As servants of our Lord and guided by scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14; If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
country. We understand that the future of our nation is not dependent upon the leadership of any one person or party, but upon God's people turning and praying to the One upon whose shoulders all government rests (Isaiah 9:6). We also understand according to Scripture that "the King's heart is like channels of water in the Hand of the Lord. Vision: The Lord will raise up 1,000,000 prayer He turns it wherever He desires� (Proverbs 21:1). partners to join with us in non-political, nonTherefore we have confidence in God alone partisan 24/7 prayer during the conventions for the knowing that He is in Charge. We know that only leaders of our nation to seek wisdom and guidance in Jesus will our nation find its hope and purpose. of the Lord for themselves and for our country. Consequently, these conventions have created the catalyst to gather his people together as one body Aim: To build a house of prayer consisting of with one voice, crying out to Him alone for the churches, Christian ministries, and individuals healing of our land. from all peoples and nations; joining together as living stones in non-partisan, non-political prayer Join us in 24/7 prayer for our leaders and nation. during the 2012 political conventions. Sign up at The Center for Manifestation at the Conventions’ Prayer Coverage Table or login to Vision Background: Forty to fifty thousand local, www.conventionsprayercoverage.com state and national leaders, along with media and delegates will be gathering in Tampa for the Republican National Convention from August 27 CFM Intercessory Department thru 30, 2012. As residents of Tampa, we know that because the Lord is gathering our nation's leaders to our city, He has also given us the privilege and responsibility to cover these men and women in prayer. An equal number of leaders will also be gathering in Charlotte, NC for the Democratic National Convention, to be held September 3 thru 6, 2012. We are reaching out to our brothers and sisters in Charlotte to share in this calling to lead a nation in prayer for our elected officials. We are praying that during these conventions, the Lord will raise up 1 million prayer partners to join with us in non-political, non-partisan, 24/7 prayer for the leaders and our nation to seek wisdom and guidance of the Lord for themselves and for our
In life we as women have gone through countless things that work against our emotions. Throughout our childhood, teenage years, and even in adulthood the enemy’s strategy is to have us be emotionally unstable. In my younger days there was a lot of emotional abandonment. So, at a very young age thoughts of suicide began to enter into my life. The voices would say, “’This’ is the answer to all of your problems. ‘This’ will stop the pain, and you don't have to worry about if people love you anymore.” So, for years I struggled with suicidal thoughts. In addition to that, I didn't eat mainly because I didn't have an appetite. I didn't want to live, so basically I was skin and bones. I was always alone and in the house. I didn't want to see the world that so easily rejected me without a moments’ notice. I didn't talk a lot. I was very quiet. Why talk when no one listens? I lived my life in this dark cave and I didn't want anyone to come in. And, to my surprise not very many wanted to come into the inner world of turmoil I had within myself. I went on living my life going through the motions, but I didn't have the notion. On March 26, 1999, I rededicated my life back to Christ; but, even then I didn't have the answers to bring the stability and maturity I needed in order to be sane. So, in my adulthood my thoughts went from suicidal to murder. Before, as a child and teenager, no one listened. So, now as an adult I wanted revenge on the people who wouldn't listen or love me like I thought they should. So, I plotted a murder. I had planned to go to prison, and I didn't care. In addition to my “murderous thought” tendencies I was always giving up inside. This is when I would feel my nerves shaking in my body about to collapse. I'm a Christian believer, but I didn't know how to grasp this soundness of mind that I so desperately needed. I went to many pastors, and leaders, but no one had the answer. Prayer and fasting would only take me so far. So, here again in my adulthood, I found myself still dealing with an inner turmoil that no one could see. One day I was determined I would find this inner soundness. After asking pastors and leaders how to obtain this inner peace, and never receiving an answer
that made sense, I set out to find God for myself. You see, religion taught me I could have God, but I began to realize I couldn't have the victory in God that I so desired. Not only that, I wanted a closeness with him that I wouldn't really obtain in the “religious” church. So, on January 17, 2010, I found myself at the end of my tunnel with no where else to go. This was the first day of the rest of my life. For a year or more I went through countless deliverances, mainly in my mindset. I had a lot of rejection, abandonment, pain, hurt, neglect, unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, and inadequacies in my soul that drove me like a rented mule. I kept my face positioned on the floor even to this day. The Word was my guide to emotional wholeness and stability. The Word was a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. God visited me many times through his Word, and brought constant reassurance to me about where I was going. I wanted to share this because a lot of times people see you as you are now, and they don't know where you've been; the journey that brought you to your now. I can tell you women of God, you can have emotional stability in your life. You don't have to go off on everybody you see, and about everything. You can walk in peace everlasting. You can live in a place where you are abounding in the things of God. You can have the real joy of the Lord. Wisdom will wrap itself around you, and give you understanding. Even in the toughest times He will give you the answers you need to come through. My Apostle always says, "God doesn't take delight in you being in darkness. He has given us the answers to every situation". God sent His son so that we can live an abundant life; not just in heaven, but here on earth. Equip yourself with the Word and allow it to sink down into the very fibers of your soul. Be passionate about true repentance and turning from old mindsets (2 Corth 7:10, Rom 12:2). Be consistent in truth, and dispel every lie (2 Corth 10: 4-6). Come face to face with you, and God will help you find you (Gen 32:22-32); the vibrant wonderful person that you are (Ps 139:14). Matthew 6:33, I Thes 5: 16 -18, Prov 3: 5-6, Phil 4:11 -12, Rom 12:12, 2 Cor 5:17, Prov 4:23
Jennifer Cole PRAYER IS A LANGUAGE Prayer is a language straight from the heart By giving God the glory, that's where we start When we learn to speak it Then all the nations will impart it We are living in a world of temptation Filled with deception and confusion There are times that we are thrown against a wall Then we pray "Lord help me not to fall" When offence comes our way And we are lost for words to pray We call on the Holy Spirit To fill our mouths so we can speak it Prayer in any language pulls us together Even when the adversaries around us hover With prayer there is no color Whoever calls on Jesus, He will answer Prayer is a language without any barrier It gives us security in Jesus, our strong tower It has no tongue twister Its interpretation is clear to God, our listener
Everyone struggles with fear at some point in their life. Fear can rob of us our joy and the ability to embrace life’s full potential. But there’s hope and through God's word you can face your fears every day with confidence and courage to become the woman of strength and dignity that God wants you to be. Queen Esther was an amazing woman of strength and dignity. God had a plan and a purpose for her life. She knew exactly what her purpose was and she saved her people from death. So I submit a question to you. Is fear taking away your joy or causing you to doubt your purpose? Ask God to show you what your purpose is, call out to Him and spend time with Him. He wants you to pour out your heart to Him. He wants you to bring all your hurt and disappointments to Him and lay them at His feet. When you're afraid, angry or frustrated, express that to God and tell Him why. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." My purpose is not to be one who is afraid, but to be an encourager, to pray for others, to be a pillar of strength and a woman of dignity. God reminds me that His presence is my source of strength. A woman of strength is courageous. God commands of us in Joshua
1:9 to be strong and courageous; not to be afraid or dismayed. He tells us He is with us always. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." NIV It takes courage to have been where you were and that courage comes from the "fire" you have gone through. A woman of strength had dignity. God tells us in Proverbs 31:25 we are clothed with strength and dignity. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25 NIV Ladies, you can hold your head high. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You can "laugh" at the days to come. A woman of strength has power. He gives strength to the weary and increases our power. Isaiah 40:29 NIV But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV Isaiah chapter 40 is God's best laid plan for us to increase our power and renew our strength.
When we are weary; He gives us strength and increases our power. He renews our strength because we have hope. He gives us the ability to soar on wings like eagles to lead the weary and heal the broken. God sees a woman of strength burning deep within the embers of your ashes. He wants your beauty to emerge. You can be courageous, dignified, and powerful. You can be a woman of strength! How? She rejoices in God with a grateful heart & a joyful spirit She possesses the ability to genuinely say to another woman: “I admire your qualities and attributes”
She has the courage to take the fall for another She is not too proud to say “I need you” When her tears fall, she prays faithfully When others turn their back on her, she still continues to pray faithfully She is humble enough to admit when she is wrong Through betrayal and talk, she remains secure in knowing who she is She is loving enough to say “I forgive you”
She is blessed with a giving heart and a willingness to help others
She is at peace with herself without having the need to prove herself to anyone
She consoles others even though she too is hurting
She values her self-worth and reminds other women of theirs
She learns from her mistakes and acknowledges that she too is not perfect
She is not pretentious but instead she presents herself just as she is… “A WOMAN OF STRENGTH!”
She speaks with words of wisdom and not malice. From the mouths of destruction, her smile remains unshaken She lifts her head and continues to walk in the midst of turmoil She inspires other women to be the best they can be. With her life experiences, she touches the lives of a multitude She remains determined to be the best person SHE can be She smiles every time she says “I LOVE YOU”
YOU TOO CAN BE A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN OF STRENGTH!
Where we develop and encourage our children to know God intimately, love Him passionately, and serve Him selflessly!
This Months Teaching Series
The Foundation of Christian Commitment July 2, 2012: God’s Answer for Salvation (2Thess. 5:1-11) July 9, 2012: Glory to Christ (2 Thess. 1:3-12) July 23, 2012: Chosen and Called (2Thess. 2:13-17) July 30, 2012: God’s Own Faithfulness (2Thess. 3:1-15)
We are teaching our children by helping them develop the character they need to listen to God's instructions and obey him. The work and time we invest in them now has benefits that will last a lifetime. After all, as adults, we must also comply with instructions that we don't particularly like. Sometimes God asks us to do something we don't fully understand or wish we didn't have to do. Obedience usually requires work, self-discipline, and humility, qualities not easily found in society today.
REMINDER……Do Not Forget to give your child money for tithing and offering. Let them know it is important to you because it is important to God.
Ephesians 1:4 For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be Holy and blameless in His sight, In Love. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a Holy life.
Junior Outre’ Student Ministry
Do you think that God would not or could not forgive you because of the terrible things you have done in life? Only the enemy encourages a walk in condemnation, fear and discouragement, leaving you ready to give up. And there are some things that you should give up. But let me be specific. Give up condemnation! Romans 8:1 says that there is therefore now no condemnation to them
which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Give up fear! II Timothy 1:7 tells us for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and
of love, and of a sound mind. Give up discouragement! Deuteronomy 31:6 encourages us to be strong and of a good courage,
fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. God’s love for you is so amazing. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us ( Romans 5:8). He will forgive every sin that you have committed. God desires to open our eyes, and to turn us from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God: that we may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among those which are sanctified by faith that is in us (Acts 26:18). There is nothing impossible to Him. Salvation is as simple as ABC, Acknowledge, Believe & Confess. Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Pray, Father, I confess that I am a sinner, I have sinned against you. But today, I humble myself before you, acknowledging You as who You are, Almighty God. I repent, please forgive me. I believe Jesus Christ died for me. I welcome You into my heart. Holy Spirit; purify my heart, show me your ways, lead me & guide me. Fill me with Your Spirit. I want to live for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen! Welcome to God’s family!! Now, I encourage you to make time to spend with God; reading His Word, praying and fasting are the first steps a closer walk with God. Find a Bible believing, Bible teaching church where the Word of God is taught. And, share the Gospel, which is a commission to all. If you need more information about salvation or if you need prayer, call 813-325-5730 or visit www.centerformanifestation.com.
First of all it is truly an honor and a privilege to be able to speak about someone who means so much to not only my life, but the lives of many others. My Spiritual Dad, Dr. Mark T. Jones- what can I say about you that have not already been said? I praise GOD for a man created for HIS (GOD’S) PURPOSE! To be able to sit under such anointing is truly a blessing. It is my prayer that those who have ears, let them hear; Those who have eyes let them see…. In a world where many leaders are misleading; many motivational speakers that are sincerely uninspiring; many prosperity teachers who are the only ones prospering…. It is truly a blessing to witness a man who stands in integrity, honor, & respect; a selfless man whom I have personally come to know that truly cares for the development of character in God’s people. He is someone who teaches us to set aside personal feelings and to see people the way
God sees them. He is also a man that not only leads His church, His businesses, but first and foremost leads his family on the right pathway. May God forever bless your journey throughout your existence! When I think of you, Apostle, Psalms 15 comes to mind. Line upon line, precept upon precept, this passage of scripture is all you. As I seek to serve God, I seek to be lead by the Holy Spirit, and seek to be pressed in to the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ; I am so grateful to God for blessing me with not only a mentor, father figure, spiritual asset, nurturing developer, but also a man whom TRULY is after God’s Heart! I would like to say that on behalf of The Center For Manifestation Family all around the world……. WE LOVE YOU, WE HONOR YOU, WE BLESS YOU! Felton & Family
The Jones’ for the Garcia’s are an example of how to do it right. Sure we all have work to do, but the fruit of character tried by fire, maturity weathered by seasons and success that has been kept from cynicism is evident when we see their son, daughter and marriage. Simply put, CFM is...because they chose to be! Thank you for living your lives the way you have lived them! Happy Anniversary! Dr. John Garcia & Family
Apostle, I praise God for your obedience and discipline to carry out the vision that the Lord has given unto you. Thank you for letting go of all the vain ambitions that this world has to offer and standing as to what an ambassador of Christ should look like. May God continue to keep His hands upon you and your family’s lives as you continue moving forward in Christ. I love you. Danyell Alford
You know, one should never undervalue the gifts of God in their life. Dr. Jones is a gift that was packaged to the body of Christ directly from God's infinite wisdom. He is a treasure that yields God's manifested blessings every single time he speaks a word from God. Just the other day as he was teaching his children the Word, my sister whispered to me saying, 'Where did this man come from?' It had no negative connotation, but the revelation that was manifested from his mouth, through the breath of God, caused her to wonder where this modern day Elijah and Moses came from. That's how powerful the revelation was for us!
I just praise God for placing me under the care and tutelage of a man and woman of God that truly carries the heart of God and a sincere heart for God's people. Silver and Gold cannot compare to the riches we have in Apostle Mark and Lady Lisa. The result of good parentage is generally evaluated in the success of their children. I am so honored that this daughter has chosen to strive for her destiny and thus make her parents proud. Thank you Apostle and Lady Lisa for all that you have done to help me live my best life NOW! Chiante Price
FRANKINCENSE By: Keith Lashley
The use of herbal remedies is of course nothing new and is as ancient as mankind. Ezekiel 47:12 states “And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine”. (King James Version Cambridge Ed.) The health benefits of a diet which is largely composed of fresh fruits and vegetables cannot be emphasized enough. Our over processed, overly sugared, vitamin deficient food has taken its toll on society as a whole. Discussing the importance of diet and exercise is paramount to the discussion of herbal medicine, however, that is not our focus here. This column will focus on herbs from both a healing perspective as well as their historical and Biblical symbolism Today we will be looking at Frankinincense Frankincense is most readily known from the Biblical account of the virgin birth of Jesus It is paired with Myrrh as one of the gifts from the wise men in this important Christian reference Like myrrh it is harvested from a scraggly tree that survives at the edge of the desert The bark of the tree is scraped so that the sap can ooze out and coagulate on the trunk to be later harvested in the form of resin Resin does not decay and has been found in Egyptian tombs thousands of years old, in the same form that it was in when it was placed in the sarcophagus with bacterial desecration Somalia and Yemen have been the main sources of this aromatic substance
These areas were difficult to reach during ancient times and today this still holds true because of political and military chaos in both of these countries Frankincense is different from Myrrh because it is sweet while Myrrh is very bitter to the taste Frankincense has been in production for 5000 years and is always rated by its color, purity, aroma, age, and shape Actually if we examine the word Frankincense you will notice that it is actually composed of two separate words The first syllable “Frank” refers to the Frankish Crusaders of the 12th and 13th Centuries They are believed to have migrated from Scandanavia and northern Europe and conquered Western Europe down to parts of the Western Mediterraen Sea They later became the rulers of the Holy Roman Empire of the Catholic church Some historians attribute these Crusaders with reintroducing the use of near eastern incense into Western European culture due to their exposure to near eastern cultures At one point, all incense from the middle east was referred to as Frank-incense The Arabic term for what has been translated as Frankincense is “Olibanum” which specifically identifies the gun resin from the Boswalia tree in Somalia and Yemen It was burned to create a black substance called Kohl that was used by Egyptian women as a beauty enhancer to line their eyes as seen on hieroglyphic images Frankincense is rare and difficult to harvest like myrrh and was ordained of God to be used in the Wilderness tabernacle Exodus 30: 34-38 “And the Lord said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, these sweet spices with pure Frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight And thou shall make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put
it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy And as for the perfume which thou shall make ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof if shall be unto thee holy for the Lord Whosoever shall make like unto that to smell thereof, shall be cut off from his people” God forbade anyone from using the formula for themselves upon penalty of expulsion Subsequently it was used in the Jerusalem and Solomon temples down through the ages This aromatic incense concoction is mentioned several times in Leviticus as a supplement to the meat offering or grain offering As noted in Leviticus 2:1; 2:16; 6:15 The meat offering in these passages was actually composed of grain and grain products A portion was burnt on the altar while the remaining portion was consumed by the priest Interestingly enough, the grain offering was forbidden as part of the sin offering as we read in Leviticus 5:11 This reminds us of the rejection of Cain’s grain offering to the Lord The first use of the ancient Hebrew term “sin” occurs in Genesis 4 in the account of Cain’s murder of his brother over his rejected grain offering Hebrews 9:22 states “For without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin” The grain offering was to produce a soothing savour onto the Lord as we note in Leviticus 1: 9 This brings us back to the birth of Jesus Like Myrrh we can surmise that the aroma of Frankincense would have been familiar to the baby Jesus laying in the manger God the father ensured comfort for His Son even in a dirty manger It is a scientific fact that the olfactory sense is the most powerful and memorable of the 5 human senses Even today it’s smoke is being used as a calming agent and has several medicinal uses. Modern medicine is turning its attention to Frankincense for the relief of rheumatism and rhematoid arthritis. It is an ant-inflammatory and experiments are being conducted on its effect on soft tissue joints.
It could have been used by the entire holy family for theirs was a stressful existence having dealt with the awe of the angelic pronouncements, the sudden visitation by strangers in the form of shepherds and wise men right after child birth and then experiencing the emotional weight of the fulfillment of ancient prophecy Frankincense symbolized Christ priesthood and his connection to his father because the gift of Frankincense was seen as a vehicle for transporting the priests prayers up to heaven in the Tabernacles and temples just as gold symbolized his kingship and Myrrh his adornment as the sacrifice for mankind’s sin Frankincense is also used for digestive ailments and parts can be taken internally However, you should always consult a knowledgeable physician especially if you are taking modern medications Interactions can produce uncomfortable results Talk to your local health food expert at one of the true health food stores in town Always, consult with your doctor before taking any herbal remedies. And remember, many if not most of our modern drugs and medications are derived from plants
NOT JUST FOR TEACHERS ONLY……… By Teacher Eva Johnson The Psalms It’s amazing how many people read Book 3 Psalms 73 – 89 the Psalms as “Psalms chapter 1 Psalms 73 – 83 – Asaph verse 1.” The Psalms is a collection Psalms 84, 85, 87, 88 – Sons of of poetry and songs. It should be read Korah as if you are reading poetry or singing Psalms 86 – David a song. Although Psalms is one of Psalms 89 – Ethan the Poetical books, the book of Job actually begins the introduction to the Book 4 Psalms 90 – 106 Poetical Books. They are: Job, Psalms 90 – Moses Psalms 101, 103 – David Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. The Hebrew name Psalms 91-100,102,104-106 – Unfor Psalms is “sepher tehillim,” or known Author the book of praises. The Psalms were written by different people over a Book 5 Psalms 107 – 150 span of hundreds of years! It is diPsalms 108-110,138-145 – David vided as follows: Psalms 107, 111-137, 146-150 – Unknown Author Book 1 – Psalms 1 – 41 All are attributed to David The Psalms are very unique in that they contain a full range of human emotions and experiences that every Book 2 – Psalms 42 – 72 Psalms 42 – 49 – Sons of Korah person can relate to. Many people, Psalms 50 - Asaph Christians and non-Christians have Psalms 51-65 and 68-71 – David turned to the Psalms for comfort and Psalms 66 – 67 – Unknown Author strength. They are very powerful, Psalms 72 – Solomon praiseful, purposeful, prayerful,
positive, and they all point you to God. There are many words noted in the Psalms that are actually musical notations. For those of you who use the word “Selah” all the time to make a point, it actually is a musical term that indicates a pause or an increase in volume. What it is actually doing is calling for the listener of the song to “pause” and “think about it.” The term “Selah” is not to be read but to be done. So the next time you see “Selah” at the end of the line, just stop, pause and think about what you just read.
service if we sang the Psalms for worship! Try it on your own! Next Month we will explore the next Poetical Book of Proverbs.
Note to Chronological Bible readers: There is so much exploration in each of the Books of the Bible. It is very hard to try to put only a brief explanation for multiple books you will be reading each month. However, I will cover each book by the end of the year. These articles are designed to not only give you backShort Personal note: At one time in ground information on each book my life, I was a choir director for but to also whet your appetite so the children and adults. I used to that you’ll want to do some perread the Psalms and God would give sonal study on your own. me music to go with it and I would teach it to the choir. It was amazing Here are some resources that will how the musicians used to just pick help you further your study: up the tune immediately! So try Bible Handbooks putting music to some of the Psalms Bible Dictionaries as you read it, or as you pray it. I Bible Concordances have heard some beautiful tunes to Maps and Atlases of Bible lands Psalms 23, “The Lord Is My ShepBible Almanacs herd.” The tune will help you Word Meanings in the Old and memorize it and not forget it. To this New Testaments day I still remember the tunes God Who’s Who and Where’s Where in gave me to the words of some of the the Bible Psalms. For you rap artists out Biblical Archaeology books, to there, try putting some beats to the name a few Psalms, it will be an awesome song And of course the Bible! that people will not easily forget. Wow, that would be an awesome