Deeds of faith 2014 january edition by roland

January 2014

1stEdition RSA

The Deeds of Faith “Realizing Your Dream” – Your Daily Devotional Scriptures that assist you in Putting your faith into Action –

St. Michael's Church Of the Kingdom of God - Jesus is the Lord -

What to expect Inside Spiritual Therapy, Financial Guidance, Marriage&DatingGuidance, Healing Issues, Career Guidance, Family Matters and Bible Study

The Deeds of Faith “Realizing your dream” – Your Daily Devotional Scriptures that assist you in Putting your faith into Action –

Bishop Michael Thabiso Moipolai

The Deeds of Faith Realizing Your Dream – Your Daily Devotional Scriptures that assist you in Putting your faith into Action– by: Bishop Michael Thabiso Moipolai Published by St. Michael's Church of the Kingdom of God (PTY) Ltd Randfontein RSA 1759 email: bishop_moipolaimt@smckg.co.za visit: www.smckg.co.za This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise – without prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by the united States of America copyright law. Unless otherwise identified, scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible: New International version. First Edition, first print 2008 First Edition 12 11 11 11 – 7 8 1 2 2 8 1 8 1 Printed in South Africa

Motivation of This Book The Deeds of Education – The Teachings we teach – Don't judge a book by its cover –

A boy, who was the only child, was born and raced in a rich family.When time came for him to get married his parents wanted him to bring them a qualified and educated girl, like his parents.Well his father was a magistrate while his mother was a Doctor in one of the private Hospitals. So Tshepo (Hope) studied Actuarial science and was working for Old-Mutual, at first he once got involved with a lady who was an Accountant but their relationship didn?t last, He went to the one was a Social worker but they broke up, as he found her with another man. Later he got involved with a Psychiatrist but she cheated instead. He then told himself not to date any more. From then he met different ladies who were highly qualified, but they all took their separate ways. One thing about Tshepo he was a very quiet and intelligent person, he was full of compassion & love he never even ill-treated his home maids and garden boys, instead he will at times assist them. But this

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made his parents angry as they believed that these maids and garden boys are paid. Another thing about Tshepo, he loved reading a news paper, especially the business part of it. Most of the times he will go to the nearby mall to buy a newspaper every morning before he could go for work at 9:00 am. So he saw this young lady who used to bag for money, her beauty was hidden by the kind of torn and dirty clothes she was wearing, her love and wisdom was hide by the kind of life she was leaving. So every time whenTshepo passed nearby her, he will give her a liter Coke and pie, he did it for 6 weeksâ&#x20AC;Ś One day when Tshepo was busy working, something came to him about the lady he always gives food. He left his office, hided to the mall in search for that young lady.When he found her, 3 guys where teasing her like they wanted to rape herâ&#x20AC;Ś yet they were armed, butTshepo fought them and they were defeated. He took her with his car and took his mothers surgery, smelling as she was. On the way Tshepo asked her, her name and where she was from as well as who are her parents. Since she knew Tshepo for 6 weeks, and he had saved her, she told Tshepo that she was raped by her step-father who god married to her mother after her father died in 1996. When she tried to explain this to her mother, instead her took his step-fathers story since he was the one who was providing for the family. Later she left her home in search for a Job in Jo'burg but no one wanted to higher her since she was young, some old men wanted to sleep with her before

they could hire her. So she decided to back for money rather than selling her body for a living. Her name was Faith, with Chinese eyes and dimples on her chins; she had deformed legsâ&#x20AC;Ś short as she was. But all this was hidden by her situation and the clothing she was wearing. When they reached his mother surgery, his father was also there, he told her about the patient he brought. He knew how his parents were so he lied that he almost knocked her down so they were scared and she was examined, but they found no injuriesâ&#x20AC;Ś Later Tshepo told his parents that he loved that lady, but his mother told him straight that if he had no choice she doesn?t mind to bring for him one of her beautiful clients who are educated and independent woman. This became a serious issue for the whole week. What Tshepo had done was, he took Faith into his flat and bought her some new clothing without sleeping with her. He later took her back to school and she studied Hotel Management, after a while they started dating since Tshepo was the one Faith trusted and shared most the things with. However, Tshepo kept quiet about herâ&#x20AC;Ś he told his parents, till Faith was pregnant with Tshepo?s twins, and were girls. He later told his parents about the lady he had impregnated and he told them that it was faith as she was expecting twin girls

CHAPTER 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Having a Desire

Desire Desire

Sun, Dec 29th

Spiritual Therapy

Putting Your Faith into Action – your dream for 2014 – “You know that many runners enter a race, and only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever. I don't run without a goal. And I don't box by beating my fists in the air. I keep my body under control and make it my slave, so I won't lose out after telling the good news to others.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, CEV)

t is probably the beginning of the year, and your Goals are high, you probably want to achieve what you have been dreaming of during last year's vacations. However since the race is still fresh you have that DREAM, a race to run like Apostle Paul in the above quoted scripture. However, in this race your Desire is to achieve what you want to achieve at the end on December 2014, and currently you have already set your Resolutions, in which you have planned what to do during the course of the year so as to achieve your GOAL.

In all that you planned for this race, you Expect to win as a runner.Yes you expect your dream to come true, although this will depend on your Attitude, that whether, you will be successfulin achieving your GOAL.What, should you note as it is still the beginning of the race (the year) that your attitude will determine your altitude (level of success) in this race! Misbehaving during the course of the race will make you lose the “prize”and surely you don't want that. Instead you want to be like Apostle Paul, by “working hard”. Thus running with a motive to achieve the first prize, of which you need a Master-key in order to do that. So what is this Master-key in this race, this is the right path to final destination. But what path am I talking about, “Jesus Christ” the one who said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life!" Jesus answered. "Without me, no one can go to the Father.(Luke 14:6, CEV) Indeed he is the Master-key, to your prayers that you will be making towards God, Jehovah the Almighty.The Master-key to all your plans that you need in order to obtain the prize, the crown that Apostle Paul mention as the one “that will last forever”. However, the truth lies in him

whether, will you obtain this prize that you are hoping for at the end of this race. He is also the life, meaning he will protect your soul and take you to the end of the year 2012 as long as you don't lose him along the way. Remember your 'attitude will determine your altitude'. Now putting your faith in action requires you to follow the five steps of having a DREAM as already discussed above: · D – Desire · R – Resolution · E – Expectancy · A – Attitude · M – Master-Key This week we will concentrate on the letter D, for Desire and next week Sunday will cover the letter R, for Resolutions and so forth. I want you to desire the best gifts. So I will show you a much better way. (1Corinthians 12:31, CEV) Don't be controlled by your body. Kill every desire for the wrong kind of sex. Don't be immoral or indecent or have evil thoughts. Don't be greedy, which is the same as worshiping idols. (Colossians 3:5, CEV) In this case your desire for the winning prize should be the best, as Apostle Paul says to the Corinthians. However, you need to be in control of your emotions, do not let your body control you, do not be selfish since this will disqualify you for the 'winning prize of the race'. Be disciplined and put your Faith into action, by desiring the best, working hard. Not forgetting to pray so as to seek the Holy Spirit, for you to be guided in the path of righteousness.

Prayer Dear Lord, I ask that you teach me your ways and commandments. Let me walk in the path of righteousness, to know you and understand your will. For I do not want to be controlled by feelings like Peter did the night you were betrayed by Judas Iscariot.

Financial Issues

Putting your faith insolving your financial issues

Mon, Jan 30th

Bishop Michael

The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life and are fooled by the desire to get rich. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything. (Mathew 13:22, CEV)

t is the beginning of the year and probably one of your financial goals, is to see yourself having paid those debts you made during December 2011. However, your desire in this case is to have a lot of money so as to be able to cover your dept &cover the fees of your kids. May be as a student your last year's fees are not paid-up, and also your desire is to have a bursary this year, or even enough money to pay for your outstanding and current fees.

There is nothing wrong in that, however, don't fall into the trap of desiring to be rich because of your current financial status, since you owe so much and lately you had been receiving calls inand-out from different financial brokers telling you of the installments that are waiting for you. If you are not careful Satan will tempt you and you will be led astray. Note what Jesus had told his disciples as he was explaining the parable of the Sower, that “worrying about the needs of this life and being“fooled by the desire to get rich” you end-up losing the message and as a result this weakens ones faith. Indeed richness makes many to lose their faith The young man said, "I have obeyed all of these.What else must I do?" Jesus replied, "If you want to be perfect, go sell everything you own! Give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven.Then come and be my follower."When the young man heard this, he was sad, because he was very rich. Jesus said to his disciples, "It's terribly hard for rich people to get into the kingdom of heaven! (Mathew 19:20-23, CEV) From the above scripture one can note that this rich man cared a lot for his wealth as compared to Jesus, just imagine him being told to sell his belongings, all he had in his mind was… 'Is this man insane or what, I mean after all that hard work I should sell my belonging just to be a friend

of a simple man like Jesus.' Believe you me many who, are rich i.e. celebrities, and others that's what they do when it comes to tithe.They complain without anyone noticing and thus they are led astray by their desire for money. Jesus was sitting in the temple near the offering box and watching people put in their gifts. He noticed that many rich people were giving a lot of money. Finally, a poor widow came up and put in two coins that were worth only a few pennies. Jesus told his disciples to gather around him.Then he said: I tell you that this poor widow has put in more than all the others. Everyone else gave what they didn't need. But she is very poor and gave everything she had. Now she doesn't have a cent to live on. (Mark 12:41-44, CEV) Now how do you put your faith into action in your current financial status, you must learn to be disciplined financial wise, meaning learn to budget, teach yourself to give to the poor and tithing as well as offering in church, be merciful as Jesus says: Go and learn what the Scriptures mean when they say, 'Instead of offering sacrifices to me, I want you to be merciful to others.' I didn't come to invite good people to be my followers. I came to invite sinners." (Mathew 9:13, CEV) Work hard, think ahead, and be like Joseph. That's if, your desire is to cover your financial depth. Gather as much as you can for this year2012; although currently it is just the beginning and this is the right time to set your goals and plan (make resolutions) Joseph collected and stored up the extra grain in the cities of Egypt near the fields where it was harvested. In fact, there was so much grain that they stopped keeping record, because it was like counting the grains of sand along the beach. (Genesis 41:48-49, CEV) When the famine finally struck Egypt, the people asked the king for food, but he said, "Go to Joseph and do what he tells you to do." The famine became bad everywhere in Egypt, so Joseph opened the storehouses and sold the grain to the Egyptians (Genesis 41:55-56, CEV) If you are a thief, quit stealing. Be honest and work hard, so you will have something to give to people in need (Ephesians 4:28, CEV) As a student or breadwinner as the beginning of the year, if you want to fulfill your financial dream so as to fulfill your Goal or desire,my message is:

Try your best to live quietly, to mind your own business, and to work hard, just as we taught you to do. (1Thessalonians 4:11, CEV)Accept any disappointments, don't look back,and instead go forward. Rather use your past mistakes as your guidance, steak to God's word, pray and let God be the solution to any problem you might encounter. Apply now for any posts either for a job or bursary, it is never too early to do so. Note what Joseph said when he was called to analyze the dream of Egyptian King: "Your Majesty," Joseph answered, "I can't do it myself, but God can give a good meaning to your dreams." (Genesis 41:16, CEV)

Prayer My Lord, I come to you humble as I am. Father I'm faced with troubles and debts are all over me. My Lord what I ask is a break through, not the desire of Satan's work, but your assistance in making me to plan and work hard in everything I do.To know you father in every situation that I might encounter as the beginning of this year, in Jesus name I pray and ask for your guidance, Amen!

Tue, Jan 31st

Marriage and Dating Issues

Putting your faith inmaking your Marriagework Bishop Michael

(His) disciples said to him, "If that is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry." He answered, "Not all can accept (this) word, but only those to whom that is granted.Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.Whoever can accept this ought to accept it." (Mathew 19:10-12, CEV)

aybe you have just got married some past month ago or even last month and what is happening currently is you desire to maintain your marriage since you feel like you can divorce or you just got married to a wrong partner. Note there is nothing wrong in getting married or marriage itself, but among you and your partner either one of you is 'incapable of marriage because he/she is born so'as Jesus tell his disciples.

However, I urge you to seat down with your partner have time for each other. Prepare a meal that he/she loves, learn his love language (see Tue, Jan 10th) and win each other's hearts.Take a turn to visit a Pastor, especially the one who lastly wedded you guys. If he is not available go to any Pastor surely he will resolve the problem. Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will turn away from the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and demonic instructions through the hypocrisy of liars with branded consciences. They forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected when received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the invocation of God in prayer. If you will give these instructions to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching you have followed. Avoid profane and silly myths.Train yourself for devotion, (1Timothy 4:1-7, CEV)

Please do not be led astray by the advices of your parents or friends, you might find out that they didn't like your partner in the first case and this will be a perfect time for them to get rid of him/her. Having the desire to maintain your marriage it's a good thing even to the eyes of the Lord: Have respect for marriage. Always be faithful to your partner, because God will punish anyone who is immoral or unfaithful in marriage. (Hebrews 13:4, CEV) May be you have just found out that your partner is feeling left out, and that you don't understand why he/she is cheating. One of the common reasons in marriages is that of sexual communication or discussion. Looking at what Apostle Paul say regarding this issue he states that: Well, having your own husband or wife should keep you from doing something immoral. Husbands and wives should be fair with each other about having sex.A wife belongs to her husband instead of to herself, and a husband belongs to his wife instead of to himself. So don't refuse sex to each other, unless you agree not to have sex for a little while, in order to spend time in prayer.Then Satan won't be able to tempt you because of your lack of selfcontrol. In my opinion that is what should be done, though I don't know of anything the Lord said about this matter. (1 Corinthians 7:2-6, CEV) It is advisable that you and your partner discuss about each and everything including your sex life or else you will lose interest in each other. One way or another, both of you should be faithful to oneanother. Pray about any circumstance that might come across your marriage life this year. In that way you will be putting your faith in making your marriage work. Never fool yourself, if desiring for a good marriage it's your goal this year you are in the right track, do not let Satan destruct and confuse you.

Prayer Dear Father, I ask that you protect my marriage. Let you be the corner stone of it.Assist me my Lord in being faithful to my partner, as for the desire I have my Lord I believe that it is not evil and it will never be, since I have you in my mind, heart and soul.

Health Issues

Wed, Jan 1

Putting your faith in youbeing healed, as a patient Bishop Michael

Jesus and his disciples went to Jericho. And as they were leaving, they were followed by a large crowd.A blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus son ofTimaeus was sitting beside the road.When he heard that it was Jesus from Nazareth, he shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!" Many people told the man to stop, but he shouted even louder, "Son of David, have pity on me!" Jesus stopped and said, "Call him over!" They called out to the blind man and said, "Don't be afraid! Come on! He is calling for you." The man threw off his coat as he jumped up and ran to Jesus. (Mark 10:46-50, CEV)

t times in life your healing comes with your desire to be healed.Your believe is stimulated by the desire you have, like “Bartimaeus” who was blind and desirably enough he had the courage to stand up and shout for help from Jesus Christ, the Son of the heavenly Father, Jehovah himself. No matter how people tried to stop “Bartimaeus” he kept on shouting “Son of David!.., Son of David!” and Jesus head him and that's how his healing came forth. May be you are infected with cancer, HIV/AIDS,TB or even deafness as well as blindness etc. if you put your desire in being healed, stand-up and shout to Jesus, call him wherever He is, surely he will here you and come to your rescue. Please note this is not a myth or magic, it is real. God knows your suffering and he doesn't want to see you being in that state.That's why Jesus healed Bartimaeus son ofTimaeus. And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. (Exodus 23:25, KJV) If you worship only Jehovah your God, and pray in his Son's name Jesus surely the food and drink you eat shall be blessed, the will be no sickness that comes your way. So why should you call upon Jesus when you are sickness News about him spread all over Syria, and people with every kind of sickness or disease were brought to him. Some of them had a lot of demons in them, others were thought to be crazy, and still others could not walk. But Jesus healed them all. (Mathew 4:24, CEV) Indeed Jesus Christ heals with immediate effect, when called. Nothing beats Him, I mean

according to Oyakhilome (2010) “if He healed all that were sick back then in Bible days, He still does so today because hasn't changed. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever.”This is true, Jesus was given the authorityto heal They saw him and worshiped him, but some of them doubted.Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth!(Mathew 28:17-18,CEV) I have told you, and you refused to believe me.The things I do by my Father's authority show who I am…My sheep know my voice, and I know them.They follow me, and I give them eternal life, so that they will never be lost. No one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father gave them to me, and he is greater than all others. No one can snatch them from his hands, and I am one with the Father. (John 10:25 and 10:27-30, CEV) So have no doubt you the beloved one, if your desire is to be healed this year call upon the LORD Jesus Christ, be one of His sheep by believing to God, Jehovah the almighty so that He can give you unto Jesus His beloved Son. Know that God exist, and understand that He is greater than all, as Jesus tells us. Oyakhilome (2010) states that “it doesn't matter what problems you may be facing today, one thing is sure: God still performs miracles and you can call on Him today!”

Prayer My Lord, I ask that reach your hands towards me right now. Father,touch wherever there are pains andheal them my Lord. However, Jehovah let me have no doubt in you as your Son's sheep I know that you are the greatest of all, in Jesus Name this is what I declare and decree, amen!

Career Guidance

Thu, Jan 2

Putting your faith in making your Careerwork Bishop Michael

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20, KJV) ough times never end, however, if pursuing a certain career this year is your dreamor if passing very well at school/College/Varsity it's what you desire this year, standup firmly and leave last year's thoughts and deeds. If you tried it all, and yet you failed the Lord your God is knocking into your heartat this present moment. He is calling your name, however, it seems like you have ignored him in the past. But he wants to seat with you in the table, dine with you and give you some tips on how to go about furthering your studies or working on the new promotion at work. This is what God says to you today as you read through, Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father (1 Kings 6:12, JKV) Yes if you are building that house of psychology, social work, music, engineering, mediastudies or journalism and etc. A housein which, your intensions are to serve for the children of Godwhetherpoor or rich.The Lord your God, Jehovah Himself shall keep His promises if you do all before Him in righteous way by keeping those Ten Commandmentsand walking in His statutes. If you disobey all this then you are regarded as a sinner and: Sinners love the taste of sin; they relish every bite and swallow it slowly. But their food will turn sour and poison their stomachs.Then God will make them lose the wealth they gobbled down.They will die from the fangs of poisonous snakes and never enjoy rivers flowing with milk and honey.Their hard work will result in nothing gained, because they cheated the poor and took their homes (Job 20:12-19, KJV) We all know that â&#x20AC;&#x153;not everyone has the opportunity or means to study further, but it doesn't mean you have to give up on pursuing your dreamsâ&#x20AC;? (Muller, 2010).Note that when Joseph told his father Jacob of the dream or vision he had about his future he rebuked him instead of motivating him. And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him,What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren

indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? (Genesis 37:10, KJV) May be you are like Joseph, you have dreams about your future or the career you intend to pursue and every time you try to discuss it with your family members they shut you down or laugh at you or even make funny remarks about the choice you have made. Never take them into consideration if that's really worth it. Do not be demoralized by their words. If they are ignorant and pessimistic about what you are called for the Lord your God will answer, since He hates ignorance, and he punishes those who are ignorant. But the LORD God felt sorry for his people, and instead of destroying the temple, he sent prophets who warned the people over and over about their sins. But the people only laughed and insulted these prophets.They ignored what the LORD God was trying to tell them, until he finally became so angry that nothing could stop him from punishing Judah and Jerusalem. (2Ch 36:15-16, CEV) However, note that a dream is like prophesy, about something to happen. Meaning at times we can prophesy ourselves like Joseph deed and due to the ignorance of his family, famine struck in their house and this they were forced to go to Egypt for food.

Today's Career Move The Story of GilĂŠ Motshane (Muller, 2010)

'I had a bit of a complicated start in life,' GilĂŠ pauses before continuing. 'My biological parents gave me up for adoption to a white family, but when I was 14 my adoptive mother passed away and I was readopted by another set of parents. I remained in touch with my biological family, but struggled to find my identity and understand where I fitted in the world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; was I a black girl or a white girl? In the end I concluded that I was just 'this girl' and I always knew one thing for sure: I was put on this earth to sing. SO THERE I WAS, Although my adoptive parents were loving and KITTY KAT BY there for me, they were academically-minded and D A Y A N D struggled to understand my inherent desire to SINGING FOR perform on stage, or to believe that it is possible to MY SUPPER AT make a living through the performing arts. I NIGHT completed one year Diploma in Live Performance at AFTA whilst waitressing to pay for my studies, but I couldn't maintain the financial payments, so was forced to drop out and waitress full-time to make ends meet. I didn't give up on my dream though and continued singing for my customers, something that earned me some pretty big tips. 11

One year on and I was feeling very depressed…my soul was bleeding. I woke up morning and said to myself 'enough is enough'. I was living in Melville, Johannesburg at the time and The Market Theatre was just down the road. I worked out my speech, burst in and said 'hi guys, I can sing'.They gave me a chance to sing for them and that was it, I was in. What did we learn from “Gile Motshane” Story! Miss Gilé Motshane story tells us that, she believed in herself, yet she had realized her dream and stuck to her goal of being a singer. Although there were challenges Miss Gilé Motshane had faced, she never back-down, it really shows that her step parents had nothing to do with her career as she explains that her parents were academically minded and were restrictive towards her pursuing a career as a musician, she had struggled to pay for her studies. She was forced to live college to work as full time waitress in order for her to pay for her studies, since her adoptive parents were not interested in what she had chosen. However, despite all she managed to get herself were she wanted to be. People's role model… However, dear reader if that's what is happening to you right now, never back-down in your dream, stick to that desire, like Jacob did with Rachel, he loved Rachel the mother of Joseph so much that he worked hard for her, although his father-in-law, Labanwanted to use him, Jacob showed him that His God never fails as he said: I had to work fourteen of these twenty long years to earn your two daughters and another six years to buy your sheep and goats. During that time you kept changing my wages. If the fearsome God worshiped by Abraham and my father Isaac had not been on my side, you would have sent me away without a thing. But God saw my hard work, and he knew the trouble I was in, so he helped me.Then last night he told you how wrong you were. (Genesis 31:41-42, CEV) Yes indeed God does show those who try to demoralize you or undermine your potential that they are wrong, look with Miss Gilé Motshane, her adoptive parents were not supportive since she had latter chose her own career. So God so Miss Gilé Motshane misery and hard work, thus she was blessed with her dream career.

Prayer Heavenly Father, here I am in the wilderness with no one to help me. Jehovah I had recently made my decision to follow my career, my parents and the family as a whole are not supportive. Lord I ask if I had done anything wrong please forgive me, and guide me not to be led astray. Be my light and protector through every step I will take after this decision I had made, Like Jacob Father he had chose his way, but Lord you kept on supporting him and his family and delivered him from his enemies. So, let it be to me Father, in the name of your son Jesus Christ may your will be doneAmen! 12

Family Matters

Putting your faith insolving your Family Matters

Fri, Jan 3

Bishop Michael

Being a working woman and still being able to run a household and spend time with your kids is difficultâ&#x20AC;ŚPlan family time and commit to itâ&#x20AC;ŚListen, be present and always give affirmation. Feeling guilty about the time you have to spent at work, away from your children, is pointless. Rather make the best of the time you have with them. (Nikiwe Bikitsha, Celebrity Parent) ealing with your children is really a quite an issue, most parents hardly have time for their kids.The only time they spent with a child is while the child is below 12 years at this stage the Child should be completing his or her Grade 7, according to South African norms and standards of Educational system. However, at times children do misbehave, especially at High School level where everything starts; some even come to a point of quitting school. Although many believe that it is being unreasonable and being mischievous. However, I don't. Not to say I stand with these kids, but from my past experience of life as a whole there a many reasons that, when a thoroughly inspection could be carried one might find reasonable issues that at times we as parents omit or take for granted. Few parents these days encourage their kids to go to church, while many discourage their kids not to go to church at all, by practicing traditional believes. First of all, most African traditional believes are accompanied with customs and ritual ceremonies that are misleading at times [catch a story below]. Most of the times these traditional believes teach us that ceremonies need to be performed, and home brewed alcohol is a need for the ceremony, at times in this modern times SAB alcohol is bought, so as to entertain people or those who will be attending these ceremonies. At this point in time, children are watching carefully and they are learning from their parents. I normally say 'a child won't speak a foreign language â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a language that is not spoken by his parents', charity begins at home.Think about it, if two parents are speaking same language or even two different languages. It is not possible that a child could out-of-the-blue speak another language that both parents are known to be speaking, unless that child is not raised by them. Kids learn from their surroundings or environments they inhabit. Now according to Dr

Thandeka Moloi, a clinical psychologist from 'BONA Magazine': Part of growing up is finding out who you are and what your place is in the world. Kids usually go through this when they reach their teens, and this is when they start rebelling against their parents or any other authority in their lives. Now what kind of rebellion that might occur, manly is being mischievous while sometimes is taking a right path, of which your parents really don't understand why you choose to take that path. Allow me to call these two kinds of rebellion of teens from their parent's teachings or authority, 'Mischievous' and 'Right-of-way' type of rebellion. In Mischievous part of rebellion, here a child due to being misguided by outsiders; takes his or her own direction, in which latter this might put him or her, even parents concerned into trouble. At times this rebellion occurs mostly, when parents don't have what we call discussion time with their kids. For example: David had a beautiful daughter named Tamar, who was the sister of Absalom. She was also the half sister of Amnon, who fell in love with her. ButTamar was a virgin, and Amnon could not think of a way to be alone with her. He was so upset about it that he made himself sick. Amnon had a friend named Jonadab, who was the son of David's brother Shimeah. Jonadab always knew how to get what he wanted, and he said to Amnon, "What's the matter?You're the king's son!You shouldn't have to go around feeling sorry for yourself every morning." Amnon said, "I'm in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister." Jonadab told him, "Lie down on your bed and pretend to be sick.When your father comes to see you, ask him to send Tamar, so you can watch her cook something for you.Then she can serve you the food." So Amnon went to bed and pretended to be sick.When the king came to see him, Amnon said, "Please, ask Tamar to come over. She can make some special bread while I watch, and then she can serve me the bread." David told Tamar, "Go over to Amnon's house and fix him some food."When she got there, he was lying in bedâ&#x20AC;Ś But as she was taking it over to him, he grabbed her and said, "Come to bed with me!" She answered, "No! Please don't force me! This sort of thing isn't done in Israel. It's too disgusting! But Amnon would not listen to what she said. He was stronger than she was, so he overpowered her and raped her.When David heard what had happened to Tamar, he was very angry. But Amnon was his oldest son and also his favorite, and David would not do anything to make Amnon unhappyâ&#x20AC;ŚTwo years later, Absalom's servants were cutting wool from his sheep in Baal-Hazor near the town of Ephraim, and Absalom invited all of the king's sons to be there.Then he went to David and said..."Please come and join us!" David answered, "No, my son, we won't go. It would be too expensive for you." Absalom tried to get him to change his mind, but David did not want to go. He only said that he hoped they would have a good time. Absalom said, "If you won't go, at least let my brother Amnon come with us." David asked, "Why should he go with you?" But Absalom kept on insisting, and finally David let Amnon and all his other sons go with Absalom. Absalom 14

prepared a banquet fit for a king. But he told his servants, "Keep an eye on Amnon.When he gets a little drunk from the wine and is feeling good, I'll give the signal.Then kill him! I've commanded you to do it, so don't be afraid. Be strong and brave." Absalom's servants killed Amnon, just as Absalom had told themâ&#x20AC;Ś(2 Samuel 13:1-29, CEV) As a parent you need to listen to your kids and take note of their concerns, do not be like King David, or else your kids will end up being like Tamar and Amnon, as well as Absalom, whose story will be told shortly. However, if King David was not a traditional man, by having several wives and kids of different mothers he could have had time for his wife and kids. Instead he failed and this brought shame in his household.To show that family gathering is important, look at what happened to Amnon, if he could had grew to gather with is half-sisterTammar, he could have known thatTamar was his sister not just a lady.Another thing, is friends can be misleading, look what Jonadab had told Amnon and it latter led to his death. However, it really shows that tradition has its downfall and most of the times it misleads. Look at how Absalom tricked Amnon, through the feast he had prepared for his father, King David. He used this as part of his plans to take the life of his brother Amnon. Who knows, may be David also was set to die, if he 'tried to get him to change his mind' and latter planned to kill Amnon, as after killing him he fled. After some time Absalom came with a plot to kill his father so as to be a king over Israel Absalom turned to Ahithophel and said, "Give us your advice! What should we do?" Ahithophel answered, "Some of your father's wives were left here to take care of the palace. You should have sex with them. Then everyone will find out that you have publicly disgraced your father. This will make you and your followers even more powerful." Absalom had a tent set up on the flat roof of the palace, and everyone watched as he went into the tent with his father's wives. Ahithophel gave such good advice in those days that both Absalom and David thought it came straight from God. (2 Samuel 16:20-23, CEV) That's how traditional thoughts are, since King David had no time for his kids, and that he had favoritism as he loved Amnon more than Absalom and Tamar; as he was his oldest son and also his favorite, and David would not do anything to make Amnon unhappy. This misguidedKing Davids children, instead both Amnon and Absalom preferred guidance's from outsiders (Jonadab and Ahithopel). So according to Dr Thandeka Moloi, a clinical psychologist from 'BONA Magazine', for parents to avoid this rebellion behavior from their children they should: Listen to their concern and support them. Avoid giving them long lectures. Allow them to choose their own tastes in clothes, hobbies and activities because these give them a sense of identity and create a stronger bond between the two of you. Never compare your teen [child] with other people and always show them that you are aware of their unique talents and abilities. Part of rebelling is feeling insecure, so make sure they feel loved, appreciated and acknowledged for the unique individuals that they are. Never take any act of rebellion 15

personally.When teenagers [children] act out, it's often to get attention, so look at the cause behind the behavior.Try not to blur the lines between being their parent and being their friend. Of course, you can be both, but your primary role is to be parent and to command that authority.When all else fails, try to remember what you felt like when you were a teenager [child], and this is just a phase that will pass in due time. Now coming to the Right-of-way' type of rebellion, this includes those kids who make the right decision about their lifestyle, whilst their parents had earlier denied them the opportunity to pursue what they dreamt, for example the story of Miss GilĂŠ Motshane on career guidance section, (next time on family matters catch the story of Samkelo Ndlovu). At times parents fail to understand that other things are from God himself, for instance with Samson â&#x20AC;ŚWhile Samson was staying at Dan's Camp between the towns of Zorah and Eshtaol, the Spirit of the LORD took control of him.When he got back home, he told his parents, "I saw a Philistine woman in Timnah, and I want to marry her. Get her for me!" His parents answered, "There are a lot of women in our clan and even more in the rest of Israel.Those Philistines are pagans.Why would you want to marry one of their women?" "She looks good to me," Samson answered. "Get her for me!" At that time, the Philistines were in control of Israel, and the LORD wanted to stir up trouble for them.That's why he made Samson desire that woman.(Judges 13:24 and 14:1-4, CEV)

No matter what Samson parents thoughts were, God had plans for Samson and he wanted to use him so to defeat the Philistines. So it is up to us as parents to have time with our children and know that God does things with a purpose. The LORD says: "My thoughts and my ways are not like yours. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours. (Isaiah 55:8-9, CEV) Parents need to draw their kids to church so as that we as priest we can guide them, and show them the way not by force but through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let your desire for your family union be part of your dream.

Prayer Dear Father, I ask this day for the love of my family. Lord like it said 'love your neighbor as you love yourself', this is what I would like to do in my family, give me passion for my kids and partner, have time for you and them. Together we shall serve you forever in Jesus Name Amen!

Sat, Jan 4th

Bible Studies

The Book of Genesis God's Creation

Bishop Michael

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2, KJV) He is regarded as Jehovah, as he says â&#x20AC;&#x153;And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.â&#x20AC;? (Exodus 6:3, KJV). At this point in time there earth was without form, meaning nothing was then created within it. However within a period of Seven days God was out on a mission giving the earth its form. During the first day, a day was formed separated by morning (light) and evening (darkness). On the second day heaven was created, while on the third day dry land was formed called the earth as well as water covering part of this land called the sea. On this land vegetation was also formed which included fruit trees, etc. On the fourth day time was determined, meaning the length of day, month and year was defined by God, while on the fifth day aquatic (water) animals were created as well as birds and all were given freedom. However, during the sixth day terrestrial animals were created together with reptiles. Lastly God created man, named Adam and when he saw that Adam needed a partner, out of his rib God formed a woman whom Adam latter named Eve: And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.And God

saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (Genesis 1:26-31, KJV) So in short both Adam and Eve (man & woman) both resembled Gods image and where ordered to have more kids (multiply). Above all authority on earth was given to man and this pleased God (Genesis 1:31, KJV). Note at this point in time all what God had done pleased Him (see Genesis 1:4, 10, 18, 21, 25 & 31). Now note during the creation on both Adam and Eve, although God had given the two authority over everything but he had placed them in the garden of Eden and this is how it was formed: And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:7-9, KJV) When God created Eden, he even made man named 'Adam' so he could take care of it. Adam was given rules or orders to follow. One of the greatly known was that of him not to eat from the tree of the truth (Genesis 2:17). Above all men was given the power to name all animals (Genesis 2:20-22). However, Eve came after Adam was commanded or ordered to take care of the Garden “to dress it and to keep it” (Genesis 2:15, KJV).The reason that made God to create Eve was “…It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” (Genesis 2:18, KJV) since “for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.” (Genesis 2:20, KJV).The Contemporary English Version (CEV) states that in all the animals God had created and named by Adam, “None of these was the right kind of partner for the man.” That's why a man will leave his own father and mother. He marries a woman, and the two of them become like one person.Although the man and his wife were both naked, they were not ashamed. (Gen 2:24-25, KJV) Thus latter known as marriage, a bond or union between man and woman, although man was told not to eat from the tree of the truth. There was a snake (Genesis 3:1) that deceived a woman – Eve to try one of the fruits since it would give them wisdom to differentiate between wrong and right. Being deceived the woman ate some and gave to her husband Adam.Thus they started hiding themselves before God (Genesis 3:8). Thus made Jehovah, God the Almighty angry and he punished the three. Unto the snake the Lord said “you will crawl on your stomach and eat dust.You and her will hate each other” (Genesis 3:14, CEV) while unto the woman the God said: “I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee” (Genesis 3:15, KJV) 18

Meaning that a woman will give birth with labor pains and she would be depended upon her husband as he will rule over her. Now this tells us something as the God said to man – Adam in this case: Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return (Genesis 3:17-19, KJV) After being punished Adam and Eve were send out of the Garden of Eden and he placed on guard so as to prevent man from eating from the second tree – the “tree of life” So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. (Genesis 3:24, KJV) After some time Adam and Eve bore two sons Cain and Abel, Cain was a farmer and Abel a Shepherd. One day they both offered sacrificed to God. God “was pleased with Abel and his offering but not with Cain and his offering.This Made Cain so angry that he could not hide his feelings”Thus Cain killed his brother Abel as Jealousy had taken controlled of him when asked by God where was his brother, although God knew that Cain had killed his brother… Cain responded by saying “I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?” (Genesis 4:9, KJV). Thus the Jehovah cursed Cain, by making his hand unproductive, meaning Cain could not farm any more as his plants would turn to weeds whenever he would try to plant or farm any seeds that were set for food. Also Cain was made to be away from God, and latter marked by him that he should be killed. After some time Adam and Eve had another Son called Seth, whose descendents gave birth to Noah whom God latter used to destroy the earth due to sin that was occurring on it…

Prayer My Lord, I believe that what I learnt today is what you had set for me to know and understand. Jehovah, unto your son Jesus Christ I believe that everything you did with a purpose, for me to know and understand your will and ways of loving and caring. Father I ask that let what I have learnt today dwell in so that I can teach others in Jesus Name,Amen!

CHAPTER 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Making your Resolutions

Resolution

R 20

esolution

Spiritual Therapy

Sun, Jan 5

Using your faith In planning For this year 2012 Bishop Michael

any people believe in setting their resolutions at the beginning of the year, while others will tell you that theirs were set long time ago. Setting your resolutions, this year could be something that is not easy to do, as when looking behind, and the past mistakes that had latter occurred. It has come to my attention that resolutions are set via time, so as to set your schedule.The same happened when the earth was given its form. God didn't just do everything in one instant or moment. Like most philosophers say – “the big-bang”! God had plans, and everything was done in order, meaning he didn't start with a human being first. Since he wouldn't have survived – since human being depends on everything that is on earth and everything that is on earth does not depend on human being, but God's 'life breathed spirit'. Remember in the Garden of Eden, no plans needed Adam to water them since …a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads (Genesis 2:10, KJV)

However, in your life you need to take care of yourself, your spouse and kids if you have one. At times even your siblings that's if they are still dependent,soyou need to plan, you need to have that schedule whether financially or career wise but you need to plan. So this week, I will be discussing about planning in financial issues, marriage issues, healing matters, career planning and family matters. However, not in the Bible studies since this involves learning the word. The question is what are your plans this year, are you really sure of what you really would like to achieve. One thing that most people don't understand is success comes through planning. Even though you can work hard as most of us do. But if you fail to plan this what happens. Other seeds fell on thin, rocky ground and quickly started growing because the soil wasn't very deep. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched and dried up, because they did not have enough roots. Some other seeds fell where thornbushes grew up and choked the plants. But a few seeds did fall on good ground where the plants produced a hundred or sixty or thirty times as much as was scattered. (Mathew 13:4-8, CEV)

It really shows that the farmer didn't plan his plowing. First for the fact that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;soil wasn't very deepâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the farmer had not cultivate his land, meaning he had failed to plan his plowing. Since some fell on thornbushes it shows that the farmer was just throwing this seeds without care, again he failed to plan and it had cost him, even though it is not mentioned, but reasonably enough it deed. Now, regardless of what fell on the good ground. As a human being, especially these days waste is something that we should avoid. That's what even happened in the past, during the feed of 5000 and 4000 Jesus knew what they were thinking and said:You surely don't have much faith!Why are you talking about not having any bread? Don't you understand? Have you forgotten about the five thousand people and all those baskets of leftovers from just five loaves of bread? And what about the four thousand people and all those baskets of leftovers from only seven loaves of bread? Don't you know by now that I am not talking to you about bread?Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees! (Mathew 16:11, CEV)

Prayer Heavenly, Father I ask for your guidance this day for you to enable me to seat down and plan what I have in mind for this year. My Lord I really would love seeing myself serving you willingly and with love. To all that is in my mind let it be in a righteous way and good before your eyes. Let me not be into temptation as I plan and pray, and this what I ask and believein Jesus Name,Amen!

Mon, Jan 6th

Financial Issues

Using your faith in planning your Financiallife Bishop Michael

Money wrongly gotten will disappear bit by bit; money earned little by little will grow and grow (Proverbs 13:11, CEV) Anyone too lazy to cook will starve, but a hard worker is a valuable treasure. Follow the road to life, and you won't be bothered by death. (Pro 12:27-28, CEV)

lanning your financial life is a good thing. However, most people fail to invest.While quite a few die for investments. Life is short, although it was given to us by God, but it is unpredictable. God had breathed the spirit of life unto man (Genesis 2:7) and never told him or her the exact date he would die.Why? Death came as a result of sin, and sin was made by man, by disobeying God. So one needs to be wise, and wisdom comes with no age but through the Holy Spirit which is the anointing from God through his son Jesus Christ. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that anyone teach you; but as his anointing teacheth you; concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in him. (1 John 2:26, KJV) It doesn't matter how old you are, if you have the anointing, planning won't be a problem since the Holy Spirit will guide you, like it did with Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel.Who planned for the king of Egypt, after explaining what the Kings dreams meant. But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. (Job 32:8, KJV) I once believed age was the source of wisdom; now I truly realize wisdom comes from God.Age is no guarantee of wisdom and understanding.That's why I ask you to listen to me. (Job 32:7-10, CEV) Indeed the beloved one, that how it is in most people's thoughts. However, wisdom comes with no age but through believe. If King Solomon believed that Jehovah could give him wisdom and through request he found it. So it really shows that age speaks not when coming to wisdom.However, it is ones faith that makes one to be wise. Wisdom is found in the minds of people with good sense, but fools don't know it. Doing right brings honor to a nation, but sin brings disgrace. Kings reward servants who act

wisely, but they punish those who act foolishly. (Proverb 14:33-35, CEV) So there is reward in being wise, meaning planning your financial life is being wise.That's if it is carefully done in detail.The detail part of your financial planning includes budgeting, in which to budget is to plan your total capital carefully, with great thoughts taking into consideration your expenses. Most people fail to do so. However, allow me to teach you this…that in your expenses there are needs, wants and luxurious things or objects you wish to have. Although, like I said, few people can differentiate between the three. Let's make an example; it is a need to have toiletry, but a want to have a television set, anyone can survive without a TVset. If you grew in farms or are a student at varsity you will know what I'm talking about.These days TV-sets are full of 'entertainment' they are hardly educative, especially spiritually. However, a luxury is something pleasant and satisfying, not necessarily a need. One could survive without it, why?.., since having and maintaining it would cost you much.At times more that you earn. Normally luxurious objects are those that we please others with and at times we are taken away by the sort of praise we receive from others.However, one should note that you need not to be rich, to be able to know how to budget. Budgeting is a skill, which is potentially stored on ones brain.Yet it requires to be stimulated by further taking action. Note that taking action means – the activity, force or energy. So use that force or energy you have to plan your money very well, whether you earn a little or lot – budgeting is important. Take a pen and paper and tabulate all the things you would wish to have in three categories i.e. needs, want and luxury. Therefore go first for those things you need, then those you want. Lastly go for luxury. Please note if you firstly start with luxurious objects, you might find yourself in serious debts this year, luxurious objects are expensive and they require serious planning.At times they are worth it if all your needs and wants are covered. The strategy could be used when making a grocery list or clothing or even furniture and etc, by doing this one will be showing wisdom. No matter how much you want, laziness won't help a bit, but hard work will reward you with more than enough. (Proverbs 13:4, CEV) If you reject God's teaching, you will pay the price; if you obey his commands, you will be rewarded. (Proverbs 13:13, CEV) You harvest what you plant, whether good or bad. (Proverbs 14:14, CEV) If all that I taught you up to so far, seem too hard to implement or practice, then with no judgment I regard you as being lazy, and being lazy won't take you anywhere. Instead it will fade away your financial dream this year. Note 'you rip what you sow' – meaning your output or end results are determined by the amount you insert in the beginning of your act. Another way of budgeting is to invest, whether in insurances or retail bonds. It is a need to have a funeral cover or policy so as to keep your spouse and children from stress. It is also a need that

you have an educational cover, for your children's future, that's if you want them to study further and be responsible for themselves in a near future. However, when you earn a little your educational cover, might be your motivation, care and time you invest in your children's education. Have time to inspect the books of your kids, attend school meetings in this way you will be investing your money for your children in an unusual way. Have no pride since: Too much pride can put you to shame. It's wiser to be humble. (Proverbs 11:2, CEV) Sometimes you can become rich by being generous or poor by being greedy. (Proverbs 11:24)Respect and obey the LORD! This is the beginning of wisdom. To have understanding, you must know the Holy God. I amWisdom. If you follow me, you will live a long time. Good sense is good for you, but if you brag, you hurt yourself. (Proverbs 9:10-12, CEV) Budgeting requires discipline and planning. So you really need to set your financial resolutions this year, it's never too late or early. Seat down with your pen and paper collect your creditaccount slips of last year or previous months. If you don't have go and ask in your credit stores for a trail slip, that will show when and how your payments were made.Then go to the bank and ask for your six-month bank statement, that's if you earn your money via a bank. Please learn to keep your grocery slips, every time you shop or buy. This will assist you in working out your budget. So check how you spent your money last year and how often on everything you had purchased including furniture even though this might be something you purchase once in a year. If you are a person who loves fashion, do you buy things during specials or sales made by retailers or do you give it a thought and 'benefit-of-doubt' first. My advice is; avoid going for each and every sale you ought to see on fashion catalogs, as this might take you away from your budget for this year. Plan and be wise â&#x20AC;&#x201C; take my words for it. Resolutions are important that is, if you want to be successful, whether poor or rich. If you own a business, insurance your assets or goods ensure that your delivery vehicles are insured and that your employees are registered, just to be on safe side. If you obey the LORD, you won't go hungry; if you are wicked, God won't let you have what you want. Laziness leads to poverty; hard work makes you rich.At harvest season it's smart to work hard, but stupid to sleep. (Proverbs 10:3-5, CEV)

Prayer Dear father, in your son's name â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jesus Christ I ask, that you take me through my financial plans. Father give me the wisdom to plan well and tithe accordingly not by pride and seeking attention but by what is require before your eyes, honesty and loyalty. To do according to the word not flesh, as for the 'deeds of flesh' is greedy and full of pride in Jesus Name,Amen! 25

Marriage and Dating Issues

Using your faith in planning your Marriage life

Tue, Jan 7th

Bishop Michael

etting your focus on your current relationship is not a mistake or waste of time. However, this will help you to plan a good relationship with both spouse and external family. May be you had just met with your partner and marriage is something that both of you haven't considered. Although both of you feel good and secured when you are together. I believe it is time to plan for doing the right thing as it is said. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. (Genesis 2:24, KJV) When your focus is on marriage, know that's what God wants, for you and your partner to be one, not divided. So to be one, there are things you need to know about your partner and marriage itself; and this is part of your planning.You need to know that Being in love is not an adequate foundation for building a successful marriage. Being in love is an emotional and obsessive experience. However, emotions change and obsessions fade. Before long, we find ourselves thinking about them day and night. Our thoughts are obsessive in nature.We see them as the most wonderful, exciting person we have ever known. We want to be together every possible moment.We dream of sharing the rest of our lives making each other happy(Chapman, 2010) This is really true, if that's what you feel currently about the one who is dating you know that it is not strange. However, you need to be sure that what you feel your partner is also experiencing it or else you will be in for a surprise, since Often we fail to consider the fact that our social, spiritual, and intellectual interests are miles apart. Our value systems and goals are contradictory, but we are in love.The great tragedy stemming from this perception of love is that a year after marriage, a couple sits in the counselor's office and say,“we don't love each other anymore”.Therefore, they are ready to separate. After all, if “love” is gone, then “surely you don't expect us to stay together”. I believe the primary purpose of dating is to get to know each other and to examine the intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and physical foundations for marriage. (Chapman, 2010)

The question that I would like to ask yourself as you plan for your relationship with your partner to last for anniversaries,is – whattype of relationship are you both in? Is it casual or committed! According to Chapman (2010)Casual type of dating, has no “romantic overtones” – this involves two people dating agreeing to do something together e.g. watching a movie or having dinner together, without any form of sexual affair.In most instances this kinds of dating end-up both partners having “romantic interests” on each other. “The focus of common dating is enjoying life together and sharing a common interest. One or both of the individuals may also have dating relationships with other people. Although at times this might hurt the other, if one has strong romantic feelings for the other. However, it won't be easy for one to say it since there is no commitment”. This often happens even in married couples, in which two or several women are married by one man. For example let's take Rachel and Leah the wives of Jacob. Rachel was very jealous of Leah for having children, and she said to Jacob, "I'll die if you don't give me some children!" But Jacob became upset with Rachel and answered, "Don't blame me! I'm not God." "Here, take my servant Bilhah," Rachel told him. "Have children by her, and I'll let them be born on my knees to show that they are mine." Then Rachel let Jacob marry Bilhah, and they had a son. (Genesis 30:1-5) Let's move to a committed type of dating, here things are serious and if one can cheat will result in the other being hurt. However, since there is commitment the victim will be able to raise the issue of being cheated. So one way of preparing for a good marriage is by coming up with a good dating relationship, 'don't judge a book by its cover' – meaning never assume you know a person by merely looking at his or her outside appearance. Note that if you are this type of people who during the first date you 'put your best foot forward', so to give a good impression.This is not a good idea of building a healthy relationship, so you need to share your past with your partner whether good or bad. Meaning you must be willing to share even your failures not just your successes or else you will be destroyingyour relationship. Learn to be honest, discuss everything with your partner. This includes past sexual relationships and your financial history. I know this something that is not easy to do, but believe you me that, is how to build trust. By doing this you will fill secured and willing to get married, since you will know the kind of foundation you have build and as well as realizing how each of you spend, give and save money. Another aspect of dating is it allows you to know more about your partners home background, not just where he/she is from but how close is he/she with siblings and parents. Also note that in a well established relationship both partners will guide each other when it comes to education and each other's dreams or goals.It is not wise as a man to tell your partner to quit her studies or job, since you have found a good paying job unless you have proposed a good business plan for both of you. 27

Know that, everyone has their dreams instead of destroying encourage or else you will be not building a well established relationship and meaning your aren't a marriage type. Please note you to balance know the “various aspects of Humanity i.e. physical, spiritual, social, emotional and intellectual” as listed by Chapman (2010): The intellectual – has to dowith our thoughts, desires and perceptions of life? If political ideas clash, how do we process our differences? Learning how to disagree and not be disagreeable is one of the evidences of intellectual compatibility. The emotional aspect of life has to do with our unsolicited emotional responses to the events we encounter in life. Our feelings are not something we choose; they simply come as a part of life. Learning to share these emotions and understand where they are comingfrom and choosing a positive response to our feelings is an important part of process of maturity. We are social creatures.We seek to share life with others.What are your social interests?What are those of your dating partner? Each person has his own favorite social events and occasions i.e. soccer, jazz and gospel centers etc. The Spiritual aspects of life, all have differential types of believe and it is quite important to know each other's believe or else you will be stacked in long unresolved matters of your marriage – spiritual believe often affect the rest of our lives, meaning this aspect of life is really essential. Lastly we are physical creatures.This is the most tangible and visible part of us we are both “attracted” to each other physically.Affirming physical touch is a part of almost all dating relationships.What is important is to respect each other's boundaries, having sex with someone on first date does not the 'symbology' of a well established relationship; instead it shows sexual addiction and can sooner destroy your relationship. So you need to balance these aspects of life or else you will find it hard to continue with your partner after marriage. For example see the story of “Mary Mofokeng” in the next page

Today's Marriage Move The Story of 17 year Mary Mofokeng (BONA Magazine, 2012)

was only four years old when my mom got married to a 20-year-old man.We were staying in Naledi, Soweto, and life was pretty good. I referred to my mom's husband as my dad because he treated me like a daughter. My parents were fun – they showed me affection and loved them.First thing every morning before going to school, I had to clean the house. I would usually do this half naked HAVE TWO KIDS because I was always alone.Then, when I was W I T H M Y 13-years-old my dad lost his job and my M O T H E R ' S mother became the breadwinner. Out of a job, HUSBAND… WE my dad spent every day at home – that's when TOOK TURNS WITH he started noticing me cleaning the house half HIM; MY DAD WAS dressed. W ITH M E D URING After a while, I realized he wasn't looking at THE DAY AND WITH me in the way dad does a daughter and he also MY MOM AT NIGHT started walking around the house half naked. It was then that I started noticing his wellbuilt body; this led to my physical attraction to him. After that I tried to seduce him and it worked. One morning, while I was doing my usual cleaning, he came to the kitchen and started touching me, I didn't resist because it was what I wanted. I was 14 when I started having sex with him and I fell pregnant soon after. I hid the pregnancy from my mom but when she eventually found out, I told her my baby's father had died. She believed the story but when my son was born, he looked exactly like her husband. People just assumed that they looked alike because of family genes – but no one ever mentioned the fact that he is my stepfather.Since no one spoke of it, I carried on sleeping with my dad while my mom was at work. I fell pregnant again when I was 16. I tried to come up with another story about where my baby's daddy was, but my mom didn't buy it. The real trouble began when I gave birth to my second child who also looked exactly like my dad. My mom calleda meeting with my aunts and grandma and they demanded the truth from me. I told them because I was not ashamed. My mom tried to kick me out but my dad told her that if I leave, he is leaving too. He confessed everything to the family and told

them that he is in love with me. He gave my mom a choice: She could either stay with all of us and share him, or else he would leave with me and our children. My mom decided to stay and we took turns with him; my dad was with me during the day and with my mom at night. I didn't have a problem with that life, but my mom didn't like the idea of sharing her man.We would have fights every night; it would get so bad that the police and neighbours would have to intervene, but I was not planning on leaving my dad. When our man eventually found a job, he gave me his entire first salary â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this was the last straw for my mom; it drove her mad. She was fed-up because she had been taking care of my dad while he was unemployed and soon as he found a job, he didn't give her a cent.She left her own home and took all of her furniture â&#x20AC;&#x201C; leaving us high and dry. But because we loved each other, we survived. My mom now lives in Protea Glen, Soweto. Life is great, I have since dropped out of school to be a housewife and he is the breadwinner. We get nasty looks from the community; I can't forget the day the taxi driver didn't want us to get into his taxi because he said I was an embarrassment, but I couldn't care less. I've got my man and our kids, and we are happy. It is quite obvious that Mary's mother was a career woman and she had no time for her husband since they both had no child, expect Marry, who was the step-daughter of her husband. If her husband end-up sleeping with her child, it shows that the two were not attending church together; if they had Marry could have also attended church without persuasion and she could have been disciplined spiritually. The two ex-couples, Mary's mother and her husband they didn't know each other well, if the man was 20 years old during marriage how old was Mary's mother, was there any guidance she had received on how to take care of man and family as whole. She had no time to even clean her own house, if she could haveâ&#x20AC;Ś Mary couldn't have left school or even slept with her husband. It is quite clear that Mary lacked discipline, she had no respect for her mother and on top of that she was selfish and a liar as well as full of secretes, which made her not to have friends. People like Mary avoid their companions, and heeds for sugar daddies. Friendly speaking if Mary participated in school activities she could have been open minded and had no time to look at his father's body. She is like the daughters of Lot the cousin of Abraham who grew in Sodom and Gomorra. One day his older daughter said to her sister, "Our father is old, and there are no men anywhere for us to marry. Let's get our father drunk! Then we can sleep with him and have children." That night they got their father drunk, and the older daughter got in bed with him, but he was too drunk even to know she was there.The next day the older daughter said to her sister, "I slept with my father last night.We'll get him drunk again tonight, so you can go to bed with him, and we can each have a child." 30

That night they got their father drunk, and this time the younger sister slept with him. But once again he was too drunk even to know she was there.That's how Lot's two daughters had their children.The older daughter named her son Moab, and he is the ancestor of the Moabites.The younger daughter named her son Benammi, and he is the ancestor of the Ammonites. (Genesis 19:31-38, CEV) Yes without being judgmental,Mary is notdifferent from Rueben and Absalom. Rueben wasthe elder Son of Jacob and Leah, while Absalom was the Son of David and Maacah. Both Reuben and Absalom slept with step-mothers. For instance: During their time there, Jacob's oldest son Reuben slept with Bilhah, who was one of Jacob's other wives.And Jacob found out about it.(Genesis 35:22, CEV) Ahithophel answered, "Some of your father's wives were left here to take care of the palace. You should have sex with them. Then everyone will find out that you have publicly disgraced your father.This will make you and your followers even more powerful." Absalom had a tent set up on the flat roof of the palace, and everyone watched as he went into the tent with his father's wives. (2Samuel 16:21-22, CEV) However, Mary's Father had the right to tell Mary to dress up properly, in a good way and he failed instead he felt into her trap. Any father whether biologically or not has to act responsibly accordingly s. If as a man your spouse doesn't satisfy you in bed speak to her during your quality time about it, let her know that you've been feeling cheated lately and you want her to get her story right. Don't run to kids and prostitutes, that's not how you run a healthy relationship, be a man and act accordingly so.

Prayer Heavenly Father, please assist me and my partner to act accordingly and work in the path of righteousness as we are planning a good relationship. My Lord, let us be able to be open and be willing to listen to each other in every matter we about to discuss. Lord with no doubt, I know that with your love I'm not lost neither am I trapped with someone because of temptation but because of love, in Jesus Name Amen!

Healing Issues

Using your faith in planning your Healthy life

Wed, Jan 8

Bishop Michael

ealing comes with faith, and faith comes through actions of believing, while believing comes from hearing and understanding the will of God. So if you don't practice what you believe in…, you will find yourself stacked in disease that has no healing. If your desire is to be healed this year, you need to stand-up, you need to be strong in your faith, stop having doubts and being lazy. If church is what you struggle to go to, ask anyone close to you to assist you to go to church, this might be your kids, spouse of any relative member or even a friend. Now you might ask yourself why should – Igo to the church to pray for me. “I normally say no patient can heal itself ” If you are having trouble, you should pray. And if you are feeling good, you should sing praises. If you are sick, ask the church leaders to come and pray for you.Ask them to put olive oil on you in the name of the Lord. If you have faith when you pray for sick people, they will get well.The Lord will heal them, and if they have sinned, he will forgive them. (Jam 5:1315, CEV) Indeed you need to pray, since your sickness trouble you, be strong in faith & believe that you will be healed in Jesus Name, make chain of prayers to keep your faith strong. Ask church leaders to pray for you.Yet they will anoint you will the Holy Oil or even Water they prayed for. Have no doubts, since Jesus Christ knows about it Then he [Jesus] called together his twelve apostles and sent them out two by two with power over evil spirits…The apostles left and started telling everyone to turn to God.They forced out many demons and healed a lot of sick people by putting olive oil on them. (Mark 6:7 & 6:12-17, CEV) Jesus said to his disciples: Don't stop him! No one who works miracles in my name will soon turn and say something bad about me. Anyone who isn't against us is for us, And anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name, just because you belong to me, will surely be rewarded. (Mark 9:39-41, CEV) So the beloved one don't be amazedwhen oil is used unto you since this is not something new.

Even Jesus Christ had no problem with it.This also includes the cup of water, if it is done in the name of Jesus take it, have no doubts, since that person does it out of faith. You didn't greet me with a kiss, but from the time I came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet.You didn't even pour olive oil on my head, but she has poured expensive perfume on my feet. So I tell you that all her sins are forgiven, and that is why she has shown great love. But anyone who has been forgiven for only a little will show only a little love." (Luke 7:45-47, CEV) Note what had happened here, Jesus is telling a Pharisee named Simon (not Simon his disciple in this case) that faith comes with action of believing, that's why Apostle Paul said “faith with no action is dead”, so the woman acted upon her believe and this pleases Jesus was not a problem or any liquid used to him. He quotes all this to Simon the Pharisee “she washed my feet with her tears…” (Luke 7:44, CEV) “You didn't even pour olive oil on my head, but she poured expensive perfume on my feet” (Luke 7:46, CEV) This resembles something that: Jesus was not like any other man. He judged no one and faith was in Him [Jesus] who says 'I am the way'(John 14:6, CEV). He is the way you will receive healing from Jehovah through Him [Jesus] by just believing. In that town an army officer's servant was sick and about to die. The officer liked this servant very much.And when he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish leaders to ask him to come and heal the servant.The leaders went to Jesus and begged him to do something.They said, "This man deserves your help! He loves our nation and even built us a meeting place." So Jesus went with them.When Jesus wasn't far from the house, the officer sent some friends to tell him, "Lord, don't go to any trouble for me! I am not good enough for you to come into my house. And I am certainly not worthy to come to you. Just say the word, and my servant will get well. I have officers who give orders to me, and I have soldiers who take orders from me. I can say to one of them, 'Go!' and he goes. I can say to another, 'Come!' and he comes. I can say to my servant, 'Do this!' and he will do it."When Jesus heard this, he was so surprised that he turned and said to the crowd following him, "In all of Israel I've never found anyone with this much faith!" (Luke 7:2-9, CEV) This phrase shows you something, that at times your faith will move Jesus from where he is, yes it will surprise him, here what Jesus says about the “Army Officer” – “In all Israel I've never found anyone with this much faith!” (Luke 7:9, CEV)Why was Jesus surprised? It is outlined or explained above – as the army officer said to Jesus that, He [Jesus] should just say the words, meaning to command the diseases away and it shall be done. However, he continues by saying: “I have officers who give orders to me, and I have soldiers who take orders from me. I can say to one of them, 'Go!' and he goes. I can say to another, 'Come!' and he comes. I can say to my servant, 'Do this!' and he will do it.” 33

Note that the Roman 'Army Officer' never, went to Jesus or did Jesus spoke to him. Instead he send messengers and he believed that Jesus needed not to come to him for his servant to be healed, that's how his faith was so strong. Thus, it really shows that if you have faith, you need not to go the elder of the Church for prayer but if you believe and send your massage to them you shall be healed as it is said. If you have faith when you pray for sick people, they will get well.The Lord will heal them, and if they have sinned, he will forgive them. (Jam 5:15, CEV) So when the elders of the Church pray for you with the faith they have it is not them that will heal you, neither is it through them that you will be healed, but through the faith they have, that act as a connection between them and God through Jesus Christ. I, the LORD, refuse to accept anyone who is proud. Only those who live by faith are acceptable to me. (Habakkuk 2:4, CEV) The LORD gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm (Isaiah 26:3, CEV) “…Daniel's faith in his God [Jehovah] kept him from being harmed” (Daniel 6:23, CEV) So have no pride, and ask the LORD your God to heal you, with no doubt declare and decree it in the Name of the LORD Jesus Christ, surely Jehovah the Almighty will hear your voice as you cry out loud. You did not choose me. I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last. Then my Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name. (John 15:16, CEV)When that time comes, you won't have to ask me about anything. I tell you for certain that the Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name. (John 16:23, CEV) You have not asked for anything in this way before, but now you must ask in my name.Then it will be given to you, so that you will be completely happy.You will ask the Father in my name, and I won't have to ask him for you. God the Father loves you because you love me, and you believe that I have come from him. (John 16:24 and 16:26-27, CEV) He can even hear when people are speaking about your downfall and are making fun out of it.His response is quick, facilitated by the kind of faith you have. Note that one day, While Jesus was speaking, someone came from Jairus' home and said, "Your daughter has died! Why bother the teacher anymore?" When Jesus heard this, he told Jairus, "Don't worry! Have faith, and your daughter will get well." Jesus went into the house, but he did not let anyone else go with him, except Peter, John, James, and the girl's father and mother.Everyone was crying and weeping for the girl. But Jesus said, "The child isn't dead. She is just asleep." The people laughed at him because they knew she was dead. Jesus took hold of the girl's hand and said, "Child, get up!" She came back to life and got right up. Jesus told them to give her something to eat. (Luke 8:49-55, CEV) So don't be bothered by being HIV positive or being a barren woman, people will speak about it and they will make fun out of it, but put your faith unto Christ, he will never fail you remember 34

he is “the truth and the life” – meaning he knows when are you going to die or give birth, no one knows that day except him who is the truth. He has granted you this life, and He was never the cause of pain in your life, instead Satan is. However, Gods assures you happiness and peace if you trust in him. Stand up and pray, stick to your plans this year. If you are HIV positive attend counseling, meet people who are leaving with it and you will see how they manage, go to church like anyone else. God loves you the way you are. The same if you are disable or have any other sickness that requires medication it can be diabetes, cancer and etc, hesitate not since you won't know the day of your healing

Prayer My LORD I call unto you this day, Father I am hopeless with no one to run to but you my LORD. I have tried it all last year but I failed since I applied my own thoughts and plans, but this year I desire you, I want to know you better and I know that I will be healed in Jesus name this is what I believe and ask,Amen!

Career Guidance

Thu, Jan 9

Using your faith in planning your Career path Bishop Michael

But Jesus said to them, "If you have faith and don't doubt, I promise that you can do what I did to this tree. And you will be able to do even more.You can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. If you have faith when you pray, you will be given whatever you ask for." (Mathew 21:21-22, CEV) aving Faith can boast you in many ways; this includes planning your career. Jesus teaches us that through faith everything is possible, but it is doubt that weakens ones faith and washes the possibilities away. In this section I would like to take you through some tips of planning your career, without having to stress much. Many people are called in different areas of employment, thus to assist the community in their daily expectancies of life. This includes doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, police men, soldiers, economist, engineers and businessmen etc. However, many are not aware that God uses us different ways so as to keep life moving. If you are one these people you should be proud and giving thanks unto the Lord. Although maybe it wasn't your dream to become what you are today and feel as if you have made a wrong choice.

Listen there is nothing like wrong choice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A choice can be wrong if actions made after the decision are wrong or misleading. For example many people quit what they have been dreaming to have, due to certain circumstances (see story on career move) and later pursue something they never thought and later excel on that without intentions. However it never comes to their attention â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so you need to know that The LORD says: "My thoughts and my ways are not like yours. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours. (Isaiah 55:8-9, CEV) You will call out to nations you have never known.And they have never known you, but they will come running because I am the LORD, the holy God of Israel, and I have honored you. (Isa 55:5, CEV) There is no need to regret, since God calls us in different ways and he has a purpose for our lives.There only time we lose his guidance is when we rebel against Him. Let's look at how Saul

was called, although was a Shepherd but God chose him as Israel's first King and he only lost Gods trust and his Kingship by disobeying God. The same with King David, he was also a shepherd at once and later God chose him as person suitable to become Israel's second King, the successor of King Saul. David also did the same as Saul, he became disobedient and thus he lost his Kingship. If you're stubborn and refuse to obey the LORD, he will turn against you...(1 Samuel 12:15, CEV) Never worship any other god, always obey my[God] laws and teachings, and remember the solemn agreement between us. I [God]will say it again: Do not worship any god except me. I am the LORD your God, and I will rescue you from all your enemies. (2 King 17:37-39, CEV) So they all didn't make wrong choices, but wrong actions that caused them their trust from God. Now what made all these men different from Jesus? The answer is Jesus never allowed Satan to tempt Him and He was obedient. He followed orders so to say. He listened without questioning. He never thought of Himself, but as a messenger who was sent to be on a mission, no matter how he was accused, torched Jesus still became obedient. Now you should know that you are on a mission and Gods plan is to use you, listen to the inner voice and act upon your vision. May be you are still in high school or have just completed either your grade 12 or varsity.What you need to do now is to plan more on your career, be positive minded, stick to your plans this year and you will achieve much better than you thought. As a grade 11 student, it is never too early to start excelling, applying for bursaries being in seek of information so that when that year of Grade 12 comes you are already aware of which career path you would love to follow after completing your grade 12. Choose five career paths that you think you can manage â&#x20AC;&#x201C; note there is nothing like: 'this is not for me'. God gave us brains that can think beyond our doubts.Speaking of Saul, the first King of Saul let me tell you what happened when he was about to be crowned as a king. Finally, Saul the son of Kish was chosen. But when they looked for him, he was nowhere to be found.The people prayed, "Our LORD, is Saul here?" "Yes," the LORD answered, "he is hiding behind the baggage."The people ran and got Saul and brought him into the middle of the crowd. He was more than a head taller than anyone else. "Look closely at the man the LORD has chosen!" Samuel told the crowd. "There is no one like him!"The crowd shouted, "Long live the king!" (1 Samuel 10:22-24, CEV) Here Saul, had told himself that the Kingship is not for him and maybe he is still young to take such responsibility of leading such a big crowed of Israel.What had came Saul's mind was that it was too early for him to become a leader so he decided to hide himself. Let me tell you something, you can hide from people and do thinks secretly but you will never hide away from God, even Adam and Eve failed to do so. So it was Saul's down fall to want to reject what God had chosen for him.Going back to grade 11 student, as a student in this grade when choosing the five careers as discussed above, make 37

some research about them, this seek information about:· The purpose of that Career · How does it suit you as an individual · Where can it be studied · How to get to get funds for your studies on that Career Of course this can be done by visiting the library, the net to avoid travelling much. Use Google search – just type a phrase containing what you would like to know on the specific career you would love to pursue. Make sure that “three-out-of-five”of the choices you made can be found at all institutions FET, Colleges, University of Technology and Universities.This will allow you to apply in different institutions and receive space regardless of your GPA or final results. Many grade 12 learners find themselves at home after completing their high school. Why is this, the case? The reason being many don't apply on time and the course of this due to the lack of money, not sure what to do or which career to follow, not being aware of how to apply etc. The golden key to success comes down to two simple things having a dream, and working hard to attain it. 'I always tell young people, whatever you want to be, start working towards it today. I was 15 years old when I appeared on the Felicia (Mabuza-Suttle television) talk show as a member of the Junior City Council of Johannesburg and said I wanted to be a businessman one day. I didn't know back then which part of business I'd be led into' (Mandla Sibeko, post martic 2010) According to Mandla Sibeko a self-businessman, two acts form the key to success and these are “dream” and “work hard”, in which together these acts come one after the other as he says have “a dream, and working hard to attain it”. Now as an undergraduate, you can either choose to do your 'post-grad' or leave for a working environment. Many entrepreneurs are slaves of their own, and their hard work becomes other people's motivation.Their success becomesa light to those who are still in the darkness – the mists of life are tough and there are no alternatives options or break through. Believe you me, there are. Never regret the decision you made, because where there are mistakes there is experience and a lesson to be learned. 'Mandla Sibeko'on the “Post Matric 2010”magazinestates that At times 'you might study for a degree [qualification] that you'll never use, but education is the key.Too many young people don't get opportunity to enroll for tertiary education'. You need to keep moving forward and finish the courses you started? He adds: a lot of things I have dreamed of doing have happened. I have made mistakes with my own money, but it helped me learn a lot about myself and my strengths and weaknesses, and has made me a fighter. I've learned to persevere.When doors close, I open them anyway. As an undergraduate plan more on how you intend to study further on what you are doing. Note studying is not about reading so to obtain a qualification, but to be educated – meaning to obtain that knowledge so as to be able to implement it in any route of success.Yes you will do 38

mistakes, you will come across challenges but I can assure you that you will be a boss of your own, a role model to many…, if just stand-up and fight, don't participate in 'success competitions'. Although you can never avoid its existence, it always exists without you having being a competitor. At times the doors you thing that they might be open will be closed, so need to fight for that master-key [discussed in later chapters] 'You should turn your mistakes into stepping stones to successes.' But in this moneyhungry, materialistic world, what is the definition of success? Is it money, power, influence? 'success is about personal fulfillment; it is not about making money,' (Mandla Sibeko, Post Matric 2010) If you are a post graduate student, and your intention of studying further is to make more money, believe you me you are fooling yourself, as there are so many professors who are still poor as compared to 'soccer players'. If you had the idea of having a Masters or Doctorate studies will surely make you rich, that's not a good motivation of furthering your qualification or doing post-grad studies. Post-grad studies are mainly done to increase the level of knowledge about a certain gap on a particular study not a gap of making-money. 'Note that success is about personal fulfillment, it is not about 'making-money' – if this is not in your mind then you are no different to the 'reserve bank employees' Don't forget that you are still planning and your planning needs to be channeled by the way you think, however: My challenge is to change the way young South African perceive success. It's not about the car you drive, the clothes you wear or where you live. It's being able to live each day to the fullest, and to be at peace with yourself while playing a constructive role in society, in your business and among your peers. Success is about personal growth, not material growth.(Mandla Sibeko, Post Matric 2010) There it is, don't plan to have expensive cars, houses and clothing so as to be successful. In this way you are not planning to be successful but to live a luxurious life which can only be lived with those who can budget very well and note budgeting also requires careful planning and it is one of the stations along your route to success in whatever goal you want to achieve. If you want to study further, budget your time and money – meaning think of the duration of your studies that you intend to undertake to a doctorate level and your thought.Let's go to our Career Move and read about “Samkelo Ndlovu”, Soul City actress.

Today's Career Move The Story of Samkelo 'Titja' Ndlovu (BONA, 2012)

This Generation star on the rise really reminds us of life's endless possibilities.“I knew from an early age that one day I'd be sitting here having a cover story interview. I'm saying this, not out of arrogance, but because I had vowed from get-go to work my hardest in ensuring that my work spoke for itself,” says the 22-year-old remembering 2009, when she made a bold decision to quit her tertiary studies in pursuit of her dreams. “It took me a whole year to gather enough courage to actually say out loud what I wanted to do. A voice kept telling me to leave my second year of directing studies and follow my calling. The more I ignored it, the louder it became. I felt I'd learnt all that I could at college and needed to go for what I'd always wanted to do; acting.” Showing how matured her young mind is, she is quickly adds: “I am not saying everyone should drop out of school.We're all different and everyone should pursue what they feel is right. Leaving school felt like the right thing to do for me and that's the decision I made.” As is often the case with dreaming big, things weren't simple. Leaving the security of college proved to be a tough task. Samskelo's lecture at AFDA Film SchoolSouth Africa didn't wantto let their straight-A student go. Her mom wasn't happy either. “I was very disappointed in Samu, her mothe, Ellen Mahlangu, tells us over the phone.” I had struggled so hard to put her through school but she just wanted to get up and go.As a parent you want your child to have an education so they can make a success of themselves. Despite this, Samu is very courageous and follows her heart in everything she does – so I trusted that she'd be successful one day. I just had to believe things would work out for her… Samu States “to pay my rent, I used to work at clothing shop in Rosebank on weekends. At college I didn't have a car and I had to catch taxis from my home to AFDA in Milpark.The trips became a mission, so I moved out of home and rented a place out in Auckland Park; closer to school. My mom didn't want anything to do with my decision. She told me that if I wanted to move out of home I'd have to take care of it financially. So I did. I got the job and paid my own rent.” Today, money's less of an issue for the actress and life is far cry from those days of squeezing rent money from her retail job. She's put her two year of studying to good use and opened her own production company – Ndlovukazi Pictures. Samkelo started the three-year-old company college, but has only been running it professionally since early last year. Much like its owner, Ndlovukazi Pictures is growing steadily and she has already shot

music videos for Durban-based hip hop artist.Young Prince. In two years since leaving school, Samkelo's managed to bag herself roles in some of Mzansi's most popular TV shows. She's graced the sets of Zone 14, Intersections, Sokhulu & Partners, Skyf the movie, Generations and Soul City where she is mostly seen. “You see, if I'd stayed in college and ignored the voice telling me to leave, I would've missed out on all those roles,” she says smugly. “Yeah, yeah, we get the message loud and clear: Believe in yourself and listen to the voice within!” we respond jokingly. Rejection is something you never get used to; no matter how confident you are in yourself and in this industry, sadly is part of life. You just have to brush yourself off and give it another go at another audition”, she says as a warning to other acting hopefuls. “I believe in how the universe works, do good and work hard and good will come in your way. But if you allow negativity to destroy you, then all your hard work and effort won't mean a thing.” I've always believed in this; my mom instilled it in me from an early age. Because of this, I try to stay positive at all times. “Plus, I'm from Alex,” she adds,“That place will make you confident whether you like it or not. It shows you all the end results of life's choices.There's no way anyone can ever make me feel small or threatened. I'm from an overpopulated place where you have to fight for your own Identity. If I can survive Alex, I can survive anything!” I don't want people to celebrate me too soon though; I'm still not exactly where I want to be with my career. I love all the recognition and I am grateful for the support I'm receiving, but there's plenty more I want to do and achieve in my career,” she pauses thinking of things she's yet to tick off her career to-do list. Samu sets out to make her acting career an adventurous one, and dismisses thoughts such as playing one role on one sopie for 15 years.“Doing that can kill one's creativity; I don't ever want that for myself. I never want to become too comfortable, once that happens you lose the drive and thrill found in going for auditions and playing new characters.” On a humorous note, Samkelo adds:“I want to be the Lil'Wayne of acting – featuring here and there and making a success of it all” from where she's been to where she currently is, anything is possible for this girl. What did we learn from “Samkelo Ndlovu” Story! Miss Samkelo Ndlovu is an enthusiastic and courageous individual. She is very positive and optimistic person who believes in “I can”. Miss Samkelo Ndlovu is not a dependent person, unlike other kids when time came for her to explore – she chose to move out from home and get herself a place to rent and a Job that will assist her in her living expense. Unlike other kids Miss Samkelo Ndlovu had no bursary instead she opened a picture company – “Ndlovukazi Pictures” while she was still at college, this showing how dedicated she is I mean 41

cameras are quite expensive but she managed.Above all, no matter how young is Samkelo, she can be regarded as a role model and an entrepreneur. She knows how to market herself. The Minute she walked through our doors to audition to be part of legends, I knew there was something special about Samu. She has star quality about, and she's confident yet humble too. No role intimidates her.When we gave her the same script as everyone coming to audition, the way in which she interpreted it set her apart from the rest. (Lisa Modisane, BONA Magazine) Few ladies like her are found in this world, she will be perfect mother, who will believe in her kids and assist them wherever she could since she understand how is it like to â&#x20AC;&#x153;realize your dreamâ&#x20AC;?. Samkelo knows how to explore, exploit and experiment in order to gain that experience. However, all this is made possible in planning and implementing your plans.

Prayer My Lord, I really feel aspired today. Father if there are people who can make it through their plans, my LORD I ask this day for your light and guidance, to lead me where I have been longing to go, through your inspiration take me there in Jesus Name Amen!

Family Matters

Using your faith in Family planning

Fri, Jan 10

Bishop Michael

lanning for your family should be something that is in your mind this year; you have school fees to pay, rent to pay and any other debts to pay. Maybe you have just moved to a new level of life by having a new baby or one extra member of your relatives is staying with you this year. Obviously if things are like that, some few changes have to be made. However, the most important thing is to keep your family in to order, as an elder in the family learn to have time for each and every individual in your household listen to their grieves and plans about what they intend to do this year. Thus to be able to help were financial assistance is required or any other assistance required. All in all it will benefit you by allowing you to plan carefully and thoroughly. As the year has just started obviously there is a lot in your mind regarding family matters. Maybe your child has just started either primary or high school even tertiary itself. However, you cannot ignore this since the child needs to this and that for his or her studies.To avoid stress and tension on your side, inform them in your work place about your current experience about the registration procedures of your child at this new school or college as well as the varsity thatyour child will be attending this year, surely there is someone who may have went through the same situation you are going through and believe you me they will be willing to advice you on this matter. At times during this time of the year most parents are stressed and cannot even cope due to the child looking for this and that, while there is no enough money. If this is what you are currently facing as a parent, my advice to you is: request your child to have a parent and child talk, let the child write down all the things he or she require for her studies this includes clothing as well. Afterwards at your own time go through the list, divide it according to your financial ability, and check your budget.Tick aside those you can afford and discuss these issues with your spouse, before getting back to your child. After speaking with your spouse regarding what is listed on the list by your child. Both of you, that's if you are not a single parent.Take a turn to go through that list once again with your child explain to him or her what you can afford to pay or have that is on the list, obviously both of you will need to improvise and by doing that you be giving your child a good will. Something that 43

child could even pass to others or your descendants in years to come. Kids can understand, that's if we parents we teach and explain to them in a good way without use of authority or age.Teach your child to be responsible and know that nothing is for free and money doesn't come from the tree. Agood way of doing this is to learn to discuss your budget with your child, let the child know where you are standing financially. This to avoid you disappointing him or her, and this will make him learn to assist you in your planning. Never undermine your child; they all have brains and dreams. Now do the same with your spouse, as a family you need to plan together…Have time for a family talk, as a man if your wife wants something new for the house this year, it might be a fridge, music system, bedroom suits and etc. My advice is, both of you need to discuss your budget and save for whatever both of you think is important and expensive to buy with cash. One way of saving for your expenses, is by opening a savings account such as “Target Save”- with Absa Bank or any other bank that suits you. In this type of bank account, the user cannot withdraw money without making a 30 days? notice with the bank.Thus the bank will transfer the money requested in the bank account that there user uses for transactions. Planning in a family is quite important, for instance if you and your desire and your spouse is to have a baby by December or January next year it is quite important that you both plan carefully although this involves “Gods ways” since at times natural things that happen between two individuals cannot be learned without the assistance of God himself through his son Jesus Christ. What both of you need to do is to discuss the matter very well. If both of you are working, this means the mother tobe, should sacrifice her work [not to quit] and time.This goes to the father to be as well. As a father to be you need to learn a lot on how to stay with a pregnant woman. At times they can be very emotional to an extent that you'll feel as if it is too-much. Of course, there will be some morning sickness, more demands and expectations, but you need to be a man. While as a woman it is important to know that all the hardworking your house will have to be done by someone else. Meaning its either you ask your sisters or mother to come and assist or hire someone to do all the hard work you used to do around the house. If your husband is willing to help, that will be so generous and thinkable of him. Do not deny him that opportunity and feeling of being part of his child's existence. However, if both of you have been planning to have children or new baby for years and the mother to I being getting miscarriages, do not lose hope, rather visit a specialist ask what might be the cause and professionally enough that specialist will guide both of you. Although it is still important to pray about this matter, visit your local church for spiritual counseling and therapy to enable both of you to stay strong in your faith. Please note that Rebecca, Sarah and Rachel all had problems of giving birth but latter gave birth to very spiritual God-gifted kids. Just be patient and let God take over. He knows and understands your misery. 44

Today's Family Talk Pregnant and alone, Kungeka â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 35 yrs old (BONA, 2012)

Between morning sickness, hormonal imbalance, countless doctors' appointments and preparing for arrival of your newborn baby, pregnancy can be stressful time. It can also be beautiful and exciting experience to share with someone; however this may not be the case for many women who don't have partners to go through the ups and downs of pregnancy with. Before the birth of her 11-year old twins, Kungeka, 35, was living with her long term boyfriend and on the pill- so news of her pregnancy came as a shock. Recalling those years, she says her boyfriend was excited at first but became more and more unenthusiastic as the months went on. Sensing a lack of support, Kungeka moved back home. ? Moving back to my parents' home was hell for me, as I left the shame of coming back home after living with my boyfriend for so long. Getting my parents' approval for everything was also an adjustment, but with the support from them and my best friends, I was fine. After the birth of her twins, her ex stopped calling and she was too busy taking care of them to chase after him. ? When he stopped calling, I knew I had lost him.Two years later Iheard the news that he had passed away â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that is when I realized I was alone and had to be strong for the twins. My mother and grandmother were both there for me throughout my pregnancy. BUILD SUPPORT SYSTEMS Psychologist Dr Robyn Rosin says family and friends can provide priceless support to a woman experiencing pregnancy alone. Some fathers usually run because they are terrified of the thought of being a father, as it comes with responsibilities, and scarifies. Father-to-be often have mixed feelings; wondering how exactly they will contribute to the wellbeing of the little person they helped to make. If there father of your baby has left, find support from those who love and care about you. If there is no one around ask a therapist, your mid-wife or gynecologist to refer you to a support group. If you are having a hard time coping or experience anxiety attacks, see mental health professional. Also, if you notice that you're losing your motivation, struggling to get out of bed, or if you lose your appetite and can't sleep, seek counseling immediately as you might be falling into a deep depression AVOID THE BLAME GAME NewWorld Clinic's Malita Ramanotsi says most women who are pregnant and alone often blame themselves for falling pregnant, and they feel their pregnancy pushed their partner away.This may lead to them not wanting tohave the baby; while a majority of the women

give up the baby or suffer from post-natal depression. Ramanotsi advises single mothers-tobe to open up to as much as you can while pregnant, so that when the baby arrives you have less steam to let off,she adds. THE BRIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE According to Dr Rosin, being“abandoned” by your child's father sometimes enhances your connection with your unborn baby, because you know you are the only parent your child has. You may feel rejected and first, but you still have the power to be the best parent you can be. Don't forget to enjoy your pregnancy: you are bringing an innocent, new life into this world – a child who will fill your days with delight. PLAY YOUR PART Women have natural maternal instincts, but fathers don't necessarily experience this until after baby is born (when their protective urge kicks in). Dr Rosin says it's important to give your unborn baby's father an opportunity to voice his fears. Don't shut him down; try to open up communication on both sides. TIPS TO HELP YOU COPE · · · ·

Develop a good support system during your pregnancy. Ask your family and friends for help with your physical, emotional or financial Share your fears and get advice from women who are or have been pregnant and alone, this will make you feel better and more hopeful about your situation Get medical care for yourself and your unborn baby. Make sure you're both healthy so you can be both happy. When attending childbirth class, take a good friend with you for support.You may want your friend in the hospital room when you go into labour. What did we learn from “Kungeka's” Story Kungela and her boyfriend had no “family-talk”, although they had been together for years. It shows before her pregnancy there were also issues during their dating as she fell pregnant at the age of 23 years and since she had left home, it shows that kungeka left home without her parents concern and her boyfriend had never done proper “proceeding of marriage”. Instead he chose to do “takeand-sit, kick-and-go”, just to stay with her parents concern as it is supposed to.

Sun, Jan 12th

Spiritual Therapy

The Book Of Genesis Noah in Action Bishop Michael

CHAPTER 3

– What are your Expectations –

Expectancy xpectancy

Sun, Jan 12th

Spiritual Therapy

Using your faith In you daily Expectations Bishop Michael

After having that desire and setting your resolutions on the kind of race you are running this year, surely there is something you are expecting, something good that is inspiring and aspiring. Yes something to take you where you've been longing to be for the past years. However, all will go accordingly if you put your faith into the LORD and do as He wishes. I want you to desire the best gifts. So I will show you a much better way. (1Corinthians 12:31, CEV) Don't be controlled by your body. Kill every desire for the wrong kind of sex. Don't be immoral or indecent or have evil thoughts. Don't be greedy, which is the same as worshiping idols. (Colossians 3:5, CEV) As for you, if you walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness, as David you father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel for ever, as I promised David your father when I said, 'You never fail to have a throne of Israel' (1 Kings 9:4-5, NIV) Listen to what Apostle Paul is saying – he wants you desire the best gifts – meaning your expectation should be on good things, so it is not wrong to expect to drive an expensive car or own an expensive house by doing this through Jehovah's will as He says “walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness” – meaning Jehovah our God wants you to be totally devoted unto Him and this He will put you in the right place where you will rule – in Israel, meaning you will be the leader of your people, Jehovah's children. Nations you will guide and lead, but only if you walk before Jehovah your God uprightly. Doing all his commands – this includes all 12 commandments, being observant in His “decrees and laws” meaning be after or vigilant be like those who waited for the bride and took enough oil, to keep on guard for the coming of the bride. God laws are not like human made laws, yes they are not burdensome, and neither do they have racism – meaning when you walk in His ways and do what He tells you to do; you won't have favoritism neither will you be judgmental.

The question that you might ask yourself at this present moment is how you will know that God is speaking to you. Note that, there exist two inner voices from your brain, which we normally say they are from the heart.These two voices normally opposes the other, the one is God's voice while the other it is Satan speaking to you.

Now which one is God's voice, one thing you should note is God voice has wisdom and directs you in the path of righteousness, itdoesn't allow you to do bad or evil. It warns you of the bad that you are doing at that particular time.This voice doesn't allow you to commit adultery, suicide nor abuse and to kill, etc. it directs you to the righteous path of the living Father – Jehovah the Almighty God. What is Satan's voice? It is that voice that always persuade you to do the bad, yes it provokes you to cheat, have last and jealous over the good others did. Normally this voice destroys the inner spiritual being that is within you. It harms your soul so as it loses the desire for the spiritual-food which is the “Holy Spirit”. “I have much more to say to you more than you can now bear. But when he, the spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you in to all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.All that belongs to the Father is mine and making it known to you.That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.” (John 16:12-15, NIV) It clearly shows why this “evil-voice” destroys the desire for your spiritual-food.This spirit is not just any spirit, but is the Holy Spirit, that spirit of the truth and Jesus is „the truth? (John 14:6). Jesus Christ – the one who was saying these words to his disciples as he was to depart to heaven during the day of the Pentecost (Act 1:4 and 2:1). However, theHoly Spirit guides and it never misleads.Yes with it within you, you can expect good things to happen into your life Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven ad filled the whole house where they were sitting.They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:2-4, NIV)When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native languages… Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another,“What does this mean?” (Acts 2:6-8 & 12, NIV) People will wonder and ask questions: that is this, the same person who used to ask and bag for food? However, being filled with the Holy Spirit, you will start doing things in a better and amazing way as compared to the past.You will be an example to many, for good behavior.Yes you can expect good things to come along your way. At that time God will be using you as a demonstration to those who dishonor him and by serving idols ….God changed Saul's heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day… the Spirit of 49

God came upon him in power, and joined in their prophesying.When all those who had formerly known him saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other,“What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”(1 Samuel 10:9-11, NIV) Samuel said to all the people,“Do you see the man the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people. Then the people shouted, Long live the king!”… But some troublemakers said, “How can this fellow save us? They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent” (1 Samuel 10:9-11 and 1 Samuel 10:27, NIV) However, despite all that God and the Holy Spirit do, within a human being, Satan won't be impressed, instead He will be furious and he will always bring criticism along your way…like “King Saul” not all the people cherished him as the king, others [trouble makers] hated him for nothing else but for being a leader chosen by God – thus they had jealous over him and criticized him. Note as a child of God you should know and expect this to happen, not to say you have no faith or you are pessimistic but for you being “observant” – vigilant that is what you are. The best way to response to critics is to keep quiet and learn from them. Do not be lead astray by the kind of bitter andsour words you hear from others. Instead make them your “cornerstone” – that's the only way to beat Satan, since he works? on your weak points. You should always work on his weak points. People who are evil minded – will never appreciate anything you do, any idea you come up with they shut it down with “critics”.We all understand that there is guidance, but it is different from criticism. Guidance doesn't break, it doesn't ruin instead it builds and where it exist there is light. The same with the Holy Spirit, it teaches you how to behave: you will act and speak in a different way.This is what to expect this year, as you are “realizing your dream!” See how Jesus Christ disciples spoke and how King Saul acted when being filled with the “Holy Spirit”. So listen to that “inner voice” – especially the one that guide you to stand-up and realizing your dream, have no doubts be like Zacchaeus (being pure, clean and fair) who wanted to see Jesus Christ – the Savior with an anointing or “anointed savior”. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. (Luke 19:2-4, NIV) Note how curious was Zacchaeus, his height never restricted or even discouraged Him, his wealth never stopped him from seeking “the truth” – Jesus the messiah. Of course Zacchaeusexpected to see Jesus Christ as he knew that he was coming to “Jericho”. So he made all he could so see Him. The last thing that happened he found himself on top of the tree.

Similarly in whatever you wish to see happening this year – so be it! Work hard towards it, see how Zacchaeus had to push through the multitude of the crowd, just to climb the tree so to see Christ – the LORD our redeemer. So you also need to “pray until something happens” [PUSH]

Using your faith In you daily Expectations

Bishop Michael

Money growth expectations is something most people wish they could be knowing to stick to for the rest of their lives, even biblically speaking note what happens when Jesus told a man who wanted to follow him. “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.Then come, follow me”.When the young man heard this, went away sad, because he had great wealth (Mathew 19:21-22, NIV) So to come to Jesus with the expectation of “being-perfect”, while you are not willing to quit your deeds, it appears that this man was the chief of tax collectors who earned his leaving from the money he took from the poor. Logically speaking Jesus knew his heart and thoughts. He never cared of being one of Christ disciples, but he thought that maybe Jesus could give him some tip or guidance on how to be richer than he was – by asking for “eternal-life”. It shows he was living a very luxurious life where he ought to think for others except himself. So if this is what you expect when you come to Jesus for guidance, then you are lost and you're putting your God into test, while the word of God restricts us from doing that Jesus answered, "The Scriptures also say, 'Don't try to test the Lord your God!' "(Mathew 4:7, NIV) Dealing with money is something that can even lead you astray, many people have went to many careers or business with the expectation that they would be financially stable or rich, well believe you me! Many lose their lives or become murders along the way. Others open financial investments with expectation of receiving that certain amount that the policy will pay at the death of the spouse or relative. Normally Satan enters and destructs in this situation, he makes you to forget what others mean to you and how valuable is their existence to many, let's take two biblical examples. First that of Delilah Samson's wife and secondly that of Judas Iscariot Sometime later, Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who lived in SorekValley. The Philistine rulers went to Delilah and said, "Trick Samson into telling you what makes him so strong and what can make him weak.Then we can tie him up so he can't get away. If you find out his secret, we will each give you eleven hundred pieces of silver." The next time Samson was at Delilah's house, she asked, "Samson, what makes you so strong? How can I

tieyou up so you can't get away? Come on, you can tell me." (Judges 16:4-6, NIV) Delilah felt for Satan's trap, Satan approached her by targeting her weak points; he [Satan] used both the philistines and Delilah to prove to God that Samson was not worth it to serve God. While on his mission Satan used Delilah as he knew that she loved money and when being promised 1100 sheckels (it can be dollars, pounds or rands) she chose to sell her husband by using the advantage that Samson loved her and thus she gained his trust by seducing him. The same happens with women and men who are after money; they sell their spouse via policies, by joining these policies they expect to be rich in return they become evil and take the lives of their loved ones. At times this happens to close friends especially business partners – meaning people who are on the same mission. An example can be made with Jesus Christ and His disciples, although Jesus new the one who was to betray him. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present. (Luke 22:3-6, NIV) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grieves. (1Timothy 6:10, NIV) Judas Iscariot had the love of money and forgot the love His teacher [Jesus] had for all His disciples. Instead he chose to sell Jesus Christ for 30 sheckels. Normally people like Judas – they are trusted by everyone, especially with money. However, if their faith is weak, Satan targets them and uses them in His evil deeds and later exposes them to the public. Now what are the good expectations in your financial life, it all starts with what you desire and what you do to achieve what you love to have obviously in the beginning you won't have the total-idea of what to expect as life is unpredictable. However, if you plan well you will know what to expect at the end of the journey you took.Avoid evil thoughts and ideas from those close to you. If your expectations of opening this business you have opened this year or last year was to generate income in an evil way, rather think of something else since this will put your life in danger as well as those who are close to you. Avoid “inyangas” [witch doctors] – people who will later tell you that you need to scarifies for your ancestors or your business by killing something and uses its blood and parts to strengthen your business – that's foolish and being evil. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded. (James 4:7-8, NIV) Jesus replied: I am the bread that gives life! No one who comes to me will ever be hungry. No one who has faith in me will ever be thirsty. (John 6:35, CEV) If you think you know it all, you're a fool for sure; real survivors learn wisdom from others. (Proverbs 28:26, MSG) 53

Note for your money to grow or business to run efficiently, despite all the hard work you and your business partners put on being productive, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil…” Cleanse your hands and purify your hearts”. Thus will benefit your financial skills, which you need not to be corrupt, so to be correct in your wealthy expectation, just be creative in handling your money – invest in many things that will assist you in “realizing your financial dream”. Don't be greedy or selfish many small business invest in other people, this includes schools, sports teams and etc; by doing this you will be scouting talents and believe you me you can expect great things to come your way. Learn to share ideas with your financial advisors, if you have none, your spouse or kids can assists you that's if you are open enough for example look at “Kaizer Chiefs Football Club”. It is a family business in which most of the finance and marketing strategies are from members of the family of “Motaung”. Expectations come with your initial input towards what you are designing to achieve at later stage of your financial year.You cannot expect anything good if you are lazy to work on your ideas of investments or money usage. Think of it what is it that you are going to plant this year that will make your money grow or make you to be financially stable. If that's laziness and doubts, know what you are planting weeds that will later choke and kill your “tree of budget”.

Good way of investing OprahWinfrey held back tears of joy and pride when she honoured the first batch of matrics at her school.The OprahWinfrey Leadership Academy for girls in Henley-onKlip in Midvaal, Gauteng, held its first matric graduation on Saturday.All the Matrics passed their final exams and are heading for top universities in South Africa or the United States. In an emotional speech, the US media star said it was a day of triumph and victory for the 72 teenage girls to whom she had become like a mother. Nelson Mandela's wife, Graca Machel, and Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga were among theVIPs attending the celebration with parents and teachers. Oprah said: “My darling girls, this is your day. Education is the key to freedom.” Matriculant Mashadi Kekana said the girls came to the school as strangers, but were leaving as sisters and family. Machel told the girls they were groomed and mentored by one of the best women of our time.“you are going to university and that is where the real test will come,”she said. The girls achieved 188 distinctions in their exams and were awarded certificates for their hard work. Two of the girls were honoured with special awards. Bongeka Zuma got six distinctions and received the School's Dux Award for academic excellence. She is thinking of studying political science at Spelman College in the US. [Reporter: Daily Sun, Monday 16 January 2012, page 4] His name is Prosper and he has the right attitude to prosper and do well. Prosper Tsogoro (32) is able to help his family by selling shoes he makes out of old tyres. He sells the shoes 54

outside the Thohoyandou Complex in Limpopo. He also sells handmade belts in his home village of Manini, near Giyani. He told Daily Sun: “I discovered my talent at the tender age of seven when I was still in primary school.” After completing matric, I wanted to study mechanical engineering but I couldn't because I didn't have the money.“When I got the idea of starting this business some years ago, I went to a local filling [gas] station and asked for old tyres.The manager was happy to organize it for me and suddenly I was in business,” he said. [Reporter: Daily Sun, Monday 16 January 2012, page 4]

BAD WAY OF INVESTING How many ways are there to sell your body? Khanyi Mbau has got naked on social networks…again. Over the weekend, thousands of Twitter followers saw the nude pictures of the self-proclaimed Queen of Bliss.According to Daily Sun sources, the pictures were first loaded on Sondeza.com, a local adult social network, before they spread like wildfire on Twitter.They looked as if they were taken during a private and very intimate photo shoot. But it's not clear whether putting them online is just a cry for someone to notice her or a marketing strategy. Daily Sun spoke to Tau Morena, the site owner and producer of MaponaVol 1, to ask how naked pics of unsuspecting people end up on his site. He had this to say:“We don't know who owns the copy right on the pictures when they are loaded on our site.We have an option that asks people who load suchphotos if they own copyright and if they say yes, then the picture goes through.” Khanyi still maintains that someone is out to destroy her. She tweeted:“To all my fans/followers, I am sorry to have you go through this yet again.You have stood by me, yet another challenge again. I am only human and can only fight battles to a certain extent.This, I now leave to the most high.” Last year, Sunday Sun reported a similar incident for which she blamed her ex-boyfriend Tinus Crous, but he denied having had anything to do with the pictures landing on the internet. [Doreen Molefe: Daily Sun, Monday 16 January 2012, page 4] Prayer

Marriage Guidance

Using your faith In your Marriage Expectations

Tue, Jan 14

Bishop Michael

reat expectations in two people who are dating each other are always there, for a guy who is in love surely he expect good things from his loved one, this includes romantic ideas, business ideas, Family ideas etc. and this will depend on the place where both met, since it will always be a place of memories. The day and date will always be in both minds. Thus triggering what we call anniversaries. For everyone who approaches a lady and a lady who agrees to be a girlfriend or wife of a man, obviously there are expectations not to say these are demands but part of the thoughts and ideas that each have about the other. If the two have just met some months ago, surely each will expect the other to be supportive, caring and loving in whatever situation that their relationship might encounter. Most of the times maybe one of either the two might face serious life situations that require affection – thus requiring scarifies from the other.The question is in your dating relationship or marriage what do you expect as a man or woman. My husband drinks a lot, it is getting worse every day. Even our sex life is getting bad. He can only go for one round and then passes out. I am not happy and I feel very lonely. Please help me [Bona, 2011:112] If this is what you didn't expect I guess you are in for surprise.A relationship is not about 'love' – that you feel when you think of or see that someone. It's about sacrifice – denying yourself and willing to share as well as improvising. Many couples find themselves in trouble of not understanding the kind of people their dating or married to. Since at first their expectations where based on false impressions or thoughts that their partners during that first day when they met. Note that romantic love comes in two forms, if you expect your loved to be romantic, what else do you do to put him or her in that mood you expect him to be in. I try to give people practical ideas on how to work on their marriage, I replied.With a question in her eyes she asked,“why do you have to work on a marriage [relationship]. If you love each other, isn't that all that matters? I knew she was sincere because that was also my perception before I got married” (Chapman, 2010)

Many people don't believe in “working-on” their relationship or marriage of which they latter fail to deal with each other. Marriage or dating is like a belief – if you don't act on your belief it means what you believe in doesn't exist.This is what is happening in many people who find themselves in love,they do not know what keeps them together except what both feel for each other. When you ask, the answer is well “we love each other” if this is the case between you and your partner expect the “worst to come” – because really you are playing with fire. Since both of you are pushed by “euphonic feelings” and this is what causes you guys to be together. Now according to Chapman (2010) When we are in love, we freely do things for each other without thought of cost or sacrifice. We will drive 500 miles or fly halfway across the country in order to spend a weekend together…the person we love seems to be perfect – at least perfect for us… “now your mother may have a different opinion. She may say, 'honey, have you considered…'” In this stage of romantic love, the couple does not have to work on the relationship. They may expend great energy in doing things for each other, but to use the word delight.They feel elated with the opportunity to do something meaningful for the other person.They want to make each other happy and they often do. However,… the average life span of this initial stage of romantic love is two years. We do not stay in the euphonic stage of love forever…if you are in college when you fall in love, your grades will likely decline. Education seems trivial, what matters, is being with the person you love. All of u know individuals who drop out of college and choose to get married because the one they love is moving to a different state and they want to go with them… when we are in love, the rest of the world doesn't matter.We are totally focused on being with each other and making each other happy.

Note how being in-love is, it completely blind fold you in such a way that you forget about other things that are also important in your life. At times when even guided by others of the danger that might happen you don't see, as your only expectations are to be in-love forever and have happy moments. Well that's not there way it is, if you are not committed to your relationship – you need to work things out. One thing people do not now is “what makes someone you love to feel loved, might not make you feel loved” so it is important to work on your relationship let your partner understand you and vice versa. You should know or understand not merely by words, that when someone says to you “it is like you do not love me anymore?” what makes him to say that and what is it that this person is “really looking for”, from you. For example let's look at Samson and Delilah! Then she said to him,“How can you say,”I love you, 'when you don't confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven't told me the secret of 57

your great strength' with such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death (Judges 16:15-16, NIV) This means something, that Samson and Delilah never understood each other, if Delilah managed to trick her husband without him being aware, really their relationship was weak and Satan manage to destruct it very quickly. It is quite obvious that Samson didn't understand the love language of Delilah. However, Samson was used to prostitutes. One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute. He went in to spend the night with her (Judges 16:1, NIV) With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose (Judges 7:21-22, NIV)

Note if a man runs after ladies or prostitutes, it won't be easy for him as a man to understand the love-language of the kind of woman he will real love, since her lovelanguage will be taken away by the kind of women he sleeps with. This is quite dangerous since it sabotages their relationship or marriage. This is what happened to Samson, what Delilah did to him was something he was used to, that was done by prostitutes he used to sleep withâ&#x20AC;Ś note â&#x20AC;&#x153;with persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a nooseâ&#x20AC;?. So prostitutes can deceive a man quite easily without him noticing. So as couples you need to know and understand each other's love-language, Chapman (2010) out lines these types of love-languages as follows: Physical touch: some people prefer to be hugged and kissed by their partners now and then, thus making them feel loved and cared for emotionally. Quality time: other people prefer to spend some time with their partners, without watching TV or reading magazine/news paper. In that way they feel loved and appreciated, at the same time it makes them happy. Receiving gifts: there are people who prefer to receive gifts from their partners, and for one to know which things to buy for them is to ask questions with an 'open-eye', meaning you need to be watchful as they receive present from either friends or external family members. Acts of service: while on receiving gifts, there are people who love to be assisted in everything they feel the husband and wife should do. As for a woman she will feel loved if her husband assists her with cleaning and washing the dishes. However, with a man he would feel loved if his wife assist her with washing the car or cleaning the yard with him, not to say which job is for who but team work will make each feel being with someone who love them.

Words of affirmation: lastly, but not least. there are people who prefer to be praised over each and every hard work they made, if it is a woman, maybe she might have washed and ironed her husband's clothing, as well as packing them nicely on the wardrobe and took his suit to the dry cleaner. Obviously if she falls within this type of “love-language”she will expect her husband to praise her for the hard work.The same with a man, he might have painted the entire wall of the yard or house or maybe he might have cleaned the entire yard, cutting trees and mowing the grass and similarly he will also expect his wife to praise him for what he had. So it is important to know and understand the love language of your partner, this is something you can learn while still dating – before your marriage or else the following will result in your marriage or relationship, see Marriage move.

MARRIAGE MOVE “WHEN LOVE HURTS” - Adopted from BONA Magazine (Nov 2011)

“Nono Matuwane, 30, lives in Fordsburg and was once blinded by the love she had for a violent and abusive man who was 10 years her senior.” I grew up inTlokweng, a small town in Botswana and come from a very loving and religious home. There were about 13 of us in the house, it was a great environment and the best upbringing ever. Nothing I experienced in my home life could have prepared me for the toxic relationship I later found myself in at tech. I dated a man who was 10 years my senior. He was a wolf in sheep's clothing and the first instance of abuse, which happened only a few weeks after we started dating, left me in complete shock: An ex-boyfriend called and when I answered the phone, my boyfriend threw me out his car, came out and slapped me. He then forced me to call my ex back and swear at him. I feared for my life but also thought that I might have provoked him, so I did as I was told. Our relationship continued, and so did the beatings.Whenever I went home, I'd wear sunglasses and tell my parents that I had pink eyes. I made excuses for him, even when my parents warned me against him.When I fell pregnant and called him with the news, another woman answered his phone and told me that he was her man.When I eventually spoke to him, he told me the baby belonged to the doctor who told me that I was pregnant. I never told my parents my boyfriend was denying that the child was his, so they supported me throughout my pregnancy and didn't think anything of it when I went back to him. Then one fateful Saturday I started bleeding heavingly. I was 19 years old and my boyfriend had locked me inside the house while we went out with his friends.When he 58

returned I was lying in a pool of my own blood and vomit. I lost my baby that night. Everyone told me to get out of the relationship but I didn't listen. I was blinded by what I thought was love for him. I stayed with him until I became pregnant again. Then one night, in full view of one of his friends, he beat me up again. I honestly believed that was the last straw and that I'd never go back to him. But I did.At this point I felt I was in too deep; I believed that no man would ever love me the way he did. Not even when he almost killed me did I see the light. He broke my neck and left me with rib injuries that made me incapable of taking care of myself.After my sister nursed me back to health, I still went back to him. We got engaged and were about to get married, but when I bought a car he became very jealous. He told my friends and family that he was going to kill me.That's when my heart hardened and I lost my fear of death.The last and final straw was when he drove me, our child and my cousin to the outskirts of Rustenburg and left us there with no money, phones, or any way of getting back home. It was 5 am and it was extremely cold.A passer-by gave us a lift to the nearest policestation. My car, which my boyfriend was driving, had a tracking device, so he was found and arrested within minutes.When I saw him at the station, he begged me not have him locked up. I agreed on condition that he grant me my freedom as well. He agreed, I dropped the charges against him, and walked away â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for good! For about three years after this experience, I avoided serious relationships. I was just too afraid that love would hurt me again. Luckily, I have lost my fear of love and have met a man who's helped me grow and move on. Getting out of my previous relationship might have taken a while, but it was the best thing that has ever happened to me. I now know that I'm a beautiful woman, worthy of decent love. I also know that when something seems wrong, it probably is. It's very important to communicate with your partner. Relationships are about give and take, while jealousy destroys.

Wed, Jan 15th

Healing Matters

Using your faith In your Healing Expectations Bishop Michael

he driving force of your healing is your expectancy when you call upon Jesus.Why is this, the case? Well when looking backwards to all who called upon Jesus for healing they all were expecting to be healed, not to say they tested him, but their faith propelled them – as it was their driving force. Faith makes one to expect the Good at all times even though you might come across tough and unpleasing situation, but due to the strength of your faith you will expect good to come at the end of your situation. Although as you expect, you do not really know the end period of your suffering in your sickness…, but your faith drives you to believe that it will happen soon, than you thought regardless of type of your situation, whether being positive with HIV/AIDS, having diabetes or cancer and being deaf or blind Gods wants you healed. No one wants you as a friend or cares what happens to you. But I will heal your injuries, and you will get well. (Jeremiah 30:17, CEV) All of this, results because God loves you. Although since you are sick maybe you are HIV positive, people are calling you with names, some of your friends you used to run around with are no more, you cannot even tell their whereabouts. Please do not expect the same from Jehovah our father, He loves you, He cares for you and He is more than a friend you can expect. That evening many people with demons in them were brought to Jesus. And with only a word he forced out the evil spirits and healed everyone who was sick. (Mat 8:16, CEV) He fulfilled Isaiah's well-known sermon: He took our illnesses, He carried our diseases. (Matthew 8:17, MSG) Note you need not to expect appointments and surgeries when you call upon Jesus “with only a word” – Jesus will operate you. Whether having stomach cramps, headache, sore feet, chest and spinal pains or any other evil sickness Jesus will operate you and you will be healed, in His holy name we give Him praise, Hallelujah!- Amen! Just then a woman who had been subjected to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself,“If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” (Matthew 9:20-21, NIV)

At times He does it with just a touch, note that His touch is anointed, there is no need for him to do it, you can just touch him spiritually through your faith as you pray. Look what happened to this woman who was had being bleeding for 12 years without anyone being able to cure her.With just a touch made unto Jesus cloak, she expected to be healed – “if I can just touch his clothes, I will get well”.That's what you need to do now, so as to “realize your dream” of being healed this year.Tell yourself that „I need not to be noticed that I sick His touch, but I will just enquire it”. Secretly – it'll surely happen. I tell you that any sinful thing you do or say can be forgiven. Even if you speak against the Son of Man, you can be forgiven. But if you speak against the Holy Spirit, you can never be forgiven, either in this life or in the life to come. (Matthew 12:31, CEV) It doesn't matter what you did before you became sick, whether you were a rapist, a killer or thief God will forgive you. However, it matters that you guard your mouth against the “Holy Spirit” as – “if you speak against the Holy Spirit, you can never be forgiven, either in this life or in the life to come”.This is what Satan did, he is always against the Spirit of God – He wants to destroy the soul in which the spirit dwells. The LORD is a mighty tower where his people can run for safety (Proverbs 18:10, CEV) If you expect to be safe, just call upon the word of Jesus! It is not just a word but it's a powerful and anointed word.Through it we receive the anointing we seek to heal thosewho are sick and we even receive many things we seek of the spirit. So run to Jesus for the help shout – call upon His name today. I can assure you, you can expect double of what you are wishing for. Suppose wicked people stop sinning and start obeying my laws and doing right. They won't be put to death. All their sins will be forgiven, and they will live because they did right. (Ezekiel 18:21-22, CEV) You know that presently you are weak and in seek of healing, forget about your past “turn from your sins and do what God wants, not your own will” – but His will. Be loyal and walk uprightly according to the word.To do this accept Jesus as the messiah, the one who heals not by might or power but through the Holy Spirit – the spirit of Jehovah the provider, Jehovah the living God. The creator of heaven and earth. Jehovah – the one who understand and know all your needs. Trust the LORD and live right! The land will be yours, and you will be safe. Do what the LORD wants, and he will give you your heart's desire. Let the LORD lead you and trust him to help. (Psalm 37:3-5, CEV) In your expectancies, trust unto the LORD, do what he wants and he will give you what your heart desires. Meaning what you wish to have, that desire to be healed today, for you to be able to walk and work again, for you to be able to hear and speak about him and the wonders he did again. Let him, who is the light lead you to a place where you've beenlonging to go, where you will receive your healing “trust God for help” – He is capable and He has the ability to show you 61

the way. Remember the words of His son Jesus Christ â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am the way, the truth and the lifeâ&#x20AC;? And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away, from the midst of thee (Exodus 23:25, KJV) Note if you trust Him, the one who is your redeemer surely whatever you drink and eat with your mouth shall be blessed.This includes the kind of medication you take-in, surely it will be blessed and you will be healed. Note you need not to quit your medication. Don't you know that the food you put into your mouth goes into your stomach and then out of your body? But the words that come out of your mouth come from your heart. And they are what make you unfit to worship God. Out of your heart come evil thoughts, murder, unfaithfulness in marriage, vulgar deeds, stealing, telling lies, and insulting others.These are what make you unclean. Eating without washing your hands will not make you unfit to worship God. (Matthew 15:17-20, CEV) So it is not what you eat that makes you sin, but the desires of your heart.The same with Adam and Eve, it was not the apple they ate from the tree that made them to sin, but thedesire for that fruit as it was on the tree that made them to turn their hearts away from God teachings.

Career Guidance

Using your faith In your Career Expectations

Thu, Jan 16th

Bishop Michael

hoosing a career, goes with your expectations. You can never pursue a career without looking at the benefits of it or its outcomes. However, many people are unaware that “expectations” are what drives people to choose whatever career they intent to pursue in their lives. Not to say they love and enjoy what they intend to do as their career, but because of what they expect to gain and learn out of what they intend to pursue.

At times we have wrong ideas on what we intend to pursue as career, which lead us to having wrong expectations. If you desired to pursue a certain career and you planned very well, this means you did a thoroughly research and with no doubt whatever action you planned to do you can expect the good out of it. However, failure to have considered what you intend to do, might lead you astray at the end blame yourself. Never choose a career because your parent or loved one thinks it suits you. Instead you may ask for advice and go for what you think you are best at. Many students have dropped out at school because his/her parent wanted him to be an engineer, lawyer or doctor. Only to find out that he or she, loves fashion or art design. So in this case your parentsexpected you to perform but you where in the wrong field of which you were expected to please those who chose for you, not what you desired to do. If you are already in your career path, what are your expectations? Do you intend to be an, expect? To lead others and give advice on this career, what are your future intensions? We all know that you've already set „goals? and you've already planned, where do you want to see yourself with what you are doing. Irrespective that you have a family to take care of or you have a boyfriend or husband to look after, what are really your expectations for a year or years to come? One thing you should know, is your expectations are the source of your inputs and outputs of what you do. For instance as a farmer, you cannot plough on a piece of land with an area of A4 paper-size and expect to feed the entire township. So what you initially inserted will drive your expectations and propel you to trust your instinct and obey your thirst!

One thing you should know that “any work without faith has no direction and faith without any action is dead” – so what am I saying in this case is if you do something without believing and trusting in yourself you won't even trust anyone's advice – even God himself! Look at Moses when he was chosen to take the Israelites out of Egypt – he didn't trust himself so how was it possible to trust the one who commands Him. But Moses said to God, ? who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt? “(Exodus 3:11, NIV) Moses said to the LORD, ? O LORD, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” (Exodus 4:10, NIV) If your words today are those of Moses, know that you shouldn't expect the good in what you are currently doing, since you filled with fear and doubts. You know that the LORD your God is the only true God. So love him and obey his commands, and he will faithfully keep his agreement with you and your descendants for a thousand generations. (Deuteronomy 7:9, CEV) If you sleep all the time, you will starve; if you get up and work, you will have enough food. (Proverbs 20:13, CEV) One thing you should know, is God is faithful, like he told Moses that he is with Him, the same is with you, in your “career path” this day. Don't deny His teaching and commandments trust unto Him. Forget about your ancestors, they are dead while Jehovah is the living God who is watching you day and night without having to rest, like your ancestors who were laid to rest by the grave site. Stop being lazy, since you are calling poverty for yourself…, One thing you should know is every career is important. Whether you are a cleaner, security officer, secretary or CEO on is better than the other of course being a cleaner according to human standards it is regarded as the lowest and cheap paying job. But believe you me go to government offices and university residences and see how clean are there premises, including toilets themselves. Isn't cleanness good for your health, what will happen if cleaners were to go or quit?That's for you to answer… The same with security officers, they ensure that everyone's life is safe within the company they work at. If this people were to stop searching people by the entrance of the building to be declared secured. Security officers are regarded as low-class by human standards, but spiritually speaking they do a great job, they save lives in an unusual-way; they even protect the goods of the company (or organization) from being stolen. However, if the company goods could be stolen a great loss can occur not just from the goods themselves but the information included therein.

The same results with a secretary, if she could ignore the calls that come in and avoid taking messages, will the company run into order?, remember that a secretary is responsible to answer calls and schedule meetings with clients under the authority of her boss. It really shows that all those careers that people consider the “worst” since they pay less, are the most important in our lives. However, one can earn and make a leaving out-of it. There are people who own organization or companies that deal with the careers. I have just mentionedand believe you me, if you manage them. You don't feel sorry or regret, thus you can expect the good out of it. WE NEVER THOUGHT THAT WE COULD MAKE SNEAKERS FOR A LIVING Sifiso Dlamini, 23, Prince Nkonyane, 22, and Nkululeko Ndlovu, 23, are the trio behind Eish Hade, a sneaker making company, which was first started by Sifiso in 2007. Eish Hade was born in the backyard of my home in Soweto when I started mastering the craft of moulding and shaping the perfect sneaker by hand.The name ? “Eish Hade” comes from what happens when someone steps on your toes; the first thing they say is sorry. So the expression and slang of saying sorry ? “Eish hade” was used as the name for my brand. Just as my shoes have evolved (grown) from a simple slipper design into a completely customized, trendy sneaker, so too I've managed to turn my dreams and ideas into a success under the guidance of Zinto Marketing Group. Eish hade has also expanded and emerged as a threeman partnership between myself, Prince Nkonyane and Nkululeko Ndlovu.We all grew up in Soweto, more or less in the same environment. Prince and I wanted to become doctors, while Nkululeko wanted to be a rocket scientist, but didn't happen. After matric, I studied design to pursue my dream of becoming a shoe designer and manufacturer, Prince studied commercial accounting at the University of Johannesburg because he enjoyed accounting, and Nkululeko studied business management because he wanted to manage his own business. Our love and passion for sneakers brought us together and has helped us overcome all the obstacles and challenges we have faced.We had some financial issues, like most businesses do, we were turned away from jobs, and we faced some challenges when it came to perfecting the art of making sneakers by hand.

But we overcame these obstacles one by one.To raise funds, we sold winter hats and used that money to buy material to make our sneakers.The rest of the obstacles we overcame with patience, persistence, focus, and by pushing to be better every time.We initially sold our shoes hand-to-hand through word-of-mouth but now work at Zinto's premises in Libro Park.We design and create customized shoes for the perfomers of Zinto's brand activation shows, including corporate like MTN and willards. At the moment we are developing a range of footwear for South Africa's Got Talent award-winning finalist, 65

George ? the “beatboxer”, who is Mzansi's most celebrated “beatboxer” to date. Eish Hade sneakers are available at our store at Zinto Marketing Group (visit their website at www.zinto.co.za), andselected stores such as Naf Naf in the Carlton Centre in Joburg and Hip-Hop joint in Southgate Mall.

Family Matters

Fri, Jan 17

Using your faith In your Family Expectations Bishop Michael

amily planning is one of the most important aspects when it comes to a couple that is married, although most couples tend to ignore this aspect of “running-a-family”. I normally consider a family as a company. However, with a company there are delegates, who are chosen to do “this-and-that”. While those who will be concerned with the running of the entire company, will be its investors and its owners.The same happens with a particular family, parents and in-laws will be concerned about the family of Mr & Mrs “Michael” not to say the inlaws are inquisitive, but as people who were there when this family got together, they deserve to know anything that can make this family to tear apart. One issue I would love to discuss today is that of your spouse not being able to give birth; most couples find it hard to cope with this situation especially when it comes to male-partner, and His parent could be expecting a grandchild soon, maybe, a heir – as it is in most cases. Sadly enough when this occur, even the marriage can come to an end.That's if both of you and your spouse are not strong enough. People have not yet learned that some other things are spiritual and even qualified doctors cannot solve them. There question is, do you andyour spouse have spiritual counseling. How often do you pray and go to see your church leader, so as to guide you in any family matter both you and spouse might find in.

But Jesus said to them, "If you have faith and don't doubt, I promise that you can do what I did to this tree. And you will be able to do even more.You can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. If you have faith when you pray, you will be given whatever you ask for." (Matthew 21:21-22, CEV) Nothing hurts like a household where kids are wanted and they cannot be bore. Most marriages suffer from this, and when this happens, at times there in-laws, especially from the male partner, become concerned to an extent that they encourage their child to marry a second wife, the reason being they lack faith – the same happened to Rachel, the wife of Jacob Rachel was very jealous of Leah for having children, and she said to Jacob, "I'll die if you don't give me some children!" But Jacob became upset with Rachel and answered, "Don't

blame me! I'm not God." "Here, take my servant Bilhah," Rachel told him. "Have children by her, and I'll let them be born on my knees to show that they are mine." (Gen 30:1-3, CEV) In this case the wife was the one who forced her husband to marry, not to say Jacob forced her to bare kids for him, she is the one who felt compelled to give birth to the children of Jacob.Thus she forced her husband to marry her servant – “Bilhah” as she said to Jacob “I'll die if you don't give me some children!” – was this really true? No! I don't think so “Rachel was very jealous of Leah” and the only way she felt was right for her, in order to win Jacob back, was to bare him kids. The question you might ask is…, was got really unfair to Rachel and Jacob? for she gave birth at an old age. Don't forget what happened to the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Even before they were born or had done anything good or bad, the Lord told Rebekah that her older son would serve the younger one.The Lord said this to show that he makes his own choices and that it wasn't because of anything either of them had done. That's why the Scriptures say that the Lord liked Jacob more than Esau.Are we saying that God is unfair? Certainly not! The Lord told Moses that he has pity and mercy on anyone he wants to. Everything then depends on God's mercy and not on what people want or do. In the Scriptures the Lord says to Pharaoh of Egypt, "I let you become king, so that I could show you my power and be praised by all people on earth." Everything depends on what God decides to do, and he can either have pity on people or make them stubborn Someone may ask, "How can God blame us, if he makes us behave in the way he wants us to?" But, my friend, I ask, "Who do you think you are to question God? Does the clay have the right to ask the potter why he shaped it the way he did? Doesn't a potter have the right to make a fancy bowl and a plain bowl out of the same lump of clay?" God wanted to show his anger and reveal his power against everyone who deserved to be destroyed. But instead, he patiently put up with them. He did this by showing how glorious he is when he has pity on the people he has chosen to share in his glory. (Romans 9:10-23, CEV)

Some other things like I said before, they are Spiritual – beyond human knowledge and powers. Only God knows them and how to deal with such. The question is, what where you expecting when you told him/her that you love him/her. It isn't wrong to marry, even if you have never been married before. But those who marry will have a lot of trouble, and I want to protect you from that. (1 Corinthians 7:28, CEV) One thing you should know that in marriage or even a relationship you will come across “lot 68

of trouble” – but when this happens do not fear, instead have more faith and pray about your situation, do not expect only the goods in your family – know and understand that there is failure in life, and it is through it that we can know our weaknesses. Manyfamilies find themselves in trouble when it comes to pregnancy issues, since sometimes kids are born disabled, while in other families, the wife keep on getting miscarriages, even though they tried to visit the doctor.When situations like this come or happen in your family. If you are a wife, you must put your husband first. Even if he opposes our message [as a sinner], you will win him over by what you do. No one else will have to say anything to him, because he will see how you honor God and live a pure life. Don't depend on things like fancy hairdos or gold jewelry or expensive clothes to make you look beautiful. (1 Peter 3:13, CEV) If you are a husband, you should be thoughtful of your wife.Treat her with honor, because she isn't as strong as you are, and she shares with you in the gift of life.Then nothing will stand in the way of your prayers. (1 Peter 3:7, CEV) Husbands and wives should be fair with each other about having sex. A wife belongs to her husband instead of to herself, and a husband belongs to his wife instead of to himself. So don't refuse sex to each other, unless you agree not to have sex for a little while, in order to spend time in prayer.Then Satan won't be able to tempt you because of your lack of selfcontrol. (1 Corinthians 7:3-5, CEV) One thing that most couples fail to understand is – being stubborn and argumentative, won't assist you with anything. And your qualifications has limits in your relationship, your in-laws have no control over both of you. Of course to their child they can act – not in your family (husband/wife and kinds). Do not expect them to build your marriage since they raised your spouse. Let your family matter be handle by both you and your spouse, include spiritual leader who can give you both advice – running to mom and daddy can spoil all the love you had for your partner. No priest will encourage to divorce your wife/husband if both of you cannot have children. Instead he will give you both counseling and advice you of other alternatives, without having to include the third person into your marriage. Sometimes, we rush to tell our friends about the witness we have with our loved ones, of course a friend want to be trusted, but you should know that others won't give you good advices all the time, unless that person is a priest. Learn to pray and fast for every bad situation in your life, accept failure but don't let it destroy you or demoralize you. MODERN FAMILY Not all of us are able to have children of our own. Adoption is an option that gives you the opportunity to be a parent and can change the life of another human being for the better. (by CindyTilney)

It's not usually the first choice for couples looking to have children – for many, it is a last resort after years of struggling with infertility and repeated attempts at very expensive medical procedures such as surrogacy and in vitro fertilization (IVF). But couples who have gone the adoption route say it's a powerful parenting experience that shouldn't be overlooked as an option. According to statistics released at the National Adoption Coalition Conference in March 2011, there are approximately 1.8 million children in South Africa waiting to be adopted. Almost anyone can adopt. Costs are factored on sliding scale that make it possible for even low-income earning partners to apply, but the final selection rests on the choice of the birth mother, if she's available. 'Abandoning her child it is the worst thing a mother can do because without her consent it's almost impossible to get a child into the system.'

HOPE AFTER IVF “Story of the Family of Liebenberg” - Adopted from TFG Club Magazine -

Nell andWayne Liebenberg have two adopted children, Luca (10) and Leah (5).Their story after years of trying to have children naturally, Nell andWayne decided to consider IVF. In the wake of six failed attempts, Nell finally fell pregnant on her seven try, but miscarried at six weeks.“There's enormous guilt if you are unable to give your partner a child of his own,' she says.” It's really a terrible feeling to live with.'When the eighth round of IVF was again unsuccessful, Nell and Wayne put their names on the waiting list at a private adoption agency. A few months after their application was approved, their social worker called to say that Luca's mother had chosen them as the adoptive parents. Luca is now 10 and Leah is five, and Nell says the decision to adopt was the best she's ever made.“I'd be lying if I said I never wonder what it would have been like to be pregnant, or what our biological children would have looked like.' But the moment that child is put in your arms, they are yours and from then on, nothing is different.” One of Nell's concerns is that her children will think of themselves as “throwaways' and wonder why they weren't wanted by their biological parents.” But the truth is the kids that are given up for adoption are those whose mothers loved them beyond themselves, and chose to give them the future in a loving home. We have told our children in an age-appropriate way that they're adopted. I've explained to both of them that they came from mommy's heart and not her tummy. As they are older, the nature of their questions will change and we'll have to find new ways to explain.There 70

is no perfect answer and we don't ever want to lie to them, because deception can be very damaging. Their Message There's one major difference between IVF and adoption: there are no guarantees with IVF, but you're almost certain to have a child with adoption.

LEARN WITH BISHOP MICHAEL T. MOIPOLAI

What do we mean by IVF and AI? InVitro Fertilization (IVF), an assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which one or more eggs are fertilized outside a female's body.This technique has been used extensively in animal embryological research for decades, but only since 1978 has it been successfully applied to human reproduction. In human reproduction the process involves stimulation of the growth of multiple eggs by the daily injection of hormone medications. (It is also possible to conduct IVF without the use of the hormone medications; a single egg would develop and be retrieved.) The eggs are recovered by oneof two methods: sonographic egg recovery, the more common of the two, which uses ultrasound guidance to retrieve the eggs, or oocytes; or laparoscopic egg recovery, in which retrieval is made through a small incision in the abdomen. (Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2006. © 1993-2005 Microsoft Corporation.) Artificial Insemination (AI), originally, the process in which male gametes, the spermatozoa, are collected and introduced artificially into the female genital tract for the purpose of fertilization. Other artificial methods for achieving fertilization have since been devised. Artificial insemination was first developed for breeding cattle and horses. Spermatozoa are collected from a chosen male and frozen, then thawed, then used to impregnate females. Frozen human spermatozoa are now also used for insemination—most often from an anonymous male donor when a couple wishes to have a child but the male partner is infertile. Use of frozen spermatozoa leads to pregnancy about 60 per cent of the time, whereas freshly collected semen has a much higher success rate of about 90 per cent. Neither method is known to result in an increase in birth abnormalities, but frozen semen often becomes unusable after a long time. A different method of artificial insemination is the mixing of sperm and ovum in a nutrient medium outside the woman's body, followed by implanting the fertilized egg into her uterus. This technique, known as in vitro fertilization (IVF), is used when a woman's Fallopian tubes are blocked, and, as a result, the spermatozoa cannot reach the ovum.The first baby born as a result of such a procedure was the English “test-tube baby”, Mary Louise Brown, in 1978. In 1984 a further advance in this procedure was reported from Australia, with the embryo first being frozen for two months before it was successfully implanted.Yet 71

another method was used that same year, in which the ovum was first fertilized within one woman's uterus and then transferred to the body of another woman. Eggs can now also be removed from a woman's ovaries and placed in her Fallopian tubes along with her partner's sperm; fertilization then follows. Controversies have arisen over the legal and ethical status of some of these procedures, which have been widely used. Microsoft ÂŽ Encarta ÂŽ 2006. ÂŠ 1993-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Sat, Jan 18th

Bible Study

The Book Of Genesis Isaac &Jacob Bishop Michael

CHAPTER 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Having a Positive Attitude

Attitude

Auttitude

Sun, Jan 19th

Spiritual Therapy

Using your faith In building a Positive Attitude Bishop Michael

Human behavior has always been a study to many humans. However, it never became one when it comes to thinks that makes a person successful, having a good health, well established family – instead the study has only been general based on tribal and race issue.Thus giving what we call anthropology – of which Collins Dictionary defines it as the study of human beings, their origins, religious believe, social relationship etc. If you were aware, this book “The Deeds of Faith” outlines what anthropology is defining in a narrow context, since it is restricted and specific. Focusing on today's main theme of realizing your dream – “Attitude” in which Collins Dictionary defines it as the way a person views something or tends to behave towards it often in an evaluate way. So what are your views on your marriage, financial life, sickness, career or Job, family and bible reading? How the type of behavior of misusing money on unnecessary things, do you think that will fulfill your desire of paying your last year's debts?With your kind of drinking & cheating habits do you think that you respect and honor your relationship or marriage as well asyour partner? With your doubting habit, do you think that you posses a “positive attitude” of wanting to be healed? Think about it, do you think will you ever make it in this new job or career you have just started, with the kind of laziness and stubbornness you posses? What about your family do you think this thing of arriving late from work, an having much to do after work will assist you to built a strong relationship with your spouse and kids or will it make you great parent ever? The answer depends on how you view each question and your attitude towards every negative aspect of actions on your finance, marriage, health, career, and family as well as bible study. Something to know and understand is that your attitude has an influence in your faith, if you are negative minded nothing will go right – thus your “attitude determines your altitude (level) of success” in anything you desire, plan and expect to have. In this case your attitude it is the 4th stage of your DREAM. In whatever you desire let your feeling be accompanied with a positive attitude, the same with what you planned let your attitude be your guide – in other words, let it be your compass – to direct you to your wish and a map to guide you on the path to take.

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD (Psalm 31:24) It is quite important to be courageous so as to have a positive attitude towards Jehovah our Father. Note that with Him you'll always be positive minded. God doesn't encourage doubts and fear neither does he brings them to our lives. Instead He encourages boldness and braveness in all human beings. For whosoever shall give you cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily [truly] I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward (Mark 9:41) Many people who claim to be born again Christians they have doubts on drinking water that was prayed for by priest or any church elder, whom during his prayer declared and decreed his words using the name of the LORD Jesus Christ. They believe that it is being religious. However, let me clarify this for you, even Jesus Christ had no problem with it remember the Passover he prayed for the bread and wine and he offered them to His disciples. And he said to them,“I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer”… after taking the cup he gave thanks and said,“Take this divide it among you, For I tell you I will, not drink again of the fruit of the vine [wine] until the kingdom of God comes” and he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying,“This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me”. In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying,“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out of you” (Luke 22:15-19, NIV) Note that Jesus too prayed for the drink (although wine) and bread, he then regarded these as a new covenant and His body. He gave thanks, praying “eagerly” without doubt as he declared and decreed what He believed in. above all He gave the drink and bread to his disciples without no doubt nor fear – so He was positive minded, His attitude in what He did was positive – similarly may the same be unto you in everything you do this year. Have no doubt and fear, be courageous so to have a positive attitude.

Prayer My LORD, I hereby request that you soften my heart and mind, take them away from evil desires and thoughts. Let me have no doubts in everything I do, like your son Jesus Christ, the LORD our redeemer in His name I ask and believe that your will be done, in Jesus name amen!

Financial Guidance

Mon, Jan 20

Building a positive attitude in your Financial Crisis Bishop Michael

Many people lose their financial track due to having a bad attitude on money spending or budgeting. Quite few people can keep their financial record clear as well as pay their debts as planned before. Bad attitude comes with laziness and complaints, and it has lately been a disease to many. While in money, if you do not learn to be wise in budgeting you will find it hard to be a good money handler. Handling money goes with being disciplined, you need to be “in control of your money, not your money be in control of you” a simple example if you have budgeted R1000-00c for purchasing an “all-star boot” worth R320-00c, a T-Shirt worth R220-00c and a Jean worth R260-00c plus a pair of sock and underwear worth R180-00c to the total value of R980-00c Should it happen that you suddenly see a converse track-suit pan worth R310-00c and suddenly decide it and leave the Jean behind, this means there will be some items that you need to leave behind and it will also mean you are not a good planner – thus you cannot your money spending very well. As result your attitude towards your money handling is poor. Let's see again what items will be left out. Let's make a quotation

Sneakers/All-Star Boot = R320-00c T-Shirt = R220-00c Bermuda-trouser = R220-00c Socks + underwear = R180-00c Jean = R310-00c [Sum] R1030-00c It can be clearly seen that extra R30-00c in needed, and since this is the case items with lesser price can be omitted- meaning socks & underwear will be left behind, leaving you with an option of budgeting for the once again. However, this is not what you want as part of your financial desire, planning and expectancy. Good budgeting comes with positive attitude – meaning learn to control your money, not your

money to control you. The amount of money you have controls your desire, not vice versa, meaning your budgeting skills is regulated by the way you view your current pay-check, and balance for example Mathew 25:14-31 from Contemporary EnglishVersion states that, The kingdom is also like what happened when a man went away and put his three servants in charge of all he owned.The man knew what each servant could do. So he handed five thousand coins to the first servant, two thousand to the second, and one thousand to the third. Then he left the country. As soon as the man had gone, the servant with the five thousand coinsused them to earn five thousand more.The servant who had two thousand coins did the same with his money and earned two thousand more. But the servant with one thousand coins dug a hole and hid his master's money in the ground. Sometime later the master of those servants returned. He called them in and asked what they had done with his money.The servant who had been given five thousand coins brought them in with the five thousand that he had earned. He said, "Sir, you gave me five thousand coins, and I have earned five thousand more." "Wonderful!" his master replied. "You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!" Next, the servant who had been given two thousand coins came in and said, "Sir, you gave me two thousand coins, and I have earned two thousand more." "Wonderful!" his master replied. "You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!" The servant who had been given one thousand coins then came in and said, "Sir, I know that you are hard to get along with.You harvest what you don't plant and gather crops where you haven't scattered seed. I was frightened and went out and hid your money in the ground. Here is every single coin!" The master of the servant told him, "You are lazy and good-for-nothing!You know that I harvest what I don't plant and gather crops where I haven't scattered seed.You could have at least put my money in the bank, so that I could have earned interest on it." Then the master said, "Now your money will be taken away and given to the servant with ten thousand coins! Everyone who has something will be given more, and they will have more than enough. But everything will be taken from those who don't have anything.You are a worthless servant, and you will be thrown out into the dark where people will cry and grit their teeth in pain."When the Son of Man comes in his glory with all of his angels, he will sit on his royal throne. (Matthew 25:14-31, CEV) Now from the above scripture one can learn something that money increase is controlled by your actions and behavior, if you are lazy to work on increasing your money or income this year, obviously due to your laziness you will be bankrupt, overdraft will surely come your way. Money is not increased by your hard work, but by your attitude in spending it. There are people who hardly sweat for their income, but they are rich. All this is made by 77

having a positive attitude towards spending your money, never criticize the idea of investing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether in sports, clothing or education. Surely investing, not by opening funeral policies, but assisting the needy, open small business and hirer people with potential, you will learnhow to make a living and be role model to many financial advisers.

Prayer Dear LORD, shine your light in my ways â&#x20AC;&#x201C; guide me to path of righteousness Oh! LORD to know how to handle my finance well, father I also would love to know more on budgeting and opening businesses.What ask from you God is wisdom so as I can behave in Jesus Name,Amen!

Marriage & Dating Guidance

Building a Positive Attitude for your Marriage

Tue, Jan 21st

Bishop Michael

ailure in marriage is caused by bad behavior â&#x20AC;&#x201C; having a wrong perception about marriage, most of the traditional men believe that a woman is not supposed to work; instead she should be seating back at home.Taking care of the kids and make sure that the house is cleaned as well as preparing proper meals for dinner. While a man is supposed to go out and work, being responsible for everything i.e. food, rent, clothing, school fees and etc. Believe you me; if this is the kind of attitude you ought to believe in when it comes to marriage, then you are bringing poverty into your house. There is nothing wrong, if your woman is not employed, instead she could be self-employed, owning a business i.e. fashion design, restaurant, salon, supermarket etc. just something to generate income for her. Not to say I have no faith or I am pessimistic, death is around the corner it can knock by your door at any time.What if you are the one who will open the door for it?This means your kids and entire family will suffer. Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6, NKJV)

If our parents could teach us the correct thing, I can ensure you, every man/woman would be able to treat his/her spouse very well. A father in a house needs to teach her daughter how to take care of a man, while a mother needs to teach her daughter how to take care of herself in order to be respected by all.The same happens with their son, his mother is responsible to teach her son how to take care of a woman, I strongly disagree.The reason being many young women find it hard to deal with a man since they were never taught how to do saw. The same happens with a young man. If you as a parent do not stand up with your spouse and assist each other in building a strong and healthy relationship, I can guarantee you that both of you are on a Titanic Ship which is about to sink. One thing to note in marriage or relationship, no one is a slave of the other. Everyone has his/her duties to perform; there should be some rotation in washing dishes, cleaning the house, making laundry, cleaning the yard. There is nothing wrong both of you are doing it together, so to divide the work equally among you.

A good and healthy marriage comes with positive attitude towards your treatment to your spouse, respecting their decisions, knowing what they want and like. Learn to scarifies, for example, if your spouse wants you and kids to go to the park on Saturday as family and you have a soccer game to watch with friends, learn to prioritize – obviously your family comes first, and your friends will understand that your kids and spouse need you more than your friends. The same result, your parents should not be in control of your love life, they can raise a negative attitude towards your spouse. “if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My father in heaven. For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them” (Mathew 18:19-20) It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13, ESV) In any matters of your marriage or relationship, you need to speak with your partner, do not run to relatives or friends for discussion. Call your spouse to attention – have a word or two with him on a matter, see if both of you can visit a spiritual counselor – for guidance. For he will pray for you and together you shall pray unto the Father Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life (Proverbs 4:23, NLT).Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles (Proverbs 21:23, NKJV) It is important to be careful on what you wish for, God answers while Satan listens to your mumbling and grumbling as you complain and wish. Since many people when they are angry with their spouse they wish for separation, or divorce – rather than re-union. That's where Satan is, so guard your mouth to keep your soul from troubles – this includes sickness & evil. So your marriage attitude is important. Prayer My LORD, come into my house, Father bring love and care between me and my spouse, although we often fight – but LORD it is love that we seek, however our attitude is bad we luck respect for each other your laws and statutes we have abandoned them. Jehovah I know that we are the light we seek for guidance, please make us to stay positive – work on our relationship instead of fighting now and then, in Jesus Name,Amen!

Healing Matters

Wed, Jan 22

Building a Positive Attitude for your Marriage Bishop Michael

ealing comes with many things, although above all it comes with faith or believing. However your faith or believe is controlled by your attitude. If you are negative about your healing surely you won't be healed. You need to be courageous, so as to gain a positive attitude. Be good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD (Psalm 31:24, NKJV)

The LORD wants, you to have a positive altitudes towards your Healing, be courageous and you shall see what your heart will be like. Stop mumbling and grumbling, you have the right pray and have no fear. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. (Psalm 18:29, NLT) I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart.And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give so don't be troubled or afraid (John 14:27, NLT) So the gift the LORD is giving you today is that of being healed, surely that pain you've been suffering for years willleave you with peace, Be courageous and determined to walk in the path of righteousness. You also be patient, establish your hearts, for the coming of the LORD is at hand (James 5:8, NKJV) The LORD isn't really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for our sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent (2 Peter 3:9, NLT) In whatever sickness you might be going through currently, be patient and put your trust in Jehovah the healer – one thing to note, “The LORD isn't really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for our sake.” I know the kind of pain you feel, just place your hands, where you feel there is pain, and declare it unto the “LORD” and it shall be done in Jesus Name,Amen! A man with leprosy came to Jesus and knelt down. He begged,“You have the power to make me well, if only you wanted to”. Jesus felt sorry for the man. So he put his hand on him and

said,“I want to! Now you are well”. At once the man's leprosy disappeared. (Mark 1:4042, CEV) Look at this man who was sick, He didn't go to a doctor or “inyanga” (traditional healer). He called unto the Son of man. He had hope and his courage led him to Jesus – the son of man, the one who has no favoritism.Yes Jesus doesn't look atyour skin color or the language you speak. He is interested in your heart, believe cause now is your time to be healed. The blind are now able to see, and the lame can walk. People with leprosy are being healed, and the deaf can hear.The dead are raised to life, and the poor are hearing the good news (Mathew 11:5, CEV) All those who believed in him were healed whether being a deaf, blind, lame or sick with leprosy – healing from Him „has no fear it attacks and destroy whatever pain you feel. Stop listening to false doctrines and follow Jesus, he is not on sale, neither does he wants you to slaughter an animal for him in order for you to be healed. Just open your heart for him, allow your thoughts to be spiritual Holy not evil – for evil thought doubts & deception. Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer…but if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life (Revelations 2:10).The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results (James 5:16) In all that you face currently regarding your health, it might be stomach ache, flue, HIV, diabetes, cancer etc. fear not, even though you suffer great pain, pray unto the LORD your God – in Jesus Name, ask for His healing, be strong – if you have medication, don't through it away. Pray for that medication as you eat, swallow and drink that medicine. God has many ways of healing For whosoever shall give you cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily [truly] I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward (Mark 9:41) Isn't doctors' wisdom, that of God? If they safe lives and bring birth even though you are HIV positive, how can you ignore what they have spent time preparing for years just to keep you well. Note Satan doesn't want you well he wants you sick so as he can spread the disease, look what he did to Job So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. (Job 2:7-8, NIV) I know it never came to your mind, that Satan is the cause of your sickness. Not to say your body is reacting or nature it's taking its course. No! No! note, not even in a single day did Jesus got sick or even his own disciples.They where well at all times. So can you if you choose today to follow Jesus Christ, and honor your God – Jehovah the creator of heaven and earth.The one who sent Jesus to heal you, save you from your suffering. 82

Prayer Dear Father, come into my heart, come into my house shine your light and take this darkness away from my sight. LORD! Keep me away from evil thoughts and deeds, for my body is the temple of God. My life is yours, for your son â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jesus Christ is the life that I ask today, for you to spare it and heal me, in Jesus Name amen!!

Career Guidance

Thu, Jan 23

Building a Positive Attitude towards Your Career Bishop Michael

eing from a poor background doesn't mean you won't have a good and precious life. However, your “attitude determines your level of success” Jacob worked seven years for Laban, but the time seemed like only few days, because he loved Rachel so much (Genesis 29:20)

Note that Jacob arrived at the house of Laban without any animal or money. However, due to his dedication and perseverance he managed to raise-up a wealth out of nothing into something valuable. Jacob was a hard worker, who believed in what he was doing.Yet he trusted the Lord and God had given him wisdom, see how he made the sheep and goats to mate. He spent his time grazing – although during those times there was no electricity or even technology to take care of the animals. He didn't make his status as an excuse for being poor; instead he walked for his father-in-law Laban. On top of that there was no Salary for him.Well how many of us can do that, people lose their wealth by serving money not God. When you serve money, there is greed, selfishness and pride.

Serving money comes with evil deeds and negative attitude. It will never be easy for a prostitute to offer you money for the “bus-fair”, why? Since he/she might think; well there is nothing for free, “I sweat for the money” Note that there are even male prostitutes, nowadays, those who deal with business woman and old-ladies who are now divorced. Being positive minded in your work place will encourage your colleagues as well as employee. The same thing happens at school or tertiary, if you have a positive attitude towards your school work, obviously those who teach you will be impressed.Thus even those who pay your fees will be impressed, without you having to convince them, but your grades will speak for you. Commit everything you do to the LORD.Trust him, and he will help you (Psalm 37:5) Have time for God's works, no matter how busy you might be, stay committed and faithful. So as

to have a positive attitude, read the bible and fellowship etc. god is never too busy to listen to you, if you are facing problems currently regarding your career or Job, God is there to listen to your grieves, fear not to aim high, whatever you planned in the beginning of your career. It will happen, if only if you approach your plans with a positive attitude.

Prayer My Lord, no matter how busy I may be, Jehovah give me time to know you as well as your work. Father, without you my career is pointless since I won't have that wisdom to solve any problems within what I do for a living. My LORD I want to be like Noah and Jacob men who worked very hard for their living.They never undermined your greatness.

Family Matters

Fri, Jan 24

Building a Positive Attitude in solving Your Family Matters Bishop Michael

olving problems in your family can only be done if you show interest, and you are willing to sacrifice your time, this includes time for friends, parties etc. Things that normally take your time for your family, if you have a spouse or parents that are abusers of alcohol, surely there is away of solving their drinking habit. Many people believe in rehabs, if there are non around where you live, therefore there will be no solution.Well there is a solution.

One thing people don't understand is how god operates. God can use other people to change our lives. Like he sent Jesus Christ to die for our sins, yet he was not a sinner but God treated him like one. So as to reveal his glory to us, indeed to show us His will. Look at how Jesus was accused, torched and treated by the teachers of the law and chief priests. For god so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17, NIV)

In this case since you have faith in Christ your life will resemble his existence in you, thus you have eternal life. Most people have role model's, and role models have impact on people's lives, what makes this is the kind of â&#x20AC;&#x153;positive attitudeâ&#x20AC;? they have no things that makes them successful. Similarly with you, if you want to have an impact in the lives of your family members, be positive minded. Trust in your God, walk righteously before him and obey his laws and commands as well as keeping his statutes. By doing this, Jehovah's glory will be revealed as a resemblance of his existence in you. Surely you will be respected if you act accordingly to his will and those who opposes your teachings and guidance will be the evil doers. One thing you should note is salvation is of God (Psalm 3:8) and God is willing to forgive as we are all His children, he wants us to love each other and stay united. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men [human being] to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4, NIV) Let your gentleness be known to all the LORD is at hand (Philippians 4:5, NKJV) The LORD is good to everyone. He shows compassion on all his creation (Psalm 145:9, NLT)

Indeed he wants all of us to be righteous and walk upright before Him, so as to be saved from sin. No matter how your spouse or parents behave, they might be “atheist”, you can show them not by force but your behavior that the LORD“exist” and he loves them and has compassion for them. One thing atheist don't know is God created heaven and earth and Christ is the Son, and that it is through Christ that we are saved from sin. One thing to note as a Christian, let those who live with you know that The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and serves them. (Psalm 145:18-19) Let your spouse or parents know that, God is near and He takes a 24 hr guard on each-andeveryone of us.That he listen at all times to anyone who calls unto Him with a pure heart, not deeds, meaning if you truly believe that Christ is the messiah and that he is the king of kings.

A life in Christ is a life of restfulness.There may be no ecstasy of feeling, but there should be an abiding, peaceful trust. Tour hope is not in yourself; it is in Christ.Your weakness is united to His strength, your ignorance to His wisdom, your frailty to his enduring might. So you are not to look to yourself, not to let the mind dwell on self, but look to Christ. Let the mind dwell upon His love, upon the beauty, the perfection, of His character. Christ in His self-denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ in His purity and holiness, Christ in His purity and holiness, Christ in His matchless love – this is the subject for the soul's contemplation. It is by loving Him, copying Him, depending wholly upon Him, that you are to be transformed into His likeness. Jesus says, “Abide in Me”.These words convey the idea of rest, stability, confidence.Again He invites,“Come to Me,… and I will give you rest.” MATTHEW 11.28. The words of the Psalmist express the same thought: “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.” And Isaiah gives the assurance, “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength” PSALM 37:7; ISAIAH 30:15. This rest is not found in inactivity; for in the Saviour's invitation the promise of rest is united with the call to labour: “Take My yoke upon you,…and you will find rest.” MATTHEW 11.29.The heart that rests most fully upon Christ will be most earnest and active in labor for Him. When the mind dwells upon self, it is turned away from Christ, the source of strength and life. Hence it is Satan's constant effort to keep the attention diverted from the savior and thus prevent the union andWhen the mind dwells upon self, it is turned away from Christ, the source of strength and life. Hence it is Satan's constant effort to keep the attention diverted from the savior and thus prevent the union andcommunion of the soul with Christ.

The pleasures of the world, life's cares and perplexities and sorrows, the faults of others, or your own faults and imperfections –to any or all of these he will seek to divert the mind. Do not be misled by his devices. Many who are really conscientious, and who desire to live for God, he too often leads to dwell upon their own faults and weaknesses, and thus by separating them from Christ, he hopes to gain the victory. We should not make self the center, and indulge anxiety and fear as to whether we shall be saved.All this turns the soul away from the Source of our strength. Commit the keeping of your soul to God, and trust in Him.Talk and think of Jesus. Let self be lost in Him. Put away all doubts; dismiss your fears. Say with the apostle Paul, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” GALATIANS 2:20. Rest in God. He is able to keep that which you have committed to Him. If you will leave yourself in His hands, He will bring you off more than conqueror through Him that has loved you.

It is really important as person to deny yourself and consider your creator, thus you will know the purpose of all the things before you. By loving His son Christ you are taking a step to knowing your purpose on earth, in your family.Walking inthe light has to do with “loving Him, copying Him, depending wholly upon Him, that you are to be transformed into His likeness”. Thus you can never mislead anyone who has being lost. Family responsibility starts with you having a positive attitude towards your believe in being an example of righteousness. Note you need not to have a qualification to act righteous before God.

by Bishop Michael Thabiso Moipolai bishop_moipolaimt@smckg.co.za

The book contains massage about life issues. It builds up your faith in everything that you do or come across regardless whether you have just believed in Christianity or not; it guides you in every possible way of life. The actual meaning of the title of the book it explains itself – “The Deeds of Faith” – meaning the works of faith. Take a tour and read some of the life teaching Issues highlighted herein. Issues related to Spiritual therapy, Finance, Career guidance, Healing, Family Matters and Bible Study. Examples are made on real stories, real life issues from past experience and what others say. Most of the issues are taken in Newspapers, Magazines and Books written by various Authors. May the Lord your God keep you and guide you as you read through in Jesus Name Amen!