May 2018
Rev. Dr. Rudolph Q. Kwanue, Sr. and his beautiful wife, Mother Rita N. Kwanue Liberia, Africa
There are many Mothers in the world today, who may not have their children with them for this holiday. So for you, I am writing this short message. You must remember that Father God is with you everyday of the year! Wherever you are, He is there. No matter how you feel, He is there. Whatever circumstance you may be going through, He is with you. Allow Father God to put His arms around you and love you. One of our articles in this issue is called, “Picking up the Trash” by Wendell Phillips ‘Phil’ Berwick. It talks about a lady who has been on the streets for 20 years. She has been through many tough times. But now, she is doing better, and helping others. In another article, by Mother Rita Kwanue from Liberia Africa, she wrote, “We mothers in Africa, mainly Liberia, have suffered a lot even during the civil war in Liberia and the Ebola that hit our country. We women will go into the forests in search of food, so that our kids and husband may eat and live during these hard times.” From what I understand, this civil war just ended in 2003, so it has not been that long ago! Please remember, no matter how hard the times are that you are going through, there is probably someone else going through even harder times than you. Mother Rita is on the cover of this magazine. Look at her beautiful smile. Has she allowed hard times to take that smile away? NO! She has a wonderful husband and 4 precious children she loves very much. And even above that, she loves Father God. You have many things to be thankful for no matter where you live. For this Mother’s Day, allow God to soften your heart so that you can reach out and love others who are hurting during this time. God Bless You, and Happy Mother’s Day! I Love You!
Faye Hanshew Faye Hanshew Publisher and Editor
Articles
Publisher & Editor Faye Hanshew
Faye’s Mother
Bill’s Mother
Happy Mother’s Day! Be a Sweet Mother!
Co-Publisher & Co-editor Dr. Bill Hanshew
Rev. Mother Rita N. Kwanue Rev. Dr. Rudolph Q. Kwanue, Sr.
10 Principles for Following Christ in Your Marriage
Dr. Bill Hanshew
The Recipe for Growth in Grace
Dr. Dan L. Corse
When the Bride Finds Favor with Her Groom
Steve Porter
Is Happily Ever After a Myth?
Stuart Smith
Let’s Relax our Mind
Dewanshu Ahlawat
Will I Ever Find Happiness?
Dave Kachele
Fixing a Problem
Genice Fulton
Dorcas/Tabitha – Christian Love, Service, and Inspiration
Krissy Webb
Our Marriage to Christ
Dr. Richard Rundell
Cleaning Up the Trash!
Wendell Phillips ‘Phil’ Berwick
Streams of Glory Where Can I Go in My Shame –Tamar You Have Never Been Alone Ruth, The Moabite Understanding Salvational Vocabulary
Author/Speaker Larry Thompson Pastor Jo Bruns Matthew Deves Ernest Kweku Nanor Dr. John Roberts
Rev. Rudolph Q. Kwanue Sr., PhD and his wife, Mother Rita live in the country of Liberia, Africa. They are Godly leaders with an unwavering loyalty to the Lord, and a passionate love for God’s Word. Dr. Kwanue is an author who has written words emphasizing the themes of hope, revival, reform, and restoration for God’s children. Dr. Kwanue is: President and pioneering Pastor at CHURCH OF GRACE INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY Proprietor of GRACE MISSION SCHOOL Founder of CHRISTIAN LEADER’S CONNECTION WORLDWIDE Founder and International Director of the GRACE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE UNIVERSITY (GIBU) HTTPS://grace.education/ The Founding member of the MINNESOTA CHURCH MINISTRY ASSOCIATION – Liberia chapter, who is now a General Security of the DOVE UNITED CHRISTIANS NETWORK – Liberia. www.mcmaonline.org Founder and International CEO of the INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION COMMISSION OF EDUCATION (IACE). Dr. Kwanue is a humanitarian. He is also the Founder of Pastor Rudolph Care Foundation that is now helping the sick, blind, and the school-going kids, the poor in general.
Rev. Dr. Rudolph is a great teacher of the Word of God with deep revelation knowledge and a dynamic Minister of God, who ministers under the apostolic unction with signs and wonders following. Dr. Kwanue was ordained as a Reverend by Bishop Dr. Timothy A. Johnson – USA, Executive Director of Minnesota Church Ministry Association on May 14, 2010. He is the author of “Respecting the Body of Christ, With Power of Motivations and Encouragement to all People.”
His degrees are: • • • • • • • •
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An AA Degree in School Administration from the Licosses Mobile Teacher Training College – Liberia. Ministerial Certificate from the Liberty Christian Church Bible School – Monrovia A Bachelor of Theology Degree, and A Master of Ministry Degree from the Believer’s Bible college – Ghana. A Bachelor of Christian Education and A Master of Missions from the Word of Truth Bible Academy – Maryland, USA. A Doctorate Degree of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Bible Studies from the Believer’s Bible College – Ghana. In addition to these, Dr. Kwanue holds a Diploma in Computer Desktop and Data Publishing from the Change Network 842-Computer School at Rehab Paynesville in 2007, respectively. Dr. Rudolph has also been awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the Grace International College – USA as a Founding Father and International Director.
Dr. Kwanue is now writing his second Doctoral Degree thesis dissertation project in Christian Leadership with Word of Truth Bible Academy – USA. Dr. Kwanue’s entire life has been upgraded by Christian values. He became a born-again Christian in 1992, and education has been his passion both secular and religious views. Rev. Dr. Rudolph Q. Kwanue was born in Liberia on December 28, 1985 to the union of Mr. & Mr.s Kwanue at Beo. Gbehnelay Nimba County, Republic of Liberia. Dr. Rudolph is a young and strong visionary leader, pastor, school proprietor, church administrator, marriage couple’s counselor, father of inspiration, Bible college founder, professor and Coordinator. He has traveled on many missionary tapes to many African nations. He is married to his beautiful wife, Rev. Mother, Rita N. Kwanue and blessed with four sons, Rudolph Jr., Abel, Bishop Timothy, an Prophet Daniel Kwanue.
By: Rev. Mother Rita N. Kwanue I am Mother Rita N. Kwanue from West Africa, Republic of Liberia. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! I am very proud of every mother around the world today. Not ever woman is a mother, some women are baby Mother’s who only put themselves first. But there is a special mother in someone’s life, you are the one in whom I am addressing. If you have been killing your child or children by abortions, you are not the real mother I am speaking to here in this message. We mothers in Africa, mainly Liberia, have suffered a lot even during the civil war in Liberia and the Ebola that hit our country. We women will go into the forests in search of food, so that our kids and husband may eat and live during these hard times. We meet with wild animals, snakes, and many
challenged situations just for the sake of our kids to survive. Globally, women focus on children’s education, feeding, clothing, health, and shelter. Today, I want you to know how important we are in the society.
Women, God made us for a purpose. My advice to all mothers is that we all need to show concerns and deeper love to all our children. Never should you abort pregnancy. You do not know the future of a Child or Children. See the story in 1Kings 3:16-28: Now two women who were harlots came to the king, and stood before him. 17 And one woman said, “O my lord, this woman and I dwell in the same house; and I gave birth while she was in the house. 18 Then it happened, the third day after I had given birth, that this woman also gave birth. And we were together; no one was with us in the house, except the two of us in the house. 19 And this woman’s son died in the night, because she lay on him. 20 So she arose in the middle of the night and took my son from my side, while your maidservant slept, and laid him in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom. 21 And when I rose in the morning to nurse my son, there he was, dead. But when I had examined him in the morning, indeed, he was not my son whom I had borne.” 22 Then the other woman said, “No! But the living one is my son, and the dead one is your son.” And the first woman said, “No! But the dead one is your son, and the living one is my son.” Thus they spoke before the king. 23 And the king said, “The one says, ‘This is my son, who lives, and your son is the dead one’; and the other says, ‘No! But your son is the dead one, and my son is the living one.’” 16
Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword before the king. 25 And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to one, and half to the other.” 26 Then the woman whose son was living spoke to the king, for she yearned with compassion for her son; and she said, “O my lord, give her the living child, and by no means kill him!” But the other said, “Let him be neither mine nor yours, but divide him.” 27 So the king answered and said, “Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him; she is his mother.” 28 And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had rendered; and they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. 24
Be a Good Mother. This is our Mother’s Day topic for this year’s message. Dr. Faye G. Hanshew is a good example of a real Mother today. Mother Faye took me and my Husband, Rev. Dr. Rudolph Kwanue including all our 4 Kids with the Grace International Bible University in which she has been a Key Pillar to our Life and the Biblical University all around the World today. She is a true mother. Mama Faye, The Nation of Liberia needs you! The World need you! You are very impressive, and you have passion for all children... You are donating your time to Orphanages in many parts of Africa. O God will reward you. Therefore, the Church of Grace International Ministries is this year is honoring you as a Special Mother of the year 2018. In the Republic of Liberia.
However, sure, Mother’s Day is for honoring the woman that created and raised you in this world, but you don’t have to be related to someone to send a caring Mother’s Day message for a friend. Happy Mother’s Day to the woman whose mom goal is always stronger than her toddler. #parentgoals Here’s hoping this Mother’s Day is filled with naps, nachos and good times! Cheers, mommy! For keeping all your tiny humans alive! Like a boss, let’s celebrate you today. You’ve always been like a mom to me, which proves we really can pick our family. Forget flying and invisibility, being a mom has always been your super power thanks to all of you mothers. May God bless us in our endeavors. Rev. Mother Rita N. Kwanue - Liberia.
by: Rev. Dr. Rudolph Q. Kwanue, Sr. Greeting and Happy Mother’s Day to every good and caring mother! Today is your day mama, I love you. I will share with you on a topic “Be a Sweet Mother.” A Sweet mother will have the practical and Spiritual Love for her Children. I love you and you will always remain my first priority in life and will always remain in my heart. “Happy Mother’s Day!” As long as I will live, you will always be my first love! I feel so very lucky to have you in my life as my Mother. Thank you for always being there my love.” “My lovely Mother, I hope, you are aware, how much I admire you! It’s all because you have bestowed so much love onto me.” “There is this special bonding that we share, the special love that we rejoice. Mother you are my lifeline, you have been, and you will always remain till the end of my life.” I am sure Mother,
God made you with all the love He could, with all the affection he could! You have blended all that love in my life! Thank you Mummy for being like such a strong support system in my life! Happy Mother’s Day! I strongly believe the practical example of the below mother in the Bible You who we
are honoring today need to continue doing your good works please I personally recommends the below biblical Mothers steps: Sarah - Genesis 12-23 God’s promise of a redeemer was specifically said to come through Sarah. Though she doubted when God said she would be a mother in her old age, she did indeed bare a son. When she was 90 years old she had Isaac. It should be remembered that all the wonderful promises and expectations that were put on Abraham also extended to Sarah. She was beside him the whole time. She had her doubts at times, but she allowed God to work in her life and use her. Rebekah - Genesis 26-27 Rebekah had twin boys named Esau and Jacob. Her husband was Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. Rebekah’s two boys could not have been more different. Esau was a hunter and great outdoorsman. Jacob preferred to stay at home and be close to his mother. Their personalities endeared the boys to their parents in different ways. Rebekah showed great favor to Jacob while Isaac preferred Esau. Rebekah taught Jacob to cook in a way that pleased everyone in the family. Unfortunately, she tried using her love for Jacob to manipulate God and His purposes for the family. Jochebed - Exodus 1-2 One of the bravest mothers in the Bible was the mother of Moses. Her name was Jochebed. Though ordered by the Pharaoh to murder her baby boy at birth, she hid him away as long as she could. When he was a little older she made a small boat for him
and placed him in the river. God directed the small ark and baby Moses to the Pharaoh’s daughter. The ruler’s daughter took up baby Moses as her own child but hired Jochebed to nurse the baby. Jochebed apparently taught Moses many things in the time she was with him. Moses knew clearly who he was in relation to the Egyptians and Hebrews. Jochebed apparently taught Moses about God. Naomi - Ruth 1-4 Naomi is best known as the motherin-law to Ruth. She had two sons. The family moved away from Bethlehem to Moab. Naomi’s two boys married Moabite women. Her husband and sons died leaving Naomi with her two daughters-in-law. Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem. Her daughter-inlaw Ruth followed her. Naomi had taught Ruth enough about God and His people that Ruth wanted to make Naomi’s God her personal God. Hannah - 1 Samuel 1-2 Hannah is the mother of Samuel the prophet. He became a godly man. While much of his piety can be traced back to his growing up in the Temple with Eli the priest, we can also see that Samuel’s mother Hannah had a great influence on him. Hannah prayed
for his birth. Before Samuel was born Hannah had promised God that she would dedicate him to God. She loved God and her son. She visited him yearly at the Temple and undoubtedly prayed for him regularly.
My Personal advice is to never be like the following, so-called mothers… Delilah - Samson's love interest, who after repeated badgering and manipulation, finally discovered Samson's secret.
Mary - Matthew 1, Luke 1-2 along with many other chapters Mary was given the great privilege of being the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. Imagine raising the son of God as your child! God chose her for a reason. She displayed a godly character and trusted in God. She was told clearly who her son was. She understood the great responsibility God placed on her. She was faithful to God’s plan.
Jezebel - Ahab's wife could probably be described as a modern-day Maleficent! Lot's wife – and Potiphar's wife. Rev. Dr. Rudolph Q. Kwanue Sr. Founder and Coordinator of Grace International Bible University
Dr. Rudolph is the Founder and International Coordinator of the Grace International Bible University (GIBU). He is also the Founder and International CEO of the International Accreditation Commission for Education (IACE). If you would like to talk to him about getting a degree through GIBU, or if you have a school and are needing accreditation, you can contact Dr. Rudolph Q. Kwanue at:
Email: rudolphkwanue@yahoo.com gracecollege578@gmail.com Whatsapp# +231-778-506-462 Office # +231-777-260959/888-631-593 Website: https://grace.education/
by: Dr. Bill Hanshew 1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJV) “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” Most people today, even in marriage, seem to be independent in their thinking and their actions. And sometimes, they even act independent of God. When it comes to the Christians marriage, people seem to be independent in how they pray, how they worship and simply put, how they communicate and interact with God. But if a husband or a wife are to follow the character or mannerisms of their spouse, then a good example must be established. But what are some solid principles for following Christ in your marriage? Principle 1: Understand that Christ should be the center of your marriage. Each individual must learn to follow Christ. And in the text scripture above, from the New Life Version, it says, “Follow my way of thinking as I follow Christ.” Also, from the VOICE translation, it says, “So imitate me, watch my ways, follow my example, just as I, too, always seek to imitate the Anointed One.” The objective in marriage is for each individual to follow the example set by the other, even as both the husband and wife follow Christ. Principle 2: Understand that in Christ, all marriages happen on this earth. God saw into your future and found your spouse already in it. There is that old expression that says, “not all marriages are made in heaven.” Therefore, when you are single, it is important that you seek the Lord to guide you to the right spouse. Just to marry someone
because of physical attraction generally does not work. But even if you do marry someone for the wrong reasons, even with good intensions, the Lord can still help you to fall deeply in a love that will last forever. Principle 3: Understand what it means to honor Christ. That way, when you get married, you will love and honor each other. As a husband, appreciate the wife that God has given you. Proverbs 18:22 says, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD.” Proverbs 31:10 says, “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.” This is a biblical principle that works when you marry the right person. That is why wives, can love and honor a godly husband, and husbands, can love and honor a virtuous and strong wife. Principle 4: Understand your harmonious union with Christ. Then you can learn to be in that same flow of harmony with each other. Ephesians 5:2223 says, “22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.” Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,” This speaks of a marriage, of Christ and of the church. But notice how that God has a plan for husbands and wives, and how this relates to the intended relationship between Christ and the church. The harmony between Christ and His church will never change or be altered, regardless of the actions of whether Christians interact with Christ or not. Likewise, the harmony between a husband and wife should be just as stable if the husband has the same heart attitude as Christ for His wife, and as the wife has that same heart attitude for her husband. Principle 5: Understand that God is faithful to you no matter what. This shows us the principle of being faithful to each other. Often in marriage relationships, those who do not maintain a faithful relationship with Christ, sometimes find themselves, even secretively, straying in their heart from their spouse. Hebrews 13:4 says, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Every individual has plans or a fantasy of what married life should be like. But what happens when your fantasy does not turn out like you thought it should? Remember that the covenant of marriage is honorable before the eyes of the Lord. Therefore, keep Him first in your heart, actions, and conversations as you allow the Holy Spirit to guide your marriage, and you will remain faithful to each other. Principle 6: Understand where your help comes from in Christ. When you know who your helper is, you will discover how to help each other. Ephesians 5:21-24 says, “21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.” Trust is a major factor in Christianity today. When you trust God, things just seem to work out in life. Trust is also a major factor in marriage. If you trust your spouse, you will lean on your spouse for the help they can supply. We all need to be trusted and to feel trusted. If gives us an emotional edge in feeling secure. Both men and women have a need within to be trusted.
But we also need to understand that trusting each other works best in you as you trust the Lord with your marriage. Principle 7: Understand that you are never alone in Christ. Therefore, married people should never feel alone. Genesis 2:18 says, “And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Matthew 19:4-6 says, “4 And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” The truth is that God did not design men and women to be alone or even to feel alone in their emotions. That is why God created men and women to become husbands and wives. He created us to have a perfect match, or a soul mate when it comes to the opposite sex. God has someone for you and in that relationship, it is important that you walk together in unity and harmony in this life. That way, loneliness will never have an opportunity to set in and cause you to feel lone; even though you are married. Principle 8: Understand being submitted to Christ. When you do, you will find the strength to be submitted to each other. Colossians 3:1819 says, “18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.” This seems to be talking about the Christian home or the family unit. But when it comes to the subject of submission or submitting, Ephesians 5:21 says, “submitting to one another in the fear of God.” Yet, when the subject of submission is brought up, this verse is also followed by a passage on Marriage that shows us how a husband and wife and be in submission. A husband and wife cannot survive well, without the element of submission, although sometimes hard to grasp the concept. The problem is that many husbands seem to think that submission means obedience. Submission is always willful and never demanded if it is true submission. So, read the scriptures and find out what God says about it, then execute it with love and grace. Principle 9: Understand that you are in Christ alone. The husband and wife should cling to each other, morally, emotionally, and physically, and not someone else in terms of the opposite sex. 1 Corinthians 7:2 says, “Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.” It is in this chapter of the Bible that Paul teaches about what some call the Principles of Marriage. He shows us that husbands and wives should be a principled couple, yes. But also, they should be able to lean on each other more than anyone else. Paul shows us about communication concerning the language of love and how to passionate toward each other. Other than your union with Christ, marriage is the most sacred relationship in existence today. Principle 10: Understand how to cherish Christ. When husbands and wives to cherish Christ, they discover the value they have in each other. Deuteronomy 24:5 says, “When a man has taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war or be charged with any business; he shall be free at home one year and bring
happiness to his wife whom he has taken.” Genesis 2:22-24 says, “22 Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. 23 And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” In this, we learn that God cherished His creation so much, that He made sure that man would never be alone in any realm. In the Spirit realm, we have Him. In the earthly realm, God gave us marriage, which is a union between one man and one woman. We were made from the heart of God. Therefore, God took the woman out of the heart or the chest cavity area of the man. We become one flesh through the act of marriage. So, if you do not cherish your spouse today, pray and ask God to help you so that you will start appreciating what He has joined to you. …Think about it!
By: Dr. Dan L. Corse 2 Peter 3:18 (NKJ) – But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What is growth in grace? To grow in grace is synonymous with Christian maturation. It is the process whereby we, “beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image, from glory to glory, just as by the spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18, NKJ). This transformation is one that the Father desires all Christians experience. To assist us, God’s word reveals factors essential to this metamorphosis. For the sake of our discussion, we will look at effectual maturation as a recipe. As is true with all instructions, to produce the desired product, it is crucial to include the right ingredients. Those vital to the recipe that is
healthy and continual growth in grace are: correctly positioning ourselves; understanding the nature and function of
grace; discerning the role of the Holy Spirit and God’s word in the process; and prayer. Related to correct positioning, we must remember the integral role that our choices play in our advancement in spiritual matters. If we are to realize healthy and continual growth in grace, we must consistently choose to locate ourselves properly. Finding ourselves in such a place is not realized by habitually focusing our minds and activities on matters that have no relation to God’s kingdom or to God Himself (Rom. 8:6). Our primary focus must always be on God’s kingdom (Col. 3:1-3). Doing so, we cast aside ensnaring weights and sin, factors that hinder or negate growth, and look without distraction unto He who is the author and finisher or our faith, Jesus (Heb. 12:1-2). Doing so, we position ourselves for Christ’s finishing and perfecting, which is essential for maximal growth. Positioning ourselves is paramount to progress. Yet, we are grievously mistaken if we think that our growth is solely dependent on our choices. Maturation is not something we can produce by human capacities. It occurs fully in the realm of grace, where our human abilities and wisdom are ineffectual. Grace is the realm where God alone exerts His holy influence on us. It is the dimension where His powers and abilities are at work upon us, producing in us that which He desires, our transformation into the image of Christ. Turning to the next ingredient, the Holy Spirit, we see that Jesus, prior to His ascension, stated that He would “pray to the Father and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever” (John 14:16, NKJ). This Helper, who we know as the Holy Spirit, is not some ethereal force aimlessly filling the cosmos. Rather, He is the third person of the Godhead. That being so,
His nature and essence, like that of the Father and Jesus, is fully God. Sent by the Father, the Holy Spirit is our omnipresent Helper. He is “Spirit of truth” who “dwells with” us and “in” us (John 14:17, NKJ). In that capacity, He is ever-working in us to produce the growth that the Father so desires. He is the divine Agent whereby grace is effectual. We turn now from the Holy Spirit to the word of God. 1 Peter 2:2 (NKJ) exhorts, “as newborn babes desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” Clearly, the sincere or pure word of God plays an indispensable role in our spiritual maturation. As babes in Christ, it is essential that we feed upon the milk or elementary elements of God’s word. Then, there comes a time when we progress beyond foundational teachings (Heb. 6:1-2) to the meat or solid food of the word. Progressing to advanced teachings, does that render elementary teachings irrelevant? Absolutely not, for they provide the foundation upon which we move on to greater maturity. Lastly, we come to the final ingredient, prayer. We focus on it last not because of its lesser significance, but because prayer touches on sharing, participation, and communion with God, an all-encompassing aspect of Christian growth. Prayer, at its very essence, is communication. It entails our talking to God and His speaking to us. Viewing prayer only as specific times we set aside to commune with God is a partially inaccurate view. Surely, prayer includes such times. However, prayer is more than that. It should also be a lifestyle, one where continual communication to and from God is sought and practiced. Prayer, both at set times and as a lifestyle, is necessary for optimal growth in grace. Considering healthy or effectual growth in grace or Christian maturation, we determined
to look at it as a recipe. Doing so, we identified specific and essential ingredients. Those we looked at were: correctly positioning ourselves; understanding the nature and function of grace; discerning the role of the Holy Spirit and God’s word in the
process; and prayer. The process of Christian maturation is also known as sanctification, whereby we are set apart, consecrated, and transformed. God’s desire for all of us, those He has saved, is our sanctification and transformation.
By: Steve Porter
“Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.” Psalms 45:9 “Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.” Esther 2:17
There’s nothing more charming than a woman in love, preparing to wed the man of her dreams, except when that woman is the beloved and beautiful Bride of Christ who is smitten with her King! In Psalms 45 we read about an upcoming royal wedding where the queen wears a oneof-a-kind stunning gold gown. The bridegroom, who was also a king, naturally had his pick of all the honorable virgins in the realm. “Kings’ daughters were among thy honorable women...” But he searched for, and found, his one and only beloved. “...upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir” (Psalm 45:9). At that time, the gold of Ophir was the purest, most valuable gold found anywhere, and this bride wore it from head to toe. As we can only imagine, she was a sight to behold as she was “...brought unto the king...” (verse 14). And because she was completely devoted to her man, with eyes for only him, she was in a class by herself, more beautiful than any other virgin. Her gown was woven of rare and precious materials with incredibly fine handwork. Unlike any other gown ever made, its threads were made of pure gold, embellished with dazzling gems. When her moment came, she walked slowly toward her King with adoring crowds watching, but she only had eyes for Him. Accompanied by an orchestra made up of stringed instruments and horns the sound was glorious. Following her was a long line of virgins, dressed in white finery, singing and dancing with great rejoicing. Together they approached the waiting groom. Finally, we see her standing beside her beloved, and the crowd goes wild with joy, because this isn’t just any royal wedding. It’s the wedding of all time—the royal wedding of our Savior, Jesus Christ and His Bride. “...the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace” (Ps. 45:14-15).
Can you imagine such a sight? The greatest Holy Ghost celebration ever! These nuptials are the culmination—the very reason for all Creation! The groom, King Jesus, studies His beloved with eyes filled with tender love—toward the redeemed of all mankind, dressed in the very righteousness of Christ! She is gloriously covered in His favor, ready to be His Queen! This is the heartwarming picture exemplified by the wonderful, courageous story of Esther, a foreshadowing of the wedding of the Bride and our Lord Jesus Christ. The Preparation of a Queen In Esther 1: 12 it says, “But when they conveyed the king’s order to Queen Vashti, she refused to come, this made the king furious and he burned with anger.” When the queen was summoned to come before the king, Vashti decided that she didn’t feel like it. What did the king do when she refused to come? He became irate because nobody, but nobody was allowed to refuse a request from the king. Vashti is a type of the flesh, the willful, rebellious side of our human personalities. So here we see the king rejecting the rebellious Vashti and seeking to replace her with a new queen. We see this same confrontation going on inside each and every one of us. God is seeking after His Queen—a mature Bride who has a heart for her Groom. And just as the king became angry and rejected the rebellious nature of his queen, we should also reject our carnal desires and become that wise virgin of Matthew 25, devoted to our King. I can remember taking long walks at night, talking with the Lord. As I walked by each house, the Lord would ask me to pray that family to make room for Him. He spoke to me about the need for preparation, the need to keep oil in my lamp. He said, “Steve, do you value the anointing? Do you really want it? The greater the preparation the greater the anointing.” He spoke to me about the value of spending time in His presence, resting in His glory and being content to just be with Him. He said to prepare, because now is the time, as favor rests upon those who prepare! In Esther 2:12 we read, “Before each young woman was taken to the king’s chambers, she was given the prescribed twelve months of beauty treatments, six months with oil of myrrh, followed by six months with special perfumes and ointments. When it was time for her to go to the king’s palace she was given her choice of whatever clothing or jewelry she wanted to take from the harem. That evening she was taken to the king’s private rooms and the next morning she was brought to the second harem where the king’s wives lived.” Look closely at the process this beautiful bride Esther went through: a year-long purification process, preparing her for one night with the king. In other words, she didn’t go strolling into his chambers and say, “Hey, I’m Esther.” In fact, she went through months of preparation: she had to soak in certain types of ointments and perfumes and fragrances. She had to be as attractive as possible to vie with other contestants for the attention of a king in order to save her nation from extinction. Did you know that, just like in the story of Esther, there is also a purification process through which the Lord takes His Bride where she’s soaking, saturating herself in the
ointment in the Holy Spirit? She is being purified, prepared to be that mature Bride He is seeking, the one she will love and serve with all her heart forever. The Wind Blowing Through the Church I heard the Lord say that purification is coming to the church. In May of 1993, I was right out of Bible School when I had my first vision. I was downstairs in the family room sitting on a hope chest when I saw a powerful wind blow through a church and a broom begin to sweep from the back of the church all the way up to the pulpit. I was amazed at what I’d seen. My heart pounded hard in my chest as I saw the windows blow open and the wind blowing through the church when the Lord said, “I’m cleansing My temple. I’m purifying My people and I’m causing the wind of the Holy Spirit to blow from the back row to the pulpit to purify it completely.” Since that day I’ve held on to that word knowing that God is doing exactly that—purifying His Bride in preparation for His soon return. The cleansing of both our hearts and the corporate body of the church. The king loved Esther more than any of the other young women; he was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen to replace Vashti. To celebrate the occasion, he threw a great banquet for all his nobles and officials in Esther’s honor, declaring a public holiday in the provinces and giving generous gifts to everyone. In our scripture passage, we see Esther, who has prepared after bathing and soaking in rare and precious oils, doing what she knew she needed to do. And because of her obedience, the favor of God rested upon her. Today I declare that if you’re preparing yourself to be the mature Bride of Jesus Christ, you have God’s favor and anointing resting upon you so that you’ll be blessed in every step you take! The favor of God will rest upon you as you draw near and prepare yourself, submitting to Him in every area of your life. If we want the favor of God we have to be willing to prepare ourselves, to seek holiness and purity and to pick up the cross and follow hard after God. He Is a Jealous God In Exodus 34:14 we read this profound statement: "...for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God" (Exodus 34:14). Does that mean we can provoke jealousy in our God? Absolutely. In 1 Corinthians 10:22 we read, “Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy?” Here Paul is asking, “You have testified that you love Him. You've even taken His name. Yet, has someone or something else stolen your heart?” My heart’s desire is that we’re able to stand before the Bridegroom, so he can say, "This is My beloved, the very one who spent a great deal of time with Me. You couldn't wait for morning to get up and meet Me, and you always spent time with Me at bedtime. We’ve had great times together because you were always
expectantly waiting to be with Me. We are in harmony, never to be apart again.” His eyes filled with tender love when He spoke those words. It was His deepest heart’s desire. “Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number” (Jeremiah 2:32). We dare not let the fire of our love burn low but fan the embers into a flame that changes everything—forever. In other words, going to church doesn’t make you a Bride. A true Bride is one who simply loves God more than anyone or anything else and will follow Him wherever He goes. Are you seeking Him with all your heart? That’s the question we must answer; our placement in eternity depends on it. It’s not easy. But who said it would be? Let’s take a look at this word “crucify”. Notice how Paul uses the phrase, “Crucify your flesh.” Literal crucifixion means having massive nails mercilessly pounded through your hands and feet, but in the same way the crucifixion of your flesh is the prerequisite for becoming a mature Bride, where His divine nature and favor rests upon you. As we end this article I want you to ponder the Lord’s call to preparation. Will you be as Esther and respond to the call with a yes answer, soaking in His presence to be a carrier of the very glory of God so that, when the wedding day arrives (Revelation 19:7-9), you will be that mature Bride who knows Him intimately, and because you trust Him so implicitly you’re willing to submit your life to His leadership? Even as The Shulamite woman in the Song of Solomon went through purification in order to be a carrier of the manifest presence of God, we must open the door to the knocks and yearnings of the heart of God, daring to be carriers of the glory! I see a crown of favor resting upon your head—the very beauty of the Lord is upon you. You are the Queen arrayed in gold! All the people of God call you blessed because the sweet aroma of divine favor rests upon your life. God is looking for those who will yield so they can carry the presence. May you be such a one! Father, may my dear friend reading this article today yield to Your will, that they may flow in divine favor and be a glory carrier, so that the world may see You in us! Steve Porter Rochester, New York www.findrefuge.tv Steve and his wife Diane founded "Refuge Ministries". Steve is a regular contributor to many prophetic publications including the Elijah List, Spirit Fuel, and the Identity Network. His writings have been read worldwide by hundreds of thousands of people. He also has been interviewed by the Trinity Broadcasting Network and a few other TV programs. Steve's books, articles, and videos have touched countless lives around the world. The Porters reside near Rochester, NY.
by: Stuart Smith
We all grew up with what is known as fairytales. There are many stories told of the prince who finds his princess and somehow, they get to live happily ever after. In the most beloved stories there is always a villain and of course some happy go lucky side characters that help the story along. But, are these tales merely our imaginative escape to something we can never have? Have we come to a time in human history where misery is our shadow and an inescapable warden of our souls? Is there such a thing as happily ever after, or is it, a myth? The saying, April showers bring May flowers and traditionally those are wedding flowers. This month is a month in which many brides accept the proposal of their prince. Often times they go into
marriage which indeed appears to be a fairytale. There is her long white dress, the flowers, the moment when she comes into the church, chapel or wedding venue arm in arm with a Dad who is often reluctantly
letting go of his princess. The audience arises to their feet in honor of her entry into the room. Her groom waits, nervously, yet with excitement he watches as she comes ever so closer to him and to those vows they are about to take. He has often thought long and hard before deciding to accept this role as her husband. We all know in this world we ourselves have either been divorced or we know someone who is divorced. Does that mean we cannot still long for that happily ever after? Do we say to the bride or groom, don’t do it, It will not end well? Unfortunately, many have resigned to simply live together and never dare to become a family by the promises made in holy matrimony. Is it the fault of the church for not lifting up this union as sacred and God-designed? Is this the end of happily ever after? What has happened to this world when marriage is no longer the celebrated union of a man and woman? Why have we stood by as it has been diminished to nothing more than the legal trappings of two consenting adults or worse yet, simply some amicable arrangement? In the beginning it was not so. As I read from the book of Genesis this morning, God performed that first glorious ceremony. Adam had named all the creatures God had put there with him on the Earth. God noted, “It is not good for man to be alone.” Then, in His loving mercy toward mankind, He had the first man to go into a deep sleep. According to the scriptures, then God performed the first surgical procedure. He removed a rib from Adam’s side. It was then God crafted the most wondrous creation in the making of Eve.
Adam declared, “She is bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh, she shall be called woman.” Now, that is the stuff that fairytales seek to be, a marriage that lasted an entire lifetime, founded on the principles that God man them for each other. In reading the Bible we discover so many marriages that, though they were not perfect, they were beautiful examples of God’s design. There was one case for example that a man worked for the future father in law 14 years just to earn the right to marry his daughter. In another case there was the young couple who married even though, she was pregnant with a child that was not his. That of course, is the centerpiece of the gospel. The birth of Jesus Christ born of the Virgin Mary who was the wife of a carpenter named Joseph. Happily ever after didn’t mean these examples of marriage did not struggle. As a matter of fact, I am of the persuasion that if you didn’t have difficult times, you nor I would have a clue what happy looked like. You see, just like the dawn of a new morning breaks through the darkest night, so does the happily after pain and struggles. Ever after, to me seems to just mean ‘forever.” The only way a human being can have a happily ever after is if they have embraced the knowledge that there is an eternity. In understanding that we are created as living souls as revealed in Genesis, we also know that when this body dies, that is not the end. Whether or not we have happiness forever, it all relates whether you are married or single to your relationship with Jesus Christ. He says to us, “I would that you would have life and have it more abundantly.” Doesn’t that sound like Christ desires for us to have our own ‘happily ever after?” If we think for a
moment that true happiness can be found in people, places or things then we are badly mistaken. Anything you can see, feel or touch right now is temporal and fleeting. David the Psalmist asked, “What is man that thou are mindful of him, and the son of man that you visit him? For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and you have crowned him with glory and honor.” Sounds like being made a prince or princess to me. “Crowned,” You and I can be the recipients of such powerful grace and mercy that we are transformed from the peasants we once were, to royalty. Indeed, happily ever after is a myth, to those who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. They cannot enter into the kingdom, so they will forever be banished from the presence of God into the outer darkness.
However, to those of us who have accepted our place in the family of God by repenting of our sins and embracing the Salvation of God in the person of Christ, we can have it! Remember, happily ever after doesn’t mean you want have trials and tribulations. It simply means that no matter what comes against you, not even the very gates of hell, it cannot prevail against you. You are even this very minute, no matter how low you may feel at times, ‘more than a conqueror in CHRIST JESUS.” In closing allow me to tell you a story, ONCE UPON A TIME, THERE WAS YOU. YOU ASKED JESUS INTO YOUR HEART, AND HE WALKED WITH YOU, TOGETHER, EVEN THOUGH THERE MAY BE UNCERTAIN TIMES AHEAD, YOU LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER.
by: Dewanshu Ahlawat
Hello and welcome to this article of this wonderful magazine “Faith Unlimited.” I apologize for writing my article after a few months because I was busy in my personal life. However, here I am again on this beautiful platform to meet the readers this time, not with any article on nutrition but on relaxing the mind. Everyone among us whether of any age group is facing lots of stress. This is the truth. Some mature people might accept it while others may not. Today’s life is full of competition, and lots of stress be it with financial, emotional, personal, professional, psychological, sexual or of any other nature. Money and fame definitely makes us all happy. But peace of mind is of more importance. We all know a few ways to relax our mind so that we can have healthy relationships. I am not a counselor or relationship expert. I am a common man like you. I am writing this article to help anybody with stress or emotional pain. I want to use this platform to help as many people as I can. Let’s get started. The followings are a few ways to relax our mind.
01. Meditate: Meditation helps relax the mind and the body, it clears the tension of our mind, releases feel-good hormones in our body and as the time passes, meditation calms our mind and gives us the gift of mental peace. One can practice meditation at any time, but I enjoy either in early morning or in evening. I get the best feeling if I meditate in some open air like any park ground rather than in closed four walls. Here are some steps for meditation: a. Write: Copy the verse by hand onto a piece of paper or 3X5 card (Deut. 17:18) and keep it with you to meditate on, memorize and mutter throughout the day(s). Also record this verse in your meditation/journal (which can be written, typed or verbally recorded). b. Quiet Down: Become still in God’s presence, loving Him through soft soaking music (2 Kings 3:15-16) and/or praying in tongues (1 Cor. 14:15), putting a smile on your face and picturing Jesus with you (Acts 2:25). Tune to His flowing thoughts, pictures and emotions (Jn. 7:37-39). c. Reason: Reason together with God (Isa. 1:18), meaning the Spirit will guide your reasoning process (i.e. through flow). “Lord, what do You want to show me about any of the following: the context of a verse, the Hebrew/Greek definitions of the key words in the verse, or any cultural understandings?” d. Speak & Imagine: Ponder the Scripture, speaking it to yourself softy over and over again until you can say it with your eyes closed. As you repeat the Scripture, allow yourself to see it with the eyes of your heart. Note what the picture is in your mind’s eye as you repeat the Scripture. e. Feel God’s Heart: While seeing the above picture, ask, “Lord, what does this Scripture reveal about Your heart toward me?” Feel His heart and journal it out. f. Hear God’s Rhema: Put yourself in the picture of this Scripture in your mind. Ask, “Lord, what are You speaking to me through this Scripture?” Tune to flowing thoughts and flowing pictures (God’s voice and vision) and record this dialogue in your journaling. g. Act: Accept this revelation, repenting of any sin that is opposite of it and roaring at any obstacle that stands in the way of implementing it. Then speak it forth and act on it.
02. Play with Pets: This is another fantastic way to be happy and relax the ever thinking mind. Various studies have shown that playing with pets lowers our blood pressure and releases oxytocin in our body that helps us feel good. 03. Friends: Take out some time to meet or call your friends and speak to them. The best person to trust is our mother. Make a call to your mother and there will be a smile on your face and you will feel lighter. 04. Step into the Light: Don’t spend the whole day in your workplace or in your home. Go in the open and enjoy the bright sunrays to fight sadness and also to get the essential Vitamin D to have healthy bones. 05. Muscle Relaxation: It means to relax each muscle group. Muscle relaxation can be beneficial in order to fight anxiety and muscle tension. If you face problems in falling asleep, this method can be helpful. Once the muscles are relaxed, our body gets the signal that it is time to fall asleep. 06. Music: Listen to soothing music. Music is very good for the human mental health. Surround yourself with sounds that can soothe your soul and heart. 07. Write: A simple way to relax your body is by having a notepad on hand. Write down all your problems on papers. Release your worries through words (prayers), and if you want you can later burn the pages as a final release. 08. Find someone who will listen to you: Find a person who will listen to your problems with affection and without judging you. Discuss your worries with him or her and you will feel light headed. 09. Get connected to GOD: This is the sweetest thing to do. Trust me my dear friends, brothers and sisters, GOD loves us all so much. Go to any silent place, kneel down, and pray to GOD, talk to GOD. He loves us all and He will surely help us. Start having a time of fellowship with like believers. Most religions preach love and peace. GOD can make impossible things possible. 10. Creativity: Go creative. I mean try painting, dancing, singing, baking, sewing, swimming. Do not worry too much about the finished product, just focus on enjoying yourself. I hope this article helped you to any extent. This is Dewanshu Ahlawat, the writer of this article in this wonderful magazine. I have 26 certifications with me, including one on Psychology and another on Mental Health. I express my thanks to the respected Editor of this magazine “Faith Unlimited” to publish my article.
Will I Ever Find Happiness?
by: Dave Kachele
“Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21)
Does the title of this article seem ill-matched with the exhortation from Pastor John? It would have to me before this morning’s devotion.
“Their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk. They cannot make a sound with their throats. Those who make them are just like them, as are all who trust in them.” (Psalm 115:4-8.)
What is an idol? The simple definition I’ve always used is “anything that is placed before or made more important than, God.” That would be any person, place, or thing. The bolded part of the passage above showed me what I was missing: The person engaged in my idolatry could be an idolized me, not the actual me. It would be an IMAGined me with different circumstances: in a better house, with a different person, married, single, driving a better car, in a better job…. So, I’d have more than one idol – some other person, place, or thing, but also an IMAGined me.
IDOLATRY CANNOT LEAD TO HAPPINESS!
Jesus called us to be light in the world. Think of yourself as an electric lamp. You need a power source. What will you plug into for power? Will plugging into some person, place, or thing light you up? It might for a little while. Let’s say you plug into a new car. Nice! But, down the road a few thousand miles, you need maintenance. A few more miles, and you need repairs. Your light plugged into that car is now pretty dim.
NO PERSON, PLACE, OR THING CAN EVER COMPLETELY SATISFY. YOU-WITH A PERSON, IN A PLACE, OR POSSESSING A THING-CAN NEVER SATISFY. THEY’RE JUST IDOLS, AND SO IS THE YOU THAT’S WITH THEM.
THERE’S ONLY ONE SOURCE THAT CAN COMPLETELY SATISFY. FOR MY LIGHT TO SHINE, I’VE GOT TO BE PLUGGED INTO JESUS.
Let’s focus on relationships for a moment. I’m going to ask a question, and you may be tempted to reply with a quick, “No!” Please think for a moment before you answer. Those who are married, Have you made your spouse into an idol, expecting him or her to meet all your needs? … Those who are single, are you looking for a person who will meet all of your needs? … If you expect a person to meet all your needs, to completely satisfy you, you’ve put way too much on that person. You’ve made that person an idol and people make lousy gods!
What are you praying for? Why are you asking God for whatever or whoever it is? Is His will your primary concern? If so, you will find more than happiness. Your life will fill up and overflow with a profound and deep JOY! What would happen if instead you placed
your own will above His? Stop and think. Are you? Pray! Your enemy is very crafty. Idolatry leads to Hell-on-earth, not Happiness.
JESUS MUST BE CENTRAL. THE LORD DOESN’T WANT TO BE #1 IN YOUR LIFE. JESUS WANTS TO BE YOUR LIFE! HE WANTS TO BE #1 IN EVERY RELATIONSHIP AND IN EVERY PRIORITY! WHEN JESUS IS YOUR LIFE, YOU WILL HAVE FOUND TRUE HAPPINESS!
The Lord will bring other people, places, things, and circumstances into your completely surrendered life, and what He allows will be “the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1 & 2)
by: Genice Fulton
See to it that no one falls short of God’s grace; that no root of resentment springs up and causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; (Hebrews 12:15, AMP) I pondered my topic for this month in-depth and I quickly realized there are many sides to “fixing a problem”. One being fixing a problem we create and another being fixing a problem someone creates for us. No matter which side we find ourselves, our Bible has specific guidelines on fixing a problem. Over the course of our lives, we can have many problems. (Psalm 34:19) Have you ever had someone create a problem for you to fix? To dig deeper, have you ever found yourself in a situation where you made every attempt to do well by someone only to have them hurt you…repeatedly? Those closest to us are the ones who hurt us most because as our heart cries out for reconciliation we soften and open and re-open ourselves up in hopes of complete restoration because we know we are not our own. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Independent of which side we find ourselves on this issue, our Bible has specific answers for us! (Deuteronomy 31:6) • • • • •
Turn away from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14) Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:17) Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32) For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Bless those who curse you. Pray for those that hurt you. (Luke 6:8)
When I find myself in need of fixing a problem (hurt, offense, etc), the action steps I prefer are: 1. Before the offense has time to grow into a larger problem, immediately find a scripture that sows life into the particular situation. Ask God, He is always faithful to answer. a. If I don’t hear His answer, I know He is always speaking to me so I have to overcome my flesh insuring my spirit is in alignment with His Word in order to receive the answers He is giving me. He has never failed to answer me; however, I have at times failed to hear. (1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 John 5:14, Romans 8:7) b. Years ago, when I initially began to use scripture to fix problems, for some reason I thought I needed to read the whole Bible and find every scripture that would help me. Then I would get bogged down in the process, get
overwhelmed, lose my focus on the solution at hand, and then give up. I quickly discovered, I can use as little as one scripture (taken in context) to breathe life thus fixing the problem. I learned one word from God would set me free! (John 10:10, John 8:32 & 36) 2. Consume that scripture like medicine by means of confessing and meditating on the Word God has given for that particular situation. a. Do not meditate on the problem, the hurt, the offense. Instead, get a “vision” of the solution and meditate on the fulfillment of that vision and refuse to give up. When I am attacked and tempted (notice I said when and not if) I stop and say to myself, “Nope, I am not doing this. I am doing what God said!” When we submit to God and resist the devil, he has to flee. God promises it! i. Plus, the devil is a liar. Why would we ever listen to a lie? (Proverbs 29:18, John 14:14, James 4:7, John 8:44) 3. Confess as needed. a. Fixing a minor problem may require confessing the scripture twice daily while being deeply hurt may require confession (taking God’s Word) hourly. At times, I’ve had to confess scripture moment by moment. And that is absolutely okay and I highly suggest it. When we are in a battle, we don’t give up, lay down and allow ourselves to get trampled….we become as fierce as our Father and we continue to fight! (Ephesians 6:12, 2 Corinthians 10:46) i. “But God, a most fierce warrior, is at my side. Those who are after me will be sent sprawling – Slapstick buffoons falling all over themselves, a spectacle of humiliation no one will ever forget.” (Jeremiah 20:11) 1. As we say here in America, “Dude!” and “If that doesn’t light your fire, your wood is wet! 4. Remain steadfast in the vision coming forth. Speak the things we want (the vision…God’s plan) not the things we have (current status…what we see). (Romans 4:17, 2 Corinthians 5:7) 5. Live a life of repentance and forgiveness. (Proverbs 28:13, Luke 15:10, Acts, 3:19, Colossians 3:13, Luke 6:37) 6. Never give up on God’s Word. (Galatians 6:9) 7. Refuse the flesh the dominance it craves. My spirit always aligns with God as I walk in obedience to His Word. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) 8. Sow seeds of grace so that we can reap a harvest of grace for ourselves and so that we don’t hinder others! (Hebrews 12:15)
We are bought with a precious price! We are not our own. We are called for a His specific purpose, but our purpose won’t just fall in our laps, we were born into a war so we have to fight for it! Love always protects. God is love so He always protects. He loves us too much to give us more than we can handle…good or bad. He won’t position us to do more for Him in His kingdom until we walk in victory (fix) minor problems and overcome what the enemy throws at us. He can’t promote us to bigger things in His kingdom. He doesn’t want to see us fail affecting others. (1 Corinthians 6:20, Romans 8:28, Ephesians 6:12, 1 John 4:8, 1 Corinthians 13:7, 1 Corinthians 10:13) Some might say, “But Genice…. I just don’t feel like it.” I would respond with, “Ok. Ask God how He feels about that.” (Isaiah 5:9-11, Psalm 119:142, Psalm 89:34, Psalm 1:2-3, Psalm 119:97-99, Psalm 119:160) I have moments of, “Yes! I will be obedient to God in all things!” But, that is not my norm. I rarely ever feel like being obedient. Ultimately, the issue isn’t between us and another other person but in our obedience to God who we love. We have to make the decision to refuse to serve ourselves and decree and declare, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD! (Matthew 6:33, John 14:15, Joshua 24:15) The following is not exactly in alignment with the topic; however, I believe it will speak to the hearts of readers and encourage each of us to press in and press on to our goal. (Philippians 3:14) If we don't listen, we can't hear. If we can't hear, we can't receive. If we can't receive, we can’t overcome. In December, my oldest daughter delivered my grandson. I love him beyond anything I can put into words. Through my love for him I will only position him for success. I will never position him so that he will fail. I will protect him and direct him into God’s call on his life. I am going to insure he has the tools he needs in order to live a victorious life and to do everything God has called him to do. Right now, he is four months old. At this point in his life, would I place him in front of a huge audience and expect him to deliver God’s Word to save people and set them free? He can’t even crawl yet! So of course, I wouldn’t expect him to do more than he is prepared and equipped to do. He is working very hard to learn how to crawl. He is pushing and rolling and grunting. In doing so he is strengthening muscles and putting it all together. But right now, he can’t crawl. His mother can’t force him to crawl. But what she is doing is positioning him and giving him time and opportunity to learn how to crawl. How much more our perfect Father love us! So many of us want to do more than what we’ve prepared, equipped, and strengthened ourselves to do. God won’t position us beyond our obedience to what He has told us to fulfill. And a large part of that is to prepare, equip, and strengthen ourselves in what is to come! He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little thing is also dishonest in much. (Luke 16:10, AMP)
by: Krissy Webb 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV) Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. Dorcas was a disciple of Jesus who lived in Joppa, a town located on the shore of the Mediterranean, which used to be the main seaport of Palestine. She was well known in Joppa for doing good works by sewing clothing for the poor, the widows, and the children. She must have been well off to be able to do these charitable acts of kindness. We can possibly believe that since she lived by the port she also did work for the sailors/workers in the area to make her money. As it never states in the bible that Dorcas was married or had any family of her own.
Acts 9:36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); She was always doing good things and helping the poor. Many women throughout the years have been able to draw inspiration from the story of Dorcas. From Wikipedia.org it states "A Dorcas Society is a local group of people, usually based in a church, with a mission of providing clothing to the poor. One Dorcas society was founded in Douglas, Isle of Man in December 1834, as part of the community's Thanksgiving for being spared from an outbreak of cholera. Other Dorcas societies were established by missionaries in the Americas in the early 1800's. Beatrice Clugston founded the Glasgow Royal Dorcas Society in 1864. One English Dorcas society in Sydenham met during five Tuesdays in Lent, producing 166 garments in one year. Dorcas societies were at their height in the 1800's, but there are still Dorcas societies around the world, providing clothing and other physical needs." Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Dorcas used her gifts God gave her to be a service to others. With her needle in her hand, she made robes and clothes for others. The grace from within her was cherished by everyone that she helped. They could feel the love and generosity Dorcas lived as a follower of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NIV) There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. Just because Dorcas was a disciple did not make her exempt from death. She became ill and passed away. All the widows were heartbroken. They called for Peter to come. Acts 9:37-38 (NIV) About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" The widows that were tending to Dorcas were all heartbroken because she had blessed them with her good works. They felt the love Dorcas gave to them. They knew if they could get Peter to come and lay hands on her, that she would be alive again. For he had been laying hands on others in a nearby town. Acts 9:39 (NIV) Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. After Peter got on his knees and prayed, he then rose to his feet and spoke to Dorcas to rise up and open her eyes which she did. This miracle that took place gives us a feeling of
hope for our own lives and faith. This started a revival of the town of Joppa. Everyone came to see the miracle of mercy that happened. This was a type of resurrection, for others for their sins and unbelief. Acts 9:40-42 (NIV) Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. I can relate to Dorcas as I feel God has given me the gift of service with covering our community. She didn't intend to become the leader that she did. She was just serving those that needed help while staying in her home, which in turn made her be a great leader. Love, Mercy, and Grace all from doing good works.
by: Dr. Richard Rundell
Hosea 2:19-20, NKJV reads, “I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, in lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the Lord.� Betrothal was a binding commitment, the last step before the wedding and consummation. The Lord emphasized that the new marriage between Himself and Israel would be permanent. Loving
kindness means “devotion, commitment” Israel would respond positively to the Lord’s love and acknowledge that He is her husband and benefactor. Our marriage to Christ serves as an example or pattern for the marriage of a husband and wife. We are to be faithful which means much more than the common thought of abstaining from an intimate relationship with another person. When we are faithful we encourage our spouse, in all they do, say and in their daily life We often tell them how much we love them; we are faithful to keep our word, take proper reasonability as husband or wife, sacrifice of our own agenda to help our spouse. Just as Christ sacrificed His life for us, we are to sacrifice our desires, our agendas, our personal ways of carrying on our daily activities, our philosophy of life, and our time in favor of a godly relationship between husband and wife. When I enrolled in college to earn my master’s degree, and again in pursuit of my PhD, my wife, Irene went back to work to help put groceries on the table. Again, when I became unemployed, she went back to work, sacrificing her desire to become a stay at home wife. Ephesians 5:22-23 NASB “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.” In a marriage relationship, a husband and wife have different roles, therefore different responsibilities. Isaiah 62:5 reads, “For as a young man marries a virgin, So your sons will marry you; And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, So your God will rejoice over you.” The Psalmist wrote, “My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation.” (Ps. 62:1). Our expectations should focus on Him, not on the things the world offers, not in self, not in our possessions but in Him. I can wait silently in His presence for a while but then comes a time when my soul has to cry out to the Lord. We have to give Him the praise and adoration that He is worthy to receive. We have to let Him know how much we love him. From our heart we cry out, “You are my God.” This affirmation means a commitment, a deep relationship, a deep-felt loving of the Lord. We say to God, “My soul thirsts for You.” You want to dwell in the presence of the one you love, never to depart. Some of us may have searched many years before we found our beloved. I, (Richard) had reached my 49th birthday before I found my beloved Jesus. I had gone to church most of m y life but never had a personal relationship with Him. In the Scriptures, God renewed His covenant with Israel in the form of wedding vows. God does not take this everlasting covenant lightly.. The (true) Church, the called-out ones, become His bride. We are to be marred only to Him. He has to come first in our life.
Again, in the Old Testament, God called Israel His wife, but in the New Testament the (true) church (the spiritual Israel) is his bride (Eph. 5:23-33). These scriptures tell us not only the order for the Church but also the relationship for husband and wife. God’s design for marriage is the picture of the union He plans for us as the bride of Jesus Christ. Christ’s sacrifice was true, unconditional love. Husbands should love their wives as Christ loves the Church. Likewise husbands should be sensitive to the needs of their wives just as they are for their own bodies. A wife looks to the Church as her example, which is without spot or wrinkle and manifests the Christ nature. God has called the husband as the head of the family and should take on the role of leadership in the home just as Christ heads the Church. Revelation 22:17 NASB reads, “The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” This verse invites all to come to become part of the bride of Christ. It takes a willing heart to humble yourself, to put your hands into another’s, to surrender yourself so that God might change you into the likeness of Christ. It’s a new birth, not going back to your mother’s womb, but a birth of your spirit man. Ephesians 5:28-29, NASB, “So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, “A husband who realizes that his wife is truly his own flesh will treat her with love and respect. In the natural, the fruit from a fruit tree or vine contains the seed for the next generation as well as the food for the season Likewise a godly marriage bears fruit or food for the marriage itself and for others, including their children, to partake, but also for the next season or generation, the people they influence. As they exemplify a godly and holy marriage, that seed is planted into other couples to strengthen their marriage. The Kingdom of God is based on multiplication, not addition. If each godly married couple would plant that seed in just two other couples, in turn who would influence two other couples, think how this would multiply We apply these principles to not only married couples but in our marriage to Christ. The mark of a Christian is not how may spiritual gifts he manifests but the fruit he bears which is the manifestation of the nature and character of Jesus Christ. We are married to Christ but as His bride, we are responsible to bear His character and nature.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mother’s around the world! God bless You! From the Staff and writers of Faith Unlimited Magazine
By: Wendell Phillips ‘Phil’ Berwick
The homeless are cleaning up the trash in St. Louis. They are being led by 32-year-woman, sexually abused as a toddler, and living on the streets for 20 years from the age of 12. Her name is Crystal Smith. Once upon a time, when she was battling her heroin and opiate addiction, and trying to stay clean, she kept herself busy picking up litter. Recently, after 20 years of pan -
photo by Trenton Harris
handling, prostitution, and serious drug addiction, she’s free and clean, choosing to remain ‘homeless’ and leading her homeless brothers and sisters in earning money, picking up litter. Those whose heads hung low, are proudly being enabled by Crystal and a few supporters to do this noble work. Where once litter was filling every square foot of the north center of the city, clean green grass and sidewalks shine forth. The City of St Louis posted an order of evacuation of her, her tent, and her supplies that she dispersed to the homeless. She has left her camp, a large abandoned eight-acre field on the Missouri side, for a tent camp on the Illinois side of the river. Crystal now has had a request to begin a similar program there. She will also continue doing her ‘ministry’ in St Louis as well. Next episode/ The devil is mad, but he’s a looser, as ‘Jesus in Disguise’ turns her old trap house haunt back into a church. Those who would like to be a part of supporting her paying the Homeless to pick up Trash can check out her Ministry, Jesus in DisguiseCrystal Smith.
by: Author/Speaker Larry Thompson by Author/Speaker Larry Thompson If we were to close our eyes right now, the ability to recall what our surroundings looked like the moment before closing our eyes would be limited in reference to keeping all of those images fixed in our thoughts. Most of the time, they would be fragments at best. We might say we see these pictures in our mind’s eye, though probably most of those images would remain a disarray of thoughts. Now if we were to deliberately take note of our surroundings before we closed our eyes, we might have much greater success in recalling those images. What would give those images a solid base for the mind to recall would be the words that are associated with each image. The usage of the term streaming has increased significantly since the digital age. Streaming is that continuous flow of images or sounds that we pick up through some Internet site on our computers or through other digital devices, hence, the terms streaming video and streaming audio. The Father revealed both words and images that came streaming to Jesus from that invisible realm—the glory. Jesus verified this when He declared that He only says what He hears the Father saying, and He does only what He sees the Father doing. The Holy Spirit takes from what Jesus has received, and then it is declared to us by the Holy Spirit.
In John 16, Jesus expresses this truth, “All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you” (John 16:15 NKJV). Following how this streaming is operating and how it is becoming effective in our lives is the kind of training that the Holy Spirit gives us. We become that much more acquainted with what is taking place in this spiritual realm. Keeping this in perspective, we only say what we hear the Holy Spirit saying. Couple that fact with this truth: all that the Father has is given to Jesus, and the Holy Spirit declares to us the Father’s words. The Father framed the whole creation with His words. Those words are exactly the kind of words Jesus spoke. The Father spoke, and His glory was manifested. Jesus gave more insight as to what kind of words He spoke: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63 NKJV). Notice that in the flesh, our words profit nothing. They have no value to manifest His glory. Jesus said it this way, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NKJV). The words He speaks are supernatural; they are life-giving, life-imparting words. That is exactly the words that He declared that should resonate within us; those words are the words we speak. They have His life and His glory in those words. When we receive words from the Holy Spirit, they are a revelation to our spirit. It is life and health to our entire being. Just one word from the Holy Spirit will transform our life; it is imparting life to us. That word spoken by the Holy Spirit came streaming to us from the Father, to Jesus, to the Holy Spirit, to us. Now it is resonating and radiating within us. We received it, and almost immediately because of the residue from what was revealed to our spirit, we exclaim, “Wow!” It is impacting our thinking; it is creating this sudden change that was a quick flash of His wisdom in the knowledge of His glory. We know something immediately, but do not as yet have a way within us for it to be useful in our experience, for it is only held in the depths of our heart. It has not yet been released by our mouths nor has it been acted upon. When the angel Gabriel came to Mary to proclaim to her that she would conceive a Son, her answer was one of exclamation in wonderment how it could be possible. “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” (Luke 1:31, 34 NKJV). The angel, a messenger of God’s word, speaks these words which came from the Father, “For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment” (Luke 1:37 AMP). I thought it necessary to make a point by using the Amplified Version to amplify the reality of this truth from the Father as it is being spoken by the angel. That word to Mary came streaming to her via an angel; it is carrying this priceless treasure—the power which was spoken by the Father. Her response to the word given to her, “...Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38; NKJV). Her words of acquiescence are not unlike what we would say today—Amen, which means “so
be it, and let it be so.” The glory is given back to the Father and is streaming through that word, “Amen!” “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NKJV). That word that Mary received is what gave birth to Jesus. It is the very life of the Father in those spoken words: “For with God nothing is impossible.” Those words came streaming from the throne of glory as a brilliant Light that birthed the Light of the world. Jesus is that Word that became flesh. His life is radiating with those words in Him. Every cell of His being is permeated with the life of the Father. We only have flashes in Scripture that reveal this heavenly glory being released out of Him—before He enters His earthly ministry and calling. The account of Jesus’ speaking with the religious scholars when He was only a twelve-year-old boy captured their imagination with an unparalleled thought as to where He had attained such wisdom. “Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers” (Luke 2:46, 47 NKJV). And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:52 NKJV) It should be clearly understood how this realm of His divine nature and eternal power— His glory, operates not only in nature, but also in that spirit realm, invisible to our eyes. The way His word is affecting both the seen and the unseen realm is comparable to the way it is revealing and making known to us, our particular role and relationship to how His works through us as well. We are not just repeating His Word like a parrot. The words that came streaming from the Holy Spirit into our life is impregnated with His life. They become so intimately permeated with our own words that, in truth, we can say, like Jesus, “…The words I say are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63 NKJV). That is exactly what Jesus was declaring for His disciples to do—speak the words He spoke. We are modeling our life from our Example, Jesus. The work of the Holy Spirit is to bring our thoughts up higher and follow Jesus accurately in all that we say and do.
Where Can I Go in My Shame? --Lessons from the Life of Tamar by: Pastor Jo Bruns
“No, my brother,” (Tamar) cried. “Don’t be foolish! Don’t do this to me! Such wicked things aren’t done in Israel. Where could I go in my shame?” 2 Samuel 13:13 (NLT)
While King David may have been known as “a man after God’s own heart,” his life was far from perfect. When you look rather closely, you will find a very troubled man who lived a desperate life and who appears to have sought “love in all the wrong places.” Often, those who experience dysfunction in their families of origin will perpetuate it until someone begins to recognize and acknowledge the patterns and puts forth the effort to change the cycle of behavior. David, in many ways, was despised by his own brothers and was even overlooked by his own father. Examples of this can be seen in I Samuel 17:12-29 during the battle between the Philistines and Israel. David’s brother, Eliab, “burned with anger at him and asked, “Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.” And, David’s internal response to his brother’s taunts was this, “Now what have I done? Can’t I even speak?” Another example of this is found in 1 Samuel 16: 1-13 when Samuel, the prophet, called for David’s father, Jesse, to bring forth his sons because the Lord would anoint the future King of Israel. One by one, the sons Jesse presented were rejected by the Lord. “Do you have any more sons?” Samuel asked. It was only then that David was called in from the fields, where he worked as a shepherd, and was declared as the one “the Lord has chosen.” One can only imagine how David must have felt when these things happened and of the internal shame he must have carried in his heart; one can only surmise that it had become a major influence and impact in David’s personal relationships and in the many choices he made throughout his life. David went on to marry eight (8) wives and he fathered twenty (20) known children, one of which was his daughter, Tamar; and, perhaps, he may have fathered many more “unaccounted for” children as a result of many sexual encounters with concubines. (Can you imagine how David was even able to lead a kingdom let alone maintain the relationships with his wives and children)?! It’s no surprise then, that following King David’s “affair” with Bathsheba ((wife of Uriah the Hittite whom King David had killed) and to whom he later married), one can find the story of when David’s first-born son, Amnon, had raped his own sister, Tamar. We can clearly see that King David and his family had issues! “Like father, like son” the saying goes! The Word of God describes this as the “sins of the fathers” spilling over to the next generations. As David’s story unfolds, though, he continues to seek after the Lord; and often asks, “Create in me a clean heart, oh Lord… Examine my heart, O God… What is man that You are mindful of him?” While he may have failed and fallen short many times throughout his life, David continually sought after God. What is Shame? Brene Brown defines shame as “the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing we are flawed and, therefore, unworthy of love and belonging.” F. Remy Diederich goes a step further in saying, “The mistake isn’t believing you are flawed. The mistake is believing that BECAUSE you are flawed, you are unworthy of love and belonging.” What is shame? Shame is clearly about who you are; guilt, on the other hand, is about what you’ve done. We, as humans, need to recognize
the difference between the two. Louis Smedes, in the book, “Shame and Grace: Healing the Shame We Don’t Deserve” refers to shame as “Like a hunk of lead in our hearts…like an invisible load that weighs our spirits down and crushes out our joy. It is a lingering sorrow.” In F. Remy Diederich’s book, “Healing the Hurts of Your Past: A Guide to Overcoming the Pain of Shame,” he writes, “Shame has little to do with the bad things that happened to you, or the bad things you have done. Shame has everything to do with the lies you believe about yourself.” Tamar expressed several “lies” after she was raped by her half-brother, Amnon. Some of these “lies” include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
I have no future; life will never be good again. I am damaged and no one will ever love me now that I’m no longer a “virgin.” I am beyond repair. I will never experience joy again. I have lost my dignity. I have even been “dishonored” by my family; therefore, there must be something wrong with me.
How many times have you (or someone you know) said, “If people really knew me or all the things I have done, they wouldn’t want me around?” A person who lives a shame-based life often fears that potential “exposure.” They’ll do anything to project an image of “having it all together” or by “trying to act perfect” so that their flaws or deficiencies aren’t revealed. Roots of Shame The many roots of shame include: abuse, ridicule, dishonoring or ridiculing your name (or “identity”), neglect, and through family and personal secrets. Some of the many factors present in King David’s family were verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse; ridicule, neglect, and family secrets. Manipulation is a form of abuse and Amnon manipulated the situation through deceit by pretending that he was ill and by manipulating his father, David, to have Tamar sent to him. King David may have, unknowingly, enabled Amnon to do harm to his sister by telling Tamar to go to her brother. In addition, while he didn’t confront Amnon after finding out about what had happened, he may have felt some “remorse” about sending Tamar to her brother’s room; however, he did absolutely nothing to confront him. Nor was there any mention in the Biblical account that King David went to his daughter, Tamar, to comfort her. It’s possible that he felt inadequate to do so, because he, himself, had just fallen into “lust” with Bathsheba and didn’t believe he could confront his son for the same “sin” he’d just committed. We don’t know for sure. But the truth is, he neglected the needs of his daughter, Tamar, by ignoring the situation. She was violated; and, yet, her very own father didn’t come to her or defend her for the wrong that had been committed against her. And, even more so, her own brother, Absalom, told her not to talk about it and to keep it “secret.” Tamar was clearly violated, not only through the sexual assault, but she was, in a sense, violated all over again by her father and brother who, by their words and actions, demanded her silence by “sweeping it under the rug” as if it never happened. For Tamar, this one event cost her dearly. Traumatic experiences, such as rape and abuse, and the emotional pain resulting from it do have a way of changing you. But it’s not the traumatic event(s)
themselves that changes you, it’s the lies one begins to believe as a result of the traumatic event(s). Tamar, after being raped by her own brother, as well as, through the actions and inactions of her father and brother, Absalom, came to believe that she no longer had value—even though she was a princess, the daughter of the King. 2 Samuel 13:20-22 tells how she responded to her plight: “Her brother, Absalom, said to her, “Has that Amnon, your brother, been with you? Be quiet for now, my sister; he is your brother. Don’t take this thing to heart.” And Tamar lived in her brother Absalom’s house, a desolate woman. When King David heard all this, he was furious. And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad; he hated Amnon because he had disgraced his sister, Tamar.” Eventually, this hatred towards Amnon caused bitterness to grow within Absalom’s heart and he devised a plan to kill his own brother. By keeping silent about a matter, instead of examining it and confronting it, one will experience far greater damage and far greater consequences. It’s better to bring things out in the open so that healing can begin for all involved. Like King David’s family, often our families of origin have dysfunctional characteristics. Can you think of some of your own “family secrets?” It’s been heard that, “You’re as sick as your secrets.” Examples of “family secrets” and associated rules include “Don’t talk about it” or “ignore the elephant in the room.” Jesus, though, has come as the Light of the World to shine His light into the darkness; and, when we bring our secrets and “Until you’re willing to our shame into the light, darkness subsides. Until dig up the roots, you will we are honest with ourselves and with God, though, we will remain only continue to pull up bound, as Tamar was with her silence. I urge you to bring those things WEEDS! weeds.” into the light of His presence. Even today, within the faith community, people who have experienced trauma and abuse are often discouraged from talking about it or about the things of their past; and, quite often, they don’t feel safe in doing so. Yet, on any given Sunday, if you dared to ask, you might find that more than half of the congregation carries some form of shame or dysfunction in their lives. Perhaps, it’s the woman who once had an abortion, the young teen who is being sexually abused by her father or step-father, the young wife who fears the blows from her husband, or the husband whose wife is battling addiction and/or mental illness. This is the “hidden” shame many Christians often battle alone. And this should not be. While the Word does say, “Forget the former things; do not dwell upon the past,” if one doesn’t acknowledge and heal from the hurts by continuing to “ignore” it or by “sweeping” it under the rug, it will remain buried, but not forgotten. Until you’re willing to dig up the roots, you will only continue to pull up weeds. Jesus desires that we dig up these roots permanently. As a church, and as an individual, allow yourself to become vessels that the Holy Spirit can use to exhibit God’s compassion and His desire to heal wounds.
Overcoming Shame While it’s true that you cannot undo the things that have occurred in your life, whether through your own choices or through the choices of others, the one thing you can do is to begin to identify the lie(s) you have come to believe and begin exchanging the lie(s) for the truth. “You are not the things done to you; you are who you are because of who He is.” The Word of God says, “You are the apple of God’s eye” and ‘You are His beloved.” Be honest. We all struggle with shame at some point in our lives. This is different than our coming to Christ whereby we acknowledge that we have fallen short of His ideal. We all sin and need His forgiveness. This involves renewing your mind; and we all have to fight the battles raging in our mind. So, we each must ask ourselves the very same question that Tamar cried out, “Where can I go in my shame?” The answer is we can go to our Father and Lord Jesus Christ and into His Word. We do this by seeking the Lord and asking Him to help reveal the things that are hidden within us (and, sometimes, that may require seeking the help of a pastoral counselor, trained peer counselor, or licensed professional counselor) and to align ourselves with a trustworthy, “iron sharpens iron,” mentor or friend who will allow you to bring those things into the light where healing can begin.
You are not the things done to you; you are who you are because of who He is. The Word of God says, “You are the apple of God’s eye” and ‘You are His beloved”
The one tragic thing in Tamar’s story is that Tamar really didn’t find the answer to the cry of her heart; instead she became a desolate woman. We, however, with the tools and keys that Jesus provides, can find our “voice” to overcome what the enemy has used against us with the intent to destroy us. As a believer, we aren’t exempt from suffering or promised a trauma-free life; but, we are promised that He is with us. We may never know the rest of Tamar’s story. (Yet, God does). But we can experience genuine healing in our own lives and can begin to share our own stories. And, in doing so, perhaps, our stories can become a source of hope for healing in someone else’s story. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT) reminds us of this: “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” Let us rise up as the “ministers of reconciliation” we are called to be and to begin to “encourage one another and to build each other up.” It’s time to break the chains of shame and to break the cycle of dysfunction in our families as we walk in the freedom Jesus purchased for us through His death and resurrection. It’s time to look “unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” In other words, Jesus bore our shame so that we no longer have to carry it ourselves. We’ve carried the load for far too long. Bring it to the altar and leave it there.
For further reading, see 2 Samuel 13; Psalm 25:3, Psalm 34:5, 1 Peter 2:6, and Isaiah 61:1-3;7. Pastor Jo Bruns is all too familiar with having experienced a shame-based identity through her growing up in a dysfunctional family. Throughout her walk with Christ, however, she has learned to identify the “lies” she once believed and has begun replacing those beliefs with God’s truth. Sometimes, that journey has been a rather painful process in identifying and pulling up those roots; but the resulting freedom is worth the necessary effort. And, in doing so, this has stirred up a passion within her to walk alongside other women, in the small group setting, as they do the same. One such group she leads is called “Making Peace with Your Past.”
by: Matthew Deves
Let's get right to the point. God has never abandoned you. It has only been in your head that He leaves you alone. God has always been with you and wants to stay put. And you—once being alienated, and enemies in the mind, in the evil works, yet now did he reconcile, Col. 1:21 YLT You have been reconciled. Brought near. So near that He can’t tell your recreated spirit apart from the Spirit of His Son. Since the Greek phrase for “reconcile” means “to bring back a former state of harmony,” we ask the obvious question, “What was it like in that former state of harmony?” If you would like more context and explanation, let’s try the surrounding verses in the Weust translation. And you who were at one time those who were in a settled state of alienation, and hostile with respect to your intents in the sphere of your works which were pernicious, yet now He reconciled in the body of His flesh through His death, in order that He might present you holy and without blemish and unchangeable before His searching and penetrating gaze; assuming indeed that you are adhering to the Faith, having been placed upon a foundation with the present result that you are on that foundation, firmly established, and that you are not being shifted away from your hope held out by the good news which you heard, that good news which was proclaimed in all creation which is under heaven, of which, I, Paul, became one who ministers. Colossians 1:21-23 (Wuest) Holy. Blameless. Without blemish. Sin-free. These words describe how He sees you now in Christ. In this state of reconciliation, God is perfectly happy to hang out WITH-IN YOU. You are never alone. What makes you think that your bad behavior can change God’s mind on this matter? Your good behavior doesn’t maintain His acceptance any more than your sick deeds repel his Love. Why start acting that He left you because of the sins of the flesh? Maybe it is because you believed the lie that you are alone or that God left you. How could this be the case when He designed your closeness so long ago and completed it in His Son. Here are some more foundational truths. Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. [Exod. 33:12; Isa. 49:1, 5; Rom. 8:29.] (Jer 1:5) AMP Now, the fulfillment of that prophecy from Paul.
We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren. Rom 8:28-29 AMP “…and share inwardly His likeness” So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose. 29 For he knew all about us before we were born, and he destined us aa from the beginning to share the likeness of his Son. This means the Son is the oldest among a vast family of brothers and sisters who will become just like him. Rom. 8:28-29 The Passion Translation. Meanwhile, we know that the love of God causes everything to mutually contribute to our advantage. His Master Plan is announced in our original identity. (Called according to his purpose, kaleo, meaning to surname, to identify by name.) 8:29 He pre-designed and engineered us from the start to be jointly fashioned in the same mold and image of his son according to the exact blueprint of his thought. We see the original and intended pattern of our lives preserved in his Son. He is the firstborn from the same womb that reveals our genesis. He confirms that we are the invention of God. (We were born anew when he was raised from the dead! [1 Peter 1:3] His resurrection co-reveals our common genesis as well as our redeemed innocence. [Rom 4:25 and Acts 17:31] No wonder then that he is not ashamed to call us his brethren! We share the same origin [Heb 2:11}, and, “In him we live and move and have our being, we are indeed his offspring!” [Acts 17:28].) Mirror Bible God never lost track of you throughout history. You are the plan. You are His-Story. He doesn’t want to be in any other place than WITHIN you, so much that the writer of Hebrews encouraged you to agree with God on this matter. Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] [Josh. 1:5.] Hebrews 13:5 AMP Amplified has the phrase FOUR times, “I will not.” The Wuest translation has it FIVE times. Let your manner of life be without love of money, being satisfied with your present circumstances. For He, Himself has said, and the statement is on record, I will not, I will not cease to sustain and uphold you. I will not; I will not, I will not let you down. So that, being of good courage, we are saying, The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What shall man do to me? Hebrews 13:5-6
Let. Allow. Give your brain permission to agree with your spirit. At the same time, you agree with God. He said in that verse, “I will never leave” you. Now for the real proof of the promise that He will never separate Himself from you. Leave is from the greek word, aniēmi. It is powerful. It is the completion of what Jesus said in John 14:18 when He said, “I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless]; I will come [back] to you.” AMP The phrase, “I will never leave” you, in the Thayer’s Greek Definition of words means things like; to send back, relax, loosen, to give up, omit, calm, to leave, not to uphold, and to let sink. How about that? God will NOT send you back. He will NOT relax or calm Himself from the desire to be with you. He will NOT let you sink! In today’s words, He is not going to disassociate from you. He will not disengage. He will never omit Himself from YOUR presence! This comes from what Jesus promised in John 14:18. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. The word for leave here in verse 18 is aphiēmi. Very similar to aniēmi we learned about from Heb. 13:5 with the same ending, him (to send, an intense. form of eimi, to go). I apologize that list is going to be a HUGE, but you really must see all the meanings of this word for "leave" in verse 18. Remember to read these definitions and say that "He will NOT..." 1) to send away 1a) to bid going away or depart 1a1) of a husband divorcing his wife 1b) to send forth, yield up, to expire 1c) to let go, let alone, let be 1c1) to disregard 1c2) to leave, not to discuss now, (a topic) 1c2a) of teachers, writers and speakers 1c3) to omit, neglect 1d) to let go, give up a debt, forgive, to remit 1e) to give up, keep no longer 2) to permit, allow, not to hinder, to give up a thing to a person 3) to leave, go way from one 3a) in order to go to another place 3b) to depart from any one 3c) to depart from one and leave him to himself so that all mutual claims are abandoned 3d) to desert wrongfully 3e) to go away leaving something behind 3f) to leave one by not taking him as a companion 3g) to leave on dying, leave behind one 3h) to leave so that what is left may remain, leave remaining 3i) abandon, leave destitute
Don’t give money a prominent place in your thoughts; realize that what you already have is priceless! He has said that he will never quit on you or abandon you! (Josh 1:5) That is reason enough for total and continual contentment! Heb. 13:5 Mirror Bible If you had a doubt previous to reading this article, I hope that all chance of thinking He will leave you has been obliterated. Separation is a lie. Agree with God’s Word that He is IN you to stay.
“16 But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or to
return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you." (Ruth 1:16-17, ESV) DO NOT URGE ME TO LEAVE YOU. This inspiring statement by Ruth reminds me of the trip between Elisha and Elijah, and that of David in the Psalms, which says it is better to be a doorkeeper in Heaven than to enjoy luxury with the wicked.
This is not just faith in Naomi but hope and trust as well. As long as this subject has been brought up, I would use this platform to share a remarkable testimony of my life giving the maximum credit to the All Mighty God for His Grace and Mercies towards me and everyone who believes in His name. One thing we should all understand is that Ruth was in a far country, as far as Moab. Ruth was not married to Boaz until her husband dies, and she desperately follows her mother in law to the land of Israel and finds herself working for Boaz, and one day had an encounter with him. Anytime I read this passage of scripture, I ask myself how can the divine plan of God be interrupted? Can a choose a vessel of God to be forgotten by God? How does God choose His elect? The Great Grandmother of the most powerful King David was a Moabite who was once a happily married woman, whose husband was not directly close to the heir, David. The one who was married to her had to die before the mandate would be accomplished. So, can God work like this in our time again to accomplish a specific mandate of His? My Grandfather, which is my mother’s father, was married to a Pentecostal leader and she was not bearing him any children. My Grandfather then was a very staunch member of the Church. One day his wife told him to marry a woman she desperately wanted to recommend for him, and that woman was my Grandmother, who was not a staunch believer in Jesus Christ. When My Grandfather married her, she gave birth to three girls, and three boys. One of the girls is my mother who spent her early years with my Grandfather and his first wife. My Grandfather was then expelled from his then, Pentecostal Church because he had married two wives. My Grandmother, my Grandfather's first wife was able to train my mother in the Church, and by age eight to age thirteen, my mother was very active in the Youth Ministry of her parent Church. At age 18-20, she met my father in a village who also came from an idol worship background. This village was used for trade from the cities to the villages. My mother was able to lead my father to Christ, with my father quitting most of his old bad habits, due to the love he had for my mum. Through this process, I was born, and my siblings were born. We encountered the greatest storms in our lives when these two couples split and got divorced. By this time, I am being raised by my mum who was not employed in any governmental or private company. She was a foodstuff vendor. Out of her sales, God helped her to take care of me through my second Cycle School to the Tertiary Institution until I discovered where my father was married to his new wife, who birthed him a new set of twins. My mother falls back in the faith and was married to a Muslim man who was worthy. Due to the fact that I was raised in the church in the teachings of the Lord, the Spirit of God convicted my mum back again into the faith one day when she visited me in my
premises with her Muslim husband. The man was so embarrassed, but my mother gets back fully into the faith again, with her interest in that marriage dead and gone. She got her release from that marriage when my Elder Sister was very sick and finally died, and her Muslim husband had warned her not to take my then sick sister to any prayer Camp or he would divorce her. My Sister passed away at the prayer camp. Her husband refused to get actively involved in the funeral rites, which provoked my mum. Yet she refused to ask for a divorce from the man. She went to live in the man's premises again, and here comes the man, maltreating my mother and asking her to leave his premises because she disobeyed him and took my Elder Sister to a prayer camp. This is how my mother finds herself back in the faith, happy and joyfully again. Like the story of Ruth, my mother was not released from her Islamic marriage as long as my elder sister was alive. Through her death, my mum was released from that Islamic marriage she found herself in, due to depression and stress. One of the critical areas in our walk as believers of Christ is our marriages. Marriage could take anyone up or down the ladder of life and of our faith depends on the person in question who we find ourselves married to. Ruth’s first husband was not the one who grandfathered Ruth to give birth to David, but if Ruth had not married him, he would not have had anything to do with Naomi who took her to her own country and people. If my Grandfather's wife had not allowed my Grandfather to marry my Grandmother, this writer of Faith Unlimited Magazine and Author of Revealing Jesus would not have been born. This inspiring preacher of the Gospel through social media and his Spirit-filled messages would not have come onto the scene. Or, if she had not broken her own Church rules together with my Grandfather in other to make that happen. When Ruth was making a decision to follow Naomi to her people, I'm sure she understood what it entailed. I am sure, her own people would have felt betrayed. But that was the will of God in the pipeline to have Jesus Christ born through that same lineage as it is written in Mathew. The book of the Generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David and the Son of Abraham. (Matthew 1:1) God richly bless you. Evg. Ernest Kweku Nanor Author: Revealing Jesus, Amazon Youth Leader: The Church of Pentecost, Ghana. Team Leader: Fire Evangelism
by: Dr. John Roberts
During this time of the Easter season, many seemingly seek out their relationship anew or even attempt to make another go at it so to speak, but salvation is much more than Easter; it is an ongoing lifestyle, and living organism, and most assuredly methodology to our very way of life both here now, and in the eternal life to come. Easter has it’s spikes for sure. Most churches see an outbreak and increase in their patrons, attendees, and members during this time. Most churches prepare all sorts of evangelistic plans gathering very many programs in order to increase the number of attendance for their fellowship or church organization. It seems to never change. Although getting more folks to come to Christ should always be our focus and goal, increasing attendance, membership, or the surplus of funds should never be. The cost for evangelism is not what we have now made it out to be, for sometimes the very reality and sincerity of why we do evangelize seemingly gets lost in the matrix. Often times we forget the why’s as we focus on the how’s, the when’s, where’s, and the what’s. Our vocabulary has somehow lost its’ tenacity and strength. In some ways our evangelization has become a means to have capitalization. We have lost our way thru the newest technology, the neatest methods, and the nearest ways. What we have done is forgotten our reason of salvation, why? We are not asking the right questions. Our vocabulary has changed.
Vocabulary is the outward result of an inward resolve. Nana Roberts my grandmother once said, “If it’s in you, it will come out.” We don’t talk the same lingo anymore. Our conversation has become relaxed and over-watched. Political correctness (what I think is a demon itself, namely a ruler of darkness of “this age”) has raised it’s ugly head to the point that most folks and many in the church has coward to its’ desire and agenda. Our speech has lost something and in this ambassador’s opinion I believe that is why we as a Body of Ambassadors are not functioning correctly, nor operating in the right light. Our vocabulary is suffering, and our ways and means are a reflection of that. We are not seeing the people coming to Christ as they did in the early church because we have strayed so far from the line upon line, precept upon precept. If we do not take spiritual inventory the next person’s salvation may depend on it. Salvation is our focus absolutely, but during our getting more, we have gained less. We need to look back at what it was that caused us to be where we are. Where did we lose sight of what is important? Moreover, what was it that we lost sight of? Let’s consider some very serious factoids concerning salvation and the language contained therein. Consider the costliness of salvation. According to King David and the patriarch Moses, the very creation was affected by God’s fingers, and it resulted from God’s spoken voice when He said, “Let there be light, and there was light”. Moses wrote, “When I consider the heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained, what is man, that thou art mindful of Him?” Again, Moses wrote, “By the WORD (VOICE) of the Lord were the heavens made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth… for He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” It was also thru Isaiah and Peter that we discover this affection of God’s arms and resulted by His Shed Blood. Isaiah said, “Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” He also penned the words, “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken smitten of God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him: and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” It was Peter who wrote, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot.” It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t include John’s remarks concerning how this creation was affected when He wrote in Rev. 4:11 & 5:9. It reads, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” AND: And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.
This type of vocabulary is amazing, and as powerful as these two verses are, it is imperative for us to go back to them in order to see where I am making my point. You see, the political correctness of today omits such language, and seeks to dismiss and change the very componentcy as the Word of God reveals. We can argue all the day how some are omitted from the conversation meaning that they (the world) are being excluded, and in fact, they are. They made the choice to ignore or rather refuse God’s ability to save them. Therefore, they pick on speech and try so very hard to change our way of language and even our way of eternal life as a result of their political correction. They seek to change everything else except them! However, thru their very act of subversion they create their very own demise. It is not the Lord who refuses them, it is often if not all the time our refusal that comprises our results of discourse, disarray, or even our destruction. Therefore, we need to refuse the crowd’s political correction instead of compromising and assimilation. We do not need to lay down our perceptions nor our vocabulary in order to be accepted by the world. Remember, we are not of the world, but we do live in it. We must recognize our mistakes, and make the change, forgetting those things that are behind and press forward to the mark of salvation. We must pursue Him, and that means to talk with the vocabulary of Christ and the Heaven and walk the way of Christlikeness! Therefore, there are some vocabulary words associated with salvation. Although, we may discover and find others, I have discovered fifteen words associated with salvation that are part of the vocabulary that is in Salvation. These words to our salvation vocabulary are: 1. Conversion: (Psalms 19:7, 51:13, Matthew 18:3, Acts 3:19, James 5:20) The Greek word translated into this word references a 2-fold turning on the part of the Believer. One part has to do with repentance (turning away from) and the other is with faith (turning towards). Repentance IS NOT REFORMATION, or REMORSE, and it certainly IS NOT PENITENCE, or the act of attempting to make up for one’s sins like works. Allow me to bring to the forefront of this article regarding faith and help us to grasp and understand faith. In order to share what faith is, and to do that I will do this thru understanding what faith is NOT. Faith is NOT a blind leap into the dark. It is NOT supposition nor speculation. It is NOT opinion or hypothesis. 2. Substitution: (1 Peter 3:18) “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” In the old testament (old Covenant prior to Calvary) the sheep died for the shepherd. Abraham showed us in Gen. 22:10-13 regarding this temporary solution. In Exodus 12 Moses revealed this temporary solution, too. What was needed was a permanent solution to “THAT” which was lost. We find this permanent solution spoken of in Hebrews 10:4 where we find that, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” So therefore, we find that now instead of a temporary solution, we now have in Christ the Shepherd dies for the sheep (John 10:11). So, what Christ became on the cross what He was not – sin. As a result, we become what we are not namely righteousness. In other words, God became Christ (Emmanuel) who is the
Son of God Who became the Son of Man who may become again the very sons of God (2 Cor 5) reestablishing “THAT” which was lost! 3. Reconciliation: Recall that GOD was IN CHRIST reconciling the world unto Himself (2 Cor. 5:19). In the Old Testament this meant to cover something. It is found 83 times in the O.T. and of these the word is translated “atonement” 76 of the 83 and “reconciliation” the remaining 7 times. In the New Testament the word means to change form that of enmity to that of friendship and loyalty. The implication is that a previous animosity once existed. It also implicates that the offended party (s) views things differently. There are 2 phases of reconciliation. One is God has reconciled the world unto Himself thru Christ. Recall that it was GOD Who was IN CHRIST. Jesus Christ was 100% man (Jesus) & 100% God (CHRIST). The second phase is that man is NOW reconciled thru Christ. The chronology of man’s salvation is in Eden God and man faced one another. At the fall God and man turned away from one another. At Calvary God turned His face towards man, and at man’s conversion man turns towards God thru repentance thus making reconciliation complete.
Watch for more salvational vocabulary words next month!
Check out these Authors and their books!!!!
These books were written by Leon Gosiewski’s
Ernest Kweku Nanor, Author from Ghana
After the death of Joshua, the Bible says that a Generation came which did not know God nor regarded Him as God. Right after those generations was the generation that Gideon was born in. God is about to raise Some disciples like Gideon and all the other through this book and it will help you to keep your head up on God without fainting!
These books were written by: Stuart E. Smith
SEEKING TO WIN AND HEART OF A CHAMPION ARE THE SAME BOOK WITH JUST A NEW COVER.
These books were written by Pastor Ron and Pastor Ryan Sutton
These books, INCLUDING THE NEWEST, “Guardians of the Glory are written by Larry Thompson
Streams of Glory Podcast By Streams of Glory Ministries https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast /streams-of-glorypodcast/id985879326?mt=2
Listen to Larry’s Podcasts here!
These books were all written by: Tom Tompkin
These books were all written by: John Woolston
You won’t want to miss John Woolston’s 2 Newest Books, Evangelism Outside the Sanctuary and The Devil’s Thorn
Please remember, Father God’s love is unconditional. Pray for all the victims around the world that have beenPlease affectedremember, by flooding, Father fires, andGod’s other things. love isThat is our job, our responsibility…to help the hurting. unconditional. Pray for all the victims around the world that(NKJV) have been affected by flooding, Romans 8:19-23 fires, other things. That is our job, our 19 For the and earnest expectation of the creation eagerly responsibility…to thesons hurting. waits for the revealinghelp of the of God. Romans 8:19-23 (NKJV) For the creation was subjected to futility, not 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of hope; God. 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered creation was subjected futility, from20 For the the bondage of corruption intotothe glorious notof willingly, but because of Him who liberty the children of God. subjected it in hope; 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and 21 because the creation itself also will be labors with birth pangs together until now. delivered from the bondage of corruption into 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the glorious liberty of the children of God. the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, 22 For we know that the whole creation groans eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our and body.labors with birth pangs together until now. 20
23 Not
only that, but we also WE ARE HERE TO HELP THE HURTING who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan