to a believer than we ever knew. I just know him as my Momentum - the One who helps sustain my resolve, my decision, my inspiration, my passion, my energy, my revelator, my revivalist. Wow, Momentum!

I can now understand why, even when we talk in flowering expression such as, ‘keeping the momentum, seizing the momentum,’ we still fall short of it because the real being, real person who is the Momentum, the Holy Spirit - the ability, energy, strength, conviviality and power is left out of our equation.

This is why motivational speaking only raises the fire in a person, but fails to keep it burning. It’s good to stir the fire, but one is left in a worse state when the fire quenches for failure to keep it burning.

It’s like casting out demons from a person, yet opening the door for it to return. Jesus says that the later part of the person becomes worst because the demons will reinforce themselves and become more resistant.

Momentum is the Holy Spirit. Only Him can help sustain the fire in us. Only Him can help you sustain your resolve to stop smoking, stop drinking, stop lusting after the flesh, stop drifting back into the ocean of sin and its destructive waves. Only the Holy Spirit - the Momentum can help you build spiritual muscle to withstand and overcome the world and its many fanciful devices.

Momentum is the Holy Spirit - indwelling in us. Never you leave Him out of your moments.

Another reference for momentum speaks of “essential element, or constituent element” in a body. Who else can be that essential being in the body? The Holy Spirit! Not alcohol, not drug, not tattoo, not incision, not talisman, not oil, not powder, not ring.

Sadly, He has become the most neglected person in our plans, resolutions and strategies. Where is He in our lives, ministries, businesses, academics, relationships, careers, marriages?

Do you now see why we fall short of ability to get through with our plans? Oh, God help us! He is the Momentum for a businessman, a preacher, a writer, an author, a craftsman, a father, a mother. He’s my Momentum! Can you make him your Momentum today? How much He will help you pull through the debris of failure; how much He will help you bounce back from your place of fall, shame and reproach! He’s the Momentum. The sustainer, the way maker.

But He is very selective. He is only with anyone who repents and believes in Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and saviour. Will you give Him a space in your life?

Desire Him. Invite Him. Honour Him. Praise Him. He’s not the wind, the fire, the water, the oil, the dove. His manifestations may have a resemblance of any of the above. But He is God. Holy Spirit my Momentum!

-with love from Ima Nkanta, Eternal House of Glory, Uyo, Nigeria.

Pastor & Editor, Quest Inspirational magazine.

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» Star Influence of our Time

Tobi Loba Many have heard about you, many are yet to hear or know you and some are just curious. To all of these, who is TobiLoba?

First of all, I’d like to introduce myself as the daughter of the most high God because I believe that’s my first identity before I became any other thing people might want to refer to me as. Jeremiah 1:5 says “He knew me even before I was placed in my mother’s womb.” Tobiloba is a wife, singer, songwriter, vocalist and a voice coach/mentor.

1.

2.

How did you end up doing gospel music?

3.

With your kind of rare voice, you will do well as a secular singer. Why chose gospel, not secular music?

I have always loved music right from when I could remember. I was born into a strong christian background (Christ Apostolic Church). My mum would always lead praise worship at our devotions and also at her band convention. My dad loved singing. He had a barritone voice. Devotions at our house was always like a christian jamboree. My brothers would play the drums, the keyboard and we would be singing in different harmonies. I found God at a very young age. It was just the way to go for me.

Whilst growing up, I was introduced to the traditional gospel music by my parents and as time went on, my knowledge for music began to grow. I fell in love with soul music and R&B but my love for God was still so intact I just couldn’t see myself not singing about Jesus. That was all I knew how to do. I found myself writing songs about the love of Jesus and the plans He has for mankind.

you think gospel singers get appreciated 4. Do just as much as secular singers?

Ermmm... I think it has gotten better now.

I think gospel singers are starting to stand up for themselves now one way or the other. Gone are the 6

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Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6

days when gospel singers would go and minister at any event and all they will get is “God bless you”. Don’t get me wrong, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. I mean, that’s the best prayer someone could ever pray for me but sometimes I feel a lot of people take advantage of it hence not appreciating whoever has come to be a blessing to them. Also, I feel like a lot of churches are coming to understand that music plays a major role in the church.

Having said these, I also don’t think gospel singers should be money-driven to the work of God. Do it because you love the lord.

talk about your music. You have an album, 5. Let’s don’t you? Has its release really helped showcase your kind of music and style of ministration to the world?

I give God the glory for the success of my debut album launched in 2015. The album has opened so many doors for me. It has helped me to be able to reach out to different people. I personally feel that there’s a lot of people that have heard of me either through my ministrations or other ways but I still feel that there’s a great amount of people out there that still need to be blessed by my ministry. I beleive so!

downloading songs in my spirit. These were the songs that got me through the season of brokenness and I’m so excited to share them with you all.

The night promises to be a power-packed night, full of Gods presence and fire. You surely don’t want to miss it.

At my debut album launch, a couple who just heard about me decided to spend thier wedding anniversary at my concert and I tell you, they were so blessed they told me that was the best wedding anniversary they have ever had. They said they can’t miss September 2018.

The Venue will be at Charis Christian Centre at 78 Capworth Street. E10 7HA. DOORS OPEN @ 5PM Date: September 15th 2018 I will be joined by other anointed guest artistes, such as

have an upcoming event, “an evening with Tobi 6. You Loba Live Recording Concert”. Can you please tell

us more about it, the aim, the reason for it and the expectations people who are still contemplating either to attend or not should have?

Hmmmm... that’s my baby! Even talking about it gives me goosebumps hahahaha. An evening with Tobi Loba is my latest project. Ever since I launched my new album in 2015, the lord has been dealing with me and during that time, I spent a lot of time in the place of prayer and meditating on the word of God. Then, the Holy Spirit started David’s Camp Magazine

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Continued on page 10

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Andrew Bello, Charles Dada, Sarah Wonders, Stephanie Abrahams, and many more .......

joy to see people being healed and the captives set fee through the ministry God has given to me.

A lot must have gone into the planning and all the logistics.

How can lovers and followers of your music and ministry be a blessing to you?

To a younger person out there who sees you as a mentor and looks forward to one day be like you, what’s your pieces of advice?

7.

You can be a blessing to me by downloading my album on all digital download platforms like iTunes, Google play, spotify and the likes.

Also, you can visit my YouTube channel and subscribe - TobiLoba or visit my social media platforms: Facebook - Tobi Loba Instagram - official.tobi.loba Twitter - @mintobiloba God bless you all

8. What’s your goal in life?

My goal in live is to keep pushing to fufil God’s purpose over my life and I believe it is to spread His gospel via praise across the land. I want to be able to reach as many people as I can. It would be my

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Love the Lord with all your heart, seek Him like your life depends on it. Never create room for any form of negativity in your heart, Jesus can’t dwell there. Improve your skills if need be, and I tell you, all other things will be added unto you!

Your final word to the numerous

and lovers of your mu10. followers sic and ministry.

One of my favourites scriptures in the bible is John 16:33. No matter what you’re going through, never stop praising God. The things you’re going through are just distractions to stop you from being at your best in the presence of the King of kings who has all power in His hands. The God we worship has no rival, demons tremble at the mention of His name. RELAX! God has your back!

Quote of the Edition

“Never worry about numbers.

Always start with the next person close to you.”

- Mother Theresa 8

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Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6

RELATIONSHIP

16 WAYS TO FIND A WIFE ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE A

s a pastor, over the years I had my fair share of people approach me to find out if we were a “courtship” church or a “dating” church.

The people invariably would tell me that their approach was “the biblical way.” I eventually become leery of such claims given that the Bible does not say much about how, to find a wife, or does it?

Perhaps you’ve seen this list floating around the world-wide-web, but it’s worth reviewing because it makes a very important point. So here it is, 16 ways to find a wife according to the Bible: Find an attractive prisoner of war, bring her home, shave her head, trim her nails, and give her new clothes. Then she’s yours. (Deuteronomy 21:11-13) “Lay hold on” a virgin who is not betrothed to another man, and “know” her, but afterwards pay her father a sum of money. Then she’s yours. (Deuteronomy 22:28-29) Find a prostitute and marry her. (Hosea 1:1-3) Find a man with seven daughters, and impress him by watering his flock. —Moses (Ex. 2:16-21) Purchase a piece of property, and get a woman as part of the deal.

—Boaz (Ruth 4:5-10) Go to a party and hide. When the women come out to dance, grab one and carry her off to be your wife. —Benjaminites (Judges 21:1925) Have God create a wife for you while you sleep. Note: this will cost you a rib. —Adam (Gen. 2:19-24) Agree to work seven years in exchange for a woman’s hand in marriage. Get tricked into marrying the wrong woman. Then work another seven years for the woman you wanted to marry in the first place. That’s right. Fourteen years of toil for a wife.—Jacob (Gen. 29:15-30) Cut 200 foreskins off of your future father-in-law’s enemies and get his daughter for a wife.—David (1 Sam. 18:27) Even if no one is out there, just wander around a bit and you’ll definitely find someone.—Cain (Gen. 4:16-17) Become the emperor of a huge nation and hold a beauty contest.-Xerxes or Ahasuerus (Esther 2:3-4) When you see someone you like, go home and tell your parents, “I have seen a woman; now get her for me.” If your parents question your decision, simply say, “Get her for me. She’s the one for me.”-Samson (Judges 14:1-3) Kill any husband and take HIS wife. (Prepare to lose four sons though.)—David (2 Sam. 11) Wait for your brother to die. Take his widow. (It’s not just a good idea, it’s the law!)—Onan and Boaz (Deut. or Lev., example in Ruth) Don’t be so picky. Make up for quality with quantity—Solomon (1 Kings 11:1-3) A wife?—Paul (1st Corinthians, chapter 7) Obviously, this list was written with humor in mind, and some of these “ways,” are not prescriptive but descriptive of the sinful ways that God’s people have conducted themselves in the past—they are in no way exemplary. But this does demonstrate an important point—people often want the Bible to say certain things, such as how to find a spouse and marry, but they ignore portions of Scripture that don’t fit their paradigm. The Bible has more to say about arranged marriages, for example, than it does “courtship” or dating.

So then, how do we proceed?

We have to realize that the Bible does not speak to every issue we will face in life. Just ask Solomon, who had to use wisdom when the two prostitutes came to him claiming to both be the mother of one child. We must follow those things that God has given us. In all of our relationships, we have the obligation to exercise the fruit of the Spirit and not mistreat anyone—that is especially true for a prospective spouse. We also have the clear biblical command that a Christian is free to marry whomever he or she chooses, so long as the prospective mate is “in the Lord” (1 Cor. 7.39). But in the end, choosing a spouse calls for wisdom.

The Bible does not give us a specific means by which we can find spouses. Some might be introduced by family or friends. Some might cultivate a letter-writing relationship (or as we might more commonly find it, e-mail, or some form of social media). In some cultures the thought of dating or courting is out of the question. I once walked in on one of my office mates in grad school—he was a Christian training for the ministry in Japan. He was intently reading a file; it looked like a personnel file. Out of curiosity I asked him what he was reading. He told me it was a file on a young woman that his father had sent him. His family, sight unseen (except for a few photos in the file), was arranging his marriage. I was stunned, but, nevertheless, made aware that godly Christians don’t all do things the same way (i.e., just because it’s American and Christians do it, doesn’t mean its biblical or the only way).

The greater doctrinal point here is that in the pursuit of finding a spouse, we must be mindful two things: (1) that we are mindful of God’s revealed will in the moral law—we should not violate it in word, thought, or deed; and (2) Christian liberty—where God has spoken, we are bound, but where he has not spoken we are free.

We are not bound by the commandments of men. This means that godly Christians may differ in how they live their lives, but it doesn’t mean that one is holier than another because she dates and doesn’t court.

We should also note that in its collective history, the church has never addressed the issue in its creeds or confessions about how to find a spouse. Perhaps this should tell us that it is a matter of Christian liberty and that in the end, we should rely on God’s grace, wisdom, prayer, and godly counsel rather than make claims that the Bible has never made

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Contradicting Voices: TO WHICH ARE YOU LISTENING?

- BY PASTOR ‘LAYO AFUAPE (PLA) Parish Pastor The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Great Beauty Tabernacle Catford, London.

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oices come in different ways. Good voices are encouraging, they are comforting and godly, while negative voices are discouraging, disturbing and ungodly.

The voice you hear affects you greatly in life. The voice you hear will either affirm to make one happy or be damaging to discourage.

There are voices that motivate and will encourage you to do good, there are voices you hear that stir you up to rise up and do what you normally had thought you can do.

There is power in our voices - the voice can release words that causes pain or boost your self esteem.

Good voice transmits good news and fills your mind with joy. The voice of God makes you feel good and assures you that your tomorrow will be wonderful and great. God’s voice pronounces positive words into our lives - stop associating with people who are always loaded with voices that release words which will make you feel sad, disturbed and distressed. Some are full of words that can rob you of your self esteem.

Imagine Michal, the wife of David in 2 Samuel 6:17-23. David and others were celebrating, but she only had negative words to say about David’s mode of celebration.

David refused to be discouraged by seeing strength in doing the will of God. What are the good things you have stopped doing because of what people have said or you thought they will say? Who should you aim to please - God or man?

As you are reading this article, I speak into your life that you will rise and shine, you will overtake your mates, you will hear good news daily and never experience defeat in your life for God is with you. Only abide in Christ and do what He asks you to do always - Job 36:11.

You need to read the word of God and learn 10

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what the voices of God is saying concerning you and the circumstances around you.

In Genesis chapter 18, Abraham and Sarah heard the voice of God that Sarah will conceive and deliver at good old age. Sarah laughed at the voice of God but God fulfilled His promise. The voice of God is powerful - read Psalm 29.

Many are submitting to strange and contrary voices, voices asking you to do things you will regret, voices that push you to take steps that destroy your relationships, voices that speak consistently into your thought until you do shameful acts and make costly mistakes.

Beloved of God, arise and begin to resist every strange voice that is oppressing your life. Come against every strange voice telling you that you cannot make it, those voices that keep telling you that you will not live long, those voices telling you that you will not testify - I speak into your life that God will begin to take delight in what you do and do what is good for you - Jeremiah 32:41.

Brethren, you are redeemed by the blood of Jesus and ordained, your voice is therefore powerful. Hezekiah heard the voice of God that he would die in Isaiah chapter thirtyeight, he did not respond as Eli did in His own time when God sent Samuel to Him about his two sons - (“...Eli responded, “He is The Lord. He will do what He thinks is good.” - 1 Samuel 3:18), instead, Hezekiah raised his voice to God and pleaded for mercy - God heard the voice of Hezekiah and added fifteen more years to his life.

King Nebuchadnezzar raised his voice against the three Hebrews and pronounced death sentence on them by fiery furnace when they refused to bow to his god. These young men were not threatened by the negative voice of the king. They were not discouraged as some of us would have been

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these days. They did not challenge the Sovereignty of God, they did not stop believing nor trusting in God, they did not become afraid or worried like some of us do in this generation, rather they raised their voices in Daniel 3 verses 18-19 to declare boldly that the God they serve can rescue them and even if He chooses not to rescue them, they will not bow to the god of king Nebuchadnezzar. What a strong conviction - but praise God. The Almighty whom they serve came and rescued them that the King also confirmed to the faith these young men had in their God - Daniel 3:24-30.

Whose voice is influencing you? Whose voice is leading you? Whose voice are you submitting to always? Whose voice are you promoting through your actions and speech - that of God or the devil?

Do people delight when they hear your voice or become frightened, disturbed or hurt? Our Lord admonished that our speech should always be with grace, seasoned with salt to those who hear - Colossians 4:6. Train your mind to think on that which is good and pure ( Philippians 4:8) for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.

I am encouraging someone to stop listening to any contrary voice. I am not saying you should not listen to correction. I am only encouraging you to resist every negative voice telling you that you cannot do something, voices reminding you of your past failure or mistakes always, voices making a mockery of you because of your present circumstances, voices singing to your ears that you will not prosper and that you will not make it.

I declare that you will make it and do well - Isaiah 3:10. You will multiply and daily receive good news that will lead to consistent thanksgiving and celebration in your life in Jesus name. Amen.

Remember this voice always:

Showing the way the truth and the Life...john 14:6

QUIZ

Quiz of the Edition - BY BOSE OLUWOLE-DAVID Can you answer these without opening your Bible, as a Christian?

Lets have fun together 1. She went out full and return empty. Who was she?

6. _____ in Hebrew means drawn out from water.

A. Judah B. Adam C. Moses

A. Ruth B. Naomi C. Martha

7. When Jesus took 3 of His disciples on Mount Transfiguration, ____ & _____ appeared to them.

A. Aaron & Hur B. Cain & Abel C. Elijah & Moses

2. ___ was the first child of the six children of her mother that was previously called barren.

A. Ananais B. Demas C. Samuel

“We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

3. He was so strong, he carried the gates of the city on his shoulders up the hill. Who was he?

A. Jonathan B. Samson C. Ahithophel “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”

4. Who said this statement?

A. Elijah B. Elisha C. Mephibosheth 5. To whom was the statement said?

A. Nabal B. Naaman C. Gideon

8. Who made this statement?

A. Philip B. Nathaniel C. Judas 9. To whom was the statement said?

A. Philip B. Nathaniel C. Stephen 10. The ten commandments were originally written by the hand of____ A. Moses B. Pharaoh C. God Each question carries Grace... Be honest to give your answers!

Continued from page 4

4) Discounting the impact of an affair.

If you had an affair with the new stepparent, you’re likely to say, “Oh, the kids will be great. They’ll have no trouble accepting Jane (or John)”. You’ll want to minimize in your own mind the difficulty of divorce on a family — as well as the feelings of not just grief but replacement that your ex has had to deal with. If you marry, and especially quickly marry, the person that you had an affair with during your marriage, realize that it may take a fair amount of time for your family to accept him or her.

On a happier note, I’ve talked with many people through the years who’ve told me that it was a stepparent who made their life complete — who walked them down the aisle when their own biological father had abandoned them long ago, whether literally or emotionally — or who sat and listened to them because their biological mother wasn’t nearly as understanding or empathic.

There are others who just clicked with their stepparent, and they became very close friends as time went on.

Being a stepparent is one of the hardest jobs on the planet. And one of the most vital, because the effects are long-lasting for everyone involved.

Stepparents can be awesome — because their love of you is a choice.

And there may be no more important gift to give.

If you’ve enjoyed a wonderful partner in your relationship, you might want to thank them in a small way.

David’s Camp Magazine

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11

Your Story is for His GLORY

By Joshua Tosh

“Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” This is a typical assumption we make when we see someone go through challenges of life. Of course, sin brings repercussions…However there’s another side to every story. There could even be many sides to a story.

Sometimes people go through challenges of life not because they have sinned. When Job was going through Trials of life, his friends quickly jumped into conclusion that Job was facing consequences of his sin. The reality of life is, we should not assume that troubles are the sure sign of God’s judgment, as we could see in the case of the blind man in John chapter 9.

Rather than backbiting, spreading the rumors of someone is going through, telling a hurting person to admit his wrong and repent; since we do not know the reason for the suffering), we can encourage a friend to either endure faithfully or pray with them; knowing that God sees our pain and has a purpose for it.

I don’t know what you’re going through. You may have prayed but appears no answers are coming forth…Maybe you do not see HIM in the north, for HE is hidden. You look to the south, but HE is concealed. But hey! The LORD knows where you’re going. And when the test is over, you will come out as pure gold!

You’re lifted!

Ref: John 9, Job 23:10, Ps. 34:19, Jer. 29:11

Joshua Tosh – is a Worship leader, Song writer, Music producer, Speaker, Mentor and a Pastor in the RedeemedChristian Church of God. He organises an annual Worship event called PUSH! – Praise Until Something Happens. He’s happily married with children. www.joshuatosh.com.

A wonderful birthday to an icon on her

A mother, a coach, a teacher

of the Word, a guardian, a prayer champion, a counsellor. Lots of love, blessings and best wishes from all of us at David's Camp.

"Life doesn't come with a manual but comes with a mother."

Greater grace for the years ahead in Jesus name!