Grace His
October 2019
Photo by Rob Wood
Cottrell's Cove, Newfoundland & Labrador
Serving from Coast to Coast
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Table of Contents His Grace Magazine
October 2019
"Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever" Psalm 107:1
Poetry Page.........................................................................Page 3 Publisher's Corner...............................................................Page 4, 5 & 6 Prayer Page.........................................................................Page 7 CD in Review......................................................................Pages 8 Athletes for Christ...............................................................Page 10, 11 Walking with Jesus.............................................................Page 12, 13 Racing with Christ..............................................................Page 14 Bible Study.........................................................................Page 16 Recipe Page.........................................................................Page 17 Featured Artist.....................................................................Page 18 Book in Review...................................................................Page 19 Martyn S. Barrett Commentary...........................................Page 20, 21 In Concert............................................................................Page 22 Movie in Review.................................................................Page 23
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Poetry Page...
October 2019
His Grace Magazine
Thankful for Blessings
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Counting every blessing we receive, Giving thanks for all things in life, Remembering His mercy and goodness Helps us to blot out our strife. When we're overwhelmed with burdens; Worried and fretting about tomorrow, Praise God for who He is; He wants to help us through sorrow. Meditate and ponder every day On all that our Father has done; Our prayers that He has answered; His love when He gave us His Son. Thanking God always for His grace Will bring us peace and contentment. He vows to never leave us; We can trust in His commitment. He has opened our eyes to His glory, His wisdom, truth and faithfulness. Humble yourself in His presence; The blessed Keeper of promises. Read: (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
“In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.�
His Grace Magazine
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Publisher's Corner...
Being Thankful
Owner/Publisher: Rob Wood
With all the Blessings
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October 2019
hanksgiving weekend has come and gone here in Canada. It's a wonderful time; a time with family and friends, and enjoying turkey dinner with all the trimmings with your loved ones. This will be the first time away from my family on Thanksgiving. As difficult as that can be, we will be sharing on the phone all the thankful things that are happening at that moment. This will be the first Thanksgiving that I will be spending with my wife, Donna. When we look around us, we can always find the blessings from God in everything, through both the hard times and the good times. We see joy and beauty in the eyes of a child, our animals, in a family member, and we see God's glory and splendor in the scenery all around us. It makes us realize that God is everywhere; He is omnipresent. Being thankful for God's blessings is so important. Jeremiah 23:23 says: "Am I a
God near at hand," says the Lord, "And not a God afar off?" One thing I have started to do now is to write down all of my blessings in my journal. It really helps me when I'm feeling a bit down to go back and look at all the blessings that God has bestowed on me through the years; it helps me to remain focused on our Lord Jesus. Proverbs 16:3 says: "Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established." Some of the blessings you see right away, others you don't realize until later. You may have asked for one thing and God gave you something else, and after a few days, weeks or sometimes years, you realize, "Wow, God really blessed me with all these gifts!" Then you also realize how blessed you are because even though you didn't get what you asked for, but instead what God gave you was far better than you could have possibly imagined...funny how that works; something to be truly thankful for. Ephesians 3:20 says: "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." However, lack of praying or praying with wrong motives can cause prayers to not be answered at times. James 4:3 says: "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your
pleasures." We have so much to be thankful for such as our health, our family and friends and our spouses. I know I'm so thankful for my wife Donna; she has been such a blessing from God for me. I'm also so very thankful for our jobs, our business, and especially for the love of Jesus in my life. 1 John 4:19 says: "We love Him because He first loved us." We are not necessarily thankful to be in pain or to be sad, but we are thankful for Him always being with us during our struggles. Jesus is always there to help us through the challenges in our lives, whether we have lost a job, a house or a loved one. He is there to lift us up and carry us through it all. Psalms 145:18-19 says: "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desires of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them." We really need to be thankful in all things and in all circumstances, just as Paul was. When Paul was in a Roman prison cell, he had no bed, he had to sleep on a cement floor. He was in a very small cell and chained up from his wrists, ankles and neck. He was bound like that the whole day with brutal irritations from the chains.
His Grace Magazine
Publisher's Corner... October 2019
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aul was accused unjustly of things that he didn't do, and he was also horribly beaten. If anyone had the right to moan, it would have been Paul, especially since he was whipped constantly and left in a Roman prison. Instead of complaining, Paul praised the Lord with thankfulness. Acts 16:24-25 says: "Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them." Apostle Paul, who learned through his trails, had learned the true meaning of thanksgiving, even in the middle of his hardship. When Paul was in the prison cell in Rome, he wrote in Ephesians 5:19-20: "Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart in the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Give thanks for every single thing, no matter what your situation is or will be! For Paul, thanksgiving wasn't just once a year, it was an everyday reality for him. It was a life changer and it made Paul a joyous person everyday. 1 Thessalonians 5:1618 says: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will
Being Thankful
of God in Christ Jesus for you." Being thankful and giving thanks to God for all of our blessings: this is a true act of a believer of Jesus. We must never show the spirit of ungratefulness because it will harden our hearts. If we allow ungratefulness in our lives, it will hurt our relationship with God. An ungrateful heart will turn us bitter and selfish faster than anything else. But thankfulness will give us joy and make our spirits and hearts content. Just like the ten people who had leprosy, they came to Jesus and asked Him to heal them. But only one came back to thank Jesus. The other nine never returned; they were all filled with the spirit of ingratitude. Luke 17:1119 says: "Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" So when He saw them, He said to them, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was
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a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" And He said to him, "Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well." In this day and age, people seem to be ungrateful and thankless. A parent will give their children the things they need, when they need it. But when they give it to them, the children take it and run. How does that make them feel? A bit hurt maybe? Or maybe a little angry, thinking, 'Well, thank you would have been nice!' That's how God, our Father in Heaven feels, because we are His children and He provides for us what we need. So we really need to be thankful in all situations. Some people may not realize this, but being ungrateful is actually sin, just as adultery, murder or stealing or like any other sin. Romans 1:21 says: "because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened." When you read the Bible from cover to cover, you will find that we are commanded by God to be thankful always. Our hearts are supposed to be where we feel
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His Grace Magazine
Publisher's Corner...
the overflow of thanksgiving; it is also our connection to God. When we grumble and moan, our hearts are not right with God. But when we give thanks continually and are grateful, our hearts are full of light. Jesus is that light, so lift up your hearts and voices. Psalms 147:7 says: "Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises on the harp to our God." Paul also wrote in Colossians 3:15: "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." When it comes to material possessions, we seem to always want more. Instead, we should be happy for what we have already, whether it be our home, car, money, job or just the little things in life. Stop thinking you can do better; it makes such a huge difference in our lives when we realize that everything we have comes from God. It's all His and it's all given to us as a gift to enjoy. 1 Chronicles 29:12-14 says: "Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, We thank You and praise Your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, That we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, And of Your own we have
October 2019
Being Thankful
given You." We all, at times, draw away from difficult situations in our lives, yet no one is exempt from trials... no one. We all go through things that are not very pleasant. But when we are in the middle of our trials, we can thank God for being right there with us. He is helping us grow. When we are suffering through trials, we always draw closer to God for His comfort. For it pleases God to come to Him, to fall down on our knees and cry out to Him to help us. Believe me, when we do this, He truly hears our cries and feels our pain. By our sufferings, our faith is strengthened. James 1:2-3 says: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." The sign of a happy, cheerful Christian is a truly thankful heart who loves the Lord Jesus. Why do we need to be thankful? Because of what God has done for us, not only for all of His blessings, but for His Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for us. John 3:16 says: "For God so loved the world that He have His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." When we come to Jesus, it's the beginning of a brand new life. He is right there in us and
He wants us to drop everything in our busy lives and follow Him. We don't have the strength in ourselves; we need God's strength to live the way He wants us to. When we turn to God, we see that it is Him who works in us. Philippians 2:13 says: "...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." So although Thanksgiving here is celebrated for one day during a long weekend, we need to celebrate thanksgiving every day and be truly thankful for all of God's blessings that He has graciously given us.
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wood.publications.2014@gmail.com Owned and published by Rob Wood of Wood Publications, contact us at 905-380-4489, email wood.publications.2014@gmail.com Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement by this publication or area churches. All content is protected by copyright and may not be commercially reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Non-commercial redistribution is permitted.
Prayer Page...
October 2019
His Grace Magazine
Prayer of Thanks Gracious Lord,
Thank you for our many blessings. We are grateful for the gift of living, For the ability to love and be loved, For the opportunity to see the wonders of creation, For sleep and water, For a mind that thinks and a body that feels. We thank you for our challenges, For through them, we are growing and learning. When our hearts feel empty, We still have peace For you are as near to us as our next breath. Thank you, most of all, For your unconditional and eternal love.
We pray in Jesus' name,
Amen
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His Grace Magazine
CD in Review...
Mack Brock Greater Things...
s far as worship music goes, Mack Brock is everywhere. Mack's name may not be recognizable to everyone, but Mack's compositions are the sound tracks of a lot of churches worship music, such as "Here as in Heaven," "Resurrecting," "Do it Again," and so many other songs. Mack had been an essential part of Elevation Worship for 15 years; he produced some of the groups unforgettable songs. "Greater Things" is Mack's debut solo album since leaving Elevation Worship. Although he is no longer a leader or songwriter at the Elevation Worship Church, Mack has re-recorded what is possibly Elevation Worship's signature song, "Do it Again." Mack has put his spin on the song "Christ is Risen", which was cowritten with Phil Wickham. The other songs on this album are all newly written. Mack is a church man at heart, as is his former group Elevation Worship is. It means all the songs are all made with the church worship in mind and heart. Just listen and feel and you will know that "Into Dust" was created as to be a church favorite. "Into Dust" also speaks of how God can speak into the dust of ruins in all of our lives. Emerging out of our hearts totally full of faith in our mighty God, the title song "Greater
October 2019
hop rapping sound with KB,. Although I'm not a rap music fan, this song has good words and lyrics, acknowledging the fact that God of the universe had chosen to come down to earth to us in human form; Jesus Christ, God born in the flesh, with the purpose of giving us a glimpse of heaven, and giving us the opportunity to choose to believe in His life, death and resurrection Things" happens to be more than so that we can all have salvation. Mack Brock is currently on the an encouraging song; it's a strong faithful announcement of what "Heaven Tour" this fall with a God can and will do for us. It's few fellow worship musicians such a great song for churches; it will as Mosaic MSC and Cody Carnes. help build faith. Mark recruited a veteran leader Greater Things... Rita Springer for help on the rendition for "Do It Again." With its unmistakable sound, Mack and 01 "Greater Things" Rita bring an amazing warmth to 02 "Christ is Risen" this worship song. Regardless of being a powerful song, "Christ is 03 "One Like Us (Feat. FB)" Risen" is a beautiful song about 04 "Heart Wide Open" the death and resurrection of Jesus 05 "Into Dust" Christ and the amazing gospel. The song, "God of Breakthrough" 06 "God of Breakthrough" connects people with others who 07 "Do it Again (Feat. Rita Springer)" are out there praying to God for a 08 "Fresh Wind Fresh Fire" breakthrough. The song,"To the End" features 09 "To the End (Feat. Amanda Cook)" Bethel's Amanda Cook. This is one 10 "I Am Loved" of the most faithful songs. Mack goes for a more overwhelming 11 "After Me (Feat. Lindsey Sweat)" approach that makes the enduring 12 "Still in Control" presence of Jesus even more 13 "King of Heaven" passionate and is very satisfying. "One Like Us" has a strong hip 14 "Covered (Feat. London Gatch)"
October 2019
His Grace Magazine
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Look at the birds
of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your
heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26
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His Grace Magazine
Athletes for Christ...
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October 2019
Bernie Carbo Game six Red Sox Hero...
incinnati Reds first round pick in the 1965 draft was Bernie Carbo. He was picked ahead of Hall of Famer catcher, Johnny Bench. Bernie started his major league career by winning The Sporting News National League Rookie of the Year Award by hitting 21 home runs, with 63 RBI's (runs batted in) and he had a .310 batting average in only 365 at bats that 1970 season. Bernie played in the World Series during his rookie season, but the Reds lost in 5 games to the Baltimore Orioles. Bernie had played all of the 1971 and part of the 1972 season with the Reds before he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where Bernie played up to the end of the 1973 season. At the beginning of the 1974 season, Bernie joined the
Boston Red Sox, where he ended up enjoying his greatest games played. Bernie shone in the 1975 World Series for the Red Sox where he played against his old
team, the Cincinnati Reds. Bernie had tied a World Series record with two key pinch hit home runs in the seven game series. Bernie's second home run came in the 8th inning of the crucial game 6... it tied the score, which led to Calton Fisk's historic extra inning winning home run that would force a game 7. Bernie would then play in Boston until halfway through the 1978 season, except for one season with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1976 before he went to Cleveland in the 1978 season. Bernie's teammates were upset when he was traded. Bill Lee considered Bernie as "the best tenth man in baseball." Bernie went to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1979 and his career came to an end by going to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1980.
October 2019
His Grace Magazine
Athletes for Christ...
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Bernie Carbo Diamond Club Ministry...
ernie is a recovering drug addict who will never condemn other athletes who are victims to alcohol, drugs or sex addicts, but he will not shy away from speaking to them about it either, and he is ready to show them that there is another way. Bernie is always willing to share his testimony, the story of his life on the edge and his abuse problem with alcohol and drugs to anyone who will listen. It was a horrible time in his life. He was even on the edge of suicide many times. Bernie became a hairdresser after he retied, but ended up losing his house and salon. In 1989-1990, he hit rock bottom... his mother committed suicide and his father died a couple of months after. He spent a lot of money on drugs and alcohol. Dalton Jones, a member
of the Red Sox who Bernie had played with, said to him, "You need Jesus." Bernie became a born again Christian soon after that meeting
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with Dalton. In 1993, he founded the evangelical organization, "Diamond Club Ministry." Bernie now ministers to families and their children through his love for the game. He hasn't touched drugs or alcohol for over 15 years now. Bernie managed for a few seasons, from 2003-2005. He was manager of the Pensacola Pelicans. and had a recod of 150 wins and 103 losses in his three seasons. Bernie left the team in 2006 to return to full time Diamond Club Ministry. Bernie played for 12 seasons; he had a .264 batting average, with 96 home runs and 358 RBIs in 1,010 games played. On November 10, 2004, Bernie was inducted into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame.
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Walking With
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Jesus...The Angel of His Grace Magazine
October 2019
the Lord The Pre-existence of Jesus Christ...
he journey with Walking with Jesus series continues every month to learn more about Him. The more we get to know Jesus, the more we will grow in wisdom and know that not only is Jesus the Son of God, but He is God; God born in the flesh. We will do research and together every month, we will go through all the scriptures and as a result, we will grow stronger in our relationship with Him. Last month we took a look at the prophet Balaam; this month we study the book of Judges where the Angel of the Lord goes out and confronts Israel for all of their rebellion. The book of Judges is a record of Israel's proneness of rebellion. The Exodus generation that rebelled against God at Kadesh had died out on the plains of Moab, where Moses began to teach them all of the things he had taught their parents. Moses then passed on the responsibility of leadership to Joshua, and Israel seemed to be ready for God's blessings that He promised them. But as Judges 2:11-12 says: "Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served the Baals; and they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who where all around
them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked the Lord to anger." The Angel of the Lord (Jesus himself, in His human form before His incarnation) came to rebuke the Israelites with a stern reminder of the Lord's covenant commands. With the disobedience of Israel, the Angel of the Lord came to them in Bochim (which means "weepers" in Hebrew). Sadly, the change of their hearts didn't last, as another generation after them didn't know the Lord. Judges 2:1-6 says: "Then the Angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: 'I led you up from Egypt and brought you to the land of which I swore to your fathers; and I said, 'I will never break My covenant with you. And You shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars.' But you have not obeyed My voice. Why have you done this? Therefore I also said, 'I will not drive them out before you; but they shall be thorns in your side, and their gods shall be a snare to you.' So it was, when the Angel of the Lord spoke these words to all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voices and wept. Then they called the name of that place Bochim; and they sacrificed there to the Lord. And
when Joshua had dismissed the people, the children of Israel went each to his own inheritance to possess the land." Notice in the scripture above that the Angel of the Lord points to Himself and says who brought Israel out of Egypt, as God did. The Angel of the Lord says He is the keeper of Israel's covenant and He wants their obedience. As a result of all of their disobedience. however, the Angel of the Lord tells everyone in Israel that He is taking His protection away from them, and He would not drive out the people of Israel who was worshiping other gods. He would not move them away from Israel; those people there would always be a thorn in Israel's side. The Angel of the Lord continually points to Himself as the one who took care of Israel all through the years. We continue to see the many instances in the scriptures where Jesus Christ is God, as He keeps showing Himself through the Old Testament as the Angel of the Lord. Next month, we will look at some more encounters of the Angel of the Lord in the Book of Judges. He comes to show Himself to Samson's mother first, then to both his mother and father.
Walking With Jesus... October 2019
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His Grace Magazine
The book of Mark Christ as a Servant...
s we examined last month, Mark's name is John Mark and his gospel is the only one that says Jesus doesn't know when the world will end. But Jesus does say when the temple will be destroyed. The gospel of Mark focuses more on how Jesus keeps His identity as the Messiah quiet and secret. The reason being is to make Jesus more mysterious so that we will seek a deeper relationship with Him and understand Him better. We will not simply see Him as someone who only performs miracles and heals people that He touches. Mark believed it was more important that we understand what the disciples learned from Jesus. Mark reveals Jesus as a Servant; Jesus worked for a bigger purpose. Mark 10:45 says: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Mark also put the miracles that Jesus had preformed in his gospel by demonstrating over and over again both the power and compassion of Jesus. In these sections, Mark reveals Jesus more than a good teacher who gave people rebirth of their spirits; this book characterizes Jesus as the one true God and also a man - God born in the flesh where He reached deep into people's lives, causing changes in them through miracles and healings. Matthew 4:23 says: "And Jesus
went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people." Mark 6:34 says: "And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things." The Gospel of Mark sets out to prove the fulfillment of all the prophecies that was predicted throughout the Old Testament - that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. Isaiah 7:14 says:"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Also, Isaiah 9:6 says: "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Mark describes that Jesus was not only the Son of God, but that He was the one true God by showing that Jesus had lived a sinless and perfect life. Mark also talks about the miracles that Jesus had performed on His time on earth. Mark shows that Jesus had power over nature as well, such as the calming of the storm. Mark 4:37-41 says: "And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was
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already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?' Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, 'Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?' And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, 'Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!' Jesus also walked on water. Mark 6:48-51 says: "Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, 'Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.' Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled." Also, Jesus came to a fig tree and He withered the fig tree. Matthew 21:19 says: "And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves and said to it, 'Let no fruit grow on you ever again.' Immediately the fig tree withered away."
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His Grace Magazine
Racing with Christ...
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October 2019
Bobby Labonte Bobby gave God the keys to drive...
obert Allen Labonte is an American professional stock car racing driver. Bobby was born on May 8, 1964 in Corpus Christi, Texas. As a young boy, Bobby was worried about the future and he lived a life of trying to please everyone. He became discouraged; then he read and finally understood the bible verse Matthew 6:34, where Jesus said: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” That’s what he wanted, instead of worrying over things he had no control over. Following his graduation from Trinity High School, he worked as a fabricator on Terry's cars at Hagan Racing. Labonte returned to the Busch Series in 1985, running two races in a car he owned himself at Martinsville. When we turn our lives over to
God, we should say, “Here are the keys God, you drive.” That’s just what Bobby Labonte did. He gave God the car keys and said, “You drive” and even though he’s behind the wheel, he understands that God’s the one directing the car. As the 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion and a NASCAR Hall of Fame Nominee, Bobby has seen many successes in life and has had the opportunity to meet fans across America and around the world. Inspired by the support
and dedication his fans have given him throughout his racing career, Bobby is driven to give back. Bobby started the Bobby Labonte Foundation in 2003, helping the families and children in his local community by providing grants to non-profit organizations located in the Triad of North Carolina. In 2017, Labonte made the move to FS1 as an analyst on Race Hub and Race Day programs. Labonte currently resides in North Carolina with his wife Kristin. He has two children from his previous marriage to Donna Slate, Robert Tyler and Madison, and is an avid outdoorsman. When we turn our lives over to God, we should say, “Here are the keys God, you drive.” That’s just what Bobby Labonte did. He gave God the car keys and said, “You drive” and even though he’s behind the wheel, he understands that God’s the one directing the car.
His Grace Magazine
Grace
October 2019
His
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New stories every month! Interesting Christian topics, Great Movie, CD and Book reviews! Get your FREE copy of His Grace magazine today! Call 905-380-4489 wood.publications.2014@gmail.com or check out our magazine on-line @ www.issuu.com/His-Grace
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His Grace Magazine
Bible Study...
Matthew 19:26
October 2019
All things are possible with God... M
atthew 19:26 says: "But Jesus looked at them and said to them, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" Jesus mentioned this to His disciples becasue of what He said to a young rich man. The young man asked Jesus what he had to do to get into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:16-25 says: "Now behold, one came and said to Him, 'Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?' So He said to him, 'Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.' He said to Him, 'Which ones?' Jesus said, 'You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and your mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' The young man said to Him, 'All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?' Jesus said to him, 'If you want to be perfect, go sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.' But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus said to
His disciples, 'Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kindom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.' When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, 'Who then can be saved?'" Luke 1:37 says: "For with God nothing will be impossible." Matthew 19:26 proclaims the complete sovereign power of God
that takes everything that seems impossible and makes it possible. It speaks of God's omnipotence, God's complete power to do what He needs. It is seen throughout all of the scriptures. When Abraham and Sarah had doubted God's promise that He would give them a son, Genesis 18:14 says: "Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son." Through Job's sufferings, God
showed His complete sovereignty and Job acknowledged: "I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You." Jesus Himself said in Mark 14:36: "And He said, 'Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me: nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.'" It is true that God is with His children all the time, as He is everywhere and gives us strength to overcome things, but God does not guarantee that we are always going to have success in everything that we do. God does what is best for us. He acts according to His will, not according to our will. We must submit everything to Him and hand our will over to Him, showing that we trust Him to do what is best for us. Through Jesus, eternal life is possible for us all. There is a cost to follow Him, the cost of preaching His word in a hostile world. However, the cost of not following Him is dearer; the young rich man missed out on so much because he refused to listen to Jesus; he turned his back on Him and walked away. However, Jesus paid the ultimate price on the cross for our salvation, for eternal life with Him in heaven.
Recipe...
October 2019
His Grace Magazine
Cream of Broccoli Soup
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• 2 bushes broccoli, chopped • 2 carrots, diced • 1 small onion, diced • 2 celery stalks, chopped • 2 cans chicken broth (14 1/2 oz. ea) • 1 cup water (or vegetable broth) • 1/4 c rice • 1 yam, diced • 1/4 tsp oregano • 1/2 tsp salt • 2 tsp parsley • 1/2 tsp savory • 2 tsp onion powder • 2 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp salt • 1 c carnation milk • 1/4 c parmesan cheese (or to taste)
• Add broth and water to pot • Add vegetables and stir; bring to a boil • Add rice, herbs and spices, reduce heat and simmer (for 15 minutes or until veggies are tender.) • Add milk and parmesan cheese, stir • Serve with shredded old cheddar cheese on top
Genesis 9:3 “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.”
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His Grace Magazine
Featured Artist...
October 2019
Brandon Heath Forgiveness changed Brandon's life...
C
hristian singer, Brandon Heath Knell, was born on July 21, 1979 in Nashville, Tennessee. Brandon's father was a police officer and his mother was a hair dresser. His father and mother divorced when Brandon was 3 years old. He was then raised by his mother for six years, then she remarried. Brandon's early life had made him very bitter with his family. Brandon grew up nonreligious, but at the age of 16 years old, he was asked to go to the Malibu Club, a Christian young life camp for teenagers. This was where he heard Jesus for the first time; he never went to church until he went to the youth camp. Brandon became a Christian and gave his life to Jesus and he
learned how to forgive his parents. Brandon received his first guitar as a Christmas gift when he was 13 years old. At that time, Brandon began writing his first songs. Brandon was in a choir at his high school. In Nashville, he was encouraged by one of his teachers
to pursue music. He had decided to develop his spiritual life by going on missions of faith to such places as India and Ecuador. This helped Brandon to begin mixing religion with his music, which would begin setting up his personal life. Brandon is best known for his No.1 song, "I'm Not Who I Was", from the album, "Our God Reigns". This song stayed on top of the billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart for weeks. Another No. 1 song of his is, "Give Me Your Eyes". Brandon received a Dove Award nomination in 2007 and was also nominated for "Gospel Album of the Year" at the 51st Grammy Awards in 2009.
His Grace Magazine
Book in Review...
October 2019
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Overcomer
What do you allow to define you?
by: Chris Fabey, based on the motion picture by Alex & Stephen Kendrick
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he book, Overcomer, is about a basketball coach named John Harrison, whose career and dreams come crashing down all around him by circumstances privy to a small town. The biggest employer of a well known company closes its doors to the business and shuts it down resulting in layoffs with a lot of people out of work. The school is also affected by the closure, as the population of students start to decline by half of what it was back before the closure. A lot of people had to leave town, as they left in search of other employment in other towns. As a result, the school is then forced to drop some of their extracurricular activities such as basketball in order to reduce costs. After his dreams of winning the basketball state championship, coach John Harrison is left feeling hopeless, worried, lost and fearful of an unknown future that had been handed to him and his wife, Amy. John, a Christian and a strong follower of God, knows the hard circumstances he is facing; he must talk to and ask God questions on what to do next in his life. Hannah is 15 years old, a young teenager who was orphaned, and her grandmother takes care of her. Hannah's grandmother,
Barbara, is a waitress who is struggling with both looking after Hannah and dealing with a small salary. Hannah is facing a lot of financial difficulties that is forcing her to begin stealing. It's a problem that results in her being suspended from public school. She is continually troubled by her past situations that happened with her parents, and she fights to discover who she really is. Hannah really wants to study, but her grandmother can't afford to provide the tuition in another Christian school. When an anonymous person graciously pays her tuition, it gives Hannah hope, where she can begin to change her life by breaking the routine of stealing so that
she doesn't mess up this last opportunity she has been given for an education. John has to start coaching cross country running; a sport in which he has no experience, and also no interest in coaching. John meets with Hannah, a very unique runner; she is on a path of discovering herself. She is prayerful and she is asthmatic and she is trying her best to run in many cross country competitions, but she is seeing no success because of her asthma. John then devotes his time to helping Hannah with her running in order for her to partake in the biggest cross country race of the year, regardless of the beyond hope circumstances they are both currently facing. Both John and Hannah decide to bring all of their ideas and hopes to God in prayer. Everyone's identity is found in God, and John Harrison and Hannah found their identities in Him and it made a huge difference; it changed both of their lives. Life can be hard and it can put tons of pressure on us. But when we turn to God for answers to whatever challenges we face, He is faithful and will always answer us; He will always comfort us and never leave us. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to the movie when it comes out on DVD.
The Baptism...Of
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By: Martyn S. Barrett
T
His Grace Magazine
October 2019
the Holy Spirit Is It For Today?
his question is commonly asked by many of today’s believers in Jesus Christ. Actually, it has been asked by believers down through the ages since the inception of the early church in the book of Acts. The first instance of people mass speaking in tongues as a result of baptism in fire (Holy Ghost), as mentioned by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:11), is recorded in Acts 2:2-4. Contrast what happened on that day of Pentecost; 3000 souls added to the Kingdom (Acts 2:41) - with what happened on the original day of Pentecost when Moses brought down the law, 3000 souls died (Exodus 32:28) as a result of worshiping the false idol of the golden calf. I guess this is where the saying comes from “the letter killeth, but the Spirit gives life”. Jesus talked often of the Comforter (Holy Spirit) prior to his death (see especially John 14-16) who would come after He returned to Heaven. In his Great Commission, recorded in Mark 16:15-18, He mentioned speaking with new tongues as a sign of those who believe (vs 17). Also the book of Acts is replete with instances of new believers speaking with tongues and prophesying. See Acts 2:3-4, 2:11, 10:46 & 19:6. In the account in chapter 19 when Paul came to Ephesus, he asked them if they had received the Holy Ghost since they believed.
They replied that they had not so much as heard of the Holy Ghost since they had been baptized into John’s ministry (vs.2-3). When Paul further explained to them and laid hands on them, they spoke in tongues and prophesied (vs.6). We also find in 1 Corinthians that Paul spends much of this letter talking about the gifts of the Spirit, especially chapters 12 and 14. Of course, we all know of Paul’s personal experience on the Damascus road (Acts 9) where he encountered the risen Christ, and was later prayed for by Annias to receive his sight back and be filled with the Holy Ghost (vs. 17-18). Years later, Paul would say, “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all.” (1 Corn. 14:18) So it seems that Paul had no issue with speaking in tongues, and we read in this same chapter that speaking in tongues is “speaking to God” (vs.2) and “edifies the believer” (vs.4). From personal experience, I have found this to be true. God however, will not force this on anyone; you have to ask to receive. It is available and I believe still available today. After all, Jesus himself said in Luke chapter 11 verse 13 that “your Heavenly Father would give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him.” So, obviously it must be something else you can receive, if you have to ask for it, rather than receiving everything at the point of initial
salvation as some would posit. Jesus is the Baptizer. He sent the Holy Spirit on that day of Pentecost in the upper room. He baptized Paul after his Damascus road experience and multitudes since, and as it tells us in the book of Hebrews chapter 13:8: “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday and today and forever.” He hasn’t changed, He baptized then and He will do it again today; all you have to do is ask. Don’t however, seek it (Him) as some kind of badge of honour - He is the third person of the eternal Godhead - seek for more of Jesus, the baptizer, and He will fill you with “power from on high” (Luke 24:49). It is a promise and to everyone who asks, receives (Matt.7:7-8). Is it necessary for personal salvation? Absolutely not. However, it is available to anyone who seeks a richer, deeper experience with God. I remember when I experienced my own personal pentecost. I had re-dedicated my life back to Christ in March,1975. I was not a believer in supernatural experiences, having served the Lord for a short time while living in Edmonton, AB. I was a member of a Baptist denominational church and we did not teach or believe in these kind of experiences. However, when I heard of this experience after my re-dedication at a local Penteostal church, I started to hunger for more of God. On a sunday night evangelistic service, May 15, 1975,
The Baptism...Of
His Grace Magazine
October 2019
at our local central Newfoundland Convention Centre, I was “endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). I was totally “slain in the Spirit” and crumbled to the floor after having hands laid on me and being prayed for. I just lay there revelling in the presence of God and speaking in tongues for more than half an hour. It is an experience I will never forget and is just as real to me today as it was that Sunday night over 44 years ago. To answer my own question in the title of this article; Yes, the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” is for
the Holy Spirit
today! I know; I’ve experienced Him in all of His fullness and power, and as I once heard someone say, “the person with the experience is never at the mercy of the person with the argument." You too, can have this blessed experience, “the second blessing” as some call it. All you have to do is ask in sincerity, for it says in the book of James; “you have not because you ask not.” (James 4:2) Ask and it shall be given to you; it’s a promise of Jesus (Luke 11:13). Ask in faith believing, for without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
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God bless you, walk in love (1 Corinthians 13) and remember, “faith works by love.” (Gal. 5:6)
Martyn S. Barrett lives in Botwood, NL and worships at Agape Christian Fellowship (an independent Full Gospel Church). He is the widowed father of two grown children and grandfather of six precious grandchildren.
Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord Almighty the whole earth is full of His Glory
Isaiah 6:3
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His Grace Magazine
October 2019
In Concert with...
TobyMac
The Canada Tour...
experience. Toby is currently touring on the Live in Concert Canada, hitting such hot spots as the Prairies and then moving on to Western Canada. October 22: Winnipeg, Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall.
October 23: Saskatoon, Saskatchwan Circle Drive Alliance.
7
times Grammy winner TobyMac is on the road this Fall of 2019 visiting a dozen markets on The Theatre Tour, with special guest Cochren & Co., beginning at Springfield MO. TobyMac’s concerts are known for selling out arenas. Fans are not disappointed with the unprecedented, intimate music
October 24: Edmonton, Alberta Christianity Church. October 25: Calgary, Alberta First Alliance Church.
October 26: Edmonton, Alberta Christcity Church. TobyMac took home the Dove Award for Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year in October of this year, and also performed at the soldout show along with many amazing
artists, such as Casting Crowns, Amy Grant, MercyMe, Hillsong Worship and others, which was held in Nashville. TobyMac’s song, “I just need You” has just scored RIAA Gold certification and is found on his latest chart-topping album, "The Elements", which was released in 2018.
His Grace Magazine
Movie in Review...
October 2019
Priceless “A Suspenseful and Powerful Movie�
T
he movie, Priceless, uncovers the real evil and the horrible life of the sex trade. James Stevens has been in trouble most of his life and will do just about anything to make money at this point in his life. James says 'yes' to driving a truck and to ask no questions; James also doesn't know what the cargo is. After going off the road when he fell asleep, he checks the back of the truck to see if his cargo is okay, but when he opens the back door, he finds two women in the back, Antonia and Maria. James then tells them to come up and sit in the front of the truck with him. James buys the two women
some food; the women then decide to tell him that they are going to repay their father's debt by being maids. James then tells them about his daughter. After arriving at his destination where he is to drop the truck of,.men show up in a black van full of other women. They then talk to the two women and pay James the money that he was promised. James now realizes that the two women are being sold into the sex trade, and James knows he helped them. After talking with the motel owner, James realizes that he too is assisting in the sex trade, as are some of the police in that town. When James arrives at the second hotel, the owner, Dale, orders James to leave his hotel right away after realizing James was involved in bringing the women to the sex trade people, and Dale won't accept that in his hotel. James tells Dale he didn't know what he was getting into and wants to help make thing right again. Once Dale realizes James is telling him the truth, Dale starts to witness to James about God's love for us all. Then James and
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Dale decide to stop the evil sex traffickers that are abusing all these women. This puts James and Dale's lives in danger, but their both willing to do this, to help get the women out of this terrible organization. Priceless has such a strong Christian world view on the sex trade. This movie has a subtle but important witnessing to it. James feels convicted to help and do the right thing, and fights for these women, despite how dangerous it is. This movie shows the pain of sin and shows elements of repentance and sacrifice. Priceless makes a strong point on how every person is worthy and priceless, because we are all made in the image of God. Joel Smallbone is the main actor in this movie; he is also known for being part of the Christian music group For King and Country. Priceless's cinematography is well done; the acting is also good. The producers have made the movie artistic with a specific look. Overall, Priceless is very entertaining, suspenseful, inspiring and uplifting. Starring: David Koechner, Jim Parrack, Joel Smallbone Director: Ben Smallbone Producers: Steve Barnett, David Smallbone, Luke Smallbone. Run Time: 97 minutes Priceless: is available on Blue ray and DVD now.
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His Grace Magazine
October 2019
G GOD O D IS
PLEASE SHARE GOD'S LOVE