UPCOMING EVENTS | INSPIRATION | MY ROCK | LOCAL SPOTLIGHT | YOUR SALVATION | CONTRIBUTORS
OverflowMag.com July 2011
DR. JAMES
GILLS
TALKS ABOUT HIS CAREER, BEING AN ATHLETE, AND SERVING FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD
A JEWISH GIRL'S REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST
GOD'S LOVE FOR YOU
LIVE A LIFE OF FREEDOM THROUGH CHRIST
Real People, True Stories, In Your Backyard
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CONTENTS
EXPECTED 6 8 10 16 17 18 20 27 29 30
FROM THE EDITOR MAGNIFY HIM BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT SALVATION RESOURCES HEALTHY LIFE FEATURE MAGNIFY HIM MY ROCK EVENTS LOCAL CHURCHES
FEATURED 14
20
Letting God Love You
When you reflect on what Christ has done, you will begin to recognize God’s true love for you. These revelations will help you find strength and joy and allow you to receive the Father’s love.
A Jewish Girl's Journey to Jesus
The amazing story of how one Jewish girl found her Messiah.
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True Freedom Through Christ
Understanding the main clause of the New Covenant is the root of all liberty! Learn what Jesus’ perfect work resulted in for you.
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Created to Serve with Eyes of Love A spotlight on Tampa Bay’s very own worldrenowned eye surgeon and faithful servant of God.
FROM THE EDITOR JULY 2011, Issue 18 ____________________________________ Editor | Amie Cherp amie@overflowmag.com Sales & Marketing | Chris Cherp chris@overflowmag.com Creative | Brady Wright brady@overflowmag.com Creative | Amanda Wright amanda@overflowmag.com Asst. Editor / Writer | Tommy Burrus Photography | Stephen T Photography
cover story, “Created to Serve with Eyes of Love,” on page 10 read about Dr. Gills and how he effectively balances many roles in his life while being a faithful servant of God.
Dear Friends, You know the summer is in full swing with the kids out of school, the vacations being taken, and the extremely hot weather. As the 4th of July approaches, it reminds me of the freedom we have through Jesus Christ. Jesus offers a freedom that no one or nothing else can provide. In Chris Cherp’s article, “True Freedom Through Christ,” learn the root of all liberty—righteousness through Christ Jesus! Want to live a life of freedom? To experience true freedom, I encourage you to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today. Go to our salvation section on page 16. You never know who God will send to minister to you. In our Feature Magnify Him on page 20, find out how a series of divine appointments led a Jewish girl to find her Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Do you find that the only quality time you’re spending with your spouse is in the hallways of your home as you pass by each other? At times, I have felt that way with my husband. When juggling a career, family, and other responsibilities it can be quite a challenge to balance everything in your life. I have found that making sure my husband and I have a date night at least once a month really helps to strengthen our relationship. The Healthy Life this month (on page 18) is a good reminder of how important your relationship is with your spouse. It also shares some ideas to bring back some romance in your marriage, especially when you have kids. If you are a member of a church and would like a chance to win a free advertising campaign for them, then check out our writing contest on page 15. All you have to do is share how Overflow has impacted your life! Have a Happy 4th of July! With Love in Him,
Amie Cherp
Need a world-renowned eye surgeon? Well allow us to introduce you to Dr. James Gills of St. Luke’s Cataract & Laser Institute. In our
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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 Submissions: magnify@overflowmag.com General Info Inquiry: contact@overflowmag.com Subscribe: Visit www.OVERFLOWmag.com and click the subscribe button on the homepage Event Submission: 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 Advertising and Distribution: If you are a business or church and think advertising to over 35,000 Christians is awesome, please contact: Chris Cherp | chris@overflowmag.com Overflow Magazine is published monthly by Eternal Holdings LLC, a Florida limited liability company, d/b/a Overflow Magazine. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced or copied in any form without prior written permission from a representative of Overflow Magazine. We cannot be held responsible for statements made by advertisers or contributing writers; however, we do make every effort to ensure the accuracy and truthfulness of the information we print. Overflow Magazine cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors made by advertisers and/or contributing writers. All images, written work, photographs, e-mails and letters sent to Overflow Magazine will be allocated for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted rights to edit. Overflow Magazine is distributed free of charge to local supermarkets, churches, businesses, family events and other locations around the Tampa Bay area. For information on where to find Overflow Magazine or if you would like to become a distributor, please call 813-915-6700 or e-mail contact@ overflowmag.com.
© 2009-2011 Eternal Holdings LLC. All rights reserved. Photo Credits: ; ©iStockphoto.com/Reicaden, p. 2; ©iStockphoto.com/Irochka_T, p. 2; ©iStockphoto.com/gchutka, p. 3; ©iStockphoto.com/Yuri_Arcurs, p. 8; ©iStockphoto. com/ivar, p. 9; ©iStockphoto.com/Elenathewise, p. 14; ©iStockphoto.com/Sportstock, p. 16; ©iStockphoto.com/asiseeit, p. 18; ©iStockphoto.com/ULTRA_GENERIC, p. 25; ©iStockphoto.com/ImagineGolf, p. 26
MAGNIFY HIM SUBMITTED BY YOU!
Psalm 37:4 (NKJV) “Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
BUSINESS ADVISOR Recently, I had some challenges in my business. At times, I had negative thoughts running through my mind, which didn’t help the situation. I finally took it to the Lord and asked Him, “What is going on?” Soon after that question, He began to share with me that I needed to keep my eyes on Him and not on the circumstances. He said that when I keep my focus on Him, He will be sure to take care of me. That’s when I decided to begin holding business meetings with Him multiple times during the week. I can say that since I started making Him my business advisor, I have had more amazing business ideas than ever before. I am excited to see what He has in store for me and my business in the days ahead. Praise King Jesus! >>>Believer
GOD OF ABUNDANCE
SUBMIT YOURS! Do you have a God Story? Be an inspiration to your community by going to OverflowMag.com and submit what God has done in your life!
I am due to have my first child very soon. When my husband and I found out we were pregnant, we were concerned about all of the items a baby needs – bottles, diapers, furniture, clothes, wipes, car seat, and the list goes on and on. We prayed that our baby would be well provided for and that God would make obtaining these items a reality. I knew that when we prayed in faith, God would provide everything that our child needed to enter the world, but sometimes I believe He likes to show off! God used so many people to give us such wonderful and generous gifts. To date, the gifts are still coming in! We look around her room and see the abundance of God. My heart is warmed knowing our Father God is already watching over our daughter and her well-being. She has received “exceedingly abundantly above all” that I could ever ask for or think of! Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21, NKJV) >>>AW, Family Worship Center
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GOD PROVIDES After 10 years of saving and planning for construction, our church was able to dedicate the new building for our Sunday School and children's ministries. God is so good! It happened in His timing. He provided the money to complete the building and there was even money above and beyond the expense of construction costs! We are so grateful for the new facilities because it will give us a chance to reach more people with Christ's message. >>>Tommy, Thonotosassa
HIGHLIGHT
HELPING TO RESTORE AND TO DISCIPLE >>>BY PASTOR EDWARD DAVIDSON
“So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.” Luke 10:34 (NKJV)
M
orning Star Restoration Ministries, Inc. believes that our responsibility to our neighbor includes more than prayer. Like the parable of the Good Samaritan, as doers of the Word, we pour oil and wine on the wounds of the broken – wounds inflicted in their lives by the enemy (Luke 10:34). Morning Star Restoration Ministries is a non-profit, Christcentered organization seeking to help individuals bound by addictive and destructive behaviors. Our primary focus is to help people find salvation, deliverance, restoration, joy, and peace through the Lord Jesus Christ. The ministry was founded in April of 2009 by Pastor Edward Davidson of Morning Star Restoration Church after God placed a call on his life to help people struggling with these types of behaviors. The ministry established a Christ-centered men’s Restoration-Discipleship Home in Lutz, Florida. This is a safe environment away from the attractions of the world that allows the Word to grow in the heart of those seeking restoration. We accomplish this by daily study of the Word, worship, and a full curriculum of teaching and studying focused on the application of God’s Word in our lives. As the ministry grew, a homeless outreach program was also started to enable the clients of the home to put into practice
the lessons they have learned through the Scriptures. As disciples, they are called to help the homeless and to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those in dire need of the Savior. In January 2011 more space was needed, so Morning Star Restoration Ministries moved to a more expansive location on Sinclair Hills Road in Lutz. The new location allows for more clients and more room for the growing “Junk for Jesus” program, which collects donations of metal items (such as used appliances, lawn mowers, cars, boats, and grills). This program is the main source of funds for the ministry and also serves as a work-therapy program for the clients of the Restoration-Discipleship Home. The opportunity for discipleship is also recognized through the “Junk for Jesus” program as donors are met when items are picked up and when pick-ups are scheduled through phone conversations. The men’s program continues to grow and now has a waiting list. Men are giving their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ and are being transformed by the Word of God. Strongholds are broken, lives are restored, and families are united because of the Lord Jesus. Please pray for the Lord to send laborers (for the need is great), and for the unity of the Body of Christ so that our ministry continues to be effective.
HOW YOU CAN HELP Immediate needs consist of: • Large-print Bibles, toiletries, and socks to hand out during the Homeless Outreach • Referrals for the "Junk for Jesus" program • Pick-up trucks for the "Junk for Jesus" program • Financial donations To learn more about Morning Star Restoration Ministries visit our website at: www.msrministries.com or call 813-500-4853. Check out our ad on page 7.
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July 2011 Love+Faith+Hope
FEATURED
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
CREATED TO SERVE with Eyes of Love >>>BY AMANDA WRIGHT
DR. JAMES GILLS, founder and director of St. Luke’s
Cataract & Laser Institute, exemplifies the believer that Paul describes in Ephesians 2. He recognizes that it is through grace that we (the Church) have been saved to rest in God’s redemption and grow deeper in our faith in Christ Jesus; it certainly is not by our works or deeds. We are God’s masterpiece and Dr. Gills expressed his immense gratitude for the Master Creator. His life’s work is a sermon for onlookers. God prepared good works for Dr. Gills and his wife, Heather, to do and they are faithfully obedient to that. Whether it is raising funds to build churches or hospitals across the world, teaching a weekly Bible study, or sharing God’s Word through inspired writings, the Gills family continually aligns their works with the desires of God – to do His Work.
The Physician
focus and better resolution. After surgery, 80 percent of the patients say they see better than they have ever seen.” Dr. Gills has also engineered a way to do cataract surgery without using stitches, as well as intraocular medicines to reduce inflammation and prevent the need for needles when administering anesthesia. He is internationally acclaimed as a leader in astigmatism correction and has written 10 medical books. As an eye surgeon, Dr. Gills has been recognized across the world for his accomplishments and innovative techniques,
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
As a young boy, Dr. Gills grew up in the church and really had no aspirations beyond attending medical school. It seems that God’s thoughts for His masterpiece are often higher than our own because Dr. Gills never dreamed he would be where he is today. He started with a medical degree from Duke University in 1959, completed his residency at the Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute of Johns Hopkins University from 1962-1965, and taught as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Duke University Medical Center for three years. In 1968, he moved his family to Florida and opened his practice with the mindset to embrace new technology and focus on cataract surgeries. Dr. Gills said that he wanted to concentrate in a field that delivered good outcomes for his patients. He felt passionately about helping people to see more clearly. “In 1974, he became the first eye surgeon in the U.S. to dedicate his practice to cataract treatment through the use of intraocular lenses” (www.stlukeseye.com), which are implanted lenses that replace the eye’s natural lens that has been clouded over by a cataract.
Dr. Gills’ practice grew quickly as he became a leading eye surgeon. He “has performed more cataract and lens implant surgeries than any other eye surgeon in the world” (www.stlukeseye.com). He helped to develop antibiotics to put in and around the eye during surgery, which gets “about 1/70th of the infection rate in the nation,” Dr. Gills said. He aided in the development of the lens he uses in his practice, which he explained has become very popular due to the fact that “it is more accurate and has better depth
but perhaps more importantly he has been honored for his personal commitment to helping others. He explained that when his practice exploded beyond what he thought he could handle, he dropped to his knees to pursue a deeper walk with Christ. He wanted a truly personal relationship with Jesus so the Lord could lead him and give him strength. Dr. Gills said, “It was through the great teachings of Oswald Chambers that I came to realize that abandonment to Christ was the key to a deeper spiritual walk.” Dr. Gills purposed in his heart to do all of his work for the Lord, and he explained that is exactly why he named his practice St. Luke’s. Luke was not only a physician but also “a man empowered by God,” Dr. Gills said. Luke’s most important work was reserved for God and His purpose – spreading the Good News about Jesus Christ. Calling his practice St. Luke’s shows that Dr. Gills’ work is all for God. He cares as much about his patients’ spiritual well-being as he does about their vision.
The Author Over the years, Dr. Gills has been sharing his faith and wisdom with his patients. After years of reading three books
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July 2011 Love+Faith+Hope
BOOKSTORE Mrs. Gills opened Promise Book Shoppe at St. Luke’s next to the waiting area to sell Bibles, books that Dr. Gills recommends, current Christian best-sellers, as well as other Christian gifts and novelties. Proceeds from the bookstore benefit Mercy Ships in order to help restore sight around the world. In the lobby and waiting area patients can find bookshelves with the books Dr. Gills has authored and are welcomed to take them free of charge.
a week, studying the Bible, and getting some guidance from a friend, Dr. Gills began writing inspirational Christian books in 1985. Since his first book was published, he has been giving his Biblically-inspired writings to his patients for free. This is done through Love Press, which is a ministry outreach underwritten by St. Luke’s that distributes Dr. Gills’ books not only to his patients, but also to organizations around the country. They can be found in jails, prisons, VA hospitals, military bases, halfway houses, rehab centers, churches, and rescue missions. Dr. Gills shared that Love Press distributes approximately 25,000 books a month (free of charge) to the places where people are seeking help and ultimately need Jesus. Dr. Gills has now written 20 books on Christian living and over 8.5 million copies are in print. His books are the most widely requested Christian literature in the U.S. prison system, not including the Bible (www.lovepress.com). His inspiration comes from Scripture with books about love, overcoming worry, healing, intimacy with God, faith, joy, worship, and much more. Dr. Gills has even written two novels that deal with a couple’s struggle in marriage, divorce, and finding their way back to each other through God’s guidance. His hope is that through all of these books, people will find a “deeper spiritual conviction…rest in His redemption, and receive power from that rest.” Above all, Dr. Gills wants to see people come to Jesus Christ and develop a deeper relationship with Him, which can be accomplished when people truly understand what God did for us on the Cross. Love Press receives many letters about the impact these books have had on people’s lives. Most of these letters come from prison inmates throughout the U.S. The Love Press staff gathers stacks of letters to share with Dr. and Mrs. Gills. Some of the letters passed on to them come from prisoners who have read the books and accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Mrs. Gills spoke about prisoners that call themselves “lifers” and how the books have helped them grow their faith. One Easter Sunday they had the opportunity to visit one of the maximum security prisons where the
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books are distributed. The chapel services were held in the yard where all of the prisoners have recreational time. The yard is a dangerous place for prisoners, let alone visitors, but the Gills bravely attended the service anyway. Mrs. Gills explained that a man came running at them, but he didn’t want to inflict any harm. Instead, he embraced Dr. Gills and picked him up off the ground. The “lifer” inmate had recognized Dr. Gills from his picture (on the back of the books) and was elated to see him. The inmate explained that he had prayed that he would somehow get to meet Dr. Gills and God loved him so much that He brought Dr. Gills there on Easter. Dr. Gills’ books are reaching many who are considered “unreachable,” while harvesting souls for the Kingdom.
The Servant Among the long list of awards that Dr. Gills has received over the years is “Entrepreneur of the Year.” He explained that at one time, they ran over 30 businesses. “I’ve always had a lot of things going in business, but I don’t feel that the businesses are just for me; it’s to give,” Dr. Gills said. He and Mrs. Gills enjoy getting involved and acting as a channel to help build God’s Kingdom. They do this through supporting about 50 different ministries, some of which build churches, hospitals, and YMCA’s around the country and around the world. The Gills have distributed profits from their businesses, helped raise funds, and matched funds for various ministries that have far-reaching impacts. One of the ministries that they help by matching funds to build churches throughout the world is International Cooperating Ministries (ICM). “ICM has built approximately 3800 churches in 40 countries around the globe and is currently building about 300-400 churches a year,” Dr. Gills said. “ICM helps to nurture believers and assist Church growth with a strong vision for seeing people, communities, and nations transformed through Jesus Christ and His Church—truly actualizing Christ’s commission to ‘make disciples of all nations’” (www.icm.org). The Gills also work closely with Christian Blind Mission (CBM), which is an international organization “committed to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in low income regions of the world” (www.cbm.org). Additionally, the Gills have worked with Medical Ministry International (MMI) for almost 30 years to build hospitals around the world, in areas such as the Dominican Republic, Central America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. “MMI is committed to meet the need for medical care among the world's poor with lasting solutions through excellence in
medicine, patient care, and health education” (www.mmint.org). The Gills have also had the pleasure of going abroad with MMI to help provide medical care. Dr. Gills described one of the places in the Dominican Republic: “These are places where many of the operating rooms have dirt floors and the windows are out, and we cool ourselves by dripping water on us in 110 degree [weather].” They had to use generators to perform the eye surgeries and when the generators failed, people would hold flashlights so they could finish the procedures. Dr. Gills shared that he considered these mission trips a vacation for him and his family. He enjoyed helping the underprivileged see better and performed up to 30 surgeries a day. Many people wouldn’t consider working from early morning until late at night every day to be a vacation, but it shows the heart of Dr. Gills. His desire to help others comes from knowing the desires of God’s heart. On Sunday mornings, Dr. and Mrs. Gills serve their fellow congregates through teaching a Bible Study at First United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs. They also hold a Monday morning Bible Study at St. Luke’s called “Marinated in the
Word.” The group of believers gathered each week includes business professionals, doctors, pastors, and retirees who love the Word. Dr. Gills shared a recent study on 1 Peter 2. “What we do is every person will read a verse along with questions that apply the verse to their lives. This encourages further discussion and dissection of the Word, which allows the verse to do the teaching instead of me,” he said. The Gills’ service to others also allows them to fellowship with believers and continually grow their faith.
The Athlete Dr. Gills wears many hats – a husband, a father, a grandfather, a physician, a businessman, a reader, a writer, a faithful servant of the Lord, and an athlete. He enjoyed running ever since he was a young boy and started running marathons in his late thirties. He participated in forty-six marathons, including eighteen Boston marathons and fourteen 100-mile mountain runs. For 18 years he did not have a car because he ran to work every morning. “I enjoyed being by myself, clearing out my head, and memorizing Scriptures while running to work each morning; to me it was better than coffee,” Dr. Gills said. Next he moved on to competing in triathlons – namely, the Ironman races. He completed five Ironman Triathlons in Hawaii and holds the record for completing six Double Ironman Triathlons, each within the 36-hour maximum time frame. Dr. Gills is one of two people who have done a double Ironman at the age of 60. These races are about 28 hours long and Dr. Gills shared that he would memorize Scripture to get him through. “It takes your mind off yourself and frees you up. The freedom that comes from Christ is great. If you just focus on Christ, everything else takes care of itself,” he said. He competed in 35 various triathlons during his athletic career. He even purchased the Ironman brand in 1990, and sold it in September 2008. With all of the professional, charitable, and athletic success over Dr. Gills’ lifetime, what is his driving force behind it? Dr. Gills said, “I think it is working hard, enjoying what you do, and being faithful, fervent, and focused.” Not many people can say they have balanced so many different commitments throughout their life, as Dr. and Mrs. Gills have. They’ve done it with eyes of love and hearts for service, truly fulfilling the works God prepared for them in advance. Glory!
DR. GILLS IN PRINT You can purchase Dr. Gills’ books at Barnes and Nobles, Books a Million, and Family Christian Stores. The proceeds from the sales go back into the ministry so that Love Press can continue giving books to various facilities free of charge. To learn more about Love Press, visit their website at www.LovePress.com.
Believe and Rejoice “This unique book will adjust your spiritual eyesight! Get ready to encounter a new relationship with God and, as a result, His peace, power, and presence in all areas of your life, no matter how difficult or depressing your circumstances may be.”
Rx for Worry “God is sovereign, and He is our Father. He promises to never leave us or forsake us! In these pages, we will examine our fears and worries and discover how a thankful heart is indeed the Rx for Worry.”
MORE INFO To learn more about Dr. Gills and St. Luke’s Cataract & Laser Institute, visit their website at www.StLukesEye.com or call 800-282-9905.
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July 2011 Love+Faith+Hope
LETTING GOD LOVE YOU >>>BY ALEX DOWNING
T
here is a special connection between love and faith. God’s love for us began long before we loved Him. “Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions…” (Ephesians 2:4-5, NIV). In the moments when we feel unloved, or when our faith is stretched thin, our joy often seems to disappear, despite the fact that we are made alive in Christ.
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.” John 15:9 (NKJV)
Sometimes there seems to be no easy way to get that joy back and no logical reason to be unhappy. We can try and try in our own effort to make ourselves feel something different, but it will be just that and nothing more - a feeling. But the Lord longs to give us life to the full (John 10:10)! He does that by showing His love to us in many different ways. We need to take the time to listen and believe it is true. A couple years ago I read a book called The True Vine by Andrew Murray and it radically changed the way I looked at my Christian life. Murray was a pastor in South Africa and a vintner, a farmer who grew grapes, and has an uncanny way of explaining Scripture. The book goes through the parable of John 15, the vine and the branches, and its main theme is to abide in Christ. Throughout The True Vine, Murray emphasizes that the branch life is a life of whole dependence on Christ. Murray wrote, "As surely, as naturally, as the branch abides in the vine, you can abide in Christ" (p. 73). There is a security in depending on Christ for all our needs that we cannot get anywhere else. The insecurities many of us deal with throughout our lives, no matter our background or our personal situations, often boil down to one thing: Are we good enough to be loved? We fear that because of our past or because of our inadequacies, we are unlovable. Maybe you've faced abandonment and the need for love is a need for someone who will promise not to leave. Maybe you’ve had several
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rocky relationships that left you feeling unworthy, or maybe you never received a healthy love from your parents. No matter what makes you yearn for love, the fact of the matter is we all need to be loved. Jesus said, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love" (John 15:9, NIV). God has wired us to give love and receive love. While romantic love and all of our human relationships were given to us by God, ultimately He is the only One who can fulfill that need. When we feel loved by God, we can have that inexpressible joy of being accepted and worthy, even alive when we felt dead before. In this way, a big part of a joyful life is accepting God's love for us. Many times in my own life I have felt ridiculous and unlovable, either because of my own sinfulness and selfishness or because of something others had done to hurt me. Our joy cannot be restored simply by happy feelings – what we need is to realize that God’s love for us is without condition and without barriers. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, NIV). Truly, God’s love expressed to us in Christ never fails! God is love itself (1 John 4:8)! For many of us, dwelling on God’s love is nice, but it is extremely abstract. Spiritual and emotional experiences speak volumes to us as humans, and truly do change our hearts and our perspectives. Yet, we also need to remember that God shows Himself to us and expresses His love to us in more ways than simply spiritual experiences and the truth of His Word. God reveals His love to us in our relationships. Perhaps one of the most clearly marked and beautiful ways that
we see a reflection of God’s love for us is in the marriage of a man and a woman. Paul says in his letter to the Ephesians that marriage is a depiction for us of Christ and the Church, and His sacrificial love for her. This is what truly makes Christian marriage so powerful, and why we yearn for romantic love. Our marriages, our friendships, and our relationships with family members and children can all be avenues through which God communicates His love to us. He blesses us with His love by blessing us with others’ love. In this way, I believe that an element of our joy is receiving love from others. Once we believe that nothing we do can separate us from the love of God, we must also let those close to us love us. One evening, my fiancé and I went to an event together and I was feeling strangely. A lot of tension had arisen from finishing the school semester and from planning the wedding, and I was a little emotional. He asked me what was wrong and I replied that I felt weird and I didn’t know why. I explained that it wasn’t really a big deal, so I’d rather not waste his time. I began to cry, and he held me close. He had a lengthy paper due by midnight that night, which he hadn’t so much as started. We both knew that at 10 p.m. there was no way he was going to finish. But instead of agreeing that talking with me would be a waste of time, he sat with me and talked and let me cry. “You don’t have to earn everything,” he told me. “You don’t have to earn my love. I love you just because you’re you.” That echoed in my soul as though the Lord Himself had said
it to me. I realized that in the same way I pushed my fiancé away and thought my problems weren’t worth his time and attention, I was trying to earn the love of God and thought that my problems weren’t worth His time and attention. And yet, the work of Christ on the cross has already showed me that God loves me with a relentless and unconditional love, and nothing I do or don’t do can change that. We must always remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross - the ultimate act of love for us. This causes us to remember our sin and how undeserving we are - but its ultimate product in our lives should be praise to God! We were unworthy and now we are redeemed (Romans 5:8-10)! We were lost and now we are found (Luke 15)! We were subject to death and now we are alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5)! Praise God for His good, pleasing, and perfect will that was accomplished on the cross, "in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:7, NIV). Christ has called us to Himself. There is always a reason to keep on loving and to keep on living. You don't need to go find your joy or recreate your joyful feelings. Rather, spend a moment in quiet to reflect on what Christ has done for you, the extraordinary display of love on the cross, and the many blessings God has given you, His child. Like a branch receiving all its strength from the vine, receive your strength and your love from the True Vine, Truth, and Love itself.
ALEX'S RECOMMENDED READ
The True Vine
by Andrew Murray "Murray was a pastor in South Africa and a vintner, a farmer who grew grapes, and has an uncanny way of explaining Scripture. The book goes through the parable of John 15, the vine and the branches, and its main theme is abiding in Christ."
SALVATION
SOONER THAN YOU THINK If Jesus comes tomorrow, do you know what would happen? If you pass away tonight, do you know where you would go? The Bible tells us that we do not know the day or the hour that Jesus will return; only God knows the time. We don’t know when we will leave this earth, so does it make you wonder what will happen to you – to your spirit and your soul? The world so often gets caught up in the business of everyday life and doesn’t hear God calling. Our spiritual well-being is so much more important than that project we need to complete, the errand we need to run, or those TV shows we need to get caught up on. Colossians 3:2 instructs us to set our minds on things above and not on the things of this world. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, God sees us through Jesus and forgives us of all our sins and mistakes. Our life becomes intertwined with Jesus. Colossians 3:4 tells us that when Christ appears, believers will also appear with Him in glory – in Heaven. Do you want to be ready for Jesus’ return? Do you want to be with Him when you leave this earth? Make Jesus your Lord and Savior today because His return may be sooner than you think.
Say this prayer aloud: Father God, I come before You in the Name of Jesus. Your Word says that “whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21, NKJV) and “that 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). Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me. It is because of Your love that You don't want me to be condemned and punished for my sins. Thank You for sending Your beloved Son, Jesus, to die for me on the cross. Jesus took my sins, penalties, and all my curses and in return gave me His blessing, righteousness, and favor. He got what I deserved so I can receive what He deserves - all good things! Jesus' blood washes me clean from every sin (past, present, and future). On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead and conquered death. Father, I thank You that when You look at me, You choose to no longer remember my sins and that You see me in all the beauty and righteousness of Jesus. Holy Spirit, fill me to overflowing and lead me through this life - thank You, Father. In Jesus' Name, Amen!
“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:44 (NKJV)
RESOURCES FOR YOUR SPIRIT
Philippians 1:6 (MSG) “There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears."
LISTEN
READ
Releasing the Ability of God Through Prayer By: Charles Capps
In this book, “learn how you can pray God's Word to obtain victory over obstacles and difficulties in life” through God’s system of answered prayer, your legal rights, and the fact the God’s Word never changes. “God's Word is alive and powerful. It is living substance. It is law in the world of the spirit. Prayer is governed by spiritual laws and is designed to work for you. It is more powerful than the laws of nature that rule the universe today. Many times our prayers have bound God. When you learn to pray faith-filled words, you release God's ability and bring Him on the scene in your behalf.”
Brandon Heath Leaving Eden www.BrandonHeath.net
Find it at: www.CharlesCapps.com BROWSE
Family Minute
RED
Innocence & Instinct www.RedMusicOnline.com
Third Day
Wherever You Are www.ThirdDay.com
with Mark Merrill
“The Family Minute with Mark Merrill is a media production of Family First, a national non-profit organization based in Tampa, Florida. The Family Minute reaches millions of listeners each week, offering them practical, impactful and relevant advice on marriage, parenting, and family relationships.” Users on the website can hear today’s Family Minute, listen to archives, and find the radio station in your area that airs the broadcast. You can also sign up for the daily inspirational e-mail, browse the articles in the resources section, and view Mark Merrill’s blog.
Find it at: www.FamilyMinute.com
WATCH
Smile of a Child TV Channel 294 on Verizon
(For other cable & satellite providers, check the Smile of a Child website.)
“Classic children’s programming filled with timeless truths and positive values. That’s the winning philosophy behind Smile of a Child, TBN’s 24-hour network especially for children ages 2-12. Since its launch in 2005, Smile of a Child has become the premier faithand-values network parents trust for their children. Our innovative approach to television focuses on programming that not only educates and entertains, but that also morally instructs children."
The Rizers
Find it at: www.SmileofaChild.tv
Meet the Rizers
www.TheRizers.com
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July 2011 Love+Faith+Hope
HEALTHY LIFE
Balanced Life
In life we face many changes, from graduations to promotions. One change I don’t think anyone is completely prepared for is becoming a parent. We can read as many parenting books as we possibly can, but the fact remains that on-the-job training is different than any story found in a book. The experience is life changing in every way.
Date Night Ideas • • •
Candlelit spaghetti dinner for two Burger and a movie Quiet walk around the neighborhood handin-hand
The Bible tells us that children are a reward from God (Psalm 127:3). They are an expression of His love for us. The birth of a child is a clear sign that God is very much into everyday miracles. The fact that a woman can give birth to a child and still live, let alone consider having another baby down the road, is mesmerizing. However, the true love from God is experienced when that little baby begins to say “momma” or “dada.” Any new parent can tell you that the first few months is the hazing into the “fraternity” known as parenthood. You can go to Babies R’ Us and see zombie-like parents walking around carrying their newborns. It’s funny how after two or three years some parents (like myself) tend to forget about the sleep deprivation and dirty diapers, then come up with the great idea of having another baby! Yet, it is all worth it; we just need some balance. Having a career, getting at least three straight hours of sleep, taking care of a new family, and keeping up the romantic relationship with your spouse can be the hardest
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balancing act ever attempted. Unfortunately, the latter is what seems to suffer the most. As new parents, we tend to focus all of our attention on the child while the husband and wife relationship suffers. If this overlooked area is not addressed, it can lead to future trouble. New parents can fail to see that the mommy and daddy are the foundation of the household. If the foundation is not solid, the household can begin to crumble. A crumbling household is a terrible thing for children to be exposed to. This happens when we don’t make an effort to spend the ever important one-on-one time with each other as husband and wife. If the balancing act of new parenthood is beginning to take a toll on your relationship with your spouse, then it’s time to start planning a monthly date night. Even if you have to put the kids to bed early just to spend an hour or two alone together—do it! This will be the beginning of a journey that will remind you of why you got married in the first place. The foundation will remain solid and future disaster will be avoided. Balance your life with a little romance and fall in love all over again. Enjoy writing? Need a platform to share what God has put on your heart? Then we want to hear from you! If you would like to submit an original article to potentially be printed in the magazine, then send it to: contact@overflowmag.com.
MAGNIFY HIM SUBMITTED BY YOU!
A JEWISH GIRL'S JOURNEY TO JESUS SUBMITTED BY ALYSE MERRITT
To this day, wherever I go, people ask me how I can be Jewish and profess to believe in Jesus (Yeshua) as my Messiah. In response I simply say, “Because I know He lives.”
W
ith a chuckle, a sneer, or perhaps a dubious glance, I usually hear a follow-up question sounding much like, “So what made you convert to Christianity?” Belief in Jesus as Messiah does not involve an act of “conversion,” but rather requires the truth of completion. I believe the Spirit of the living God longs to make this known to all humanity, especially the Jewish people. The journey which led me to discover the truth about Jesus began when I was a child, kneeling in my north Jersey backyard. It was there, beneath the shadow of an outstretched apple tree, I first sensed God in my life. It was also there, gazing up toward the heavens, that I knew there had to be more beyond the clouds than the blueness of the sky. I was not more than three years old at the time, and I had not understood His love yet, nor His omnipresence. It simply was a brewing hunger for God that He alone placed within the depths of my heart. Looking back, I vividly recall praying, in my own childish way, by blowing tiny kisses toward heaven. I was sealing my words to God in what I envisioned to be a “prayer bubble” because I believed He would somehow hear my prayers faster that way. I thought my questions about who I was, why I was, and how I could draw closer to Him would be answered instantly. As the years went by and I discovered more about my family, my religion, and my role as the younger sibling of my household, I ceased running to that quiet place of refuge. I stopped asking God questions I once longed for Him to answer. I became very involved with activities of childhood, running to various acting classes, gymnastic lessons, and dance events. When I finally did have spare time to seek God, it was always done at a synagogue, surrounded by Hebrew school teachers. I was taught that I was Jewish and about the Torah which contains the story of my people. The most important thing I remembered of all I was taught, however, was that I was “chosen.” Having a Bat Mitzvah at 13, followed by the requisite gala reception, studying at a Hebrew high school, and learning of the lurid suffering my relatives had to endure, all left me with a feeling of great empathy for
my people and closeness with my culture. Although, as I continued to grow, I could not help but wonder if my childhood questions had been answered. I could not help but feel there was something more I had yet to grasp. Perhaps it was something more intimate than reading words on parchment that I could not fully understand, or perhaps it was someone more personal I envisioned God to be, the God who met me in my youth under an apple tree. Still feeling this way my second year of college, I acquired a job at a frozen yogurt shop. With no thought of having a life-altering experience, a peculiar man entered my life. His name was Alan, and the day he strolled into my store all eyes were on him, especially mine. His awesome stature was breathtaking as he towered over the other customers and, without exaggeration, he stood close to seven feet tall. He had the most brilliant pair of icy blue eyes planted in the middle of his fair-skinned face. As he gazed my way, his eyes seemed to penetrate right through me. “You must be new here,” he said beaming with delight, “what’s your name?” His voice was warm, and compassion seemed to flow freely from his heart. Though I do not recall the details of that initial conversation, I knew there was something so genuine about Alan, and I longed to see him again. I was not attracted to him, nor envisioned him as a potential companion, yet something so comforting about his presence drew me in. As the weeks went by, Alan became my most consistent customer and our conversations lasted for hours. One evening, Alan took me completely off guard by walking in with a large, white Bible. This was strange to me, so when all was quiet in the store I finally asked him about it. His response was simply to open the Book and start reading! “Alyse, did you know God numbered every one of the hairs on your head and loves you with an everlasting love?” Alan questioned. “Oh great, a religious freak!” I thought. Alan continued, “Did you know God has a destiny and plan for your life.” “Alan!” I interrupted. “Before you go on reading your New Testament Bible, please know I am Jewish!” Alan exclaimed, “That’s wonderful that you are Jewish! Did you know Jesus, also known
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July 2011 Love+Faith+Hope
“Jesus was, and is, the Jewish Messiah, who came to earth over 2,000 years ago...”
as Yeshua, was Jewish?” I said, “Jesus? Jewish! What a blasphemous contradiction!” Alan replied, “That’s right Alyse, Jewish Jesus! In fact He was so Jewish that He perfected the Jewish law as no other Jew could! Jesus was, and is, the Jewish Messiah, who came to earth over 2,000 years ago to redeem the nation of Israel from their sins. Now He remains the Savior of the world, and it is only by faith in His atoning sacrifice and identification with His death, burial, and resurrection, both Jew and Gentile (non-Jew) may be granted eternal life in heaven!” As I was digesting the intensity of Alan’s statements, I could almost hear my mother’s warning echo in my mind. She had explained that Christians would try to brainwash me into believing in “J.C.” but that I should never listen. After taking a moment to regain my composure, I stammered back, “Jesus can’t be Jewish – He’s Catholic! Besides, in all my years of Jewish studies nobody ever mentioned anything about Jesus being Jewish, let alone being the Messiah! I’m sure if Jesus was of ANY importance to the Jewish people, somebody would have told me by now!” In response Alan calmly explained the Torah (Jewish law) required an atonement be made for sin, and the Holy agent God used to complete this process was blood (see Leviticus 17:11). “You see, what the blood of bulls and goats
was powerless to do, God did through the eternal blood of His Son Yeshua, once and for all! By this He proved every sacrifice made for sin, from the blood of the Passover lamb to the blood of atonement on Yom Kippur, was just a foreshadowing of what was to come in the Messiah!” Alan continued, “Ironically, the Scriptures tell us the Messiah WILL be rejected by His people: ‘He was despised and rejected of men…’ (Isaiah 53:3, NIV), and ‘He came unto His own, and His own received Him not’” (John 1:11, KJV). Day and night, even Sunday mornings when you’d think this guy would be preaching in church somewhere, Alan was in my store reading his Bible and telling me about Jesus! The weeks slowly turned into months and my thoughts turned into questions. Conversations with Alan would constantly linger in my mind and I could not help but wonder, “What if Alan is right? What if my mother was wrong about Jesus, and what if somehow the Jewish people missed their Messiah, and the gift of salvation was given to the Gentiles because of our rejection?” Although it seemed Alan, his Bible, and his preaching would not get out of my life, I never grew annoyed completely, nor irritated enough to cease a conversation. I was always drawn to him, more so drawn to the message of God’s love within him. Alan seemed to follow me everywhere. My friends warned he was a stalker, arriving early and staying late at my store, yet I was never afraid of him. At the malls, at the local delis, even on my days off from work, wherever I went, Alan was there ready to share “The Word.” I can even vividly recall driving around town, spontaneously deciding to buy a sandwich at a sub shop, unprepared to see anyone, yet when I arrived, Alan was already there. He was always sitting at a two-seater, always by himself, and always with his big, white Bible opened, as if waiting for me to arrive. Each time I entered the locale, he’d look up from his seat, flash a smile my way and say, “Care to join me?” After seven months of this ongoing dialog, things grew heated and I finally barked at Alan, “If this Jesus, this one you CLAIM is my Messiah, truly died for me, THAT’S NOT FAIR! He shouldn’t have to suffer and die for my sins, I SHOULD!” Alan became quiet. He looked at me with great sadness yet compassion and said, “Alyse, you can never pay that price. That price is too big for you to pay. The wonderful thing is you don’t have to…Jesus paid it for you.” Wow. I was speechless. It wasn’t until months later, after my store closed down and I studied endless amounts of Scriptures, I reached the ultimate turning point.
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While on the phone with a Christian friend, I finally broke down and asked, “How do I get Jesus?” For the first time in 16 years, I knelt to the ground and prayed. I asked God to show me who I was, why I was, and how I could draw closer to Him, and in an instant I knew I was praying to Jesus. The God and Messiah who met me as a child under an apple tree, the personal Redeemer I knew, yet could not fully grasp, and the Heavenly Father who sent me the comfort of His Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). I just knew He was the Lord. Longing to find the holy messenger Alan, I searched everywhere to tell him the good news - I opened my heart to Yeshua - but to no avail. I went back to the deli shops, the sub stores, and places where I found him towering over crowds of people, but he was no longer there. The weeks turned into months, and the months turned into years, and then, sadly I gave up my search. All I had were the memories of his smile and a small New Testament he gave me. Even the phone number I once reached him at no longer worked and it was as though he disappeared from the face of the earth. Until one day…I saw him again. It was there, in the center of a living room, a large painting of Alan was staring at me! I had just entered the home of a Christian couple for prayer one night when I was awestruck by this picture on their wall. “That’s Alan!” I shouted, as the couple looked at me puzzled. “This is the man who told me about Jesus day and night for months and read to me from his big, white Bible! Where did you get this picture? Who painted it?” I needed to know all the details and couldn’t believe I was finally seeing him again. This time, however, he was wearing a white robe, not street clothes. Observing the awesome height of the man in the picture and gazing into those icy blue eyes, I knew in my heart whoever painted this picture was looking at the sweet face of Alan.
“So tell me! Where did you get this picture?” I was excited for their response, but they suddenly froze. After a long pause they said, “Alyse, this is a picture a friend painted years ago, when she said an angel visited her. It was during a difficult time in her life and this man, this angel ministered to her. This is what he looked like. She said that he was very tall and fair.” At that moment I was breathless and thought, “How could this be? That’s my friend Alan. He can’t be an angel; he’s just a nice, holy person. He talked with me and read to me, and he even ate real food!” To this day, I don’t know whether or not Alan was an angel or just a great messenger of God delivering a message of salvation to a lost Jewish girl. I don’t think I’ll ever know until Olam Haba (heaven), yet one thing I’m certain of is by man or by angel, by day or by night, the message of Yeshua needs to go forth to both Jews and non-Jews…because He lives! Since those early days of salvation, I’ve lost both parents and experienced much pain, yet grown deeper in faith. I’ve found myself in messes and miracles, trials and tragedies, and hurts beyond the confines of words. I’ve heard the sweet voice of God call me by name and the whispers of darkness pierce through the night. I’ve felt the breath of death sweep over my body and the miraculous touch of God restore me to health. In all this, and so much more, I acknowledge I am nothing on my own. It is only through Him my life has purpose and meaning. If you’d like more information on Alyse Merritt, check out Tender Shoot Films on the web or Facebook. You can learn how Alyse and her family reach Jews & non-Jews for the Messiah by making “Movies with a Message.” www.TenderShootFilms.com
For Such a Time
“A Story of a Queen and Her King” This film “is based on the compelling Biblical story of Queen Esther, the young Jewish woman who God raised up to become the great Queen of Persia, the one who would save her people from annihilation. Approximately 80% of the screenplay and scene dialogue was taken directly out of the Book of Esther, as was the entirety of the narration." Tender Shoot Films Family Friendly Approx. 75 minutes
Find it at: www.TenderShootFilms.com
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July 2011 Love+Faith+Hope
TRUE FREEDOM THROUGH CHRIST >>>BY CHRIS CHERP
A “It is no longer by the Ten Commandments that we are justified but through the complete and perfect work of Jesus Christ.”
nyone who has ever golfed or at least tried to golf knows that performance has very little to do with how hard you hit the ball. Generally the harder one tries to hit the golf ball, the worse the outcome. "Let the club do the work" is what I heard many times from the more experienced golfers who accompanied me to the golf course. Every time I listened to their advice and just swung easy, I watched my golf ball in flight headed precisely to where I aimed. Learning to relax and just letting the club do the work allowed me to shave ten-plus strokes off my game. In addition to a lower score, the frustration I once carried with me around the course left, and I began to enjoy golfing. Similar to slicing the golf ball when attempting to swing with too much effort, as Christians, many of us try to live righteous lives through our own vain efforts. The outcome is always below our expectations. I did this most of my life, and I must say it was exhausting and frustrating. As a matter of fact, every time I began to live a righteous life based on my own efforts I would soon fail. It always seemed to happen especially on Sunday mornings when I was headed to church. However, when I started to apply a principle similar to the one I learned in golf - allow the Blood of Jesus to do the work - I began to live a life of freedom. This freedom in my life began when I understood the reason why Jesus went to the Cross for us. It was so that all who believe in Him are in right standing with God. Because God's judgment and wrath were exhausted on Jesus and He chooses not to remember our sins anymore, we are truly FREE. The main clause of the New Covenant is where we find this liberating truth: "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I
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will remember no more" (Hebrews 8:12, NKJV). Believing the main clause of the New Covenant has the ability to free any person from their past or current lifestyle or circumstances. When we make Jesus our Lord and Savior, the Lord becomes merciful to our unrighteousness and we become righteous through Jesus Christ (Isaiah 54:17). He chooses not to remember our sins and lawless deeds anymore. Psalm 103:12 (NLT) states, "He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west." How awesome is that? I began saying to myself every morning, “I am the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus,” and “I am forgiven.” After several weeks of repeating this, I began to know in my heart what that really meant. The revelation is life changing. I now live a real life of freedom through Christ. Faking the "perfect life" is no longer necessary! It was easy, almost effortless, the moment I began to relax. I finally understood what it meant to be a partaker of the New Covenant, which is the perfect work of Jesus Christ. Freedom through Christ is so often forfeited by Christians because we don't know or don't really believe the main clause of the New Covenant. It is no longer by the Ten Commandments that we are justified but through the complete and perfect work of Jesus Christ. This month as we celebrate the freedom of our wonderful God-blessed country, try remembering all of the freedoms Jesus provided for us through the Cross. You will find the more you put this in remembrance, the more love, joy, and peace will fill your life. Eliminate the frustrating days of self-righteousness and remember you are forgiven. Start living a life of freedom through Jesus and begin enjoying life again. I promise you will never be the same. Glory!
MY ROCK SCRIPTURES I STAND ON
Mark 11:24 (NLT) "Listen to me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you will have it." This is blessed assurance that God holds us in His hand and guides our every effort.
Photographed by: KYMBERLY BOSWELL PHOTOGRAPHY Kym@KymberlyBoswell.com 813-380-5797
Have a favorite Scripture that you stand on? We are always looking for new people to share what God’s Word means to them. Let us know and we’ll photograph you! E-mail us at contact@overflowmag.com.
MY ROCK SCRIPTURES I STAND ON
Matthew 19:26 (NIV) "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" This Scripture is everything that I base my life on. Whenever we think it can't be done, we need to remember the God, Jesus, we believe in.
Photographed by: KYMBERLY BOSWELL PHOTOGRAPHY Kym@KymberlyBoswell.com 813-380-5797
EVENTS
JULY 1-29 Bradstreet Summer Sports Camp
Trinity Homeschool Center 2905 Smitter Rd., Tampa 813-690-2889 Pre-Register: www.BradstreetSports.com *One-Time Registration Fee: $35 9:30am-12:30pm ($65 per week) 7am-6pm ($99 per week) - Ages 4 and up
1-31 Motherhood the Musical A Loving Look at the Blessings of Mom
Straz Center - Jaeb Theater 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa www.strazcenter.org *Tickets $39.50 7:30pm (Tues.-Thurs.), 8pm (Fri.), 2 & 8pm (Sat.), 2pm (Sun.)
5
5-8
YouNite @ The Shops at Wiregrass
6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel 813-948-5445 *Check out which movies are played each week at: www.CobbTheatres.com 10am (Tues., Wed., Thurs.)
7-9
Trinity Homeschool Center 2905 Smitter Rd., Tampa 813-690-2889 Reservation: svoth2@verizon.net *$40, 6yrs old and up 12pm-1pm
5-8 & Chess Summer Camp 11-14 Trinity Homeschool Center
2905 Smitter Rd., Tampa 813-690-2889 Reservation: mike-cindy@earthlink.net *$125, 6yrs old and up 9am-12pm
Trinity Homeschool Center 2905 Smitter Rd., Tampa 813-690-2889 Pre-Register: www.BradstreetSports.com *One-Time Registration Fee: $35 9:30am-12:30pm ($65 per week) 7am-6pm ($99 per week) - Ages 4 and up
2
YouNite @ The Shops at Wiregrass
www.danceuntothelord.com 813-503-6863 6pm (Thurs.) & 8:30am (Fri.-Sat.)
5
FREE Kid Shows at Cobb Grove16
6333 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel 813-948-5445 *Check out which movies are played each week at: www.CobbTheatres.com 10am (Tues., Wed., Thurs.)
Heritage Church 1854 Oak Grove Blvd., Lutz www.yesheritage.com 813-909-4080
South Bay Church 13498 US Hwy 301 S., Riverview www.southbay.cc 727-526-6083 *Tickets $10 in advance, $12 at the door
*$5, Ages 4-11
29-30 Love Worth Fighting For Marriage Event with Kirk Camerson & Warren Barfield Friday: First Baptist Church 2801 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala Saturday: Calvary Assembly 1199 Clay Street, Winter Park www.feedyourfaith.org 800-965-9324 7pm (Fri.) & 6pm (Sat.)
11-15 Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church Temple
10002 North 56th St., Temple Terrace www.fbctt.org 813-988-1138 *4 yrs old - 5th grade 9am-12:45pm, FREE
15
Aaron Gillespie Concert
7pm
9am-12pm
Night of Worship with Darrell Evans Victory at Sarasota 3375 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota www.victorysrq.com 941-993-2175
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*Tickets $10 at the door
Audrey Assad & Bellarive
Nativity Catholic Church 705 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon www.nativitycatholicchurch.org *$20 7pm
7pm
5
End of Summer Bash for Teens at MOSI Museum of Science & Industry 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa 813-987-6000 www.mosi.org *Music, movies, food, gaming, & activities Parents drop off kids ages 12-17 6:30-11:30pm
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Alison Krauss & Union Station Concert Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater 727-791-7400 www.rutheckerdhall.com 7pm
12-13 Men with a Purpose Conference Special Guest: Pastor Jeff Arnold New Life Tabernacle UPC 6912 Williams Rd., Seffner 813-740-1868 www.NewLifeTabernacleUPC.org 6pm (Fri.), 9am (Sat.)
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ADD YOUR EVENT 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:
Women's Mini-Retreat "Cool Down the Body, Fire Up the Spirit"
events@overflowmag.com
Trinity Church of Wesley Chapel 33425 SR 54, Wesley Chapel 813-788-5362 *$15 (by Aug. 1st) 9:30am-2pm
Hillsong United Aftermath Tour St. Pete Times Forum
401 Channelside Dr., Tampa 813-301-6990 www.SPTimesForum.com *$25 (reserved), $32 (floor), $40 (VIP) 7:30pm
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11-15 Vacation Bible School "Rev It Up - Full Throttle for God"
28211 Paseo Dr., Ste.100, Wesley Chapel www.stjamestampa.org, 813-971-4790 *Live music, giveaways, Christian bands 6-8:30pm, FREE
2-4
Bethel Church 1510 Hillsborough Ave., Tampa www.forerunner-ministries.org 7pm (Fri.) & 9am-12pm (Sat.)
University of South Florida
AUGUST 1-12 Bradstreet Summer Sports Camp
22-23 Glory Tour - Dutch Sheets & Ken Malone Worship by Nick & Amy Riccio
9th Annual Music & Dance Unto the Lord Conference Alfonso Conference Ctr & Marshall Student Ctr
28211 Paseo Dr., Ste.100, Wesley Chapel www.stjamestampa.org, 813-971-4790 *Live music, giveaways, Christian bands 6-8:30pm, FREE
Ballroom & Latin Dance Camp
JULY/AUGUST
5-28 FREE Kid Shows at Cobb Grove16
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Godzfest - Concert Series Back to the Rock Productions
Deadlines are the 15th* of each month *Space is limited
UPGRADE YOUR EVENT
2011 Avenida Republica de Cube, Tampa 727-898-0070 www.backtotherock.com *Tickets: $20 12pm
WANT YOUR EVENT TO STAND OUT?
Run an ad with Overflow to promote your event and help spread the Word of God! CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO: 813.915.6700 or events@overflowmag.com
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July 2011 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
Bell Shoals Baptist Church 2102 Bell Shoals Road Brandon, 33511 813-689-4229 www.bellshoals.com Sun., 9:15am & 11am Wed., 7pm
Branch of Christ Ministries 27223 State Road 56 Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-435-1469 Sun., 10am
Christ CP Church
19501 Holly Lane Lutz, 33548 813-909-9789 www.christchurchlutz.org Sun., 10:30am
Church of the Lakes
2530 Wilson Rd. Land O’ Lakes, 34638 813-948-4358 www.churchofthelakesepc.org Sun., 9:15am & 10:30am
Christian Family Church AMC Westshore Plaza 210 Westshore Plaza Tampa, 33609 813-802-8736 www.cfctampa.org Sun., 10:30am
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
CrossRoads Community United Methodist Church
Floodgates Community Church
Dwelling Place
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) 410 County Line Rd. W Lutz, 33548 813-949-1912 www.thedwellingplace.us Sun., 10:30am & 2pm (Spanish Service) Wed., 7pm
E_Life Chapel
3806 N. 12th St. Tampa, 33603 813-924-6553 www.elifechapel.com Sun., 10:30am
Epistle of Christ Ministries Ramada Inn 11714 Morris Bridge Rd. Tampa, 33617 813-785-4519 www.epistleofchrist.org Sun., 10am (except 1st Sun.), Mon., 7pm (after 1st Sun.)
Faith Life Church
4902 East Busch Blvd. Tampa, 33617 813-910-7336, www.flctampa.org Sun., 9:30 & 11am, Wed., 7pm Thurs., 7pm (Healing School)
Faith Family Worship Center
14514 Del Valle Road Tampa, 33625 (Citrus Park) 813-920-3685 www.ffwc.org Sun., 10:30am & 6pm, Wed., 7pm
First Baptist of New Tampa
28125 County Line Rd. Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-907-1685, www.fbcnewtampa.org Sun., 9:15am, 10:30am, & 6pm
1664 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-389-0238 www.floodgateschurch.org Sun., 9am & 11am 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 Family Church
5101 Van Dyke Road Lutz, 33558 813-265-4151 www.gracefamilychurch.org Sat., 5 & 7pm, Sun., 9:30am & 11:45am
Grace Outreach Ministries 1900 Oak Grove Blvd. Lutz, 33559 813-316-6606 Sun., 10:30am
Grow Life Church
26940 Progress Parkway Wesley Chapel, 33544 (Meeting at Veterans Elementary School) 813-406-8963 www.growlifechurch.com Sun., 10am
Heritage Church
1854 Oak Grove Blvd. Lutz, 33559 813-909-4080 www.yesheritage.com Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm
House of Prayer Church
6305 E. Hillsborough Ave. Tampa, 33610 813-994-5694 www.houseofprayerchurch.org Sun., 10:30am, Wed., 7pm
First Reformed Church of Tampa
Keystone Community Church
First Thonotosassa Missionary Baptist Church
Kingdom Worship Center
8283 W. Hillsborough Ave. Tampa, 33615 813-886-6210, www.frctampa.org Sun., 9:30am (Contemporary), 11am (Traditional)
10650 McIntosh Rd. Thonotosassa, 33592 813-986-4756 www.thonotosassabaptist.org Sun., 9:45 am, 11am & 6pm Wed., 7pm
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21010 State Road 54 Lutz, 33558 813-962-4522 www.keystonecommunity.org Sunday School, 9:30am Sunday Worship, 10:30am 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
Light Christian Ministries
720 W. Robertson St. Brandon, 33511 813-458-6252 www.lightcm.org Sun., 10am, Tues.& Wed., 7pm
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)
NorthBridge Church
2025 Mansfield Blvd. Wesley Chapel, 33543 (Meeting at John Long Middle School) 813-319-4588 www.northbridgechurch.info Sun., 10am
Oasis World Outreach
35636 State Road 54 West Zephyrhills, 33541 813-782-2888 www.oasisworldoutreach.org Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm
Onething Prayer Center
777 W. Lumsden Rd. Brandon, 33511 813-500-9411 www.onethingprayer.com *See website for various church, worship, and prayer service times
Open Arms Church of Ybor City 1314 E. 18th Ave. Tampa, 33605 813-248-2595 www.openarmschurch.org Sun., 10:30am & 1pm (Spanish) Wed., 7pm
Pathway to Peace Christian Church 5808 Lynn Rd. Tampa, 33624 813-908-0893 Bilingual-Spanish Services Sun., 10am, Tues. & Fri., 7:30pm
Reality Church Tampa
1000 N. Florida Ave. Tampa, 33602 813-228-8700 www.realitychurchtampa.com Sun., 10am & 6pm
Revealing Truth Ministries 5201 N. Armenia Avenue Tampa, 33603 813-354-1135 www.revealingtruth.org Sun., 10am, Wed. & Fri., 7pm
River of Life
410 Chapman Rd. East Lutz, 33549 813-949-9931 www.riveroflife-lutz.org Sun., 10am, Wed., 7pm
Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue 33425 State Road 54 Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-831-5673 www.shoreshdavid.org Fri., 7pm
St. James House of Prayer Episcopal Church 2708 N. Central Ave. Tampa, 33602 813-223-6090 www.sjhoptpa.org Sun., 9am (Traditional), 11:30am (Contemporary)
St. James Methodist Church
16202 Bruce B Downs Blvd. Tampa, 33647 813-971-4790 www.stjamestampa.org Sun., 9am (Traditional), 11am & 12:30pm (Contemporary)
Tampa Covenant Church
13320 Lake Magdalene Blvd. Tampa, 33618 813-968-2979 www.tampacovenantchurch.org Sun., 9:30am, Wed., 7pm
Trinity Church of Wesley Chapel
33425 State Road 54 Wesley Chapel, 33543 813-788-2898 www.trinitychurchwc.com Sunday, 9am (Blended), 10:45am (Traditional), & 12:34pm (NOW Praise)
Victorious Life Church
6224 Old Pasco Rd. Wesley Chapel, 33544 813-973-2230 www.victoriouslifechurch.com Sun., 9am, 10:40am & 6pm Wed., 7pm
Vida Community Church
Meeting at The Dwelling Place 410 W. County Line Rd. Lutz, 33558 813-810-0863 www.vidacommunitychurch.org Bilingual-Spanish Services Sun., 2pm, 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
Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church 6100 Memorial Highway Tampa, 33615 813-886-2536 www.wesleymemorial.net Sun., 9am & 11:15am Wed., 6:30pm
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
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
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July 2011 Love+Faith+Hope