As we all know, the month of June is the celebration of “Father’s Day”. Also, The Center for Manifestation Family is celebrating our spiritual father, Mark Jones’ birthday. Webster’s dictionary defines “Father” as A person regarded as a male parent; Protector, an originator, founder or inventor, God as the first person in the Trinity. Moreover, Deuteronomy 1:11 states, The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you! As always, The Voice will continue to go across the country and around the world, touching the lives of God’s people. We will always give God all the glory and all the honor. Consequently, we invite you to be a part of this great commission by emailing your friends and family members. Encourage them to do the same; always remembering that one plants, another waters and God gives the increase. In our Newsletter this month, visit page 3 to read Dr. Jones’ Words of Reflection. Don't forget to touch and come into agreement with the prayer focal, as we fast on Tuesday. Also, read “The Message” by Prophetess Marilyn Smith on page 4. Teacher Eva Johnson, using “Where in the World Is….” page, provides background information for each book of the Bible. In addition to encouraging us in the continuation of the chronological bible reading, this section helps us to gain further insight into each book we will be reading. Don’t forget, if you want to win one of Dr. Jones’ DVD teaching series, answer the questions in the puzzle. This month, we are introducing “CROSSTRAINER”, on pages 16 & 17 by Brother Williams. If you have any questions about fitness you can get your answer by just emailing him. Your life will never be the same. Likewise, continue to get tips from “Très Magnifique” on pages 8 & 9. Lastly, visit page 10, “Redemption”, where a simple prayer accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior will change your life forever. The Newsletter team is seeking partners that would like to assist with the creation of the monthly Newsletter. Don't forget that our services are free. So, if you would like to communicate with the community or partners, please email Yesmin Negron at ylnegron13@gmail.com or call 813-7755381. Partners, share the link with your friends, coworkers, & family. Email the link, its FREE!! Till the next time, Manifest!! Yesmin Negron VOM Newsletter Dept Leader
Mark T. Jones Pastor & Founder Manifestation Worldwide
Productivity 101 Deep within the heart of all believers there is a need to know that we are progressing, advancing, bearing fruit, and making strides in a positive direction. Most of us have no idea how to abide in the productivity paradigm. Here are some keys to remaining productive: 1. Decide what productivity looks like, and make a commitment to perform the tasks that will make progress a reality. 2. Be decisive about what your focuses should be. 3. Make yourself accountable to someone who can remind you of what you deem to be important to you. 4. Be open to necessary change. Change is a normal part of progress. 5. Be adaptive; productivity will demand that you adjust yourself at some point, and you must be willing to do so. 6. Be willing to delegate tasks to others and keep people in your sphere of influence who can aid you in accomplishing your goals. 7. Take initiative, good things happen to people who are already in motion. 8. Keep your life orderly and organized. It is God’s will that you “be fruitful and multiply�. It is my prayer that as you utilize these keys, you will. Dr. Mark T. Jones Sr.
The Message 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.
these conventions, the Lord will raise up 1 million prayer partners to join with us in nonpolitical, non-partisan, 24/7 prayer for the leaders and our nation to seek wisdom and guidance of the Lord for themselves and for our country. We understand that the future of our nation is not dependent upon the leaderVision: The Lord will raise up 1,000,000 ship of any one person or party, but upon prayer partners to join with us in non-political, God's people turning and praying to the One non-partisan 24/7 prayer during the convenupon whose shoulders all government rests tions for the leaders of our nation to seek wis- (Isaiah 9:6). We also understand according to dom and guidance of the Lord for themselves Scripture that "the King's heart is like channels and for our country. of water in the Hand of the Lord. He turns it wherever He desires� (Proverbs 21:1). ThereAim: To build a house of prayer consisting of fore we have confidence in God alone knowchurches, Christian ministries, and individuals ing that He is in Charge. We know that only in from all peoples and nations; joining together Jesus will our nation find its hope and purpose. as living stones in non-partisan, non-political Consequently, these conventions have created prayer during the 2012 political conventions. the catalyst to gather his people together as one body with one voice, crying out to Him Vision Background: Forty to fifty thousand alone for the healing of our land. local, state and national leaders, along with media and delegates will be gathering in Join us in 24/7 prayer for our leaders and naTampa for the Republican National Convention. Sign up at The Center for Manifestation tion from August 27 thru 30, 2012. As resiat the Conventions’ Prayer Coverage Table or dents of Tampa, we know that because the login to www.conventionsprayercoverage.com 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 CFM Intercessory Department 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
Dee Reid
W.O.W. Women of Worship
2nd & 4th Thursday @ 7pm
Health and Wellness Victoria Thompson During the month of May, Beyond Waiting Singles Ministry focused on our individual health and wellness. In our meeting on the second Friday of the month, Minister Leola Tillman was the guest speaker and enlightened us on how to care for our temples on the cellular level. She opened up with: 1 Corinthian 6:19 [AMP] 19 Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own, 20 You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body. After allowing this scripture to sink in, we proceeded with learning the “Chain of Life” which includes links that make up the complete chain of nutrients and breaks down how food works in our bodies. The discussion was vital because as we have been taught, what you do not value/ appreciate/understand, we will abuse. We do not really understand what the purpose of food is for our bodies and therefore, we abuse it by eating unhealthy or not nutritionally supporting our temple. Instead of having a place made on a solid foundation, our houses are on a bed of sand and therefore fall apart easily, or are torn down quickly. Minister Leola gave us wisdom and understanding on how to practically maintain our bodies in order to glorify God and live prosperously. The “Chain of Life” looks something like this:
Min. Tillman broke down the order of the chain as: 1st: Protein (the Greek origin of the word means “of first quality or I am first) 2nd: Carbohydrates (there are simple and complex types) 3rd: Lipids/Sterols (fat that we actually NEED) 4th: Vitamins (eat for your cells, not for yourselves) 5th: Minerals 6th: Enzymes We are only as strong as our weakest link, so it is important to take total care of our bodies. We also learned the vital organs of the body and the importance of drinking water and understanding how to care for our bodies as individuals. Each person’s body needs a specific regimen of care which is different from anyone else. We have to learn what that is and follow up accordingly. The group had a lively discussion on eating habits, we were able to ask some very complex questions, and received sound, biblically based advice on how to implement healthy eating and exercise on a budget. Health and Wellness is not a limited subject to physical health, but is also important for our spirit, mind, soul, relationships, etc. We take a holistic approach in order to be assets to the purpose and vision that God has placed within us. We have to be mindful to keep ourselves healthy on all levels, like we learned; you are only as strong as your weakest link. Start to eat for your cells, not yourselves. J Be encouraged. Tori
Très Magnifique ! June 2012
Fashion, Beauty, & Current Events.
Issue 2.
S mar t Shopp ing In a world that’s always evolving with fabulous fashion, how can we cut down spending and save money while looking our best? Well, for starters, shop online for deals. Websites like www.groupon.com, www.amazon.com and www.zappos.com at times offer free shipping and have great deals on accessories, shoes and clothing. Take a look at some of my past month’s tennis shoes and earrings steal from zappos and topshop.com.
1Timothy2: 9-10 “Women should dress modestly, with decency & propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good
Arm Candy: Rock some major bling with oversized cuffs done in sleek gold & paired with contrasting accents. Check out shophalllelu.com; they have bangles starting at $17.00.
Ooh-Lala:
wear quality extensions or go natural and $ave big
HAIR…Be you. If you like weave, weave it up. If you want to keep it natural, style it up. Just be fresh and a little edgy with your style & try quality and not quantity. Take it from me, when you’re purchasing quality hair or products, you’re not only saving money but you’re also getting long lasting products. For example, if you’re natural, there so many different natural products out there. Don’t think because you get the expensive brands they will work better. I’m sure many of you that are natural already had to become product junkies at first to find out what’s right for your hair type. I just so happened to luck out by using Shea moistures. It’s cheap and it works very well for my hair and the best part Is, it’s all natural & they have all sorts of
different shampoos and conditioners. Check out some of the styles I’ve done after using the products. Also, I’ve save money by going natural. Don’t get me wrong, I still rock extensions from time to time. However, I give my hair more breathing time after a weave. Some of my favorite sites to order quality hair extensions are indiquehair.com or extensionsplus.com. They offer quality hair that you can wear over and over & style curly, straight or wavy. All you have to is take care of it. You save lots of money by not purchasing package hair every time you get your hair done. Look at the pictures of how I’ve been styling hair I purchased from indique in 2009.
Très Magnifique! Be Thrifty: Shop smart and $ave money
Likewise, for dress pants or slacks, just add a belt and a nice top. It doesn’t necessary have to match, just In the spirit of make sure it all flows. I’m sure you know not to saving, I did some bleach your dress pants or slacks, and definitely do digging and found not cut them at the knee. After mixing prints & some great ways wearing your vintage clothes, the mall will be the last to keep your style thing on my mind. So, the “shopping” is done, lets looking fresh and talk savings. save 50% of each paycheck for at The following are a few saving tips I came least 3months. That’s right, 3months & 50%! Take up with. First, calculate all of your bills and the challenge, if you’re bold enough, starting this necessities weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, however month June and ending August 31st. If you’re not a you get paid each month. Then, Calculate your take saver, or good at savings, try 1 or 2 months but home pay after tithing and taxes each pay check. definitely try. With that said, let’s start shopping, in Now, with the amount left, split that in half. With the your closet that is. Look closely at your clothes and first half, put it in a savings account, preferably one I’m sure you will find outfits just sitting there waiting you have no access to. Personally, I use ING direct, on you to mix and match them. If you’re like me, you which is an online bank that’s FDIC insured with an have timeless pieces. Such as plain jeans with no ok APR. I don’t have access to this account with an graffiti, sweaters without embellishments .This is the ATM card & there isn’t a branch in my city or state. perfect time to use those pieces, especially since no Now for the second half deduct from it what you use one is matching nowadays. Staying fashion forward, to pay bills. I always pay bills that affect my credit everyone is trying colors and mixing prints while and are necessities, such as mortgage, rent, car going back to the classic looks. With that in mind, payments, student loans, water,& light first. I don’t look over some old stuff you had hidden in the garage have credit cards, but if you do you should add them or in the back of your closet from pass years and add to the bills. I do like to pay all my bills on time so I them to your wardrobe. Start with breaking last can keep a good relationship with the company I’m season’s denims out of retirement by slicing them off doing business with. Moreover, after you pay your at the knee & rolling them up. Wear them with an old bills on the weekly, biweekly or monthly basis during cardigan. Use more old jeans or slacks and dress that 2 or 3 months and 50% savings period, if them up. With old pair of jeans, you can dye, bleach anything is left over on each pay check, you can call or do a little bedazzling to give them a new look. that your take home. For myself that’s going in my Take a pair of scissors and add some cuts to the knee checking account and will be use towards gas. The areas or any other areas that does not come out to be take home is what should be use for gas, movies or inappropriate. Once you dye, bleach, or cut your whatever you like to spend extra money on. So when jeans then you can dress them up. Use an old belt, things get rough (eyebrows looking bad, need a new preferably one that’s colorful or color blocks. pair of pumps, or you just want a facial), you can just Basically, anything that brings the look together. go to your take home pay. If there’s nothing there, oh Then close the deal with a pair of pump that match well, no harm and no foul. You just have to go the belt. For the top, find whatever is fitting for where without, but all bills will be paid. So, let’s get it you’re going. If you’re wearing a sleeveless shirt, together. Take these tips and start saving! keep it white or a/ neutral . If you’re going to wear a dress shirt, then wear one that is right or colorful. Try to compliment the belt or the top with shoes. BeautyQ+A Q:is it ok to share eye and lip makeup with my close friends and family? A: Girl, stop! no, it is not ok. Glosses & lipsticks can transfer herpes-contagious even when not visible– while eye bacteria is also very easy to spread, its best to have a BYO policy for lip products & shadows, however, if pencil liners are sharpened before using its ok. ****Email all of your beauty questions to :
“It’s more than a blog, it’s now, it’s fresh, it’s revolutionary, it’s a movement.”
Change I had a conversation with a woman. She stated that her life was “messy”. Consequently, she had too much going on at work, problems with her children, and had a relationship with a man that she did not know how to let go. She mentioned that there was something inside of her that was crying out for change, but she did not think that change could happen. I asked her, “What are you looking for?” She said that she wanted to be able to think wisely and make better decisions. She also desired to be a better mother; to spend time with her children and not work so much. She also said that she wanted to be alone; since her relationship with the man was overwhelming. However, she just did not know how to let him go. Additionally, she said that he wasn’t a bad person, assuring me that he didn’t abuse her. To her, the relationship just didn’t feel right any more. Many people, at one point in their lives, whether male or female, have this kind of situation. The question is what to do? The word “change” is always in our thoughts. But, when it comes to our inner man, it seems like “change” does not apply. As I was talking to the woman, I flipped through the pages of the dictionary, because I wanted to give her facts. Here is how the Webster’s dictionary defines “change”: to cause to become different; alter; transform; convert; regenerate, etc. The (Christian) American Tract Society’s dictionary states that “regeneration” is the new birth; that work of the Holy Spirit by which the soul, previously dead in sins, is created anew in Christ unto righteousness.
God offers that inner change, and at one point, which is call maturity, it will reflect on the outside. This change happens by faith, and the author of this change is the Holy Spirit. Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Here is what needs to be done, for change to take place in your life. Open your heart and by faith receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. He is the redeemer, He is the door, He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. 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, in prayer and fasting. Find a Bible teaching church where the Word of God is taught. And, share the Gospel, which is a commission to all. For more information about Center for Manifestation, please visit www.centerformanifestation.com. If you need prayer, call 813-325-5730.
FATHERS IN THE BIBLE
Across 2. 5. 6. 7. 9. 11. 12. 13. 15.
Father of King David Father of Ham, Shem & Japheth Father of Jonathan Father of Ishmael & Isaac Father of King Solomon Father of Aaron & Moses Father of Obed Father of Esau & Jacob Father of Ozias
Down 1. 2. 3. 4. 7. 8. 10. 14.
Father of Joshua Father of Gideon Father of Manasseh & Ephraim Father of the prophet Samuel Father of Cain, Abel & Seth Father of Samson Father of Noah Father of Asshur
Erick Durham Dealing with family can be a real challenge. But, the effort we expend to nurture and maintain the relationships in our family is well worth it. Recently, a situation arose between my older brother and my dad. Past incidents of neglect by my dad when my brother was younger gave rise to a grown, angry man. Both my dad and brother are ministers of the gospel, but they both seem not to be able to connect with each other in a loving way in order to have a balanced, loving father-son relationship. My brother feels that he is farther along spiritually than my dad. His level of pride causes extreme irritation at some of dad's views so much so that it's hard for him to sit and fellowship with dad for any extended period of time. There have been times when my brother has blown up in regular conversation and my dad has felt dishonored on many occasions. When my brother is confronted about his offensive behavior, he simply dismisses it by saying that's just the way he expresses himself and my dad just needs to be mature and handle it. Ignoring dad's apologies for the past, he seems to ensure that dad experience the same pain he endured. This situation led me to think about how
Family Jesus allowed Himself to be wrong (or made to be wrong/sin) for the sake of being able to have a relationship with us. This is what we should also do for the sake of reconciliation. I went on to let my brother know that even though he may feel that he has nothing whatsoever to apologize for, the Word says that if someone has an ought with us, we need to go make it right with that person. We can't go around discounting people's feelings because they don't match ours or because we don't feel that they are as spiritual as we are. This doesn't lead to having healthy relationships. When we are humble, we can acknowledge the concerns of others and respond in a loving way. We have to love others in the way they can receive it, no matter what kind of relationship it is. It helps when we develop the skill of looking at situations through someone else's point of view instead of thinking that our way of looking at life is the standard.
Ladies, when we struggle with comparison, we are usually comparing our weaknesses to the strengths of another. Consequently, we mistakenly assume others think or feel about us the way we think or feel about ourselves. Comparisons usually lead to copying. However, that is not all bad, if you copy the principles and not the particulars. You can’t copy spiritual gifts, however, even if you have gifts in the same area. God has made us uniquely, and intends for each of us to be ourselves. Escaping and conquering the comparison trap is a question of being sure of your own identity. The most freeing thought for me has been, “If I were them, who’d be me?” Why would God make me one of a kind if He wanted me to try being a clone? Let’s go to the scriptures. God told Moses to send men to explore the land of Canaan, which He promised to give to the Israelites. Moses chose 12 leaders to explore Canaan. They came back with a thorough report of the land, its produce, the people and their villages. Although the men came back
boasting of the land’s bounty, they were fearful of its inhabitants. “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size…We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them” (Num.13:32, 33b). By comparing themselves to the inhabitants of Canaan, the Israelites lost sight of who they were, whose they were, and God’s promise to give them the land. Their fear led to faithlessness and disbelief, which caused God to become angry with them. “How long will this people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them”? (Num. 14:11) By comparing ourselves to other women, we, too, can lose sight of who we are, whose we are, and the promises and plans God gives us. Fear of not measuring up can lead to faithlessness and disbelief, born of discouragement. It also grieves the Holy Spirit. Before you can ever find and enjoy fulfillment as a Daughter
of God, you must know who you are. There will always be the inner and outer voices telling you who you should be and what you should be doing. Resisting the temptation to listen to and heed those voices will keep you from the frustration of spinning off into a thousand different destructive directions. Whenever someone shares with me their struggle with comparison, I share with them the following scriptures: “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. But, ‘Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends” (2 Cor. 10:12, 17-18). “[Sisters] think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him. It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord’” (1 Cor. 1:26-31). Remember the 12 explorers Moses chose to spy out Canaan? Two of the twelve, Joshua and Caleb, brought back a different report. Believing God’s promise to give them the land, Caleb said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it... The land
we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, He will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them” (Num.13:30; 14:7-9).I challenge you to become like Joshua and Caleb who, despite their circumstances, believed God. If you believe God’s Word and act upon it, you too can conquer comparison. As always, thanks for reading. Until next time, be ALL that God created YOU to be!
“Crosstrainers” In my 17 years in the fitness industry, (doing everything from owning and managing gyms, to sports pharmaceutical sales, to personal training), I have just about heard every excuse as to why people don’t get the results that they desire. Excuses include…..not enough time, not enough money, I am not fit enough….excuse after excuse. I have met the man who lost his job and is sitting around the house in depression eating and drinking to cover the frustrations that he is plagued with, wasting precious life away. I know the mother who has put on 30 lbs and says she cannot get rid of the “baby fat” from her pregnancy (p.s. Stop blaming the baby for the extra weight; they are now 15 yrs old...I am just saying...lol). Oftentimes, once people find out that I am a personal trainer, the ladies want to know how to get a nice mid-section and the fellas what to know how to get bigger arms and chest. But, if I give them the information and they fail to follow through, they normally end up looking worse than before. So, I feel very motivated to share with you six components of CHANGE, that will work no matter what your fitness goal is. If you are tired of failing at your fitness goals, if you are tired of looking in the mirror and wondering what happen, if you are tired of looking down and not seeing the shoes on your feet, or fed up with being out of breath every time you go up one flight of stairs... these 6 components of CHANGE will start you on the right path to your ultimate success in fitness. Choose to Live and Think ON PUR POSE. A lot of people never enjoy life because they live REACTIVELY, not PROACTIVELY. Living and thinking ON PUR-
POSE is conscious living. An ON PURPOSE life is a deliberate life; it’s a life that says I WILL TO LIVE, THEREFORE I WILL LIVE! But, not only is the ON PURPOSE life deliberate, it’s also a defined life; for it has a purpose and that purpose is a PROACTIVE EXISTENCE. Most individuals in gyms are in the gym REACTIVELY. Typically, they’ve put on some extra weight and can’t fit their clothes any longer, or they have a 20 year reunion coming up, or worse yet the doctor told them if they didn’t lose the weight they would die. This kind of living is nonproductive to lasting change. You must decide you want to live better because you CHOOSE to. It is my heart’s desire that you prosper and be in good health even as your soul prospers (3 john 1:2), but it must be your desire also. You must have a vision of a prosperous and healthy you. (An easy way to do this for me is to envision what you would look like if you were living in the Garden of Eden, like Adam. That may help to see the you, God desires to see.)
Habits Become painfully aware of your habits: sleep habits, work habits, exercise (or lack thereof) habits, and eating habits. Also, even be aware of your spiritual habits. Knowing these things will help you with the few steps. A.S.K. (Matthew 7:7)
Ask God to guide you to the right place, to the right people, and to make sure your heart is right in this endeavor. Seek out the answers he gives....and don’t stop until the door is open and the new you is made manifest! No Say “No” to things that are counterproductive to your change. Trust me; the twinkies won't help you lose weight. Grow Always grow. Try new things: try new foods, try new parks, and try new exercises. You know the old saying: If you always do what you’ve always done you will always be where you have always been... GLORY TO GLORY and FAITH TO
FAITH...doing the same exercises and eating the same foods is diametrically opposed to you experiencing CHANGE.
Engage Step out of the boat and walk on the waters, Peter. EXERCISE your Faith and remember that FAITH without WORKING OUT is dead! Email me with question or comments: CROSSTRAINERS@bodiesbybear.com Visit the website as well.... www.bodiesbybear.com
Where we develop and encourage our children to know God intimately, love Him passionately, and serve Him selflessly!
This Months Teaching Series The story of Daniel and the Lions. The teaching of Daniel is to demonstrate what it means to trust God! In addition we are teaching obedience….the word of God says Daniel was obedient to Him. We will also incorporate obedience to their parents into our study of Daniel. Bible Verse: Psalm 37:40 The Lord shall help them and deliver them...
Young children need to hear about the wonderful things that Jesus did. Jesus said of himself, "The works which the Father has given Me to finish, the very works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me." The miracles of Jesus demonstrate the goodness and love of the Father.
Outre’ Babies 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.
Jennifer Cole WHO IS A FATHER ? Who is a Father? A Father is a seed that when planted Germinates with the fertilizer of fait He is the trunk of the family tree And we the children are the branches you see. Father is the fact that without him we could not be here Ability to perform such a given role Tactfulness is what you display Hidden hurts that are locked within your heart Enthusiasm and energy on being a father Respecting the power to engage in a new life From his encouraging words we get physical strength Which helps us to progress at any length So by his wisdom and character We are proud to call him Father. Written by Sister Jennifer Cole.
NOT JUST FOR TEACHERS ONLY……… By Teacher Eva Johnson tivity back to their own land. I Chronicles 10 – 29 – Gives a review of David’s reign emphasizing his religious commitment to God and his military victories through God. II Chronicles 1 – 9 – Gives a review of Solomon’s reign with the building of the temple focusing on the worship of God. II Chronicles 10 – 36 – Shows the reigns of The tribes of Israel had grown weak and loose the Kings of Judah and highlights that Godlithrough the age of the Judges but the books ness is key when ruling a nation and bringing of Samuel show a now united, strong nation the people back to worship and obedience to under King David. Samuel whose name God. means “name of God”, has his story in the first 2 chapters of I Samuel. Saul has his The books of I & II Chronicles show a more story in chapters 8 – 15 and David enters the religious history of the Israelites. Jewish tradiscene in chapters 16 – 31. I Samuel ends with tion attributes the authorship of both books to King Saul’s death and David’s victories in Ezra. These books were first divided into 2 war. II Samuel begins with the anointing of books each when the Bible was first translated David as King and ends with David’s last into Greek. (The Septuagint – Greek translawords. Throughout this time David is writing tion of the Bible) When reading the Bible, songs or “psalms.” In a good study Bible, it never skip over the genealogies. You will find will list as a subheading which psalms are key information, key names of people, places David’s and which psalms were written by and things that may not be mentioned in the others. rest of the text. Genealogies also show relationships with family members and how everyone interconnects. Think about it – How can I & II Chronicles you trace your family line if you don’t know The Historical Books of Chronicles can be who birthed your mom? Well here are some divided as follows: I Chronicles 1 – 9 – Genealogical record of interesting facts found only in the list of Geline of Judah from Adam to the restoration or nealogies: Did you know the Gadites had return of the Israelites from Babylonian cap- faces like lions and were brave warriors? And I & II Samuel The Historical Books of Samuel can be divided as follows: I Samuel 1 – 7 – Samuel the last Judge I Samuel 8 – 31 – Saul the first King II Samuel 1 – 10 – David and his triumphs II Samuel 11 – David and his transgression II Samuel 12 – 24 – David and his troubles
that out of the least of them, 100 men could not take them on! (I Chron. 12) Also, in the book of Psalms, Asaph was one of the writers. Search through I Chronicles 6 to find Asaph’s name in the genealogy of Levi. You’ll find people who made linen and pottery, who were skilled with a bow and arrow, who were guards and caretakers of the temple. You’ll find singers, musicians, gatekeepers, bakers, and secretaries who kept the genealogies recorded. Take another look, read the Bible in another version such as New International Version (NIV) or New Living Translation (NLT) or the Amplified Bible or even the Message Bible. You will be greatly enlightened and amazed at how God’s Word comes to real life in a more understandable way!
ervation for a remnant of people unto Himself. I & II Kings can be simply divided as follows: I Kings 1- 11 – United Kingdom I Kings 12 – 22 – Divided Kingdom II Kings 1- 17 – Divided Kingdom II Kings 18 -25 – Surviving Kingdom
Let’s take a look at how all the books intertwine: I & II Chronicles gives a Religious History of the Davidic dynasty of Judah and cover the same time period as II Samuel and II Kings which give a Political History of Israel and Judah. Make sure you use all your reference books: bible dictionaries, handbooks, and maps to get a bigger picture into all the books and do I & II Kings The books of Kings were also considered one some research on the lives of all the kings of book unit at one time and were eventually di- Israel and Judah. Do an intensive study of the vided into 2 books. These are more historical lives of David and Solomon. Do you see any books that cover the Hebrew Kings after the correlation between both their lives? What death of David to the Babylonian captivity of can you learn from their triumphs and their the Jewish people. I Kings starts out with mistakes? How can learning about them help David’s son Adonijah trying to take the you in your walk with God and trusting in throne while David is on his death bed. But Him? Solomon of course becomes King and his story begins. Wisdom, Worship, Riches and Next month: The Book of Psalms and Provthe Queen of Sheba, Wives, and Wrong deci- erbs sions that cost him dearly. After Solomon’s death, the kingdom is split into the Northern (Israel) and Southern (Judah) Kingdoms. Introduced and continuing into II Kings are the stories of Elijah, Elisha, King Ahab and Jezebel, Jehu, the brief reign of several kings, the beginnings of the Samaritan people, Hezekiah (Isaiah prophecies during his reign), Manasseh (one of the most wicked kings who had Isaiah cut in half), Josiah, and several more kings who reigned briefly. Although the book ends with deportation to Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar who destroys Jerusalem and the Temple, God still provides hope and pres-