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PUBLISHER PEN
BERNARDS.HARRISON,JR PUBLISHER/ FOUNDER
CHRIST FOLLOWERS
IN THE M ARKETPLACE In this millennial generation where corruption has become an acceptable culture of business and dishonesty is the language of social interactions, Christian businesses and institutions are God?s purifying agents to bring about the establishment of His will in a confused world.It is obvious to me, that we are living in a world where the strong consistently try to trample on the weak to ascend the ladder of prominence and the youths are taught to dignify the doctrine of selfishness. What the marketplace has now created is indeed a far cry from the original plans of God. However, we are the children of the Light and by default; we must radiate with the glory and righteousness of God will in the midst of this
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this darkness. No one else is ordained to give a clueless marketplace a sense of direction. It only takes one person to create change. In the Book of Matthew 5:14-15, it says:
pace of righteousness by being honest in our dealings, pure in our motives, polite in our interactions and moderate in our ambition. We are also to set the pace of excellence by allowing the Holy
the You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.Beloved, your business or ministry is not an opportunity to amass wealth and earthly riches in this insecure world that is gradually fading into oblivion; rather, it is a platform of service to God and to His kingdom. Even though we know that God is faithfully committed
wisdom and revelation in order to do exploit in our businesses or chosen carriers. God should always be our best friend and first partner in all
Spirit to lead us in the path of divine
In this issue of Kingdom Life, we explore and pull back the layers of the marketplace Christian experience.Tales of transformation and triumph.Tools that help you maneuver the marketplace.
God Bless You an d Happy Readin g!
circumstances and Like Jesus pointed out in Matthew 6:33, when we allow our businesses or carriers to glorify God, success becomes non-negotiable and through us, the love and mercy of God might be extended to unbelievers and the lost sheep of the world.
Amen.
" That I may Publish w it h a Voice of Thank sgiving and Tell of Thy Wonder ous Wor k s." Psalms 267
to prosper the works of our hands, we are not motivated by earthly gains but by the privilege to serve God and humanity. These being the case, we must set the
Special Thanks to REV. DR. ANDERSON FOREMAN
SENI OR COUPLE RECI EV ES M I NI STRY A SSI GNM ENT FROM THE LORD.
M
arsha and her husband Michael were looking forward to spring. For this senior married couple, spring was a time of renewal. ?We?re being given a new lease on life,? said Marsha. Brand-new opportunity to thank God for another season to
Him,? said Michael. Michael and Marsha were both in their mid-60s and had been married for three decades. Through all of life?s ups and downs, they had grown to love each other more every day, and they had learned about the perpetual love of the Lord Jesus for them. As the midway point of January came into view, both Michael and Marsha began to sense that the Lord was expanding their ministry. The couple had been active in the local Williamsburg church?s outreach ministry to the homeless population for several years. The Lord appeared to them in separate dreams and called them to expand that ministry. ?You?ve been faithful,? God whispered. ?I want you to teach Christians in other churches about the seriousness of homelessness. I want you to raise up an army of believers and churches to build a homeless shelter to provide permanent housing for these precious people.? The Lord directed Michael and Marsha to rent a local high school gym for the series of seven seminar sessions. The newspaper, religion Christian radio and TV stations also interviewed them, and they shared news of their new outreach on social media. The seminar sessions were well attended and, at the conclusion of the seventh session, God commended them on their obedience.The final session included a potluck dinner, with all participants bringing tables with deliciou Michael asked Marsha to ask God to bless the food before everyone began eating. After everyone had eaten, Michael noticed that the tables were still full of tasty food. God had miraculously multiplied the food as He had in the News food. Testament.
A local editor wrote a feature article about the couple?s new ministry, Always available to respond to an opportunity at a moment?s notice, Michael asked all attendees to walk around the neighborhood and invite everyone to come to the school for a meal. Soon, the entire school gym was filled again with hungry people. As the people filled their plates, Michael delivered a special message about an eternal home with the Lord. ?In eternity,? he said, ?you won?t ever be hungry, and you won?t ever have to worry about being
THOSE FLASHBULB MOMENTS
without a home.? ?Sounds a lot like heaven!? shouted one voice from the crowd ?It is heaven!? Michael responded. ?And the new homeless shelter will be heavenly, too. Now all we have to do is build it!?
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An Allur ing and Amiable Jour ney t o
LIFETRAVEL
Rajast han India VACATION PACKING Spr in g is alm ost h er e. Su m m er is r igh t ar ou n d t h e cor n er .Vacat ion t im e is a h ear t beat aw ay Appr oach in g ever so qu ick ly. an d so of t en w e plan ou t t r ips M ak in g it en ar ies an d r eser vat ion s Get St at e Depar t m en t t r avel t ips Su bm it passpor t applicat ion s an d som et im es w e let ou r spir it u al side slip. An d of t en you m ay t ake alon g, New clot h es an d excit em en t an d f or get w h at r eally belon gs. For get t in g t o pack you r Ch r ist ian com m it m en t For get t in g t o k eep you r f ait h an d r igh t eou sn ess So bef or e you depar t on a su m m er get aw ay. Pack you r Lor d in you r h ear t k eepin g Him close Pack you r bible f or a daily r eadin g, a scr ipt u r e dose Sin ce you w on't m ak e it t o ch u r ch , w h ile you r gon e Also bef or e you leave on vacat ion t h is year Plan it w it h t h e Lor d's h on or an d glor y in m in d M ak e su r e you r ch ar act er an d lan gu age is k in d Rem em ber t o k eep t h e Lor d's spir it u alit y n ear .
By: M on ic Nicole Fox
Rajasthan "The Land of Kings and Colors" is one of the best tourist's destinations in North India. It is popular amongst the vacationers for its richness, royals, heritage culture, rituals and multi-colored lifestyle. The inimitable feature of a place is its dazzling sand dunes that grab the attention of the visitors. The majestic desert beauty of a state looks more striking and miraculous at the time of sunrise and sunset. Apart from sand dunes, magnificent palaces, marvelous forts, regal Havelis, dramatic hills, drowsy lakes, exotic wildlife, etc also catches the attention of the tourists. The vacationers spend their lovely holidays with lots of fun in a unique manner. The soothing atmosphere of a place will win the heart of the tourists and make their tour more delightful. On this tremendous tour of royal state, visitors will gather lots of charming memories with their close ones. Rajasthan comprises with several wonderful and astonishing attractions to make your journey classic. Some of the preeminent attractions of a state are like Albert Hall Museum, Chittorgarh Fort, Amber Fort, City Palace, Lake Palace, Sahelion Ki Bari, Shrinathji Temple, Thar Desert, Mount Abu hill station, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Roopangarh Fort, Fateh Sagar Lake, Havelis of Jaisalmer, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Pushkar, Lake Pichola, Dargah Sharif, Jal Mahal, Sardar Samand Lake, etc. These superb and astounding tourists' places in Rajasthan depict the real and fantastic picture of ancient India. One can also have a different experience of camel safari here which will make your tour
After having fun on above sightseeing spots, if tourists want to make their journey amazing and exciting then they can visit the exotic wildlife destinations of a state. The well-known wildlife destinations are like Keoladeo National Park, Sariska National Park, Mount Abu Sanctuary, Ranthambore National Park, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, Desert National Park, Darrah Sanctuary, Chambal Sanctuary, Sitamata Sanctuary, Tal Chapper Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. Apart from all above, Rajasthan holiday packages also give you a lovely chance to take pleasure of shopping with hot and yummy cuisines. Sarafa Bazaar, MI road, Nehru Bazaar, Johari Bazaar, Lakhara Bazar, Lake Palace Road, Chapur stalls, Tripolia Bazar, Emporium Sadar www.christianmagazineshr.com - 13
etc are some of the prominent markets of a state. After visiting these colorful bazaars don't forget to taste the mouthwatering cuisines of the place. The home-produced food and snacks are very popular amongst the tourists. Some of them are: Kair Sangri, Dal-Baati-Churma, unique soup recipes, Pickles and Papads, Lal Maas, Bajre ka Soyata, Pani Puri, Kairi ka Paani, Khewar Sweet, Camel Milk Tea, etc.Come and visit Rajasthan "The Land of Desert" for an alluring and amiable journey.Rajasthan Travel is one of the best travels of India.
Goin g t o Or lan do f or vacat ion ? Visit t h ese n ear by Cat h olic sh r in es Forget about Disney. Here?s a list of incredible Catholic sites for a faithful family get-a-way Everybody seems to want to take a trip to Disney World, from families in need of a getaway to football players who just won the Super Bowl. Orlando, Florida, is a great place to take the kids for a week, with an abundance of theme parks to choose from to suit anyone?s tastes, but park hopping can also be so tiring that it makes you wonder if you were even on vacation at all. Once you get into a park there are many aspects that can put a damper on your good time. The lines often leave hours of idle time on your feet, making the endeavor more arduous than relaxing, and the prices seem to continuously go up. By the end of your time away, you may find your body and wallet sapped of their strength, with your spirit left unfed. With this in mind, we suggest an alternative tour of the great state of Florida, one that will avoid all crowds and leave you financially in the green: Visit Catholic shrines! Florida has several beautiful Catholic churches and shrines that are open to visit year-round. You?re free to visit and walk their majestic grounds, enjoying the serenity of the state?s marvelous scenery while reflecting on the deeper meanings of life and religion. Even children will appreciate a visit to a Catholic site. While such sites may lack the spectacle of Disney, they reveal the deep mysteries of creation and can inspire your faith. The educational value alone carries more weight than a dozen viewings of the Country Bear Jamboree. Lets take a look at some of the wonderful shrines located in Florida!
THEBASILICAOFMARY, QUEENOFTHEUNIVERSE
St Jude'sMaroniteCathoilc Church
TheNational ShineOfOur Lady of LaLeche
K em ba's St or y Fr om A Dif f er en t Per spect ive The previous statement was a synopsis of Poster Child: The Kemba Smith Story through the eyes of Amazon.com, who happens to be one of my favorite retail websites for books and gadgets. Reading it you see that it gets straight to the meat of what the Kemba?s story is about. Below you will find The Kemba Smith Story shared from a different perspective, which just happens to be mine. It?s totally different; a story within a story of sorts. I think you will find it quite honest and provoking. Enjoy.
?In this memoir, Kemba Smith shares her dramatic story, as it has never been told. Poster Child: The Kemba Smith Story chronicles how she went from college student to drug dealer's girlfriend to domestic violence victim to federal prisoner.
When I first walked into the office of Bernard Harrison, Founder and Publisher of Kingdom Life magazine, for what would be our first meeting, I had no idea that I was about to embark on alife altering journey that I will forever consider, ?the? turning point of my life. I thought this meeting was just about God giving me the opportunity to take what I love to do, which is write, to a whole ?different? level. Which of course He did. But His purpose was much greater than just hooking me up with an opportunity. Taking my writing to another level turned out to be part of a package deal, a perk if you will. After having canceled this meeting twice before, I was on the verge of doing it yet again, but God wouldn?t allow me to do it. You see, He needed me to be in this particular place, at this particular time, on this particular day, instead of in this particular place, at those particular times, on those particular days.
Kemba shares her story of how making poor choices blinded by love and devotion can have long-term consequences. In 1994, Kemba was sentenced to a mandatory 24 1/2 years in federal prison, with no chance for parole, despite being a first-time, non-violent offender. Fortunately, she regained her freedom when President Clinton granted her executive clemency in December 2000 after having served 6 1/2 years? ?- Amazon.com www.christianmagazineshr.com - 17
As Mr. Harrison and I greeted each other I caught a glimpse of Poster Child, Kemba Smith?s memoir, in the corner of my eye. It was laying atop a stack of other books on the outskirts of his desk. For some reason seeing it there, I was surprised and explained to him that I had a personal connection with her. Not only did I also attend Hampton University, although several years before Kemba, but I also had the privilege of getting know her mom while teaching in the Richmond City school district,during initial stages Kemba?s ordeal. With this being the case, I was fairly familiar with Kemba?s overall then situation, but could only speculate on the more intimate details.So, when offered the opportunity to write this article I was more than happy to accept. I asked to borrow Bernard?s copy of Poster Child wanting to become more familiar with the story before beginning my assignment. After reading Kemba Smith?s memoir, Poster Child, all I can say is that it?s one of the most powerful reads that I?ve ever read. It?s got to be one of the best examples of Jeremiah 29:11 that I?ve ever encountered here on earth. This is where God declares that, He knows the plans He has for His people. Plans to prosper them and not to harm them, plans to give us hope and a future. As I read the book, totally enthralled, I grappled with what perspective I would write the article from. I really didn?t want this one to read like many already written. Meaning, from a legal, analytical, or statistical point of view, outlining the judicial injustices that plague the African-American community today.I don?t say this to down play the importance of being aware of what?s going on in our society, but my feeling like there was and is that there?s something more to this story than what meets general eye. Something more ethereal was buried in the details of the larger picture. Something that was itching to be brought up and exposed to the light. Therefore, what should have taken me a few days to read, and another few to write about, ended up taking two weeks to read and another six to write. Why so much time, one might ask.The answer would have to be that Kemba was so honest in her presentation of the details of her experience, that I couldn?t help but feel what she described going through, not only at the hands of the man she loved, but also those of the injustice system. The details were so very compelling and intense at times I had to put the book down, and take a walk, while at the same time gathering my thoughts,trying to wrap my mind around how this young 20 year old woman, who
Kemba Smith speaking to a church audience.
such as, whining and complaining about things I have been required to walk through; stuff I thought would surely kill me or for not trusting God. On hind sight, compared to this young lady?s story, none of what I have gone through can even come close to what Kemba has gone through. Truth be told, as big and as bad as I use to think I was, I don?t know if I would have had her strength. I believe y?all would?ve had to come get me. I thank-you Father that you know how much we can bear. You knew Kemba Smith was born to do this.That she would go through bearing this affliction and victoriously emerge on the other side.Saints of God and future saints, WE ARE AT WAR. We are in a spiritual battle against the powers and principalities of this present age. And, we have to cover ourselves because there maybe
happened to be the same age as my daughter right now,
causalities.. Thank God we have Protector, who He has a
endured what she did and has lived to talk about it.Several times throughout the story I found myself going
remedy for this.By the power of the Holy Ghost through the
before God, often repenting for iniquities in my life
blood of the Lord Jesus Christ we are victorious and can be
be set free and delivered from effects of war.In the mean time we have to gird up and be ready for whatever comes our way. Getting back to the story? when it was all said and done, I girded myself up for a battle that was to ensue,initiated by my simply agreeing to take on this assignment. There was no turning back.I was committed.Hence forth, I got myself together and finished reading the book. In the end coming to the conclusion that buried deep down in Poster Child, lies a hidden treasure for anyone and everyone who is willing to bravely enter in.For me it was discovering [the] seed, which had produced ?the? root of years and years of pain and suffering in my life, which left unattended, had developed into a serious stronghold. One that boldly stood between me and the ability to receive full revelation and manifestation of the promises of GOD for my life. But finally, thank-you Jesus the seed had been unearthed. The root has been cut, and cast into the fire. Trust and believe that enemy was/is not happy about this because now I had a term and a description of the device he had been using against me all these years. Now I had the name of a spirit to rebuke and to call out, as I boldly began to command Satan to get thee behind me. Deliverance was now at hand and all because of someone else?s obedience and bravery to share their story.Kemba, I know that exposing your life in this way was no easy feat for you. But for this reason we are called to testify. Real testimonies are meant edify the body and gives us hope. They should give us the confidence we need to get in the face of the enemy and his little minions, and shout ?As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today!!!?We are coming out of our circumstances!!! The bible says in 1st Peter, ?And the God of all grace, who called us to his
Kemba?s story of how she became the Poster Child for the war on drugs has been shared hundreds, if not thousands of times. It is a story that should encourage us to diligently seek the face of God and trust Him in all things. For He really and truly does know the end from the beginning. He has already declared great things for us at the foundations of the world. He said in His word. ?Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass?.Only the one wise One knows the plans He has for our lives. Plans to prosper, plans to give us hope, and a future. Can the church say, amen? --By: Tee Coker
glory in Christ? ? wait a minute now , this is the part that gets me? that ?after we have suffered a l ittle while, will Himself restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast.? (NIV). The New Living Translation says He will restore, support, and strengthen us, and He will place us on a firm foundation. This is exactly what happened to Kemba, and is happening you and me right now . People of God, if you haven?t already read Poster Child I encourage you to do so. Then after you have finished reading, pass it on your son?s and your daughter ?s, your nieces and your nephews. Generation Y really needs to know that, ?it isn?t no joke? out here. We are in the beginning of the end of times. And, I don?t know about you, but I want to see as many souls as possible, young and old saved, set free, and delivered.
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Fait h @ HOM E
How To Walk In The Will Of GOD
M any times, you will hear parents and pastors and teachers at church talk about "walking in the will of God." What that means is to trust in God's plan for our lives, and obey Him. It sounds simple, doesn't it, kind of like two plus two equals four. Most of the time, it is simple, unless we try to make it hard. There are many ways to discover and walk in the will of God. The main way is to study the Bible and follow it. It is God's Guidebook for Successful Living. Sometimes the Bible does not give us specific direction, such as whom to marry or what car to buy, or whom to have as a close friend. But the Holy Spirit Who is God leads us by peace in our hearts. If the peace leaves and does not come back--or is missing to start with--then the LORD is usually warning us away from something or someone. One of the easiest ways we walk in the will of God is to trust and obey those people He puts over us, such asparents, teachers at church and school, and other leaders--unless they are telling us to do something against God. This is another reason we must know what the Bible says, so we'll know the difference between right and wrong. Sometimes we may not understand why they are telling us to do something, or not do something, and we may not even like it. We may think we know a better way. It is usually okay to very respectfully tell parents and other leaders what we think about something, and to ask questions. But we must remember that God put those people in authority over us and that He knows best, and it is His will for us to obey them. This is called submitting to authority. We should tell our children, to obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."Eph. 6:1-3 Submitting to authority will continue all your life, no matter how old you are. It is the excellent plan of God, for we all must submit to authority. Even Jesus submitted to the authority of God the Father. He never did anything other than what God told Him to do, and He never said anything other than what God told Him to say. So Jesus said,"When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I
Ialways do what pleases him."John 8:28-29Most important, Jesus submitted to the authority of God when He agreed to go to the cross and die to pay for the sins of every person that would ever be born. Jesus did not want to go to be beaten and made fun of and spit on and killed, especially since He had never done anything wrong! He even very respectfully asked God the Father if there was some other way to save all people from the horrible death of hell because of their sins. But God said no. So, Jesus walked in the will of God by submitting to the authority of the Father; He went to the cross and died for our sins, so we don't have to. Hallelujah! Then God gloriously rewarded Him, for there is always a reward for walking in the will of God by submitting to authority. Some of the rewards Jesus received were that He came back to life and will never die, seized again the leadership of the universe from the devil our enemy, and lives forever as the awesome and perfect King of kings. But His best reward is that He became the Savior; He provided a way for every person in the world who will believe and accept that He died for them and rose again, to know Him and come live with Him forever in Heaven! So it was definitely worth the LORD Jesus walking in the will of God by submitting to the Father 's authority.
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Resou r ce Bu ildin g Cor por at ion Bu ildin g Real San dcast les, In San dbr idge
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elcome to uniqueSandbridgeBeach, often called the ?Outer Banks of Virginia?.SandbridgeBeachboasts five miles of golden sand, and here is where David Whitley?s gorgeous custom homes rise above the Atlantic Ocean and stunningBack Bay. RBC Homes has been building in Hampton Roads since 1993. Specializing in Coastal Homes and Remodels, Whitley has over 25 years of construction experience and earned his degree from ODU in Mechanical Engineering. With an interesting start to his construction career , Whitley really began his j ourney as a Virginia Beach Firefighter. He then
then found part-time work as a Runner at a large residential building firm.Working his way up to more construction duties, he studied construction classes and did jobs on his days off from the fire service. In 1989, he left the fire department to pursue construction full-time, starting his first company, C. D. Whitley Company. Keeping a foot in his first calling, Whitley joined the City ofVirginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad. RBC Homes was later formed in 1993. Building custom homes onSandbridgeBeachis not without its challenges, all of which RBC Homes manages with ease. Maintaining a structurally sound, safe, as well as lavish home surrounded by pounding surf, salt spray alive in the air,
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and periodic gale force winds and storms, is all about proper planning and using the right materials. The exterior construction begins with the usage of more pilings than standard, stronger rated windows than building code, and extra fortification of any entrance on the exterior of the home where water may penetrate. Planning the interior of these residences, especially those meant to be used primarily as seasonal rentals; Whitley uses the term ?Commercialized Residential?. The home must be constructed to withstand high usage, as well as to accommodate a multitude of occupants. The kitchen and eating areas must have enough space and seating for the number of guests the home ?sleeps?. The kitchens feature much more counter space, granite of course, and upgraded plumbing and appliances. Double is the way to go. Two dishwashers, two ovens, even two refrigerators are common.
The rental homes are built to these specifications, and retain their beauty and value for the investors. For the year round resident, the kitchen is traditional, but filled with top of the line materials and appliances. All the RBC Homes, regardless of usage, boast expansive glass windows for the views, and glass fences around the pool, multiple decks, or yard to enjoy the vistas. Entertainment is a priority, with homes offering Game Rooms, Tiki Bars, Cornhole games, and one has a miniature Putt-Putt Golf Course. Whatever use of property finds homeowners drawn to Sandbridge, living or playing there offers unparralled beauty and amenities. Thanks to the hard work of dedicated residents, including Whitley himself,SandbridgeBeachhas a self-funded Beach Replenishment Program. This does not exist fromNew JerseytoSouth Carolina.The Beach will always be replenished, and maintain its beauty and value. You will love the features and excellent workmanship of these Coastal Homes. With 32 years now on theVirginia BeachVolunteer Rescue Squad, Whitley is not only a wonderful builder in our area, he?s a dedicated, enthusiastic volunteer in our local community as well. Not only does this company create exceptional homes, they extend a hand to the community by hiring ex offenders, offering them a chance to learn a trade and make a better life. Following Psalm 118 22:23 ?The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.? RBC Homes offers this hiring practice because they feel it is the right thing to do, to help their fellow man.Whitley can build you a great home and save your life.
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HEA LTHY LI FE
The Secr et Benef it s Of Fast ing By: Th om as Lit t le
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e?re prone to think of fasting in negative terms. It?sunderstandable. Fasting isabstaining. It?sgoing withoutfood and drink, understandable. Fasting isabstaining. It?sgoing withoutfood gift from God. Perhaps the reason so many of us fast so infrequently is because we think of fasting mainly as what we?re going without rather than what we?re getting.But Christian fasting is not only going
without food and drink, or some other otherwise good gift from God. Perhaps the reason so many of us fast so infrequently is because we think of fasting mainly as what we?re going without rather than what we?re getting.But Christian fasting is not only going without. It is not simply abstaining. The goal of Christian fasting, in fact, is notgoing withoutbutgetting. Our abstaining always serves some greater end and purpose ? some eventual gain, not loss. Christian fasting is abstainingfor the sake of some specific Christian purpose, or it is not truly Christian. Jesus did not waffle as to whether his church would fast. ?Whenyou fast,? he said ? not ?if ? (Matthew 6:16?17). ?Theywillfast,? he promised (Matthew 9:15). And so the early church fasted (Acts 9:9;13:2;14:23), and for two millennia Christians have fasted. And when we have done so in truly a Christian way, the result has not been loss but gain. But for Christian fasting to become a spiritual feast, we have to rehearse its purpose and benefits.
Pu r pose in (Ch r ist ian ) Fast in g Fasting is freshly fashionable in many quarters today ? which means Christians need to be even more careful to take our cues on this subject from Jesus, and not popular culture. Just a generation ago, a growing number of voices were claiming thatfasting is bad for your health. Now it?s flipped. Today, more and more dieticians are preaching, ?When done correctly, fasting can have beneficial physical effects? (Celebration of Discipline, 48). But what?s the difference between fashionable fasting and Christian fasting?The key difference is Christian purpose. We could saySpiritualpurpose ? with a capital S for the Holy Spirit. Not just spiritual as opposed to material, but Spiritual as opposed to natural. Best of all, expressing love and devotion to him (Luke 2:37), and saying with our fast, ?This much, O God, I want more of you.? Without a Spiritual purpose, it?s not Christian fasting. It?s just going hungry.
Ben ef it s of (Ch r ist ian ) Fast in g Christians might fast for dietary reasons and for the various physical benefits nutritionists now highlight. But dietary goals aren?t what make fastingChristian. Rather, whatSpiritualfruit might we receive from God in response to our purposeful Christian fasting? How does God reward faith-filled fasting? That Christian fasting is rewarding is plain, in the words of Christ himself, in a very prominent place. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus exhorts us to fast in secret, not for show, with the promise that ?your Father who sees in secret will reward you? (Matthew 6:18). God rewards fasting. But how?First, a vital clarification. The fasting God rewards is not a declaration of our strength of will, but an expression of our emptiness, longing to be filled by him. Christian fasting doesn?t come from our own power, but from a heart that God himself works in us (Philippians 2:12?13) and strength that God himself supplies (1 Peter 4:11).Realizing this is not about our strength or willpower, what are the rewards he gives, through his free and unconstrained grace, when we fast for his eyes, and not as a show for others?
Tu r n You r Ach es u pon Jesu s When we fast, the aches in our stomachs and pains in our gut are reminders that Jesus is the true food, not our daily bread, and that Jesus is the true drink, not our typical beverages. Christianswill fast, as Jesus promised, because as people of faith, we know that believing in him means coming to him to satisfy our soul?s hunger and quench our soul?s thirst (John 6:35) ? and one of the best regular reminders of it can be abstaining temporarily from other food and drink. The great (and often hidden) reward of fasting is God himself. ?Open your mouth wide,? he says,as we empty our stomachs, ?and I will fill it? (Psalm 81:10). God rewards Christian fasting because it attunes us to the very purpose of God in the universe: to magnify himself in our desiring, enjoying, and being satisfied in him. And he rewards it not just withwhatwe?re asking for with our fast, but ultimately withwhohe is as our desire, enjoyment, and satisfaction. Christian fasting is not mainly aboutwhatwe go without, butwhowe want more of
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Th e f i r e t h at Jesus l on gs t o cast on t h e ear t h i s t h e H ol y Spi r i t bui l di n g a com m un i t y of h ope an d l ov e i n t h e m ar k et pl ace. Jesus sen ds h i s f ol l ow er s t o l ov e, t o pr ocl ai m H i s gr eat n ess i n t h e m ar k et pl ace. Joi n our Ki n gdom M ar k et pl ace t o ex per i en ces bot h i n t h e ch ur ch an d t h e m ar k et pl ace.
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affecting everything we touched. Sin, like the Kingdom, has worked its way into every facet of society. The only way to uproot sin from every facet is to work the Kingdom of God into every facet. That is the work of the ministry for every believer in whatever God has called them to and gifted them for.
TheMinistryof theMarketplace By: Joseph Perry
BUSINESS IS THE NEW MINISTRY There was a time when devoting your life to God meant giving up on your dreams as a businessperson. Throwing off money for ministry was the safe way to go, and only that which happened between the pulpit and the pew was sacred. But in a day when the spirit of entrepreneurialism is at its highest, we are discovering that God is the one behind it.
But to do this well, believers need to be properly equipped., and churches need to become entrepreneurial incubators, empowering people to fulfill the Great Commission by starting new businesses that meet needs and solve problems. To help churches increase their impact in the marketplace, The SERVE Initiative is teaming up with marketplace ministry powerhouse, Dr. Svetlana Papazov, author of Church for Monday. Dr. Papazov is one of the leading thinkers and practioners in the Business as Mission Movement taking place in the church. If you are a pastor who wants to equip your team to mobilize your church for marketplace ministry, or if you are a business leader wanting an upgrade in your business assignment, join us January 17, 2020, 9:30am? 11:30am for this FREE EVENT, Helping Churches Impact the Marketplace, Powered by The SERVE Initiative. Register at www.ServeInitiative.org
Paul tells the Ephesians that there are five gifts that God gave to the church called apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Their job is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:11-16). So, there are two groups: equippers and doers. Only a handful of people are called by God to equip the saints. Everyone else is called to do the work of the ministry. But until now, most Christians have been misinformed about what exactly is the work of the ministry. For equippers, it is often preaching and teaching, and caring for the congregation. But for all other believers, the ?work? is simply their work. From bankers to plumbers, from comedians to nurses, and from mothers to teachers, the work of the ministry is about extending the rule and blessing of the Kingdom of God to all creation via every institution. If God had planned for all believers to be preachers, He would have given Adam a pulpit instead of hedge clippers.
Jesus likened the Kingdom of God to yeast that works its way into all the dough. The mistake we have made is that beliers think we are the whole lump of dough. But the whole lump of dough is society, and sin works just like yeast. Because man was marred, the work of our hands became tainted, adversely
affecting everything we touched. Sin, like the Kingdom, has
--Joseph Perry equips people to be institutional reformers, steering cities toward greater health and stability. Joseph pastored Remnant Ministries in Virginia Beach, VA, for eleven years. He is the author of The Go Book: Foundations. Joseph teaches and trains extensively on the prophetic and has studied fivefold leadership for over twenty years. Joseph is the president of The S.E.R.V.E. Initiative, an equipping and mobilization organization for city transformation. Joseph lives in Virginia Beach, VA, with his wife, Karla
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