Divine Inspirations Magazine2009
Divine Inspirations Magazine Vol 2 Issue 11
November 2009
Inside This Issue:
Faith
Good Morning Lord!
Come As You Are
What is the Cost of Your Anointing? And more‌
Priest T. Cephas Playwright, Director, Writer www.Divineinspirationsmagazine.org
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Divine Inspirations Magazine
Features
Cover Story-Priest T. Cephas/5 Good Morning Lord!Min. B. Michelle Horton/9
D.I.V.A.S.-The Power of Release Eld Mae Davis/6
Come as You AreMichelle Pumphrey/11
Women of ZionLeaving the Bags Behind: Bag Lady Syndrome Stylicia Bowden/20
The Face of Prison Ministry-Apostle Lee Ann Marino/12
Word in Season-Hurt People Hurt People Sophia Avery MA. /21
Standing Under Pressure-Paulette Harper/17
Shepherds, what is the cost of your anointing? Did you get it on a silver platter?Bishop Steven Maxwell/35
Poetry
Inside Every Issue
My Daddy-Carole Steamer/10 Time is ShortNolan Walker/18 Hallelujah Drums- Mylow A. Young/25 Tell a VisionBridgette Whitney/30
Debt Free Living Principles-Flora Kynard/25 The Bible TeacherFaith Pastor Cynthia Togle/28 Reality Corner-Living, Yes living in the midst of transitions John Taylor/31 Marriage For TodayCloseness vs. Coexistence Mike &
Trisha Fox/32
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Divine Inspirations Magazine
This publication is copyrighted and the articles are protected. Divine Inspirations Magazine (c) 2009 All Rights Reserve
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Divine Inspirations Magazine
Greetings!
Happy Thanksgiving! November is my birth month. I will be celebrating 50 years on this earth. I am so blessed; I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful sons. As I celebrate this month I am so thankful for all of the writers, poets and readers of Divine Inspirations Magazine. There are great things in store for this publication, so stay tuned with great expectations. In this issue we are spotlighting Priest T. Cephas, a playwright, writer and director from Wilmington, Delaware. If you want to see an anointed inspiring play you must make plans now to see his next production “Why Women Cheat� coming in March 2010. As you enjoy this issue be sure to pass along to your family, and friends. We welcome your feedback and comments. To donate or subscribe to Divine Inspirations magazine please visit our website. www.divineinspirationsmagazine.org Have a Great Holiday! Blessings!
Qualita Pendergrass
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Divine Inspirations Magazine
Priest T. Cephas Writer, Producer, and Director Renowned writer, actor, and producer, Priest is the visionary behind hit stage plays such as “The Tears of a Teenage Mother” and “Why Men Cheat.” His gift of writing, discovered during his mother‟s illness, has opened doors for him that no man can close. Having performed “The Tears of a Teenage Mother” 13 times to sold out audiences in Delaware, Philadelphia, and New Jersey, Priest impacted communities with his mother‟s story of the trials and triumphs of being a teenage mother. He is acclaimed as leaving a positive impact on the lives of teenagers in every city his play reached. The much sought after play developed collaborations with community organizations, universities, and churches. Priest was the recipient of the 2008 Brother‟s Award for his outstanding community involvement. Priest‟s heart for people, affectionate smile, and
wise counsel make everyone he comes in contact with feel hope and inspiration. At the same time “The Tears of a Teenage Mother” was touring, Priest was writing, and rehearsing the currently touring stage play, “Why Men Cheat.” The April debut of this play at the Grand Opera House was sold out almost three weeks before the show date. Receiving excellent reviews and hundreds of requests for an additional show, the doors opened for another sold out show at the Merriam Theater, and two additional shows at The Grand Opera House. With request from DC, Florida, California, and Texas to mention a few, Priest and his staff are continuously building the tour with new locations and dates. There is no telling where God will lead Priest and his team next. Priest‟s vision is to have two or more plays
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Divine Inspirations Magazine running at one time, while writing and rehearsing the next play. This vision is coming to past as he has held casting calls for two new plays, “I Let Heaven Down” and “A Woman Scorned.” In addition he has finished writing his next masterpiece “Why Women Cheat.” This new production will begin rehearsing the end of November and will debut March 2010 in Wilmington, DE. Many wonder how Priest does it. He has drawn audiences of thousands, he has a good reputation with the businesses, churches and organizations in various cities, and he produces entertaining shows with a message. Priest contributes all of his success to his late parents, Cynthia Moss White and Henry Byrd, who raised him to be a leader and taught him to pursue his goals and dreams. Encouraging Priest in all he set out to do, whether, talent shows, electrical work, detailing cars, or building his businesses, his parents are his driving force. His heart‟s desire is to make them proud and to carry their names to the top. He is also dedicated to raising his son, Lil Priest with the same values and wisdom that was imparted to him. A gift is something that can be recognized at the age of 5 or 55. A gift is something that comes easy to you but very hard to others. Priest‟s gift of writing, teaching, entertaining, and drawing people, has been fanned into flame. Stay tuned because his gift is definitely making room for him … Priest T. Cephas Showtime Productions P.O. Box 9194 Wilmington, DE 19809 302-762-4776 office
D.I.V.A.S. (Divinely Servants)
Inspired
Visionaries
Anointed
The Power of Release Philemon 10-14 (King James Version) 10
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 12Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: 13Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: 14But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. Like Jesus, the Apostle Paul had the ability to train, then release, men and women into their ministry or calling. Jesus trained many disciples and from among them he chose twelve men and called them apostles. 13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles (Luke 6:13-16). The twelve were chosen and trained for three years by Jesus and He established them as apostles to Go into all the earth to establish his kingdom (Matthew 28:19).
showtimepd@yahoo.com
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Divine Inspirations Magazine Jesus and Paul both understood „THE POWER OF RELEASE‟. In John 14:12, Jesus tells the disciples that they will do “greater works”, because He was going back to his Father. The work that he started would be continued through the eleven he appointed to advance His kingdom on earth. Through the Holy Ghost, He empowered them to do the “greater works”. There are many Pastors and Leaders that have not learned how to be a spiritual parent to their Sons and Daughters in the ministry. They have not mastered the ability to train, then release, their spiritual children from the house (ministry). Whether it is releasing them to do ministry in the house, become Pastors, birthing new ministries, or whatever in visions or dreams God has given them, pastors must not be afraid to do so. Regrettably, most of the time, instead of pastors freely imparting wisdom as a mentor and coach, they hold sons and daughter captive as hostages to their own ministry; seeing only their vision and submitting only to their own dreams. Now Pastors, I am not saying that spiritual sons and daughters should not submit or be faithful servants to the authority that they are in covenant with, but remember, God has sent these sons and daughters to you for training, guidance, and mentorship so that you can prepare them for a “greater work”; even if it may take them to another church, another city, or even to another country–– remember it is all for the cause of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Onesimus was a servant in Philemon‟s house. Something happened that tragically altered the relationship between Philemon and the servant Onesimus that made him decide to run away. Onesimus, it appeared, had taken something that belonged to Philemon and this caused a greater riff between them. But thanks-be-to God, he
ended up under the tutelage of the Apostle Paul. He was trained and became profitable to the ministry. Paul recognized the greatness inside Onesimus, although he knew there was a strain in the relationship he knew that he would have to appeal to Philemon on Onesimus‟ behalf in order to bring reconciliation so that the ministry could advance. Paul saw the anointing on Onesimus and did not want him to leave, but he knew that it was profitable to the ministry for him to go back to Philemon. So many men and women of God will not release their spiritual son and daughters to be profitable to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead they will hold them with all kinds of reason why they must stay in their ministry. Pastors stop holding up the advancement of the kingdom of God for your own selfish reason. Your job is to train and release them to do the greater work under your covenant covering. You are cheating the anointing in their lives to connect with those God is calling them to. Paul makes references to Onesimus as his spiritual son whom he has trained in the gospel and is now releasing him to go back to Philemon. Although in his heart he wants him to stay, Paul realizes that he is an asset to his own ministry as well as Philemon‟s ministry. “And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in thy house: (Philemon 2). Therefore Paul writes to Philemon giving praise to Onesimus for his work in the ministry. He lets him know that Onesimus is ready for ministry and he is also a fellow laborer with him in the ministry: “Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:” (Philemon 11).
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Divine Inspirations Magazine God‟s word says that: “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28). What are the sons and daughters to do with these gifts from God if the leaders do not train them to use these gifts? Whatever the reasons for your inability to release your spiritual sons and daughters into kingdom work, you cannot stop the will of God in their lives. Release your children so that God can be glorified. And if they make mistakes along the way, you are there to embrace them and show them how to pick up the broken pieces and keep on moving. God can use all who are willing to be obedient to his word. You may have birthed them as sons and daughters, but God created them for his glory. To my brothers and my sisters who have not taken the leap of faith in the ministry that God has called you to. I encourage you to be obedient to the voice of God through faith for the “greater work” he is calling you to. But remember, follow the protocol of the church so you will not be viewed as a renegade; share your visions and dreams with your spiritual father and/or mother in the ministry so that they may pray about what God is doing. Ask them for direction and prayer as God unfolds the hidden things about your visions and dreams.
faithful men and women of God. Disciples, if you received resistance from your leader, then your faith must kick-in and you must trust God the way Abram did: “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: (Genesis 12:1). Know that God will supply all of your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Please email me; I welcome all comments on this topic. Elder Mae Davis New Life Worship Centre 120 E. Baltimore Pike Lansdowne, PA 19050 davismae@ymail.com
Pastors, by showing God you can be faithful in another man‟s or women‟s ministry, He will, in turn, send you more
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Divine Inspirations Magazine
Good Morning Lord! By Minister B. Michelle Horton “Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.� Psalm 5:1-3 (NIV) As I continue to reflect upon my life altering trip to West Africa over the summer, I realize some things will never be the same. I am glad I took a pen and notebook to journal during this time. While there, I felt the hand and power of God in so many ways. Some things are truly indescribable. There are many moments when I think about what my eyes witnessed and what my heartfelt and tears well up from within. Being without a television, cell phones and other modern distractions were good for my soul. I had plenty of time to commune with God. I especially liked our time of prayer. I would talk with God and God would talk with me. Oh the wonder of it all. So, today I want to let you in on one early morning conversation. It was a break of day prayer time that melted my heart and opened my spirit to believe anew. God paused because His daughter needed Him. Good Morning Lord,
In the silence of this moment can you speak to me? May I ask you to help me hear your majestic voice resound loudly in my ear? Will you please anoint my voice to sing praises to your name? My soul desires to honor you and my spirit longs to lift you up. My God and my King, I ask you to help me see this world, your world with fresh eyes. My longing is that I see the smallest speck of glory that surrounds this stunning countryside. The glory that rest in everything you have made; the sand and the sea, the single blade of grass and the stunning old oak tree. Help me not to miss your beauty no matter where my eyes roam. Bless my eyes with deep insight to see those invisible things you have longed to share with me. My God and my King, awaken me afresh to live. I am overjoyed because the first voice I heard this morning was your voice calling my name to arise. Thank you for the refilling. Thank you for the anointing. Thank you for fresh awareness to your holiness. Thank you for the tears I cried yesterday because today they have refreshed me in a divine way. Thank you for the loss and gain, for rich and poor, and for healing and hope. Thank you for Momma and Poppa. Thank you for this magnificent country that has withstood tremendous injustice. Thank you for my ancestors who
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Divine Inspirations Magazine believed in the power of all that you are. Thank you for your touch and truth.
He stood very tall at about six two and had a very large frame. He was always kind and had a smile and called me by my name.
My God and my King, thank you for this good morning, this new day, for being alive and for being revived by your ne w mercies. I only live because you died. I only live because you live. I only live because you are coming back for me.
I don’t know if I had a feeling that I just didn’t want to admit
For all I have seen, I have done, and I have made it through; for this I give you praise.
I didn’t ask questions and I didn’t assume of just what might be the case
For all that was, that is and will forever be; for this I give you praise. For everything I have and do not have and everything I am and am yet to be; I give you praise. Thank you for allowing me this time with you this morning, in this wonderful continent of Africa, on this new day. Good Morning Lord. Amen!
I always knew there was something about him like the smile on his face.
Minister B. Michelle Horton enjoys reading your comments and response. You can reach her at bebe0520@msn.com
That he was much more than just a family friend because my light bulb was lit.
It closely resembled a smile I had seen but I couldn’t figure where I knew it was a smile I’d seen a lot but for some reason, ask I did not dare. Then shortly after I found out I was pregnant it all became very clear. He wasn’t just a family friend. He was someone much closer and dear. He was the father I never thought I had because I was never told his name The father that I thought didn’t exist and grew used to it just the same. He never saw my baby girl because he died shortly after she was born I remember that day on the bus and I remember that gloomy morn. I was asked why go to school on a day that should be really sad
MY DADDY
I didn’t know what they were asking because I didn’t know I had lost my dad.
I never knew that much about him because I never really asked
I couldn’t forgive him for many years for not being honest with me
I wasn’t sure if I should because I didn’t want to assume to fast.
I hated the fact I didn’t get to ask why I never could call him “Daddy”.
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Divine Inspirations Magazine Well, I soon learned I had to forgive in order to move straight ahead. I had to forget what was in my past and the hatred I took to bed. So I prayed one night with all my heart and I spoke to my God above. I told him exactly how I felt about the loss of my daddy’s love. He gave me peace in knowing that letting it out set me free. And now I can move forward into the Woman of God I am to be. Carole Steamer ©Copyright, September 14, 2009
Come As You Are (But come with a mind to change)
By Michelle Pumphrey Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. What powerful scriptures, we always hear
that phrase: Come as you are; now most of us think when we hear that phrase, it means to come however you are dressed, and that is true that God is not concerned with the condition of your wearing apparel. But I do believe that he is talking about coming with whatever condition your heart is in, but come with the mind that it needs to be changed, there are so many people in the house of God, that have not made an effort to surrender who they are to Christ. Case in point: We have to this day Homosexual Churches, you even have churches such as the church of Corinth, where all manners of sin is going on and it’s okay with Leadership because they are getting their Sin on. What I find with the Homosexual Churches is that they have not come with the desire to change, because they don’t think there is anything wrong with their lifestyle, they Forget what the word of God say’s about the Sin of homosexuality, Also there is a consequence of that sin in the bible. So I am wonder what are they studying in the bible or do they have their own bibles printed? Tell me something! The lifestyle is a sin and an abomination unto the Lord, and so is the behavior of the saint’s who aren’t living that lifestyle, but are not presenting their bodies as a living sacrifice. Are you denying yourself of that lustful behavior? And I’m not just talking about sex, I am talking about greed, competitiveness, materialism, that lust for power, Oh I can go on but you get my point, We must come acknowledging that we are a sinner, so if we did that then, we are saying that we can’t stay the way we are, because something is wrong with the way we are! Am I right about it? Now don’t get me wrong I not talking about those who are babes in Christ, they have to learn about what the word say’s about them, That is
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Divine Inspirations Magazine why people who are new in Christ must be taught with the sincere milk of God’s word. Not Milk that is tainted with Man’s opinion or manipulation, that milk has to be ministered with truth, love, and straight and to the point!, No candy coating anything, they need to know that warfare is going to break out because the enemy of our soul will be angry because we made the change. Those babes need honesty, they need nurturing, and they need our longsuffering with them until they are strong enough to stand on their own and with the power of God fight for their own lives. So when the invitation to come to Christ as you are is giving, I believe we might need to explain to the newborns in Christ, so that they won’t make the mistakes that so many other believers are doing, and that is believing that they can still serve the Lord with their stinking thinking, their lustful behavior, their nasty dispositions, and thinking that their praises to God is a sweet smell to His nostrils, So brothers and Sisters in the Lord even to those who have been in Christ for 10,20,30 years, when you come into the House of God, Come with the mind to Change, It’s never too late! Amen.
The Face of Prison Ministry In 2002, Apostolic Fellowship International Ministries began publishing what is now known as Power For Today Magazine. Back in those days it was a simple six-page newsletter, printed without frills, mostly written by myself as we didn't have anyone else who was interested in writing for it. It was a basic update newsletter, informing people about things going on at our then-church with featured articles based on sermons I was preaching in services. Wow, it was hard getting started. People I knew were totally irate, refusing to receive it, calling up and yelling in disrespectful tones, and nobody (I do repeat: nobody) wanted to help with the work. I had trouble maintaining a regular mailing list, and worried it would go absolutely nowhere. Because I had so much trouble maintaining the list, I started calling in all the reserves - I looked up people I had gone to
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Divine Inspirations Magazine school with, people from the old neighborhood,
saw heading for trouble was there along with
and anyone and everyone I could possibly think
those they didn't believe were heading for
of who might be touched by receiving what was
trouble. All in all, it was an interesting statement
then the Power For Today Newsletter. Through
on the fact that as much as people might like to
the process, I began discovering a lot about
believe, good grades and kissing up to authority
people I had known at different points in my life.
do not equate to a lack of trouble later on in life.
Some had gone on to graduate from colleges.
Then there were three people who went
Some were working. Some had moved. Some
to prison who I knew quite a bit better than the
had children. A few had married. Some had
general names which appeared in the blotter.
stayed locally. And then there were those who
One I found because I sent a copy of our
were in the police blotter or had gone on to
newsletter to his home post office box. I
serve time in prison.
received a reply from him, with a return address
There were some names I discovered in
as the Schoharie County Correctional Facility
the police blotter that didn't surprise me all that
(Schoharie, NY). I learned through a series of
much. They were people I remembered as
his letters that he was involved in a drug sting,
trouble makers quite vividly and knew, as if in
arrested for cocaine possession, and sent away
elementary school and junior high I could have
for 3 1/2 to 7 years due to the Rockefeller Drug
that kind of premonition, that one day they would
Laws. The Rockefeller Drug Laws are a code of
be in the hands of the law. The arrests were all
New York State laws that deal out insanely
pretty uniform: trespassing, public intoxication,
harsh penalties to those caught in possession of
possession of marijuana, drunk driving, minor
drugs. Thanks to the Rockefeller Laws, an
assault, driving without a seatbelt, and driving
individual caught with very low amounts of illegal
with an open container. None of these people
substances can face years in prison - even if the
were close friends of mine, but I felt it was most
drugs do not belong to them or even if they have
poignant to see the mix of names splashed in
made a mistake and are in need of help. The
the blotter. Both those teachers favored and felt
goal of Rockefeller is to dissuade drug use, but
they would "become" something and those they
as can be seen by the number of people locked
deemed to failure were there alike. Those they
away due to Rockefeller, the laws aren't
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Divine Inspirations Magazine working. Rockefeller laws have destroyed
house, I socialized with him in many different
families, individual lives, and ensured in many
ways, my mom and sister worked with his
cases that people get out of jail and reoffend
grandmother - and everything I'd heard of him
simply because they don't know what else to do
for at least the first few years after switching
after they have been in jail for so long.
schools had been positive. Where exactly he
After this individual was transferred to Altamont Correctional Facility (Altamont, NY), I didn't hear from him again. There was a lot of
got off track, I am not sure. I don't know whatever happened to him. Then there was the girl who lived down
question about the legality of his case and
the street. She and her sister were my very best
eventually he was released. I now know that he
friends, and I definitely thought of them, at least
has not legally reoffended and found him on
for a period of time in my life, as the sisters I
MySpace about a year ago. I am happy to see
didn't have. I remember the hours we spent at
that he has moved on from his experience and
each other's houses, the times we spent playing,
even has a couple of kids.
and the fun that we had. At the end of fifth
Two others I knew who went to prison
grade, their mom moved to Alabama to go to
didn't wind up so lucky. The best friend of my
school and naturally took both girls with her.
first boyfriend back in junior high wound up
Even though something happened before that
arrested for attempting to sexually assault a
time (I'm not sure what) that caused a rift, they
college student on the SUCO campus (Oneonta,
were such good friends to me. It was hard to
NY). A few years went by and I heard nothing
see them go.
more about the case, so I am not sure what
From time to time, I would see this
exactly happened with it. He must have
particular girl when she came to visit her dad.
eventually been released because about three
Eventually she moved back to Oneonta, and we
years ago I read about him again in the paper,
found this out because my mom worked in a
arrested this time for breaking and entering. His
non-profit educational facility that was a spot for
arrest, especially for the first matter, was very
community service. She was arrested several
unsettling to me. I knew him better than I knew
times for various things, and by the time my
most I went to school with - I'd been to his
mom met up with her again, she was a
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Divine Inspirations Magazine participant in a drug court program. I don't think
are captive from within, and those who are
she ever got herself together. I tried contacting
captive from without.
her for several months, but, being unable to
There isn't one reason people wind up
locate a phone number, my mail and newsletters
imprisoned. There isn't one set of
to here were eventually returned to be because
circumstances or lives or problems that lead
she left with no forwarding address. Last I
people there. And we always know that not
knew, she was shipped to the Elmira
everyone who winds up in jail is guilty, either.
Correctional Institute for Women (Elmira, NY) - a
Let us never forget that people in prison have
horrible, maximum security facility for women. I
families; there are the people they have left
still shudder to think of her in there.
behind, who likewise have to pick up the pieces
Prison ministry is so vital because all of
of this trauma in their lives and somehow find a
us live imprisoned to something at one point or
way to go on. And let us never forget that Jesus
another in our lives. Some of us are imprisoned
has commanded us to visit those in prison, and
by the things without, but many of us live
to show compassion to those who hurt. Rather
imprisoned by the things within. These
than be a judgmental voice in this world, we
examples of people who I knew who went to
need to be voices of compassion, of mercy, and
prison had inner problems which led them to
liberty, to show all the captives how they can
make the choices they made. We've all been
truly be set free.
there with inner problems - whether abuse, emotional disturbance, negative pasts, problem childhoods or relationships, bad marriages, or the like - we know what it is like to be in a situation that comes in and we allow it to control
Apostle Dr. Lee Ann B. Marino, Ph.D., D.D. Apostle In Office Apostolic Fellowship International Ministries Raleigh, North Carolina Email: drleeannbmarino@powerfortoday.org or powerfortoday@yahoo.com (270) 925-8487
our choices. It would be very easy, even tempting, for many to look down on those in prison; and surely, many do. But that is contrary to the Christian message. We are people called to proclaim liberty to the captives - those who
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Divine Inspirations Magazine
Standing Under Intense Pressure
Paulette Harper Around 605 B.C., King Nebuchadnezzar had a huge golden statue made and erected in Babylon. He then commanded that all people should fall down and worship the statue when the signal was given. Most everyone did this, since the consequences for refusing were to be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire. There were three men, however, that refused to bow to the golden statue because of their loyalty to the Lord God of Israel. Their names were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The king was furious when he learned of their defiance of the decree, and called the three to appear before him. Then, he gave them one last chance to bow before the statue, reminding them of the fate waiting if they refused, and pompously flaunting his power by asking them what god could possibly save them from a fiery furnace. Have you ever been faced with death, loss of a job, loss of a love one, divorce, calamity or living in distress? I bring you good news today. Just as the three Hebrew men were faced with an eternal sentence of death, many of us are in the same situation and circumstances.
Cast into prison for not bowing down to the King’s god and the King’s demand left the three Hebrew men with only one option and that option was to continue believing that the living God of Israel would came to their defense. Because of their disobedience to the King’s demand the King commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. Do you feel like you are under fire? You are be bombarded with money issues, downsizing, children rebelling, disturbances on the job, conflicts with family, turmoil everywhere, drama with the ex, pressure from co-workers, or challenges in ministry? Whatever the case may be, you find yourself in the furnace of affliction. You know the old saying if it ain’t one thing it’s another.
Just as the King offered the three Hebrew men another opportunity to bow down, you will be given another opportunity to either stand for what you believe or give way to the demands of the oppressor. What will you do? Here is what the King said “Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? For the people of God there cannot be any compromise. We must absolutely without doubt stand up for righteousness and defend the Gospel. Paul put like this: “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God's power working unto salvation [for
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Divine Inspirations Magazine deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16 amp)Whatever situation you find yourself facing, you have the ability to stand and endure.
“Then Nebuchadnezzar the king *saw and+ was astounded, and he jumped up and said to his counselors, did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered, True, O king.” (Daniel 3:24 KJV) Know this that the enemy is watching you to see if you are going to crumble and buckle under the difficulty. He’s looking to see if you can handle the heat and how you are going to respond. He is hoping you die under the pressure. The enemy is trying to desperately break your spirit. He’s hoping you give up, and doubt what God is going to do. “He answered, Behold, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt! And the form of the fourth is like a son of the gods!” (Daniel 3:25 KJV)God is ready to loose you from the hand of the enemy; from bondage to light; loose you from those grave clothes; loose you from sin; loose you from everything that binds you. Loose the shackles, chains, restraints. As long as God is with you, you will walk through every adversity, trial, test, tribulation, hard ship, attack, setback and so forth. The enemy must get his grip off you. David said it like this: Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Ps 23:1 KJV)
Who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who believed in, trusted in, and relied on Him! And they set aside the king's command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. (Daniel 3:28 KJV) If you stand firm in the midst of the fire, God will promote you! We may not like the place that we are in, it might be rough, and tight, everything is coming at you, and the test might have intensified but hold your position, hold your ground, stand firm for you shall see the salvation of the Lord. Minister Paulette Harper Author of “That Was Then, This Is Now” www.pauletteharper.com
Time is short By Nolan Walker Time is short as everyone knows God controls everything even when it snows We do bad things to people God knows We are disobedience to parents God knows God knows every word everything we do Because he loved us His died for me and you He suffered on the rugged cross Before he died we were at a loss He died and rose again In him you find a father and a friend He will guide you if you allow him in You can live with him, when your life comes to an end.
Then Nebuchadnezzar said, blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,
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Psalms 51:17 (KJV): the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
We have been cracked for purpose, but broken for destiny. This Is a 911 for ALL falling tears that need to be wiped!!! rd
th
When: December 3 & 5 , 2009 Host Church: Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Stevens th
704 W. 4 Ave. Tallahassee, FL December 4, 2009-Host Church: Holy Temple, Pastor Campbell 1900 S. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL Times: Thursday-Friday 7:30pm nightly & Saturday 10:00am Cost: FREE Email: info@womenofchange.org
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Women of Zion By Stylicia A. Bowden (www.stylicia.com)
Leaving the Bags Behind: Bag Lady Syndrome In November 2000 Erykah Badu released a song entitled “Bag Lady”, this song discussed the baggage of hurt and pain a woman may consume over a period of time. However, in the song the bags are a symbolization of weights a woman carries around from relationship to relationship. Today women can relate to this song because one time or another they have allowed their baggage to hinder their journey. Baggage is a form of bondage that keeps you from becoming free on the inside. Erykah Badu make it clear to women who carry these bags of depression, shame, anger and hurt to let it go, let it go, let it go. But for many women it is not easy to relinquish the bags they have traveled with for years. The bags are used as a decoy to camouflage their true feelings on the inside. However, you must make a decision to let your bags go in order to heal. Healing is a process but the process cannot begin until you let go of the hurt and make it up in your mind to forgive.
When you look into the mirror you see pieces of yourself broken apart because your bags are stopping you from being whole. Ladies, it is important to not allow people to control your happiness. When you allow others to change your attitude then you are becoming a thermometer. A thermometer changes depending upon the weather but a thermostat consistently sets the atmosphere. When you are a thermometer you become a bright shining light. “Matthew 5:13-14,
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” 13
When you make a decision to get out of your comfort zone and let the bags of garbage go you begin to recognize how strong you feel on the inside. It is important to dismiss the baggage you have accumulated over the time span of your life. Life is too precious to carry unwanted waste. So today make a decision to let the bags go and leave them behind. No longer will it seem hard to close the closet to your past because this bag lady has decided to let it go, let it go, let it go! Until Next Time meditate on this: The minute you give someone else the power to control your happiness is the minute you become their slave!!!!
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“A Word in Season”
Hurt People Hurt People “For if you forgive people their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.” Matt. 6:14-15 Do you ever think or say the words, “I’ll never forgive you”? Most of us do. It seems contrary to the very nature of humans to forgive, and it’s uncomfortable, and almost impossible for most of us to think about forgiving when we’ve been injured by another person. Instead of facing it, we avoid it and pretend it’s not important to forgive. As a result, when we are hurt by someone, the thing we want most to do is hurt that person back. Hurt people hurt people. But, what about what Jesus said about forgiveness? Is it important or even relevant to our lives? As Christians, it’s difficult to deny the importance of forgiveness when reading Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:14-15 and even in The Lord’s Prayer. So, what do we, as Christians, do? Let’s take a deeper look at forgiveness so we can understand why it’s such an important issue to our Savior and to our faith. Forgiveness, though easy to understand, presents significant challenges
because it seems contradictory to human nature. Many people favor the Old Testament’s, “an eye for an eye” view, which is immediate and appropriate revenge. Justice is done, swiftly. There’s no delay, no doubt of the severity of the punishment, no need for judges, trials, or even God. We’ve all seen this type of justice meted out on streets all over the world and all throughout history. You kill me, my family kills you. We also know it’s the cause of countless deaths, wars and senseless crimes where innocent people murdered. Certainly, this is not the answer. Jesus brought us a better answer, a more peaceful response than in the Old Testament—forgive, turn the other cheek, bless those who curse you, pray for those who use you, if someone wants your coat, give him your undercoat, too. Jesus brought us more peaceful ways to handle hurtful situations, ways that end the hurt and pain instead of allowing it to consume and control us. However, without acceptable answers to the questions of justice and punishment for those who hurt us, and with no promise of the quick and severe wrath of God for the trespasser, many of us find the concept of forgiveness too difficult to accept. Somehow, the promise of not having our own sins forgiven, basically compromising our salvation, gets minimized, overlooked, or dismissed, placing us—the victim—in danger of hell fire. It doesn’t seem fair, right? But is this an issue of fairness? Whenever I broach the subject of forgiveness with clients, a barrage of questions ensues, “What does God want us to do, forgive everybody that hurt me and let them just get away with what they did to me? Why shouldn’t I hate them? Why shouldn’t I expect an apology? Why shouldn’t I seek revenge?” While their angst is understandable, the error in this line of thinking seems clear to me. When we don’t forgive, we remain emotionally entangled with the person that hurt us. In short, hatred, revenge, and, expectations keep us emotionally bonded with the person and/or
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Divine Inspirations Magazine situation long after it ends. Our relationships suffer, our physical health begins to fail, and our emotional health deteriorates because we are unable to unload the negative emotions, anger and pain stemming from the person or situation that hurt us. Forgiveness is the only way to get rid of the emotional baggage of the past. With this in mind, we must take the issue of forgiveness seriously. So, instead of living in emotional bondage to a person or situation which has caused us pain, we can take back control of our lives and our emotions and move toward healing. In doing so, we are freed, not only to exemplify the love of Jesus, and grace of God through the example of forgiving others, but we avoid the possibility of dying and going to hell due to our own unforgiveness and disobedience to God. Let’s take a look at how to practice forgiveness.
terms of whether to obey or rebel against God, the decision to forgive may be much easier: either you will practice forgiveness in obedience to God, or you will defy Jesus and not practice forgiveness, accepting whatever may come. It’s your choice, but be prepared for the consequences. If you’re deciding to practice forgiveness, these are the steps.
First, we must understand the need for acceptance. Acknowledge and accept that you were hurt by a person, event, or situation. Often, we live in denial, refusing to admit that the people who should have loved us, protected us, and cared for us, instead inflicted pain, harmed us, ignored or abandoned us, stole from us, abused us, or failed us in some way. Many people use denial as their primary way of coping with pain. They either deny that it happened, deny that it was hurtful, or deny that addressing what happened will make a Before we start, let’s be clear, difference. The truth is, accepting the fact that forgiveness clearly involves a choice. But what you’ve been hurt by a person, event, or is the choice? For Christians, our choice is to situation is the first step toward forgiveness obey or not to obey what Jesus asks of us. and, ultimately, your healing. Complete this When you think of the choice to forgive in statement: I accept that this person _______________hurt me in this way ________________________________. I admit that it happened. I won’t say that it didn’t or it shouldn’t have. The truth is it did happen. Next, we must begin to look at the trials and tribulations of our lives as stepping stones instead of obstacles, challenges instead of defeats, and lessons instead of failures. We are able to learn from the good things that happen, and from the bad. As you mature in your relationship with God, you’ll realize it is the, seemingly, negative circumstances that provide us with our testimony of how we’ve overcome, grown in faith, and witnessed the move of God in our lives. We must learn to look for the lessons in our pain. Complete this statement: Because of this event/situation I have learned these lessons
1. ______________________________________________________ 2. ______________________________________________________ Third, we must identify and process our emotions. The emotions left over from being wronged or hurt can cause us to suffer pain long after the actual situation ends. Emotional wounds can lead to depression, damage our ability to have successful relationships, steal our joy and our ability to worship God, rob us of our peace, and cause us to seek comfort and relief in drugs, alcohol, sex, and other types
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of self-destructive behavior. In order to begin facing your emotions, please complete this statement: I admit that what happened was painful, emotionally, and at the time I felt (list your feelings)_________________________. When I think about it now, I still feel (list your emotions) _____________________________________________.
Now that you’ve faced your feelings, the Holy Spirit can help you process them and begin to transform them. When you express your emotions, openly to God, admitting you’ve been hurt and may still be hurting, you are opening your wounded spirit to the Father, the True Healer and He can begin the process of healing you and making you whole again. Please understand this--Forgiveness is not about letting the other person off the hook, it is about RELEASING YOU from bondage, allowing you to live in peace. God commands us to forgive so we won’t be bound up by negative emotions that distract us from serving and worshipping Him. Finally, to experience the true gift of forgiveness and free yourself from additional stress and emotional baggage, write a prayer for the person who harmed you. Ask God to help you forgive them as a way of healing for you, and then ask God to heal the part of them that allowed them to hurt you. As we said earlier, “Hurt people hurt people. “ We’re all mere humans--fallible, damaged, wounded, and suffering, and we all need God’s grace and mercy. Understand that people who have been hurt usually turn around and hurt others. If we accept this, it is easier to feel compassion for the person who hurt you. Begin to include the person(s) in your daily prayer until you feel peace about the person and the situation. When you can wish them well, pray for them to grow in their relationship with God, and even thank them for helping you learn and practice this vital task, you will understand the power of forgiveness.
Now, you have the tools to help you practice forgiveness and you are certain to be forgiven of your sins because you have forgiven those who have sinned against you! Selah. Sophia Avery, MA is a Christian Therapist located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and owner of Christian Talk Therapy. We are committed to helping people heal from their emotional wounds, find peace, and live their life with joy, as God intended. Christian Talk Therapy now offers Phone Therapy for those who reside outside of Philadelphia! For more information, comments, questions or an appointment, please visit www.ChristianTalkTherapy.com.
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About The Book: 7 Years In 7 Months, From Bank Robber To Butterfly is about a young woman who takes advantage of an idle mind being the devil’s playground. With nothing but too much time on her hands she creates ways to cheat through her 20’s by creating ways to obtain money that did not involve working a 9-5. Refusing to sell drugs, prostitute herself, or commit violent crimes to get what she wanted, she turned to her creative ability to rob banks without ever being there. After spiraling out of control and not staying cautious about who she worked with, she eventually connected with two young women who would become a key component to her salvation. As a woman who believed God existed but did not know or care about the power of His strength and love, she was forced to surrender to her calling to the Kingdom by spending time in isolation with the only One who could really save her from herself. Once she allowed God to reveal Himself to her (although not before constant fits of cursing, crying, a mouth that needed serious taming and much mental anguish) she submitted herself in ways she never thought possible and permitted God to take her from bank robber to butterfly. That butterfly is me.
About The Author: TS Freeman is a young woman who has struggled constantly with trusting God. In her efforts to build a personal intimate relationship with Him, she has experienced much hardship. Through a series of bad decisions, an addiction to illegal activity and as desire to love and be loved, she turned to the only One who could bring about a lasting Kingdom-filled change. Her organization, Allon Ministries, is a media ministry which publishes books for the youth ages 12-21. Her mission is to provide mental, emotional, and spiritual development in Christ to young individuals with innovative ideas and vision and to increase and expand total functionality of the five-fold ministry in our youth. Contact TSFreeman@allonenterprises.com
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He has given new life, the way to victory
HALLELUJAH DRUMS
We are more than conquerors „cause greater is He We're singing hallelujah „cause we serve a great God We'll praise His name forever, and in His love abide
He has given new life, a life that never ends He said He's coming back to take us home to glory land He has given new life to those who call His name The Light shines in the darkness, our freedom to proclaim
And when the trumpet sounds we're going to meet Him in the sky He'll be here in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye
„Cause we've been bound for much too long, it's time to make a stand We've made it through the wilderness, into God's Promised Land
Hallelujah! New life! Hallelujah!
Mylow A. Young He has given new life the day He shed His blood Strength to fight the enemy by the hand of God We won't go back to Egypt, there's bondage, death and pain We'll fight for truth and righteousness… in Jesus name
He has given new life; the devil's lost the fight We're now, a new creation, because we are in Christ Satan has no hold on us, he's lost the fight its true Old things are passed away behold all things have become new
Debt FREE Living Principles Your Credit Score Can Cost You a Fortune “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he has sufficient to finish it?” Luke 14:28 (KJV)
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This month’s lesson text is dealing with the cost of discipleship. I think the same principle that we use to consider the cost of discipleship should be applied to our finances. Typically when a person applies for something on credit there is the intent to pay for item as agreed. But in life things happen. If we would consider the true cost of an item at the beginning of a purchase we may delay the purchase of the item or God forbid we may even decide not to purchase the item.
The cost of being in debt and not being able to fulfill your obligation concerning that debt can linger for years. Any time you incur debt you also incur the possibility of not being able to repay that debt on time, every time. When this occurs, your credit score suffers. Before applying for credit (getting in debt) makes sure you count up the cost.
This month we will examine the cost of a bad credit score. There are many other things to consider when acquiring debt but we will investigate just the credit score monster for now.
While some surveys show that 9 out of 10 consumers are unaware what their credit score is, I would like to quickly share with you how your credit score could be costing you a fortune (in more ways than you can imagine).
We all know a low credit score will make everything in the world of finance more
expensive because of higher interest rates from lenders due to being considered a greater credit risk (i.e. higher interest rates on cars, homes and credit cards). While some may consider this common knowledge, the true devastating effects are understood by few.
For example. If you purchase a $200,000 home on a 30-year fixed mortgage at 8% interest instead of 6% (because of your credit score); that 2% is going to end up costing you a total of $96,934.11 over the term of the loan. Now, think about how many extra years you will have to work to pay off $96,934.11 because of an extra 2% in interest?
The part few people talk about is all the other areas in life where a low score will increase your cost of living on an annual basis. For example, in addition to paying more for a car, home and credit cards, a low credit score will most likely have you paying more for the following as well:
1) AUTO INSURANCE. As many as 92% of the 100 largest personal automobile insurers use credit information to underwrite new business, according to a 2001 study by Conning & Co., an insurance-research and asset-management firm.
2) HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE. It's thought many insurance companies see a correlation between low credit scores and increased
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Divine Inspirations Magazine property insurance claims. Therefore, a low score will result in higher rates.
3) LIFE and HEALTH INSURANCE. Customers who are unable to pay their monthly insurance premium thereby pass along that increased cost to the insurance company who is stuck with the bill (resulting in a loss for the company). Since customers who pay without lapse are more profitable it is felt by many that a low credit score now even affects a monthly life and/or health insurance premium negatively.
One of the more shocking areas where a low credit score will you cost you is in the area of employment. It is estimated as many as 42% of employers now do credit checks on applicants before hiring them (according to a 1998 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management).
Go to http://www.vrtmg.com/fkynard if you want to start raising your score right NOW but don’t have the time to tackle it yourself. If you would like our do-it-yourself credit score FREE E-book send us an email at info@prosperityrenewal.org and we will send it to you via email.
TO YOUR SUCCESSFUL JOURNEY!!!
Flora M. Kynard, Senior Personal Financial Trainer Prosperity Renewal Ministries
P. S. You can go to http://www.prosperityrenewal.org/coaching.ht ml if you would like 10 days of FREE coaching on Debt FREE living principles.
While many employers claim they only do it to verify information on your application (such as where you live and where you have worked etc.) we can both assume they are taking the liberty to have a peek at how you handle your financial affairs as well. According to the Public Research Interest Group (PIRG) as many as 79% all credit reports contain errors, 25% of which are serious enough to cause the denial of credit (according to a 2004 report).
And that is all the more troubling in light of the increasing impact a bad credit report can have, says Ed Mierzwinski, director of PIRG's consumer program.
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smelling and touching. This is limited knowledge, described as “man’s wisdom”.
The Bible Teacher
2. Revelation Knowledge – This knowledge is not based on the five senses, nor on natural reasoning, but on an alternative source – the truth of the word of God. This knowledge is received through man’s spirit, and is described as “God’s wisdom”.
Pastor Cynthia Togle
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) - 7 We live by faith, not by sight.
Faith Introduction Faith has always been the mark of a disciple of Jesus. The early disciples were known as BELIEVERS. Jesus said: “Everything is possible for him who believes” (Mark 9:23). Faith means total dependence on God. When Adam sinned, he stepped out of Goddependence into in-dependence (which is unbelief). This is the reason God has placed such a high priority on faith. Faith is the way we come back into relationship with God (Goddependence). Faith advances you beyond your five senses of seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling and touching. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Heb 11:1). Faith releases you from your limited capacities. By faith you move from in-ability to His-ability. This is the walk of faith to which all of us are called - where “nothing is impossible” (Matt 17:20). Sources of Knowledge There are two ways we can receive information about our life:
1.
Sense knowledge – all knowledge that comes to natural man comes to him through the five senses – seeing, hearing, tasting,
We are challenged by the word of God to advance beyond our five senses, beyond our past experiences and beyond our past capacities. This is the life of faith which each one of us is called to – where “nothing is impossible” (Luke 1:37; Matthew 17:20). The Basis of Faith Our faith in God is based on three important realities: 1.
The Nature of God
Abraham is given as the greatest example of faith at work (Romans 4:16-22; Hebrews 11:812). He and his wife were beyond child-bearing age, yet God promised him a son. Even more, God promised that through that son Abraham would become the “father of many nations”. In believing God for his son, Abraham’s faith was in three aspects of God’s nature: ¨
God’s promise (Romans 4:20)
¨
God’s character (Hebrews 11:11)
¨
God’s power (Romans 4:21)
Abraham’s faith was strong because he knew God’s nature: ¨ God cannot change (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17; Hebrews 13:8)
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Divine Inspirations Magazine ¨ God cannot fail (Job 42:2; 1 Chronicles 28:20) ¨
God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2)
2.
The finished work of the cross
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)- Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Christ has become the source of our faith in God. His death and resurrection provides the ground for our believing. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30 (NIV) (See also Romans 5:1-2). The Trial of Faith Faith is the lifestyle of a believer. But faith is not faith unless there is an obstacle involved. This is what is called a “trial of faith” and it works in the following ways: 1.
A word from God
God encourages us with a word relevant to our circumstances. This may come through the Scripture or by the inner voice of God’s Spirit, which is always in line with the written word of God. Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 (NIV) 2.
Obedience to the word
For faith to operate in our situation, we must obey that word. Faith is active, not passive. Most of God’s promises are conditional – He will do His part, if we do our part. In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17 (NIV) (See also James 1:22-25; Genesis 15:6; Matthew 7:24-27). 3.
faith rests completely on God’s word. This is true faith in action. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NIV) See also Romans 4:16-21; Psalm 105:17-19. 4.
The outcome
The end result is always victory on the part of the believer, bringing glory to God (See James 1:2-4, 12; Hebrews 6:13-15). God is looking for faith as our response to each trial we face. Many times we have faith, believing God for something – healing, provision, an answer of some kind – and then wonder why God does not respond immediately. But God is at work in our lives. Even though He has promised to answer, God will sometimes delay the answer to give opportunity for our faith to really work. Once the answer comes, we don’t need faith anymore. Faith itself produces something in our hearts which has greater eternal value than even the answer we are believing for. 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4 (NIV) Faith in God gives us the victory. Even while we are going through a trial of faith, with the answer not yet in sight, our faith in God is the victory that sustains us. Faith is the foundation for the whole Christian life. Romans 1:17 (NIV) 17 For in the gospel righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘‘The righteous will live by faith.” Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
The crisis of faith
This is a period of testing. Everything appears contrary to what God has said. At this point, our
20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live
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Divine Inspirations Magazine in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. My Commitment: Lord, I put my faith in you. I believe in your Word and your wonderful promises that will daily guide me in my walk with you. In times of trials and difficulties I will use my spiritual eyes and focus on Jesus alone, the Author and Perfecter of my faith. Amen
we are walking in HIS will, doing what HE says for us to do. I can hear a slight whisper, and HE says, look at ALL MY CHILDREN look at their PASSIONS for me. My people let everybody know that AS THE WORLD TURNS they will stand BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL for their LORD and SAVIOR. In world we have so many different types of people. We have the YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, THE FAST AND FURIOUS. If they only knew that the word of GOD is SOUL FOOD for a dying world.
Habakkuk 2:2 “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it”.
TELL A VISION Some of us before we came to Christ we knew that we were on the broad road leading to destruction. One day we went to church and decided that I am going to get off of that road and take the NARROW WAY which leads to life everlasting.
THE DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES would not try to kill their husbands. The world would not look to OPRAH OR DR. PHIL for advice. They should go THE POTTERS HOUSE where GOD can help them put their lives together again. He will restore their joy and they shall PRAISE THE LORD and go out and start CHANGING YOUR WORLD with their EVER INCREASING FAITH, day by day. People will see and hear the BELEIVERS VOICE OF VICTORY because they know that they have A LIFE IN THE WORD. We know that when we truly get a life in GOD's word, it is only then that we will truly be ONE NATION UNDER GOD.
Bridgette Whitney All Rights Reserved093009
When we went to Christ we knew that from then on THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES
would
change. We knew that we only had ONE LIFE TO LIVE after that. Why not live it for GOD. Sometimes trials do come, we faint, and we get sick. GOD is so good he even supplied a GENERAL HOSPITAL to fix our aliments. When
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The Reality Corner
John G. Taylor, MA Clinical/Christian Therapist
Living, Yes Living in the Midst of Transitions In life we know that nothing will stay the same forever, so with this knowledge we have to prepare ourselves for transitions. This is a scary word for a lot of people but 1 Peter 5:7 says cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. This scripture tells us to rest in knowing that God is going to take us through this transition and the key word here is “through”. Even though things look tough, even though they seem challenging we know that God is in control and will help us through. Transition for me has always been something that I embrace because I know that it’s making me stronger and getting me closer to the ultimate plan that God has for my life. All transition aren’t bad because if we didn’t transition sometimes we wouldn’t have found that better relationship with
God, better job, and better relationship. The bible states in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord “plans to prosper you and not harm you, and plans to give you hope and a future. This scripture should give you encouragement because it tells you that whatever you are going through job loss, divorce, job promotion, new marriage, new child, health crisis or new life focus that his plan isn’t to harm you but prosper you. I know that some may say how the cancer diagnosis is prospering me; I would say that perhaps is to help bring you closer to God or bring someone else connected you closer to him. Often times some of our challenges aren’t for us but for the people connected to us. So, I want to encourage anyone that is going through a transition now to stay focused, keep you trust in God, don’t be distracted by the stuff along the way, keep your eyes focused on the prize and the know that we already have the victory we just have to keep moving through. For the bible says in Galatians Ch. 6 verse 9: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up.
John G. Taylor, MA Clinical/Spiritual Therapist (484) 252-6747
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A healthy marriage helps you mature in your understanding and perspective about God and life. Just as the promises of the Old Testament speech given by Moses for obedience, there are positive promises for making your marriage number one. We trust the reader to “choose life” and “choose marriage”. Let’s examine some of the main different characteristics between healthy and unhealthy marriages.
Marriage for Today
Let us dive right into the heart of what helps marriages to be healthy or unhealthy.
CLOSENESS VS. COEXISTENCE
Why a “healthy” Marriage is important: Marriage is a journey toward an unknown destination -- the discovery that people must share not only what they don't know about each other, but what they don't know about themselves. -Michael Ventura. A healthy marriage is where the couple is considered close, tight, and intimate, and inseparable best friends. There are some very positive and encouraging reasons why you should not just settle for a lukewarm, unhealthy relationship. A healthy marriage increases the father’s relationship with the children. The healthy marriage teaches children or others that separation and divorce is not an option. Emotional well being; Spiritual freedom; having a longer and fulfilling life. These are Barna Research stats. In fact, marriage alone in comparison to being single is equated with longer life.
In today’s day and age we live in, it is not only common, but “normal” for couples to not live in true closeness and intimacy. They live in what call “coexistence”. This is very unhealthy and over a period of time will prove itself to disassemble the very fabric of the bonds of love within a marriage relationship. Let’s define coexistence. Coexistence: 1. To exist together, at the same time, or in the same place. 2. To live in peace with another or others despite differences, especially as a matter of policy: (The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.) In coexistence, both partners are usually busy doing good and positive things. What’s wrong with that, you say? While it appears to be good and positive, and to bring God glory, there are a number of negative factors taking place unbeknownst to the couple when they live in this environment called “coexistence”.
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Divine Inspirations Magazine Firstly, being extra busy doing anything, whether good or bad, constructive or destructive, takes the time, attention and energy away from your partner and redirecting it elsewhere. Usually, this supposedly “good” that is being done, is used to meet the needs of others; especially if you’re in the ministry. It sounds so noble. And, in the heart, it is indeed a gesture of love. However, the needs of the spouse must always come first. Even before others that are being ministered to. Some have even ignorantly said that they have sacrificed their own marriage and family to help someone else. Understand that while that may be noble to others, if a married couple is living in coexistence, the time, attention and energy that are being diverted away from the spouse will in time open a door to potential infidelity in some way. Not to mention the more immediate result is that it will cause further distance and distrust in the relationship. Also understand, that being busy while being in a healthy relationship, and being busy while living in an unhealthy relationship produces two different, opposite results! When both partners are doing well and the relationship is healthy, being busy is usually not a negative thing. Why? It is because healthy couples know when to draw the line on the amount of busyness they allow, which in turn could become a temptation to bring a wedge in their relationship. Being busy in a healthy relationship brings rewards that actually benefit both partners. When healthy couples are busy, they are usually busy doing constructive activities that does not negatively impact or affect their relationship, but only adds to or strengthens it. They do not participate in activities that promote separate, individual ideas, goals and visions.
In a COEXISTANT relationship, Non-Quality time together IS: ·
Movies and video
·
Going to church, conference or revival
·
Time with children
· Active and participating in separate ministries, functions and events in church (This includes separate men's and women's prayer or conferences!) ·
Doing bills, chores or necessary errands
·
Discussing deep, debatable issues
· Planning or scheduling necessary things that are not fun and exciting ·
Appointments or work
Many are surprised to find that going to church or even snuggling and watching a movie or DVD is NOT considered "quality" time together. It is important for you to realize that any time spent together where the focus is not on each other but on something or someone else, it is NOT considered quality time together. This rule applies even if the focus is on a positive or negative subject matter, which also includes spiritual activities. Focusing on God is important, but it is still not “quality marriage” time. Danger Signs of Coexistence There are ways to easily tell if your marriage is caught in a mere coexistence situation. At the same time, it is extremely important that you actually take the time to see if you are in that place or not. Many will be surprised to find themselves not far from it, if not already there! But by taking inventory, and looking carefully, you could possibly avoid a devastating catastrophe; if you seek to know right away! To think of how many people have avoided major surgery and life-threatening situations simply by having their heart and body checked before
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Divine Inspirations Magazine such life altering events, is indeed a sobering thought. Some things to lookout for are‌ 1. Normality of distance in the relationship. Co-existence becomes normal and spiritually justified. You have accepted that as the way you are supposed to live. 2. The needs of other people become more important and a higher priority than the needs of your spouse. You simply put your spouse' needs on the noble idea of sacrificing your marriage for a good cause. 3. Your view of the importance and sacrament of marriage and your spouse drops to second place or worse. 4. Your jabs and comments become increasingly demeaning and insulting, yet you do not feel empathetic. NEXT ARTICLE WILL BE PART TWO – DEFINITIONS AND IN DEPTH UNDERSTANING OF CLOSENESS
Blessings, Healthy & Unhealthy Marriages By Pastors Mike & Trisha Fox & Authors of Marriage For Today www.marriagefortoday.com
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Divine Inspirations Magazine
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me�(Matt 16:24; Mk. 8:34; Lk.9:23; Matt 10:38;Lk.14:27).
SHEPHERDS: WHAT IS THE COST OF YOUR ANOINTING; DID YOU GET IT ON A SILVER PLATTER??????? PART 1 Do you think that because you perform signs and wonders you are anointed; Or because you are famous in the eyes of men; maybe you think that because you have a very large following, money at your disposal or any type of communication device to reach the ends of the earth, than you have been anointed. Oh, yes I see; you believe that you try to convince people who do not have ears for the heavenly language that you can speak in and interpret tongues. What I want you to do when you complete this work is to reflect on the cost one has to pay for the True Anointing of that everyone is claiming to have these days. What cost did you pay for your anointing; How heavy was your own cross or did you inherit your anointing?
There are few things that are similar with those who have experience true anointing from God in their lives. They all bear the cost of their anointing during the screening, selecting and training sessions. Each paid a unique cost depending on the type of anointing they received from the Lord. The great and anointed men and women that we preach/teach about all the time in the Bible had to pay a cost for their anointing. Today there are many who claimed that because Christ died for us we no more have to pay a cost for our anointing. There was a time I thought so too; until God open my eyes to see the reality. Yes Christ did died and pay for our sins ;(Glory to God); but we have to pay the price of exchanging our old dirty hobbies that we considered good before meeting Him for the new clean life. We have to take off the lord that we had been carrying all our lives for Satan and replaced it with the cross of Jesus Christ. You see my dear brothers and sisters in Christ; the Cross of Jesus Christ is not always the milk and honey that some want you to believe. There can be some very difficult days and your knowledge of these facts can help prepare you better to face them. After the exchange the Devil your old master becomes mad and one has to pay the price of battling with him.
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Divine Inspirations Magazine Many times Preachers do not prepare their converts to face difficult days and when they do come; it is almost like a bomb have hit them. How can a Good God let bad things happen to me? Some of them leave the church bitter and frustrated and return to the Kingdom of darkness. Even many Preachers believe that as long as you have been called by God; you have no reason to go through difficulties. I know a country in West Africa that believes it is a curse for a preacher to lack of basic needs and in fact to live below the status of the governors of their state. People who believe in this way go to any length to exploit their congregation to live like they think is worthy of men of God. I am not against Ministers of God living comfortably; provided they gain their wealth through honorable means and pay the true cost of their anointing. Today so many are buying charms just to satisfied their congregations that they are powerful; so that they can get out of them riches to live like kings of the earth. There is a great danger when you are not anointed by God to do this work; I mean purify and refine through fire. You mislead so many people and destroy many lives because of your selfish fleshly desires. There is no way to fully understand what others are really feeling and help them in their hours of need because you have never been there yourself. Some never get over the effects of your actions upon their lives and end up living reckless lives that end them up in prison; as prostitutes, drug addicts, etc. or even committing suicide.
Society is very cruel to some and from their early stage ; some live very abused lives and it takes only an anointed person to help them out of that uncomfortable shell they build around themselves to avoid all the pain. How can you understand properly how to deal with kids from broken up homes, foster homes, abusive parents, lack of love, if you have no training about dealing with them? If you ask many of those who you know are Truly men and women of God today( not by their popularity, books they write, riches they owned or size of their congregation); who positively impact lives by the way they live and the love ,care ,understanding, way they handle people problems; those who Patrice what they preach, etc. I am not talking about opportunist or business men and women who are surfing the web day and night to see how they can copy the ideas of others for the sake of increasing their popularity or purses and not for the Kingdom of God. You see one thing I learn in life is that try as you can; if you are not call by God for a particular job and you steal it; you will end up a terrible loser; because you did not pay the cost for that particular anointing. What am I talking about here? Well to get a clearer picture I want us to examine the cost great men and women who lived before and after the death of Jesus Christ had to pay for their anointing. The first person I want us to examine is Noah. He was anointed to do what no other man living on the face of the earth has ever done. He was anointed to built the largest ever boat not only to accompany him and
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Divine Inspirations Magazine his family, but to provide a space to comfortably host a pair of every living thing on the face of the earth. He had to also have an area for keeping their food etc. The price he had to pay in those days was very grave. He and his family became a laughing stock in the community. I believe it was under this stress and shame that Noah (who had no Saviour in his days to turn to); took to drinking wine to become intoxicated. He fulfill God’s plan; but because of the free will God give man sought his own solution and couldn’t stop even after the flood. Because of this he had to curse his son who saw his nakedness and did nothing about it. Yes, he operated under the anointing of God but that did not stop Satan from attacking him on every front. In order to fully understand the wickedness of the world and why God was destroying it, his eyes had to be opened through practical experience. Many of us today groan under the weight of trials and persecutions of one type or the other. The price we have to pay for our anointing can sometimes cause us to face mockery and hardships of various types; from both friends and enemies alike. Sometimes it can get so bad we want to turn our backs and run from God, end it all by taking our lives, turn to evil behaviors etc. I want you to know that if you do not hold on because you are paying the cost for your anointing; the consequences will fully fall on your heads. But whatever the case may be, taking rash and quick decisions can lead to a very bad future. This is because every seed you sow good or bad will grow
one day. Most of the time during the testing period dangerous mistakes can be made that can have lasting effect on generations yet unborn. It is better to know that to every genuine anointing from God that sets you apart from the rest of the people; there will be a price to pay, sometimes people will gossip about you, other times fear will overtake you, and yet other times you will go through dangerous valleys and mountains of life alone; but because of your anointing you have the power to overcome regardless of the situation you may be facing at the time. I can also speak about Abraham; the father of Faith. What did he have to pay for his anointing? He was chosen and called from home by God so you might think that he did not have to pay a price for his anointing. You are very wrong there, if you dare think so. This Anointed man of God faced famine, and had to run to Egypt and did not yet trust his God enough to save his beautiful wife from the King of Egypt in those days; so he lied. Oh yes Satan was definitely on his back too, just like those true shepherds who are hungry for the things of God only. People called him the ‘Father of Nations’ when he did not have a child. I am sure at times they mock him behind his back. The test became so bad that his wife give in to temptation twice; giving her maid to him as a wife and laughing when the actual time came to received her blessings. Abe was called to sacrifice that which he hoped and prayed for all of his life. The Bible is silent about the night before the sacrifice. Did he tell his wife about God request? Did he pray
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Divine Inspirations Magazine and cry until his voice was almost gone interceding on his son behalf? Was he tempted to say no to God? How did he wake up that morning, downcast or full of energy? You see friends regardless of how big the temptation; the Lord always equips us to fight back. What is the cost you had to or are paying for your anointing today; before or after you; left the crutches of Satan? Is it in your marriage; maybe your wife or kids are not what you had wish them to be in life? Or are you barren and can have no children and people are saying healer or preachers heal yourself? Is it the problem of jealousy and righteousness? Is it because God selected you to shine brighter than others; therefore they seek your down fall. Sometimes the price we have to pay is betrayal from family or friends that we thought were so close to us and we were save with. They laugh and cheer us on as they listened to our dreams and aspirations but at the very movement deep in their hearts there is nothing but hatred, disgust, envy and plans to make sure to do all within their powers to stop them from becoming a reality. Yes was it your ugly past that evil people are using to exploit you in different ways or your bad hobbies? Regardless of how bad the storm can get; within you lays the power to overcome. I can tell you about Joseph whose mother died while giving birth and was anointing by God. God used to speak to him through his dreams even from his young age. However the price he had to pay for hearing, seeing
and interpreting dreams was a huge one. Even as his brothers tagged him the dreamer, they planned secretly to get rid of him. Because of his anointing he was stripped of his beloved gown; made by his father especially for him, thrown into a hole and sold for cash. He stood firmly holding fast to and protecting his anointing and the Name of God and the price he pays for that was to be lied upon, flogged and thrown into prison. God does not joke with those he selects for a special task here on earth and anoint them. He allows the tempter to take His anointed ones through many terrible storms in life; but forbade him to ever touch their lives. I can speak about Moses who was preserved from the time of his birth in the house that he was born to destroy. He lived and learned all of their ways and was trained by the best of their educators of those days in every imaginable art a Prince of the land had to learn. However when the time of his anointing came and his eyes were opened by the Spirit of God; he had to pay the usual price for his anointing. Yes, Satan interferes in his destiny causing him to think he was a solution within himself; murdering someone, and had to go into exile for forty years. He came down from being a Prince of Egypt to learn the art of shepherding. Operating under the anointing of God he did things that no man living has duplicated. He got the Ten Commandments from God; lead the people for forty years in the desert and saw the Glory of God that even change his appearance; but again Satan got a hold
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Divine Inspirations Magazine of him and caused him not to enter the promise Land. I can speak about Job upon whom the anointing of God was so much that even God boasted about him before Satan. The price Job had to pay was so heavy that his wife asked him to curse God and die; while his friends ask him to confess and acknowledge that he had sinned against the Most High God and to ask for repentance. Oh yes; Jonah anointed to preach the Word to people who he felt should be condemned to death. He tries to flee the presence of God to avoid preaching to these people; in case they repent of their horrible ways, and God forgive them. The price he had to pay was to be shallow by a fish after being thrown into the water; for three days he remain in the belly of the fish. The Three Hebrew boys had to pay the price of being thrown into a fiery furnace by the King; Daniel into a den of lions; Elijah who God spoke through and a draught was pronounce for three years; fed by birds on a heavenly diet; sent to a widow to survive on the miracle of God, challenge the prophets of Baal and call upon the Lord to send fire from heaven; yet he reach the point where he could stand it no more and wanted to die. I could go on and on but I just remember the Apostle Peter who recognized Christ for who He really was; was one of the three closest disciples to Jesus Christ, but when things became tough and the Master was caught in a net,(like most of us) he denied him. I always wonder what Peter read in the
eyes of Christ that night that caused him to cry so bitterly. It was not that he just remembers their conversation, no; he was conscious and tries to protect the Master in the garden, but to his surprise the Master healed the rebel ear that he cut. Whatever Peter saw in the eyes of Jesus Christ that day brought about a mighty change in his life from that movement on wards. From the Upper room to the day of Pentecost onwards he became one of the leaders of the group, ready at any hour to sacrifice his life for Christ. Do you know how the disciples die? Yes, there is always a price to pay for our anointing and unless you are fully ready at any hour to pay that price; you can never be fully anointed. Christ himself said that if you want to follow him the price you have to pay is to take up your cross and follow him. This is where most of us want to dodge. We think to be followers of the Kingdom of God are bread and butter every day. I want you to note from this day forward that it is toils and sweat; persecutions and sometimes even worse to be a True follower of the Kingdom of God. It is not simply standing up on Sunday mornings and shouting down at the people what they want to hear. It is not collecting huge sums of money in the Name of God. It is not the performance of those signs and wonders bought from Satan and his agents through occultist means just to convince the crowd that you are powerful. It is not your golden or silver cross or wearing to put on the appearance of holiness; it is all about taking up the challenge of paying the price for your
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Divine Inspirations Magazine anointing. Sometimes it can be very painful and difficult, like Joseph; other times it can take away love ones like Job, take you to prison like Daniel; drive you into exile like Moses, or cause you to face unusual challenges like Jonah. There is one thing very certain in all this; through it all, our God is just nearby ready to shout Victory once we overcome. I want to end this session with a conversation I had with a Child of God who I believe is called to do the work of God, but had to face the cost in a very painful way. I put this conversation here with her permission, not only to expose the danger of the un-anointed ones; to tell you that the cost for our anointing is not an easy one. Conversation:
No I am here for you my friend Angela: THANK YOU, GOD BLESS YOU. BARE WITH ME, I REALLY NEED TO RELEASE THIS Bishop: He is always in control Angela: I AM TIRED BISHOP Angela: I AM TIRED! I HAVE TRIED ALL I KNOW. Bishop: Why? Tired of what my Dear Angela:
GOOD EVENING BISHOP,
EVERYTHING BISHOP, MY LIFE IS NOT THE WAY I WANT IT TO BE, I AM PRAY, I LOVE GOD, I WANT TO WALK, BUT MY PAST, AND THE PEOPLE THAT I USE TO WALK WITH WAS NOT WHO I THOUGHT THEY WERE OR WHO THEY SAID THEY WERE IN CHRIST.
Bishop:
I FORGIVE THEM,
Blessings
I FEEL LIKE MY LIFE IS STAGNATE
Angela:
I DON'T WERE I AM IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW
THANK YOU BISHOP, HOW ARE YOU THIS EVENING?
I FEEL LIKE I AM JUST EXISTING
Bishop:
I HAVE PROPHETESS IN FRONT OF MY NAME BECAUSE GOD SAYS THAT IS WHO I AM, BUT MY LIFE, TO ME
Angela:
To God be the Glory my Dear Angela:
DOESN'T REFLECT THE LIFE OF A PROPHET AT ALL...
I THANK YOU FOR RESPONDING, IS IT OK TO TALK TO YOU? ARE YOU BUSY? IF SO; I DO UNDERSTAND. I WOULD RATHER BE TOLD THAT THAN IGNORED. YOU KNOW WHAT I AM SAYING? Bishop:
Bishop: I am listening Angela: I KNOW HE NEVER SAID IT WOULD BE EASY, AND WE ARE TO STUDY TO SHOW OURSELVES APPROVED.
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Divine Inspirations Magazine Bishop:
Angela:
So True
I DIDN'T KNOW THE EXTENT OF MY CALL UNTIL I ALMOST TOOK MY LIFE IN 2001; DUE TO THINGS I HAVE BEEN GOING THRU.
Angela: STRUGGLES COME I KNOW... WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR EYES ARE REALLY OPEN
Bishop:
Bishop:
Ok tell me in details what caused you to become so desperate as to try to take your life. The better I am enlightened, the more I will be able to help you
You see as we talk I am preparing to release a document tomorrow on this very issue you have brought up It is entitled the cost of your anointing Angela: AND THE PEOPLE ARE NOT WHO THEY SAY THEY ARE, I HAVE BEEN THRU SOME BAD THINGS BISHOP ALMOST 2YEARS NOW... BEGAN IN 2003 AND ESCALATED MORE INTO 06 AND THE 07 LIKED TO KILL ME, I NEVER RECOVERED FROM IT Bishop: We all are faced with these very situations daily and tell you the truth it is your power to overcome that will win the battle for you
Angela: I RELOCATED HERE TO LEAVE A PAST BEHIND AND START OVER, AFTER I WAS RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL I REMEMBER A MINISTER TELLING ME GOD HAD HIS HAND ON MY LIFE, HE SNATCHED ME OUT OF DEATH’S HAND TWICE, I DIDN’T I RISK MY LIFE TO SAVE SOMEONE I THOUGHT LOVE ME WHO DID NOT LOVE ME AT ALL. NOW I REALIZE WAS SPIRIT OF REJECTION, I WAS FACED WITH 5 YEARS IN PRISON. IT COST ME A MARRIAGE AND MY KIDS Bishop: Go ahead who? Angela:
Angela: I AM IN HIDING, I AM FEELING ASHAMED AND EMBARRASSED, I HAVE PROPHETESS ON MY NAME AND EVEN IF I TRY TO BE NORMAL AND REMOVED IT WOULD JUST BE ANGIE, THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN CALLED ALSO CAN SEE AND THEY KNOW...
GOD’S SPIRIT IN ME, BUT I NOW CARRY A FELONY RECORD HE WAS AN EX... WHO WAS LIVING A DOUBLE LIFE
Bishop:
I CAME TO GEORGIA, ONLY TO START OVER
No man is perfect therefore it is necessary to trust God alone for only He cannot let us down.
THE TROUBLE GOT WORST. I RAN TO THE CHURCH. NEVER BEEN CLOSE TO MY NATURAL
Angela: I AM NOT SURE WHERE I AM NOW
FAMILY, SO I MET A YOUNG PROPHET WHO MENTOR ME
NOTHING IS ADDING UP
I BEGAN TO GO TO CHURCH A LOT
Bishop:
Bishop:
Cool down and start from the beginning and tell me it all
Go back a little Angela:
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Divine Inspirations Magazine
MY HUSBAND HAD ALREADY MET SOME OTHER WOMAN AN LEFT ME BEFORE ALL THIS
TO Bishop:
A YEAR AND A HALF BEFORE THIS MAN
What kind of life was he living?
MY LIFE CHANGED IN 01
Angela:
BEHIND THIS ENTIRE THING
AFTER I WAS CONVICTED
I DIVORCE, MOVED HERE
Bishop:
Bishop:
Was he into drugs or crime?
Ok what about your parents? Angela: Angela: I FOUND OUT 3 YEARS LATER HE WAS ON THE RUN FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER AND DRUGS YES I DIDN'T KNOW. I JUST NO, I WAS THE ONE COVERING HIM AND HIDING WITH ALL THE MONEY HE HAD ME SENDING HIM WHICH KEPT HIM MOVING AROUND, AND NOT HOLDING DOWN A JOB, SINCE WE LIVE IN TWO TOTALLY DIFFERENT STATES
I REALLY DON'T MY FATHER TO WELL AND MOTHER AND I HAVE NEVER HAD A M OTHER DAUGHTER RELATIONSHIP LIKE SHE DOES WITH MY SISTER AND BROTHERS I WAS A FOSTER CHILD MOST OF MY CHILDHOOD IN FOSTER CARE FROM A INFANT UNTIL 13
Bishop:
IN BETWEEN THOSE TIMES WHEN I WAS SENT TO LIVE WITH HER, IT WAS A LOT OF INSTABILITY AND ABUSE
Well how did it involve you?
Bishop:
Angela:
I understand
HIS ISSUE DIDN'T UNTIL HE HAD ME SELLING STOLEN MERCHANDISE
Angela:
I WAS CHARGED WITH EMBEZZELEMENT
MOVE AWAY AND I HAVE BEEN ON MY OWN SINCE 16
Bishop:
Bishop:
Ok I see
Ok
Angela:
Angela:
THE PROPERTY STOLEN TOTALED UP AND THE CHARGE WSA THE DOLLAR AMOUNT OF THE MERCHANDISE
STARTED IN CHURCH HERE IN 03
Bishop:
Which Church?
Was he your husband or boyfriend?
The Name
Angela:
Angela:
Bishop:
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Divine Inspirations Magazine WELL THIS MAN SWORE GOD TOLD HIM I WAS HIS WIFE SHEKINAH Angela: BECAUSE I WOULD NOT GO ALONG WITH IT AN HIM BEING LIKED THERE BY MANY IT CAUSED ME TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH SOMETHING BY THE LEADER OF THIS CHRUCH.
I DEALT WITH SUICIDE REGULARLY, BECAUSE I THOUGHT THEY HEARD GOD BETTER THAN ME, I DID WHAT THEY SAID THINKING IT MUST BEEN THE REASON WHY NOTHING WAS WORKING FOR ME IN MY LIFE I COULDN'T HOLD A JOB, MY OLDEST DAUGHTER WAS GIVING SO MUCH TROUBLE TROUBLE I THOUGHT I WAS LOSING IT,
I WASN'T LIKED VERY MUCH THERE
I KEPT HEARING ABOUT WITCHCRAFT
BECAUSE I WAS HONEST ABOUT HOW I FELT
BUT DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS HAPPENING, IT WAS HORRIBLE, UNTIL WE STARTED LOSING THINGS AND A EVANG SPOKE TO ME AND TOLD ME GOD ALLOWED ME TO GO THUR IT BECAUSE I LISTEN
AND I WASN'T WILLING GO ALONG WITH WHAT PEOPLE WANTED, I WAS OUT SPOKEN, I SAW TOO MUCH AND I SPOKE ON IT.
TO THEM PEOPLE AND NOT HIM
BASICALLY
Bishop
THE HEAD WAS NOT CLEAN THINGS I SHARED IN CONFIDENCE WITH THE HEAD OF THAT CHURCH WAS NOT HELD IN CONFIDENCE IT WAS PUT OUT OVER THE CHRUCH AND I BECAME SUNDAY MORNING MESSAGE I WAS SET DOWN AND REMOVED OFF AUXILIARIES I WAS OVER Bishop:
You were not obedient to God but to your sense of security in life. You wanted security and I can't blame you Angela: BUT I WAS BEING TOLD I DIDN'T HEAR GOD, THE PROPHET OF THE HOUSE SAID I WAS HEARING A VOICE BUT IT WASN'T GODS VOICE I GOT OUT THE MARRIAGE TO ONLY END UP AT ANOTHER CHURCH IN 06 UNDER AN APOSTLE WHO TOLD ME SHE
That was witch craft Angela: I WENT BACK AFTER GOING BACK AND FORTH IN PRAYER ABOUT IT, I WAS OBEDIENT TO GOD
WANTED ME TO JUST COME AN FELLOWSHIP, I DIDN'T HAVE TO JOIN Bishop:
I KNOW THIS NOW BUT IT GETS WORST BISHOP
Do not trust everyone who calls themselves prophets my Dear
THEY TOLD ME IF I DIDN'T MARRY THE MAN NOTHING IN MY LIFE WOULD GO RIGHT
Some are wolves Angela:
I MARRIED HIM IN 05 I WENT THRU 6 MONTHS OF HELL,
I LEARNED THAT THE HARD WAY, BUT THIS TIME IT LANDED ME IN JAIL
Angela:
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Divine Inspirations Magazine I DIDN'T GO TO JAIL FOR THE EMBEZZLEMENT CHARGE I WAS GIVEN PROBATION IN 02, ARE YOU FOLLOWING ME SO FAR
I BROUGHT THIS MAN TO CHURCH AS SHE ASKED ME TOO, THAT NEXT MORNING SHE CALLED ME THIS WAS MY PASTOR/APOSTLE, MY LEADER/SHEPERD.
I NEVER SPENT ONE NIGHT IN JAIL AT ALL
SHE ASKED ME WHERE THAT I FIND THAT FINE BLACK NIGGA AT?
UNTIL 2007 AFTER I LEFT THAT MAN, WENT TO THIS OTHER CHURCH AN I THOUGHT MY LIFE HAD BEGAN TO GO IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION FINALLY WHEN I GOT OUT THAT MARRIAGE
MONTHS PASSED SHE PUSHED THE ISSUE OF US GETTING MARRIED. CONVOCATION WAS COMING UP IN MAY OF 07, AND SHE TOLD ME SHE COULD NOT LICENSE ME IF WE DIDN'T MARRIED SO WE CANCELLED THE WEDDING AND MARRIED DEC 06
Bishop: I am following you
SHE COUNSELED US AND MARRIED US AT HER HOME IN DEC 06
Angela: ONCE OUT OF THAT MARRIAGE, I STAYED WITH HER , THE APOSTLE AT THE NEW CHURCH, AND FELLOWSHIP, SHE TOLD ME AFTER BEING THERE FOR AWHILE THAT GOD WANTED ME TO TRAIN AS A MINISTER, AND THEN SHE TRAINED ME AS ONE OF HER
WELL EVERYTHING IT TOOK ME 5 YEARS TO GET I LOST IN 07 MY JOB, MY HOME, BOTH CARS, EVERYTHING Bishop:
ARMOUR BEARERS, I WAS ALSO OVER THE DANCE MINISTRY THEN DURING THE SPRING OF 06, SHOULD WENT WITH MY SPIRIT, I FELT AND I TOLD HER SOMETHING STRANGE WAS GOING ON WITH ME BUT SHE DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT, I FINALLY LANDED A GOOD JOB, FINALLY WITH A FELONY ON MY BACKGROUND
How? Was this the guy living a double life? Angela: IN MARCH OF 07, I FOUND OUT THE MAN WAS STILL MARRIED, I ASKED FOR AN ANNULMENT OF THE MARRIAGE IN JULY OF 2007, THE MAN JUMPED ON ME AND THE POLICE WAS CALLED AND I WAS ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO CAUSE BODILY HARM
I WENT THRU HELL ON THAT JOB BISHOP MY BOSS WAS ATHEIST, OR SOMETHING, HE KEPT ME IN HIS OFFICE MORE THAN AT MY DESK
I SPENT 3MONTHS IN JAIL
NOTHING HAPPEN BUT HE WAS VERY MEAN, ANYWAY, I MET A MAN WHO
Jesus!
I CONFIDED IN APOSTLE ABOUT WHO
Angela:
SHE TOLD ME TO BRING TO CHURCH IF YOU THINK I AM LYING, ASK JESUS
HE WAS NEVER ARRESTED, HIS FRIENDS GAVE A STATEMENT ON HIS BEHALF AFTER THE INCIDENT HE WAS TAKEN FROM THE SCENE OF THE INCIDENT
HE WILL VOUCH FOR ME, I KNOW THIS
Bishop:
ALL SOUND CRAZY, BUT IT IS TRUE!!!
So bad what about the Prophet?
Bishop:
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Divine Inspirations Magazine Angela: HE SHOWED UP A WEEK LATER WHILE I WAS STILL IN JAIL TO TELL ME HE DIDN'T WANT THE MARRIAGE WHICH WAS ILLEGAL ANYWAY OK THE PASTOR, SENT HER SPIRITUAL DAUGHTER TO COME PICK UP MY BELONGING I RELEASED THEM TO HER, TRUSTING HER SHE TOLD ME SHE WOULD HANDLE THINGS FOR ME.... THERE IS MORE... I GETTING THERE THE PASTOR NEVER CAME TO SEE ME Bishop:
WOULD NOT WORK WITH HIM TO HELP ME, ACCORDING TO HIM SHE HAD A LOT OF NASTY THINGS TO SAY ABOUT ME AND HE AND HIS WIFE DIDN'T WANT TO GET IN THE MIDDLE OF IT SO THEY STOP RECEIVING MY CALLS I WAS RELEASE IN OCTOBER OF 07. I WAS SENT HOME OCT. 17, 2007 2 DAYS AFTER I GOT HOME MY MOTHER FROM N.C. CALLED ME TOLD ME A PRIVATE DECTECTIVE CALLED HER LOOKING FOR ME ABOUT THE CAR MY PASTOR SAID SHE HAD TURN IN, THE DETECTIVE TOLD ME THAT I HAD TIL 3P.M. TO FIND THE CAR AND TURN IT IN OR THEY WOULD ISSUE A WARRANT FOR MY ARREST Bishop: Jesus, what Evil?
What?
Angela:
Angela: BUT EVERYONE AT CHURCH KNEW MY BUSINESS. I THOUGHT I WOULD BE GETTING OUT THE NEXT DAY, THAT WAS NOT THE CASE I WAS THERE 3MONTHS, SO I ASKED THE PASTOR TO TURN MY CAR IN BECAUSE THEY WAS THREATENING TO FILE A REPORT ON ME AFTER SO MANY PAYMENTS WERE BEING MISSED Bishop:
ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP WERE I FINANCED MY CAR THE PASTOR NEVER MADE CONTACT WITH THEM TO ARRANGE THE PICK UP OF MY CAR THE MARRIAGE WAS DISSOLVE BUT A LOT OF HURT CAME FROM BEHIND THAT I WAS TALKED ABOUT AND LIED ON AND I WAS NOBODY TO EVERYBODY WHO I WAS SOMEBODY TO AT ONE POINT THERE IS MORE
What did she do?
THAT SAME MAN WHO I TOLD YOU ABOUT IN 03 FROM SHEKINAH CAME AROUND AGAIN CLAIMING ALL THIS HAPPEN CAUSE OF HOW I DID HIM
Angela: SHE HELD THE CAR IN HER POSSESSION UNTIL MY TAGS RAN OUT WHICH WAS THE END OF AUGUST AND SHE TOLD ME SHE TURNED MY CAR IN BUT SHE PARK MY CAR IN A WALMART PARKING LOT NOT FAR FROM WERE SHE LIVED.
HE KNEW GOD TOLD HIM I WAS HIS WIFE Bishop: What?
Bishop:
Angela:
What a bad Pastor
SO GOD HAD TO LET ME GO THRU THIS SO I WILL KNOW WHAT A GODLY MAN WAS... I NEVER WAS ABLE TO GET BACK ON MY FEET. EVERYTHING WAS GONE WHEN I GOT OUT OF JAIL
Angela: I TURNED TO ANOTHER BISHOP WHO MADE CONTACT WITH HER ON MY BEHALF WHO SHE
BISHOP, I WANT SAY ALL MY TIME IN JAIL WAS BAD,
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Divine Inspirations Magazine Bishop:
THAT IS WHEN I KNEW,
I know
Bishop:
Jail is bad my dear
So sad yet so brave to face the challenges for the Lord
Angela:
Angela:
HOW? IT IS BONDAGE.
GOD IS REAL HE LOVES ME AND HE HEARS ME...EVEN IN MY DARKEST TIME,
I KNOW...
I THOUGHT JAIL WAS MY CHALLENGE
Bishop:
THAT WAS TIME TO GET CLOSE TO JESUS AND KNOW HIM FOR MYSELF
It changes your personality and if you are not strong leaves you with a lot of hurt
THE TEST WAS WHEN I GOT OUT
Angela:
Bishop:
HE ALLOWED ME TO MEET OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE JUST AS LOST AS I WAS THEN
You can always depend on Him my Dear because many times in life in our worst situations God is the only one present
WHO NEED TO SEE A LIGHT IN THAT DARK PLACE
that gives us light and hope for the future
HE HAD ME FORM A BIBLE STUDY
Angela:
I BECAME KNOWN AS THE PRAYER LADY
I don't know what the future holds for me bishop...
HE HAD ME PRAY SO MUCH FOR THOSE WHO CAME TO ME, THEY EVEN BELIEVE GOD HEARS MY PRAYERS
witchcraft played a big part in what happen with me
HE SHOWED ME HE DOES HEAR ME
Tell me what happened after you came out
Bishop:
Angela:
Amen I praise God that you are counted among the strong
I had an 80year old prophet tell me that my exhusband mother went to see someone
Angela:
a root worker,
HE SHOWED ME, “THEY SAID I WAS CURSED AND CRAZY AND DIDN'T HEAR GOD,” I DO
Bishop:
BUT I HAD TO FACE SO MUCH IN THERE I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO LOSE MY MIND... I CRIED, I CRIED, I PRAYED AND I PRAYED
Bishop:
Why? Angela: all the way up until last year that’s what I was told she didn't want me with her son I HAD NO ONE TO COME TO ME BUT HE WAS THERE.... NO ONE BUT HIM... FOR 3 MTHS
honestly, in jail in time of fasting and prayer, God showed me witchcraft
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Divine Inspirations Magazine I didn't know who was doing it,
Angela:
anyway my ex-husband met someone else, got her pregnant and married her so he is gone!
Love? Security?
Bishop:
I talk to God every day, yet I feel I went wrong somewhere
God worked that out for you
I am struggling Bishop
Angela:
with what he wants me to do,
I never was able to pull up financially from this Bishop:
I had an apostle who emailed me and was asking me where I was in GA
You still have a great future ahead of you
I didn't know why
Angela:
Bishop:
It was hard, I didn't want another fail marriage so I prayed and fasted and prayed
No you did nothing in this matter
but I know it was not his will for me but more hell came after that cause the other men kept coming and more mess long story short, I cut every one off I don't trust anymore
Angela: I don't trust anyone, I mean no one I don't know what to do anymore or if I am even worthy to have people call me prophetess Bishop:
Bishop: Why? Because you fail once doesn't mean you will always fail Angela:
Your parents; the foster homes; the abused pastor and prophets have more to do with it than you. Angela: Why me?
I have placed my heart in God’s hands now. Bishop: I believe since August 2008 God has been leading me out of this place, no one to depend on or look to, not a clue to where go. a pastor who was more concern about why my lawyer said about a lawsuit that I lost Bishop:
They took advantage of your abused pass and exploited you. Angela: I said yes to God with all my heart and soul.... I love God, without him, I can not live this life
but I know your heart yearns for love and security that you have been deprived of all your life. You can still find love and fulfillment in life with God directing your path.
it is miserable.... I feel lost, hopeless Bishop:
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Divine Inspirations Magazine You found the answer out a long time ago but you do not want -to accept it. God will call you to hurting people Angela:
Visit and encourage them anywhere you are Angela: Whoa! Whoa! prison... prison... I don't like prison...
What? Bishop:
I mean I’ll go, too visit, but I don't know where to began with that either, I am not license Bishop
To save them through your experience
Bishop:
Angela:
Visit the hurt ones those who are running from themselves because of an abused past
I WANT TO SHARE THIS WITH YOU Angela: May I? I don't even belong to a church
Bishop: To reach out to the un-loved, because you understand more than anyone else about the pains and frustrations they go through.
Bishop: You do not have to love it because you will spend only an hour or two there each day or week
Angela:
Angela:
I DO ACCEPT IT, BUT WHAT DOES HE WANT ME TO DO? , I ACCEPT IT, BISHOP... I AM NOT RUNNING
I was told by this apostle that she wanted to help me start a ministry and she will put me under her character but I don't know if I can trust her, I never met this apostle, I have no job,
I JUST DON'T KNOW WHERE TO BEGAN
Bishop:
Bishop:
You do not have to. Ok if you start in earnest I will give you my covering and ask others to do the same.
You can trust me Angela because I know that there is much more
Angela:
Angela:
Bishop, help me understand what is happening
Did I do wrong thing by coming back to Georgia?
Bishop:
I was told God removed me from this place this summer
No you are called to work and head your own Angela:
Bishop: Good began at the very place He will show you. Start with a prison Ministry
Good lord, Bishop:
Angela:
You earn it through sweat and toil.
Whoa!
Angela:
Bishop:
WELL THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO ME
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Divine Inspirations Magazine I almost messed up
DIVINE INSPIRATONS MAGAZINE
I didn't think it was time because I had so much happening with me I will BISHOP, I PROMISE, I WILL GO IF GOD SAY SO.... HE CAN TRUST ME, I WANT LET HIM DOWN... PROMISE I HE CAN DEPEND ON ME... I DON'T WON'T TO LET HIM DOWN. I JUST NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO DO. AND HOW.
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Email:
Angela: YOU ARE RIGHT, HE DID SAY FOR ME TO START MY OWN, BUT I JUST DIDN'T KNOW WHERE TO BEGAN AND I HAD ONE PROPHETESS SAYING GOD TOLD HER I WAS HER AMOUR BEARER, ANOTHER ONE SAYING GOD TOLD HER I WAS ONE OF HERS AND I AM TO MOVE TO FLORIDA TO DO MINISTRY WITH HER, Bishop:
Angela: I AGREE.... Bishop: Good please take me serious and pray about this. Angela: YES SIR I WILL SIR AMEN
Alexander
divineinspirationsmagazine@gmail.com
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And I can assure you that you will find answers in that document that will help you
Bishop Steven Maxwell Kpolonyeenkpor Liberty
233 Hirst Ave Lansdowne, PA 19050 Phone: 484-429-5080 Website:
J.
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