October 2015
Volume 1 ~Issue 10
eMagazine of Philippi Prospect Ministries TM
~Featuring~ Michael Nakhokho Odili DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER
Hands of Mercy Orphanage and Bright Alliance Academy School Kampala, Uganda
Table of Contents 3~Notes from Rebecca 4~Subscribe to Grace Point! 5~Restoration & Renewal 6-7~The Bright Side by Olivia Carpenter 8-9~Remarkables by Amanda Marler 10-13 Handmade in Israel 14-15~Commissioned by Michael Nakhokho Odili 16-17~Special Guest Article by Ross & Chana Tsemach 18-19~Parton’s Petals 20-21~StoryWorks 22-23~Ordinary Aussie Mom 24-25~Greetings from Malawi by Pastor Michael Kanyoli 26-27~ClassWorks by Rachel Dills 28-29~Namesakes 30-31~ScrollWorks 32-33~The Personal Column by Angela Carpenter 34-35~Fruitworks 36-37~Women in Scripture-Rebekah 38-39~ImageWorks 40~Seller of Purple: Tote Bags 41~Seller of Purple: Prayer Journals Back Cover~StillWorks Imagery
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Hello to all readers! First, I want to thank you for clicking on the link that brought you to this magazine.
Notes from
Rebecca
New this issue: A big “thank you” to Pastor Michael Nakhokho Odili for taking time out of his schedule to share with us about his orphanage and school in Kampala, Uganda. Also, a special “thank you” to Carmel (Ross) and Chana (Anita) Tsemach for sharing their beautiful music and voice with us. Take a listen; you will be blessed! On pages 40 and 41, you will find new product art of my own creation, this month featuring tote bags and prayer journals. Each month the prayer journals will be offered in a different theme. This month’s theme: heart, which implies love for our fellowman, with appropriate Scripture attached. All purchases go to the continuation of our ministry, so if you are led to purchase something, a hearty “thank you” in advance! The purpose of this magazine is for help, hope and encouragement toward our fellow man. It is about promoting Godly endeavors and Godly results. It is not about judgment, or whether our beliefs are the same or not. The Adversary is about division and subtraction; God is about multiplication and addition. We are our brother’s keeper! Our prayer is that there will be a blessing for each reader among these pages. God bless each and every one! Shalom. Sincerely, Rebecca Matthews Founder, administrator, and ordained minister at Philippi Prospect Ministries Founder, senior editor, writer, publisher of Grace Point! eMagazine Photographer at StillWorks Imagery Artist and curator at atelier proximite` (The opinions expressed in this magazine by contributors does not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of James and Rebecca Matthews, founders of Philippi Prospect Ministries, and Grace Point! eMagazine.)
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A Journey to
Sit down. Lean back. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Rest awhile. God is not a hard taskmaster. He doesn’t revel in our misery, or put on us more than we can bear. He does, however, want us to bring our burdens to Him, when the Adversary-the real taskmasteroverloads us with worry, fear and doubt. But God says, give to me. Sit down. Take a load off. Relax….. God gives us all “assignments” to carry out. We may pray for people, help them do something they cannot do themselves, or just be an ear when they need to vent. Whatever our spiritual, God given jobs are, if we let the negative situations overrun our peace in God, then we have created a miserable existence for ourselves. God wants us to rest in Him, while the work is being done, and also after it is done. This means no worry, fear or doubt about our, or someone else’s, circumstance. It’s not easy; sometimes our human nature gets in the way. But, we should not let the worldly system convince us that we have to be busy to be productive. Let’s do our part, then let God do His. a publication of Ruth Ministries-The Virtuous Woman,TM a woman's restoration ministry/a segment of Philippi Prospect Ministries TM
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by Olivia Carpenter
1 Timothy 4:12
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Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. This is one of my favorite Bible verses. When I was younger, my mom wrote this verse on our fridge for me to see every morning. I didn't understand it until a few years later, but I always loved it.
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young... Don't let people put you down. Don't let them say you aren't smart enough, or that you don't know as much as them. Never let anyone count you out before you've even begun. So what if you're only in Algebra and not Geometry? That doesn't mean the kids in geometry class are smarter than you! Jesus didn't let people look down on him during his young years, and neither should you!
...set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. Be an example for your peers. Act how Jesus would act, and let others see the right way to do things. People tend to follow the leader, so become that leader! Do things the way God wants you to do them, and others will see this. You don't always have to tell people the right thing to do, sometimes you have to show them. You see, God wants us to be an example for others. He wants us to show others Jesus. He simply wants us to spread his word to others in everything we do. He wants us to be bold, to not let ourselves be thrown out the door because we're young or inexperienced! He wants us to be a walking mirror image of him, for all to see! He wants us to be just like him.
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Some people are going to love you, no matter what you do.
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Remark a b l e s Some people will never love you, no matter what you do. ___
by Amanda Marler 9
See more from this artist at
Ayala Binor
Welcome to my shop: I create silver jewelry and Judaica, in my own special and original design. You can find here: handmade sterling silver jewels integrated with semi-precious stones. All the jewels are made by me with a lot of fun and love. Thanks for visiting. Ayala ♼ Israel
photos used by permission
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Tel Aviv,
See more from this artist at
City of David
Welcome to the City of David store! All of our items are handmade. Jewelry, special necklaces, unique earrings and bracelets, and behind every one of them there is an ancient story that will make you feel special when you wear it. Our jewelry made in Jerusalem Israel with Jerusalem stones. You can find here bridal jewelry, special gifts for Mother's day, fine jewelry for special occasions. For additional selections, click to visit our website:
cityofdavid.org.il photos used by permission
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See more from this artist at
Shimmer Place
Handmade ring bearer boxes, wooden gifts and home dĂŠcor - all this can be found here, waiting for you! I am open for custom requests, so just tell me what do you want and I will make my best to accomplish this. Almost every item listed here, can be repeated. Note that I'm located in Israel, so sending stuff to North America or Australia may take time. Usually delivery takes up to 2 weeks, so please plan accordingly! If you are interested in express delivery, please contact me directly. Have a nice shopping and thank you for your purchase! Stella and ShimmerPlace
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photos used by permission
more from this artist at Jools
Welcome to my world :) I design and manufacture unique and fun handmade jewelry. Necklaces, animal jewelry, earrings, bracelets, rings and pregnancy gifts. Hi, My name is Meytal Bar-Noy and I am the designer of the brand "Jools". I make jewelry for women of all ages. My inspirations are feminine, lace, elements from nature, urban-style geometric and symmetrical shapes, I've also integrated humor and fun in many of my pieces and of course animals. The materials I use are gold and silver (as well as gold and silver platings). I also use a variety of other metals and combine them with pearls, precious stones, leather, fabrics, coins, and anything you can turn into something beautiful. All of my works are handmade and have much thought put into them, such as comfort, feminine connection and how to make people smile. The jewelry I make is jewelry I know I would wear, and with every piece of jewelry comes excitement with the thought of what it will look like on my customers. I give my full attention and dedication to each and every piece of jewelry. They are worked on and polished until perfection, something that I think befits the perfectionist in me.
photos used by permission
Follow me on: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joolsjewelry Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/meytalbarnoy/
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Focusing on those that have been called to go out and minister to the world. We first “met” Michael Odili on LinkedIn, where he had requested us as a contact. When I looked over his information, I saw that he requested the need for a website. I sent him a message, telling him that he could have a free website on Google and, if he wanted, I could build it for him. Within hours, he send me all the necessary information I needed to build it. Three days later, it was finished, and I sent him an email to tell him. His reply put a lump in my throat. “I have been waiting 12 years for a website.” I am thankful that God let me play just a small part in letting the world see what a wonderful calling he has placed on Pastor Odili, with his orphanage and school.
Give It Away I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus. . .whom you sent to take care of my needs. —Philippians 2:25 Many charities that help people with various needs depend on donations of unwanted clothing and household items from those who have more than enough. And it’s good to give away unused things so they can benefit others. But, we are often more reluctant to part with things of value that we use every day. When Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he needed continuing encouragement and the companionship of trusted friends. Yet, he sent two of his closest comrades to help the followers of Jesus in Philippi (Phil. 2:19-30). I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon . . . . I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. (vv. 19-20). And, I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. (v. 25). Paul freely gave to others what he most needed himself.
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long range view of Kampala, Uganda
Whatever we feel is “most valued” in our lives today could be of great benefit to someone we know. It may be our time, friendship, encouragement, a listening ear, or a helping hand. When we give away what the Lord has given to us, He is honored, others are helped, and we are blessed. Lord, show me what I cling to. If someone needs it, open my heart and my hands and help me give it away today. Giving freely honors the Lord, helps others, and blesses us. NAKHOKHO MICHAEL ODILI HANDS OF MERCY UGANDA P.O.BOX 469,MUKONO. UGANDA EAST AFRICA. email: livingfaithch@yahoo.com michaelnakhokho@gmail.com I am the representative for 37 churches in my region.
Visit our website:
photo courtesy of Jon Gosier via Flickr | License/cropped
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Special Guest Article/Video by Carmel and Chana Tsamach The Lord’s Prayer is the prayer that Messiah Jesus (Mashiach Yeshua in the Hebrew Language) taught His disciples. See Matthew 6:9-13. The first line: “Our Father who art in Heaven” is actually a Hebrew phrase, Avinu Shebashamayim, common in many Jewish prayers. This should not come as a surprise, since Jesus- Yeshua (as His mother would have called Him) was Jewish and so were His disciples! The point of this prayer is to invite us to pray as Yeshua did. We do this as we pray to our heavenly Father in a manner very familiar in Jewish prayer. If you look in the Jewish prayer book (called the Siddur) you find countless examples of phrases that are used by Yeshua in The Lord’s Prayer. One example is the prayer Avinu Malkenu אבִינוּ ַמ ְלכֵּנוּ. Other familiar Jewish phrases are:
Malchut HaShamaim – Thy Kingdom Come. Kiddush HaShem – Hallowed be Thy name. The idea of ‘Kingdom come’ is also in the Jewish Kaddish – ְוי ַ ְמלִי ַמלְכוּתֵ הּMay He establish His kingdom. Since Yeshua was Jewish, He of course, attended synagogue, knew and taught the bible (as the Jewish people know it: Torah, Writings, Prophets = Tanakh) intimately. Remembering and knowing this fact – it’s surprising to learn that the phrases in The Lord’s Prayer have a Jewish foundation. Yeshua used words and terms that would have been familiar to his disciples and the communities He preached in. As Christians, it is important to learn as much as we can about our Hebrew heritage. Our debt to Israel is amazing. If not for the Jewish people, we would have no patriarchs, no prophets, no scriptures, covenants or promises. There would be no Messiah, no church and no salvation! Our faith Yeshua means that we are a part of Israel and GOD’s chosen people. (See Romans 11:11–24) It is a great privilege to remember our Jewish Heritage as we pray the words in The Lord's Prayer. see this link to learn more: http://www.hebrew4christians. com/Prayers/The_Lord_s_Prayer_1/the_lord_s_prayer_1.html
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petals of wisdom, hope, inspiration, and truth by Keitha
Parton
Scripture to Build a Strong Marriage
It is hard to believe that on October 2nd my husband and I will celebrate twenty-three years of marriage. As I sit here and reflect on the ups and downs of our life together I am constantly amazed at how we have been able to beat the odds in our modern culture of divorce and stay together. I wish I could tell you that it has been easy, that we have not struggled, and that we were always the perfect Christian couple along the way, but I would be lying. Unlike most married couples, we didn’t have a hard time adjusting to living together, and our first years of marriage were easy. We didn’t fight a whole lot, although there were a few disagreements along the way, and we settled into a manageable routine that lasted a long time.
As we neared our 19th wedding anniversary that is when things for us started getting rocky. We started fighting a lot, each suffered from our oldest children leaving home and starting their own lives. We each were also dealing with the fact that we were aging and life was changing and we were having a hard time keeping up. I started having some serious health issues and was so consumed with my own misery that I didn’t take the time to stop and see that my husband was suffering along with me, just not as openly as I was. During this time we each took steps toward making ourselves feel better and forgot why we were together, that we were actually important to one another, and most of all why God had put us together in the first place. Without going into much detail about the ins and outs of that painful time in our lives I will tell you that the ugly word Divorce came up and seemed to be a looming possibility. However, through the Amazing Grace of God, lots of prayer, some very deep, heartfelt conversations, and lots of tears we were able to put our marriage back together. I think in today’s society we are so caught up in the romance of meeting that special someone and spending the rest of our lives with them that we don’t realize that marriage takes God first, and hard work, and devotion from both partners to make it work. We as Christians have been given a beautiful tool to assist us in our journey through marriage and we need to be passing this wisdom along to those who are taking the first steps of marriage. What is that gift you say? The Bible! It truly is a guide to how we should live our lives, ordained by our Holy God, and a precious tool to use through the good times and the bad.
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photo courtesy of freeimages.com/Yosep Sugiarto
1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. This is a very significant verse for marriage, because marriage is the merging of two sinners. No one is perfect in a marriage. There will be times that a husband or wife will disappoint one another, mess up, or do something that is upsetting. It is important to remember God's designation of love and know that loving one another deeply can cover all those sins. Ecclesiastes 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Understanding that two is stronger than one. But then, accepting that two together, joined with one God is even stronger! The three cords symbolize a husband, a wife, and God. These three create a strong relationship that is not easily broken.
Ephesians 4:2-3 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. If a husband and wife are humble, patient, gentle, and selfless in a relationship, less conflict and quarrels will occur. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. These words fill our hearts with hope and faithfulness. We do not know all the plans God has for our future, but we must trust that He will strengthen us each day. Mark 10:9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. When we first enter into marriage, the last thing we are thinking about is divorce! But, through the years of being together, times of hardship and trials that threaten the relationship may occur. If this is ever the case, allow God's word to come into play. You have been joined together under God, don't let anyone or anything separate your love for each other.
read more from Keitha at Tuckasegee Country Living and Keitha Parton-Official Mary Kay Consultant
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TM
There is a story I read when I was a teenager that has stuck with me over the years. Just a simple little story about a man and his coat, but it has a huge life-lesson woven in the words. On a very windy, cool autumn day, a man left his house and began walking to the local market. On the way, the wind blew hard, almost knocking the man over. Then, just when he was about to fall, he would blow the other direction, almost knocking him over again. The sun had been watching this for a while, and decided to ask the wind why he was treating the old man that way. “Because I want him to know how strong I am, and how weak he is.” As the sun contemplated the answer, the wind turned and said, “I bet I can make him pull off his coat. Then he will know how strong I am.” Just then, the wind turned toward the old man again, and blew with everything he had. The old man pulled his coat together really tight, zipped it all the way to the top, and bowed his head against the driving wind. But, no matter how hard the wind blew, he could not blow the old man’s coat off.
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“Now, let me try,” said the sun. “Try all you like. You are not stronger than me,” the wind boasted. So, the sun moved the clouds out of the way that the wind had blew over him, and beamed all of his heat right down onto the man. After a few minutes, the man noticed a change in the weather, raised his head and unzipped his coat. After a few more minutes, the man realized that it was getting really hot, so he took off his coat, and threw it across his shoulder, continuing merrily along his way to the market. The wind was flabbergasted. “How did you do that?” he asked the sun. I didn’t try to use force to make him do what I wanted” said the sun. I simply shone as warmly as I could, and the man made his own decision to pull off his coat. ~~~
When we try to make anyone do something by force, it is bullying and manipulation. Only when we show them kindness, warmth, and love, will they react in a positive way. And, that positive reaction will come because they have drawn their own conclusion from the situation, not because they were coerced into doing it.
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A family who praises The Lord through all their lives circumstances by word and action - can you imagine such a family?
by Melanie Baker-Nash
Scripture is full of verses which teaching us to praise The Lord; yet sadly today it seems to be more blasphemy we hear rather than praise. Even in church there have been times I’ve openly expressed praise to The Lord for something and I’ve been met with awkward looks. I see ‘quiet’ Christians, yet I don’t think I’d describe their faith as contagious. I see many people who will praise their own children and partner to encourage, yet not extend this to the Perfect One.
Let’s think about our own personal families and our role as parents. I believe offering genuine praise to those we love is a good place to begin, yet we are commanded by scripture to praise The Lord and therefore it is this type of praise the enemy wants to stop. We know the commandment in scripture to train up our children in the way of The Lord (Proverbs 22:6) but do we realise this includes living a life of praise? So how do we do this? Is it by being a disciplinarian and enforcing our children to pray out loud at the dinner table prayers of praise? Or is it lovingly, joyfully, leading by example? Yes, it is the second way; for Jesus said it is out of the mouth the heart speaks, see Luke 6:44-45. Do you as the parental head of your family live a life that praises The Lord is word and deed in all circumstances? Do you verbally praise The Name of The Lord in your own home, in your car, in your church? Do you teach your children how to praise The Lord – Do you lead by example and therefore lovingly give them permission to do the same? I don’t want to cause any condemnation with this post. While in my home we are all free to express praise to The Lord, I want to openly admit I am by no means perfect and there are times when I realise I am not praising Him enough, or that if I was to praise Him then and there I’d be acting hypocritical. Yet He loves me so much He brings me a place of repentance and resolve to continue onward, forgiven and able to praise again. Let’s look at praise with an acrostic I came up with which I think helps us to unpack the power of praise for God does not give a command without good reason. Praise is: P (powerful) R (right) A (affirming) I (inspiring) S (selfless) E (expectant) POWERFUL: Don't let the old saying...'words and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me' fool you. Do you remember someone from your life whose words have made a mark? Of course you do, we all do. Words are powerful! Do you know the account of Paul and Silas praying and singing praise in jail - of their deliverance and of how the jailer was so impacted he gave his life to Christ? You can read it in Acts 16:16-40.
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photo courtesy of Melanie Baker-Nash, a neighboring farm from her picturesque homeland of Australia
RIGHT: We all want justice, yes? Well it makes sense that we should work for it within our own lives, and praise is the right thing to give someone when they deserve it. Imagine how many lives could be affected, if we all started to acknowledge and praise people when we should, rather than harbouring jealously. Furthermore praise is the right thing to offer The Lord for His love, sacrifice, favour, grace, mercy, protection and eternal life in the good and hard times. I know there are times when I struggle to understand some things that happen in my life but when I choose to not entertain unbiblical thoughts He brings me to a place of accepting the picture is much bigger than what I am able to see and even in the face of evil He will help me to overcome it with His love and goodness. See Romans 12: 21. AFFIRMING!! Did you know that affirmation (affirming words) is actually a love language in its own right? To some people, words of affirmation are their main love language and without this type of language they may not feel as loved. Furthermore we are to worship God in spirit and truth, see John 4. What better way to connect spiritually with The Lord than speaking the truth in love by speaking out praise to Him? INSPIRING!! Our words can either curse or bless others and they therefore have the ability to give life to people; they have a real consequential effect. Our words of praise will inspire those who hear them; both the person whom they're directed at, and other listeners. Become contagious and give others permission to praise by setting the example rather than nagging! SELFLESS!! We all can be narcissistic ~ but what I love about genuine praise is it is so beautifully selfless! EXPECTANCY!! How wonderful is it when a young child looks at you, eagerly awaiting your approval? When we are praise givers, people will turn to us for encouragement ~ what a wonderful gift to others this can be. It is a wonderful part of a solid foundation for real loving relationships, including the ultimate one with our loving, heavenly Father. Imagine how different our towns would be, if rather than hearing blasphemy, those around us heard a word of praise to God! I challenge you to give it a go! Next time something great happens and inside you think, 'Oh wow that was cool' voice it out loud in praise to God. Will people nearby freak out? Maybe - Let's hope it impacts them in such a way, that they're encouraged to do the same. What an awesome positive influence you could be!! BECAUSE praise is...Powerful, the Right thing to do, Affirming, Inspiring, Selfless and creates Expectancy!!!
see more from Melanie Baker-Nash at Life of an Ordinary Aussie Woman
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by Pastor Michael Kanyoli " OPERATION 2015 MISSION NDIRANDE " Our Church - Praise Chapel Living Word of God Church (PCLC) has organised a series of Gospel Outreach Crusades every Saturdays from 2 pm to 5 pm and showing "Jesus Film" from 6pm to 8 pm in Ndirande Township. "Youth With a Mission Team" in Blantyre led by Pastor Daniel and Suzie Dunmor from UK , and a their TEAM of 30 Gospel Workers, joined forces with PCLC and had a Memorable Gospel Crusade in Ndirande that attracted a BIG crowd, and saw many souls surrender their lives to Jesus. Many were prayed for, and received their instant healings. There was also a big crowd watching the Jesus Film and after the altar call, great multitudes accepted Jesus into their lives. God is doing a work in Ndirande - Malawi's largest location. We need the support and prayers of many brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ to accomplish that which the Lord has placed upon our hearts to do!
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photo courtesy of khym54 via Flickr | License
To continue to minister the Gospel to multitudes in Ndirande Township and entire nation of Malawi, we INVITE brothers and sisters from all over the world to join us as faithful partners. Many who have never considered a gift to our Ministry can now HELP make it possible for us to extend God's message of hope and salvation wherever the sun rises and sets to the end of the earth! You can begin this month to stand alongside Praise Chapel Living Word of God Church (PCLC) in the coming year by becoming a part of our " Covenant Partnership Program (CPP) .... and let in on the blessing of reaching lives for God's Kingdom! We realize that everyone is uniquely gifted and can participate in an ongoing relationship in different ways. Thank you for your prayerful support. Pastor Michael Kanyoli
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TM
Most people would never guess now, but I was an angry person growing up. I was hurting the people around me, I was skipping school, and I was just a bitter person. I blamed those around me for my problems, and I was always the victim. Every little thing would set me off. I was breaking things, I was bullying my little sister, and avoiding my parents at all costs. All my anger had stemmed from unhappiness. I didn't enjoy my childhood, and at age fourteen I was diagnosed with depression. But, I refused to take the pills I was prescribed. So, after that I started to keep things bottled up inside, and that created health problems for me. I constantly had chest pains and was always feeling stressed out. Somehow I made it through highschool, but I never really felt any better. It wasn't until I had my son that I felt complete; I felt truly happy. God had given me my purpose for living. And, then when I surrendered my life to God, and gave my son to Him, I was able to let that anger go.
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James 1:19-20 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. This is something I still work on every day. Being angry doesn't help anything. Anger ruins relationships. Anger affects your health. Anger causes depression. God didn't create you to be an angry person. He didn't create you to live a depressed and bitter life. It took a while for me to learn that, but so much has changed since I have! And you can, too. Change your mind and your life before it is too late! If I can do it, you can do it!
by Rachel Dills 27
Simeon Hearing
Our names are more than just what we are called. God gave names, or changed names, in Scripture, in the lives of those whose names were changed. Do up to the character of that name? Or, do you feel
Hebrew Transliteration: Shimon Hebrew Spelling: שׁ ְמעֽוֹן ִ
Anyone with the name “Simeon” can look very much like his namesake in Scripture. Here are a few examples of the characteristics of the name. Genesis 29:33 She conceived again, and bore a son, and said, "Because Yahweh has heard that I am hated, he has therefore given me this son also." She named him Simeon. Leah, the unloved wife of Jacob, was convinced that God had heard her plight, and gave her another son as a reward. Genesis 49:5-7 Simeon and Levi are brothers. Their swords are weapons of violence. My soul, don't come into their council. My glory, don't be united to their assembly; for in their anger they killed men. In their self-will they hamstrung cattle. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel. I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel. Simeon, and his younger brother Levi, were very close, sharing a reputation for uncontrolled anger. So fierce was their anger that even Jacob, their father, did not want any part of their anger tainting any of the rest of the family. 28
They can reveal a lot about our character. When it signified that a change was about to take place you have a Scripture-based name? Are you living a name-change is in order?
Genesis 27:12 These shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, when you have passed over the Jordan: Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin. The tribe of Simeon was one of the six chosen to speak out the blessings to the people, as a witness that they had been told how to live in the Promised Land, and what would be their reward for doing so. So, by extension, a “Simeon” may be used in that same way in today’s world. Luke 2:25-35 Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the HaMashiach Yeshua. He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Yeshua, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law, then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel." Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him, and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." A derivative of Simeon is ‘Simon’, a more common variation used today. Perhaps, as was the Simeon of Luke, so shall a person named Simeon/Simon in today’s times be used to reveal the Yeshua to people that need salvation. 29
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For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future. __
Jeremiah 29:11
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The Personal Column by
Angela Carpenter
What is perfect? As long as I can remember I have always been a perfectionist. When I was twenty four I became a mom for the first time. My desire to become the perfect wife and mother became my sole focus. My passion led me to becoming relentless. At that time, I stopped living in the moment and started living for the next. How could my family fail if I was always one step ahead paving the perfect road? I have been a wife for seventeen years today and a mother for fourteen. Looking back I remember each spelling bee, test, tryout, game and new job. I have seen many accomplishments; but, what is perfect? When will I feel I have reached it? And, more importantly, what really is perfect? I live in a small town, and I see many moms and dads, wives and husbands, seeking the same thing. The perfect IMAGE. We all want our husband to be the happiest and most respected, we all want our children to be the most loved, accepted, and of course, the best at everything. I see others just as relentless as I was to get others to see their family as perfect. WHY?
A few years ago I realized this desire will never feel full. I was paving a road for my family around a town that just went in circles and never straight ahead. What does perfection mean???
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Perfectionist - A person who refuses to accept any standard short. Synonyms are purist and idealist. Now I see .....God truly makes His people perfect. I am a servant of the Most High. I refuse to accept for myself, or my family, anything short. It’s time for me to take my family off-road now. Paul told us in Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the patterns of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. That would be like me standing in the middle of town screaming, You don’t have to be perfect. Love yourself, accept and forgive others. I wanted my family’s image to be perfect to others, but there is nothing pure about WANT. There is nothing ideal or satisfying in a false image to the world. God says Thou shall not want and thou shall not make false images. So, for the past few years, my desire for perfection has changed, to say the least. God has renewed my mind by forgiving me of my imperfections, and paved a new road for myself and my family. Now I truly desire to show the world love, acceptance and forgiveness that all make up Our Perfect God. Seek first the kingdom of God and allllllllll else shall be added unto you. What does that mean? And how do I seek the kingdom of God? Back to what Paul said to the Romans in 12:2 ...be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by TESTING you may discern what is the will of God, what is good acceptable and PERFECT. Don’t be afraid to be yourself; don’t be afraid to accept others. It may be the road less chosen, full of test, but it is the road that leads to the kingdom of God and Perfect.
read more from Angela at notbusinesitspersonal.blogspot.com
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TM
a closer look at the fruits of the Spirit In Galatians 5:22-23, we are given a list of the fruits of the Spirit. They are the guidelines to which we conduct ourselves in our daily walk. These are nine different aspects of Godliness that we must adhere to in order to live to our fullest spiritual potential. They vary slightly, depending on the translation, but the foundational fruits of the Spirit are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. While at first glance, these all look the same, a closer look reveals small differences in their meanings, which translates to differences in their application and implementation. This article is meant to shed light on each of these nine characteristics of holiness, to explore their nuances and minute differences. Rest falls under the category of peace.
Rest What is it? What does it look like? The modern definition for this word is most often linked to having a night’s sleep after a day’s work, or stopping for a break during working hours. But, what does this word really mean? How do we apply it? And, is there a Scriptural model? The dictionary describes rest in the following way: As a noun: 1. the refreshing quiet or repose of sleep 2. refreshing ease or inactivity after exertion or labor 3. relief or freedom, especially from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs 4. a period or interval of inactivity, repose, solitude, or tranquillity 5. mental or spiritual calm; tranquillity 6. the repose of death 7. cessation or absence of motion As a verb: 1. to refresh oneself, as by sleeping, lying down, or relaxing 2. to relieve weariness by cessation of exertion or labor 3. to be at ease; have tranquillity or peace 4. to be quiet or still 5. to cease from motion, come to rest; stop 6. to base, or let depend, as on some ground of reliance 34
dictionary credit
On the seventh day God finished his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. God blessed the seventh day, and made it holy, because he rested in it from all his work which he had created and made. Genesis 2:2-3
Yahweh came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was on him, and put it on the seventy elders: and it happened that when the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did so no more. But two men remained in the camp. The name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the Spirit rested on them; and they were of those who were written, but had not gone out to the Tent; and they prophesied in the camp. A young man ran, and told Moses, and said, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp!" Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his chosen men, answered, "My lord Moses, forbid them!" Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all Yahweh's people were prophets, that Yahweh would put his Spirit on them!" Numbers 11:2529
So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said to Moses, and Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war. Joshua 11: 23
There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:9-11 These verses having to do with rest are selfexplanatory in that, if the Holy Spirit rests on us, and we are obedient to our calling, then we are assured of rest in our spirit, rest from our journey during, and at the end of this life, which means we are assured of rest in eternity.
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Women in Scripture and What We Can Learn From Them by Rebecca Matthews
Rebekah: The Informed
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How many of us are in a position to have God speak to us about His plan concerning those around us, and do what is necessary to see it come to pass? Genesis 24:12-26 Rebekah was the answer to a prayer, as well as the object of a mission. (v.4) When asked for water, she was instinctively hospitable, not only to the servant, but also to his camels. How many of us, in our innocence and day-to-day activities, are the answer to someone else's prayer? Something that seems ordinary in our daily life might be the blessing someone else is looking for. Genesis 24:56-59 She did not procrastinate in doing what was asked of her, even though others tried to hinder the mission. (v.55) Genesis 25:22-23 During her pregnancy, when problems seemed to develop, Rebekah asked of God, and He gave her the answer: two very different boys (that would become the father of nations) were growing inside her. How many of us are in a position to have God reveal His plan to us in the early stages of development? Genesis 27:4-8 Rebekah made sure that Jacob received the blessing of his father. {There is no evidence in scripture that Isaac was ever spoken to by God concerning his sons. He favored Esau because he was a 'man's man', a man of the world. Had he known of God's prophecy (25:23) would he have shown Esau any love? Rebekah, having the foreknowledge of God (after all, it was she that God spoke to about the twins, not Isaac) favored Jacob.} If we have privileged (God-given) information~information that no one else has~are we not bound by the nature of the revelation to see that it comes to pass? Could it be that it is a test for us to see if we have listened to God from the beginning? Genesis 27:41-46 It was told to Rebekah that Esau planned to kill Jacob as soon as his father died. But she foresaw the solution, and presented the proposal (sending Jacob to her kin to find a wife) to Isaac in such a way that he would never know what Esau had planned. Again, Rebekah takes the initiative to see that God's plan comes to pass. When God gives us a work to do-and in that critical moment when the enemy would step in and try to take controlare we able to carry it out to the end? And, can we carry out that work when those around us, who play an important role, have not been told anything? Do we keep the prophecy in our hearts, as Rebekah did, ready to act when the opportunity is there, because of favoritism (or any other factor) toward others shown by those that are close to us? I would encourage all to take God's revelations seriously~you might be the only one He shares it with.....only to carry it out years later at the most critical moment when only your knowledge would make the difference in the outcome of a situation. 37
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ImageWorks TM is a trademark of Philippi Prospect Ministries TM
What does this picture say to you?
What do I look like on the inside?
What do I reflect to the world?
Do others see the real me, or just my reflection?
Does my reflection reveal more about me than I would like?
Am standing on the edge of life, afraid to wade deeper in?
Am I making waves, so that my reflection is distorted to others?
Do I see my friends the same way I see myself?
Do they see me the same way the see themselves?
This photo is all about reflection, and should lead us to ask questions about ourselves, and the image that we are putting out to the world. It should also make us look inside ourselves, to see if the image we show is the ‘real’ us, or just a distorted reflection of who we want them to see. 39
Seller of Purple eStore of Philippi Prospect Ministries
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Seller of Purple eStore of Philippi Prospect Ministries
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Cosmos in the Wind
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