UPCOMING EVENTS | BUSINESS | MY ROCK | LOCAL SPOTLIGHTS | YOUR SALVATION | CONTRIBUTOR WORKS
OverflowMag.com October 2010
Save Money & Coupon into Abundance
A Breast Cancer Survivor
And Her Walk with Jesus The truth about
TRUTH Changing the World One Pair of Shoes at a Time
Real People, True Stories, In Your Backyard
“The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but as for a broken spirit who can bear it?” Proverbs 18:14 A Unique Approach
Counseling Beliefs
Renewal Through Relationship
Tampa Bay Christian Counseling Center is a Christian counseling practice offering comprehensive services to the Tampa Bay area. Working with clients of all ages, our counselors help guide individuals and couples to relational wholeness in Christ.
At Tampa Bay Christian Counseling Center, our counselors create an environment where people can be themselves, knowing that the counseling process is built on trust, hope, care and most importantly Jesus Christ. We walk alongside our clients in their spiritual journeys, going beyond outward symptoms to the inward cause and inviting genuine change in Christ.
We believe that the best counseling isn’t based on a number of steps or easy answers. It is a process that helps people identify where they have built a life apart from God and that calls them to an authentic relationship with Him.
Tampa Bay Christian Counseling Center believes there is a profound difference in content and results between counseling based in God’s Word and secular counseling approaches. We offer real, Biblically based counseling that presents solutions to people’s problems in contrast to symptom focused psychotherapy which ultimately does not look to God’s Word for solutions.
It is a relationship where we enter deeply into the lives of those in pain and crisis to bring them to a place where they can love God, love others and love themselves. We believe lasting change and personal wholeness have their genesis within a relationship with Christ.
3044 W. Bearss Ave. 813-964-5511
www.tbccc.org
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Finally, a GOLD company you can TRUST The Shoppes at New Tampa - Wesley Chapel (across SR 56 from The Shops at Wiregrass) 1946 Bruce B. Downs Blvd
813-907-7111
www.TheKingsGold.com Monday-Saturday: 10am - 6pm Sundays & Holidays: Closed
Let us evaluate your items! Gold, Silver, & Platinum Buying Services Exchange your used items to: Pay off debt Take a vacation Sow into the Kingdom of God
Ask about our programs: Kingdom Builders Community Builders Now Offering: Precious Metal Trading Services for coins & bullion
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OverflowMag.com Oct 2010
CONTENTS
Expected
28
32 24
Featured
10
Savings for Yourself, Blessings for Others
Learn about a unique ministry in Tampa Bay and how they teach others to drastically cut their monthly grocery bills.
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Changing the World with 27,716 Pairs of Shoes JOY FM listeners, in conjunction with other organizations, donated over 27K pairs of shoes to cover the feet of Guatemalan orphans!
24
My Walk with Jesus
28
Jesus, Our Healer
32
Truth Matters
16
06
From the Editor
07
Meet Overflow
08
Magnify Him
10
Ministry Spotlight
16
Contributors
22
Healthy Life
26
Salvation
36
Resources
38
My Rock
42
Events
www.OverflowMag.com
One woman’s story of surviving breast cancer and how God walked with her every step of the way. God is willing and able to heal you. Make Jesus your Healer today. How to find truth in this world.
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FROM THE EDITOR Dear Friends, I can’t believe it is already October! This year has flown by and the holidays are fast approaching. We are expecting our second child in early November! Where did the time go? We are very excited to meet our precious baby girl. With the new baby coming, I started thinking about ways to save money. Then, Overflow was introduced to the local ministry TrueCouponing.com. After attending one of their free workshops, I knew this was the perfect way to reduce my spending. Are you interested in significantly cutting down your grocery bill while still having an overflowing supply of groceries to share with others? Who isn’t? Check out the cover story “Savings for Yourself, Blessings for Others” by Amanda Wright on page 10. Especially during these times, it is great to find a way to save money and help others out in the process. This is an informative and encouraging article on Truecouponing.com, a ministry that teaches others to coupon their way into abundance. I have only been couponing for a few weeks now and have already saved over $300! Praise God! This is certainly not the old way of couponing.
LATEST IMPACT
Has the Lord placed a ministry on your heart and you would like to get the word out about them? You can sponsor an ad for them
in Overflow. It is a great way to help your favorite ministry, and at the same time, help Overflow spread the Word of God throughout Tampa Bay. If you are interested, call us for more information. Our feature Magnify Him, “My Walk with Jesus,” will touch your heart and encourage you to trust God to carry you through life’s challenges (page 24). Read the story of this breast cancer survivor and how Jesus walked with her during the most challenging time of her life. Do you need healing today? God is willing and able to heal you. Learn in Gail Anderson’s article, “Jesus, Our Healer,” what the Bible says about healing and how to receive Jesus as your Healer today (page 28). Do you ever feel like that lost sheep that no one cares about? Well, God cares and He wants you back. If you want to make Jesus your Lord and Savior today, then go to our salvation section on page 26. Have a blessed October! In His Love,
Amie Cherp
Advertising at times can have both a corporate and spiritual side to it, or so I have learned since meeting up with Overflow Magazine. We have always believed in being honorable and in letting people know we are Christians. But the article they wrote about my wife Dyan and how we integrate our faith into our business was also a testimony to the community of who we are as a company, not just as people. I was amazed at how many people told us they had read the article! So, it was more than just an advertisement —it was an example of the testimony of our faith in action. Advertising with Overflow goes beyond reaching 35K plus readers, it’s about being a part of something honorable, encouraging, and uplifting (Philippians 4:8). And which one of us doesn’t need that every day?
Dear Chris and the Overflow Team,
Dennis Piller Spa Moritz Salon & Spa www.spamoritz.com
Have a Blessed Day! John Faulkner www.cornerstonesolutionsgroup.com
I just wanted to take a few minutes to thank you for the positive impact you have made on my family and business. Since appearing in the April 2010 issue I have had countless opportunities to share Christ and the Cornerstone philosophy with the individuals who read that article. You have encouraged me to be more and share more. On an interesting side note, the most popular link on our website has become the Overflow link! I look forward to watching God continually work through you and the entire Overflow team.
ofmag love+faith+hope
EDITOR
Amie Cherp amie@overflowmag.com
SALES & MARKETING Chris Cherp chris@overflowmag.com
CREATIVE
Brady Wright brady@overflowmag.com Amanda Wright amanda@overflowmag.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Tommy Burrus
PHOTOGRAPHY
Stephen T Photography
INTERN
Alexandra Downing
HOW TO REACH US
27251 SR 54, Suite B14-605 Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 813.915.6700 Phone 813.463.0275 Fax www.OverflowMag.com
Magnify Submissions
magnify@overflowmag.com
General Info Inquiry
contact@overflowmag.com
Overflow Magazine is published monthly by Eternal Holdings LLC, a Florida limited liability company, d/b/a Overflow Magazine. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced or copied in any form without prior written permission from a representative of Overflow Magazine. We cannot be held responsible for statements made by advertisers or contributing writers; however, we do make every effort to ensure the accuracy and truthfulness of the information we print. Overflow Magazine cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors made by advertisers and/or contributing writers. All images, written work, photographs, e-mails and letters sent to Overflow Magazine will be allocated for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted rights to edit. Overflow Magazine is distributed free of charge to local supermarkets, churches, businesses, family events and other locations around the Tampa Bay area. For information on where to find Overflow Magazine or if you would like to become a distributor, please call 813-915-6700 or e-mail contact@ overflowmag.com.
© 2009-2010 Eternal Holdings LLC. All rights reserved. Photo Credits: ©iStockphoto.com/endopack, p. 2; ©iStockphoto.com/sharply_done, p. 5, 28; ©iStockphoto.com/irishblue, p. 5, 32; ©iStockphoto.com/Juanmonino, p. 8; ©iStockphoto.com/BassittART, p. 9; ©iStockphoto.com/calvio, p. 18; ©iStockphoto. com/ZoneCreative, p. 20; ©iStockphoto.com/hammondovi, p. 22; ©iStockphoto.com/ Irochka_T, p. 19; ©iStockphoto.com/BDyksen, p. 34; ©iStockphoto.com/JoeBiafore, p. 35; ©iStockphoto.com/pascalgenest, p. 41; www.thejoyfm.com, p. 5,16.
Ty Williamson, www.pixelsoftime.com
Meet Overflow
Praise King Jesus! Did you know that EVERYTHING we have is God’s and He just allows us to borrow it while we are here on earth? Jesus described the Kingdom of God in the parable of the talents saying, “For it is like a man going on a journey, who summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them” (Matthew 25:14, NET). Fortunately we are not just servants for the Lord, but also His family. When we realize that God wants us to be good stewards of all that He has given us and that He wants us to prosper, life begins to take on new meaning. Though there is an economic hard time in the world right now, the children of God are not to be moved by this. In Psalm 33:18-19 (MSG), the Bible says, “Watch this: God’s eye is on those who respect Him, the ones who are looking for His love. He’s ready to come to their rescue in bad times; in lean times He keeps body and soul together.” He is talking about His children! There are several stories throughout the Bible that tell of how God’s obedient children prospered in times of famine. We know it’s easier said than done. Like all Believers, Team Overflow is continuing to be shaped and polished into a precious gem, totally relying on the grace of God to guide our every step. “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man” (Psalm 118:8, NIV). Trust in God! It’s times like these that the children of the Most High God will begin to shine brightly in the dark world so that the lost will begin to desire what we have - Jesus. No matter what you’re going through, keep your eyes on Jesus and know that Team Overflow is praying for everyone that rests their eyes on Overflow Magazine. Be blessed and remember we are covenant children! Glory! God Bless you! With Love in Christ, Team Overflow
Oct 2010 Love+Faith+Hope
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MAGNIFY HIM SUBMITTED BY YOU!
Psalm 145:1-2 (NKJV)
“I will extol You, my God, O King; And I will bless Your Name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your Name forever and ever.”
He Gives Wisdom When I was pregnant with my first child, I wanted my mom with me when I gave birth to my son. However, she lived in Texas, so I wasn’t sure when to tell her to come. It meant a lot to me because I am very close to my mom. I decided to take it to the Lord. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5, NKJV). I prayed and asked God to please reveal to me when I was going to have the baby so I could have my mom fly in beforehand. Well, a couple weeks went by and I was in the shower praying and thinking about unrelated things. Then, all of a sudden the Lord spoke to my heart saying “April 7th and 8th.” I was thinking, “What does that mean?” and the Lord repeated those two dates. God was telling me when I was going to have my son, but I didn’t understand why He gave me two dates. I kept dwelling on it and He kept telling me the same two dates. So, I told my mom to fly here before April 7th and she booked her flight. I also told my husband what the Lord had advised me. We didn’t try to complicate it any further; we just trusted God that my mom would be here prior to the birth. Well, my mom flew in April 5th and we enjoyed a couple of days together. Then, on the evening of April 7th, I went into labor and had my precious baby boy in the early morning hours of April 8th. God is so Good! He told me April 7th and 8th because He knew my labor would start on the 7th and that I would deliver the baby on the 8th. God will give us wisdom for the things to come if we just ask Him and trust in Him. Praise God! >>> AC, Victorious Life Church
He Calls Us One day I was leaving the gym, after a long day at work. I was tired and didn’t have the best day, and it was raining to top it off. As I was walking toward my car in the parking garage, I saw an old woman drop something. The Lord spoke to my spirit, “Go help her.” His voice was clear as day to me. So I walked over as she was standing back up and I noticed that she was soaking wet, her umbrella was tattered and broken, and she looked very upset. I asked her, “Are you okay?” She said, “Well, no. Actually, I have been walking around for three hours and I cannot find my car.” Now that I was close up, I noticed that this woman was very old and she had a very hard time walking. I invited her to get into my car so we could drive around to find her car. She explained that she had an appointment downtown and couldn’t remember where she parked. She had been wandering around for hours and no one had stopped to help her.
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She graciously accepted the ride and I helped her into my vehicle. It appeared that it took every ounce of energy she had to get into the car. I prayed that God would help me quickly find her car, as she had no idea where it was. I called the police first to make sure her car had not been towed and praise God, it had not. Within a few minutes, the Lord guided me and I found her car! She was so elated. I helped her get into her car and watched her drive off. My dreary day quickly turned around, as I realized that I am here to fulfill God’s call on my life. He needs us to help His people with the small stuff too. We must not let circumstances in life take over our day because He is calling us to our next task. Will you listen? >>> Amanda, Plant City
Visit OverflowMag.com to SUBMIT your God Story and tell your community what He has done in your life.
Protected by the Blood of Jesus
Jehovah Jireh
Recently, the Tampa Bay area has received a lot of rain. One day, while it was raining I was driving southbound on I-75. I was traveling over 70 mph when my vehicle began to hydroplane. For those who don’t know, hydroplaning is when a thin layer of water gets beneath the bottom of your tires and you essentially lose control of your vehicle. It’s a lot like driving on ice. During this whole event, I was on the phone (blue tooth) with my wife. I immediately began to yell the precious name of Jesus over and over. Everything seemed to move in slow motion. I was traveling sideways down the middle of the interstate. Then, my vehicle swung the other direction and went into the grass, again traveling sideways. Mud was flying, my blood was pumping and praise God I was safe. Every day before my family leaves the house we pray and plead the blood of Jesus over us and all that we do. I am writing this to give thanks to my great Father in Heaven, my Lord Jesus Christ, and His Holy Spirit that kept me at peace throughout the entire event and for the precious Blood of Jesus that brings protection to everything it’s administered to. Glory to God!
I know that things have been tight for most everyone, and my family is no different. We’ve watched as the prices on everything have increased, but we’ve always managed to have enough—until this week. My wife and I were privately discussing our financial situation over the phone (we have never discussed the specifics of our finances with our children). There was just no money left. We didn’t know how we were going to eat or buy gas for the rest of the week until we got paid on Friday. I hung up the phone, and prayed.
>>> CP, Wesley Chapel
>>> Rejoicing in Tampa Bay
After I prayed, I felt compelled to go to the mailbox. When I got there, there was a check in the mail for nearly $300. It came with a notice explaining that we had overpaid on insurance. I immediately went inside and sat my children down and told them the amazing thing that God did for us. I really received a double blessing: I received the check that would get us through and I had the chance to share with my family the amazing provision of our great and glorious God! He truly is Jehovah Jireh (The Lord who Provides).
God Supplies At the start of summer, our church ladies auxiliary was looking for ways to help our community. We had a clothes drive and converted the church social hall into a boutique for one Saturday morning. There were clothes of all sizes for all ages, as well as several other items. We distributed flyers and invited people to come the week before the tax-free weekend. Those who came could not believe everything was free. Some of the clothes still had tags on them. Each of the people also got a copy of Overflow Magazine. God is so good! I know we got the biggest blessing of all. It was so wonderful to see the smiles on the faces of everyone that came in and to know as Philippians 4:19 (KJV) says, “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” We decided that this was our first Free Clothes Drive, but not the last. >>>Millie, First Thonotosassa Baptist Church
Oct 2010 Love+Faith+Hope
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FEATURED
MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT
Savings for Yourself, Blessings for Others >>> BY AMANDA WRIGHT
A
s Believers, we are called to be good stewards of our wealth. MerriamWebster defines wealth as an “abundance of valuable material possessions or resources.”1 The Bible talks about the responsibility that comes with wealth and riches. You might be thinking, “I don’t consider myself rich; I’m reading this article because I want to learn how to save money by couponing.” Well, compared to many other nations in the world, Americans are blessed. No matter what income level we are living at, I think we can all agree that we are to honor God by being good stewards of what He has given us. In 1Timothy 6:17-18, Paul instructs the Church not to put trust in our wealth, but to put trust in God and be willing to give and share that wealth. Kati Kiefer, founder of TrueCouponing.com, quoted 1 Timothy 6:18 during a recent True Couponing workshop. At these workshops, Kati teaches people her “tried and true” method for using consumer coupons for groceries, home products, and personal care products. She had mentioned this scripture to
encourage the attendees to bless others and be willing to give away their excess. Actually, this verse is a great description of what Kati does for people all over the Tampa Bay area. Her website blog is the ultimate resource to help you save money. She has learned the way to “coupon” herself into abundance. Kati’s pantries are
2007 Kati foresaw a pay cut in her husband’s salary, so she started looking into couponing to prepare her family for a reduced budget. Kati explained that she found the old way of couponing, that most of us are familiar with, “frustrating and de-motivating.” Either the coupon is expired or it doesn’t match up with the sale item. How many times
“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:18 (NKJV) literally overflowing; there is not room enough to store all the items she receives through couponing. How does she do it? Well read on because Kati is ready to give and willing to share.
A Heart to Help Kati is a “follower of Christ, wife to one, mom of four, and deal sharer to all,” as she puts it on her website. She attended USF and earned a B.S. in Accounting. After spending five years in the corporate world, the Lord led Kati to leave her job to homeschool her children. Due to the economy, in September of
have you experienced this scenario: the item that you do have a coupon for ends up being the same price (after deducting your coupon) as the sale item? You feel like you just wasted all that time you spent thumbing through, cutting, and organizing your coupons. What’s the point? Well, Kati soon learned that there was a much better method for couponing. By January 2009 the anticipated pay cut happened. Kati had been couponing for a little over a year and saving some, but she needed to kick it up a notch. Kati found a couple of website forums that list
Kati was so excited about her success that she shared it with all of her friends. “I wanted everybody to know what I was doing, so they could replicate it and be successful,” Kati said. She began e-mailing the weekly sales list and where to find the coupons to anyone who was interested. Kati started having friends and other homeschool moms over to her home to teach them how to save big as well. In October of 2009, Susanna Collins, a fellow homeschooling mom, wanted to figure out how Kati was saving so much. “My husband has three jobs, we have four children, and we needed food in our pantry, literally,” she said. “So, I went grocery shopping and followed her [Kati] in the store, trying to figure everything out.” She soon realized how amazing and easy this process (True Couponing) can be. Susanna expressed how thankful she is to God for bringing Kati into her life, and she shared, “Kati is super generous
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and a lot of people have actually said, ‘Why is she doing this? If she keeps telling all these people, we are going to run out of products at the store and there isn’t going to be enough.’ But her [Kati’s] heart is just to give, help, and love people.” By December of 2009, Kati’s weekly e-mail grew to 86 recipients and it was increasing every day.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
weekly sales at various stores and where to find coupons for those same products. She began saving a lot more by matching her coupons to sale items, but when she started using one coupon per item, the savings were going through the roof. So much so, that a $600 per month grocery bill for six people was cut down to $200.
10/8 - 7pm
Citylife Church 10948 N. Central Ave., Tampa
10/12 - 7pm
First United Methodist Church 120 N. Knights Ave., Brandon
10/18, 7pm
First Baptist Church of Ruskin 820 College Ave. W., Ruskin
10/29 - 6pm
Gulf Coast Fellowship 600 19th Street, Palm Harbor
11/4 - 7pm
MOSI 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
11/8 - 7pm
Suncoast Cathedral 2300 62nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg
With the help of her aunt, she launched the blog website TrueCouponing.com. Requests to teach others how to coupon were streaming in. Kati asked all of the women following her coupon method to sign up if they wanted a subscription to the newspaper so she could talk with the Tampa Tribune about a group discount on the papers (for the Sunday coupon inserts). A few months later it was apparent that the workshops could no longer be held in homes because there were too many requests to do them separately. Kati held her first big meeting at a friend’s church and invited all of the people requesting her help to one location for a free workshop. Over 120 people showed up to learn, along with the Tribune. The Tampa Tribune saw the demand and cut True Couponing a deal, 50% off Sunday papers (when you sign up through True Couponing)! The Tribune is also supporting the ministry by printing their materials and going on the road with them to all the workshops across town, offering the discounted subscriptions and a coupon organizer for signing up. There has been such a high demand for these couponing workshops that Susanna has graciously taken on the role of events coordinator. Prior to living in Florida, Susanna and her husband ministered to young people on abstinence and to adults on holiness and living pure. They also pastored a small neighborhood church in Michigan and worked with a lot of churches all over the county. So, Susanna was well-prepared and excited to help Kati with the True Couponing ministry. We have listed some of the upcoming training classes, but check out the website for more information.
The True Couponing Way So how does it work already? First, we strongly recommend you attend a training class (register online) and subscribe to TrueCouponing.com. Don’t worry, it’s all FREE! You will receive the weekly sales lists and deals via e-mail. At the workshop you can sign up for the newspaper subscription to get your coupons. Or if you want to do that ahead of time, e-mail trib@truecouponing.com to get the coupon code. “The more [coupons] you
have, the more you can save,” Susanna said, so order multiple newspapers. You also want to get your papers in pairs (when you attend the workshop this will be explained). Now this is the hard part…don’t look through your coupons! You need to have a “diligent spirit to delay pleasure,” Kati remarked. The next step is to get organized and file the coupon inserts by date. Don’t clip any coupons until you are going to use them (when the items go on sale). Make your grocery list and find the items that you need by reviewing the sales list e-mailed to you or go onto the website and select the store you normally shop at. Kati summarized the process, “You have to get coupons, match them to the sales list, and buy enough to last.” The idea is to stockpile (not hoard) what you will need for the next 12 weeks (which is the average sales cycle for product pricing). Kati explained, “True Couponing is a different way of thinking about [shopping] because you have to buy more than you normally would.” You have to think ahead on what you will need for the next several weeks, not just what you need now. What’s the trick? Don’t be brand specific. Buy what’s on sale to start your stockpile and eventually your favorite brands will come up in the sales cycle and then you can stock up on your favorites. Once you’ve built your stockpile, you will never need to buy these products at regular prices again. As you’re getting started, you will need items that aren’t on the sales list, and Kati has that covered as well. On the website there is a link called “coupon database” where you can find printable online coupons for hundreds of items. If the product is sold out at the store, stop by customer service and get a rain check – this allows you to buy the products at the sale prices when the items are restocked.
Coupon Fact One: You can use one coupon per item, even on buy one, get one free products.
Coupon Fact Two: You can stack store
coupons and manufacturer coupons on one product.
Coupon Fact Three: Newspapers are not
the only place to collect coupons – there are coupons all over some grocery stores. Be sure to check on your way in and on every aisle for a blinkie or tear pad (see website for coupon lingo).
You will be finding some great deals out there and saving a lot on your grocery bill, but let’s remember when we’re shopping, we are disciples of Jesus Christ first, and couponers second. Kati and Susanna talked about the important ethical guidelines that couponers should follow: do not hoard (let’s leave some items for the next person); do not use fraudulent or expired coupons; read the specific buying requirements on each coupon; do not sell items at flea markets or yard sales that you have gotten for free or next to nothing; and when you return an item you used a coupon for, make sure you tell them so you are not refunded a portion you did not spend.
Oct 2010 Love+Faith+Hope
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Blessing Tampa Bay God has propelled this ministry to a level Kati and Susanna never imagined. True Couponing is booming with an average of 3,600 hits on the website every day, more than 6,300 subscribers, and 1-3 training workshops per week. It’s no wonder that their ministry has been successful in helping countless families around the Bay. Every training class begins with prayer whether it is conducted at a church or not. “Jesus is your free coupon to Heaven,” Susanna boldly declared at the class Overflow attended, and that is at the forefront of their ministry. These women are spreading the love of God all over Tampa Bay and they will not leave Jesus out of the class. “Somebody asked us, ‘Will you come to our place [to give a training class], but you are not going to be able to speak about Jesus.’ We had to say we can’t because that just comes along with it,” Susanna explained. Kati added, “When I started this ministry, God clearly said, ‘Open in a word of prayer.’” True Couponing doesn’t charge anyone to subscribe to their website or to attend the training classes. They have blessed thousands of people for FREE. Why? The answer is quite clear - the love of Jesus Christ and the desire to help others. True Couponing’s motto is Savings for Yourself, Blessings for Others, which Kati explained “came at a time when I was praying and starting this ministry and I wanted a verse. [I thought], ‘What can I lump this whole ministry into?’ and Luke 6:38 came to mind.” “Give, and it will be given to you…” (Luke 6:38, NKJV). When you are getting boxes of cereal for $0.90, toilet paper for free, and spaghetti sauce for a dime, you will be able to share the wealth. If you follow the True Couponing method, you can save a fortune and have more groceries than your family can use. Kati and Susanna have given their excess groceries to several different ministries, homeschooling families, and more recently as give-aways at the True Couponing training classes. Are you ready to give and willing to share? Kati and Susanna suggested Lighthouse Ministries as a place to bring donations anytime their retail stores are open. They are also excited about Feed the Bay 2010. In 2006 this organization was started by Bay Life Church in
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Brandon, and they collected 30,000 pounds of food the first year. Last year, 307,000 pounds of food was collected. This month on October 24th, Feed the Bay is collecting donations for local food banks and you can be a part of it! Go to www.feedthebay.org for the grocery list and donation drop off sites. True Couponing will also be putting up the shopping list of needed items, as well as adding an icon next to these items within each store’s list.
If your church or organization is interested in hosting a free True Couponing workshop, please visit the website and download the form under “Workshop Information” and e-mail it to Susanna@truecouponing.com. GLORY!
THE JOY FM
HELPING YOU FIND JOY
Changing the World with 27,716 Pairs of Shoes! 16
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T
he JOY FM’s amazingly responsive listening community came through big time—AGAIN—and donated 27,716 pairs of shoes intended for orphans in Guatemala. In September, The Morning Cruise’s Carmen Brown journeyed to an orphanage there in Guatemala to personally deliver the shoes. Joining her was the band, MIKESCHAIR, who had helped by collecting shoes with The Morning Cruise team at “shoe stops” scheduled throughout the area in August. They also provided their song “Keep Changing the World” as the theme song for the shoe campaign. The support demonstrated by JOY FM listeners was overwhelming, and the number of shoes donated shattered all previous records for shoes collected by the JOY FM in the past. Last year, 8,600 pairs of shoes were collected. This year, it was 27,716 pairs of shoes! Helping to boost the effort this year was the charitable organization BeautifulFeet.org. They agreed to match every pair of shoes that the listeners gave, up to 12,000. There was an additional incentive for the group who collected the most shoes: MIKESCHAIR would perform at their church. Encouraged by the matching gift and challenge, listeners provided 15,716 pairs of shoes—nearly doubling the previous record! However, the stories of why people gave to this effort were more impressive than the numbers. One woman who gave shoes at the last “shoe stop” in Sarasota did so because she had recently lost her son. Through tears, she told Carmen, “I want to give these in honor of him.” She donated two pairs of little boys’ shoes. The shoe outreach and trip to Guatemala were sponsored by Buckner International Ministries (www.shoesfororphansouls.org). The JOY FM is a network of non-commercial, listener-supported contemporary Christian music stations serving Southwest, Central, and North Florida since 1986. It is owned by Radio Training Network, and is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization.
CONTRIBUTORS BUSINESS
Do it Anyway >>> BY JOHN FAULKNER
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allop. Rasmussen. JD Power & Associates. Consumer Reports. 5 stars. 4 stars. One can look to an overwhelming number of sources to find information on products and services. Many products that are seen and used every day are the result of the endless surveying of public opinion. Find the sweet spot in the market and a product soars to the top. Fail to do the proper homework and hopes and dreams can sink like the Titanic.
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway. What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
Product selections are not the only The good you do today will often be forgotten. decisions made based on surveys. Do good anyway. Business leaders make decisions where Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. they have to weigh public opinion and Give your best anyway. profits against their personal beliefs. In the final analysis, it is between you and God. For example, will a Christian contractor It was never between you and them anyway.1 turn down a job renovating an adult entertainment club even though he’s almost out of work and about to layoff a group of loyal employees? Mother Teresa understood the last line of the poem better than Will the owner of a small business invest a portion of the profits anyone. Her ministry not only touched the sick and dying in Calcutta, into a water purification system in a third world country in spite but also inspired millions. In her amazing 87 years of life, she started of the slim margins in a tough economy? Although it is becoming ministries, met with world leaders, and redefined humility. She increasingly infrequent, isn’t it refreshing to see a man, woman, or wielded a remarkable amount of influence, ironically enough, because place of business operate from a position of conviction rather than she refused to be influenced. She experienced great success because convenience? she went against public opinion and operated on principle. She did it anyway. Sooner or later the businesses we represent will be faced In Calcutta, India, the following poem was reportedly written on the with decisions that will go against conventional wisdom and popular wall of Mother Teresa’s home for children (which appears to be an thought. What will our response be? Will we do it anyway? adaptation of Dr. Kent Keith’s original poem).1 It served as a reminder John Faulkner is the founder and President of Cornerstone Solutions Group, to her that as a child of God, she answered to an audience of One. a multi-dimensional company with over 300 employees that has prospered for over two decades. www.CornerstoneSolutionsGroup.com http://prayerfoundation.org/mother_teresa_do_it_anyway.htm
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Housekeeping By
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BEHIND THE PULPIT LOCAL PASTOR’S VOICE
The Generous Heart of a Child >>> BY PASTOR ANDY SISTRUNK
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his morning was as normal as any other morning in my house. We woke up, put the coffee on, and started getting the family ready for the day. Our summer schedule is pretty relaxed, and we always have time to talk over breakfast about what the plans are for the day, what the baby is discovering, or what Lego creation has come to life in the past day in our ten-year-old’s room. This morning was no different. The baby was in his high chair, munching on some toast. My wife headed to her home office to get the day started at work. Davey, our ten-year-old, was enjoying some Chocolate Cheerios, and I was having an egg with toast. Davey and I were talking about the day ahead, and catching up on yesterday’s events, as he had spent the day with his grandparents. All of a sudden, he remembered that his grandmother had given him ten dollars, and he produced a folded up ten-dollar bill from his pocket to prove it to me. I went through my usual dad speech. We have been teaching him about money as our family has been doing Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University with our small group. It went something like this: “That’s great son! It’s your money, so what do you want to do with it?” I was expecting the usual response following the methods that we are teaching him - 10% would go to the church, 10% would go to savings, and the rest would go to his spending money. I was not at all prepared for his response. He said, “I want to put it all in give.” As though I had not heard him, I said, “Well, why don’t you give 10% to the church, put 10% in savings, and then you can spend the rest.” He looked at me with an almost pitiful look on his face and said, “No, I want to give it all to the church.” He had such a humble, loving way about him as he said it, and I instantly realized that I was witnessing the work of God in my son’s heart. I told him that I loved his generous heart, and then I sat and finished my breakfast in thoughtful silence.
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On the way to our bedroom to finish getting ready for work, I stopped, hoisted him up on the couch, and gave him a huge hug. I held him in my arms, loving father to son, and said, “Davey, don’t ever lose that generous heart!” As I let the water run down over me in the shower, I was so convicted about my own heart. How could I, the pastor, try to talk my son out of giving all of his money to the church? I realized that I was watching the Widow’s Mite story from Mark 12 play out in my own kitchen. For a ten-year-old, ten dollars might as well be a hundred. Ten dollars is actually two weeks’ pay for our son. He does jobs around the house to earn five dollars commission each week. I stood there, asking myself this question: “Am I willing to give two weeks’ pay to God, without a second thought?” I left the house, hopped in my truck, and headed for the church. On the way, all I could think about were the events of that morning in our house. God spoke to my heart as I was driving, and reminded me that it is not about the amount of money that Davey gave, or that I give. The lesson that God wanted to teach me is that I need to have the generous heart of a child, remembering that everything I have comes from God. Davey wants to give everything that he has to God! I want to be like my son! Davey made me want to give God everything that I have today. I want to give all of my effort, all of my skill, all of my talents, gifts, and abilities. He made me want to commit my entire life to God once again, with reckless abandon. We should all learn from the generous heart of a child. Oh, Lord, help us all to give ourselves to You with such complete devotion! Andy Sistrunk is the Associate Pastor at Van Dyke Church. Visit them on the web at www.vandyke.org
HEALTHY LIFE
5 Tips to Save Your Posture >>> BY DR. ALIYA REDWOOD
The best way to reduce injuries is to use correct techniques and posture during your day to day living. If not, you can compound injuries you may already have by repeating incorrect habits or techniques.
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When lifting do not twist or bend over with your legs straight. Avoid lifting objects above your shoulders. DO get close, grasp firmly, use stomach muscles to support load, use leg muscles to lift the load, and set load down smoothly. For high objects use a stool or ladder and ask for help. Additionally, parents should always go to the level of the child to lift (as the child grows older, the weight increases and your risk of injury increases).
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When standing do not remain in one place for a long time. Also, do not walk with poor posture. Avoid high-heel shoes for long periods of time. DO stand with one foot on a stool or change positions often when washing dishes, brushing teeth, or whenever you are standing for long periods of time. Wear comfortable low-heel shoes and stand tall while walking.
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When driving do not drive slouched over or with a hand or arm hanging out of the window.
DO sit so both feet are on the floor with knees slightly higher than hips, use a stool if needed. Do not cross legs at knees (this causes poor circulation and can aggravate an existing low back problem). Sit firmly against the back of the chair, with the low back supported.
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When sleeping do not lay on a sagging or non-supportive mattress or sofa. Habitual stomach sleeping can cause further back strain due to the prolonged twisting of the neck. DO sleep on a medium-firm mattress, on your side or your back, with one pillow under your head. When sleeping on your side, have your knees slightly bent with a pillow between them. When sleeping on your back, have a pillow under your knees and maybe a small towel rolled under the hollow of your back.
DO move the seat forward; your knees should be bent and higher than your hips. Be sure the hollow of your back is supported, and have both hands on the wheel.
The foregoing information is in a general format and not intended to be treatment for lifting type injuries. Such injuries may have complicating factors and must be assessed on an individual basis for specific treatment or referral when necessary.
When sitting do not lounge on a soft sagging sofa. Do not sit in a chair that’s too high or far from your desk. Avoid leaning forward for long periods of time.
Dr. Aliya Redwood is a Chiropractic Physician. She graduated from St. Leo University and Life University, College of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA. Dr. Redwood opened Wesley Chapel Chiropractic in September 1995. You can reach her at 813-973-2261 or visit www.WesleyChapelChiropractic.com.
OverflowMag.com Oct 2010
MAGNIFY HIM SUBMITTED BY YOU!
When I received news that I had breast cancer, my heart ached. Many thoughts went through my mind: “How bad is it? Will I be able to see my grandchildren marry? Will I have more time here to do the Lord’s will in my life?”
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couple weeks earlier, I had attended a luncheon where a doctor from Moffitt Cancer Center spoke about being your own advocate by doing self exams and getting mammograms. I leaned over to my friend and said, “Sure! I wouldn’t be able to tell a cyst from a lump!” For a full week after that the Lord prompted my heart over and over again. I heard His voice telling me to check my breast - not breasts but breast. I went into the shower and started to check my right breast. There it was - a hard round lump there was no mistaking it; this felt different. I went to my doctor and he said I needed to go in for a mammogram. The Lord put it into my heart to seek the doctor from Moffitt, so I went to the center to have the mammogram and ultrasound. Then, I needed a biopsy. When I went in for the biopsy I asked the Lord to help me through it. He not only told me that He was with me, but also sent in a nurse to pray with me before they did the procedure. The Lord held my hand through the whole ordeal. A few days later, the doctor called and wanted to see me. As the doctor put his arms around me, he told me the news. God sent me to the most compassionate doctor I had ever met. Before going to have surgery, I felt the Lord drawing me to the ocean. I knew that I must go. I asked my husband Lee to take me to Daytona Beach for the weekend. I wanted to hear the surf. I wanted to walk along the beach and feel the sand between
my toes. I slept soundly that night. No sad thoughts, but my heart was heavy. “What would the outcome be?” I wondered. I slept with the balcony door open so I could hear the ocean’s whisper as I fell asleep. Early morning came and the sun shone brightly through the window into my eyes. I quietly slipped out of the room. I wanted to go on a walk alone to have quiet time with the Lord. Oh, Glory! The minute I stepped onto the sand, I felt God’s presence. He was with me and this is where He wanted me to be - alone with Him. I started to walk along the sunfilled beach; it was still early so no one was around. The Lord had me all to Himself. He started to talk to me about not being afraid and that He was with me. He was holding me in His arms through the journey. The Lord told me to stand and just breathe Him in and know how much He loved me. Tears filled my eyes as we walked and talked and I told Him my concerns. As He listened, He surrounded me with His glory. God told me I was going to be just fine. He revealed that He had more for me to do here on earth and others would need to hear my story in order to save their lives. He said my quality of life would change, I would abundantly enjoy His gift of life, and I would walk even closer to Him. As we continued down the beach, I saw about 50 sandpipers just running, heads down pecking and pecking, so very busy! The Lord said, “Watch them, Donna. See how busy
they are? Running and working all the day long. That is why My people do not hear Me and why you must tell them to be still and know that I am God. Donna, be still and know that I am God and all things will work together for your good because you love Me!” (see Romans 8:28). “Holy, Holy is Your Name, My God,” I said back. At that moment I looked down at the sand and there were His footprints—the only prints in the sand! I wept and knew my God was carrying me through this journey of breast cancer and that I would use it to glorify Him. He gave me peace through the surgery and I had no fear. My recovery was very good and I knew He was guiding my healing. He gave me strength in His Word and I was able to minister to other cancer patients during my 32 days of radiation. The Lord gave me strength that I never knew was possible. He gave me a purpose to help other women who would be going through this journey by telling my story and holding their hands. Today, I am cancer free and I am a survivor! Jesus took my hand, walked me through it all, and never left me. I want you to know that He is there for you in the very same way. Don’t be a sandpiper; don’t look down, but look up and reach for Him. He is always with you and He will never forsake you (Hebrews 13:5, Deuteronomy 31:6). I know because He told me so. Praise Jesus!
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SALVATION
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o you ever feel like you aren’t worth God’s trouble because of all of the things you’ve done or haven’t done? Do you think you mean less to Him than others? Well, there is good news; God is not willing to let even one of His “sheep” wander off without going to find them. God does not look down from Heaven at a group of a 100 people and say, “Well 99 out of 100 is pretty good, so I can rest now.” No, God wants that “one” as well. It is His will that we should all be saved. In Luke 15:7 (NET) Jesus says that “there will be more joy in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent.” God is waiting for you. Are you ready to be found?
Say this prayer aloud: Father God, I come before you in the Name of Jesus. Your Word says, “Whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21, KJV) and “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9, NKJV). Father God, I believe your Word is truth and I stand on it now. Please forgive me for all my sins and unrighteousness. Today I make Jesus my Lord and Savior and I believe God raised Him from the dead, and He is seated at the right hand of the Father in Heaven. Father I ask that you fill me with your Holy Spirit to guide and teach me as I walk this earth and grow spiritually (Luke 11:13; Luke 12:12). I thank You for making a place for me in Your Kingdom, please guide me in the direction that will eternally please You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Matthew 18:12-14 (NIV)
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in Heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.�
CONTRIBUTORS HEALING
Jesus, Our Healer >>> BY GAIL ANDERSON Co-Director of Faith Life Church Healing School
When looking to God for our healing there are some fundamental Bible truths we must understand: 1. It is God’s will to heal YOU! 2. Faith begins where the will of God is known. 3. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 4. God does not place sickness upon us as a teacher. 5. Know the author of goodness and the author of evil.
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irst of all you need to be assured that Christ has promised you personally that it is His will to heal YOU. YOU, personally, not someone you read about in the Bible or someone who told you about their Aunt Suzy who was miraculously healed by the power of God. No, you must have it settled once and for all that it is Christ’s desire to deliver YOU from sickness and disease.
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Let’s look at a few scriptures that can help you establish this truth for your personal situation. Here we see in Matthew 4:23 (KJV), “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” Jesus heals ALL manner of sickness and disease; therefore, that must include whatever type
of illness you may be experiencing. In Matthew 9:35 (KJV) it states, “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” We see again that Jesus heals every sickness and disease, including yours. Faith begins where the will of God is known. Faith, simply put, is confidence and trust in God and His Word. You cannot have faith in God for your healing if you do not first know it is His will to heal you. There is not one scripture where someone came to Jesus believing in Him as their Healer and He said no to them. Jesus healed whosoever believed in Him as their Healer. Jesus desires the Word of God to be active and operative for everyone. Unfortunately, not everyone desires the same thing that Jesus does. Take Jesus Christ as your very own Healer today.
Here are two scriptures that declare Christ as your Healer: “Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4-5, KJV). According to the Strong’s Greek and Hebrew Dictionary the same Hebrew word for griefs here in Isaiah 53:4 is translated 12 times as sickness, 7 times as disease, 4 times as grief, and 1 time as sick throughout the King James Version of the Bible. Therefore, we could say according to Isaiah 53:4 Jesus bore our sicknesses. This is confirmed again in Matthew 8:17 (KJV), “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” Peter says it this way in 1 Peter 2:24 (KJV), “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” He bore our sins to redeem us from sin and He bore the stripes to redeem us from sickness and disease. Let your faith soar as you confidently trust in the Word of God, knowing Jesus bore your sickness and disease—by whose stripes YOU were healed. God’s redemptive nature provided for our healing from the beginning. This is evident even in the names of God (see His names to the right). God’s healing power is seen in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, so we can rely on and believe in the power of God to heal us today. God does not place sickness on His children and certainly not as a means to teach them. The Bible clearly states in the New Testament that the Holy Spirit has been sent to teach us. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things…” (John 14:26, KJV). You cannot be assured of Christ’s willingness to heal you if you believe for any reason that He is the author or cause of your disease. The Bible is clear that it is God’s will for you to be healed. Let’s read John 10:10 (KJV): “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
Think about that scripture. John 10:10 defines for us where destruction and evil come from and where life and abundance come from. The Bible really makes it simple. If it is good and life-giving, then it comes from God; if it kills, steals, and destroys, then it comes from Satan. Would you agree there is no sickness and disease in Heaven? There was no sickness in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve were thrown out of the Garden of Eden, sin and death (sickness and disease through sin) entered the world. When you understand the origin of sickness and disease is Satan, then you can have confidence in God for your healing. Jesus paid the price to redeem you from sickness and disease by His stripes on Calvary. He bore your sickness so you do not have to and that is wonderful news. You may say, “I can see it is God’s will to heal, but is it His will to heal me?” Well, I have
Jehovah-Jireh
the Lord our provider (Genesis 22:13,14)
Jehovah-Nissi
the Lord our banner (Exodus 17:8-15)
some great news for you. Let’s take a look at how Jesus answered a man in the Bible who said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean” (Matthew 8:2, NKJV). Jesus’ answer to him was simple and exciting, “I am willing; be cleansed” (Matthew 8:3, NKJV). Jesus is willing to heal and He is willing to heal YOU! Ultimately, God is a wonderful, heavenly Father who created you because He loves you. Jesus Christ has already paid the price for you to be healed. Healing belongs to you. If you have any sin in your life, just ask God to forgive you. Then, repeat this prayer aloud: “Jesus, I receive you now as my Lord and my Healer. I believe Your Word, by Your stripes I am healed according to 1 Peter 2:24.” Praise Him and thank Him daily that His healing power is working in you, driving out all sickness and disease and totally restoring your health. Amen!
Jehovah-Ra’ah
the Lord my shepherd (Psalm 23:1)
Jehovah-Tsidkenu
the Lord our righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)
Jehovah-Shalom Jehovah-Shammah the Lord our peace (Judges 6:24)
the Lord is present (Ezekiel 48:35)
Therefore, let us not forget that God is also:
Jehovah-Rapha
the Lord that healeth thee (Exodus 15:26)
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Truth Matters >>> BY TOMMY BURRUS
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hen Jesus stood before Pilate, He said, “For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice” (John 18:37, RSV). Pilate’s response is echoed today in the sentiments of many people. As if truth didn’t matter, he dismissively replied to Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). Obviously, the truth must be important if Jesus came to bear witness of it.
We have to wonder what effect this might have on the school system. Can a teacher really mark a test answer wrong? Perhaps that student is sincere and expressing an alternate, equally valid truth. Of course, that is absurd. Truth is absolute. As a friend of mine is fond of saying, “2 + 2 = 4, and 5 doesn’t cut it.” There are verifiable, consistent facts that life relies upon. For example, water freezes at a set temperature and boils at a set temperature. That is true regardless of your culture or community or religious beliefs.
The Postmodern philosophy rejects absolute truth. Truth, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder according to this way of thinking. Depending on cultural and religious beliefs, a person’s “truth” can be vastly different than the “truth” espoused by another. One of the basic tenets of postmodernism is that all truths are equally valid; truth is said to be relative. This has led to false statements such as “All religions are essentially the same and lead to the same place,” and “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere.”
So, truth does exist. When it comes to matters of truth, we need reliable sources. How can we determine what is true when some truths cannot be scientifically tested? We certainly should be respectful of others and their beliefs, but that doesn’t make all beliefs equal. In the search for truth, it may be helpful to remember the words of Solomon in Proverbs 14:15 (The Message) “The gullible believe anything they’re told; the prudent sift and weigh every word.”
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In the pursuit of eternal truth, the Scriptures are the logical starting point. In John 5:39 (RSV), Jesus said, “You search the scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness to Me.” Jesus is uniquely able to bear witness to the truth because He is Truth. He said in John 14:6 (KJV), “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” Prior to His physical birth, He existed. Jesus was present and involved in the Creation of the world (John 1:1-3). While on earth, He was fully God and fully man, and He remains the full expression of all that God is (Colossians 2:9). As the Eternal Son of God, Jesus came to make the truth known.
Just as Satan tempted Eve to ignore God’s authority and be her own god (Genesis 3:5), Satan continues to tempt us with the opportunity to live self-centered lives without consequence. He dangles before us the chance to escape the authority of God, which he portrays as being heavy-handed. He wants us to think of God as trying to deprive us of what is good and beneficial when the truth is that God is trying to protect us from the harmful consequences of sin.
The truth that Jesus came to present is liberating. Satan’s goal is to bring us into bondage through deception, which leads to sin. Jesus came to give us the truth so that we can be set free (John 8:32). It should be obvious why Satan and the world over which he presides are so focused on undermining the truth: his mission is threatened by the truth.
Though many people read the Bible and have differing beliefs about it, the Bible is the Word of Truth (2 Corinthians 6:7; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:18). In Paul’s instructions to Timothy, he spoke of “rightly dividing” the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15). The point is that we need to correctly interpret God’s Word. The Holy Spirit will help with that if we ask Him.
Jesus warns us in Matthew 7:15 to beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. He was telling us that the danger is not always obvious. Often those who would mislead us appear to be trustworthy. On that note, Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 that since Satan can appear as an angel of light, it should not surprise us that false ministers would represent themselves as godly ministers. Peter also warned us to beware of false teachers (2 Peter 2:1-2) and said that we should expect them and be vigilant in preventing them from sneaking in false doctrine. As we mature spiritually, we are able to get deeper into the Word. With that growth, we gain more ability to recognize good from evil (Hebrews 5:14). The Holy Spirit will help us in this area, but God has given us some responsibility as well. This discernment between good and evil is important because sometimes the lie is merely a nuance or an underlying premise which causes us to deviate from truth. Satan is subtle, and a half truth often accomplishes more for him than an outright lie. That strategy served Satan well in the Garden. He crafted his words carefully and enticed Eve with the forbidden fruit.
The Bible is timeless and eternal truth. Skeptics have waged wars against it, but the Word of truth remains undaunted. The Bible says in 1 Peter 1:25 (NKJV), “But the word of the Lord endures forever. Now this is the word which by the Gospel was preached to you.” Jesus said in Matthew 24:35 (KJV), “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.” God has provided the Bible as the authoritative source by which we can acquaint ourselves with the truth and learn to be discerning. The Bible recommends to us the example of the Bereans who are said to be noble because “they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11, KJV). The Bereans demonstrated the diligence of the prudent that Solomon referenced in Proverbs 14:15.
Before His death, Jesus promised the arrival of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26) whom He called the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13). The Holy Spirit guides us to the truth and teaches us the truth. He convicts us when we do wrong and He urges us to do the right things. He aids our study and understanding of God’s Word so that, with His help, we can come to right conclusions. He dwells within each believer and is always present. There are also many resources available to aid us in the study of the Bible. A good Bible dictionary is an excellent aid. When you come across unfamiliar terms, a dictionary can provide the meaning. Commentaries can be useful as well. They are the written studies of Bible scholars, and they can add useful insights. A concordance will assist in locating all the Biblical occurrences of a specific word. Some, like Strong’s Concordance, will also identify the meaning of the word from the original language. A Bible Atlas can be helpful with the geography and history of the Bible. Of course, many Bibles do include basic maps. You may also want to consider a study Bible; there is a variety from which you may choose. The essential thing is to find study aids that will help you correctly interpret and understand the truth. Simply stated, truth matters. It matters to the Father, who gave us His Word. It matters to the Son who came to testify to the truth. It matters to the Spirit who seeks to guide us to the truth. And the truth should matter to us. Glory!
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RECIPES
Stuffed Crust
Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie Submitted by Lisa Ciganek, Wesley Chapel
Ingredients: 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts) – or enough homemade pie crust dough for a double-crust pie ½ cup pecan halves, chopped and divided 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 can (15 oz) solid pack pumpkin 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, divided 1 package (3.4 oz) cheesecake instant pudding 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice or equal amounts cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg
If you have a recipe you’d like to share, e-mail it to: Contact@OverflowMag.com
Directions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
Preheat oven to 375°F Let pie crusts sit at room temperature for 15 minutes Lightly sprinkle waxed paper or work surface with flour Gently unfold one pie crust onto surface Brush a small amount of cold water onto the pastry Sprinkle the brown sugar and ¼ cup pecans evenly over the crust Place the second crust over the first and press to seal, using a small amount of water on your fingertips if necessary Gently move crust to 9-inch pie plate, prick surface of crust with a fork and flute the edges Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown and cool completely For filling: whisk pumpkin, half the whipped topping, pudding mix, and spices in a large bowl Spoon into pie crust and smooth the top Chill for 30 minutes Top pie with dollops of remaining whipped topping and sprinkle with pecans (if desired)
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Spinach
Ravioli Bake Submitted by Lisa Ciganek, Wesley Chapel
Ingredients: 1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce 2 cloves minced garlic (or jarred garlic) 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, divided 1 large package (25-27 oz) frozen ravioli (cheese or meat) 1 bag (10 oz) fresh spinach (optional) 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions: 1. 2.
Preheat oven to 350°F Spray bottom and sides of a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray 3. Mix garlic and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning into the sauce 4. Spread ¾ cup of pasta sauce on the bottom of the baking dish 5. Layer half the ravioli, half the spinach, and half the mozzarella cheese - repeat layers once 6. Pour on the rest of the pasta sauce and sprinkle with remaining tablespoon of Italian seasoning 7. Cover with aluminum foil, bake for 30 minutes 8. Remove foil and bake 15-20 minutes longer or until bubbly and hot in center 9. Sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese 10. Let stand for 10 minutes before you serve *You can put this together the night before – just add a bit more sauce to the top before you bake it. Be sure the pan comes almost to room temperature before you put it in the oven.
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RESOURCES FOR YOUR SPIRIT
Ephesians 4:23 (NET)
“...be renewed in the spirit of your mind”
It is vital to our spirituality that we continually renew our minds with the Word of God and meditate on His Word. Our Bibles are the most important resource we have to accomplish spiritual growth; however, we do believe in the importance of feeding our spirits with edifying books, sermons, and music that will build us up and keep Jesus Christ at the forefronts of our daily lives. Each month we will share impactful books, movies, CDs, and even websites that are inspirational and foster stronger relationships with our Father.
The Power of the BLOOD H. A. Maxwell Whyte
“You know that ‘there’s power in the Blood,’ just like the old hymn says—but are you actually experiencing that power in your daily life? Join H. A. Maxwell Whyte in this revealing exploration of the blessings to be found in Christ’s Blood.” In this book “you will find out how to: experience God’s complete forgiveness; become spiritually empowered, equipped, and energized; break the terrifying grip of fear and torment; create an atmosphere for miracles; defeat oppression, addictions, and sickness.”
Find it at:
www.whitakerhouse.com
God’s Master Plan for Your Life Ten Keys to Fulfilling Your Destiny
Gloria Copeland “God has a master plan for your life. It may not seem that way, especially when you stumble and fall, but you aren’t just an accident of nature that God took pity on. Though it may seem that you’re blindly making your way through this world, the truth is that God is behind you all the way. God will deliver you from sickness, trouble, poverty, and distress, and fill your life with goodness. Follow His shining path and let Him unlock blessings into your life.”
Find it at: www.kcm.org
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Focus on the Family Helping Families Thrive™
As a global Christian ministry ”dedicated to helping families thrive,” Focus on the Family provides ”help and resources for couples to build healthy marriages that reflect God’s design, and for parents to raise their children according to morals and values grounded in biblical principles.” This site offers links to radio broadcasts, websites, simulcasts, conferences, interactive forums, books, counseling, and much more.
Find it at: www.FocusOnTheFamily.com
Matt Maher Alive Again
www.mattmahermusic.com
StereoTruth This website blog offers music news and videos from all of today’s top mainstream and Christian artists. The goal with every blog post is “to help music fans around the world understand that Christ is looking to have a personal relationship with them through their passion for all kinds of music.” You can find the latest news about your favorite artists and reviews on new albums, as well as blog posts about everyday life as a Christian seeking God in today’s world.
Jeremy Camp
Find it at: www.StereoTruth.net
We Cry Out
www.jeremycamp.com
To Save a Life Everyone has problems. Not everyone has faith. New Song Pictures/Samuel Goldwyn Films Rated PG 13 This is a story of childhood friends pulled apart by the “politics of high school.” Jake Taylor seems to have it all with basketball, a girlfriend, and the popular crowd, but Roger Dawson is the outcast. He doesn’t fit in and decides to take his own life at school, right in front of Jake. This tragedy scares Jake to the core and causes him to question his whole life. This teen drama touches on several things facing youth today and shows that through Jesus Christ, you can make a difference in the lives of others and show them their life is valuable.
Newsboys Born Again
www.newsboys.com
Find it at: www.ToSaveALifeMovie.com Oct 2010 Love+Faith+Hope
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MY ROCK
SCRIPTURES I STAND ON
Joshua 1:9 (NIV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.� No matter how many trials and storms I go through, I know God is with me every step of the way. Though, I am hard pressed on every side, I am not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed! I give thanks and praise to my God who is my rock and my shield.
Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.� I chose this scripture because that was literally what happened to me. God healed me from 9 years of Lyme disease!
MY ROCK
SCRIPTURES I STAND ON
Proverbs 16:3 (KJV) “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” There have been many times in my life that I have felt inadequate and perhaps not able to complete a task that has been placed before me. I recall this verse and pray it to the Lord and ask Him to give me wisdom and direct my thoughts for the matter at hand. He is so faithful. After it is all said and done, I am able to achieve the task at hand, and I know it was only through God’s guidance. Many times, He wants us to walk through certain doors and we feel that we are not able. If He has something for us to do, He will help us through it. We just need to be obedient and trust Him instead of doubting ourselves and asking so many questions.
EVENTS OCTOBER
YouNite @ The Shops at Wiregrass
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Local Christian Bands on Main Stage 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel For more info: 813-971-4790 x 228 **Live music and giveaways 6pm-8:30pm
Hold on to Haiti
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A Benefit Concert for Haitian Orphans Featuring Newwordson Bell Shoals Baptist Church 2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon 813-689-4229 www.holdontohaiti.com Doors Open @ 5:30pm, Starts @ 6:45pm, FREE
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with Elmo, Big Bird, Bert & Ernie Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 N. McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater 727-791-7400 www.rutheckerdhall.com Fri., 10am & 7pm Sat., 10:30am, 2pm, & 5:30pm Sun., 1pm & 4:30pm
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Fall Festival & Craft Fair
First Annual Craftoberfest Event
CrossRoads Community UMC 26211 County Line Rd., Wesley Chapel 813-907-5815 www.crossroadsum.com **Crafts, Scrapbooks, Unique Arts, Pumpkin Patch to benefit a mission trip to Uganda, Africa 8am-2pm
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Abe Brown Ministries Presents
Transforming Lives Benefit Concert Hosted by Tony Dungy and Featuring Charles Billingsley & Babbie Mason Idlewild Baptist Church, Lutz N. Dale Mabry (1/2 mi. north of Van Dyke) For Tickets: 866-440-7880 www.abebrown.org 7pm, $30/ticket
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s
Light the Night Evening Walk Fundraiser
OverflowMag.com Oct 2010
Chonda Pierce at the House of Hope Benefit
St. James United Methodist Church 16202 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa 813-971-4790 www.stjamestampa.org **Free food, festivities, entertainment, crafts 10am-2pm
Tea & A Fashion Show
presented by Women-N-Charge West Winds 37411 Eiland Blvd., Zephyrhills For more info: 813-909-8663 Proceeds fund grants for Women in Business **Hat contest, tea, food, & door prizes 2pm-4pm, $10
Victory Church 1401 Griffin Rd., Lakeland 863-859-6000 www.victorylakeland.org 7:30pm Countryside Christian Center 1850 N. McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater 727-799-1618 www.countrysidechristiancenter.org 6:30pm
a home for healing teens First Baptist Church of Orlando 3000 S. John Young Pkwy., Orlando 407-425-2555 www.houseofhopeorlando.org 7pm
Sesame Street Live
Sarasota Payne Park 2050 Adams Lane, Sarasota, 34237 813-963-6461 www.lightthenight.org/sun **Food, festivities & entertainment 4pm
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Women of Faith Over the Top Conference
St. Pete Times Forum 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa For more info: Call Lisa Ciganek 813-205-0805 www.womenoffaith.com Begins Fri., 10am-3:30pm & 7pm-10pm Sat., 9am-5pm
15-17
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An Evening with Brandon Heath and Jars of Clay
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Boo Bash (Halloween Alternative)
A Fun, Safe Family Event Heritage Church 1046 Livingston Rd., Lutz 813-909-4080 www.boobash.info **Free candy, wear costumes, games, large inflatable 4-6pm, FREE
EVENTS NOVEMBER
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YouNite @ The Shops at Wiregrass
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Life Impact Network’s
Local Christian Bands on Main Stage 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel For more info: 813-971-4790 x 228 **Live music and giveaways 6pm-8:30pm
Light of Life Gala - “Adoption: God’s Plan A” with special guests Lauren Dungy and Mark & Amy Dominik Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay 2900 Bayport Drive For more info: 813-931-1804 www.lifeimpactnetwork.org Doors open @ 5:30pm
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10th Annual Greater Brandon Kiwanis “Terrific Kids” Golf Tournament
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5th Annual Evening of Hope
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Pure in Heart Conference
**Grandmothers, aunts, & tween leaders are welcome as well
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6th Annual Cup of Hope Garden Tea Party Presented by Bay Area Legal Services to benefit victims of domestic violence 5002 S. Shore Crest Circle, Tampa 813-232-1222 x 156 www.bals.org 1-4pm
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Fall Festival
Faith Life Church 4902 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa 813-910-7336 www.flctampa.org **Hot dogs, chips, soda, candy, games, puppets, entertainment, race cars, & more! 4pm-6pm, FREE
to benefit Run for Freedom and raise awareness of Human Trafficking Victorious Life Church 6224 Old Pasco Rd., Wesley Chapel For more info: 813-451-1640 www.runforfreedom.net ** Ride to Sleepy Hollow Restaurant in Floral City for lunch & back to VLC 9am (registration), 10am (ride)
Cornucopia, a Fall Festival
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Seeking Holiness Everyday Fashion Show
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Men at the Cross
Light the Night Evening Walk Fundraiser
Bright House Field 601 N. Old Coachman Rd., Clearwater 5pm George M. Steinbrenner Field 3802 Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd., Tampa 4pm 813-963-6461 www.lightthenight.org/sun **Food, festivities & entertainment
Motorcycle Ride for Freedom
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Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s
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Designed for Moms and Tween (7-12) Girls* Van Dyke Church 17030 Lakeshore Rd., Lutz 813-968-3983 www.reviveourhearts.com
8am-3:15pm
Riverhills Country Club, Valrico For more info: 813-546-5043 schaffergl@aol.com **$85/golfer includes lunch & dinner 11:30am
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Presented by Brandon Community Foundation to the foundation’s Angel Program Bell Shoals Baptist Church 2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon 813-689-6889 www.brandonfoundation.com 7:30pm
Presented by Christ CP Church Women’s Ministry 19501 Holly Lane, Lutz 813-909-9789 www.christchurchlutz.org **Yard Sale, chili cook off and bake sale 8am-12pm Presented by the Ladies Ministry of New Life Tabernacle UPC Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd., Tampa www.newlifetabernacleupc.org **Tickets are $25 and $30 for VIP 7pm
Empowering Men to Reach Men First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks 12685 Ulmerton Rd., Largo www.menatthecross.org 8am-12:45pm
If you would like to add an upcoming event to our calendar, please submit the event name, date(s), time(s), location(s), & a short description of the event to:
events@overflowmag.com Deadlines are the 15th* of each month *Space is limited
LOCAL CHURCH SERVICES Alafia Baptist Church
222 Alafia Baptist Church Rd. Lithia, 33547 813-634-8845 Sun., 9:45am, 11am, & 6pm Wed., 7pm
Anointed Word Church
1709 St. Joseph St. Tampa, 33607 813-254-5271 www.anointedwordchurch.com Sun., 10:30am, Wed., 7pm
Bay Covenant Fellowship 6813 US Hwy 301 S. Riverview, 33578 813-785-6032 www.baycovenant.com Sun., 10:30am & 6pm Wed., 7pm
Branch of Christ Ministries 27223 State Road 56 Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-435-1469 Sun., 10am
Christ CP Church
19501 Holly Lane Lutz, 33548 813-909-9789 www.christchurchlutz.org Sun., 10:30am
Christian Family Church AMC Westshore Plaza 210 Westshore Plaza Tampa, 33609 813-802-8736 www.cfctampa.org Sun., 10:30am
CrossRoads Community United Methodist Church
26211 County Line Rd. Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-907-5815 www.crossroadsum.com Sun., 9am (Blended Worship) 10:30am (Contemporary Worship)
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Church of the Lakes
2530 Wilson Rd. Land O’ Lakes, 34638 813-948-4358 www.churchofthelakesepc.org Sun., 9:15am & 10:30am
Dwelling Place
410 County Line Rd. W Lutz, 33548 813-949-1912 www.thedwellingplace.us Sun., 8:30am & 10:30am 2pm (Spanish Service)
E_Life Chapel
3806 N. 12th St. Tampa, 33603 813-924-6553 www.elifechapel.com Sun., 10:30am
Faith Life Church
4902 East Busch Blvd. Tampa, 33617 813-910-7336 www.flctampa.org Sun., 9am, 10:40am, Wed., 7pm Thurs., 7pm (Healing School)
First Baptist of New Tampa 28125 County Line Rd. Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-907-1685 www.fbcnewtampa.org Sun., 9:15am, 10:30am, & 6pm
First Thonotosassa Missionary Baptist Church 10650 McIntosh Rd. Thonotosassa, 33592 813-986-4756 www.thonotosassabaptist.org Sun., 9:45 am, 11am & 6pm Wed., 7pm
Floodgates Community Church 27137 Foamflower Blvd. Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-389-0238 www.floodgateschurch.org Sun., 9:30am, 11am & 5:15pm Tues., 8:30pm, Young Adults Wed., 7pm
Gateway Christian Center Assembly of God
14200 North Central Ave. Tampa, 33613 813-961-4692 www.gatewaytampa.net Sun., 9:45am, 10:45am & 6pm Wed., 7pm
Grace Outreach Ministries 1900 Oak Grove Blvd. Lutz, 33559 813-316-6606 Sun., 10:30am
Heritage Church
21418 Carson Drive Land O’ Lakes, 34639 813-909-4080 www.yesheritage.com Sun., 9am & 11am Wed., 7pm
Keystone Community Church 21010 State Road 54 Lutz, 33558 813-962-4522 www.keystonecommunity.org Sunday School, 9:30am Sunday Worship, 10:30am
Kingdom Worship Center 1102 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa, 33612 813-443-5720 Sun., 10am, Thurs., 7pm
Life Changing International Church
2106 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, 33594 813-653-9358 www.lifechangingintlministry.com Sun., 1:45pm Celebration Service Mon., Wed. & Fri., 7:30pm
Myrtle Lake Baptist Church 2017 Reigler Road Land O’ Lakes, 34639 813-949-5516 www.myrtlelake.org Sun., 10:30am & 6pm
New Birth of Faith Fellowship Church
1725 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa, 33612 813-972-0101 www.newbirthoffaith.org Sun., 10am, Thurs., 7pm
New Life Church
1611 E. Bougainvillea Tampa, 33612 813-244-4355 Sun., 3-5pm Wed., 7pm
Next Level Church
Tarpon Springs High School 1411 Gulf Rd. Tarpon Springs, 34689 727-279-6362 www.livenextlevel.com Sun., 10am (Cafe) 10:30am (Worship Service)
Oasis World Outreach
35636 State Road 54 West Zephyrhills, 33541 813-782-2888 www.oasisworldoutreach.org Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm
Onething Prayer Center
777 W. Lumsden Rd. Brandon, 33511 813-500-9411 www.onethingprayer.com *See website for various church, worship, and prayer service times
Open Arms Church of Ybor City 1314 E. 18th Ave. Tampa, 33605 813-248-2595 www.openarmschurch.org Sun., 10:30am & 1pm (Spanish) Wed., 7pm
Pathway to Peace Christian Church
5808 Lynn Rd. Tampa, 33624 813-908-0893 Bilingual-Spanish Services Sun., 10am, Tues. & Fri., 7:30pm
Renovate Church
37919 Skyridge Rd. Dade City, 33525 813-477-7004 www.renovatechurch.us Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm
River of Life
410 Chapman Rd. East Lutz, 33549 813-949-9931 www.riveroflife-lutz.org Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm
Shoresh David Messianic Jewish Synagogue 33425 State Road 54 Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-831-5673 www.shoreshdavid.org Fri., 7pm
St. James Methodist Church 16202 Bruce B Downs Blvd. Tampa, 33647 813-971-4790 www.stjamestampa.org Sun., 9am (Traditional), 11am & 12:30pm (Contemporary)
Tampa Covenant Church
13320 Lake Magdalene Blvd. Tampa, 33618 813-968-2979 www.tampacovenantchurch.org Sun., 9:30am, Wed., 7pm
Trinity Church of Wesley Chapel
33425 State Road 54 Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-788-2898 www.tumcwc.com Sunday, 9am & 10am (Worship)
Victorious Life Church
6224 Old Pasco Rd. Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-973-2230 www.victoriouslifechurch.com Sun., 9am, 10:40am & 6pm Wed., 7pm
Vida Community Church
Meeting at The Dwelling Place 410 W. County Line Rd. Lutz, 33558 813-810-0863 www.vidacommunitychurch.org Bilingual-Spanish Services Sun., 2pm, Thu., 7pm
Water’s Edge Church
30200 Overpass Road Wesley Chapel, 33545 813-994-5000 www.connectingfaith.com Sun., 11am Wed., Kids - 6:30pm, Adults - 7pm
Without Walls Intl. Church 3860 W. Columbus Drive Tampa, 33607 813-879-4673 www.withoutwalls.org Sun., 9am, 11am, 3pm (Spanish) Thurs., 7pm
Zephyrhills First Assembly 36322 State Road 54 Zephyrhills, 33541 813-788-3490 www.zephyrhillsfirst.com Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm
Want to add your
church?
If you would like to learn more about how your church can be listed in this section and become a point of distribution, please contact us:
813-915-6700 or
contact@overflowmag.com Oct 2010 Love+Faith+Hope
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