The Vision of the “Voice of Manifestations” Newsletter is to communicate the various events to our partners and the community. Thus, it helps to build and enhance relationships between the two. The newsletter is also a mechanism to evangelize, encourage, build and lift up. The Voice focuses on the four aspect of Manifestations Worldwide, which are Spiritual Trainings, Education, Job and Housing. Our prayer is that God is touching someone’s life through the Voice of Manifestation Newsletter (VOM). Ultimately, our desire is to be obedient to the commission God has given us; to go and spread the gospel. All we need is an audience; someone that is interested, ready to listen, with a heart to receive. Many go door to door; but VOM newsletter travel email to email; across the country and around the world, seeking the heart in need of a word. And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthews 28:20 (NIV)
A Note from the Editor Dear Reader, As you know the focus of VOM is to communicate what is happening in the community, as well as to minister to those that are in need of a word and have an open heart to receive. This month we want to take this opportunity to remind you that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins and that you still have an opportunity to receive eternal life. It is FREE... and as simple as: A Admit that you are a sinner B Believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and died for your sins C Confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior If this is what you believe and are ready to confess, repeat this prayer: “I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness Father. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose from the dead. I trust and follow Him as my Lord and Savior. Guide my life and help me Lord, to do your will in Jesus name, Amen.” We encourage you to tell someone about “Eternal Life” and invite them to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. Proverbs 11:30- The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Until the next one,
You are the Voice!
What’s Inside: Identity in Christ
from Loneryl Dee Reid, Page 6—7
New Gear/ New Year Page 8
PRODUCTIVENESS Pastor Boles, Page 10
Greatest
The Gift Is Love!
From the Seasoned Senior Ministry Page 12—13
Not Just For Teachers Only! Johnson, Page 15
By Eva Thomas
The Interview & Questions
Page 16—17
Small is the way to win! By Britany Davis, Page 18
things New
He Makes All
Sis Sonya, Page 19
Feeling the Love By Al Gonzalez, Page 20
COMMITMENT
“The Way Our Love is Set Up” Patricia Lashley, Page 21
CFM Beauty Corner Page 23 –25
Importance of Collaboration 26
by Pastor Boles, Page
March Gift, Page 27
Identity in Christ
Greeting my Brothers and Sisters in Christ! From the beginning of your life, the enemy's assignment is to bombard your soul with distorted questions about your identity. His assignment is to make you feel unworthy, devalued, inadequate, insignificant, as if you don't matter, or nobody likes you. Satan's agenda is to inflict wounds to the soul during the innocence stage of a persons’ life. He uses the young, tender years to launch his attacks of hurt and pain caused through abandonment, rejection, neglect, betrayal, false hope, sexual, verbal, physical, and emotional abuse. These types of assaults create a spirit of confusion, fear, despair, etc. In the beginning, God made man is His image; perfect and whole before Him.
The enemy is a thief: he comes to steal, kill and destroy. One of the first things on his list is to steal your identity in Christ. If he can steal your identity, everything else will be a piece of cake. Because everything is attached to your identity. The destroyer is the spiritual world’s biggest known "Identity thief", and he will stop at nothing to take everything you have. His job is to replace your God given victorious identity in Christ, and replacing it with his known identity of defeat. His plan is to keep you bombarded with defeated arguments such as: "I was abused by men and women.” “I can't trust them.” “I am a victim.” "No one will ever love me.” “I'm not good enough.” “I am a failure." "My mama said, I'll never be nothing in life. I'm stupid and dumb; I'm a loser." These are lies that ring in between As children, you believe that you are invincible. You your ears; if he can get you to believe, then confess it; he has believe that you can do anything or be anybody. This child-like won. innocence does not see limitation or restriction. The innocent child's faith believes that everything is possible. Just imagine It is absolutely necessary that you take the time to deal what you could do with that type of mindset. I'm sure your im- with every seed the enemy has planted in your soul. You have agination is running wild right now with the endless possibili- to cast down every imagination that exalts itself against the ties. So trust me, the enemy knows the damage that you are ca- knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). Letting our minds be pable of. He knows that if you started as an adult with these renewed in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 4:23; Romans 12:2). With a notions, he would not stand a chance. This is why he aggres- new mindset, we bring the word of God into our lives and our sively goes into the childhood stages to distort your belief sys- focus becomes clear. God's plans for you are good and not of tem of yourself, damage your soul giving him access to install evil, to give you and expected end (Jeremiah 29:11). his thoughts of you. Oh yes, the devil has thoughts towards you: From the foundations of the earth God designed a beautiful they are of evil and of wars within to give you an expected end purpose and plan for your life. Before you were born, God knew of death. However, Jeremiah 29:11 (King James Version) says, you and He created you to be what He planned you to be "For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, (Jeremiah 1:5). He fearfully and wonderfully made you (Psalms thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end". 139:14). You are the apple of His eye (Psalms 17:8). You are It is vitally important that we understand that there are two sides. His pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-46). You are precious Sometimes we only think about God's side and we don't see the in His sight (Isaiah 43:4). God has accepted you in the beloved enemies’ side. Listen, in order to know that the enemy is at (Ephesians 1:6). work, you have to know the agenda of the enemy. Burying our head in the sand or refusing to learn of these things can hurt us in the long run. 2 Corinthian 2:11 (King James Version) says, Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. This is to say we must be diligent in the understanding of how all of this works.
Article Continue…..
In my own personal life, I had so many lies dredged in my soul from experiences with rejection, abandonment, neglect, bullying, and all types of abuse. I was so confused. I stayed in a state of depression. I felt ugly, unworthy, devalued, incompetent, inadequate, insignificant, unwanted, and alone. I was always hiding and running from some type of danger. The voices in my head told me that I didn't have a future and that no one wanted me. ‘Who would want an ugly person like you,’ they said. After a while, I began to believe the voices in my head. They became the truth I reasoned with. After all, I was being rejected by everyone I knew. As they moved in a little closer, I stopped eating and taking care of myself. I became very depressed with no hope in sight. With despair on every end, the voices started suggesting suicide. “Nobody wants you,” they said; “you're not good enough,” they said;” no one will miss you” they said. Over and over again, I lived with the voices that said it would be better if I was dead. Believe it or not, I believed it and my quest to commit suicide began. Every day I looked for that perfect moment to end it all. Until one day it all became very clear; I didn’t want to commit suicide. I just wanted the pain to go away. I just wanted someone to love and care for me. I wanted to believe that I was worth it. That I was worth having, and that life was worth living. As my life continued, I began to truly understand who I was in Christ. I began to identify the lies that plagued my soul. I began to devote my life to finding out who I was and what I meant to God. Although today I've gotten through a lot of the tough spots, I'm still coming into the knowledge of my true self: the self God created from the foundations of the earth; the self that God knew before I was born in the earth. My friend, I haven't arrived nor am I perfect, but I press toward the mark for the prize in Christ. I seek to know Him and to know Him is to know me in Him: made in His image, washed by His blood, and made the righteousness of God. That my friend is the beauty of knowing who you are in Him, and understanding His finished work in you. Here are 10 things you will experience as a result of
knowing who you are in Christ: 1. Freedom and Liberty.............................Romans 8:2 2. Hope and a future.................................Jeremiah 29:11 3. Acceptance in Christ.............................Ephesians 6:11 4. Boldness in Christ.................................Hebrews 4:16 5. Chosen in Christ...................................John 15:16 6. Completion in Christ.............................Colossians 2:10 7. Established and Settled........................1 Peter 5:10 8. Rest in Christ.........................................Hebrews 4:9-10 9. Confidence in Christ..............................Proverbs 3:26 10. Deliverance in Christ............................Psalms 34:19 In closing, Hebrews 13:5(c) says, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. The Father is committed to getting you there. Isaiah 1:19 says, If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land. When you yield to His plan and His way, every demonic plan vanishes. As you press more and more into God's perfect will for your life, everything begins to come into alignment. When we allow the spirit of truth to be our compass, our path will be made sure. We will look around and notice that every lie the devil has used to take us down, God has used the spirit of truth to cancel them. Romans 8:28 says, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose. Just remember that no matter what you face, and no matter what you go through, it's working for your good because He's intentional and His love never fails for you.
New Gear/New Year Typically, as the New Year unfolds, people tend to anticipate the opportunities the New Year holds for them. To facilitate “changes” and bring them to pass, New Year’s resolutions are made. These self -imposed promises are a commitment to correcting something in their lives that is deemed no longer acceptable. While this action is commendable and noteworthy, people often fail to stick with it. One place where this is evident is health clubs. Typically, it is jammed pack; like sardines in a can, in the month of January. You can’t get to any of the machines, the “classes” are full and the line for membership is out the door. However, before long, one can swing a bowling ball around, let it go and be pretty certain of hitting no one. To assist you in accomplishing your goals, two things need to happen. First, you must write them down. The Bible says, “Write the vision (your goal) and make it plain that they that read it can run with it”. Secondly, you must have someone you will be accountable to for sticking with it. The Bible talks about the benefit of having another individual. In Ecclesiastes, it says, “Two are better than one”. Having an accountability partner will act as a guard rail, if you will, to keep you on track. This approach is not restricted to just your physical well-being. It can also be instituted in every area of your life.
These include your spiritual development, relationships, finances and any aspect of your life not reflective of the kingdom life we are called to demonstrate. The Bible says, “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.” This scripture reflects God’s design for us. He wants us to develop mentally, physically, spiritually and socially. As laborers together with God; He is responsible for us, but we have a responsibility to Him. Let's honor Him by embracing the steps required for change to occur in our lives. What will be the results? We will experience a… New Gear in this New Year. Hab: 2:2 Eccl: 4:9 Luke 2:52 I Cor 3:9
PRODUCTIVENESS Pastor Boles
Greetings believers, welcome to 2017! I pray you’ve enjoyed a prosperous Christmas holiday season. This month I would like to talk about the subject of productivity following our series in December where we focused on a “strong finish”. In Genesis 1:28 God laid the foundation concerning productivity as it relates to believers. The scripture says “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. Notice in the very beginning of the verse God provided everything needed in order for us to be productive. The passage says “God blessed them” in other words God loaded man abundantly with all kinds of benefits in order that he (man) was and is equipped with everything needed in order to be productive progressively. What I am saying is, our lives should follow this pattern of productivity in everything we do specifically concerning kingdom advancement. We should be a people committed to forward, intentional God led movement and not fast movement. We must be very careful about fast movement because this can sometimes equate to us not taking the proper amount of time to hear from God concerning what and how he wants us to pro-
ceed. We must remember that our productivity should always produce that which glorifies God and not self which again emphasizes the need for us to make certain we’re hearing from God. So keeping that in mind I would like to leave you with a few reminders concerning your productivity. God created us to be productive. Genesis 1:28
Jesus requires a return on his investment. Matthew 25:24 Productive living is important to God. Ephesians 5:15-17 In your work strive for peace and prosperity of all. Matthew 5:16 Productivity is associated with our good works. Ephesians 2:10 Let all work be done to the glory of God. Colossians 3:23-24 , 1 Corinthians 10:31 Don’t be lazy. Proverbs 18: 9 Reference Colin Smith
bands, to love their children. 5. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands that the word of God be not blasphemed (Titus 2:3-5).
has loved us. We must know what love is and love ourselves, before we are able to love others.
The God kind of agape love is unconditional and everlasting. It is the love that I was looking for The Seasoned Seniors Ministry assignment is (Titus when I was looking for love in all the wrong places. 2:3-5) and we want to be teachers of good things and Once you find out how much God loves you and that our message in this month’s Newsletter is “The Great- he will never abandon you it adds purpose and value est Gift Is Love.” In this season of giving, we want to to your life. God’s love will make you want to please express to you the greatest gift of all to give is to him and seek to be obedient. share the love of Jesus Christ. Mother Kathleen Ransom words of encourageMother Anne Winston words of encouragement to ment to “The Greatest Gift Is Love:” God loved the “The Greatest Gift Is Love:” Three things will last world so much that He gave His one and only Son forever-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these that whosoever believes in Him may not be lost, but is love (1 Corinthians 13:13). have eternal life (John 3:16). The word says in (1 Corinthians 13:1-5), give of yourself. It is God’s extendIf I could speak all the languages of earth and ed love that saved me. It is His sacrificial life He gave of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a for me. Why should I feel discouraged or sad or whatnoisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of ever because of His great love. I should love others. It prophecy, and I understood all of God’s secret plans was His love that lifted me. I am reminded of that and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith great song, Love Lifted Me.” that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I had to the If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or it, but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained a clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1). The verse nothing. goes on to say, love is patient (verse 4). We must be patient with others having pain or trials calmly or Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous without complaint, let’s stick with them. God did it or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its for you and others did it for you. Over and over the own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of Bible says, “By this everyone will know that you are being wronged. It my disciples, if you love does not rejoice one another” (John about injustice but 13:35). Be caring, putrejoice whenever ting others above ourthe truth wins out. selves, not being selfish, Love never gives but loving. up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance (1 Corinthians 13:1-7 NLT). One will never know real love until they accept the Lord as their personal Savior and experience and learn about God’s love for us through the infilling of the Holy Spirit. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). God commands us to love one another as he
I have had to stop for a many. We are a new creature in Christ. We now are to live a resurrected life. The resurrection of Christ brought love among us and it is the very principle of our existence. I am learning we can transform this world by our faith in God. We desperately need love, almost more than the air we breathe. Why not start the fire of love by loving one by one. People are hurting. Love is kind. Does it hurt or show kindness? It does not envy. You are you and I am me, get along. Love does not boast and it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self -seeking, not easily angered. It keeps no wrong. Love does not delight in evil but rejoice with truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails. Please get over you. Mother Betty McCray words of encouragement to “The Greatest Gift Is Love:” Love--- Is action and should be shown in all your dealings. Love---Is one of the fruit of the Spirit that is developing in us as we are maturing in the things of God, causing us to lose ourselves as we take on His nature. Love--- Is God ---- God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son. So love is giving even when you might not get anything in return from the one that benefit from it. NOTE; if Love was a credit card it should be maxed out with increasing value that revolve.
[wrongdoing; injustice] but rejoices over the truth. 7 Love ·patiently accepts all things [T bears all things; or always protects], ·always trusts [T believes all things], ·always hopes [T hopes all things], and ·always endures [T endures all things] (1 Corinthians 13:1-7). Learning to lean on GOD more helps me to learn how to Love unconditionally, Marriage is work, and we often think everything should be easy even when you take criticism from your spouse. Criticism may cause you to feel uncomfortable in your relationship because we think everything should be easy and smooth. But my love has grown for my husband even when he causes me to shed many tears. My love has continued to grow for him. We both wanted to throw in the towel many times. He made comments like “GOD please move me out of her life” and I would turn and say, “Yes, please do.” I was so tired of battling everyday cause I wanted out. But GOD knew exactly what we needed. After this last argument, we fasted and prayed and things begin to feel different in our house hold. These past weeks, I believe that we have grown to maturity and began to love one another regardless of our faults. We finally realized that we are not perfect and it does not help to continue to point finger at one another. We are now able to sit and reason and confess our faults one to another. It seems to cleanse us and we are able to move on in a better form and a different mindset. We are now able to sit and make goals. Love to me is the greatest gift, just as our Father has LOVE for us. Be kind, patient, gentle and truthful and trust GOD. He is the teacher of all things.
Mother Greta Pearson words of encouragement to
In closing, the Seasoned Senior Ministry wishes each and every person a blessed Merry Christmas. As the I may speak in ·different languages [L tongues; 12:10, 29, mothers stated above, the greatest gift of all is love. Over 30] of people or even angels. But if I do not have love, I and over again, love Scriptures were quoted (John 3:16 am only a ·noisy [resounding] ·bell [gong] or a ·crashing and 1 Corinthians 13). Love always win and it does not matter if you are single widowed, or married, God’s love [clanging] cymbal. 2 I may have the gift of prophecy. I may understand all ·the secret things of God [L mysteries] conquers all. I thank God for giving us His Son, Jesus Christ. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. I have and have all knowledge, and I may have faith so great I can move mountains. But even with all these things, if I faith, I have hope, but the greatest gift of all, and I have love. Merry Christmas! Mother Sandra Barr do not have love, then I am nothing. 3 I may give away everything I have, and I may even give my body ·as an offering to be burned [L to be burned]. [a] But I gain nothing if I do not have love. From the Seasoned Senior Ministry 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not ·jealous [envious], Mother Anne Winston, Ministry Leader it does not brag, and it is not ·proud [arrogant; conceited; 5 puffed up]. Love is not ·rude [disrespectful], is not ·selfish [self-serving], and ·does not get upset with others 3. The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to [is not easily provoked/angered]. Love does not ·count up much wine, teachers of good things; 4. That they may [keep a record of] wrongs that have been done. 6 Love teach the young women to be sober, to love their hus·takes no pleasure [does not rejoice] in ·evil
“The Greatest Gift Is Love:”
The Greatest Gift Is Love!
Not Just For Teachers Only! By Eva Thomas Johnson
Genesis – Deuteronomy Historical Books Joshua – Esther Poetical Books Job – Song of Solomon Major Prophets (determined by length of book) Isaiah - Daniel Minor Prophets (determined by shortness of book) Hosea – Malachi The New Testament is divided as follows: Historical Books Matthew – Acts (The Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) Pauline Epistles (Paul wrote these letters) Romans – Philemon
Things We Need to Know About the Bible (continued from last month) The Bible is Inerrant Inerrancy = W ithout error The Bible is completely trustworthy, reliable and without error in its original form. As we study it, we can eagerly anticipate answers to questions that are essential to our growth.
How To Find Your Way Around the Bible If you ever felt lost when the preacher asked you to look up a passage of scripture and then pretended like you knew where it was, this information is for you! Memorize the Books of the Bible! You can memorize them in groups, and then make songs, raps, poems, acrostics, etc about them to help you memorize the order they are in. (Check the Table of Contents of your Bible to get the complete list of Books)
The Old Testament is divided as follows: The Law or Pentateuch
Non-Pauline Epistles or General Epistles Hebrews – Revelation Here are some Tips: For books with only 1 chapter, i.e., Obadiah, Philemon, Jude, say the ver se # only when speaking. The book of Psalms is a collection of Psalms or songs. We read each division of Psalm but they are not referred to as chapter or verse. John 8:32 would r ead as follows: John chapter 8 verse 32 John 8:32-34; 10:1-5 would r ead as follows: John chapter 8 verses 32 through 34 and chapter 10 verses 1 through 5 John 8 – 10 would read as follows: John chapter 8 through chapter 10.
JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Many people are caught unawares or misunderstand why interviewers ask questions such as, “why should we hire you?” This question is meant to reveal through your answer if you have done your homework of both the company as well as the position for which you are applying.
6. Do you offer continuing education and professional training? This is a great positioning question, showing that you are interested in expanding your knowledge and ultimately growing with the employer.
7. Can you tell me about the team with which I’ll be working? Notice how the question is phrased; it assumes you will get the job. This ques-
But, just as important as being ready to answer questions at the interview, are tion also tells you about the people you will interact with on a daily basis, so questions that you should be prepared to ask, at the right time, and in an appro- listen to the answer closely. priate manner. Forbes magazine, one of the most respected financial magazines in the world offered the following advice in a June 18th article in 2014.
“Here are 10 interview questions you could ask, and why:
1. What skills and experiences would make an ideal candidate?
This is a great open-ended question that will have the interviewer put his or her cards on the table and state exactly what the employer is looking for. If the interviewer mentions something you didn’t cover earlier in your interview, now is your chance to describe your particular job skills, training or experience that match.
2. What is the single largest problem facing your staff and would I be in a position to help you solve this problem?
8. What can you tell me about your new products or plans for growth?
This question should be customized for your particular needs. Do your homework on the employer’s website beforehand and mention a new product or service it’s launching to demonstrate your research and interest. The answer to the question will give you a good idea of where the employer is headed.
9. Who previously held this position?
This seemingly straightforward question will tell you whether that person was promoted or fired or if he/she quit or retired. That, in turn, will provide a clue to whether: there’s a chance for advancement, employees are unhappy, the place is in turmoil or the employer has workers around your age.
10. What is the next step in the process?
This question not only shows that you are immediately thinking about how you This is the essential last question and one you should definitely ask. It shows can help the team, it also encourages the interviewer to envision you working that you’re interested in moving along in the process and invites the interviewer to tell you how many people are in the running for the position.” in the position.
3. What have you enjoyed most about working here?
This question allows the interviewer to connect with you on a more personal level, sharing his or her feelings. The answer will also give you unique insight into how satisfied people are with their jobs there. If the interviewer is pained to come up with an answer to your question, it’s a big red flag.
4. What constitutes success at this position and this firm or nonprofit?
This question shows your interest in being successful there, and the answer will show you both how to get ahead and whether it is a good fit for you.
5. Do you have any hesitations about my qualifications?
I love this question because it’s gutsy. Also, you’ll show that you’re confident in your skills and abilities.
Questions such as those above will set you apart from the crowded field of applicants in today’s job market. Be prepared and be flexible. Memorize your questions but be ready to adapt to the situation realizing that you need to engage your interviewer. Be rested and calm and avoid coffee before the interview. Even if coffee does not affect you, it can leave a bad odor in your mouth. Again, scent is one of the most memorable senses humans have. Above all, pray for favor and understanding.
THE INTERVIEW
Job interviews can be stressful for everyone involved. The applicant needs to recognize that the interviewer may feel pressure to make the best choice, knowing that their decision will affect their coworkers and the company’s bottom line. There are some key things that an interviewee should be mindful of not to do during the interview process: Avoid telling the interviewer “I just need a job” is a big nono because it indicates that the applicant is desperate and may not be looking for a long term position. A few of the worse things a person can do includes askvidual and those around them. Customers can sense ing about salary as soon as the interview starts, belitthis too and will take notice. tling a former employer, or taking a phone call during the interview process. When waiting for the inter- Mic Fleming at YESShr posts the following: view to start, do not text or play games on your cell “There is no excuse for not having any questions for the phone. Turn your phone off or put it on silent and do interviewer. “Interviews are two-way streets. The comnot check it at all until you return to your vehicle at pany wants to know if you are a match for them. You the end of the interview. You would be surprised want to know if the company is a match for you. When who is watching you. In fact, assume that you’re bethat point comes in the interview, it's your chance to ing evaluated from the minute you arrive at the buildfind out,” says Mic Fleming. The principal at YESShr ing where the interview is being conducted. A potensuggests questions like: What do you like best about this tial employer may ask the Receptionist for her ascompany? Is there anything else you need to know about sessment of you in the waiting room, or respond to a my application that we haven't covered? Be encouraged negative report from the parking attendant about a to discuss something highlighting the company’s accomlousy attitude in the parking lot. plishments. Fleming added, “At least flatter me that you've done some homework about the company.” There should be absolutely no eating, drinking or chewing gum as you wait, as these signal a lack of maturiFinally, be truthful and don’t embellish. Be relaxed and ty. be yourself. Speak clearly and watch your grammar. Questions about benefits at the onset are not a subject to be raised. This could send the wrong message that In today’s electronic age, getting an interview should be a you are shopping for a position. sign of encouragement because many applications are given online and are impersonal. These points may seem obvious to Avoid volunteering information that you are interviewing some and unnecessary to others. However, I personally have with other companies. It may also be perceived that been in a hiring position and while conducting interviews you are shopping for the “best deal”. Even though noticed things that may seem small but influenced my/our this may be the case, it could be interpreted as a lack decision. In today’s climate, there are many qualified individof commitment to the company. uals for a select few positions. Making a good impression is important now more than ever. Be prepared to not just answer questions but ask ques- Our next articles will cover appearance as well as resume tions. Prior to the interview, find out as much as you preparation. can about the company in which you are interviewing. This shows initiative which is a desirable attribute no matter what the position. Call the interviewer by their name. Give them a firm handshake and look them in the eye with a smile. Attitude is everything. Positive attitude is of course gold. One should never come in with a defeated or negative attitude. Good employers and/or interviewers can sense your position immediately. The work place needs an environment that stimulates the indi-
Small is the way to win!
Temple Ministry wants everyone to start small while we all journey a healthier way of living in 2016. In order for momentum to last all year long and develop as a lifestyle, you will need to make small changes to your daily routine and eating habits. Don't quit everything at once or over commit to a workout regimen that is impossible for your schedule. If you have already done this, STOP...you will burn out before you see the results you desire, let alone keep them.
ads a week. Don't tell yourself you're going to eat a salad everyday; work your way up to that. After a couple weeks, you will notice that you begin to crave more greens than the junk food you are use to. Feed your body the right things and your body will begin to crave what you feed it. This goes both ways, so be mindful to feed it more good than bad.
Also, don't weigh yourself everyday, Set a large goal then scale back and make choose one day and make that your weekly smaller goals to achieve the large goal. If weigh in. you want to lose 30 lbs, then you need to work to lose 1-3 lbs a week. Three pounds Remember, make a goal, start small to a week seems more achievable than thirty, build the momentum not use it all in one right? month. Brittney Davis "Why master one, when you've been gifted to master Once you set your large and small goals you will now begin to take small steps to many" - BND implement healthier choices. For example, if you don't eat salads throughout the week work to add two sal-
He Makes All things New Sis Sonya
anything. None-the-less, we have the tools and people in place. It’s time to look at the What’s up fam! It’s that time again, let’s bring man/woman in the mirror, not to join with the it in. I wanted to start out by encouraging you accuser of the brethren and condemn ourto not throw away your confidence because of selves, but allow and submit to the conviction what you did not accomplish last year. As long of the Holy Spirit as He points out those as we’re still in the land of the living, oppor“STOP THAT’S” and follow His instruction tunity for change and other choices are availa- as He leads us into the “WHAT TO DO’S.” ble! Yes, at times we do find ourselves disThe word states clearly that we receive connected from the winds that are ever blownew mercies morning by morning. So even ing over our lives to cause our expansion, or though we are celebrating a New Year, we get unplugged from the power that strengthen us to experience that on a daily basis! (Sooo and endows us with ability and might, even out AWESOME) Every day we can access God’s from under the clouds that continuously pour grace to help us do what we CAN’T do, to into our lives so we are full and overflowing with the heart and like- passions of God. help us know and understand what we don’t However, our Father is ready to forgive and know and understand, as well as help us to walk out His word and His wisdom in life. has already provided us with everything and We also have Holy Spirit! He is our comfort- anything we will ever need to finish strong in er; He leads and guides us into all truths; He life..... on a daily basis. Did you get that? It’s shows us things to come, and He teaches us in not about the end so much; it’s about the prothe way we should go. Lastly, we here at CFM cess of getting there! have ministries set up to strengthen us in our areas of challenge, educate us and there are So again, I say don’t not throw away plenty of volunteer opportunities for training, your confidence because of what you did not development and growth! At NO time in our accomplish last year, you’re still here and God makes beautiful things out of the dust, lives are we ever without help! AMEN!!! Yes, He makes all things new, so Help is NOT what we lack. The old let’s follow Him forward. saying, “you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink!” Yeah, that right there...
We can’t MAKE a grown person do
T T h e s e a r
Feeling the Love By Al Gonzalez
When a holiday that celebrates love approaches, men tend to force themselves to get mushy and express emotions that are not a part of our everyday lives. Men don't grasp at our heart strings as often as we should. Instead we suppress our sensitive side all too much. Yet, in the culture we live, the month of February there is “love” in the air. Therefore, a man’s natural reaction is to fix a women's expectation of romance and love. It is the one time of year that men show their “soft” side. For some men showing love and affection comes naturally and does not require a holiday or season to express themselves with love or romance. However, there are some men that are obsessed with romance, overcompensating because of something much deeper.
requiring nothing, no effort or thought. When love is absent, over compensation ensues. This is especially true for men. Men will go to ridiculous lengths to express something we don't have. Or feel incomplete because everyone around us is expressing something we lack. Because men are by nature fixers, we have to fix this by having someone to show love to. Yet, it is never enough to release the emptiness because there was nothing to give in the first place.
Anyone, male or female, cannot give what they don't have. If you don't love yourself, you do not have the capacity to give what you do not have. Love comes from and is God (1 John 4:7), there is no requirement of a holiday to obtain it, nor does one need to develop it. Even more so, He gives it because He is love.
We all have a responsibility to Christ to be love and show it (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). Let's strive to tap into that place called ‘Love’. It's okay you’re still a very manly man.
So the absence of Christ in our lives is symptomatically revealed through how love is expressed. When love is in us, it flows naturally,
Men, if you find yourself needing a date this month, or out of ideas in how to express your feelings to your wife, fiancé, or girlfriend; consider finding yourself in love with Christ first and foremost. When you find that, you will be bursting at the seams with romance, ideas, and expression. For the few that are truly in love with God and do really love your spouses; ask for help from trusting brothers in Christ. One may point you in the right direction and get you going on your own.
COMMITMENT “The Way Our Love is Set Up” Patricia Lashley The word LOVE is spelt C O M M I T M E N T in my per sonal dictionary. Commitment to our marriage first, then to each other! And of course commitment to our God who teaches us how to love (if we let Him.) Without commitment I don’t see how love can survive. It’s funny but looking back, commitment was the first thing my husband asked of me when we met and commitment was the first thing he gave me back then. He asked me if I would be willing to commit time, complete honesty and openness to developing a relationship between us, heading to possible marriage. He asked for a commitment to pray with him regularly for and about our possible relationship, for clarity and direction for each of us, to keep us on an even keel, and never doing anything together that would displease our God. With that question, Keith showed me the type of man he was and he showed me that he was purposeful, intentional and deliberate; qualities I had always desired in a husband. He showed me the strength of his character and the level of his commitment to God. For years I had been praying that God would send me a man, a husband, totally committed to Him, involved in ministry, likes to read, who could hang both on the corner and in the most elegant of places without stressing either. I prayed for a husband that would be spontaneous and romantic, one who would see past my defenses to the real me and love me anyway. I asked for a husband with a sense of humor, intelligence, generous, and giving; an unselfish man that’s thoughtful, one who would accept my two sons as his own, a man who would let me in and let me love him for real. I asked God for a husband that would want a “normal” sexual relationship after marriage (after years of celibacy I was not prepared to marry and still be unfulfilled!) J I desired a gentle man yet strong enough to take the lead in our relationship (I am a strong forceful woman, I know I needed a strong man!) Now was that too much to ask? Everyone except my two sons thought so! Even they wavered sometimes and asked did I have to run off every man that even looked at me? My friends and family told me I would have to make this man out of play dough as he did not exist! There were brief and not so brief moments I even considered settling for Mr. Almost Good Enough, Mr. Can Train Him to Be, Mr. He Loves Me So Much It’s Bound to Work and other s that came close. But God never would give me the “go-ahead” I was seeking....until Keith!
One of the sexiest things Keith did back before we were married is that he never tried to touch me sexually. I know that sounds like a contradiction; but for a woman who had always attracted a lot of advances from men, it was important to me that my husband sees me as a person first, not legs or breasts or any other body parts! That self-control and commitment (that word) to Godliness helps me to trust him (even in spite of the fact that I still have trust issues with others) and not be concerned with him out of town on a regular basis. Keith respects me and shows me in big and small ways. I never have to ask where he’s been or what he’s doing. Even when out of state, or out of the country he texts me and lets me know where he is and with whom. I have never known him to lie! One of the sexiest things Keith does for me now is to listen. Sometimes his listening comes with a funny rolling of the eyes and him drawing zig-zag lines in the air (he tells me I never miss a rabbit trail) but he is always willing to listen. And it’s sexy! I told him a story when we were first married that many many years ago I lost my favorite book of poetry and had since visited multiple bookstores as well as searched online for it. This poetry book was one of my texts in high school and I had come to love every poem in it. From time to time Keith asked me which poems were in that book and on long drives I would end up reciting bits and pieces of various poems from it. One day he came home with a neatly wrapped present. It was an old book. No dust cover and it had definitely seen better times. I opened it and ...I don’t know how he found it... he must have spent hours and hours looking... but it was a book of poetry! It wasn’t the exact same book but a different one with all of my favorite poems! Wow! That book remains one of my prized possessions! Remembering that book always reminds me of how much my husband loves me. It’s the way he pats my hip (always two pats) when I eventually climb into bed next to him, without even breaking his snore. His falling asleep on the sofa so he can “keep me company” while I finish a project on my laptop; his delight in the smallest thing we do together. It’s not just the big gestures – but the little things – whether it is a special thing he does for me – or an unexpected touch or hug!
After Keith and I were married, I asked God why it had taken so Early on we both made a commitment (that word again) to almany years to bring us together. God’s answer was that I was not ready. I ways be honest with each other, and to not give up on our marriage. And would have destroyed our relationship before it even got started. I had to we work at it! I try always to let him know how much I appreciate his be ready to be able to be with a man like Keith! discipline and work ethic; I thank him for driving when we drive long distances together; I try to surprise him with stuff that he likes. Once for Anyway, so Keith and I were married…and lived happily ever after! his birthday, I designed a treasure hunt unique to him that took him all LOL! Yeah, I wish! over the house and back yard to find his treasure! When he’s in difficult and contentious meetings, I text him funny stories, short prayers, encourOur first year together was filled with many totally happy moaging words, scriptures, anything that lets him know he’s not alone. Is Keith perfect? No, but neither am I. However I can say this ments, bliss and joy and love interspersed with some of the worst fights imaginable. There was yelling and shouting and even some cuss words unequivocally, Keith is perfect for me. God outdid Himself when He an(from me, of course) and even more yelling, and more fighting, interswered my prayer. I got what I asked for and then some! spersed with moments of sheer happiness! That first year was a bit of a nightmare! But our love for each other and that word again – COMMITMENT - was what got us through that first year. Even in the midst of the worst fight, we never denied loving each other and we maintained our commitment to our marriage. We learnt to put our marriage – our relationship – even in front of each of our own desires and as that first year passed we began to learn how to love each other. For real!
Importance of Collaboration by Pastor Boles
Greetings believers!
ministry.
n this edition I'd like to talk briefly about the importance of collaboration. I believe one of the tools that Satan uses against the body of Christ is the inability of the Saints to work together. Many believers become preoccupied with competition, envy, jealousy, toxic emotions, pride, and the like which inhibits the ability to work together collectively. Collaboration defined is to work together with another person or group in order to achieve, or to work jointly with others together in an intellectual endeavor. If we as the body of Christ are to carry out the great commission along with individual visions given from God to the pastors, we must strive to have harmony in ministry. Collaboration has no room for "I feel like." Individual feelings must be tossed aside for the sake of kingdom work. Emotional instability is not welcome in the arena of ministry collaboration. If you find that you're the type of person easily moved by the actions of others then I would suggest deliverance before entertaining the notion of working closely with others in
In the gospel of Mark 6:7 Jesus sent the twelve disciples out two by two. I believe one reason he did this was to teach them how to work together for a common cause; saving souls. If you have two individuals working together and one becomes weak then the other can compensate, this is how it should be in the present context of the body of Christ. We truly are our brother’s keeper. The bible tells us that where two or more are gathered together in his name (Jesus), he is in the midst. Sounds like collaboration to me. Keys to successful collaboration: Shared vision Skilled leadership Process of orientation Cultural diversity Accountability Form follow function Getting others involved
March Gift
Greetings,
desires take the water of life without price. (ESV)
An amazing God is knocking at the door of your Here is how to know that you have eternal life. email. He comes to offer you the opportunity to receive eternal life. 1John 5:11-12, And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. WhoJohn 3:16 “For God so love the world that he gave ever has the Son has life; whoever does not have his one and only Son, the Son of God does not have life (ESV). that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV). Prayer of Salvation You may ask, what is eternal life? It is a gift from God that comes only by accepting Jesus as Lord Father, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you, and I repent. I believe Jesus Christ died for and Savior. my sins. I invite Jesus to come into my life to be my Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the Lord and Savior. Holy Spirit lead me; teach me your way that I may walk in obedience; in Jesus free gift of God name, Amen. is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ESV) Suggestion ETERNAL LIFE STARTS THE MOMENT Find a Bible teaching church that you can grow in YOU BELIEVE IN CHRIST (JOHN 3:36) the knowledge of God. So you are invited to receive eternal life and to know Jesus Christ. Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who