January 2010 Issue of Divine Inspirations Magazine by Qualita Pendergrass

Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

Happy New Year!!

Vol .3 Issue 1

An Apostolic Letter

Do You Live in Fear?

It’s A Process

We Win in 2010! And more…

Single, Saved, and Sassy !

Pastor Keon A. Gerow Founder of Catalyst for Change Church Philadelphia Pa.

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Table of Contents

Featured Articles

In Every Issue

Saved, Single, and Sassy/5

A Word in Season/15

That was then, this is now/13

A Brief Moment/25

Weight Loss/20

D.I.V.A.S. /26

Let this Year of 2010 Be the

Reality Corner/29

Beginning of Divine Declarations/22

The Destiny Challenge/31

Are We There Yet? /27

Women of Zion/46

An Apostolic Letter/ 48

Poetry CafĂŠ I Can See Jesus/9 The Night is Over/17 The Story of Christmas/23 The Day before Christmas/47

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Greetings! I am so thankful and blessed to enter into a new decade. My anticipation level is at an all time high. We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus. It is awesome to dream dreams and write visions and know with the Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s help we will accomplish it all. Whatever 2009 held for you, let it go and press toward the mark of the high calling. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a New Year make the most of it. This is the fourth anniversary of the monthly Divine Inspirations Magazine. Yeah!! God has truly been speaking inspired words to us via our anointed writers and poets. This year you can receive the magazine in Print. Visit this website http://www.quapen.magcloud.com . The cost reflects a personalized issue printed just for you. Look for our subscription launch later this year. Please print or save this issue to read the inspired words throughout the month. Feel free to pass the magazine to your family and friends. We welcome your feedback and comments. Blessings! Qualita Pendergrass Senior Editor/Publisher

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Pastor Keon A. Gerow

Ours is a world that does not remain constant. One change or another affects nearly every facet of our lives. In the midst of this ever-increasing change, voices cry out still for more change. Yet in these times, God has singled out a servant who seeks to be an agent of change, Pastor Keon A. Gerow. A man literally after God’s own heart, Pastor Gerow understands one important life-altering thing: to be an agent of change, one must be fully surrendered to the fact that God and God alone spark the flame of lasting spiritual change. Out of this understanding, God has birthed a new vision in Pastor Gerow. Catalyst for Change Church (a C.O.G.I.C. Ministry) is the dynamic new pastorate to which the Lord has called Pastor Gerow.

Like the strike of a match that soon kindles a bonfire, God seeks to use each of His children as agents of change. It is this vision and understanding that Pastor Gerow, affectionately known as Pastor G, infuses into each of his messages as he ministers at home and abroad. God’s ministry through Pastor G has placed him before international audiences in Egypt and South Africa, college campuses, and most recently, the Maryland National Baptist Convention. He has received numerous honors from several civic and governmental officials alike. As well, he earned a Bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College and a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. Pastor G is just as at ease one-on-one with anyone seeking a deeper walk with Christ as he is preaching to capacity crowds. He understands that God’s work must be accomplished wherever it is found. Ultimately, it is about souls. People must be exposed to the life-giving change that only the power of God ignites. With grace, humility, and Godly skill, Pastor G is a catalyst for change, wholly surrendered to the leadership of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Catalyst for Change Church www.achangeiscoming.org

Saved, Single, and Sassy By Pastor Keon A. Gerow

Comedian Steve Harvey’s latest book, ―Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man,‖ became a bestseller in just a few short weeks. His book details and describes how healthy relationships are created, sustained, and reproduced. Harvey gives the reader a bird’s-eye view about what men really think about love, relationships, intimacy, and commitment. While Harvey gives poignant advice about relationships from personal experience, it’s imperative for the Christian that we understand God’s view on living life to the fullest even while you’re single. Far too many Christians believe that singleness is a sin that an awful, vindictive God places on His people because of past indiscretions. This thought is not only flawed at its very core but is neither sound theology nor representative of God’s atoning love. Singleness is a gift that should be cherished and appreciated. As a matter of fact, some of the greatest individuals that were ever used by God to do extraordinary exploits were single. The gospel globetrotter Paul wrote nearly ¾’s of the New Testament without a wife. Jesus conquered sin, performed miracles, and was raised from the dead 6 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

without the benefit of smelling a home cooked meal prepared by a significant other. It is in your singleness that you should be pursuing the promises of God with enthusiasm and vigor. You have time on your hands (and disposable income) to start writing your book, producing your CD, developing your play, traveling the world, establishing your business, and getting yourself ready for a helpmeet. It is much better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared. You must stop waiting on others to do for you what you can do for yourself. If you keep waiting for a knight in shining armor to ride out into the sparkling sunset, you will only end up cleaning up after the horse. A great example of how to live saved, single, and satisfied even when it seems as if you’re suffering is the book of Ruth. The book of Ruth tells the story of a woman named Naomi who lived in Bethlehem. A famine drives Naomi and her family to seek refuge in Moab, where her two sons marry Moabite women. When Naomi’s husband and sons die, she returns to Bethlehem, destitute, bitter, and empty. She also returns with her daughter-in-law Ruth. Much like the Good Samaritan in Luke (Luke 10:3037), Ruth is an admirable character

from an ethnic group that was despised and rejected in Israelite tradition. The story tells us that Ruth’s extraordinary faithfulness is the instrument God’s uses to ―redeem‖ Naomi through the birth of a child named Obed, whose descendant will be David. This is the same lineage of Jesus who will redeem the entire world unto Himself. It is the time of the barley harvest, and in order to support her motherin-law and herself, Ruth goes to the fields to glean. The field she goes to belongs to a man named Boaz, who is kind to her because he has heard of her loyalty to her mother-in-law. Ruth tells her mother-in-law of Boaz's kindness, and she gleans in his field through the remainder of the harvest season. Ruth embodies the meaning of her name ―beautiful, full of personality, glamour.‖ She is a ―glamour girl‖ not simply because of her charisma on the outside but by her character on the inside. Most singles make huge mistakes in courting because they place a greater emphasis on an individual’s image and not on an individual’s integrity. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting (Proverbs 31:30). Boaz means strength or valor. Every woman needs a man who is strong. In the book of Genesis, Chapter 2, God decided to create a helpmeet for the man. The woman was created from the mind of God to 7 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

help meet the vision of man and produce a prosperous life. Yet it is impossible for a woman to help meet the vision of a man who has no strong vision. Further, it is impossible for a woman to be submitted to a man, who has no mission (―sub‖- under, ―mission‖clear purpose of the vision). But even before you meet your Boaz, you must be courageously and confidently in love with God and yourself. Your focus must be on blessing God and blessing yourself. You owe it to God to be purposed, promised, and prosperous and you owe it to yourself to be happy, healthy, and whole. If you are not whole within yourself, you will begin to settle for anyone that comes along. This is nothing more than misplaced emotions. If you do not allow God to heal the brokenness in your life and fix the hole in your heart, you will begin to believe that anybody is better than having nobody. Life is too short to be connected to anybody who is draining and devoid of destiny. You can do badly all by yourself. Boaz does five major things for Ruth in which we should take note. 1) He protected her (Ruth 2:15) Boaz commanded his men not to touch her. Boaz was concerned with her safety and wanted her to feel secure. Every individual that you

court should want to make you feel secure. Although they may be eligible, doesn’t mean they’re qualified. 2) He provided for her (Ruth 2:16) Boaz left grain for her to gather. Boaz was a man of wealth. It is important that you connect with someone that is not drowning in debt and have been found as an unjust steward of his or her own resources. If they have not been faithful with the blessings that God has given them, you will be foolish to think that they will be faithful with yours. There is little romance with little finance. 3) He became a priest for her (Ruth 2:20) Boaz had an intimate relationship with God. One of the signs that someone will be right for you is by observing their intimacy with God. It is possible to be emotional without being intimate but it is impossible to be intimate without being emotional. If they can fall in love with God whom they have never seen, then surely they can fall in love with you who they see every day. Beware however, that just because an individual does all the right ―stuff ―in church does not mean that that’s the right person for you. The anointing can make anybody look good. Discernment is key.

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4) He praised her (Ruth 3:10) Boaz bestowed blessing upon Ruth. Red flags should go up when demeaning words are spoken when anything good happens in your life. The power of life and death is in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). The person that you choose to court should be your number 1 fan. They should be a cheerleader of your cause and speak life over everything that God has put your hand to do. If they can appreciate you, they won’t depreciate you. 5) He paid attention to her (Ruth 3:11) Boaz was concerned about her welfare. About 5 years ago, Greg Behrendt wrote a book called ―He’s Just Not That Into You.‖ He listed reasons women give themselves as to why men didn’t pursue something more than friendship. The harsh reality is that if you’ve ever wondered why he didn’t call but he said he would or why she can’t remember your birthday, no matter how many times you’ve told her, it’s because he/she is just not that into you. You pay attention to those things you give priority. The most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship that you will ever have (besides God) of all is the relationship that you will have with yourself. Start 2010 off with a bang. Love yourself, respect yourself,

honor yourself, and cherish the gift that God made you. And if you don’t have anyone to tell you how special you are, then wrap your arms around yourself, look in the mirror and speak blessings over yourself. Don’t be afraid to take yourself out to the movies and dinner and treat yourself good. I dare you to fall madly in love with you and never look back. I join you in moving full speed ahead in 2010 and loving ourselves the way that our God loves us- just the way we are. What a mighty God we serve! ***********************************

I Can See Jesus

A good night‟s rest, far in between, and few I made lots of promises that were too far beyond me The devil settin‟ stumblin‟ blocks that I couldn‟t see I remember the first time I committed that sin I promised I‟d never, ever do that again I know the devil; he‟s the father of lies But there are times I believe him and I don‟t know why He told me I was a product of what was around me Because of generations, it was a part of my destiny I see my ex-wife lookin‟ down on me

I see the crack man each and every day No matter which way I turn, there‟s always one in the way Peddlin‟ pain, destruction and death

And my mother, with teary eyes, askin‟, “How could this be?” I see all the jobs and all the money they paid

I remember you pullin‟ me up out of that mess

And my father rollin‟ „round and „round inside of his grave

Drug dealers all over, Lord I know what to do

I see livin‟ a life with nothin‟ really to show

And You know I want to stay true to You

And walkin‟ the streets with no where else left to go

But pressures inside of me keep buildin‟ up Buildin‟ up, tryin‟ to get me to drink from death‟s cup

There‟s Sondra, with a heart of hurt that cannot be spoken

The old ways of life haunt me while I‟m sleepin‟

I see the pain of all the hearts that I‟ve ever broken

Violence and fear cause me to wake up weepin‟

THEN I SEE JESUS! YES! I SEE JESUS!

Twistin‟ and turnin‟, dreams distort my view 9 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

He tells me that these things, they never were true “You‟ve believed the lies that were told to you” He told me „bout freedom that the truth would be makin‟

Knowing that You are renewing my mind You‟re healing my heart so that I can see clearly So Satan can‟t use my troubled past against me When the deeds of the flesh work themselves in my head

All the things the devil stole from me, right back, I‟d be takin‟

I remind myself that the old man is dead

He said “My child you‟ve got My power in you

Thank You that Your love is changin‟ my heart

So go on and do what you gotta‟ do

Thank You that each day is a brand new start

I laid down My life and took it up again

I still see the crack man everyday

So you could have victory over this, and all sin”

Now I want to show him there is life in Your way

I said “Oh Lord, for this day I‟ve been waitin‟

I‟ve been prayin‟ for him because You love him too

I know You‟re not finished yet, but neither is Satan Because he‟s relentless like a stinkin‟ cockroach

And I know, You‟re gonna‟ bring that crack man to You Now I can see Jesus and His Word says it loud

Deceptive and subtle, with accusation and reproach”

That I am the righteousness of God

Christ said, “Child, he roars like a lion to fool ya‟

I‟m learnin‟ to see the lies and I‟m not gonna‟ hear it

But, “I AM” is the true Lion of Judah I‟ll get you through all the struggles that be Because my grace will always be sufficient for thee

Because now I‟m listenin‟ to Your Spirit I‟ve found some forgiveness, some relationships mended

So now when smokin‟ rock, in my mind rages

Some choose not to forgive but to the Lord I send it

I stand on the One and only “Rock of Ages”

I gotta‟ keep steppin‟ in my life regardless

To this world I refuse to be conformed

Let the love of God handle the rest of the hardness

Praise the Lord; because right now I‟m being transformed

I see that my life has been hidden in Christ

Let me rest in Your love Lord, and take my time

I‟m a new creation, Jesus changed my life

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Now I wanna‟ do what He pleases My eyes bein‟ opened, I can finally see Jesus

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. Contact TSFreeman@allonenterprises.com

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YES! Walk hand in hand with Rev. Lenore A. Artis as she walks you through the Word of God and through the dark days of her own life to reveal the God of Light in each dark place in your life. If you are ready for an epiphany and if you are ready to confront your very real battles, then God is ready to show you how He obtains glory even out of the goriest of battles. You will be enlightened, encouraged and empowered. God is there with you…even when the bottom under the bottom has fallen out in your life.

To Purchase contact: laartmin@aol.com

Dark Blessing ~ Part Teaching – Part Testimony – All Triumphant!

Is spiritual victory for everyone? Can God really get the Glory out of any and every situation? Is God really with me in the dark things that I face?

That was then and this is now “If any man be in Christ, they are a new creature, old things have passed away, behold all things are become new.” 2nd Corinthians 5:17 Minister B. Michelle Horton

Some time ago on one of my rare weekends where I was home I stumbled across an old movie entitled “That was then and this is now.” The movie centered around two teenage boys who had been friends since childhood. They did everything together. They stayed overnight at each other’s homes, hung out, and did the normal stuff that teenage boys will do. But as the movie progressed, you could see a very subtle change occur in one of the boys. He began to react differently because he started to see life differently. He began to drift away from his adolescent habits. He started to question his actions and reactions to things and people. He pondered the meaning and purpose of his life. In short, he began to mature and grow up. He shares his newfound attitude and thoughts with his best friend. He had hoped that he could help him understand this new thing that was occurring. After telling his thoughts to his homeboy he gets a surprise reaction. His friend isn’t pleased at all. In fact his friend comes right out and tells him, “Come on man, we’re too young to settle down.” He tries his best to convince him to stay the same, do the same things, don’t grow up and don’t change, “at least not yet, he says. The movie continued on with the two friends becoming estranged and losing their close knit relationship just because one friend decided it was time for him to change, evolve, grow, develop and put away childish ways. 13 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

This story made me think about life in general. In each of our lives, there will come an “aha” moment, a crossroad and a moment of decision. In fact we will have these moments throughout our entire lifetime. There will be days when we should ask ourselves some hard questions. Who am I? What is my purpose? What am I here for? What is God’s will for my life? In fact I’m sure some of us have already had the experience of asking ourselves some of these questions. I remember asking myself and God these questions when I came to faith. I was living a lie. On the outside, everything seemed wonderful. I was a party girl, who like to have a good time but on the inside I felt barren and wounded. I was damaged from the course of my life and realized something had to give. I kept hearing about this man named Jesus and heard He loves us no matter what. I heard that we could come as we are to Him and He would and could heal, deliver and save. So one night I asked him into my heart and into my life. At that moment, although I didn’t “feel” anything particularly

dramatic, He entered my heart and my life has never been the same. Praise God. My faith journey began and God begin to answer the questions of my life. God took the blinders off my eyes and I began to see through the eyes of faith and trust. He began to reveal to me who I was and also who I wasn’t. He started showing me that I was created for a divine purpose. He set in motion a series of events that were life changing. He directed my path back to a church where the truth of God was being preached and taught. God gave me a hunger for His word and His truth. God fed me His word through New Members classes, Sunday school, Bible studies and personal time of reading and reflecting. God revealed to me just how much He loved me and humankind. The scripture says “If anyone be in Christ, they are a new creation, old things have passed away, behold all things are become new.” Now that is a promise that God has kept alive and upfront in my life. In fact all God’s promises are yes and amen. Now don’t get me wrong, when I was outside of God’s will, partying, playing the field, drinking, etc., it was fun. One of the reasons I hesitated about giving my life to the Lord, was that I thought being a Christian meant I couldn’t have any fun. How wrong I was! Being a Christian is the most fun, liberating, honest and exciting time of my life. Yes, things are different now. Things are flowing now. The questions to my heart have been and are being answered. You can count on God to fulfill His promises because God is dependable, sure, steady and fully able to do whatever He says He will do. I am a new creation in Christ. God loves us so much that He is the change agent in all circumstances. God loves us so much that He will not let us remain the same. In Christ we are new and improved. In Christ we are always more than before. In Christ the old has passed away. So just like in this movie, “That was then and this is now,” the character came to understand life had more to offer than he previously thought. The character had to make a decision to grow up and let go of childish things. Each of us has a decision to make today to become new by believing God and 14 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

surrendering to God’s will. God takes the old and makes it new. Yes we who know Christ can take a page out of the movie and declare like the screenwriter. That was then, but this is now. Then pain-now purpose. Then sorrow - now solace. Then hurt - now healed. Then despair -now deliverance. Then sinner-now saint. Then fear-now faith. Then empty - now full. Then hungry - now full. So as we go into yet another year we can choose to leave the “then” in the past and embrace the “now” with excitement, awe and serenity because we serve a God that holds the past, present and future in His hands and makes all things new. That was then, this is now! Amen!

IT’S A PROCESS When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6"Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering." Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him." The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. (Matthew 8:5-13) As we embark on a new year, there’s one resolution we can make that will change lives-- BELIEVE GOD. He heard your prayers; he knows your heart and he understands what you need. God wants you to understand, however, that sometimes answering your prayer requires that you go through a process of learning to be patient, increasing our faith, and preparing us to receive the blessing. Why, you may ask, do I have to go through a process? I’m glad you asked. Many times, we are not prepared to receive the things we have prayed for—houses, husbands or wives, new jobs, and great wealth require study, training, and discipline. Most of us, however, want to be blessed with these things before we have ―studied to show ourselves approved unto God.‖ As a result, the very thing we prayed for, when we receive it, becomes a burden, an idol, or causes us to fall away from God. That’s because we received without having done enough training. We skipped over the process of preparation.

One of the most difficult situations Christians face seems to be waiting on the Lord to answer our prayers. While waiting, we get distracted by our impatience, our doubts, and our insecurities. We begin to question whether God really answers prayers and in many cases, whether He even exists! What we don’t understand is that God wants us to face our doubts and insecurities, overcome them and build our faith in the process. Of course, He can answer our prayers, immediately, but what will we gain— how will we grow in faith if He does? Understanding and accepting the need for ―the process‖ may be the hardest lesson many Christians have to learn. Consider the story of Lazarus’ death in the Eleventh Chapter of John. When Lazarus got sick, Mary and Martha sent for Jesus, asking Him to come, immediately. Their thinking was, ―He can heal our brother easily, and He’s only two miles away. He can be here in a couple of hours!‖ Little did they know, Jesus was planning to use their brother’s death to demonstrate His power and glorify God. So, instead of rushing to their side, Jesus waited around, at least five or six days, and then made His way to Lazarus’ home. When he arrived, Lazarus was dead and had been entombed for four days. If we ponder this situation, we can imagine what transpired in Mary and Martha’s world. They knew Jesus was really close by and could have been there the same day they sent for him--while Lazarus was still alive. When He didn’t arrive that day, they

started worrying, ―Where is He? Why is He taking so long? Is He coming? Does He care?‖ They knew He was aware of the severity of the situation, the messengers reported they’d spoken to Him directly. Then, probably the next day, their brother died and along with him went their hope and faith in Jesus— who by the way still hadn’t arrived. They became angry then despondent, grief-stricken and betrayed, thinking, ―He doesn’t care about us or Lazarus. He never really loved us. He’s too busy with other people. We don’t mean anything to Him.‖ Once Lazarus was buried, all hope, faith, love, and trust in Jesus were lost. By the time Jesus arrived, five or six days after they sent for Him, Mary and Martha were lost. They had forgotten everything they knew of Him. They forgot about His power, they forgot about His love for them and their brother, they forgot about all the miracles they had witnessed. All they knew was that He didn’t respond, immediately, when they called, and as a result, their brother, Lazarus, had died. They lost their faith in Jesus. Mary and Martha’s faith and belief in Jesus collapsed during the process. I think that’s why Jesus wept. These, his closest friends, whom He loved, lost faith in Him so quickly—all because He didn’t come immediately when they called. I imagine He was thinking, ―Mary, Martha, don’t you trust Me?‖ How often do we do the same thing—start doubting God, give up on Him, and turn away from Him in 16 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

anger when He doesn’t answer our prayer in the timeframe, or way we expected? THAT is the type of thing that hurts God-–when we doubt Him, lose faith, and give up believing Him, as if He’s a stranger to us. How then, do we move from the Mary and Martha time-based faith to a more enduring faith? Consider the story of the Centurion—when his servant was at his home dying, he came to Jesus and said, ―Jesus, my servant’s sick, but you’re too important to come to my house—just speak the Word from here, and I believe my servant will be healed.‖ Jesus marveled at the remarkable faith of this man, and He spoke the word, healing the man’s servant. Wouldn’t Jesus have expected at least the same amount of faith from His closest friends, Mary and Martha? What about from us? Yes, the miracle was done immediately for the Centurion, but it was his total and complete faith in Jesus that gave Him favor in the sight of the Lord. Do we possess the type of faith the Centurion showed? If not, we may need a little more time in the process. If we commit to and accept ―the process‖, we learn to trust, we learn to be patient, we learn to resist distractions and temptations, and we eventually learn to fully BELIEVE GOD when we pray. Then, like the Centurion, we can have unshakeable faith that defies all we see, hear, and feel, and we will see more of our prayers answered. In the process, we grow in patience, faith and

wisdom, and it’s this process helps us learn to believe God, before our prayers are answered. The process is God’s way of preparing us to be blessed and receive His blessing. As we start a new year, let’s commit ourselves to the process of waiting on and believing God. Let’s plan to pray, believe, and wait, expectantly. God knows the plans He has for us—so let’s trust God with our whole hearts in 2010 and not only endure, but enjoy the process of growing in faith, waiting patiently, and believing God.

The darkness of night seemed endless--The hours of tears seemed to drag on--Her strength began to drain from this raging storm.

How long O’ Lord? How long before I know? What is the pathway, the door or the detour I must go? Press in … Press in … Don’t give up! Look up … Look up … When you feel you’ve had enough.

My arms they hold you--My love sustains you--My Spirit embraces you--Can you see My face child? Press in … Press in … Don’t give up!

Sophia Avery MA,

Look up … Look up … I am more than enough.

Christian/Clinical Therapist

*********************

Through the tattered curtain a glimpse of light-Though the battle seemed endless and I was worn from the fight--My hope rose quickly as that first ray of morning light---

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My arms they hold you--My love sustains you--My Spirit embraces you--Look upon My face child.

From now throughout Eternity I will never fight alone--As the Savior of the world stood with me in this fight--The darkness faded away illuminated with His presence and marvelous light.

For in His arms I find comfort--In His arms I find strength--In His arms I will rest--Until He calls me Home. Jesus Is! Jesus Can! Jesus Wants! To Be Your Everything!

Copyright ÂŠ 2007 Center Mark Ministries â&#x20AC;&#x153;He Is My Audience Of One" Publishing A Division Of: Center Mark Ministries

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Release date March 31, 2010 ~ Holy Fire Publishing ~ Excerpt from book: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 (KJV) The primary purpose of writing this book is definitely not to persecute the churches. It will bring repentance, righteousness, holiness and most of all the fear of the Lord back into the churches. For so long, many churches have started off by putting the kingdom

of God first and in seeking His righteousness, but heartbreaking to say, some have ended up in a spirit of compromise. In other words, ―There’s Too Much Hell in the Church.‖ At the end of each chapter you’ll find one of the six biblically based keys to help KEEP HELL OUT OF THE CHURCH. Are you ready? Are you ready for CHANGE, and are you ready to make a TURN? Well, buckle your seat belts as we go for a roller-coaster ride with the Lord Jesus Christ. Andrea Michele Mills [michele_amills@yahoo.com]

Weight Loss

Sonja Smith Jones It’s the New Year and many people will make the ominous resolution to lose some weight; not in the physical sense, but in the spiritual. I have recently shed a few hundred pounds, with minimal effort. How so, you may ask? Easily…I removed those people around me that no longer promoted me growing spiritually as a person.

During a quiet moment, God revealed to me that through the course of my life, I had a bad habit of keeping hurtful people near me, regardless to what they had done or said, out of fear that I may one day need them. He also revealed that I, like many of you with giving hearts, always seemed to be surrounded by what I like to call “takers”; however it was only because I allowed them to be there. I recently took a moment and scrolled through my cell phone contact list and found that about 70% of the contacts listed, only called me when they wanted something, whether it was advise, free merchandise, a job, or assistance of some other kind. Needless to say, I shed a few more pounds as I hit the delete entry button and I must admit it felt good…very good.

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Do you not feel worthy of the life God gave you unless you are the hero in someone’s story? Do some people think your initials are ATM (Automatically Their Money)? Are you holding onto an unhealthy relationship, plutonic or otherwise, just to keep from being lonely? I think at some point I have done all-of-theabove, but not anymore. I value my worth and you should do the same. When someone does not realize the purpose for a thing, they are destined to abuse it. The reality is Jesus is truly all we will ever need. When it seems that no one is there to support you, uplift you, or love you, He is always there. He said, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” in John 14:26 (KJV).

In the darkest of situations I always look to find God and the lesson to be learned. Only then, did I discover the following: when I finally let go of the counterfeit friend, God showed me new, true friend. When I walked away from the selfish boyfriend, He showed me my husband, who had always been there patiently waiting on the sidelines. When I walked away from the abusive individuals in my life, God revealed the ones who were there with open arms, wanting nothing more than to love me and help me. When I finally listened to God, and let go of the guilt of walking away from, it was only then that the blessings truly started to flow unhindered in my life.

There is nothing wrong with people coming and going, in your life. God said in the beginning of Ecclesiastes 3 (KJV), “To everything there is a

season, and a time to every purpose under the heavenâ&#x20AC;?. There are some people who do not need to be in your inner circle. There are some people who cannot handle your blessings or achievements because they have chosen to do nothing great with their lives. There are some people who cannot handle your joy and happiness, simply because they do not believe that they have anything to be grateful for in their own lives. There are some people who cannot handle your strength because they know they could never live through what you have and still smile. There are some people who you just have to pray for and love from a distance besides, everyone is not meant to be in the front row of your life, some people need to observe Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blessings (on your life) from the balcony.

Freelance Writers, Editors, Graphic Designers, and Columnists needed!! Send an email to Divineinspirationsmagazine@gmail.com to express your interest.

Sonja Smith Jones Chief Creative Director Beautiful Brown Girl.com Email:sjones@beautifulbrowngirl.com

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"Let this year of 2010 be the Beginning of Divine Declarations" Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine Did you know that you have the power to call those things that be not as though they were? Did you know that you can speak life into what seemingly is a dead situation? Did you know that you can say to the mountains in your life, be thou removed and be cast into the sea, and the mountain have to move? It may be a mountain of ill health, a stack of bills that you can’t pay, promotion on your job, or even to fulfill your God-given destiny? Well, I am here to tell you today that you have the power of death and life in your tongue. Whatsoever you ask in the name of Jesus, if you believe that you receive it, you shall have what you ask for. If your body is racked with pain and your strength you can’t regain, speak to your body and command it to be healed. You can call forth favor, wealth, health, prosperity, the anointing, and supernatural power and so much more. Jesus gave us the ability to speak with authoritative power to command the devil to take his hands off of anything that belongs to us.

You have to learn how to bind & loose, touch & agree, and decree & declare! Satan seeks to keep the people of God terrorized through negative reports, failing health, family crises, and worldly affairs. We don’t have to fall prey to anything that the enemy pronounces over our lives. He is a deceiver and the father of lies! He wants to make you feel as if you have to take anything that comes your way. You can decree and declare the blessings of God over your life, your family, your mind & body, your finances, and your future. God is not in control of your future, you are! Yes God knows your end from the beginning, but you have the creative power to speak every promise of God into existence. When you decree a thing you are commanding every situation, circumstance, or problem to line up with the word of God. The bible says the “light shall shine upon thy ways”, that’s the Light of God’s word. Stop fretting & crying and start decreeing & declaring and you will see your life change for the better. You are more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ who loves you. Upon thy ways. Job 22:28

DEBRA SAVAGE MINISTRIES P.O. BOX 750421 MEMPHIS, TN 38175 (901) 502-2853 www.DebraSavage.org Evangelist Debra D. Savage

The Story of Christmas Long ago, there was a woman named Mary Who was pledged to be married To a Jewish carpenter named Joseph They were an unassuming couple Seemed to just fit in With everyone else when Mary suddenly became pregnant Through no action of her own And even though they were engaged They remained pure for marriage all the while Mary was still a virgin! But through the conception of the Holy Spirit She would bear a child Who was destined to be King An angel came to Joseph in a dream Telling him of God’s plan for them His future wife would bear a son And surely, without a doubt This child would be the King His very purpose in being born To bring the world into a new season A chance for all to be redeemed By this boy who would become The savior of everyone in the land

And his name would be called Emmanuel

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Now Joseph being a righteous man Knew what his future wife’s fate would be If he chose to leave her alone According to law he had the right To dismiss her from his life To dissolve what they had started Allowing her to be stoned For such a disgrace, she should have to die But Joseph chose to stay with her Because of what the angel told him He chose to marry her He knew the plans God had for them Were true so even though He never laid with her He chose to remain with her And take the abuse of his fellow man For he knew he had to fulfill God’s plan Soon after, Joseph was called to Bethlehem To register his family for the census This was a decree that was issued by Caesar To count every man, woman, boy and girl So he took Mary, his wife and they went To be counted by the Roman world There was no room in the Inn There in town Because everyone had come From miles around So they stayed in a barn While in Bethlehem Mary gave birth To the child the Holy Spirit had given her Placing Him in a manger

Wrapped in swaddling cloths Now King Herod heard of the birth Of the man who would be King of the Jews He asked the Magi to search for Him And to let him know where he was So he too could go and worship Him For it would be in a dream that the Magi knew What Herod really wanted to do Killing the baby would be his great command In turn, destroying God’s holy plan They traveled many miles Following the North Star That showed them the way Their journey, though long Was a joy to behold For they knew they would meet The baby Jesus any day And when they arrived at the barn They knew it was Him for sure They knelt down before Him Offering Him gifts Of gold and incense and myrrh They never told King Herod of their visit For they were shown his evil intentions Instead they took another way home So King Herod wouldn’t know Of Mary and Joseph’s location On this day the greatest event had come to be For God’s word was made flesh When He sent His son to the earth to be born And he brought with him The gift of salvation Of grace renewed every morn. It was such an incredible day The angels sang in praise to God “Glory to God in the highest And peace on earth To all men on whom His favor rests” The angels rejoiced as they spoke 24 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

Today in the town of David A Savior has been born And freedom from death was with him For the whole world now had A chance to be saved Through the only man who walked the earth Who was worthy to carry our loads And His name is Jesus Christ, our Lord.

divineinspirationsmagazine@gmail.com

A Brief Moment: With Wayne Robinson By Robert T. Sells

DIM: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Lamar: My name is Wayne "Lamar" Robinson. There's nothing special about me. Like most, I tried to stay clear of all of the spiritual warfare. But I guess God had other plans. Three years ago I lost my hearing. At the time, I was working 12-16 hours a day, as well as teaching and directing a choir, and trying to pursue a music career. The harder I sang for God, more bad things happened to me. Finally when I went deaf, I became kind of reclusive. I felt useless; a singer/songwriter gone deaf. I truly thought God had forsaken me. I'd never felt so broken. I gave up, told my wife if she was smart, she would head for the hills. I told God "fine, I'm done!â&#x20AC;? I was angry, hurt, & felt alone, wrapped in a world of agonizing quiet...I was right where God wanted me to be. My true ministry had just begun. DIM: How did your ministry/band get started? Lamar: Once I finally just gave up and quit being so angry, the lyrics just came from all around my life, situation, and those around me. I started to see that which I was blinded 25 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

to while I was living life in overdrive. I started seeing my situation, as well as others in a different light, or from a different perspective. DIM: What inspires you to write songs? Do you have any specific techniques you use for your songwriting? Lamar: When I see understanding dawning on someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face as I sing a message, then that inspires me to write. When I hear other music attacking Christianity & Jesus Christ (but no other religion), that inspires me to come with it! When I see churches more concerned about financial business instead of Kingdom business...I write. When the church is as big as it is today in America, yet we're politically a whisper & powerless, that puts me in overdrive! I check out good teaching, relate it to my own situation, then try to figure out how to take a 45 min message, make it just as meaningful in just around 5 min & rhythm & rhyme it to a melody. DIM: Have you or your group got any plans in the near future? Lamar: Whatever doors & opportunities God opens up for me, I'll stay prayerful that I be obedient enough to walk thru them. Honestly, I didn't look past just getting the CD done. When I finally finished, all I could say was WOW!!!That's never happened before...oooookkkk...what do I do now? (LOL) DIM: What has been the best part about being in the music ministry as a singer, performer or musician? Lamar: Music is one of the only things that can take me so far away from the physical, that while the music is playing & I'm singing, I feel like I'm complete. I feel God's presence the most when I'm singing. I feel that when I operate in the gifts that God

gave me, my gifts are like my super power against the enemy. DIM: Are there examples of your faith that show in your songwriting and if so what are they? Lamar: I wrote a couple songs about real Faith (Bettah Day & What If?). Though we don’t see the big picture of what God is really doing, in order to push forward in ministry while everything seems to be working against you, faith is the essential requirement. A tree, no matter how big, can't weather a big storm if it has weak roots. When you are being tried, tested, & seemingly punished, "lean not unto your own understanding". When God is The Root, He won’t let you go. He is preparing you for a greater work, but first has to show you that this struggle, this ministry, & this walk with God are not a physical thing, but all about the heart & soul. DIM: Where can people find your music and/or products if they wanted to support your ministry? Lamar: On my myspace.com/hearlamar page, there will be a link to cdbaby.com. It will also be available on iTunes, Amazon, Napster, & a few others. I'll be updating my page as soon as they finish on www.cdbaby.com.

A New Year’s Message for the Believer: “We win in 2010”

Elder Mae Davis D.I.V.A.S (Divinely Inspired Visionaries Anointed Servants}

The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: (PSALM 138:8)

Most of us have been waiting for years on our heavenly window-of-opportunity to open. Instead of looking to God, we have been looking to our age constraints or ability, our family and friends, or our personal circumstances (to name a few). We have been wondering if God has forgotten about us. Nevertheless, I have good news; you can say with assurance that “We Win in 2010”. This may sound like another clever cliché or like the newest catch phrase for the New Year, but God has already made a way for us to win. I believe that there is going to be a great shift in the life of every believer who recognizes that the kingdom of God is at hand. The word of God says that, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in the earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10,

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KJV). God is going to bless us abundantly, but we must do our part. In 2010, God is looking for us to walk in “divine order”. If we show him that we can be responsible in stewardship and give Him his tithes – which is more than just 10 percent of our incomes, but it includes our lives, our time, and our talents; we owe God all of this and more. God is calling His kingdom in the earth into divine order; as a result, we are fixed to win in 2010. This is the believer’s year, we must not mess this up. If we do not straighten up, get our lives in order, and allow God’s purpose and plan to work in our lives, we will delay what God has for us in 2010. Therefore, my dearly beloved I say to you, become a true worshipper, and put on the whole armor of God. Be prepared to guard, protect, and defend the word of God that is in you. Trust in God and lay aside every weight and sin; and run the race with long-suffering. Most importantly, make yourself [your life] a tithe unto God and you will “Win in 2010”.

Are We There Yet?

Hebrews 4:11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, NKJV

Some of my favorite childhood memories were taking road trips to visit family and friends. I still remember the long drives (so I thought) from Sacramento to San Francisco. Along the way, as young people do – my brothers and I would ask over and over the same exact question, “Are we there yet?”

If I would have known then what I know now which is…how annoying that question truly is, especially after hearing it twenty times, I probably would have kept my lips closed but of course we didn’t think that far…after all we were kids.

I wonder how often as Christian adults we come to God asking that same question and hoping to hear a different answer. We want to be in a certain place at a certain time and instead of being patient and trusting that God knows what’s best for us; we can become frustrated and impatient and the worst part is we think maybe we should help God along to speed things up; as though He needs our help. NOT! This attitude is more common than we want to admit and I have been guilty of this myself. I thank God that He is so patient with us with tender mercies and also that His love is long suffering and never runs short.

By Filoiann Wiedenhoff Isn’t it interesting to think that as God teaches us to wait upon Him that He is also waiting on 27 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

us? What I mean is; He is patiently waiting for us to come to the same conclusions children eventually learn as they grow older which is; It’s not about how fast we get there but to enjoy the ride because we know the destination we are heading to is well worth the wait and also that the driver will make sure to get us there safely. So what can we learn from this spiritually? It’s not a matter of waiting just to wait but who it is we are waiting for. When we come to the understanding that our trust is to be fully in God’s own character; one Who is faithful, sovereign and always has our best interests at heart and in mind, we can wait patiently upon the Lord with rest and peace that He has us in His capable hands and the blessing is; when we rest and wait patiently in Him, He is most glorified in us. The truth is it’s actually more difficult for most of us to wait upon the Lord than it is to rush out and try to make things happen. I believe that is why the author of Hebrews says, “Be diligent to enter into that rest.” Also, in the King James Version it says to “Labor to enter into that rest”. In other words it takes some effort and work to rest! It sounds funny but if you think about it; it’s true. I believe the main reason we struggle to wait and rest in Him is because of our flesh nature. In our flesh nature we not only want things now but we also have been cursed with the duty to toil and labor for our provisions. It’s all about earning and working to receive our due…BUT when Christ came to fulfill the law and became our ultimate sacrifice once and for all He took up the curse for us on the cross and no longer 28 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

do we need to toil for our salvation. We now have been given grace by faith through Christ God’s son. To recap…in our old flesh we want to work (make spiritual things happen but in our time and our way) but never truly resting or receiving it. However in Christ as a new creation through the Holy Spirit we can rest and wait upon the Lord to work in us and the bible says in due time we will reap a harvest. It’s not that we are to just sit back and wait for God to do something FOR us; it’s to rest in that God is working through us and when He calls us to wait on Him we need to trust Him that He knows what is best for us and will give us His peace to rest and to wait. Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." NKJV So when your heart becomes frustrated in waiting on God, remind yourself that you can rest in Him and that you can trust God to provide in His perfect time. Ask God to take your burdens and in return He will give you His rest and peace for your soul.

Psalm 27:14 “Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!” NKJV

Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with

thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. NKJV

Dear Heavenly Father, Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me - that cries, Abba Father. Help me to rest in your spirit patiently with confidence that you are faithful and will provide in your perfect time and in your perfect way. Amen

About the Author Filoiann Wiedenhoff is a pastor’s wife from San Diego, Ca. She is also a mother, women’s counselor, writer and columnist. For more info you can visit her website at www.filoiannwiedenhoff.com.

Are you a lender or borrower? It’s time for entrepreneurship.

Well, it’s a new season, it’s a new day and a new year is upon us now. In this year what is going to be your plan? Are you still going to continue working 9-5 for someone else , are you still going to complain about your boss, 29 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

complain about your co-workers, complain about not getting paid enough for all that you do and what you know; or are you going to become your own boss, hire people that have the same mission as you, make what you are worth, advance the kingdom of God through your service and empower your neighborhood or community to be better than they were last year. The scripture states in Deuteronomy 15:6 “For the Lord will bless you as he promised you and you will lend too many nations, but you will not borrow; and you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you. I believe that this scripture is empowering us to believe in the promises that God has already told us that he will give to us, it lets us know that it’s time for us to take our place in the world and make some changes, impact the business world with our knowledge and branch out into that business that God has told us a long time ago to start. Many people have developed work plans for their business, have already designed the sign for their business, have designed the layout for their office, and have checked out locations that their businesses will survive in but the fear of failure or the unknown has kept those ideas in their heads or filed away in a drawer somewhere. The bible speaks often about fear one of my favorite scriptures is: Isaiah 43: 1-2; “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not

overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you’. This scripture is confirmation that whatever is thrown at you in your drive to become an entrepreneur and build your business, God is telling the adversary to bring it on he has you and he you can handle whatever comes. Your name is forever on God lips, he knows every hair on your head, and he knows your thoughts even before you think them. So of course he will be with you even in the first few months of the business and the revenue isn’t coming fast enough, even in those times when people tell you to abandon the business and try something else and even when you feel that you can’t do it one more day. So I say to you push on, push pass your insecurities, push pass naysayers, push pass self doubt and let this year 2010 be the year that become a borrower and become an entrepreneur. www.Johng.taylor.com

Clinical/Christian Therapist

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Making Your Season A Reality in 2010 By Minister Jaketha Farmer

ome on now and let’s be honest. Year after year, many Christians utter these four words: “This is my season!”

Surely you have heard someone say this and you have probably said it yourself. I know I have perhaps a gazillion times but what exactly does it really mean? Is it an overused or underrated statement? Or is it something that we as Christians should seriously and literally take to heart?

Biblically speaking, the word SEASON is defined in many ways. But it is commonly used when referencing “an indefinite but somewhat extended period of time.” In addition, it is sometimes referred to as “a regularly scheduled recurring time” or as a “time appointed by God.”

When one says, it’s their season, it usually implies that he or she is either waiting on God to “do something” or to “make something happen” for them. Now, that version of SEASON sounds like a lot of waiting and proclaiming but little action on our part. So, is that what seasons are all about? Waiting vs. Moving The prophetic word for the year 2009 was “the year of birthing and breakthroughs.” Its significance is that one involves conception while the other involves deliverance. Therefore, if you have not conceived, then you cannot deliver. Furthermore, if you have not been under trials and tribulations, then you have no need for breakthrough. Now in 2010, many will continue to proclaim it’s their season without having conceived God’s Will for their lives. The same goes for breakthrough, there is no need for God to share His Will let

alone provide any relief if you are not operating in His Will. So proclaiming it’s your season this year, next year or any other time without clear identification of your current SEASON is not FAITH but wishful thinking. A Year of Life or Death As I heard one prophetess say, in 2010, you are either in or out. In other words, she was saying that 2010 is the year of life or death as it pertains to your dreams, hopes and visions. Although the things of God are always available to you in the spirit realm, there is a time element (or an expiration date) for when certain things must come to be. This is where – “This is my season!” should take on a whole new meaning. In normal childbirth, it takes approximately nine months for a baby to form in its mother’s womb. After that, it is birthing time and in proceeding years, the baby is expected to advance into a new and higher level of personhood. At each level, the child should obtain new knowledge, more independence and some accountability until he or she reaches adulthood.

This same concept applies to the spirit realm. For many reading this article, if you have any dreams, hopes and visions, then your eyes will open to the expiration dates placed on them in 2010. In all honesty, those dates have always been there, whether you realized them or not. So now that you know, let me share my story with you and then I will give you a new definition for SEASON. Back in the year 2000, I lost my mother. Yet before she died, she knew that I wanted to start a business. In what, I did not know because that did not matter just as long as I knew that one day 32 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

I would be my own boss. So, it was easy for me to say as I was graduating from college, “Surely God does not want me to do this right now.” Well, that was ten years ago and now in 2010, God is saying, “The time is now!” Am I scared? Well yes! Am I 100% prepared? Well, no! Am I going to be missing this move of God over my life? I think not and neither should you. Travel back in your mind: In the last 10 years or so, what has God laid on your heart? Dig deep and look inside your heart and prayerfully ask, “God what is it that you will have me do in 2010 because I do not want to miss my season.” By failing to get serious about this right now, you might find your dreams, visions or hopes with a 12/31/2010 expiration date because after that it might just be a vague memory instead of your reality. So, if you are ready? Your new definition for SEASON in 2010 is “the proper time for action” and so in this New Year, I challenge you to get up and get moving!

Last Month’s Challenge: Review last month’s The Destiny Challenge column entitled “Positioning Yourself in Kingdom” (Dec. 2009). In that article, readers were challenged to discover God’s Will for their life by discovering their spiritual gifts and writing a mission statement.

This Month’s Challenge: (1) Pick at least three days to continuously pray and seek God about His direction for your life.

(2) If you desire support in a structured program for discovering God’s Will for your life and you have a personal email address and a home computer with Internet access, then consider joining me in “The 40-Day Challenge” online community. The Challenge begins Feb. 8th; deadline to join is Jan. 18th and other Challenges are scheduled in 2010. For details, email me at divine@jaketha.com. References: ----. (2003). Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville, TN: Holman.

Ms. Joy R. Brown -CEO JoyRBrown@embarqmail.com JoVoice Productions

MIN. JAKETHA FARMER is for the Founding Pastor of “The 40Day Challenge”, Producer & Host of GOT ISH-OOS™? Talk Radio. Visit her online at http://www.thedestinychallenge.blogspot.com or http://www.jaketha.com.

"Anointed to bring your thoughts to life."

Subscribe to DIM Today Free!! Divineinspirationsmagazine@gmail.com

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IMMANUEL: GOD WITH US WHICH GOD IS WITH YOU AS YOU TRAVEL THROUGH THIS JOURNEY OF LIFE? As we say goodbye to 2009 and a warm welcome to the dawn of a brand new year; what memories do we have about life at this stage If we take a survey we will realize that many great and small rich and poor, blind, deaf, cripple, famous, politicians, clowns, Clergymen and women, etc. have fallen into the dust along the way; but here you are still moving on through the journey of life. Is it by your own power or strength that you are still alive? Is it because of your wisdom, knowledge and understanding about life and the things of this world? Yes, it is very necessary to know which power has sustain you this far and is with you day and night. Who is your preserver? What kind of force that kept you up and moving while other were dropping along the way? From where did you draw hope and courage during the difficult day? Who did you thank when thing went right and you were rejoicing? For me it was my God; ELOHIM: ;( my Creator, Preserver, Transcendent, Mighty and Strong). . I walk with His promises buried deep in my heart and soul; inspiring me to continue to move forward for He was ever present. No I had no time for despair or fear because of Hi promises. It I written: â&#x20AC;&#x153;And thine ears shall hear

a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders. Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be. There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky. The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy themâ&#x20AC;?. ( Isa. 30:21, 26; Prov.3:6, 24; 10:3; Psa. 121:3, 7, 8; Deut.12, 2527) Who is your God? Is it one of those lower spirits that were thrown out of Heaven along with Satan , is it a demon that have inhabited your body and posses it, Is it your money ,

power, fame or success in life? Who really is your God? It is written: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. (Isa.7:14-15). “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us”. (Matt. 1:23). There I much beauty in this verse because it assure me that no matter what happens in life God is with us. Isn’t that wonderful to have someone with me during my trouble times, times of sickness, joy, difficulties, success, marriage, divorce, love, hate, pain, in bondage, in prison, in debt, in death, and in life. When God is with us great things happen in our lives. But the question is; do you really know God enough to trust Him with your life? “Can two walk together, except they are agreed? (Amos 3: 3). In order to gain maximum benefit from your travel with God in life; you must know Him, love Him , trust Him enough to Obey Him in all things; but if you do not , your walk with Him is in vain.

Which God are we talking about here? Like I mention above, there are so many gods in the world leading a lot of people in different ways. 36 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

There are some that give some people short term riches, fame, power and demand a very high price for it. For others it is the acquisition of material wealth and they spend all of their lives worshiping their properties. But the God I want us to discuss is not among these types of temporary limited power gods; He is unlike any of your god of the earth and unlimited in power and strength. Because I believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; I want to clearly describe Him using the root of our religion; the Holy Bible. In order to get a clear picture of the God I am painting here for you, it is only right for you to first be introduced to Him by His Name and Titles; because many of you who claimed to know Him call Him Lord, God or Our Father; and yet do not understand the abilities of the One you are calling upon. The truth is God I so big that one Name I too small to draw a complete picture of Him. God Himself referred to Himself with different Names in the Bible. I am sure many of you did not give that a thought; but those Names give such a clear insight that you can almost feel, touch, smell, and see God in your mind. God different names stand in for His purpose, reflecting His qualities, character and attributes. Understand that because of God multifunctional abilities, a particular name and title describes the action needed or carried out by Him at the time. An example could be when you have lost all hope , defenseless, trouble and your enemies have encircle you and you want to call on Him for help ; you can with confidence use the Name Jehovah-Sabaoth or the Lord of Hosts which is the title of "the Commander to the Angelic Host and the Armies of God". However you cannot call a military commander to heal people, that is why if you need a healer you call the doctor and Gods’ title at such a time change to Jehovah-Rophe or Jehovah-

Rapha,"the Lord God heals" Like I mention before I am going to the Hebrew roots because I want you to get a clear picture of who this God of mine is and what He is capable of doing.( Also because we can trace the meanings of those Names in the Holy Bible more clearly) It is therefore my pleasure to introduce you to my God who has walked by me throughout the year 2009, my Creator, Preserver, Provider, Shepherd, my Prince of Peace and Immanuel. It is my delight to open up your understanding about the God that Created and sustained your life with or without your consent; whether you choose to let Him into your life or not. Take a relaxing breath as I take you to the source of your life and sustainer here on earth and in the world to come. At the end of this message I want you to stop a movement and give God the Glory that belongs to Him for preserving you through it all. As for me I will not hesitate to give Him the Glory by fasting, praying, and praising throughout the first month of the New Year. Do not misunderstand me; I can’t pay Him back, but at least I can appreciate His love and care as He holds my hands for the march of 2010.

Walking with me day and night is: EL: God ("mighty, strong, and prominent) Gen. 7:1, 28:3, 35:11; Nu. 23:22; Josh. 3:10; 2 Sam. 22:31, 32; Neh. 1:5, 9:32; Isa. 9:6; Ezek. 10:5. ; ELOHIM: God (. God Preserver, Transcendent, as Creator, Mighty and Strong) Gen. 17:7, 6:18, 9:15, 50:24; I Kings 8:23; Jer. 31:33; Isa. 40:1. ; EL SHADDAI: (Lord God the Almighty, selfsufficient) Gen. 17:1, 2. (Gen. 31:29, 49:24, 25; Prov. 3:27; Micah 2:1; Isa. 60:15, 16, 66:10-13; Ruth 1:20, 21) In Rev. 16:7; ADONAI: (Lord, Master) Gen. 15:2. Ex. 4:10; Judges 6:15; 2 Sam. 7:18-20; Ps. 8, 114:7, 135:5, 141:8, 109:21-28) ."YHWH" (Gen. 2:4; Ex.3 Yahweh is the covenant name of God. "The Self-Existent One;" "I AM WHO I AM" or 'I WILL BE WHO I WILL BE" The tetragrammaton (Dan. 9:14; Ps. 11:7; Lev. 19:2; Hab. 1:12). ; JEHOVAH-JIREH: ("The Lord will Provide.")." Gen. 22:14; JEHOVAH-ROPHE: ("The Lord Who Heals") Ex. 15:22-26, Jer. 30:17, 3:22; Isa. 61:1; JEHOVAH-NISSI: 17:15; Psa. 4:6.

("The Lord Our Banner.") Ex.

JEHOVAH-M'KADDESH: Sanctifies") Lev. 20:8. ;

("The Lord Who

JEHOVAH-SHALOM: (“The Lord Our Peace") Judges 6:24; Deut. 27:6; Dan. 5:26; I Kings 9:25 8:61; Gen. 15:16; Ex. 21:34, 22:5, 6; Lev. 7:11-21 SHEPHERD: Psa. 23, 79:13, 95:7, 80:1, 100:3; Gen. 49:24; Isa. 40:11.

37 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

JUDGE: Psa. 7:8, 96:13.

STONE: Gen. 49:24:

JEHOVAH ELOHIM: ("LORD God”) Gen. 2:4; Judges 5:3; Isa. 17:6; Zeph. 2:9; Psa. 59:5, etc. JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU (“The Lord Our Righteousness") Jer. 23:5, 6, 33:16. ; JEHOVAH-ROHI: Psa. 23,

("The Lord Our Shepherd");

JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH: Ezek. 48:35

"The Lord is There"

JEHOVAH-SABAOTH: ("The Lord of Hosts"). Isa. 1:24; Psa. 46:7, 11; 2 Kings 3:9-12; Jer. 11:20 (NT: Rom. 9:29; James 5:4, Rev. 19: 11-16.

EYALUTH (“Strength”) Psa. 22:19. TSADDIQ: ("Righteous One") Psa. 7:9. EL-OLAM: ("Everlasting God") Gen. 21:33; Psa. 90:1-3, 93:2; Isa. 26:4. EL-GIBHOR:

(“Mighty God”); Isa. 9:6

ZUR: "God our Rock"; "The Sun of Righteousness”; "Wonderful, Counselor”, “Mighty God”; " Deut. 32:18; Isa. 30:29; Malachi 4:2. (El Gibhor), Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”,"Ancient of Days," Isa. 9:6.

EL ELYON: ( 'Most High") Deut. 26:19, 32:8; Psa. 18:13; Gen. 14:18; Nu. 24:16; Psa. 78:35, 7:17, 18:13, 97:9, 56:2, 78:56, 18:13; Dan. 7:25, 27; Isa. 14:14.

MELEKH: ("King") Psa. 5:2, 29:10, 44:4, 47:6-8, 48:2, 68:24, 74:12, 95:3, 97:1, 99:4, 146:10; Isa. 5:1, 5, 41:21, 43:15, 44:6; 52:7, 52:10.

ABHIR: (‘Mighty One'), Gen. 49:24; Deut. 10:17; Psa. 132:2, 5; Isa. 1:24, 49:26, 60:1.

FATHER: 2 Sam. 7:14-15; Psa. 68:5; Isa. 63:16, 64:8; Mal. 1:6. ;

BRANCH: (tsemach) (“The Branch”); Zech. 3:8, 6:12; Isa. 4:2; Jer. 23:5, 33:15.

THE FIRST AND LAST Isa. 44:6, 48:12.

KADOSH: ("Holy One”); Psa. 71:22; Isa. 40:25, 43:3, 48:17. SHAPHAT: (“Judge") Gen. 18:25 "Judge"; EL ROI: (“God of Seeing”; “The God Who opens our eyes”) Gen. 16:13; KANNA: ("Jealous") (zealous); Ex. 20:5, 34:14; Deut. 5:9; Isa. 9:7; Zech. 1:14, 8:2. PALET: (“Deliverer”) Psa. 18:2; YESHUA: (Yeshua) "Savior”; Isa. 43:3 GAOL: ("Redeemer") Job 19:25; MAGEN: ("Shield") Psa. 3:3, 18:30; 38 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

IMMANUEL (“God with us") Isaiah 7:14, 8:8. Quoted in Matthew 1:23. What is so unique about this God that His presence is very important when He is with us? If fact; Is/Was/Will there be any Power throughout the universe that can match His power? I know many of you have experience types of powers from or of the gods of the earth. I am also aware that most of you call on one name of the other of God for one thing or the other; sometimes praising Him and other times blaming Him; yet like a blind man describing an elephant, you do not have the complete picture of who you are referring to. If you knew Him well and what He is capable of you would not run after prayers from one so-

called Spiritual power to the next, one church to the next, but would remain still and experience His Power and love. You would go to sleep at night confident that by your side is a power that is always present besides you in every twist and turn of your life. You would wake up in the morning and join the birds and the rest of His creation who are praising Him for another day in life. But the sad fact is / yes , you go to church, yes you are a Bishop, Pastor, Teacher, Apostle, Propjet, Evangelist, praise and worshiper, speak in tongues, pray in tongues of Angels, yet you do not know Him. For if you really did…. To answer the question about the uniqueness of God; I want us to take a look around us and examine our walk through this life. Look for the wind, look for the hands that stop the oceans at its borders, look at the flowers, and the birds in the air, look at your friends and relatives around you who stop breathing air when air is all around them, look at the schedule of the sun and moon and observe that not one day have there been a mistake, look at your own live and compare it with the lives of those who have died and gone; regardless of their fame or riches. If you are ignorant of the true; know today that there is a force behind all these things sustaining, monitoring, directing , setting into action, weeding the world like a garden, and sharing an unmerited love with you; whether you deserve it or not. If you truly can see the picture I am painting here you will begin to see that I am talking about a Power above every other power; a God above all other gods who has the power to create, sustain and take away life at will. I do not know which god you serve; neither do I care to know; but I want to tell you about the One I serve, who knows you by name, the 39 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

numbers of hairs on your head, your most intimate thoughts and desires, your secret and open sin, the day you were born and the day you will die; ELOHIM: God the Preserver, Transcendent, as Creator, and Mighty Strong. Yes My God is the Creator of the Great Universe and all that it contains. His works are so marvelous and unequalled to any creature that ever was, is, or will be. We cannot compare His works with any other known thing or the socalled gods of the earth. Out of nothingness He created; in a vast empty space; without form and void. (Genesis 1:2). Those false gods of the earth that leads people astray with counterfeit powers; which always end in disasters, do not have the power to create, for they themselves were created(good until they rebelled against the Creator) Everything that is testify to His greatness and creative powers. These words are written as testimony to His creative powers. “But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this”? (Job 12-9). He is a very great artist and designer. If you but stop a moment and appreciate the works of His hands around you; your eyes will open to the beauty of the Art and Design of God. Oh yes, do you know that every tick of the clock second ,someone is being born, someone is taking their last breath, someone is being put into prison or release ; both spiritually and physically, someone is being save from one accident or attack , while others are cripple and dies from it? Do you know that all the animals and other living things on the face of earth suffer the same fate of birth, death, accidents, etc? It all happens as if being controlled by an

unseen force that just keeps everything in a super motion or balance. What would happen if that balance tips or the force of control suddenly stops? Even your best scientist has no answer for the chaos that would follow. That is why JEHOVAH:"The Self-Existent One,” the Grand designer never winks His eyes and no living thing can properly explain the entire design of His work on the universe. It is written: “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep”. (Psa121:4) Indeed! JEHOVAH: “I AM WHO I AM “or 'I WILL BE WHO I WILL’ is a grand designer that surpasses any designer ever. Yes He created the Universe minus you and I through the power of His spoken Word; but if we carefully examine the art work He use in designing the Universe, we will discover that there will never be such perfection in creativity again. “He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing. By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent. Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge? Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass? Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding. When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? When I made the cloud the garment thereof and thick darkness a swaddling band for it, and brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors .Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if 40 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

thou canst tell? He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.”( Job 27:7,13;37:16,18; 38:4,7-10; Prov. 30:4; Eccl.3:11) I challenge you this day like Elijah the prophet challenged the prophets of Baal to show a god that is like unto mine; EL SHADDAI: Lord God the Almighty, selfsufficient. (Gen. 17:1, 2. (Gen. 31:29, 49:24, 25; Prov. 3:27; Micah 2:1; Isa. 60:15, 16, 66:10-13; Ruth 1:20, 21) In Rev. 16:7) Which of them can do these things and established a degree concerning them? The Most High God is not only a Creator but your Creator; whether you believe in Him or not. Throughout the creation of the Heavens and the earth He had you in mind. There are many today on the face of the earth who knows that there is a God but not His abilities; for if they really understood what He was capable of, they would fully rely on Him for everything. Are you sick and need healing in both body and soul? Right now if you call on JEHOVAH-ROPHE: "The Lord Who Heals" (Ex. 15:22-26); He will heal you. He is capable of healing your body, soul and spirit. He is ready day or night to heal not only our sicknesses, physical and spiritual health problem but also our emotional health or even our ‘land’. (Psalm 147:3) Once you ask God, He can restore you to normality. I know many times when you think it is the end of the road for you because you have lost your job, your home, your marriage etc; you suddenly discovered that help came and life continue. Know that it happen through the willing, loving heart and hand of JEHOVAHJIREH: "The Lord will Provide."(Gen. 22:14.) God is always providing for our need in life. The word “jireh” mean “to see” or “to provide” “to foresee”; that is why if you know this Truth

about God; you will be certain that He always provide adequately when the right time come. When you are facing persecution and think you are alone; it I not truth because God see it all. Indeed, He is call EL ROI: "God of Seeing" because He not only sees it all but opens our eye to see the realities around and answer to our plight. I could go on and on but there is too much to tell about the abilities of God Today I want to open up your understanding in order for you to perceive that it was nothing you did in the pass, has achieve now or will do in the future that cause you to survive this year. It is in the hands of God to require of you the very life you live even the last second of this year. Know today and tell generations yet unborn that the Most Highest God is bigger than any of those demons or spirits that you fear. He had you in mind as He created the Heavens and the earth and created you in His own image and likeness; with all the powers and authority over His creation. Your limitations come from the fact that you do not know God enough to know His image and likeness and therefore cannot comprehend the power, blessings and authority ascribe to you. Your failure to know God as you should brings about your limitation in walking along with Him as you should. In fact, many of you follow fake gods, principalities, and little powers of darkness and call them your gods. You forsake the Creator who made you far bigger and with more powers within yourself than those nonsense gods that are limited to the earth only. “Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? Is not he thy father that hath bought thee? Hath he not made thee, and established thee? Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee”. (Deut.32:6; 18) You are simply deceiving yourselves by not acknowledging EL ELYON: 41 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

'Most High" God , for it was He who form you and have allow you to remain in the Universe He created with you in mind. He created every single part of your body parts and you should be grateful for it. “Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again? Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews. Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit”. (Job 10:8, 9, 11, 12) I am always surprise when I see people walking and talking selfishly upon the face of the earth as if they are able to do anything without the help of God. Listen to me now; no amount of money or influence can buy you the life that God place within you. I have heard and seen rich and famous men and women who went back to the dust while poor blind, dirty, deaf, homeless, jobless people remain upon the face of the earth. I have seen and heard about witches and wizards who live upon the face of the earth and perform much talked about magical arts but yet had to return to the dust when God was ready. Yes the day He demand your life from you; is the end of your journey on earth. But it is He who grants life and favour even if all your doctors and scientist cannot find an explanation for why you should be alive. Inspired Men of God puts it this way: “In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? For they all are the work of his hands. Did not he that made me in the womb make him?

And did not one fashion us in the womb? Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who hath given understanding to the heart? Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring”(Job12:10;27:3;34:19;31:15;38:36;Psa .100:3;Acts.17:24) Not only is your soul in His hands but the breath of God resides in you and can be demanded at any time by God. It is only God than grants wisdom and not those little black powers. He did all this out of His own free will and designs you according to His choice. Unlike the gods of this world, He does not demand payment for what He gives you; instead He paid the price Himself. Not only is He the Creator but He is also Eternal; EL-OLAM: "Everlasting God". Sometimes when I am praying and run out of names for Him I call Him the Most Unique God. Believe it or not, He is the only definition the properly fits the word unique. Angel, Heavenly beings, and men testifies to His everlasting existence and powers. Who can testify such for your gods of money and fame? The day you die and return to the earth they leave you for another fool, but the Everlasting God reigns even after death. Your gods of the earth have many limitations but I can boast about my God 42 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

because He is from everlasting to everlasting; created and sustains and have seen in the past, see it now and will see it in the future. There is nothing new to Him because He is All knowing. Yes, I can boast along with the Angels and Celestial Beings about the Eternality of. “ ELOLAM: "Everlasting God" And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus; And sware by him that liveth forever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer; And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come”. (Rev. 16:5; 10:6; 4:8) Have you begun to catch a glance of the God I am referring to here? A real Power and not the one that give you temporary airs; yes He reigns over the sky ,sea and deepest hell, where your gods reside (He has appointed a day to judge them), and highest Heavens where Angels and Celestial Beings dwell ,worshipping Him day and night. But let’s see where inspired writers of the Holy Bible join their voices to those who praise for His EL-OLAM: "Everlasting God” for Everlasting power and Eternal life. “Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? “...the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen; Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is

weary? There is no searching of his understanding. Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. But thou, O LORD, shall endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations. I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out. The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy themâ&#x20AC;? (Hab.1:12; 1Tim.6:15, 16; Isa.40:28; Psa.90:1, 2, 4; Psa.102:12, 24-27; 9:7; 33:11; Job 36:26; Deut.33:27). As we say bye to the old year and hello to the new; are there thing that we need to let go off in order to open our eye and walk with the one who matter most in our lives. I want to take some time off and ask you; who is my God? If your answer is the same as mine; than join me in the next few weeks and month we continue marvel at what our God I capable of doing in our lives. I am referring to His: faithfulness,

43 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

Fatherhood, Glory, Goodness, Grace, Guidance, Holiness, Immutable, Impartial, Incomprehensible, infinite, Jealousy, Our Judge and His Justice, Our King, God of knowledge, longsuffering, How we abuse Our God, His love, His Mercy, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient, Perfection; Personality, Power, Providence of God, Overruling Interpositions, Mysteriousness of God, How we Misinterpreted Him, His Righteousness, Our Saviour, Sovereignty, Spirit, His Truth , Ubiquitous, Unchangeable, Unity , Unsearchable, His Voice, His Works, His Wisdom and the list goes on. Of course we will later explore further as we move to how is Immanuel present in our live today? In the end I can assure you it will be a very worthwhile experience. OH I NEARLY FORGOT: DO YOU KNOW JESUS: "Joshua" (Y'shua) or "Je-Hoshua" meaning JEHOVAH IS SALVATION? BYE, BYE 2009 GOODMORNING 2010. THE QUESTION REMAINS: WHO I WALKING WITH YOU? WHO BROUGHT YOU THIS FAR AND WHO WILL HOLD YOUR HANDS TO TILL THE END?

TO BE CONTINUED *******With regards to the Hebrew: I research on line using AOL search to read and study different sites teachings about the Hebrew Names of God. Notable among them is The Names Of God compiled by Lambert Dolphin among others.

YOU CAN ALSO JOIN MY CAUSE ON FACE BOOK: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/392986/4485 1026?m=b20fc063

You Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Want to Miss This Production. Order your tickets today!!

45 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderfully, I Women Of Zion

know that full well” but many

By Stylicia A. Bowden

wrestle with being insecure and

Loving Yourself: The Power of Love Love is the essence of emotions triggered by the heart releasing the flow of energy to touch a human soul. Love is described to be patient, kind, not rude, not easily angered and not envious. However, if a person never really encountered God’s love then they can never understand the chemistry of love. Love is the strongest emotion in the human psyche and it creates joy sometimes pain. When you learn to love yourself then and only then can you accept the love from someone

cannot accept the power of love. When you love yourself you set standards and do not settle for less. Love changes you if you allow this emotion to saturate on the inside. When you come into the knowledge of God then your love will be unconditional, agape love. So, ask yourself why is love so powerful? What is the essence of love? Many questions but only one true answer love is the greatest of them all. (1 Corinthians 13:13, And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love)

else. It is very important to love

Until next time meditate on this, “Love

yourself and the way God uniquely

is powerful so chose to love yourself

created you. In the book of Psalms, it states “I praise you because I am 46 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

and in return your love will affect someone else.”

The Day before Christmas

It was the day before Christmas. I decided to go to church. I walked in the door and saw the ushers, on their post. I could not tell which usher was smiling the most.

The Praise team was singing a song, Come let us adore Him. They knew Christ was coming it would not be long; I was escorted to my seat, where I met a lovely Deacon who shook my hand and kissed my cheek.

The children were clapping their hands and dancing around. They wanted to praise the LORD so the Glory could come down. The Pastors, Evangelists and Teachers all stood to their feet. They started crying out on one accord, in the hopes of seeing the coming of the LORD.

I was sitting on the throne, as I smelled the sweet fragrance from this church; I just came down to heal your hurts. I know I am due tomorrow. Don’t worry, I’ll e there too. But you need to know that I love each and every one of you.

Christmas was the day I came to this earth, to cleanse and purify your sins. I want to thank you, for allowing ME to come in. So continue to pray and live a Holy life. It won’t be long before I come back like a thief in the night.

Lift up your Holy hands, and know that I am with you. The enemy may try you, but he will never defeat you. In the end I will see you, of this we can agree, we will live happily throughout all eternity.

Merry Christmas to all near and far away, continue to bless ME, on Christmas Day.

I heard a noise and it shook the place. What could it be, for goodness sake? All of a sudden a light shined and filled the place. The people stood still, and looked amazed could it be the saving Grace?

Worship and Praise went all through the room. They knew for sure it was the heavenly groom. The people all bowed and fell to their knees. Jesus come in please, please.

47 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

An Apostolic Letter

Recently I received an email from a high school girl who was doing a Bible project on female apostles and asked me to be interviewed for it via email. I am submitting my answers to her questions here for our learning, education, and edification.

Blessings, I would be happy to answer your questions for your Bible project. Being an apostle in general bears with it a lot of responsibility and challenge. Then we have the call of being a female apostle which in many ways brings several different challenges and the same responsibilities. Both the world and much of the church is against the working of women in ministry, let alone the call of women as apostles. Female apostles face the 48 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

unique challenge of bigotry, bias, and constant question and interference within their apostolic call by those who disagree and therefore feel the right to challenge it. At the same time (as strange as this may sound), being a female apostle is also a great blessing. It is a wonderful thing to follow in the footsteps of other women who have walked in the apostolic throughout history. It is a blessing to reveal the mysteries of God, as the apostolic office is called to do (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). Being a female apostle in office is not different from being a male apostle. The duties of the female apostle mirror that of the male, as the purpose of the office is to serve as Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delegate, ambassador, messenger endowed with a special message or one sent with orders (this is the definition of an apostle. We rightly understand Jesus to be the first specifically mentioned apostle, sent from the Father (John 12:46-50, Hebrews 3:1). We guard, teach, and reveal the mysteries of Christ (1 Corinthians 4:12), organize, administer, and work to establish and build up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:28). A very big part of the apostolic office is correction and establishment of doctrine (Acts 2:42). This does not mean that we create new doctrine, but uphold and establish correct doctrine according to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word. Apostles train other leaders within the church, by overseeing leaders and educating and correcting them and false teachings which may arise as we operate in the Gifts of the Spirit (Acts 5:12, 2 Corinthians 12:12); We have the authority to ordain others by the laying on of hands (1 Timothy 2:7, Acts 2:4-35, Acts 3:1219), teach and baptize others (Acts 2:36-43), pray for people to receive the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:14-17), and proclaim the Word to groups of believers, leaders, and unbelievers alike1

Timothy 2:7, Acts 2:4-35, Acts 3:12-19). The experience, however, as being a female apostle is often different from that of a male because of the struggle within the church for acknowledgment and acceptance. There are many denominations to this day that do not allow women to pastor or speak, let alone serve as apostles, due to misinterpretations of the Word. Female apostles are put in the position to defend their calling and therefore many female apostles do much deeper study on the office (in an apologetics sense) to develop a greater understanding of what it means to be an apostle. While it is not true for all women called to the apostolic office, a good majority of female apostles are extremely knowledgeable of the office in a way that many male apostles are not. There are no different roles or requirements according to the Word for male or female apostles, but depending on the organization or denomination one belongs to, they may have requirements that differ according to human traditions. Some churches do hold to role regulations on the apostolic for men and women, but most groups who acknowledge the female apostle rightly recognize that there is no role distinction for apostles.

resurrected Christ (Acts 26:14-18), Be taught by Christ through the revelation (Romans 1:5, Galatians 1:11), Be sent by Christ for the work of The Gospel (Ephesians 3:1-7), and have a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15). The ministry of the apostle is proven by their teaching, preaching, and ministry work of the Gospel (Galatians 1:11, 1 Timothy 2:7).â&#x20AC;? (Page 11)

To be an apostle, for either men or women, is the same requirement-wise. According to the Word, these are the requirements for an apostle, referenced from my book, The Five-Fold Ministry: Callings, Duties, Responsibilities, Examples (Dr. Lee Ann B. Marino, Ph.D., D.D., Apostolic University Press, 2009):

I personally am post-graduate educated, although this is not specified in the New Testament. It is important, however, for both male and female apostles to be educated in order to present the Word to believers and non-believers alike. Paul was clearly educated and his thorough education helped enhance his ability to serve as an apostle. Many apostles have higher educational experiences which help us to go forth and serve as we are called. Education is not a hindrance at all, but it is not the foundation of the apostolic ministry. The true way the apostolic ministry is proven is by

â&#x20AC;&#x153;One must be called of God to be an apostle directly through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9, Galatians 1:1), have an experience with the 49 |Divine Inspirations Magazine January 2010

In order to become an apostle, I have to meet the requirements above as laid out in the Word. I have to be called directly by God, through Jesus Christ. I had this experience when I was 21 years old through a dream in which God called me to be an apostle. Back then, I was not even sure of what an apostle rightly was, and out of fear, I ran from my calling for about five years. I have received, through Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s revelation, the teaching of the Word, and do proclaim that. The Word is our standard, as we have a thorough knowledge of the Word and would not ever teach falsehood by knowing the Word. My ministry is proven by what I teach, preach, and in the ministering work of the Gospel. It must measure up to the truth in all things.

the foundational experience of the apostle to the apostolic calling, and the fruit generated therein by the ministry. Even though many different groups have established formal rites for apostles which are often very elaborate, they are not Biblical ceremonies reflecting the apostolic anointing and call of the New Testament. I hope this has answered your questions. I am going to email you a separate document that I have saved on my computer about the office of the Apostle Junia, a female apostle mentioned in Romans 16:7. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me again.

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Be blessed, Apostle Dr. Lee Ann B. Marino, Ph.D., D.D. Apostle in Office Apostolic Fellowship International Ministries (Raleigh, NC) www.powerfortoday.org

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