Christian Perspectives - March 2010

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A MAGAZINE WHERE INANIMATE OBJECTS DESCRIBE BIBLICAL EVENTS

READ ABOUT BIBLICAL EVENTS AS TOLD BY THESE OBJECTS

The Red Sea (EXODUS 14:21) The net used in the miracle of the fishes (LUKE 5:4-9) The Sea of Galilee (JOHN 6:18 )

CP ~ April 2010 April 2010

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Welcome to the April 2010 issue of

This is where biblical objects and animals describe their experiences with the Trinity, the heavenly dimension, and the natural world.

About the Magazine ISSN: 1920-4205 Frequency: Biyearly Founding editor: Monique Berry Design and layout: Monique Berry

The Background

Contact Info Website: http://1perspectives.webs.com Email: perspectivesmagazine@gmail.com Fax: 1-905-549-5021

Photo Credits All photos were created by Brian Cobbledick.

Contents & Contributors From the Editors Desk

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Monique Berry The Red Sea Gets a Faith Lift

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Mary Belardi Erickson Netting a Miracle

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Rebecca Rose Taylor When Jesus Walked on Me

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For the benefit of new readers, the idea for the magazine came when I was reviewing back issues of Perspectives, which deals with inanimate objects describing real-life events. I noticed that three contributors submitted entries pertaining to biblical objects and animals. The seed was planted.

Eventually, the possibility of devoting an entire magazine just for objects mentioned in the Bible grew. Months later, I was reading a devotional and the scripture for the daily reading was Joshua 24:27. I searched the Bible for similar scriptures. To my delight, I read many references where objects like the sun, the moon, the mountains, and other inanimate objects „voicedâ€&#x; their praise to God.

CP ~ April 2010

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And Joshua said to all the people, Behold, this stone...has heard all the sayings of Jehovah which he has spoken with us.

Joshua 24:27

From the Editor‟s Desk Welcome to the second edition of Christian Perspectives Magazine.

One morning I took out my devotional and read the scripture for the day: “Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh,” (Ecclesiastes 11:10). Then I started revising some submissions for this issue. A few days later Psalm 51:10 captured me, “Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.”

After I thought about it, I was able to connect my editing process with my spiritual life. Jesus is the author, and editor, of my faith. If I allow His red ink (scripture) to edit the unclear thoughts (doubts), the verbose speech (words), and run on sentences (reasons for unforgiveness), my living story will be much cleaner and easier to understand God and others.

If you read any scripture that may apply to the ideas mentioned above, please email me.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of

CP ~ April 2010

Red Sea—Exodus 14:21,22

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The Red Sea Gets a Faith Lift ~ Monique Berry ~

What a privilege it is to be included with the other objects and tell my story! I look forward to revealing a spiritual mystery related to the Israelite’s miraculous deliverance. Even though it was a shorter route, I’m so glad Jehovah did not lead His people to the Promised Land through the country. If He did, I would never have received my ‘faith lift.’

Before the Israelites escaped, they saw me in front of them, they saw Pharaoh’s army behind them, and they saw no way out. But Moses knew God—I knew God. I knew that He would deliver His people because I saw the spiritual mysteries.

You see, we live in a world of atoms and molecules where things are materialized. But another dimension—a spiritual dimension—runs parallel to this one. It’s real; it’s just not made of molecular things. Storehouses exist in the other realm. Treasuries full of answers to prayers— healings, miraculous and natural supplies, and more—wait to be opened. The key that unlocks the doors is faith.

When the man of God raised his staff, I heard an angel say, “Moses has been obedient! Open the door to the weather storehouse. Unleash the east wind.”

My mouth opened and His people began their walk to the Promised Land on dry ground. That’s when I experienced a sensory smorgasbord. My face lit up from the combined glory of thousands of angels hovering over me. I saw their footprints of fire walk across my face. I heard the sweet music of believing hearts, the whir of the angels’ wings, and the rumbling wheels of Pharaoh’s army. I smelled the sweet scent of obedience and the pungent odor of doubt. I tasted the steel, the brass, and the rancid pride of Pharaoh.

My stomach had been churning from swallowing 600 chariots, coats of armor, leather, and human and animal flesh all night. So after the last Israelite passed safely to the other side, I couldn’t hold them anymore. I threw up Pharaoh and his army; I wanted no part of them. In the morning, the Israelites saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. I joined in the praises of His people by waving and clapping my hands to glorify the only God who always makes a way when there seems to be no way.

Even though the event happened thousands of years ago, His Word still makes a way through the stormy seas of life. Learn from Moses. Lift your hands, believe with your heart, and pray. Unlock your treasuries reserved in heavenly places for you. Speak His promises and feel the wind of His word brush past your lips. I’m sure you will experience the same glorious ‘faith lift’ as I did.

Monique Berry is the founder of Perspectives and Christian Perspectives. Her stories and poems are published in several magazines and anthologies. She is currently working on a novel and hopes to have it published this year. Contact her at perspectivesmagazine@gmail.com CP ~ April 2010

Net used in the miracle of fishes—Luke 5:4-9

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Netting a Miracle ~ Mary Belardi Erickson ~ I am a fishing net--pattern of holes, handmade weave of strong fibers.

When a flattened heap, I long to again swallow water’s depth, prove myself a useful tool.

But when I’m dropped over and over and bring up no fish, those in the empty boat curse me though it’s not my fault.

Now Jesus boarded Simon’s boat so that a gathering crowd could observe and hear him.

Having had no luck fishing, Simon’s partners despaired, rough handling me.

Jesus knew they needed faith-pointed where to let net: Then, I felt a strength I’d never known.

Into my opening folds, schools of fish swam.

I yielded and stretched, holding more and more fishes-fins flapping and fish heads smacking air.

Sweaty arms and backs labored, hands pulling and lifting.

My steadfastness did not unravel until the catch over-spilled two creaking boats, almost sinking.

Wonder in their eyes, toiling fishermen praised Jesus for his miraculous multitude of fishes from a humble net.

Not having a soul, still my rope feels blessed by Jesus.

Water drips from me like drops of joyful tears.

Mary Belardi Erickson originated from Passaic, New Jersey but experienced a rural upbringing in Minnesota. Her poems have been published internationally, online and in print, most recently or forthcoming in Flutter, Numinous, Avocet, The Aurorean, Perspectives, as well as others. Contact her at cattailcreekfarm@hotmail.com CP ~ April 2010

Sea of Galilee—John 6:18

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I am the water that Jesus set foot on over a thousand years ago. Something special about the air that day felt different as it breathed on my face.

When Jesus Walked on Me ~ Rebecca R. Taylor ~

The disciples were out in the boat when a storm suddenly erupted in my waters, rocking the small craft and I back and forth violently. I was afraid, just like the disciples. I have felt the turbulence of the sea many times before but this time the winds whipped through me and around the boat where the men struggled with their paddles to remain upright.

Suddenly, we saw a man coming toward us on the surface. He did not slip through me like those who had ever visited me. He was perfectly balanced on the waves. At first, I did not see who it was; I was even more frightened because as far as I was concerned, it was impossible to walk on water.

I asked the waves, “Do you see that?”

“Yes,” they answered. “Who is it? How can he do that?”

“I don’t know,” I replied, my voice shaking. Then I saw His face. “It’s Jesus!”

I reported to my friends as we watched in anticipation. My heart raced as I saw the disciples trembling in the boat, feeling uncertainty until He spoke saying, “It is I, do not be afraid.”

His voice was so calm and reassuring—I felt safe with him near. The disciples let Jesus into the boat and immediately the storm ceased. I became calm again and was able to float gently to the other side. Jesus had removed the trepidation from my heart and the hearts of His disciples. Now, whenever I am afraid I remember that day and I feel at ease, knowing that I am never alone.

Jesus touched me in so many ways. Feeling His feet on me produced an amazing sensation but it goes beyond that. This experience has given me a new outlook on life. I am now a believer in a higher power; before this, I was a skeptic. I know that even when things in my life seem impossible, divine intervention may take hold. As long as I flow, I will not forget the day that Jesus Christ set foot on me. Now, whenever the weather has me rushing and I’m scared of what might happen, I remember that moment and feel less angst. This event truly was a miracle.

Rebecca lives along the St. Francis River in St. Felix-de-Kingsey, Quebec. She hopes to be a fulltime writer someday. Her recent publications have been included in Bread n‟ Molasses, Grainews, and Perspectives Magazine. Contact her at rebecca_taylor2@hotmail.com.

CP ~ April 2010