Overflow 11 | Nov Dec 2010 by Overflow Magazine

OverflowMag.com Nov / Dec 2010

PRAISE

WORSHIP

Beyond the Church Walls A SPOTLIGHT ON 3 BAY AREA PASTORS

Confessions

of a SHOPAHOLIC

a man’s recovery

God’s CHRISTmas Plan

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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Nov/Dec 2010

CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T AFFORD CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR? We Can Help!

We will buy your old silver and gold jewelry at a rate that is over 40% higher than other gold companies.

We are a Ministry 1st; and a Business 2nd

Check out our website to learn more about us, and call about our

Buy, Tithe & Match

Program for Churches and Ministries!

Moving to new location Dec. 1, 2010! Call for directions and info. We also SELL Precious Metals. So, give the gift of Kings this Season, Silver & Gold.

www.TheKingsGold.com

813-907-7111

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Nov/Dec 2010

CONTENTS

Expected

18 30 34 26

Featured

Beyond the Church Walls Overflow sat down with three prominent Tampa Bay area pastors to learn about their unique callings from God and what unites them together.

Expressive Gift Ideas

Giving Thanks Through a Life of Praise & Worship

Need help picking out the right gifts this Christmas? Check out these unique gifts!

From the Editor

Meet Overflow

Magnify Him

Ministry Spotlight

Contributors

Healthy Life

Salvation

Resources

My Rock

Events

www.OverflowMag.com

Learn about this powerful form of communion with God and how it can release us from bondage.

Planning Christmas

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Follow the journey of how God shared and carried out His Christmas Plans.

The story of how one man overcame the addiction of shopping and repaired his marriage and finances through Jesus Christ.

10 On the Cover

FROM THE EDITOR Overflow is celebrating our one year anniversary of sharing God’s glory in our community. We had a great year of growth, and we’ve learned a lot. We are very thankful for the opportunities we have had to meet many amazing men and women of God and to share their stories with Tampa Bay. Overflow is looking forward to another awesome year! Praise God! Want to learn a secret on how to overcome your most difficult day? “Giving Thanks through a Life of Praise and Worship” gives some insight on this powerful form of communion with God and how it can destroy strongholds in your life (page 26).

Dear Friends, The holiday season is here and it is time to give thanks for all we have and to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Tommy Burrus’ article, “Planning Christmas,” read the story of Jesus’ birth and remember the real reason for the Christmas season (page 30). It’s the time of year when we start buying gifts for our loved ones; however, we must be cautious not to overspend. Ray Howard candidly shares his story of overcoming the lifestyle of a shopaholic, and he gives some good tips on how to avoid spending too much during the Christmas season. Check out “Confessions of a Shopaholic A Man’s Recovery” on page 34. Were you wondering who the three men on the cover are? These intriguing men of God are Pastor Craig Altman (Grace Family Church), Pastor Greg Powe (Revealing Truth Ministries), and Pastor Stephen Rummage (Bell Shoals Baptist Church). Overflow had the honor and privilege to have dinner with these pastors as they shared how they stepped out in faith and followed God’s calling on their lives. “Beyond the Church Walls” is an interesting article about their journey in ministry and their God-given visions for Tampa Bay (see page 10).

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I encourage you to check out the great Christmas gift ideas on page 22. I especially like the book “Ivan Becomes a Hero” by Linda Rossetti Brocato. I read it to my son and we both really enjoyed it. You should also take a look at the holiday recipes; one of my favorite things during the holiday season is the yummy food! This Thanksgiving and Christmas season allow God’s love to radiate through you. You’ll be amazed by the response you receive as well as how good you feel when you do it. Let’s also give thanks for all that God has given us! Remember, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ so tell someone “Merry Christmas.” Have a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry CHRISTmas! With Love in Him,

Amie Cherp

Nov/Dec 2010

Why Overflow? Our main purpose at Overflow Magazine is to glorify God and to share the good news of God’s marvelous works from the lives of people in our local community. By spreading this good news, we believe the material you rest your eyes on will show you that God is good and faithful to those who come to Him and believe on His Word through Jesus Christ. As a result, we believe that we will begin reaping the harvest of men’s and women’s souls who were in the dark, making disciples, and teaching all nations. (Matthew 28:19)

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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.

Ty Williamson, www.pixelsoftime.com

Meet Overflow

Glory to God and praise King Jesus forever! It is not through our works but through the perfect work of Jesus Christ that allows us to receive all the Heavenly blessings here and now if we only believe. God has made new creations out of Team Overflow and for that we are sincerely thankful. This time last year, Team Overflow took the leap of faith and did what God had planned for us long ago – we started a free Christian magazine in the Tampa Bay area. As we celebrate our first anniversary of giving glory to God through Overflow Magazine, we would like to thank all the churches, businesses, and readers who have supported us and helped make this a reality through distribution, submission of testimonies, and partnership through advertising. Thank you for your continued support! If you didn’t attend the Hold on to Haiti Benefit Concert for Haitian orphans, then you missed PEAVYHOUSE and NEWWORLDSON. It was one of the best performances we have ever attended. Our contest winners seemed to enjoy themselves as well. The Holy Spirit was moving strongly throughout the building and we were truly blessed to be in attendance. “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper” (Psalm 1:1-3, NKJV). During this season of thanksgiving and celebration of the birth of Jesus, begin to meditate on the Word of God, especially in the areas where you are weakest. In the scripture above God tells us that through meditation on His Word whatever we do shall prosper. God is real and a rewarder to those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). He loves us all more than we know. When we actually do what He wills for us, wonderful things begin to take place. Just remember to always believe. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas!

God Bless you!

Photo Credits: ©iStockphoto.com/endopack, p. 2; ©iStockphoto.com/sdominick, p. 3; ©iStockphoto.com/aydinmutlu, p. 3; ©iStockphoto.com/hammondovi, p. 8; ©iStockphoto.com/fadyukhin, p. 9; ©iStockphoto.com/gmcoop, p. 5, 18; ©iStockphoto. com/calvio, p. 19; ©iStockphoto.com/PeskyMonkey, p. 20; ©iStockphoto.com/ digitalskillet, p. 5, 26; ©iStockphoto.com/Liliboas, p. 5, 30; ©blessingsunlimited. com, p. 22,23; ©lindarossettibrocato.com, p. 23; ©holylandexperience.com, p. 22; ©glazermuseum.org, p. 23.

With Love in Christ, Team Overflow

Nov/Dec 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

MAGNIFY HIM

Psalm 33:1 (NKJV)

SUBMITTED BY YOU!

“Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful.”

Healing through the Holy Communion A few weeks ago I was playing flag football and tweaked my knee. It was to the point that I was not able to walk and could barely stand without pain. At the time, I was watching some teachings on communion and receiving revelation on it that I never had before. “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep” (1 Corinthians 11:28-30, NKJV). As believers, we are to examine ourselves to see where our lives (health, peace, prosperity) don’t line up with what Jesus paid on the cross for us all. We are to take communion in a worthy manner, meaning we should do it with respect putting Jesus and all He did for us in remembrance. At the same time, I learned that we are to discern between His Body and His Blood. His Body – By Jesus’ stripes we are healed. His Blood – we are made righteous and redeemed from the curse of the law. When I began to take communion in faith every day my knee began to get stronger, feel better, and I had an abundance of energy. A few weeks later I can say that the healing power of God is in my body and my knee is healed! Thank you Jesus for all you have done for us. By Jesus’ stripes I am healed!

Healed from Lyme Disease My testimony starts when I was living in Germany with my family at the age of 1. I was out in the garden and got bit by a tick. My mom took me to a doctor a couple of days later due to a curious rash and spots on my skin around where the tick had been. The doctors told my mom that it was nothing and it would go away in a week or so, but it did not. In fact, the symptoms got worse each week. I would swell and turn purple on different parts of my body and have rashes on my legs. By this time I was 5 years old and we were living in the United States again. My mom took me to hundreds of doctors (no exaggeration). They did tests, experiments, cat scans, and MRI’s to try and figure out what was wrong with me, but the doctors couldn’t find anything causing it all. By the age of 7, I was suffering from shortterm memory loss, and the muscles in my legs weren’t functioning properly and gave me extreme pain all day long. I had to be pulled out of school and couldn’t even be homeschooled. I became depressed and my dreams and aspirations for life dwindled. I lived from day to day, hoping and praying that the pain would be less

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>>> D.F., Tampa when I woke up and that I would be able to remember conversations I had. Then one evening when I was 10 years old, my mom and I were sitting in my bed getting ready to go to sleep when we prayed to God as a kind of last resort. We had no more money to do tests and God was our only hope. Then, while we were praying, I felt this unnatural heat flow from my hips down to my toes and the chronic pain I had was gone! I was speechless! I threw my legs over the side of the bed and started walking again! From that day on, my memory improved each day. I am now 20 years old. I graduated at the top of my class from Norway’s leading Dance High School. I dance for a Clearwater dance company and enjoy every minute of every day that I get to move! My message to everyone is to never give up hope and never stop believing that God can heal and change your situation. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been praying, keep the faith because He will deliver you. >>> A.B., Clearwater

Visit OverflowMag.com to SUBMIT your God Story and tell our community what He has done in your life.

180

God, My Banker

I am a homemaker with four children (gifts from God), which I homeschool. I am married to a wonderful man that God has blessed me with. Although my first two children were from previous relationships, my husband chose to accept them as his own. The Lord has brought me a long way from where I was and I am so thankful. My life has done a complete 180 degrees.

After my husband passed away, I needed funds to pay off some medical bills. I went to the Lord and said, “Lord you are the best Banker I know. I need $3,000 to pay these medical bills. Please show me what to do.” My daughter called me the next morning to let me know that she thought Dad had another bank account that I hadn’t found the paperwork for. She suggested that I look in the filing cabinet in his office to see if there was anything that looked unfamiliar to me and check it out. I found a file that I wasn’t familiar with and I opened it. It was indeed another bank account. I called the bank and found out that they had been trying to reach me for quite some time. The bank explained they were about to close the account and turn the money over to the State that same day. The bank representative instructed me on how to acquire the funds. Within three days, I received a check for $3,000. This was the amount I needed to pay off those medical bills. Praise the Lord! God is the best Banker I know!

I became a parent at the very young age of 15 and again at age 18. My struggles were very intense, as I dealt with the abandonment of their fathers, hardship of living on my own, violence in new relationships, not being in good relationships with my family, drugs, lies, and the list goes on. I’ve tried so many things to feel and do better, but I fell again and again. I felt like I was going around in an endless circle. Nothing in my life seemed to change. It was bad enough that I was trying so hard to get through the dark life I was living in, but then I sank into something deeper. I went into a deep depression. I spent endless nights crying and feeling sorry for myself. It was a struggle to get out of that, but I did! I enrolled into a college that offered classes to get a GED. I completed those classes and received my GED. I continued on and took some college classes. I was happy about this accomplishment. It was definitely hard being a single mom of two and juggling so many things, but I had no choice. Their little eyes looked to me and depended on me to take care of them. I could not ignore that; I was the only role model they had. I allowed many unnecessary issues in my life. All of which led me to this one question, “What am I doing?” I was tired of being tired. I could not ignore God’s voice anymore, so I turned to Him and tried it His way instead of mine. Since I made that decision, my life has changed in ways I never imagined! My eyes had never before been opened to all the wrong things I had going on in my life. I began to see things in a whole new light and was able to clearly see what needed to change to make things better. That’s why I say, “MY LIFE HAS DONE A 180!” I have never known what being alive could feel like until I met my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Sometimes you do not know how bound you are until you are free! No matter who you are or what you are going through, YOU CAN DO IT! You can rise to places you have never thought possible! When you allow God to lead you, you can venture further than you’ve ever imagined. >>> J.N., Wesley Chapel

>>> Mary, Sarasota

FEATURED

MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT

Beyond the Church Walls >>> BY AMANDA WRIGHT

verflow had the honor of sharing a meal with three pastors, and their lovely wives, who all lead large congregations in the Tampa Bay area – Pastor Craig Altman of Grace Family Church, Pastor Stephen Rummage of Bell Shoals Baptist Church, and Pastor Greg Powe of Revealing Truth Ministries. We met at Michael’s Grill in Tampa and enjoyed an evening of great food and fellowship. These intriguing men of God, with distinctly different preaching styles, candidly shared stories about their personal call from God, the importance of youth in the Church, and how believers can step out of their comfort zones to reach the lost for Christ. One thing they all have in common, besides a passionate love for Jesus Christ, is the desire for unity among believers in the Bay area.

Called to Ministry All three pastors had a unique journey into ministry that revealed God’s hand in each of their lives. The commonality between them: FAITH in God. Pastor Craig of Grace Family explained that when he met his wife Debbie he was not a Christian. Debbie brought him to church with her, but he tried to seduce her away. It didn’t work. Instead, God flooded Pastor Craig’s heart with love and he soon gave his life to Jesus Christ at the age of 19. “I really began to sense that there was something that other people needed to have, so I began a street ministry about a year later,” Pastor Craig shared. He spent his time working on the streets of Tampa trying to reach his friends for Christ. A few years later, Pastor Craig’s mentor offered him a position in the Temple Terrace area as a youth pastor although he had no formal training. He held that position for 12 years, and he said, “One day, I just sensed God say, ‘I want you to start a church.’” Pastor Craig explained that a year after he heard from God he still felt a “burning on the inside.” He and his wife knew they were called to start a church, but they were concerned that no one

would come. They took a huge leap of faith and 16 years ago started Grace Family Church in a Jazzercise studio that they subleased. Today their church is home to 5,000 people and it continues to grow. Pastor Stephen of Bell Shoals shared that he was thankful to have been raised in church. He accepted Christ as his Savior at a very young age. However, at the age of 17 he remembers not really following Christ the way he should and explained, “The Holy Spirit of God gripped my heart and I became really concerned about whether I was saved.” Something at church stirred him up and he went to see his pastor. “That day I prayed and really surrendered my life to Christ in a different way…. I moved into having an adult relationship with Christ based on having a total commitment to Him,” Pastor Stephen said. From that day on, he purposed to follow where the Lord led him. Pastor Stephen and his childhood sweetheart Michele led a young singles ministry at their church and after college he began working for an advertising agency. During this time he diligently studied the Word and listened for God’s direction. While on a church retreat, Pastor Stephen said, “God showed me so clearly that He was calling me to ministry.” He enrolled in seminary school in Raleigh and began pastoring a church there at the age of 23. Then he pastored in New Orleans before he was led to become a professor at a seminary school. He held that position for eight years and God moved him back into fulltime pastoral ministry in North Carolina. Eighteen months ago, Pastor Stephen and his wife Michele were divinely called to Brandon to lead Bell Shoals Baptist Church, a 6,600 member congregation. Pastor Greg of Revealing Truth openly shared that before he received Christ he had issues with alcohol and troubles in his marriage. During this time, his wife Deborah took a job and moved to Atlanta on her own. After being apart from her for three months, he went to Atlanta to reconcile their marriage, but things still didn’t seem to be working out. Then one day, he heard the voice of the enemy and the voice of the Lord. The enemy tried to keep Pastor Greg in a life of destruction, but God said to him, “I’ve been here for you all along, and I want you to commit to Me.” “I decided to follow God’s voice and I started going to a Bible study,” said Pastor Greg. Then the Lord sent a young man on fire for God across his path. Creflo Dollar was teaching faith classes in the basement of the church and as Pastor Greg explained it, “He was the one that challenged me to get born again. He said, ‘Either the Bible is the truth or it’s the biggest lie ever told, but you’ll never know until you study

Nov/Dec 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

CHURCH PROFILES

5101 Van Dyke Rd Lutz, FL 33558 (813) 265-4151 www.gracefamilychurch.org

2102 Bell Shoals Rd Brandon, FL 33511 (813) 689-4229 www.bellshoals.com

5201 North Armenia Avenue Tampa, FL 33603 (813) 354-1135 www.revealingtruth.org

Mission Statement: To lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Established: 1994

Mission Statement: Our Purpose: Encouraging all to be passionate followers of Christ Our Process: Know Christ, grow in Christ, show Christ, and go for Christ

Congregation Size: 5,000

Established: 1961

Mission Statement: The overarching mission of Revealing Truth Ministries is to effectively win souls and change lives. Our vision is to build the local church, spread the Gospel internationally, and contribute to the growth of Ministries and Leaders in the Body of Christ on a global scale.

Religious Affiliation: Non-Denominational

Congregation Size: 6,638

Established: 1991

Service Schedule: Saturday: 7:00 pm Sunday: 9:30 and 11:45 am

Religious Affiliation: Southern Baptist Convention

Congregation Size: Across all 5 campuses – 5,500

Church Ministries/Outreaches: The Zone for students in 1st – 5th grades The Clubhouse for 2 year olds – kindergarten PromiseLand for 6 weeks – 2 year olds Monday Care Ministry Support Groups: 7:00 pm Wednesday iO High School ministry: 7:00 pm Thursday Image College/Young Adult ministry: 7:30 pm Friday 180 Middle School ministry: 7:00 pm 2nd Saturday (outreach to the Tampa Bay community on the 2nd Saturday of each month) Soup Kitchen: Monday and Tuesday at 5:00 pm

Debbie & Pastor Craig Altman

Service Schedule: Sunday Mornings: 9:15 and 11:00 am Wednesday Community Worship Service: 7:00 pm Wednesday REFUGE Service: 9:15 pm (College-age) Church Ministries/Outreaches: Sunday Bible Fellowship Classes: 8:00, 9:15 and 11:00 am Wednesday IMPACT classes: 7:00 pm Wednesday Night: Children and Preschool Activities, Choir, and Missions Wednesday Hwy 514 for Students: 7:00 pm Hospital/Benevolence/Mercy Ministries (helping those in our community who are less fortunate)

Michele & Pastor Stephen Rummage

(Tampa, St. Pete Beach, Brandon, Wesley Chapel, Daytona Beach)

Religious Affiliation: Non-Denominational Service Schedule Tampa Campus: Sunday: 10:00 am Wednesday and Friday: 7:00 pm Church Ministries/Outreach: Prison Ministry Nursing Home Ministry Family Connection (Foster/Adoption) Ministry Youth Ministry (Mighty Marching Lions) KC2-College/University Ministry Couples In Covenant (Married Couples) Singles Ministry Gathering of Champions (For Men) Women Evolving, Changing and Maturing

Pastors Greg & Deborah Powe

it for yourself. If you will do what this Word says for 90 days, and it doesn’t change your life, I’ll quit preaching.’” Pastor Dollar started a church and Pastor Greg and Deborah were led to serve under him for five years before God brought them to Tampa in 1990. Revealing Truth Ministries was born as a radio broadcast with Pastor Greg teaching the Word of God and playing tapes of his teachings from Atlanta. A few years later Pastor Greg explained that God led them to find a building; “It was on 56th Street and that’s where we started with my wife and four kids around the table that someone [had] left there.” Today Revealing Truth Ministries has four campuses with the fifth underway and a combined congregation of about 5,500 people.

Diversity in God’s Kingdom God creates each and every one of His children for a specific purpose. This was brought to light even more so upon meeting these special men. God called each of them to lead large congregations with a different style and focus. As they talked, it was apparent that they

“As they talked, it was apparent that they admired one another for their vast differences, but also acknowledged that we, as believers, are one in the Body of Christ.” admired one another for their vast differences, but also acknowledged that we, as believers, are one in the Body of Christ. Pastor Greg explained their ministry was born out of Jeremiah 33:6, “Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth” (NKJV). “I believe God called our ministry Revealing Truth to expose deception and uncover lies so that people can live the life the Bible teaches,” said Pastor Greg. He also shared that his calling is to teach the Word of God with simplicity, to instill hope in the lost and hurting, and to proclaim that “no matter what Satan has done to destroy your life, with Jesus Christ you will live a better life.” He encourages continual study of the Bible and stresses the importance of reading in the Word together as a congregation.

Pastor Stephen shared what God had laid on his heart, “The emphasis for my ministry is the exposition of the Word of God, expository preaching of God’s Word, a ministry that is focused on prayer, a ministry that is outwardly focused on soul winning so that we are seeking to reach the lost with the Gospel … and continually opening the Word of God to our lives so it can transform us.” He also went on to state that God gave him a five-fold vision for his church that includes an emphasis on missions (near and abroad), engagement (to show the love of Christ in Tampa), attraction (bring people into the church), development (train leaders for God’s work), and excellence (do everything with a heart of excellence). To Pastor Craig, first impressions are vital, especially when you want the non-believer

Nov/Dec 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

“Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the Body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12 (NLT) to come back next week so you can win them for Jesus Christ. He has a unique outlook on church because he looks at the whole experience through the eyes of an unchurched person. He reflects on his childhood and remembers that when he did go to church he was bored. He has made it his mission to ensure the services are interesting and relevant to his congregants. Pastor Craig explained that his style is a little edgy, very practical, and simple so “people can grasp hold of God’s truth.” He added, “You can hear it and go use it in your life on Monday.” Pastor Craig promotes small groups to stay connected throughout the week and believes in training up the

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saints for the work of the ministry (see Ephesians 4:12). He said, “People of God are the ministers of God, too.” Pastor Craig eagerly went on to describe the importance of youth in the church and said, “We have a big emphasis on making sure the children and the youth areas are incredible…. I believe Jesus said be fishers of men, and little fish draw big fish.” Pastor Greg added that he was inspired by the McDonald’s play centers and built similar areas at his church for the children. If the children are enjoying church and learning about the love of Jesus in the youth centers, it allows the parents to go into the sanctuary and be fed the Word of God. This builds stronger families. Pastor Stephen said that the most used building on their church campus is by far the youth gymnasium. It seemed as though they all agreed on the importance of focusing on the children and youth, and as Pastor Greg pointed out, the world is fighting for their attention, so the church needs to be equipped to capture the youth for Christ.

Outward Missions Pastor Greg believes in bringing the message of God’s hope outside of the church to the

Nov/Dec 2010

mission fields, prisons, and impoverished neighborhoods. His ministry also reaches out into the home through books and a television ministry. Fifteen years ago, God gave Pastor Greg a vision for the Body of Christ and the plans are underway. Revealing Truth Ministries is going to build a “Truth Dome” in Tampa. This will be a convention center, or as Pastor Greg called it a “harvesting center,” to be used by believers for meetings, concerts, and gatherings. Pastor Greg explained that the Truth Dome is not just for his church; it is for all the Body of Christ. God said to him, “There will come a time in America where Christianity will not be tolerated. The moral standards in our country will decline to the point where we will not have access to public facilities to preach the Gospel.” Pastor Greg believes that the Body of Christ will come together and help them fulfill the vision of the Truth Dome. Bell Shoals partners with 33 other churches in the Bay area in a wonderful outreach called Feed the Bay. Pastor Stephen said, “We can join together to make a difference.” On October 24, congregants of local churches went shopping to purchase food for the hungry. “We’ve been able to come together

across denominational lines and all across our community for the purpose of showing the love of Christ in a practical way to people,” explained Pastor Stephen. This outreach has not only impacted the local food pantries and ministries that feed the hungry, but has also united pastors and church members from all over Tampa Bay in prayer. Believers coming together as one is a powerful force. Pastor Craig and Grace Family Church strongly believe in supporting ministries and churches in the area that already have outreaches established throughout the community. They call this the Second Saturday Group because they take a team out into the community and serve a local ministry the second Saturday of every month. God has also given Pastor Craig a vision for Tampa that was inspired by the story of the Good Samaritan – he calls it the “Dream Center.” The vision is to reach out to a particular area of the city populated by less fortunate people. The center will be a place for all kinds of activities from basketball leagues to tutoring and a meeting place for women’s groups. Their hope

is that this center can be a place where several ministries and churches can come together and offer their gifts and talents to the community. Plans are currently in the process to make this vision a reality.

joy, the power of His Spirit, the hope of His coming, the transformation of His grace, and the wonder of His love.”

These pastors strongly believe in going beyond the four walls of the church to touch the community for Jesus Christ. Each pastor, with a unique calling from God, is stepping out in faith for the same purpose - bringing the lost to Jesus Christ.

Blessings The pastors were asked to pray about a blessing they would like to speak over Tampa Bay and below is what they shared. Pastor Craig: “May God bless Tampa Bay with the knowledge of how wide and deep His love is and that His amazing grace would be experienced by all.”

Pastor Greg: “It is my prayer that the will of God be accomplished throughout the Tampa Bay area. Much like Houston was in the ‘70’s and the city of Atlanta in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s, Tampa and Central Florida will be the next great boom area in America. I believe that the outpouring of the blessings of God upon the people will create growth in industry and prosperity throughout this area. It is therefore my desire that the blessings of God and the unity of churches will create a spiritual flow of the blessings upon the people that will finance the end time harvest of souls.” Praise the Lord for these mighty men of God that He has sent to spread the Good News throughout the Tampa Bay area. Glory!

Pastor Stephen: “My prayer is that every person in Tampa Bay would know Jesus Christ, the forgiveness of His blood, the power of His resurrection, the fullness of His

Streams in the Desert International Curch “A time for new beginnings and fresh anointing”

8th Anniversary Celebration 11/18, 7pm: FoCuSeD of HolyZone Records 11/19, 7pm: Speaker Apostle Warren Martin 11/20, 1-5pm: Picnic at Edward Menard Park

For more info: 813.777.8017 ALL ARE WELCOME!

777 W. Lumsden Rd. | Brandon | www.isa-356.org

Nov/Dec 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

CONTRIBUTORS BUSINESS

He Shoots... He Scores! >>> BY JOHN FAULKNER

hree seconds remain on the clock. The score is tied and he steps up to the foul line. The shouts from the courtside rush into his ears making his heart beat faster. A bead of sweat hits the polished wooden floor. He knows the World Championship hangs in the balance on this next shot. Three bounces on the ground calm his hands and he spins the ball backwards. The crowd becomes silent as he lifts the ball above his head and lets it go. As he watches the ball release, flashes from the cameras blind the arena. The ball travels over the front of the rim and…HE SCORES! The crowd goes wild as they stand to their feet! His team rushes the court and hoists him over their shoulders in victory crying out, “We are the champions!” Fantasy shots…we all have been there. And when the ball misses, we pick it up and try it again. It may not be shooting hoops in your driveway, but it’s something. Maybe it was singing into a hairbrush in front of the mirror as you pretended to be on stage in front of thousands. There was something that made you feel complete, even if it was only for a moment. Why is it that so many people fall short of their dreams? As we get older it seems like the destination of our dreams gets further and further away. After all, who dreams of getting stuck in mid-level management under a boss that doesn’t care about them? How many business owners started with dreams of barely scraping by and struggling to make payroll week after week? They never planned for it to happen that way, but neither did God. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). God not only has plans for us, but also created us with unique talents and abilities to equip us for a purpose. That purpose may not be to sink the winning shot or perform in front of thousands, but it will be your purpose. The greatest responsibility we have as Christians is to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives. The quest to find that purpose should consume us. If you’re struggling to find your God-given purpose, you might ask yourself these questions:

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What are you passionate about? These are things that bring you great joy or righteous anger; things you’d like to pour your life into; and things that, if completed, would bring you a sense of significance. What are you good at? These are the gifts and talents that God has given you - areas where you have experienced success. What have your life experiences prepared you for? Lives are made up of victories and failures. God never wastes time or experiences. Your life is a unique set of experiences that prepares you for the future. Most likely when you find the answers to these questions, you will become much more aware of your God-given purpose. The quiet time you spend with God will be more productive when you can see how God is currently working in your life through everyday circumstances. It is these daily situations that are so integral to God’s plan and our purpose. Most of us spend more than forty hours a week in the marketplace. How productive would those hours be if they were purpose-filled? We see people in the workplace that are either searching for their purpose or are just simply watching as their lives pass by. We are commanded by God to run the race with the purpose to win! “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24, NIV). The marketplace is a big mission field, and we have the ability as ambassadors of Christ to affect it greatly. With this in mind, we can begin fulfilling God’s purpose by living in obedience to Him and pursuing those dreams that He has placed in our hearts. When we live like this we are being a witness for God to those who may not know Him. This is what truly gives purpose to our lives, because anything less than following God’s plan will be deemed irrelevant and insignificant. Remember that your dream was to make the winning shot – not run out the clock. John Faulkner is the founder and President of Cornerstone Solutions Group, a multi-dimensional company with over 300 employees that has prospered for over two decades. www.CornerstoneSolutionsGroup.com

HEALTHY LIFE

Living in a High Tech World

ow that technology has given us the ability to accomplish more in a shorter period of time, many of us find ourselves sitting behind a desk all day staring at a computer screen. Sometimes this is not a bad thing as long as it’s temporary, believing that the future holds exciting advancement. However, one of the drawbacks to this high tech world is the lack of bodily movement, which can result in unwanted weight gain and a decline in health.

Get Unplugged If you have ever seen the movie The Matrix, then you can appreciate the fact that just short of plugging the internet into the back of our heads, our society today is pretty much living in a virtual world. We have the ability to work, shop, and even meet people from the tips of our fingers through the internet. Though our minds are stimulated continually, our bodies are sedentary. Over time, this can cause a decrease in strength, stamina, and overall health. Many times people blame the dramatic change in their bodies on age, but the real issue is their reduced energy expenditure. Here is an example: we sit at work for eight or more hours a day, get in our vehicles and sit in traffic on the way home, and then eat dinner and sit on the couch. Typically, children and young adults are very active. As we join the grown-up world, we tend to get caught up in the busyness of life and allow ourselves to become sedentary. In addition to these inactive lifestyles, fast-paced eating habits (fast food) contribute to weight gain and a decrease in health.

Take a Stand or a Walk So what can someone do to change this vicious cycle? Simple, start standing up every hour and begin doing a few knee bends right there at your desk. I know what you’re thinking, “People will think I’m crazy!” See what they think in eight weeks when you look and feel better. The lower body contains the largest muscle groups of the body. When these muscles are kept in shape then the body’s metabolism increases thus converting carbohydrates into fuel instead of storing energy in the adipose tissue (fat cells). For lunch try going for a walk after you eat. Nothing too physical, just something to get the blood flowing. By doing these few things you’ll find that it will not only benefit you physically down the road, but you’ll also have more energy mid-afternoon. That’s right, no more falling asleep or drooling on your computer keyboards.

Another Level Once this lifestyle has been implemented into your daily work routine for a few months, you might want to take it to another level. First thing in the morning before you shower or eat try doing ten pushups, ten sit-ups, and ten jumping jacks. In the evenings, after dinner go for a walk around the neighborhood. You’ll be amazed how burning these small amounts of energy throughout the day can accumulate and help you keep off unwanted weight and better maintain your health. Before you know it, your colleagues will be asking you for advice. Stick with it! The information you receive from the Healthy Life section is not meant to substitute for medical advice. Before starting a new diet or exercise routine consult your doctor.

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Expressive Gift Ideas That don’t crush the wallet! The Story of Christmas Family Puzzle Set

By Blessings Unlimited Price: $24 Buy it at: www.Steph.BelssingsDirect.com This Christmas spend time with your family putting this wonderful puzzle together and teach your children about the Christmas story in a fun interactive way. The puzzle is 20” in diameter and comes in its own carrying case to ensure safe keeping for years to come. Start a new tradition on how you share the story of Jesus’ birth each Christmas!

Easy Cut-Out Cookies: A Make it Yourself Gift

Recipe by Sandra Porter Price: Ingredients & packaging under $25 Place these yummy cookies in a decorative tin or food safe box and add some ribbon. You can also purchase inexpensive cookie cutters and tie a few onto the package with the recipe. (see page 33 for the recipe)

Holy Land Experience 4655 Vineland Rd, Orlando Price (online): Adults, $31, Children (6-12), $18, Children (<5), FREE “The Holy Land Experience brings together the sights and sounds of the world of the Bible in a unique and interactive way unlike anywhere else. It is a living, biblical museum that takes you 7,000 miles away and 2,000 years back in time to the land of the Bible. Its combination of sights, sounds, and tastes will stimulate your senses and blend together to create a spectacular new experience. But above all, beyond the fun and excitement, we hope that you will see God and His Word exalted and that you will be encouraged in your search for enduring truth and the ultimate meaning of life.” www.holylandexperience.com

Glazer Children’s Museum 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa Price: Adults, $15, Children, $9.50 Give the gift of family fun! The new children’s museum is a great place to take the kids during the Christmas break from school. The museum is full of over 170 fun, challenging, and hands-on activities. With 12 themed areas to capture your children’s attention, there is so much to explore. You’ll find play areas with airplane travel, art, a bank, a fire house, a supermarket, a vet clinic, a hospital, and much more. As they say, “It’ll grow your mind!” www.glazermuseum.org

“Ivan Becomes a Hero” By Linda Rossetti Brocato of Wesley Chapel

Price: $18.95 Buy it at: www.LindaRossettiBrocato.com This beautifully illustrated book was written for 3-12 year old children. Ivan is a little, gangly, curious giraffe, with a deep longing to be accepted. This book has a special message of encouragement and the underlying theme is based on Psalm 139:14 and shows how Ivan is “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God for a purpose.

Happy Birthday to the King Set of Mugs

By Blessings Unlimited Price: $20 Buy it at: www.Steph.BlessingsDirect.com There is nothing like a warm cup of hot chocolate during the Christmas season. Add a special touch to this gift set by including a few packages of your favorite hot chocolate. Both mugs on one side have the message Happy Birthday to the King. The red mug contains the message King of Kings and Lord of Lords inside the rim, and the white mug has He was born to be our King. This gift is a beautiful reminder of why we celebrate the season. The mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe and hold 12 oz.

Nov/Dec 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

SALVATION

alvation is a gift waiting to be received, not a payment for good works. So why is it so hard for some to just accept this gift from God? We are so used to reciprocation. Many times we turn down gifts that we desire just because we do not have anything to give in return. Ah, it’s all about the gift exchange, right? Let me say something friend, you do have something valuable to give. You are a desired soul in God’s eyes. There is nothing about you that God doesn’t already know…and He still wants you! No one is perfect, but through Jesus Christ we can be counted as righteous to God. Ephesians 2:8-9 talks about how God’s grace is a gift, received by faith and not by good works. An interesting part of this scripture comes in verse 10. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Friend, God knows what you’re going through. He’s already prepared your way. He created you for a purpose; come as you are and receive the eternal gift of salvation. 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.

Eph esia ns 2 “For :8-9 it is (NIV faith by g ) race —an God d th you i h – no s t by not fro ave bee work m yo n sa ved, s, so urse thro lves that , ugh it is no o t ne c an b he gift o oast f .”

Giving Thanks Through a Life of Praise >>> BY CHRIS CHERP

raise and worship are two of the most powerful forms of communion we can have with God. It is through praise and worship that we establish an atmosphere that gives God the right to move in our lives on our behalf. Many times during sincere praise and worship our deepest-sought answers are revealed to us by God.

all of the wonderful things God has done for us in our lives. As Christians grow spiritually, it is important to understand when, where, and why we should offer these forms of thanksgiving to our Creator.

When to Praise & Worship

So what’s the difference between praise and worship? Praise is defined as an “act of expressing approval or admiration” or an “offering of grateful [respect] in words or song.”1 This is an action that often takes place when a mom or dad is well-pleased with their children. Worship is defined as “reverent honor” or “adoring reverence or regard.”2 You might picture someone doing this before a king.

It is critical to know that the enemy never wants us to praise or worship our Father God or Savior Jesus Christ. Offering thanks through praise and worship are not actions that should be based on feelings. The best times to praise and worship God are when we don’t feel like doing it. We must learn how to give thanks in times of trouble. These are the moments that we need God’s help the most. This is definitely a task that takes practice. So, when should we begin to practice such a thing? Let’s find out what the Bible says.

Through praising and worshiping our God, we are essentially offering thanksgiving. These are acts of gratefulness while remembering

“Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, Praise the name of the LORD! Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth

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and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its going down the LORD’S name is to be praised” (Psalm 113:1-3, NKJV). It’s clear from this passage that we should give thanks to God through praise and worship continually. That means when we wake up, during the day, before bed, and even when we awaken in the middle of the night. We should give God praise today and never stop. This sounds easy enough, but what about when everything around us seems to be falling apart? You know, when the worst day of your life just got worse. Are we actually expected to praise and worship God then? Yes! Look at what Paul and Silas did after a day anyone would consider bad. “They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. So he took no chances but put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Around midnight, Paul and Silas

were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!” (Acts 16:23-26, NLT) These are just a few of the verses in the Bible that speak about when we should give thanks to God through praise and worship, especially in times of trouble, no matter what.

Where to Praise & Worship When I was younger and my parents dragged me to church, I would look around while people would praise and worship God and I would think to myself these people are different. I wouldn’t be caught acting like these people - ever! Then one day I realized that Jesus was actually my Lord and my Savior from all the evil things here on earth. That was the day I became one of those people, with my hands in the air singing the best I knew how for my God. As I progressed in my walk with the Lord I felt such freedom, not caring what others thought of me in the congregation as I worshiped Jesus. Then there came a time when the phrase “Praise the Lord” would just slip out of my mouth at work or among friends who weren’t believers. I would get strange looks and I actually felt apologetic - for a moment. In our society, it’s easy to refrain from praising God in front of nonbelievers so there is no offense. Let’s see what God has to say about it.

you see that person coming you find yourself trying to hide to avoid them. This is similar to when we continually ask God for things and never offer Him anything in return. Don’t think we can’t offer Him anything because He is God. We were created to fellowship with Him and designed to praise and worship Him. The last thing we want is God to see us coming and think “Oh no, not them again.”

Then watch as your prayers get answered expediently and yokes are broken all around you. “Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor My righteous cause; And let them say continually, ‘Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant. And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness And of Your praise all the day long’” (Psalm 35:27-28, NKJV).

True love gives. We can actually give to the Giver, thus expressing our love for the Lord through praise and worship. When we do this we establish our love for God and with that God promises to deliver us from whatever trials we are facing. The Bible says, “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name” (Psalm 91:14, NKJV).

This Thanksgiving and Christmas don’t forget the complete work of Jesus Christ through the cross, not our works but His. Jesus was

“But I will give repeated thanks to the LORD, praising Him to everyone.”

The Benefits of Praise & Worship

Looking back at the story already mentioned about Paul and Silas in prison, we are taught that through praise and worship yokes are broken. The Bible says that Paul and Silas prayed and worshiped; then the doors to their prison flew open and the chains fell off. Every prayer we pray should be followed with praise and worship. By doing this, we can see from the case of Paul and Silas, it is as if an “overnight priority” tag is placed on the prayer. There are amazing benefits when we sincerely praise and worship our God. In addition, God commands us to do it in Revelation 19:5 (NIV),”Then a voice came from the throne, saying: ‘Praise our God, all you His servants, you who fear Him, both small and great!’”

Have you ever known someone who always needs to borrow money from you but never offers to pay you back? Eventually, when

Let this be the beginning of a new relationship between you and God, one where you bring something to the table.

The Bible tells us we should praise God in front of our children (Psalm 78:4), in front of our brethren in the great assembly (Psalm 22:22), and in front of the non-believer (Psalm 18:49). Psalm 109:30 (NLT) says, “But I will give repeated thanks to the LORD, praising Him to everyone.” When I first read this I thought, “Does that mean I should say ‘Praise the Lord’ in front of non-believers too?” Then it came to my remembrance how often and without apology I hear vulgarities spoken in my presence. That settled it for me; I will praise the Lord anywhere, anytime, and in front of anyone!

Psalm 109:30 (NLT) born to be a perfect and everlasting sacrifice for us and He is. The moment Jesus died on the cross the glorious blessings were released for all those who BELIEVE in Him. Because of that, we should never stop thanking Jesus. When we offer sincere thanksgiving to God we actually qualify ourselves to receive more from our Father in Heaven. This Christmas tell everyone “Merry CHRISTmas!” Praise King Jesus forever! Glory! 1 2

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/praise

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/worship

Nov/Dec 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

Planning

CHRISTMAS >>>BY TOMMY BURRUS

>>> BY TOMMY BURRUS

This is my favorite time of year for many reasons.

love the decorations. I love the weather. I love the food and festivities. More than anything else, I love the significance of this time of year. It is a reminder to me that God loves us so much that He lives among us and ultimately sacrificed Himself for us. I was struck by a thought recently: the star that led the wise men to Jesus had been set in motion in eternity past. When God created the universe and filled it with stars and planets and moons and comets, He set each one on a precise path. God ordained their orbits with mathematical precision. At the beginning of it all, He had set in motion the means of the “Star of Bethlehem.” Before the written word, before language, even before man was created, God had

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already written the story of redemption in the universe! As David testified, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1, NIV). In the clockwork of the heavens, God had included a time-delayed message of redemption. He had set an appointment for Himself with mankind in the calendar of the Milky Way. God confirmed that appointment with Adam and Eve after the Fall by promising a descendant who would bruise the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:13-15). This speaks of Jesus defeating Satan, sin, and death at Calvary. The connection of Adam and Eve with Christmas may seem odd to some people, but Romans 5:12-14 and 1 Corinthians 15:47-49 establish the correlation. In fact, every Christmas, many

Nov/Dec 2010

of us may sing Christmas songs about that connection without realizing what it means. When he wrote “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” Charles Wesley included a verse that speaks of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise to Adam and Eve: Come, Desire of nations come, Fix in us Thy humble home; Rise, the Woman’s conquering Seed, Bruise in us the Serpent’s head. Adam’s likeness now efface: Stamp Thine image in its place; Second Adam, from above, Reinstate us in Thy love.1 God also spoke through Isaiah to provide more details of the miraculous birth of Jesus. Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV) declares, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” God even specified where Jesus would be born through the prophet Micah (Micah 5:2). God

told Micah that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. There are two famous people who were born in Bethlehem: King David and Jesus Christ. Since David lived and died 300 years prior to Micah’s prophecy, he obviously was predicting the birth of Jesus Christ! In fact, when the Magi (wise men) came looking for the One born the King of the Jews, Herod convened the scribes and the chief priests and asked where the Messiah would be born. Their immediate response was to reference Micah’s prophecy (Matthew 2:4-6).

perfectly orchestrated the setting for the introduction of the Savior. The angel Gabriel then appeared to a virgin named Mary in the village of Nazareth and told her that God had chosen her to give birth to His Son (Luke 1:26-38). She was engaged to a man named Joseph, who initially did not believe her story, until God sent him a vision of an angel telling him that Mary

other shepherds. For this reason, shepherds were considered to be at the low end of the social order. God didn’t provide this angelic announcement to the ruling class or the religious leaders, but to common working men. At this point, the Magi were already making the journey from the Far East to Jerusalem in response to that celestial revelation that heralded the birth of Jesus (Matthew 2:1). They read and correctly interpreted the message God had sent and they acted upon it. Their journey brought them to Christ, where they offered Him worship and treasure. The Star of Bethlehem was a message uniquely unveiled to these Gentiles.

...the star that led the wise men to where Jesus was had been set in motion in eternity past.

The Magi came to Jerusalem expecting that the capital city of Israel would be the natural place to look for a royal baby, but God had chosen the humble town of Bethlehem. Of course, Bethlehem was significant for several reasons: it was the birthplace of David; the name Bethlehem means “house of bread,” so it is fitting that the Bread of Life (John 6:35) should come from there; and Bethlehem was also sheep country. Specifically, it was where the sheep were raised for temple sacrifices. So it is altogether appropriate because Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14) as well as the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29, 36).

God sent a “save the date” notice through Daniel in 539 BC. The angel Gabriel came to Daniel and gave him details about when Jesus would come (Daniel 9). Galatians 4:4-5 (NASU) says, “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” When the Bible speaks of the fullness of time, we might think of the very final grain of sand falling in an hourglass, or perhaps when the last second winds down on a time clock. It speaks of the completion of time or reaching a determined point. God had chosen just the right moment for Jesus to enter this world. He

had been chosen to give birth to the Son of God (Matthew 1:18-25). With that heavenly assurance of Mary’s purity, Joseph married her (Matthew 1:24-25). A decree issued by Caesar Augustus caused Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem for a census and tax (Luke 2:1-5). The Jewish custom required going to the tribal city, and Joseph was a descendant of David, as was Mary. When they arrived, they were unable to find accommodations in the inn, and so they stayed in an animal shelter (Luke 2:6-7). While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus. Without a bassinet, she improvised and laid him in a feeding trough. God sent angels into the night skies over Bethlehem to announce to shepherds that Jesus had been born (Luke 2:8-18). It is interesting that God chose to reveal the birth of Christ to shepherds rather than to priests. Shepherds led a very solitary life protecting their flocks from thieves and predators. They usually had few companions aside from

While the Hebrew people are God’s chosen people, He has always had a heart for the Gentiles. In fact, Isaiah speaks prophetically of Jesus the Messiah as a “Root of Jesse” to whom the Gentiles shall turn (Isaiah 11:10; see also Romans 15:12). While Jesus Himself was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 15:24), He also ministered to Samaritans, Syrians, Canaanites, Syrophoenicians, Greeks, and others. When He gave the Great Commission, Jesus established the Gospel for all nations (Matthew 28:19). Before God even formed man, He had already loved each of us enough to send Jesus to die for us. He proclaimed His promise of redemption through His Word, but also in the night skies. God is eager for us to know the true message of His love. He has made it accessible to those humble people who will receive it. Will you respond to His message this Christmas? Will this Christmas bring you closer to the Savior? Christmas is a time to worship and honor God, and to remember how He planned and accomplished our redemption through Jesus Christ. Glory! http://www.allchristmaslyrics.com/hark_the_herald_angels_sing_ lyrics.htm

Nov/Dec 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

RECIPES

Cranberry Pecan Stuffing Serves 7-8

Recipes Submitted by Sandra Porter, Tampa Photographed by Thomas Porter

Directions:

Ingredients:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

1 lb pork breakfast sausage 1 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup orange juice 1 cup onions, diced 1 cup celery, diced 1 stick butter 1 (14 oz) can chicken broth 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped 1 box pork stuffing mix

Brown sausage in skillet and drain on paper towels In same skillet, add dried cranberries and orange juice Bring to a boil and pour into large bowl Add onion, celery, and butter to skillet When butter is melted, continue to cook onions and celery just until they begin to get clear Pour into bowl on top of cranberries Add drained sausage, pecans, and stuffing mix; and stir well Add chicken broth Pour into desired baking dish Bake at 350° for 20-30 minutes, just until top begins to brown

Butternut Squash Serves 7-8

Ingredients: 2 butternut squash butter salt

Directions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

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Peel 2 butternut squash with a vegetable peeler and remove seeds Cut into same size pieces and place in large pot with water almost to cover them Bring to a boil and cook until tender Drain water Mash coarsely with a potato masher Add salt and butter to taste **Both side dishes go well with turkey or pork chops

Nov/Dec 2010

Apple Butter

Ingredients:

Pumpkin Pie

Pie Crust 1 8oz pkg cream cheese, softened 2 sticks butter, softened 2 cups all purpose flour Filling 3 eggs 1 cup pumpkin 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1 cup apple butter 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup evaporated milk a pinch of salt

Directions: 1. 2. 3.

Beat cream cheese and butter with mixer until soft Add flour Beat with mixer slowly until you see no more flour (Mixture will be very crumbly) 4. Pour onto plastic wrap and push together with fingers making a disc 5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes 6. Remove from refrigerator and put on generously floured surface 7. Knead a couple of times just until you are able to roll pastry out to 1/4” thick 8. Transfer to pie plate 9. Mix filling ingredients well and pour into unbaked pie crust 10. Bake at 425° for 40 minutes 11. Check during baking & if crust gets too dark cover crust only with aluminum foil

Easy Cut-Out

Cookies Ingredients:

Directions:

1 package sugar cookie mix 1 egg 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 tablespoon water 3/4 teaspoon almond flavoring

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Preheat oven to 350° Mix ingredients together in bowl Roll cookies out on a flat floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick Cut out dough with your favorite cookie cutters Bake until edges just begin to brown (about 6-8 minutes) Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 2 minutes Remove cookies from the pan and place on a rack until cool Ice and decorate as desired

Nov/Dec 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

MAGNIFY HIM SUBMITTED BY YOU!

Confes Ray Howard submitted his Magnify Him story to Overflow and our editor was intrigued, as it is not often you hear of a man admitting that he was a “shopaholic.” Amie sat down with Ray to find out more. His story reveals a testimony of God’s goodness and how if you believe God, He can bring you out of anything. Many people have found themselves in similar situations as Ray – under a mountain of debt – living in an instant gratification society, with several maxed out credit cards. His excessive shopping not only damaged his finances, but his relationships as well. Ray shares his very personal journey through addiction, recovery, and restoration. (The foregoing is a combination of Ray’s written and verbal testimony.)

ay started shopping when he left home as a young man and it continued into his adulthood. His mother also liked to shop excessively, and it was an enjoyable pastime that they shared together. “She got a job to support her habit. Unlike me; I let my wife, Margaret, get a job to support my habit (something I have regretted for years).” Ray went year after year spending large amounts of money shopping without regard for the debt he was racking up. “I noticed I had a problem after our daughter was born.” Ray would buy expensive items for his daughter when he knew she would grow out of them quickly. His wife was upset, as the spending got out of control. Ray noticed his spending was over the top, but he just kept shopping and buying. “I was driving by a dealership one day and saw this beautiful car. It screamed, ‘BUY ME!’ So, I did. It was in the driveway when Margaret got home from work and she said, ‘This is the final straw.’ I realized she was right. It sort of slapped me in the face at that point. At this time, we were so in debt that she was working a part-time job and I was working a part-time job, plus our regular jobs, just to pay the credit card payments. That was

sions of a Shopaholic

A Man’s Recovery Submitted by Ray Howard

the start of a downward spiral that only God could help me with.” Ray and Margaret separated and decided to file for bankruptcy due to the unmanageable debts. This shows how drastic the problem was. “After the divorce I still was not willing to admit my issue, but thank God, we serve a merciful God.” Ray explained that he and Margaret remained friends for their daughter’s sake and after both of their mothers fell ill, they were drawn back to each other. They began dating again. “Months went by and my ex-wife and I started to repair our lives. She introduced me to an awesome woman of God who stepped in and helped us greatly through her ministry.” While attending these ministry meetings, the Lord was working on Ray’s heart to correct the addiction problem and repair his relationship with his ex-wife. “Margaret and I started talking about restoring our marriage, so I had been asking her, ‘Tell me what you want me to work on. Give me a list of some things. I need you to tell me, so I can work on them.’ Her response was, ‘No. I’m telling the Lord and the Lord will work it out.’ At this time, my

church was having camp meetings, so I decided to go to the morning session. The speaker asked if anyone needed prayer. I reluctantly went up. When she got to me, she said, ‘I do not understand this, but God is telling me you will.’ God’s words to me were, ‘[Be quiet] so I can tell you what she is asking of you.’ No one - but God, my wife, and I - knew what Margaret had said to me. So, I [was quiet] and God said, ‘Pay child support.’”

church come up to me with a Word from God. She said, ‘God said He’s going to honor you for what He told you and you won’t have to want for [things] anymore.’ I accepted it.” God was telling Ray that if he will seek Him first and put his desires into the things of God, God will in turn give him everything that he needs and even the desires of his heart. So Ray began immediately putting God’s wisdom into action.

“It was not the money that concerned Margaret, it was the responsibility. There was so much that I did wrong and so many people that I hurt along the journey of my addiction. From stealing from God (I would take our tithe sometimes and go shopping), to untold credit card debt, to bouncing checks, to borrowing money I could not repay. Before I knew it, Satan had me in his snare and it was a long way back. But, God will restore what the devourer has stolen (1 Peter 5:8).”

About eighteen months after they separated and divorced, God restored Ray and Margaret’s relationship and they remarried. They agreed on a budget for their finances and have spending allowances in cash. Ray began to look at shopping in a whole new light. “Once I got into that habit of looking at things and knowing that I only have this much to spend, a lot of things started changing.”

“We were in a church meeting and the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, ‘Put your treasures in the One in whom you seek.’ I thought, ‘Okay, I can do that.’ It wasn’t too long after that I had someone at another

“It seems like I woke up one morning and I was in debt beyond belief. My marriage was in serious trouble, and there was no apparent way out.”

Ray has some advice for others in similar situations. “Seek godly help and godly wisdom. Be careful who you go to. My pastor said to me, ‘In all this, you need to guard your heart.’ That’s what you need to do. Listen to your heart and your conscience and when something doesn’t seem right, it’s probably not right. When I started my healing, I knew something had to be done and I was willing to let God help. You have to become a completely yielded vessel. Had it not been for God’s love, mercy, and grace, I truly do not know where I would be. To God be the glory.” The Christmas season can be especially hard for those that have a shopping or overspending problem. Ray shares how he overcomes the urge to shop and spend excessively during this time of year. He and his wife keep it simple. They set a budget of what to spend on one another and other family members. When Ray heads to the stores to purchase Christmas gifts, he only brings cash so that he is not tempted to buy additional items and spend more than he should. This is great advice for all of us!

Nov/Dec 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

RESOURCES FOR YOUR SPIRIT

Romans 12:2 (NLT)

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think....”

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.

John G. Lake

His Life, His Sermons, His Boldness of Faith

Kenneth Copeland Publications “This book, which tells Lake’s life story through an authorized biography and his sermons, shows you - perhaps more than any other - how bold faith like John G. Lake’s can come alive in any believer who will receive. Included: 44 classic sermons of John G. Lake; John G. Lake’s stirring, fully authorized biography; powerful poems given to John G. Lake by the Holy Spirit; original radio sermons by John G. Lake; many historical photos; and foreward by Gloria Copeland.”

Find it at:

www.kcm.org

Health & Wholeness Through the Holy Communion

DVD Series by Joseph Prince “Get the Bible’s secret to living healthy and whole today! Join Joseph Prince as he reveals how the covenant meal is God’s ‘delivery system’ of His divine promises of health and wholeness. Once you know the significance of the Holy Communion and its elements, you will be able to partake in full understanding and expectation of the health - and life - giving benefits that Jesus died to bestow upon you. The messages in this DVD box set will not only help answer your questions about this important meal, but also give you a new boldness to approach the Lord’s table any time and receive the miracle you need!”

Find it at:

www.JosephPrince.org

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Nov/Dec 2010

Matthew West

Matthew West debuts his new album, The Story of Your Life, on his website. You can read the eleven moving stories, get Matthew’s commentary, view photos and videos behind the songs that inspired this creative album. You can also learn more about Matthew’s career and individual albums, read his Blog, and find out where his tour is taking him next - he’ll be in the Bay area in early November.

Find it at: www.MatthewWest.com

Chris August No Far Away

www.chrisaugustmusic.com

Rising Voice™ “Rising Voice is an outreach to millennial who want to help transform the culture. We provide resources that equip young adults to live out their Bible-based faith in a way that tangibly helps others. Rising Voice is a place to learn about the tough issues of our day, as we examine relevant stories, insights and opportunities about the cultural concerns we face. Together, we can make a difference by volunteering time, donating money, sharing our passion with friends and always looking for new ways to help.”

Newsboys

Find it at: www.RisingVoice.com

Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday www.newsboys.com

The Ultimate Gift

A life experience becomes a gift. 20th Century Fox Rated PG - 114 minutes

“When his wealthy grandfather dies, trust fund baby Jason Stevens anticipates a big inheritance. Instead, his grandfather has devised a crash course on life with twelve tasks – or “gifts” – designed to challenge Jason in improbable ways, sending him on a journey of self-discovery and forcing him to determine what is most important in life: money or happiness.”

Point of Grace

Home for the Holidays www.pointofgrace.net

Find it at: www.TheUltimateGift.com Nov/Dec 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

MY ROCK

SCRIPTURES I STAND ON

Romans 8:28 (NIV) “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” My license plate reads RMN 8 28 and has for the last 8 or 9 years. This scripture gets me through the events of my life. What I may perceive as “bad,” God will work it out to be “good.” I did not always understand that. So now, if something “bad” happens, I know that by waiting with faith something spectacular will come of it!

1 Peter 2:24 (NLT) â&#x20AC;&#x153;He personally carried away our sins in His own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by His wounds!â&#x20AC;? I am healed. I am whole, and I thank you Jesus! I sing this every day with my mommy and daddy.

MY ROCK

SCRIPTURES I STAND ON

John 3:17 (NASB) “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” This reminds me that Jesus is for me, not against me.

Extra Cash for Christmas Charity Gold Party

December 2, 5-9pm & December 4, 12-5pm

verflow Magazine is teaming up with The King’s Gold Exchange and A Cup of Organic to sponsor The 1st Annual Extra Cash for Christmas Charity Gold Party. The purpose of this event is to raise money for the Oasis Pregnancy Care Center through The King’s Gold Exchange’s Buy, Tithe, and Match fundraising program and at the same time, participants will receive top dollar for their gold—giving them extra cash for Christmas! The King’s Gold Exchange is a Christian owned and operated business that recognizes Jesus Christ as their authority and the One whom they serve in business and in life. They offer gold, silver, and platinum sales for investment purposes; mint state collectible coin sales; gold buying services for those who want or need to sell their items; and prayer and encouragement to anyone in need. The Lord has directed The King’s Gold Exchange to give generously to each one of their customers and trust Him to provide all their needs. The Charity Gold Party will be held at A Cup of Organic, a coffee company with a

Held at A Cup of Organic 1900 Oak Grove Blvd., Lutz Door prizes and live entertainment

vision to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. In just a few months, this Christian-based company has provided shoes to orphans in Honduras, built a church in Kenya, supported missionaries in Ukraine, and helped relief efforts in Haiti. Locally, they support youth groups, Christian musicians, pastors, and Bible study groups. Their slogan, “The coffee that gives back,” is more than a tag line it’s a purpose.

changed forever. These are just two reasons that these Client Educators are Oasis’ Everyday Heroes!

Oasis Pregnancy Care Center, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, has been helping save lives in our community for the past year. A hero is usually someone who saves a life. In that regard, we generally think of a fireman or police officer. However, there is another everyday hero who faces life and death almost every day - the volunteer Client Educators at Oasis. When these volunteers talk to an abortionminded client, what they say and pray may lead to saving the life of the unborn baby. Thankfully, Oasis has seen most of their clients choose life for their babies.

All services are free of charge to their clients. Just like your local Fire or Police department, Oasis requires resources to save lives. Oasis DOES NOT use government funding because that would limit what they can say about Jesus Christ. Therefore, they rely on donations from individuals, churches, and organizations to save lives and make a difference for their clients and the community.

These Client Educators also care about the client’s eternal life and share the Gospel with everyone that allows them. With this approach, many clients have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and their eternal destinies have been

Oasis offers much more, which can be summed up well with their Mission Statement: “We will glorify God by being a witness for life, promoting purity, protecting the unborn and offering support to families.”

Participants in the Extra Cash for Christmas Charity Gold Party will help Oasis continue saving the lives of unborn babies and leading clients to a relationship with Jesus Christ. If you would like more information on Oasis, please visit their website (HeartsforOasis.org).

EVENTS NOVEMBER

6, 13

“With Thanksgiving,” A Community Concert

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 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s

Light the Night Evening Walk Fundraiser

18-20

Joyce Meyer FREE Conference

Day of Thanks

Men at the Cross

1st Annual “Feeding the Community” Thanksgiving Dinner

**Grandmothers, aunts, & tween leaders are welcome as well

Motorcycle Ride for Freedom

to benefit Run for Freedom and raise awareness of Human Trafficking 6224 Old Pasco Rd., Wesley Chapel For more info: 813-451-1640 www.runforfreedom.net ** Ride to Sleepy Hollow Restaurant in Floral City 9am (registration), 10am (ride)

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Nov/Dec 2010

Featuring worship with Matt Redman St. Pete Times Forum 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa www.joycemeyer.org Thurs., 7pm, Fri., 10am & 7pm, Sat., 10am

Seeking Holiness Everyday Fashion Show

8am-3:15pm

Streams in the Desert International Church 777 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon 813-767-4043 Thurs., 7pm: FoCuSeD concert Fri., 7pm: Speaker, Warren Martin Sat., 10am, Anniversary Picnic at Edward Menard Park

Pure in Heart Conference

Designed for Moms and Tween (7-12) Girls* Van Dyke Church 17030 Lakeshore Rd., Lutz 813-968-3983 www.reviveourhearts.com

Presented by Cambridge Christian School Straz Center for the Performing Arts 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa www.withthanksgivingconcert.com **A Portion of the proceeds to benefit A Kid’s Place and A Woman’s Place Ministries 6pm, $30 Adults, $15 Students under 15

8th Anniversary Celebration

5th Annual Evening of Hope

Presented by Brandon Community Foundation with special guest Beckah Shah Bell Shoals Baptist Church 2102 Bell Shoals Rd., Brandon 813-689-6889, www.brandonfoundation.com **To benefit the Foundation’s Angel Program 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

18-20

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

6th Annual Cup of Hope Garden Tea Party

Bright House Field (Nov. 6) 601 N. Old Coachman Rd., Clearwater George M. Steinbrenner Field (Nov. 13) 3802 Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd., Tampa 813-963-646, www.lightthenight.org/sun **Food, festivities & entertainment 5pm

Cornucopia, a Fall Festival

10th Annual Greater Brandon Kiwanis “Terrific Kids” Golf Tournament Riverhills Country Club, Valrico 813-546-5043, schaffergl@aol.com **$85/golfer includes lunch & dinner 11:30am

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

Annual Thanksgiving Community Event Kingdom Worship Center 1102-C East Fowler Ave., Tampa 813-443-5720 to register ** Offering turkeys, food boxes, clothing, & prayer 9am, FREE

Empowering Men to Reach Men First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks 12685 Ulmerton Rd., Largo www.menatthecross.org 8am-12:45pm

New Birth of Faith Fellowship Church 1725 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa www.newbirthoffaith.org 11am-3pm

EVENTS

DECEMBER/JANUARY

DECEMBER 30-5

Irving Berlin’s

White Christmas Musical

Straz Center for the Performing Arts 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa www.tbpac.org Tues.-Thurs., 7:30pm, Fri., 8pm Sat., 2pm & 8pm, Sun., 2pm & 7:30pm

Community Christmas Store

17-19

Straz Center for the Performing Arts 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa www.tbpac.org Fri., 8pm, Sat., 2pm & 8pm, Sun., 2pm & 7:30pm

18-19

Land O’ Lakes Community Center 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. For more info: Sarah Schrieber 262-441-0468 **For low-income families to shop for gifts 10am-2pm

Revealing Truth Ministries

Embracing Legacy Benefit Banquet

with Gospel Recording Artist Carman The Hardeman’s Estate 3515 Gallagher Road, Dover 33527 813-354-1135, ext. 264 www.revealingtruth.org **Benefiting The Children’s Home & The Truth Dome 5-9pm

10-12

18-19

Vince Gill and Amy Grant in Concert Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 N. McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater www.rutheckerdhall.com 7pm

Moscow Classical Ballet presents

The Nutcracker

Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 N. McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater www.rutheckerdhall.com Sat., 2pm & 8pm, Sun., 2pm

22-23

The Great Imperial Russian Ballet

The Nutcracker

Straz Center for the Performing Arts 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa www.tbpac.org Wed., 7:30pm, Thurs., 2pm

31, 2

Ignited Church hosts

Revivalist Jeff Jansen

for a night of Greater Glory 5859 Highway 98 North, Lakeland 863-594-1750 www.ignitedchurch.com Fri., 7pm, Sun., 6pm

Christmas Production

12 Days of Christmas

Chonda Pierce (Christian Comedian)

Live Music from The Florida Orchesta

“Our Saviour...Emmanuel” St. James United Methodist Church 16202 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa 813-971-4790 www.stjamestampa.org 7pm, FREE ticketed event

An Evening with

The Lakeland Center 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland 863-834-8111 www.thelakelandcenter.com 8pm

Third Day in Concert

The USF Sundome 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa 866-440-7880 www.thejoyfm.com 6:30pm

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

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

JANUARY 18-23

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Broadway Musical

Straz Center for the Performing Arts 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa www.tbpac.org Tues.-Thurs., 7:30pm, Fri., 8pm Sat., 2pm & 8pm, Sun., 2pm & 7:30pm

22-23

2011 Long Haul 100 Ultra-Marathon

Extreme Race - Extreme Cause Race Starts at The Grove, Wesley Chapel www.longhaul100.com Races: 50 miles, 100 miles, 5 & 10 Runner 100 mile Relay Team **To benefit the organization Praxis Haiti 8am

Nov/Dec 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

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

Floodgates Community Church

Church of the Lakes

Gateway Christian Center Assembly of God

26211 County Line Rd. Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-907-5815 www.crossroadsum.com Sun., 9am (Blended Worship) 10:30am (Contemporary Worship) 2530 Wilson Rd. Land O’ Lakes, 34638 813-948-4358 www.churchofthelakesepc.org Sun., 9:15am & 10:30am

Dwelling Place

Branch of Christ Ministries 27223 State Road 56 Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-435-1469 Sun., 10am

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

Christ CP Church

19501 Holly Lane Lutz, 33548 813-909-9789 www.christchurchlutz.org Sun., 10:30am

Faith Life Church

Christian Family Church AMC Westshore Plaza 210 Westshore Plaza Tampa, 33609 813-802-8736 www.cfctampa.org Sun., 10:30am

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

Countryside Baptist Church

13422 Sydney Road Dover, 33527 813-571-8200 www.countrysidebaptistchurch.net Sun., 9:30am (Bible Study), 10:45am (Worship Service), & 6pm Wed., 7pm

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CrossRoads Community United Methodist Church

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

Nov/Dec 2010

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

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)

Pathway to Peace Christian Church

5808 Lynn Rd. Tampa, 33624 813-908-0893 Bilingual-Spanish Services Sun., 10am, Tues. & Fri., 7:30pm

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)

Oasis World Outreach

Tampa Covenant Church

Onething Prayer Center

Trinity Church of Wesley Chapel

35636 State Road 54 West Zephyrhills, 33541 813-782-2888 www.oasisworldoutreach.org Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm 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

13320 Lake Magdalene Blvd. Tampa, 33618 813-968-2979 www.tampacovenantchurch.org Sun., 9:30am, Wed., 7pm

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

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 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, Thurs., 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

Nov/Dec 2010 Love+Faith+Hope

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Nov/Dec 2010