January
2012
by Stephanie Morris-Graves Looking back at the year in faith
Why I Love Joyce Meyer, by Julie Lyons 10 totally random things about 2011
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Typing in Tongues,
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Vo l u me 6 Is s u e 1
I Want It All Back, by Taiwo Ayeni Pulling down blessings in 2012
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Lost and Found
CONTENTS Publisher May Olusola Editor
Features A Year to Remember
Juanita Bynum types in tongues, Tim Tebow scrambles for Jesus, and Herman Cain, Charlie Sheen, and Harold Camping self-destruct.
It is time to fulfill our vow—yes, vow— of thanks.
by Taiwo Ayeni
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Godly Man
Plus: How to pull down blessings in 2012.
What’s playing on the soundtrack of your life?
by Stephanie Morris-Graves, Sharifa Stevens, and Taiwo Ayeni
by Hank Lamb
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Hands Off My Children
10 Totally Random Things About 2011
See a fish sign and run like the wind; think, but don’t think too much, about the short-lived phenomenon of Herman Cain. And lots more.
We fuss and cuss out loud—why not declare love and blessings?
by Iris Delgado
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Where Are They Now?
by Julie Lyons
Born without arms, Tawana Williams faces her biggest fight yet.
by Julie Lyons
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Grace and Grit
How we eat and care for our bodies shows our degree of reverence for God.
by Sharifa Stevens
Jason McFarland Contributing Writers Taiwo Ayeni Iris Delgado J. Lee Grady Stephanie Morris-Graves Mrs. Happy Hank Lamb Trevor Main Sharifa Stevens Michael Tummillo Cover Artist Keith Yates Staff Photographer Kevin Dukes MannaEXPRESS 7000 Independence Parkway, Suites 160–145 Plano, Texas 75025 For subscription information e-mail us: info@mannaexpressonline.com For Advertising, event coverage, church or organization listing and general information, please call: Office: 972-782-2727; 972-228-9200 To send a message to the Publisher, e-mail: editor@mannaexpressonline.com © 2012 MannaEXPRESS All Rights Reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher. MannaEXPRESS reserves the right to decline advertising that is not in accordance with what the newspaper represents.
Third Watch
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Julie Lyons Art Direction
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Columns 5
It Is Well
For a moment, I walked in the shoes of a parent with a missing child.
by May Olusola
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Talk Back
Our readers root for Yvester Johnson and jeer the wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Listings 20
Manna Live
What to see and do in local churches to start the New Year right.
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Prayer Mountain
We survived 2011—yeesh. Better things await us in the Year of Completion.
by O.J. Kuye
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Manna Confidential
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Manna Fun
My husband would be boring—if he were actually awake!
Test your Bible knowledge with our crossword puzzle.
by Mrs. Happy
Manna Groove
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22
Fire in My Bones
God has been training a battalion of Christian leaders in obscurity.
War Horse inspires despite being hobbled with weak characters.
Entertainment
by Trevor Main
by J. Lee Grady
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It is well
appy New Year to you! This will be a blessed year for all of us; I pray that we will not see what our hearts cannot bear, in Jesus’ name. I say this because if it had not been for the Lord on my side on December 10, 2011, you might not be reading this column today.
by May Olusola Publisher
I took my children to a birthday party in a large, popular children’s recreation facility that Saturday. I sat down with four ladies, and we started talking. After eating, the children went to play in different groups. The little ones were in the company of the teenagers. Everyone seemed content. My 4-year-old son came back to sit with me briefly. A few minutes later, I saw him watching The Magic School Bus on my iPhone. I scolded him for going into my bag without permission and asked him to return my phone immediately. Then I carried on talking with the ladies, and a few minutes later, I looked up and did not see my son. I dug in my bag looking for my cell phone and realized that my son must have taken off with it.
people. The sigh of relief I let out was like none other. The man had found him wandering from one clothes rack to the other in a Dillard’s store. Unbeknownst to us, my son had left the recreation facility and wandered into the mall by himself. He first visited a toy store, helped himself to a plastic dinosaur, came out and walked in the opposite direction to Dillard’s. How he was able to do this is a mystery to me. A security person in the recreation facility was supposed to be guarding the door into the mall, but he had left his post without telling anybody. The open door to the mall got the better part of my son’s curiosity. I thanked God from the depths of my heart for what He had just saved me, my family and friends from. What if a pedophile had lured my 4-year-old son? What if a kidnapper had got his hands on him? Can you imagine a 4-year-old walking in the mall all alone, toy dinosaur tucked under his arm, and people were passing by him without raising an alarm? What if, what if, what if, was all I could think. He lost my iPhone somewhere along the way, but life is way more important than a smartphone.
For the first time, I actually walked in the shoes of a parent with a missing child.
For the first time, I actually walked in the shoes of a parent I rose from the table to look with a missing child. I can’t for him—and to discipline him even begin to describe the pain when I found him. I called that accompanies each step or his older brother, who was the anguish that unleashes a supposed to be keeping an eye on him. “I thought he was mental war in the mind of the parent. It is a horrible feeling, with you,” my older son responded. Right away I knew I had and I pray that none of you will ever experience this. to find my little boy fast. I dedicate this New Year to parents with missing children I walked around the building twice and didn’t find my and pray that the Lord will bring their loved ones back to son. I alerted security in the recreation facility, which was them, in Jesus’ name. attached to a large shopping mall, and they began searching in earnest. Thirty minutes went by, and there was no sign of Sit back, relax and enjoy the goods from our stable of great my beloved son. As I walked around, I had been confessing, writers. I know you will be blessed. Wishing you and yours a great New Year. “Lord, you cannot suffer me to be disgraced; You promised You will never leave or forsake me.” But after 30 minutes, panic had crept in. Butterflies threw a malicious party in my stomach. Then I began to cry uncontrollably. I didn’t know what to do, say or think. The missing-children episodes I watch on my favorite channel Investigation Discovery were doing a real-life number on me. “Lord, please help me,” I cried. Forty to 45 minutes later, a man brought my son to the security stand while I was describing him to more security
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I was so shaken that when I got home that night, I held my son very tight and kept saying “Thank you, Jesus” over and over. I couldn’t sleep.
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Talk Back Letters to the Editor
ungodliness is when I realized that “… in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I now know that the “bump in the road” was God preparing me for kingdom dwork! —Cheree Rich This is an awesome article and very inspiring, to say the least. I lived the life of drugs and drinking for most of my adult life, then a friend took me to my first United Pentecostal Church service. Has it been a piece of cake? No, not at all, but the life I now live with the loving care of the Lord Jesus Christ has given me a new life, and it’s the best present anyone can have. Let me just leave you with one scripture: Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” —Ulrich
I am challenged by this article. Wow, wow, wow! —Lewis
Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing This goes right along with the Bible’s admonition for us to be “as wise as serpents, but as peaceful as doves.” (“Discerning the Spirits,” by Jeff McKissack, December 2011.) It really does come down to awareness versus fear. Thanks for such a great article. —“God’s Got an Army”
Prayer Mountain
“This article broke my heart, and yet it made me smile knowing that we serve an awesome God! He can use anyone if you surrender all.”
Too many wolves in sheep’s clothing come Street to Straight with sugar-coated tongues and a Bible What an inspiring story—to God be the under their arms. Lord, have mercy! glory (“Straight Street,” by Stephanie —Janice Coleman First Lady Debra Peek-Haynes This is a great interview and something Morris-Graves, December 2011). We are a lot of pastors’ wives should read (Far so proud of you, Yvester. I pray every day I wish I had a dime for every time I’ve Above Rubies, by May Olusola, December that my sister is as fortunate and as strong seen a parent just let their children 2011). Most of them hide under the cloak as you are. Blessings to you always! wander off without caution. Actually, of trying to please people but are miserable —Helen L. I’d rather have more concerned on the inside and burnt out on the Y, you have blessed us with your testimony. parents than the dimes! Thank you for outside. I recommend this article. What a wonderful testimony! I am raising awareness within the Christian If you can turn around like this, then —Thomas from Dallas and am now a grateful, community. I Peter 5:8 comes to mind. anything is possible. We love you, bro. delivered crack and homeless addict —Emily —Carl I would never have guessed Pastor Debra after 25 years of bondage. I had been asking God for deliverance for about five Wow, very nice and well-balanced article. went through a phase like this. Thank God Pastor Yvester, we are so proud of you. for His mercies. years, not realizing that God had already I hope with all that is going on in our Your cup will never run dry. Your latter —Gracie Williams delivered me, I just refused to walk in the years will be far better than your former country, those within the Christian deliverance. But when it came time that I years. You are a winner! community heed your advice and simply Married for the Storm was tired of being tired, I asked God not —Abbey live more aware and prepared lives. for deliverance from crack but from an —Taylor You’ve got to know that your “hopelessly didactic mind” blessed me this morning ungodly lifestyle, because drugs were not This article broke my heart, and yet it (“From Helipads to Eternity,” by Sharifa the main problem! My problem was the Wonderful article! I have had this made me smile knowing that we serve an Stevens, December 2011). What an amazing lifestyle I’d become addicted to—I loved conversation with many of my Christian awesome God! He can use anyone if you drugs when I had the money, and I also friends who look at what is going on in our analogy: “If he wasn’t scared, we determined surrender all and are submissive to His became addicted to living on the streets. society today related to violence, but at the that we wouldn’t be either.” Ah, to trust the Word. “Y,” stay with God! I’m proud of I became comfortable with just surviving same time do not feel comfortable owning a One who gave us to each other, and not you, and love you very much! and getting by. The point when I asked —Cadi gun. This is great “ammunition” on its own. respond to one another out of fear. Beautiful. —Shannon God to deliver me from that lifestyle of —Marquette
2012: The Year of Divine Completeness
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ongratulations and glory be to God for His grace that saw us through the difficult and challenging year of 2011 and for being alive to witness the new year of 2012. May His grace be multiplied upon us in this New Year.
by O.J. Kuye
Looking Back
3. 2011 was like no other year in this century. There were many history-defining occurrences in the physical, political, and economic realms all over the world. The massive 8.9-magnitude earthquake shook Japan on March 11 with its destruction of monumental proportions. The spring of 2011 witnessed the revolutionary mass demonstrations that toppled the governments in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya and 4. are still raging in Syria, Yemen, and Bahrain. Many people have lost their lives in these revolts. The global economic paralysis has stalled the economies of the nations and the well-being of most of their citizens all over the world. Many lost their jobs, many lost their homes, many lost their wealth, many lost their relationships because of the stress. Indeed, it was a challenging year. 5.
Living for Hope The only reason many children of God refused to buckle under the weight of the physical and economic pressures is because we believe we will yet witness God’s goodness in the days ahead. In Psalm 27:13, the psalmist says I could have fainted except I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord. That has been our comfort through the year.
Welcome to Your 2012 We are all welcome to our 2012: the year of glorious manifestation and divine completeness. The number 12 in Scriptural contexts symbolizes perfection and accomplishment. What is the implication of this for the New Year? What should we believe God for? 1. Completeness. 12 stands for completeness, so Jesus chose 12 disciples (Mark 3:14); Moses sent 12 spies to the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 1:23); 12 tribes made up the nation of Israel. In the New Year 2012, there will be a divine completion of every good thing the Lord has started in our lives—marriages, careers, business, and ministry, in Jesus’ name. 2. Orderliness. 12 stands for divine orderliness and reward. Jesus said to His apostles in Matthew 19:28– 29, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, Januar y 2012 • Volume 6 • Issue 1 • Page 6
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when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” In this year 2012, God will restore orderliness to every chaotic situation of our lives and reward our labor of previous years a hundredfold, in Jesus’ name. Divine Provision and Satisfaction. When the children of Israel left the land of Egypt for the Promised Land, they came to Elim (Exodus 15:27). There, they found 12 wells of water to quench their thirst. They did not dig the wells. God supernaturally provided them. There shall be supernatural provision to quench every hunger and thirst in our lives and families this year, in Jesus’ name. Divine Manifestations. Elijah built an altar of 12 stones, and fire from heaven came down and consumed the offering on the altar (1 Kings 17:30– 40). In this new year of 2012, we shall all experience a glorious manifestation of divine encounters, in Jesus’ name. None of our sacrifices and offerings shall be wasted. Divine Healing. In Luke 8:42, Jairus’ daughter was 12 years of age when Jesus healed her. The woman with the issue of blood was afflicted for 12 years before Jesus healed her (Matthew 9:20). Many stubborn sicknesses shall be terminated by supernatural intervention, in Jesus’ name. Divine Abundance. In Mark 6:43, after Jesus had fed the multitude, they took up 12 baskets full of fragments as surplus. Having experienced some scarcity in 2011, our year 2012 will mark a turning point into divine abundance and surplus of God’s goodness, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scriptures for the New Year: 1 Peter 1:3; Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 20:4; Proverbs 16:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Psalm 90:12; Isaiah 43:18-19.
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I am asking everyone to pray for me and my family because of our financial difficulties of the last few months. God bless you! —Cynthia H. Please lift my son Daniel in your prayers. He is 15, a wonderful young man. He told his grandma that while he was playing basketball, gang members tried to jump him. They were either Crips or Bloods. They had a problem because of the color he was wearing. I’m sick to my stomach. Please pray for my son’s protection and for the blood of Jesus to be on him at all times. Thank you so very much. —Anonymous I need prayer for chronic pelvic pain that I have been suffering since May 22, 2003. I have lost every job I’ve tried to get since then, which has led to financial disaster. I have been denied disability. I am at my wits’ end. Please pray for me. —Sherry W.
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Prophetic declarations for 2012: • • •
Once again, congratulations and welcome to this momentous year 2012.
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PRAYER REQUESTS FROM OUR READERS:
Let’s get excited about the great things God is set to do for His children in 2012. Let’s not waste any moment or virtue. Let’s make maximum use of every talent, treasure, and time. Let us handle opportunity with resourcefulness—and we will be on the way to the most glorious year so far of our life, in Jesus’ name.
O.J. Kuye is pastor of House on the Rock, a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Pastor Kuye holds a master’s degree in law, a post-graduate diploma in financial management, and a diploma in pastoral ministry from Christ for the Nations Institute. He is married with three children.
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I will do the impossible, and because of me, my family will know no poverty. 2012 is my year of greatness; I will not struggle to be recognized, and my gift shall announce me. All of my lack will give way to abundance, and I will enjoy bliss all the days of 2012. In the places where I was rejected in 2011, I will become selected; people will hear of my testimonies and follow God. By the special grace of God, I will grow in wisdom and stature and will find favor with God and men. I will walk in dominion over every circumstance and situation. This will be the greatest year of my life and the beginning of unlimited progress in all departments of my life. Those who laughed at me in previous years will come and laugh with me, in Jesus’ name, amen!
A Year to Remember 2011’s Seven Most Fascinating Moments in Faith
3. Herman Cain sings “He Looked Beyond My Faults” at a news conference.
Sure, former White House hopeful Herman Cain has a nice singing voice, but I don’t care how much of a Washington outsider you are, I’d like to think we still 011 didn’t leave us in want our president, to be um, well… want of any fascinating presidential? And singing a song church news. From about God’s grace at a press podium touching to inspirational to to explain away sexual harassment embarrassing to just plain and allegations of extramarital affairs bizarre, church folks showed is just bizarre. up and showed out in 2011. www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/ Here are our top seven video/herman-cain-sings-gospelmost fascinating faith-based song-14852057 by Stephanie Morris-Graves moments of 2011. 4. “Is mac-and-cheese a black thing?” 1. Juanita Bynum types in tongues. Pat Robertson actually asked his No matter your position on whether believers can still African-American 700 Club co-host possess the gift of speaking in a spiritual language, we Kristi Watts this question after she likely all agree it probably cannot and should not be talked about favorite Thanksgiving communicated in written form. Well, we may not all dinner dishes in an interview with former U.S. Secretary of agree, because televangelist Juanita Bynum appears to do State of Condoleezza Rice. What’s even more disturbing is just that in recent Facebook posts. This is probably one that Watts seems to confirm that mac-and-cheese is indeed you need to see to believe: unique to black people. I’ve always thought that macaroni and cheese was uniquely American, but Robertson said Will someone please summon an interpreter? he doesn’t eat it and he’s never eaten it. But I tend to think he’s not representative of most Americans. www.youtube.com/ watch?v=BjBLHTmqpNA
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5. Bishop Eddie Long’s sex scandal.
2. The “Tebowing” of America.
When the pastor of a 25,000-member Atlanta megachurch is accused of seducing young men with cars and exotic trips in order to indulge his own sexual desires, whether it’s true or not, almost all of Christendom feels the repercussions. Where there’s smoke there’s almost always a fire, and four public accusers, his wife filing for divorce, and the school associated with his church abruptly shutting down in the middle of the school year constitute a lot of smoke for Long. Sure, he doesn’t represent all believers, but the collective cringe among Christians when his name comes up is, well, just plain embarrassing.
Although he was a Heisman Trophy-winning college quarterback, Tim Tebow wasn’t expected to do great things in the pros, according to most of the experts. But he has done well, and many, including Tebow, give God all the glory for his victories. He’s made no secret that his faith is key to his success, and outward expressions of his faith—dropping to his knee in prayer on the field, a gesture dubbed tebowing, and acknowledging Christ in interviews—have made him a lightning rod—loved and 6. Christians in Cairo protecting Muslims during their hated by many. Regardless of your opinion of the 24-year- prayers. old NFL star, would that we be as fearless in our witness of Jesus Christ. One of the most touching moments in 2011 came in January when Nevine Zaki tweeted a picture she said
she took of Christians standing hand-in-hand forming a human ring around a group of Muslims to protect them as they prayed in the midst of violent protests surrounding the overthrow of Mubarak. I can’t help but think this is what Jesus would do. 7. Clergy come to blows in Bethlehem. And the most recent fascinating faith moment, which happened just as 2011 was about to end, might possibly be the most embarrassing. Greek Orthodox, Armenian, and Roman Catholic priests at the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem came to actual fisticuffs when ongoing tension over jurisdiction of the basilica came to a head. Had Jesus not arose on the third day, He’d be turning in that tomb over this mess you have to see to believe: www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/28/bethlehem-religiousfight_n_1172475.html Let’s see how Christians do in 2012. I’m praying for the best. • Stephanie Morris-Graves is a publicist, freelance writer, and graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. She lives in the Dallas area with her husband and their two children. •
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Losers and Winners 2011
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011 was a year fraught with dichotomy, marking significant victories and losses and the end of longestablished regimes. Charlie Sheen most succinctly described this phenomenon as “winning” or “losing.”
by Sharifa Stevens
In weird homage, here’s my list of Losers and Winners in 2011.
Losing... ...in Entertainment Charlie Sheen: In perhaps the most publicized and unwitting PSA for drug abstinence—involving everything from his spousal abuse allegations and ranting interviews, his two creepy live-in lovers, to his roundly criticized
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live-and-unscripted stage performance across the United States—Charlie Sheen was a train wreck of drug-induced, hubris-laden self-aggrandizement. He walked off the set of his sitcom, Two-and-a-Half Men, and blasted the producers for not being funny. They replaced him with Ashton Kutcher and, symbolically, had his character die in a fiery train derailment. Sorry, Charlie. Pride comes before a fall—or a crash. #losing Kim Kardashian: Her mediasponsored, multimillion-dollar wedding to Kris Humphries lasted 72 days. Kim K catapulted to fame because of a leaked sex tape and has sold lingerie, perfume, big butts, and excess ever since. I don’t say this to tear her down, but because other women who’ve exhibited this penchant for externals and flyby-night relationships are often survivors of sexual abuse or neglect, there may be deeper issues here that need examining. Shame on America for turning this woman into a household name by buying into her slow self-destruction. She needs a counselor and prayer, not another reality show, and certainly not another wedding. All My Children: This soap opera has been an epic ABC fixture since 1970. The show ended with an unresolved gunshot this past September. Who was wounded? Perhaps the faithful viewers. Or the ratings. Night-shifters, retirees, and stay-at-home parents have bonded over Erica Kane, Adam Chandler, and the whole ensemble for generations. Nope, it wasn’t Masterpiece Theatre, but Pine Valley held characters common to many a housewife’s world and kept us constantly entertained with fanciful plots. Now, we’re left watching stiff chefs try to chat it up and avoid hogging the spotlight in The Chew. *sigh* Farewell, old friend.
Pulling Down Blessings From Above in 2012
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welcome you to 2012—but I invite you to come along with me to the path of life, where grace and life are guaranteed. This year, much more than any other, requires a diligent by Taiwo Ayeni walk with God. We’ve just come out of the rough and rocky terrain of 2011, and having counted our losses, we’ve set our faces to make the difference this year. But how are we going to achieve that? Thank God we have on our side the Pathfinder, Way-maker, and Trailblazer who has promised to lead us: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye” (Psalm 32:8). In Job 22:21, we receive profound insight into pulling down our blessings: “Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.” The first step to breaking through is having a sound relationship with Him. He called us first to be with Him, that we may know His heartbeat and follow in His footsteps without wavering (Mark 3:14). While we are with Him and learning at his feet, we should learn that faith to go-through must precede faith for breakthrough. The three Hebrew boys and Daniel did just that in the fire and the lion’s den, respectively. These experiences are designed by God for our maturing process so that while breakthrough is delayed, we still have hope that it will not fail. This is the second lesson: He is faithful. Acquainting oneself with Him elicits focus—it enables us to keep our minds stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3).
This guarantees your peace, because you are aware moment by moment of His faithfulness. In the midst of your peaceful waiting, great things will begin to happen because “…blessed are all they that wait for him” (Isaiah 30:18). It is in waiting that “…thereby good shall come unto thee.” As you continue to enjoy His fellowship, trustworthiness, faithfulness, peace, and goodness, He insists that you must receive the law (Word) from His mouth, and meditate on it (Job 22:22). Meditating on God’s Word strengthens and grows a man spiritually. You are edified as you walk in the light of the Word received. What is the call for this New Year? Repent and return to be built up. Put away the sins that beset you and prepare to make the difference this year (Job 22:23). Set realistic spiritual goals and wait for the fruit to manifest, without tampering with the outcome of your testimony. “If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him…thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away” (Job 11:13-16). Your blessings will be pulled down, and you will enjoy His divine provision (Job 22:24-25). The refreshing truth is that as you walk diligently in fellowship, trust, faithfulness, peace, goodness, meditation, strength, edification, and growth in stride with Him, He will answer your prayer, and you will be able to pay your vows (Job 22:27). When men are discouraged, you will say, “There is lifting up” because His “light shall shine upon thy ways” (Job 22:28). You have then become a renewed or transformed person. May you opt to walk this path that you may pull down your blessings and sing a new song in 2012. Remain blessed. • Pastor Taiwo Ayeni writes “Third Watch,” a column on spiritual warfare.
...on the World Stage Osama bin Laden: Abbottabad would be bin Laden’s last stand. The Al Qaeda leader wrought havoc worldwide for more than a decade and had remained elusive even in the wake of massive intelligence efforts. In 2011, the Obama administration was finally able to stealthily locate and dispatch America’s most wanted terrorist. He received a burial at sea, and the last rites of his religion, which is more than his victims in the World Trade Center, Pentagon, Pennsylvania, London, Madrid, Tanzania, or Afghanistan ever did.
Harold Camping: Camping said in his pamphlet Yet Another Infallible Proof, “How can anyone dare to dispute with the Bible concerning the absolute truth that the beginning of the Day of Judgment together with the Rapture will occur on May 21, 2011?” When that day passed, he punted to October 21, 2011. Here we are in 2012. My question is, How many times can one wrongly predict the world’s end and still maintain that he is a legitimate teacher? Harold Camping is so far 0-13 (yes, thirteen) in predicting the end of the world. How can anyone dare to listen to him?
The Economy: Debt is high, people are out of work, and entire countries are taking austerity measures (I’m looking Occupy Movement: I’d try to describe them, but how at you, Greece). The Lord may come back in 2012, only do you describe a group of people who personify the because He needs to repo Earth. Speaking of which... angst of a country by their very presence? They are Page 9 • Volume 6 • Issue 1 • Januar y 2012
like performance art, calling attention to the greed of systems in the United States, but never explicitly stating a solution. They get catchphrase of the year for “I’m the 99%.” But...then what?
Winning… ...in Entertainment Oprah: Her farewell season was rife with giveaways, getaways, and plenty of platitudes. Twenty-five seasons turned Oprah Winfrey into a one-name media icon. A whiz at tapping into the hearts of American women, she drove many to read, to give, and to remember their spirit. Her pseudo-spirituality makes this Christian continued on page 11
Manna Confidential My husband works very hard and comes home tired almost every day. We do not really have an active social life. When we go on vacation, he spends the time sleeping. I hate to say this, but I am getting bored and Mrs. Happy beginning to detest this side of my husband. A pay cut and an active social life would be priceless at this time. •
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There’s a flaw in how you’re framing this problem: It’s all about you. Step back a moment, and think about the man you married, this man you love. His behavior isn’t normal. I assume he hasn’t always been this way. What changed? When did it change? Do you know why? Do you know your husband’s heart? If not, why not? Your husband sounds discouraged or depressed. He is using work to fill his time. When he isn’t working, sleep fills his time. For some reason, home is not a refuge for him. It isn’t a place where he feels appreciated, replenished, relaxed. I’m not blaming it on you. There could be many reasons why he’s behaving this way. But he needs help from the person he’s closest to—you. You will hurt him and not help him, however, unless you are guided by the perfect wisdom of God. Don’t harangue him, demanding answers. Yes, I know that lack of communication is part of the problem here. But Mrs. Happy has noticed that the men in her life
have a strange capacity for not seeing the elephant in the room, even when it’s snorting, grunting, and squashing their left big toe. In other words, your husband may or may not know what the problem is himself, even though it’s pretty obvious to you. Now go before God in prayer. It doesn’t need to be some fancy, complicated thing: “Lord, you see my husband’s heart. You see my heart, and you judge it righteously. Help me to be the wife my husband needs me to be right now. I love you, Jesus. Amen.”
Mrs. Happy has noticed that the men in her life have a strange capacity for not seeing the elephant in the room, even when it’s squashing their left big toe.
Mrs. Happy has a few pieces of secondary advice that may or may not be applicable. If your husband tends to be a bit of a recluse, like Mr. Happy—content to be in his comfortable home in his comfortable chair with his comfortable family, book in hand or planted before a silly TV show (highly intellectual fare such as America’s Funniest Home Videos, ahem)—he might need a gentle kick in the backside to be more social. Mrs. Happy has learned to simply schedule an event, such as a casual Sunday lunch at one of his favorite places with people he likes too (or people Mrs. Happy knows he will like). Mrs. Happy then informs Mr. Happy that he is going. And Mr. Happy always ends up having fun. Mrs. Happy, however, takes care not to overdo it; an event a week seems to work well for the Happy family. What are the things your husband likes the most, that make him feel good, that help him recharge his batteries? (Hint: I’ll bet it’s not a marathon of lengthy revival services.) I suggest doing some of those things. Mrs. Happy came up with the following list of favorite everyday things for Mr. Happy, in no particular order: 1. Food, especially meat. 2. Sex. 3. Doing fun stuff with the family that doesn’t require massive amounts of planning. 4. Reading, especially about Special Forces soldiers. 5. Going to movies, especially about war.
If you are sincere, I guarantee that Jesus will immediately drop in your spirit something you can do right now to be that wife God called you to be. Obey Him now, and ask questions later. He might also give you an insight into your husband’s heart. Be a wise woman, and keep it to yourself. Mrs. Happy checked her list with Mr. Happy, and she Don’t unload it on him or your girlfriend. Instead, use that was spot-on. insight to pray targeted, specific prayers in private. OK, godly wife. You can probably do a lot with your Begin reading the book of Proverbs—a chapter a day—and husband’s list, and it won’t even cost you much. Why not get started on it today? • ask God to plant His wisdom in your heart. The Word of God will begin changing you, then your marriage. Mrs. Happy has been married to one man for a long time.
Januar y 2012 • Volume 6 • Issue 1 • Page 10
Three Directives for 2012 W
hen I said to God, “Here am I, send me,” a real adventure began.
Some people are terrified of 2012. They worry because the Mayans FIRE IN MY BONES of ancient Mexico by J. Lee Grady mysteriously ended their 5,126-year-old calendar on December 21, 2012—as if they expected the world to end that day. This silly hypothesis became the basis for several New Age books and a goofy disaster movie, 2012, in which actor John Cusack avoids meteors and earthquakes just in time to get his family aboard the modern version of Noah’s ark (built in China!) before the rest of the world is destroyed by a tsunami.
optimistic about where we’re headed in 2012. And as I have prayed about the coming year, I’ve sensed these three clear directives: 1. Expect major transitions in kingdom leadership. The world is focused on leadership in the political arena, but God has been working behind the scenes preparing men and women for kingdom assignments. Our focus should not be on Democrats, Republicans, Obama, or Romney. 2012 is not about a presidential contest. Just as David was prepared for the throne during years of testing in the wilderness, a new battalion of Christian leaders has been trained in obscurity. They will be commissioned and appointed in the new year. And their influence—not that of a political figure—will shift the nation.
I’m not afraid of December 21, 2012, because: 1. Ancient Mayans never actually said the world would end in 2012—and even if they did, they didn’t have an inside track to God; 2. Doomsday predictions have never been accurate; and 3. Jesus holds the future in his hands. As long as I’m in relationship with Him, it doesn’t matter what happens on earth. I’m secure.
Jesus said He would call the humble from the back row and seat them at the head table. He openly rewards those who pray, fast, give, and serve in secret. God will exalt those who have walked with Him in faithfulness and crucified selfish ambition. As in the days of Elijah, He has reserved thousands of prophets who have not bowed their knee to Baal. They have been in isolated caves of preparation for years, and some have been on the verge of quitting. A wind of new strength will cause them to stand and assume their positions.
Despite strange weather patterns, global terrorism, and the specter of an economic crash, I’m actually
2. The sound of evangelism must be amplified. The prophet Isaiah said: “Get yourself up on a high
Just as David was prepared for the throne during years of testing in the wilderness, a new battalion of Christian leaders has been trained in obscurity. mountain, O Zion, bearer of good news, lift up your voice mightily, O Jerusalem, bearer of good news; Lift it up, do not fear. Say to the cities of Judah, ‘Here is your God!’” (Isaiah 40:9). Just as the early disciples prayed for boldness in the midst of persecution, and the Lord answered with a supernatural earthquake (see Acts 4:29-31), the Lord wants to turn up the volume of our message and empower us with a spirit of might. We must put aside our timidity. We cannot hide our light under a basket. continued on page 17
A Year to Remember continued from page 9
uncomfortable, but kudos to her for harnessing the power Syria, and Libya took to the streets to challenge their of an hour-long talk show to change lives, by leading— government leadership, with mixed results. Egyptians and leaving—on her own terms. and Libyans saw their long-entrenched leaders removed from office, with Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak imprisoned and Libyan president Muammar Qaddafi ...on the World Stage assassinated. Conversely, Syrian protesters were crushed Will and Kate: I kinda feel like I can be on a first-name basis with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, because under the military power of Bashar Assad, and more than I attended their wedding. I’m old enough to remember 5,000 have been killed in political clashes. Arab Spring being glued to the TV in 1982 when Prince William’s continues to unfold; Yemeni leader Ali Abdullah Saleh initially signed a treaty to transition out of his 33-year mother, Lady Diana, wed his father, Charles. Will and Kate’s wedding, though just as fantastic, had the modern reign but has recently reversed his decision as a ploy to mix of romance, believability, and, well, commonness, stay in power. that many of us can relate to: a college courtship, a breakup, a reunion, and a deep friendship. Tea Party Movement: No matter what you think about them (Personally, they creep me out with their “Take Arab Spring: The Arab Spring began with a desperate America Back” mantra...take it back from whom? That political act; in Tunisia, a frustrated man lit himself and, Michele Bachmann, with her, um, imaginative take on fire in opposition to police harassment. His death on U.S. history. Scary!), this hyper-patriotic, financially organized, and angry group of people succeeded in drew hundreds of protesters to the streets, and led to president Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali’s fleeing to Saudi producing abject fear within the hearts of many an incumbent politician, whether Democrat or Republican. Arabia. Emboldened, people in Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain, Page 11 • Volume 6 • Issue 1 • Januar y 2012
“Insider” politicians were ousted. I’m not sure if the Tea Party people actually “took America back,” as is their goal. Their protests, campaigning, and fundraising have contributed to a deadlocked Congress. They swayed the likes of Sarah Palin and Donald Trump. Their efforts contributed to a full-on inquiry as to whether President Obama was actually born in the United States. Now that’s influence. • Sharifa Stevens writes the “Grace and Grit” column for MannaEXPRESS.
10 Totally Random Things About 2011 1.
There is a spirit of division roaming about this country, seeking whom it may devour. You can see it in the political sphere, in the disproportionate animosity directed toward President Holy Roller Barack Obama and in the by Julie Lyons increasing level of distrust Editor among races. But I have seen its corrosive effect even more in the personal and church spheres, where we have an enemy seeking to destroy every close, godly relationship.
2. Why is it that the label “Life Coach” always screams compromise to me? What’s wrong with simply being a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Is it a little too blunt, a little too retro? Don’t we know that Christ crucified is a stumbling block to some and foolishness to others? Who are we seeking to impress anyway, God or men?
Bush also led the condemnation of Sudan for its genocidal actions in Darfur and canceled billions of dollars in debt in countries where exorbitant interest payments were undercutting prospects of growth. Today, we are seeing the birth of a new Africa, with the rate of economic growth in large U.S.-friendly countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa far exceeding that of the United States and Europe.
3. Herman Cain’s success as a Republican He might never be as presidential candidate, popular in Africa as however short-lived, Obama, a son of Kenya, says something about us but Bush will be cited as Americans. I’m not in years to come for his sure exactly what it says, historic role in an African How does this spirit of division work? By taking relatively but none of it’s good. economic and democratic small but real offenses and magnifying them to the point Imagine: a Republican revolution that is elevating where they threaten to destroy longstanding relationships. presidential candidate the lives of millions. It begins with offense; it progresses to contempt; it who was even less descends into bitterness and unforgiveness; it morphs qualified than Sarah Palin, 5. This generation is Dude, what were we thinking? into hopelessness about any prospect for healing in the yet he enjoyed frontmissing it in the area of relationship; and then it reaches a terrifying point where runner status for several relationships. Divorce you realize you’re on the brink of hatred. sound bite-strewn weeks in 2011 until multiple sexual among our church leaders. If they can’t hold it together, allegations sank his campaign. I’m not even gonna touch how can I? You will be vulnerable to the attacks of this demonic the weird racial dynamics that I suspect lay behind spirit to the extent that you are deficient in love. And Republican voters’ brief infatuation with Herman Cain. Wives and husbands quietly disposed of, because he or guess what? Almost all of us are deficient in love. When I’m embarrassed for America. she does not fit my “destiny.” this spirit finds you out, will you devour your brothers or 4. Our much-maligned The sorry state of godly friendships, with Facebook humble yourself and seek God former president, connections serving as a lame substitute for the joy and, with every fiber of your being George W. Bush, will be yes, occasional suffering that is part of all lasting, godly to manifest Christ’s love? honored some day for relationships. his forward-thinking What is the goal of this policies in a place whose Our willingness to slough off friends when the going gets foul spirit? To destroy our strategic significance tough or there’s nothing in it for me: I’m through. testimony to the world. We are is often discounted— representatives of Jesus Christ Africa. Bono gives props The many women and especially men I know who don’t to the extent that we love our to Bush for his as-yethave a single truly close friend they can confide in and brothers. And this isn’t some unequaled contributions pray with—who they aren’t trying to impress, who sappy, simpering love; it is toward the fight against provide no financial or career benefits, and who will tell a love that suffers long, that AIDS in Africa in a recent them the truth, with kindness, even when it hurts. perseveres, that never fails. issue of Time magazine. Bush’s Emergency Plan A few things from Scripture stand out to me. Think about it: I have been awakened by the for AIDS Relief, started Holy Spirit many nights in in 2003, provided billions • The Word of God says that every single one of recent months with one major of dollars in medical Jesus’ close friends—His disciples—abandoned agenda: to pray against the spirit of division. At the same assistance on the continent. When it started, only 50,000 him as he went to the cross, including His three time, I have seen myself sorely tested in the area of love. Africans were receiving anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs), intimate friends, Peter, John, and James. Yet when Oftentimes I’ve wanted to throw off relationships that which allow an HIV-infected person to life productive, He appeared to them after the Resurrection, He had become difficult, or where I didn’t believe there was a relatively long and healthy lives. Just four years later, more never even mentioned their desertion, and He gently fair exchange. than a million were receiving the life-saving treatments restored the biggest offender, Peter. through numerous clinics financed by the United • When Judas approached Jesus to betray Him, Jesus I came to understand something: There is never a fair States—and still are today. An entire generation is being called him “Friend.” God does not lie, front, or act exchange. Jesus Christ loved us and died for us before rescued from death in countries where ARVs are widely fake: Jesus truly saw him and loved him as a friend. we even said we were sorry, much less returned His love. available—such as South Africa and Botswana. • Godly friendships move us away from self and toward Either we seek to model this love of Christ—or we don’t. what is best for the other person. At the end of the day,
I’m not even gonna touch the weird racial dynamics that I suspect lay behind Republican voters’ brief infatuation with Herman Cain. I’m embarrassed for America.
Januar y 2012 • Volume 6 • Issue 1 • Page 12
a godly friend wants nothing more than for you to step into your God-given calling, regardless of the cost to self—a desire so evident in Jonathan’s friendship with David. Saul’s son Jonathan was next in line to be king of Israel, but he gave up all he had to his friend—signified by his robe, his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt— because he knew David was God’s choice as king. Wow. That begs a moment of thoughtful silence right here. 6. Joyce Meyer is aging well. I find myself listening to Joyce Meyer just about every day because of her nononsense Bible teaching—mixed with a big dose of compassion and humor. Meyer doesn’t follow fads or build a mystique around herself; she just preaches the Word of God in a way that’s equally rewarding to a babe in Christ or a seasoned believer. I know Christians who look down their theological snout at this self-taught preacher, but I wonder if you can point to another Bible teacher of the last two decades who’s had as much sustained impact as Meyer. I was surprised to discover that she’s one of the most popular Bible teachers in the Middle East, of all places—in part, because of shock value. Folks are amazed to see a woman preaching. When they get past the novelty, though, they’re pulled in by her practical, personal teaching—including her blistering testimony of how she overcame the effects of childhood sexual abuse. I guess I’m so sick of pulpiteers with sonorous voices and suspect character. I not only enjoy Meyer’s teaching and the way she honors her husband, Dave Meyer, but
I look at her as a shining example of integrity. Meyer’s organization was one of six large media-based ministries questioned by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley in 2007 concerning their tax-exempt status, and hers is the only one that emerged stronger through the process. Meyer fully cooperated with the inquiry, while three of the organizations provided incomplete answers and one refused to provide any information at all. If you’ve got nothing to hide, you’ve got nothing to fear. 7. There is a critical lack of integrity concerning finances in the church world. Seriously, it has come to where I would rather do business with a secular enterprise than an individual or business that identifies itself as “Christian.” Y’know, I see that fish sign and just about want to run screaming in the other direction.
Abraham gave Lot the first choice of pastureland, because Abraham was so confident in the source of his blessings: the One True God. Lot tellingly chose the land that looked best to his natural eyes: the plain near Sodom. Abraham knew that God’s blessing would follow him wherever he went, as long as he walked in obedience. So he graciously took the “second choice,” which turned out to be a source of great material wealth. • When Abraham needed a suitable tomb for his beloved wife Sarah, the men of a Caananite town offered it to him for free because of his stature in the land. Abraham insisted on paying in full, even when the owner of the burial site put forth an exorbitant price. Abraham was indeed a “mighty prince” among men— and he acted like it. Some of my friends look down their theological
snout at Joyce Meyer. But tell me another Bible
In the secular world, where I 8. Not many of us can handle teacher who’s had a greater sustained impact. worked for many years, the rules fame, fortune, or power, but are plain: I pay my money, I get many of us seek it. When’s the something valuable in return. If I don’t deliver, I go out last time you heard a sermon on Proverbs 30:7–9, and of business. I don’t mean from someone who believes Christians should be poor, pathetic, and barely making it: “Two How many times have you heard this: “The check’s in things I ask of you, LORD; do not refuse me before I the mail.” “I am so sorry, but I’ve been having personal die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither problems.” “I can’t pay you all of it—I hope you’ll poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. understand.” “Can you give Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, me a discount?” “Do you ever ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and give away this stuff for free?” so dishonor the name of my God.” “I’ll finish the work as soon as I can—please pray for me.” “I have 9. What you preach, teach, and practice concerning this great idea to advance the sex outside of marriage is the litmus test for kingdom of God—do you know faithfulness to Scripture in our time. That’s all I’m someone who’ll pay for it?” gonna say about that. I’ve been studying Genesis lately, and I am struck by Abraham’s absolute integrity concerning material things. • When the king of Sodom offered him the spoils of war after Abraham helped defeat several rival kings, Abraham refused to accept his gifts, because he knew it would create an entanglement that would hinder the calling of God in his life. • After Abraham’s and Lot’s herdsmen quarreled—and it became clear that the men must go their separate ways—
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10. I’m looking for a great year in 2012. I’m expecting the very best. And I know I’ll be a great success if I live solely to please Him—in my thoughts, words, and actions. May all of you be richly blessed by our great God and Savior this year. • Julie Lyons is a journalist, author, and editor. She lives in Dallas with her husband and son.
Fulfill Your Vows T
Third Watch by Taiwo Ayeni
he year 2011 has come and gone with its load of troubles. It was a year in which many unthinkable or unimaginable things happened. Families lost their jobs and their homes, and the trauma of these hardships in some cases led to untimely and unexpected deaths. Diverse disasters—earthquakes, tornadoes, wars, civil unrest, economic crises, and terrorism—brought indescribable pains to many globally. The stress of 2011 touched the nerves of people, places, and things all around the world—even the rich cried!
In the midst of all of this, God expects us to give Him thanks: “Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High” (Psalm 50:14). Why? It is to show him our appreciation for his goodness in helping us to witness another year, and it is because “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me…” (Psalm 50:23). Those who will enjoy God’s deliverance power or salvation are those who will reorder their lives this new year in deliberate thanksgiving, praise, and worship. It is a good thing to give thanks (Psalm 92:1–2). It is not easy to give thanks, and that is the reason it is an offering. Every offering is given sacrificially, especially when we are commanded to give thanks in all things or circumstances (I Thessalonians 5:18). We actually have no choice in the matter, because it is a vow that must be fulfilled (Psalm 65:1: “Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.”). Every vow is a covenant, and covenants carry terms, responsibilities, and tokens—for example, marriage.
It is not easy to give thanks, and that is the reason it is an offering. Every offering is given sacrificially. Thanksgiving as covenant or sacrifice is a responsibility we must offer unto God (Hebrews 13:15). David knew the importance of thanksgiving, praise, and worship as weapons of prayer warfare so much that he promised to do so morning, noon, and evening (Psalm 55:17). When he realized it was not sufficient, he chose to do it seven times a day (Psalm 119:164). Furthermore, when he compared God’s faithfulness on a daily basis with thanking him seven times a day, he decided to do it at all times: “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1). Therefore, like David, let us “…bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord.” When thanksgiving, praise and worship are offered sacrificially: 1. The heavens declare the righteousness of God (Psalm 50:6). 2. God is glorified (Psalm 50:23). 3. God reveals his salvation. continued on page 16
Januar y 2012 • Volume 6 • Issue 1 • Page 14
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Fulfill Your Vows continued from page 14
You can see all three of these in action when Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God in prison within earshot of the other prisoners (Acts 16:25–34). God shook the earth with a violent earthquake that broke the men’s chains, blew open the prison doors, and brought devastating conviction to the jailer, who fell trembling at Paul and Silas’ feet, crying out, “What must I do to be saved?” He and his entire household tasted salvation that day. The next morning, Paul and Silas were released. Understand that thanksgiving, praise and prayer go together. They are never exclusive of each other (Psalm 50:14–15; 65:1–2; 72:15; 51:15–17; 61:5, 7–8). So don’t accept the statement, “If prayer doesn’t work, try praise.” It is an error of understanding, because the three are in themselves types of prayer. Jesus gave thanks and prayed at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:40–42). If you order your life to give thanks, God will reveal to you the secrets of His deliverance. What are those secrets? Praise (Psalm 59:16–17) and prayer (Isaiah 40:29–31). Therefore offer unto Him thanks, and pay your vows. Happy New Year, and stay blessed! • Taiwo Ayeni is president of Rehoboth Bible Ministries, Inc., in Grand Prairie, where he lives with his wife Abidemi and their son and daughter. You may contact him at taayeni@ rehobothministries.org.
The Soundtrack of Life O
ne thing I’ll miss the most about the holidays is music. I’ve got a huge playlist of GODLY MAN Christmas by Hank Lamb songs on my iPod. Music has the amazing ability to transport us to a specific time and place to relive a special moment. The moments vary as widely as the spectrum of human emotions. Every year my family listens to the same music as we decorate our living room and Christmas tree. We’ve used the same soundtrack for 23 years.
Music helps us live. I have the same experience with particular songs that hijack my mind and emotions to places I’ve been, to people I love but haven’t seen in years, and to moments I treasure but so easily get lost in the fast-paced lives we live.
continued from page 11
Many churches in the United States have not made outreach a priority. We’ve catered to the saved and preached to the choir. The Holy Spirit wants to remodel and revamp weak churches and make them into powerhouses of spiritual impact. He can take a church with a four-cylinder engine and outfit it with eight; He can turn up the volume and cause a quiet congregation to shake a city. In 2012, expect small churches to be revitalized. God specializes in using small armies, like Gideon’s group of 300, to
for joy at the works of Your hands” (Psalm 92:4, NASB). The Apostle Paul confirms this as well in Colossians 3:16 (NLT): “… Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”
Dr. Alfred A. Tomatis, an otolaryngologist specializing in voice and hearing disorders in the late 1940s, wrote and frequently I met my wife at a conference in Colorado. repeated this idea: “The voice can only I flew her to Houston, Texas, to spend produce what the ear can hear.” Jesus said, a week with my mother and me. Every “It’s not what goes into your mouth that night I’d take Debbie on a drive around defiles you; you are defiled by the words town listening to Chicago 16, songs like that come out of your mouth” (Matthew
Just as prayer is an invitation to listen with the “ear of your heart,” so singing is the expression of what your heart has heard.
Some songs or jingles can get in your head and refuse to exit. Try as you might to hit “pause,” they keep on playing. Scientists call these “earworms.” Yes, as the label implies, they can be annoying and “What You’re Missing,” “Waiting for unpleasant. But they can also be used as our truly personal, inner music device (i.e. You to Decide” and “Follow Me.” Every time we hear any song from that album, no iPod necessary). we both recall the blossoming of our romance. We’ve been married for 25 years! When my mother died three years ago, Music enables us to remember significant she had already pre-planned her funeral, moments in our lives. with songs such as “Make Me a Servant” and “There’s Something About That Name.” Naturally, every time I hear those Someone has said, “Before we make music, music makes us.” The Psalmist would songs, regardless of what version or artist agree. “For You, O Lord, have made me is performing them, I’m immediately glad by what You have done, I will sing reminded of that day with its myriad
Three Directives for 2012
Januar y 2012 • Volume 6 • Issue 1 • Page 16
emotions and memories.
catch the enemy by surprise. 3. Supernatural provision will be released. The great recession has brought heartache and difficulty to families, companies, and churches, but it has a silver lining: God has used it to purify motives, refine faith, and refocus priorities. The Holy Spirit has exposed our materialism, and His fire has also consumed unhealthy prosperity doctrines that tainted the church with scandal and greed. Today, a new passion is arising in the church to fight injustice, feed the poor,
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at my gates, waiting at my doorposts.” Mark Brady, who teaches Deep Listening courses, offers this insight to chew on: “The art of hearing is the ear of the heart.” Isaiah 55:3 says, “Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live…” (NASB). The Message Bible reads, “Pay attention, come close now, listen carefully to my life-giving, life-nourishing words…” The New Living Translation says, “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life…” Music and singing are a spiritual activity—a way to evoke truth in one’s heart and soul. Singing is transformative. Certainly we all experience this at some level during the holiday season. Just as prayer is an invitation to listen with the “ear of your heart,” so singing is the expression of what your heart has heard.
We give voice to the things we’ve heard. What are you going to sing about this year? 15:11 NLT). What we say and how we What you listen to will influence what you say it is primarily determined by what and say and sing. Paul concludes the matter whom we’re listening to. for us nicely. “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing Jesus often concluded his teachings saying, and make music in your heart to the Lord, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” always giving thanks to God the Father for (Matthew 11:15, NASB). The Message everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Bible captures the essence: “Are you listening Christ” (Ephesians 5:19-20, NIV). • to me? Really listening?” It isn’t by accident that Proverbs 8:34 links three things in this Hank Lamb is senior pastor of Central order: “listen,” “watch,” and “wait.” “Blessed Christian Church in Richardson. is the man who listens to me, watching daily
show compassion to the broken, and share Jesus’ love with unreached nations. We’re tired of giving money to support charlatans who demand private jets and luxury treatment; we want to serve the orphan and the widow in the spirit of Christ. And we are asking God for His supply, knowing that if God can feed a multitude with one lunch, or provide for a family with one jar of oil, He can open sources of provision we never knew existed. Missionary Hudson Taylor said: “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.” I pray you will experience this truth in 2012.
Isaiah 66:9 says: “Shall I bring to the point of birth and not give delivery?… Or shall I who gives delivery shut the womb?” Don’t fear the future. Receive new strength from the Lord as you step into this new year. No matter what disappointments or delays you have encountered during the past season, don’t give up. God brought you to this point, and He will not fail you now. • J. Lee Grady is contributing editor of Charisma. This article is reprinted from Charisma magazine online.
Bless Out Loud! W
e fuss, argue, nag, and express anger out loud—in front of our children! Many couples I’ve counseled admit that after an argument, many days and even weeks can go by in silence, remorse, and Hands Off My outright anger. Intimacy Children during times of bickering by Iris Delgado and disagreement is totally out of the question. One sleeps in bed and the other on the couch or in the spare bedroom. This demonic atmosphere, when it becomes a habit, is usually followed by the word divorce. We are told that one out of every two marriages ends up in divorce. That is your neighbor and my neighbor. Is this a common situation among many Christian couples? The answer is yes. We curse out loud instead of loving out loud. Our words and thoughts produce life or death. We choose. God gave us the freedom to choose good or evil, peace or worry, contentment or depression, healing or sickness, order or disorder, wealth or poverty, knowledge or illiteracy, and life or death. It is up to us. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it (for death or life). Proverbs 18:21, Amp.
their loud chatter and contagious laughs. I keep a large corner behind my family room couch full of all sorts of toys and games. I’m not bothered if my family room gets littered with toys, tents, books, and throw blankets. It is a joy for them and for us. This is a pure example of loving and blessing out loud! Our homes should be the place where we learn and practice to sincerely love and bless out loud. •
•
•
Because we are redeemed from the curse of the law, we can break the strongholds of generational and inherited curses. Invisible forces are at work that determine a person’s destiny. The Bible refers to these forces of good
We curse out loud instead of loving out loud. Our words and thoughts produce life or death. and evil as blessings and curses. A biblical understanding about this subject will give you the knowledge necessary to set you and your family free from many problems that you have not been able to understand. You will have a new perspective of your own life.
Many failures in your life could be the consequence of My grandchildren love to visit our home. If my husband a family curse passed down through your grandparents and I would allow them, they would spend every weekend and parents from generation to generation. We have been with us. They bounce in with big smiles and hugs, kicking redeemed by the blood of Jesus. All we need to do is take off their shoes and skipping to the refrigerator and pantry a stand and appropriate our legal rights as children of for snacks and drinks. You can hear the house filled with God. Let the enemy know that you have been set free. He
cannot continue putting on you the things from which you have already been set free. Take a stand and make a declaration of faith: By the stripes of Jesus I am healed. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. Satan, you can’t have my children. They belong to God, and I claim them for the kingdom of God. I have the mind of Christ, and I bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. I will not permit these thoughts to control me, in the name of Jesus.
No Test, No Testimony: Tawana Williams T
I have been set free from lustful and perverted thoughts. I renounce all involvement with the occult, whether through my own ignorance or that of my parents. I declare that the curse of divorce will not visit my home or my children and their children. I will continually walk in love. Satan, I break your strongholds over my family. I give up all my rebellion and all my sin, and I submit myself to the lordship of Jesus Christ. I have been redeemed from every curse! Go ahead, learn to make these declarations and prayers. Listen to yourself say them out loud. Practice saying them until you believe them with all your heart. Use your mustard-seed faith and learn to expand it until you find yourself walking in victory in every area of your life. All good things take practice. It will cost you something, but in the end, it will be worth every sacrifice. Don’t give up in the face of problems and setbacks. This walk of faith will make you strong and fearless. God promises to keep you when you walk through the storms, the fires, and the trials of life. His way is better, and His reward is great. • Dr. Iris Delgado is the founder and president of Crowned With Purpose Ministries. An author and speaker, Delgado travels and ministers with her husband, Dr. John Delgado. Iris Delgado is the author of Satan, You Can’t Have My Children!
Where are they now? by Julie Lyons Editor
awana Williams, born without arms, gave her testimony on MannaEXPRESS’ television show in 2009. We caught up with her shortly after Christmas, when she was facing a new and wholly unexpected challenge.
Tawana Williams speaks slowly, then pauses to retrieve the right words. This, she says, is the biggest challenge she’s ever faced—recovering from a “mini-stroke” that seized her ability to speak, which she calls her passion, her reason for living. The words sound like exaggeration at first. This 48-year-old motivational speaker casually recites her list of challenges as though they’re another woman’s past; she’s even grateful for them, she says, because they’ve made her who she is today: •
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Born without arms, because her mother was prescribed the drug Thalidomide during pregnancy. Thalidomide, a sedative, caused severe birth defects in thousands of children—one of the worst medical tragedies of our time. Trained to use her feet as arms, through years of intensive therapy her mother arranged after sending a desperate plea for help to John F. Kennedy. The president answered, directing Tawana to a hospital in Durham, North Carolina, where she was treated at no cost. An object of relentless teasing and rejection. A victim of gang rape at gunpoint during a home invasion. Raped by her stepfather. Tawana grew up wondering if God even existed. If He did, why would He let her life turn out this way? A “follower” who caved in to someone’s suggestion that she try crack cocaine—leading to 10 years of addiction. During that time Tawana had an abortion, bore a child, and blew all of her money on drugs—money her boyfriend Toby Williams had left her for bills before going to fight in the first Gulf War
out in prayer. “God, if you’re real,” she recalls saying, “you’ve got to help me. Because I can’t do this anymore. I want you to do one or the other: kill me in my sleep, or deliver me from crack cocaine.” The next morning, Tawana says, “It was over. I was free.” She and Toby married soon afterward, on Christmas Day 1991. A few years later, the man she says loves her unconditionally urged her to tell her story publicly. Tawana Williams’ career as a motivational speaker began with years of free events, mostly in churches, then turned into a source of substantial income and fame. She says she’s done some 15,000 speaking engagements since then—going everywhere from drug-rehab centers and prisons to huge sales conferences and national television. Her message is simple: “If He did it for me, He can do it for you.” Tawana, who says she’s always been a positive person, pushes a “no-excuses” lifestyle—whether she’s preaching to drug addicts or corporate America. Her
“T, you must not have needed arms, because God didn’t give them to you. Nothing is missing. If you don’t have it, then you don’t need it.” grandmother planted the seeds of her message, telling her at 4, “T, you must not have needed arms, because God didn’t give them to you. Nothing is missing. If you don’t have it, then you don’t need it.” When MannaEXPRESS caught up with Tawana soon after Christmas, though, she was puzzling over the latest development in her life. On November 27, she suffered a stroke and was hospitalized near her home in Wilson, North Carolina. The first day in the hospital, she says, she couldn’t remember her name or date of birth. She couldn’t identify the president of the United States. She did, however, recognize her 7-year-old grandson Jaylen, whose encouragements became a source of strength.
The turning point came one night in 1991, when Toby came home from the military and Tawana had to face him. That night, she hit “rock bottom” and cried She improved rapidly from there—regaining most of her Januar y 2012 • Volume 6 • Issue 1 • Page 18
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memory. But the stroke, which she believes was stress-induced because of “drama” in her life, has so far stolen her ability to be a world-class communicator. She has canceled all of her speaking engagements for January. Since she’s gone home to recover, Tawana has spent time reflecting. “Right now, I’m just really trying to focus on listening to God,” she says. “I’m trying to hear my own head.” She thinks about the many things God has done in her life, and she is encouraged that she’ll speak again. “God has been restoring my life since the day I was born,” she says. “The doctors said so many negative things about me—that I’d never live to be two weeks old. That I’d never be able to walk. That I’d never have children.” Tawana started walking at 2. She uses her feet as hands; she even figured out how to change diapers with her feet. She can type 35 to 40 words per minute, and when she appeared on MannaEXPRESS’ television show, she signed her book—Unarmed and Dangerous—with her right foot, then used the same foot to gracefully hand the volume to her host. “God is an awesome God,” she says. “All things are possible with God.” These days, Tawana is thinking about another statement she often tells her audiences: No test, no testimony. Tawana faced severe tests from the moment she was born. Now she faces another. “This,” she says, referring to the stroke, “is the hardest fight I’ve ever fought.” So what is she going to do? “You put your boxing gloves on and you fight,” she says. “Fight.” Read more about Tawana Williams at tawanawilliams.com.
Manna Live
young adults ages 20-30something. Whether you’re wondering if there’s something better out there for your life or looking for an alternative to the Dallas night life scene, or if you’re walking closely with Christ and want to hang with others who are striving to do the same, we’d love to have you join us each Tuesday. Contact: Laura Elmore, 214/239-8898.3024, LElmore@watermark.org.
January 2012 11 Wednesday Peace Corps Volunteers General Information Session REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, 214/253-5475. 6pm to 7:30pm. International work experience and opportunities are available in more than 70 countries where Peace Corps Volunteers perform a variety of jobs in business, education, community development, environment, health, information technology, and agriculture. Learn more about these opportunities by joining Linda Tucker, recently returned volunteer and recruiter. To attend this event, please reserve your seat by calling 214/253-5475. Wednesday Night Revival Friendship West Baptist Church and Conference Center, 2020 W. Wheatland Road, Dallas, 972/228-5200. 7pm. Word Explosion featuring guest speakers Dr. Carolyn Knight and Dr. Maurice Watson.
13 Friday Sent By Ravens, Solace Through Flames, First Class Hope, Nine Lashes will be performing at Remedy Christian Club, 496 National Dr., Rockwall, 214/771-2965. 7:30pm to midnight. Come and enjoy a safe and family friendlyenvironment. Dance floor, football, air hockey, pool table, and great bands.
22 Sunday African Children’s Choir Upendo Baptist Church, 916 N. Jupiter Road, Garland, 972/276-9704. 11am. The beautiful voices and charming smiles of the African Children’s Choir bring you the beauty, dignity, and hope of Africa. The concert will feature a mixture of lively African songs, traditional spirituals, and dances. Admission is free! A free-will offering will be taken to support the education, care, and emergency relief of for more than 7,000 children in Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana, Sudan, Kenya, and South Africa.
Wednesday Night Revival Friendship West Baptist Church and Conference Center, 2020 W. Wheatland Road, Dallas, 972/2285200. 7pm. Word Explosion featuring guest speakers Dr. Gina Stewart and Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr.
20 Friday Captured Presents: My Heart Yearns, an extended intimate night of worship featuring IHOP worship leader and songwriter Laura Hackett. Wayne Meyers Auditorium at Christ for the Nations Institute, 444 Fawn Ridge Dr., Dallas, 214/376-1711. 7:30pm to 10pm. Come join Captured as we come together as sisters and bask in the presence of God.
21 Saturday VITA Tax Assistance Program Friendship West Baptist Church and Conference Center, 2020 W. Wheatland Road,
Solution to last issue’s crossword!
Wednesday Night Revival Friendship West Baptist Church and Conference Center Friendship West Baptist Church and Conference Center, 2020 W. Wheatland Road, Dallas, 972/228-5200. 7pm. Word Explosion featuring guest speakers Dr. Claudette Copeland and Dr. Joseph Walker, III.
27 Friday Surge Men’s Conference Covenant Church, Carrollton Campus, 2644 E. Trinity Mills Road, Carrollton, 972/4165466. Friday, January 27, from 7-9:30pm, with dinner served at 5:30pm, and Saturday, January 28, from 9am-12pm, with prayer breakfast at 8am. Join speakers Dr. Rick Rigsby (Friday night only), Pastor Mike Hayes, and Pastor Randy Free. Dr. Rigsby is a favorite at national men’s conferences, including Promise Keepers, Men at The Cross, and Iron Sharpens Iron, and this former chaplain and character coach for the Texas A&M football team shares a powerful message designed to encourage, equip, and challenge men to take their faith to the next level. Pastor Hayes is founding and senior pastor of Covenant Church; Pastor Free is campus pastor of Covenant Cross Roads. Special Guests: comedic illusionist Lyndy Phillips and the Covenant Worship Team. Contact mensministry@covenantchurch.org or call 972/416-5466 for more information.
28 Saturday Surge Men’s Conference Covenant Church, Carrollton Campus, 2644 E. Trinity Mills Road, Carrollton, 972/416-5466. 9am-12pm, with prayer breakfast at 8am. Join speakers Pastor Mike Hayes and Pastor Randy Free. Pastor Hayes is founding and senior pastor of Covenant Church; Pastor Free is campus pastor of Covenant Cross Roads. Special Guests: comedic illusionist Lyndy Phillips and the Covenant Worship Team. Contact mensministry@covenantchurch.org or call 972/416-5466 for more information.
14 Saturday
18 Wednesday
Bad Bob, continued from last issue
25 Wednesday Dallas, 972/228-5200. Friendship West’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program needs tax preparer volunteers. The VITA 2012 tax season is January 21 through April 17. Walk-ins will be accepted Monday-Thursday from 1pm-7pm and Saturday from 9am-3pm. Appointments will be accepted Monday-Thursday during the hours of 10am-noon. Call 972/228-7289 or email FAIM@friendshipwest.org.
Night of Worship Wayne Meyers Auditorium at Christ for the Nations Institute, 444 Fawn Ridge Dr., Dallas, 214/376-1711. 7:30pm to 9pm. CFNI’s monthly live worship event. Led by Christ For The Nations Worship, this event is open to the public. Invite your friends, family, and co-workers. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Friendship West Baptist Church and Conference Center, 2020 W. Wheatland Road, Dallas, 972/228-5200. Starts at 10am. Participants will line up at 9am, and the parade will begin at 10am. March attire: 1960s suits, business suits, trench coats, and Dobb hats. All members are encouraged to attend. Any questions? Contact: OBLACC@friendshipwest.org, Attention: Kevin Woods.
Manna FUN!
African Children’s Choir, Sunday, January 22. Harp & Bowl Main Prayer Room at The Prayer Room, 939 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, 817/299-8305. 7:30pm-9pm. Our Harp and Bowl workshop is designed to impart the principles of prophetic worship and spoken prayers that unlock hearts and release the kingdom of God in a dynamic way. Basic instruction as well as hands-on training and activations will be provided. This workshop is for all singers, prayer leaders, musicians, intercessors, worship leaders, and anyone who wants to go deeper in a lifestyle of worship and intercession. If you have ever wanted to learn how to flow in prophetic worship like IHOPKC, then this is your chance. Please join us and bring some friends along. Email: info@theprayerroomdfw.com.
24 Tuesday The Porch Watermark Community Church, The Watermark Building, 7540 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, 214/361-2275. 7pm to 8:30pm. The Porch is a weekly gathering of Dallas-area
Concert for the Cure Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth, 877/212-4280. 8pm. Komen Greater Fort Worth is joining with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra to host LeAnn Rimes in a Concert for the Cure. The Concert for the Cure will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Fort Worth. The affiliate uses 75 percent of all money raised. For more information, visit komengreaterfw.com. I Can Cope Cancer Education Class Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Worship Center Rooms 4 & 5, 1808 W. Camp Wisdom Road, 214/672-9100. 10am-noon. Come ask questions and get answers from local health professionals. Tim Hawkins Comedy Night Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, 4141 International Parkway, Carrollton, 972/306-0894. 4pm and 7pm; doors open one hour before showtime. Ticket prices: $15 in advance/$20 at the door; proceeds benefit student missions. Purchase tickets at timhawkins.net.
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Copyright 1983 by Jack T. Chick. Reproduced by permission of Chick Publications. Website: www.chick.com.
My Dad’s Better Than Your Dad Three boys on the playground were bragging about their dads. One said, “My dad scribbles a few words, calls it a song, and they pay him 50 bucks.” “Oh, yeah. My dad scribbles a few words, calls it a poem, and they pay him 100 bucks.” “That’s nothin’,” said the third kid. “My dad scribbles a few words, calls it a sermon, and it takes six people to collect all the money!”
You and Your Bible Crossword Puzzle Across
1. Do you not know that in ___ ___ all the runners run (1,4) (1 Cor 9:24) 6. He asked, “___, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30) 10. They hatch the eggs of vipers and ___ a spider’s web (Isa 59:5) 14. they heard that Paul and Silas were ___ citizens (Acts 16:38) 15. now I ___ in part; then I shall know fully (1 Cor 13:12) 16. rabbit (Deut 14:7) (KJV) 17. Abraham set ___ seven ewe lambs (Gen 21:28) 18. Go ___ all the world and preach the good news (Mark 16:15) 19. Do not slaughter ___ ___ or a sheep and its young on (1,3) (Lev 22:28) 20. it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a ___ (Acts 10:28) 22. Consider the ___: They do not sow or reap (Luke 12:24) 24. I will give to drink without ___ from the spring (Rev 21:6) 26. I also want women to ___ modestly, with decency (1 Tim 2:9) 27. They were stoned; they were ___ in two; they were put to (Heb 11:37) 30. “You ___ were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said (Matt 26:69) 33. no remedy for your ___, no healing for you (Jer 30:13) 34. I ___ half of my possessions to the poor (Luke 19:8) 36. It will be a shelter and ___ from the heat (Isa 4:6) 40. one of the soldiers with a spear ____ his side (John 19:34) KJV 42. It is for ___ that Christ has set us free (Gal 5:1) 44. An ___ must be blameless, the husband of but one wife (Titus 1:6) 45. vain for you to rise up early, to sit up ____ (Ps 127:2) 47. Many are the ___ of the wicked (Ps 32:10) 48. The merchant ___ dishonest scales; he loves to defraud (Hos 12:7) 50. At this my body is racked with pain, ___ seize me (Isa 21:3) 52. exalt him that is low, and ___ him that is high (Ezek 21:26) (KJV) 55. How you have fallen from heaven, O morning ___ (Isa 14:12) 58. to see if the waters were ___ from off the face of the ground (Gen 8:8) 59. He will oppose and will exalt ___ over everything (2 Thess 2:4) 63. the wringing of the ____ bringeth forth blood (Prov 30:33) KJV 64. He will show you a large ___ room (Mark 14:15) 67. You weep and ___ because he no longer pays attention (Mal 2:13) 68. “Yes, Lord,” she said, “but ___ the dogs eat the crumbs (Matt 15:27) 69. Those who were my enemies without ___ (Lam 3:52) 70. looked like ___ ___ of glass, clear as crystal (1,3) (Rev 4:6)
71. you see a cloud rising in the ___ , immediately you say (Luke 12:54) 72. it is hard for a rich man to ___ the kingdom of heaven (Matt 19:23) 73. Like a bird that strays from its ___ is a man who strays (Prov 27:8)
Down
1. The king got up in ___ ___ (1,4) (Est 7:7 2. she let them down by a ___ through the window (Josh 2:15) 3. Send me, therefore, ___ ___ skilled to work in gold (1,3) (2 Chron 2:7) 4. Take the ark of the LORD and put it on the ___ (1 Sam 6:8) 5. if a man ____ a maid that is not betrothed (Exodus 22:16) 6. to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the ___ (Ps 57:10) 7. Lodge or hotel (Luke 2:7) 8. but the name of the wicked will ___ (Prov 10:7) 9. the shields and the ___, the weapons of war (Ps 76:3) 10. use it as a barber’s razor to ____ your head (Ezek 5:1) 11. the ark of the LORD had gone six ___ (2 Sam 6:13) (KJV) 12. his feet with shackles, his neck was put in ___ (Ps 105:18) 13. I must preach the good ___ of the kingdom of God (Luke 4:43) 21. Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I ___ (Ps 119:54) 23. they ___ and worshiped before the LORD (1 Sam 1:19) 25. last letter in Hebrew alphabet 27. It sprang up quickly, because the ___ was shallow (Matt 13:5) 28. Israelites to bring you ___ ___ heifer without defect (1,3) (Num 19:2) 29. their robes ___ not scorched (Dan 3:27) 31. do not let your ___ hand know what your right hand is doing (Matt 6:3) 32. they made upon the ___ of the robe pomegranates of blue (Ex 39:24) KJV 33. The creatures ___ back and forth like flashes of lightning (Ezek 1:14) 35. keep away from every brother who is ___ and does not (2 Thess 3:6) 37. wisdom has built her house; she has ___ out its seven pillars (Prov 9:1) KJV 38. Am I ___ ___, that you come at me (1,3) (1 Sam 17:43) 39. Man ___ not live on bread alone (Matt 4:4) 41. David took the spear and the ___ of water from Saul’s (1 Sam 26:12) KJV 43. ___ of Broken Walls, restorer of Streets (Isa 58:12) 46. beast of burden (Matt 21:5) (KJV) 49. they never stop sinning; they ___ the unstable (2 Peter 2:14)
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51. the bracelet that was on his ___ (2 Sam 1:10) KJV 52. The alien who lives among you will rise ___ you (Deut 28:43) 53. His legs are pillars of marble set on ___ of pure gold (Song 5:15) 54. ___ ___ that will not be moved; its stakes will never (1,4) (Isa 33:20) 56. For ___ commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light (Prov 6:23) 57. Ephraim is ___ ___ cake not turned over (1,4) (Hos 7:8) 58. they carried the ark of God in ___ ___ cart (1,3) (1 Chr 13:7) 60. the ___, and the pelican, and the gier eagle (Lev 11:18) (KJV) 61. listens to me will live in safety and be at ___ (Prov 1:33) 62. gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells ___ (Prov 12:17) 65. cooking utensil (2 Sam 13:9) 66. when I ___ on sackcloth, people make sport of me. (Ps 69:11)
Answers in the next issue!
Hobbling Home: B
MANNA GROOVE by Trevor Main
efore viewing War Horse, the latest Steven Spielberg film, my first thought was, “Oh no. Not another horse movie.” Horse movies tend to portray the underdog horse and its owner working together to beat the odds in some sort of contest. Next.
With War Horse, that’s only partly true. Albert Narracott (Jeremy Irvine) is a teenage farmer’s son who embraces the challenge of training Joey, a young horse his drunk and impulsive father bought at the market. Frustrated with Joey, Albert’s father sells him to the British military when World War I breaks out. From there the story follows Joey through his experience going from unlikely plow horse to war horse. Although it’s nearly impossible to escape the routine theme of a majestic horse capturing the heart of some underdog boy, War Horse breaks away from the mold by throwing a little Homeward Bound in with the Hidalgo. Joey was never trained for war; he was trained for plowing and got thrown into war, all the while looking for a way back to Albert.
War Horse’s story inspires, but not its characters
control our own path. But no matter how far we’re separated, God finds ways to give us hope when hope is lost. Joey’s efforts and striving don’t get him anywhere. Neither does mine. Nor yours. God is ultimately in control, and He and He alone will bring us home. But not before making us stronger in His own special ways. Despite its rich message, War Horse wasn’t as good as it could have been. Throughout the film Joey is a passive character blown around like a feather in the wind. He doesn’t make mistakes; he doesn’t experience success. He only has luck, good and bad. Much like some of Spielberg’s other films, such as A.I. and War of the Worlds, the protagonist lacks depth, as if he didn’t have much choice in the actions he took. This problem is just the risk you take when your protagonist is a horse, a robot…or Tom Cruise.
The film misses the mark in failing to account for why Albert admires Joey so much in the first place. We see a brief intro of Albert stumbling across Joey’s mother in the pasture as she gives Even though the subplot birth, and we see Albert involves English vs. trying to feed him an Germans in the early apple when Joey is still a days of WWI, the story colt. But there is nothing develops characters from all that remarkable about both sides. Germans and Joey compared to any Englishmen alike possess other horse his age. Aside both virtues and vices. from Albert, some good A farm boy, an English characters respond to officer, German soldiers, the horse realistically, and bystanders: Joey recognizing his value. captures the affection of They respect Joey and all. Aside from our knowledge of history, the movie genuinely look out for his well-being as best they can. But avoids portraying either side as particularly good or evil. other characters who are ready to risk their lives after one Good and evil individuals exist on both sides, because it’s look at Joey cross the believability line. really about Joey’s journey, not the war. Regardless of the film’s mood, you won’t make it to Joey’s path resembles our walk through life as believers. the end without laughing. The humor is both subtle We find enemies, find friends, experience pain, lose and unexpected: a territorial goose. A German and faith, and regain peace. We can do little if anything to Englishman in no-man’s-land. Stubborn horses. These
Joey’s path resembles our walk through life as believers. We can do little if anything to control our own path. But no matter how far we’re separated, God finds ways to give us hope when hope is lost.
What Would Jesus Eat? T
he freshness of the New Year is a reminder that God lavishes us with life, provision, and new mercies. At the time of the Exodus, Yahweh told the people of Israel to pick up just enough manna each day for their grace and grit households, six days a week. by Sharifa Stevens He gave enough for every day—no need to worry, no need to hoard, no need to gorge. Fast-forward to now: January is a time of dieting in America, with 500-calorie-a-day menus, hot pepper and water detoxes, and 40-day cleanses. Many of these regimens are even referred to as “fasts.” I don’t personally advocate these methods, but I do not believe they are sinful. Nor do I believe they are fasts. Here’s what I have learned about fasting:
scenes, among others, work well to release tension that continues to build throughout the movie. The fact that the German characters all speak English may distract some viewers. Their only distinguishing German trait, it seems, is their spiked helmets. The casting director did well in selecting characters who succeed in making the viewer forget that he or she is watching a movie. Sometimes the characters’ reasoning is difficult to understand, but this is more of an issue with the script than the acting. As the film takes place during a war, characters do die. No surprise there. Unfortunately, it’s also no surprise which ones. Even though War Horse received a PG-13 rating, scenes of abuse to horses and horses in mortal peril may upset viewers. Overall, War Horse receives high marks as it works all the viewer’s emotions. Even without saying a word, Joey takes on his own personality, and the cinematographers shot the film in such a way that even if it were muted, viewers could easily tell what Joey might be thinking. • Trevor Main has a B.A. in fiction writing from Columbia College, Chicago, and is working on his master’s degree in communication at Dallas Theological Seminary. His ministry experience with Youth With A Mission has taken him across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
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1. It’s not essential to the Christian life. There are commands that Jesus gave: making disciples, baptizing, teaching (Matthew 28:19), remembering His death through communion (Luke 22:19-20), loving God and loving one another (Matt 22:37-40). These are essential to walking with God. Fasting is not mandatory, but it is a beautiful act of worship and a demonstration of dependence on God. In the Old Testament, people fasted for a time as a way to devote themselves to God. In the New Testament, fasting, along with prayer, was a weapon wielded to cast out demons (Matthew 17, Mark 9). It was also mentioned in terms of short-term sexual abstinence (1 Corinthians 7), so that a couple could (for a time) dedicate themselves to prayer.
hunger to set us on a path of destruction. Luke 4:1-13 testifies to that. 5. Fasting is not dieting. Fasting is a mode of worship; dieting is a mode of weight reduction. Would Jesus be on a diet? A quick look at the Bible reveals that since the Garden of Eden, God has loved for people to enjoy the taste and look of food (Genesis 2:9). Psalm 34 enthusiastically describes the worship and acknowledgment of God by saying, “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” When Solomon wanted to describe the beauty and sumptuousness of love-making, he chose dates and raisins, milk and wine as some of his metaphors. God also incorporates food into our worship and remembrance of His rescuing love for us. Before the Exodus, the people of Israel experienced their first Passover, with hyssop, roasted lamb, and unleavened bread—a sensory metaphor of the One who would come and die for their deliverance. Yahweh chose to symbolize
The Lord has united our bodies and souls when it comes to worshiping Him and enjoying what He created. How we eat and care for our bodies is a reflection of our reverence for God.
2. Which leads me to my next point: Fasting is not just about not eating food. It can be abstaining from sex or atonement for sin through the sacrifice of choice animals; from a certain food or activity for a finite amount of time. they were a sweet savor to Him. When Jesus did come, He introduced the disciples to communion, symbolizing 3. Fasting is private. If you brag about it to gain the praise the way His body would be broken for us, and explicitly or pity of other people, it’s pointless. You might as well asked us to worship, with food, to remember him. go eat that burger. Matthew 6:16-18 says: “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure One of the ways that Jesus proved to his disciples that He their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say had resurrected and wasn’t just a ghost was by grilling fish to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, on the beach and eating with his friends, just like old times. anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And Jesus intends to celebrate our reunion with Him by your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” throwing a huge party, and there will be wine. Jesus, in fact, will abstain from the pleasure of wine until we’re all 4. Fasting is associated with prayer. The desire for together (Matthew 26:29, Mark 14:25, Luke 2). whatever we’re abstaining from drives us to talk to God. The Holy Spirit can work through this process. It is From cover to cover of the Bible, the Lord has united our important to be familiar with the Word of God—the bodies and souls when it comes to worshiping Him and Bible—because the enemy likes to take advantage of our enjoying what He created. How we eat and care for our Page 23 • Volume 6 • Issue 1 • Januar y 2012
bodies is a reflection of our reverence for God. Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” I’m challenged to make my eating habits a part of my “true and proper worship.” Mind you, dietary restrictions do not bring us closer to God in and of themselves (check Paul’s take on this in 1 Corinthians 8:8 and Jesus’ words to the Pharisees in Mark 7:18-20). If it did, our righteousness would be weighed by scales, calipers, and mirrors. Thanks be to God that our work, or work-outs, don’t earn us salvation; only the sacrifice of Jesus can cover us. Only the work of the Holy Spirit and obedience to God’s Word can increase our intimacy with God. I can, however, show Him that I appreciate what He gave me as a response to His mercy and kindness by putting food in its proper place. It is a sign of God’s provision, so it is to be enjoyed. As with any good gift of God, it is to be utilized but not abused, so it should be consumed in moderation. It is not God, nor is it capable of comforting or covering, so it should not be treated as an idol. I believe that God’s ideal for us is to enjoy rather than abuse our food and our bodies. He intends for us to live eternally with both. If a diet helps us to retain proper stewardship of the body, it is good! If food restriction is a desperate attempt at gaining control or approval, it is not good. God has prepared a veritable table before us. Food is not our enemy. Let’s put our daily bread back in its place—a creation to be harnessed and enjoyed. • Sharifa Stevens is a wife and mother, singer, and writer. She earned a B.A. from Columbia University in New York and a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. She lives in Dallas.
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