Page Title
December 2013
Word of Life | Sparkle For The Savior
-1-
Contents
December 2013
It’s Time To Sparkle For The Savior
3
Read and Study The Word
4
The Light of Love
6
Disciplined Disciples Devotion
7
12 Days of Blessing
8
Words of Life from Pastor G
Spotlight on 2 Servants
Joy to the World
Glorifying Our Savior
Rethink What’s Important Fast Forward
Intentional and Focused Spiritual Development
13 14
Word of Life Christian Church 460 W. Atherton Rd. Flint, MI 48507 (810) 232-5944 www.thewordisalive.org December 2013
Word of Life | Sparkle For The Savior
-2-
Words of Life From Pastor G
It’s Time to Sparkle for the Savior! What a great time of the year this is! We get to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. Sometimes I believe we inadequately represent Jesus by celebrating the birth of Jesus with tremendous focus for just one month of the year and especially for only one day of the year. Jesus came that our joy might remain full, He sacrificed His life in heaven that we might experience eternal life with our Heavenly Father.
sustainable sparkle for Him. Jesus said in His word that we would sparkle for Him - read the following scriptures which declare that Christ wants us to sparkle for Him;
We often take His birth and life for granted. When we have an attitude of apathy, it is extremely sad and selfish. It is almost as though we diminish the birth of the Savior when we only live for Him occasionally, when we don’t sparkle for Him on a daily basis. So, instead of just talking about all of the exceptional events that happened upon His birth, this month I want us to focus on going beyond Bethlehem’s cradle and remember to celebrate the birth of Christ daily by Sparkling for the Savior as He commanded us to do. Jesus did not enter the earth so that we would be dull, disappointing, and distant. No, He came to dwell among us that we would have life and have it more abundantly; He came that we might let our light shine before men and glorify our Father; He came to destroy the works of the devil and as His soldiers we are suppose to carry that same mantra.
Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.
Yes, Christ came to save us from our sin. His mission in saving us was that we would live a life of liberty to glorify Him. Jesus wants us to sparkle, radiate, reflect and resemble Him. Succinctly put, we are in the season for one reason and that is to Sparkle for the Savior! While I am not advocating that you dislodge your Christian traditions, I am purporting that in celebrating the birth of Christ, you go beyond December; and everyday celebrate Christ by sparkling for Him!! Stretch yourself and go beyond the shopping, go beyond the decorations, go beyond the office parties and go beyond the superficial to a
December 2013
The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. (John 14:12 MSG)
God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you lightbearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand— shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16 MSG) A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. (John 10:10 MSG) Word of Life, shine and sparkle everyday for the Savior. Go tell it on the mountain over the seas and everywhere by Sparkling for Him. Go beyond the cradle and be about the business of Jesus Christ by triumphantly transforming lives to glorify our Father!
Be Blessed, George D Wilkinson Pastor G
Word of Life | Sparkle For The Savior
-3-
Page Title
Read and Study The Word
December 2013
Word of Life | Sparkle For The Savior
-4-
Hear & Obey the Word
Study the Word
Week 1
Week 1
Week 2
Week 2
Week 3
Week 3
Week 4
Week 4
Week 5
Week 5
Week 1
Week 4
Week 2
Week 5
Sunday Worship Service 9:00 AM December Theme Sparkle for the Savior
Christian Education Every Sunday 8:00 AM
Being About the Business of the Father
The Layaway Plan
The Down Payment/The Exchange Policy
What was the Message of the Wise Man?
Christmas Program
The Warranty
Living Beyond the Cradle of Christ
Proof of Purchase
Class in Recess
Ready or Not, Here I Come!
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 KJV)
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14 KJV)
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his ame Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:23 KJV)
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his onlybegotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” (1John 4:9 KJV)
Week 3
“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” (2 Corinthians 9:15 KJV) December 2013
Page Title
Word of Life | Sparkle For The Savior
-5-
the light of love
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
When you see the Nelsons Sunday after Sunday you see a couple with a perpetual love for each other. Her smile is infectious and kind and Jon is quiet yet able to speak volumes with how he cares for his wife, Word of Life and the things of God. He is a professional musician and the lead guitarist among the Word of Life musicians and his wife Gwen is the leader of our ambassadors. During the week, Gwen works as a Market Manager for the Jones Group and Jon is a journeyman and committee man for General Motors. They have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Their relationship is like a Christian romance novel. Gwen began working with a personal trainer and he told her about his good friend that he thought would be a good fit for her. She being the forever optimist, agreed to a conversation with this “friend”. She and Jon held a telephone conversation that expanded the course of four days. At that point, they decided it was time for a face to face. This meeting just happened to take place on a Thanksgiving morning at Cracker Barrel. Long story short, they fell in love and have been married for 10 years. Every Thanksgiving morning they have continued to go to Cracker Barrel in remembrance of their first date.
December 2013
They have a house rule that must never be broken. It is found in Ephesians 4:26-27 Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life. Gwen states there are days when she wants to be stubborn and just go to bed and deal with it tomorrow. Jon however is relentless and refuses to allow that to happen. Unassumingly so, Mr. Nelson is quite comical and his wife defines him as hilarious. He often uses his comedic skills to change her mood so that the house rule is not broken. Jon states “I just absolutely love my wife with all my heart”. They were in search of a church home and after just one visit decided that Word of Life was a good fit for them and they wanted to be a blessing to the church as well. After joining the following Sunday, they began working in the church with the same effort that they give to their daily jobs. It was the love they felt that persuaded the decision. The Nelsons favorite scripture is Matthew 4:4 But, he answered, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” They apply it daily and it’s keeps them strong in the Lord.
Word of Life | Sparkle For The Savior
-6-
Page Title
Joy To The World We give because God gave to us the very best that He has in the form of His only son. The birth of Jesus changed the world forever. We who are in Christ are stll called to continue in this world changing work. In Gallations 5:22. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, pa5ence, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control. Against such things there is no law.” Fruit has always been a part of holiday giving. There are baskets of fruit and the infamous fruit cake that show up at our homes in the form of a gift. Let’s look at the order of the fruit mentioned in the scripture. It is a recipe. Recipes must be followed in order for things to turn out right. You must first have love which is the main ingredient. Love in your heart allows you to be filled with joy. Because of your joy you can be at peace in every situation.
December 2013
Peace ignites patience, you don’t have to yell or give people a piece of your mind. Patience shows you who the real enemy is and allows you to be kind to those in your presence. Kindness of heart gives you the desire to display God’s goodness. The goodness of God keeps you faithful. He has taken care of you before, and he certainly remembers how it’s done. This faithfulness keeps on your mind how HE delivered you, and how you were rough around the edges too. Your faith extends gentleness when dealing with others. Once love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness are all stirred together you will have more self- control. When you are engaging with others please give them giftft of the fruits in your basket.
Word of Life | Sparkle For The Savior
-7-
12
THE
DAYS OF BLESSINGS I’m sure most have heard the song entitled “The 12 Days of Christmas”. To most it’s a delightful nonsense rhyme set to music. During the song, the singer informs us of the gifts his true love has given him during the 12 days of Christmas. As Christians, we know that our “true love” is God and he blesses us way beyond the 12 days of Christmas. Let’s take a moment as 12 of our brothers and sisters reflect and bask in the glory of God. Remix please….
December 2013
Word of Life | Sparkle For The Savior
-8-
On the 1st day of blessings, El–Elyon (The LORD most high) gave to me what I knew I needed but couldn’t afford. I was in need of car insurance and was unable to afford
what was being quoted. I was at work and ran into a couple that had hired me a week earlier to cater a party. They remembered me and just happened to be insurance agents. By the end of the week God made it possible that I not only had insurance but at a 90% savings from what was originally quoted.
Lavard
Psalms 7:17 “I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.”
On the 2nd day of blessings, Jehovah-Rapha (The LORD who heals) gave to me the healing that the doctors could not figure out how to deliver. I had no doubt in God’s power. I was a mystery to the doctors, and they couldn’t understand what I was going through or what my illness was, but GOD can heal and solve any mystery. I am set free and delivered from sickness.
Exodus 15:26 “And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.
Kristian Wilkinson
On the 3rd day of blessings, Jehovah –Shalom (The LORD of our Peace) gave to me a job right on time. I only had three weeks left of unemployment. I had been pink slipped for 7 years. My prayer each morning during unemployment was Psalm 37:4; Delight yourself in the Lord; and he will give you the desires of your heart. Each morning I encouraged myself not to let unemployment get me down and depressed. I stayed connected to His word, reread my prayer journal where he answered my previous prayers and waited patiently.
Kimberly J. Roberts December 2013
Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”
Word of Life | Sparkle For The Savior
-9-
On the 4th day of blessings, El-Roi (The God of sight/ who keeps watch) gave to me a new family. I left home and walked over to Word of Life seeking prayer as people were leaving after bible study. I was welcomed in, received prayer and was told about Jesus. I have been blessed to be among those who love the Lord and love me too!Psalms 121:5 “The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.”
Sherrod Miller On the 5th day of blessings Jehovah-Jireh (The LORD Provides) gave to me the answer to my prayers. I held a
job that required me to travel and be away from my family for days at a time. While traveling one day, someone mentioned a position with Meijer and I provided my resume and received a call within 30 minutes. They said they had a position, not the one that was on line but one they had just decided to create. I can tell you exactly how many miles it is from Grand Rapids to Flint because I cried, shouted, prayed and thanked the Lord all 102 of them after being offered the position!
William Campbell
1st Corinthians 1:20 “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”
On the 6th day of blessings I AM gave to me the whole armor of God! It is easy to give up, but when you know God, you
stay on the battlefield but allow God to do the fighting. This year I lost my job and my mother, but not my joy. I thank God for giving me a church home where His Spirit dwells. He has liberated me! I was welcomed into this Body of Believers at Word of Life with open arms. What comes from the heart always touches the heart. Ephesians 6:10-11 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
December 2013
Word of Life | Sparkle For The Savior
Loretta Kenebrew Cox- 10 -
On the 7th day of blessings Jehovah-Rammah (The LORD is Present) gave to me peace. In 2008, the doctors
stated that I wouldn’t be able to bare children due to a medical condition. God has the final word! Two years later, I gave birth to my twin girls Kamiya and Kimora Thompson. A year later God blessed me with my son Larry Thompson III. Tiffany Thompson Romans 8:25 “But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”
Tiffany Thompson On the 8th day of blessings El-Shaddai (God Almighty) gave to me restored sight. In 2011 while at work, I closed my
right eye to scratch it and I couldn’t see a thing out of my left eye that was still open. Immediately, fear took over because I couldn’t see out of one eye. I was admitted in the hospital where they pumped me full of steroids for 5 days straight. Hallelujah, a few months later my vision had been restored. The vision in my left eye was equivalent to the quality of a HD TV, and my right was more like a Blu-‐Ray movie, the highest quality available. I was thankful to God for the restoration of my vision, however, I asked God to restore my left eye’s vision back to the Blu-movie quality as well. Hallelujah, let me declare that I serve a God that is faithful and will hear you when you pray and honor your requests. Now, I have 15/20 vision in both eyes, which is better than 20/20 vision that most people have. To God be the glory for all the things he’s done! Amen.
Min. Gary Mitchell
Psalms 30:2 “LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me”
On the 9th day of blessing YAHWEH gave to me love. When I was young my parents got a divorce. My dad tried to destroy the relationship that my mom and I had. After much prayer, I have a significantly better relationship with both. We can actually have a conversation without arguing. Tasha and I believe divorce is not an option. There have been divorces in both of our families, but it stops with us. With God’s help we are going to raise our son and any future children without any separation in our home.”
Coreyeon Ingram December 2013
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Word of Life | Sparkle For The Savior
- 11 -
On the 10th day of blessings Emmanuel gave to me a renewed life. I had suffered from a headache for about a week, which increased my blood pressure. Once they got it down they were going to send me home, but not until they ran the test that my husband, Deacon Wright insisted they do first. A cat scan revealed 4 blockages in my neck. While still at the hospital I started to have chest pains. I had a quadruple bypass. I had walked around with these problems but they didn’t fully manifest until I was in the presence of those who could help. Praise the Lord.
Loretta Wright
Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
On the 11th day of blessings Abba Father gave to me peace. There was a time in my life when I felt I had no reason for living. I had been violated, served time, lost a child and diagnosed with a mental illness. None of those things could stop what God had and has planned for me. I found Christ, I found a church that loves me for who I am, and I married a man who loves me unconditionally. Isaiah 26:3 He will keep him in perfect peace, who’s mind is stayed on Him.
Connie Sawadago
On the 12 day of blessings Jesus gave to me more time. After dealing with various gastric issues and doctors trying to figure out the problem I was visited by God. I was in the waiting room before more exploratory surgery and the room was full on people. Suddenly it felt like I was alone in the room physically, but I felt this presence wrap it’s arms around me. That brought me peace and comfort. I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. I received treatment but I keep my focus on the presence of the Lord. I am healed.
Mark Williams December 2013
John 14:26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. Word of Life | Sparkle For The Savior
- 12 -
Page Title
December 2013
Word of Life | Sparkle For The Savior
- 13 -
Page Title
FAST FORWARD 21 Days of Renewal, Restored Relationship & Revelation! Word of Life Christian Church Fast Intentional and Focused Spiritual Development January 6 - January 27, 2014
Definition of Fasting “The voluntary denial of a normal function for the sake of intense spiritual activity. So then, fasting does not always deal with abstinence from food. Sometimes we may need to fast from involvement with other people, or from the media, from the telephone, from talking, from sleep, etc., in order to become more absorbed in a time of spiritual activity.� Source: Donald Whitley - Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. The goal of this fast is to accelerate and facilitate extensive spiritual growth for the believer. There is nothing more important in our lives than our personal relationship with God. This fast is aimed at achieving intimacy with God through delighting in Him and yearning for the Almighty daily! Fast Guidelines All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava,
December 2013
honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon. All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy. All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
Word of Life | Sparkle For The Savior
- 14 -
All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to Personal Sacrifice sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. If you can’t participate in the food fast you can Also nut butters including peanut butter. sacrifice something else such as; TV, movies, Internet (non-work related), electronic games, All legumes. These can be canned or dried. excessive phone usage or a hobby. For those Legumes include but are not limited to dried fasting with food you can intensify your fast by also beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed making one of these or other personal peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, sacrifices. white beans. Spiritual Development All quality oils including but not limited to olive, • 6am Morning Manna Call, M-F - Start off canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame. seeking God every morning • Noon Prayer - Prayer during the mid-day Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other • Evening Prayer and Study - spend a minimum pure waters. of 30 minutes the first two weeks and 1 hour in week 3 Praying and Studying God’s Word. Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, • Tuesday Christian Education @ 6:00 pm – salt, herbs and spices. Come with your bibles, questions and engaged to grow and learn more about living a Christian life. • Sunday Worship Service @ 9:00 am – Be prepared to elevate your worship with God each Sunday
December 2013
Word of Life | Sparkle For The Savior
- 15 -
Page Title
December 2013
Word of Life | Sparkle For The Savior
- 16 -