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, This quarter is the closing of our year 2017. It is The Voice desire to share with you what is happening at CFM and how we are serving our community. We bring words of encouragement and help to build up those that are broken. Lead by the Holy Spirit our focus is to touch lives. Therefore we bring various topics that believe will satisfy the needs of our readers. We invite you to take a look and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your need. We know that some in your life may benefit from this Newsletter, so do not hesitate to share the link as The Voice comes to you by the email. That is how we spread the gospel. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior this is your opportunity. We want you to know that God wants a personal relationship with you. He sent his Son to shed His blood, die on the cross and raised from the dead for you to be free from sin and to offer you eternal life. Romans 10:13 Whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.� Romans 10: 9-10 Explains that is you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you are saved. Now that you understand, lets pray: Dear God, I now believe that Jesus Christ is Your only begotten Son, that He died on the cross for my sins. I believe He rose from the dead to give eternal life. I acknowledge that I am a sinner, please forgive me, wash away my sins and purify me. I accept you as my Lord and Savior, come into my life, lead and guide me in Jesus name. Amen. Please email your questions, topics, etc. to: voiceofmanifestation@gmail.com Till the next time, An 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
Until the next one,
You are the Voice!
Loving My Sisters ... By Eboni Shippy ….. Page 6 (COVER STORY) The Meaning of Flag Colors… …. Page 8 & 9 Cancer…. By Jennifer Grant … Page 12 Hello Jesus.. By Jennifer Grant … Page 13 Together we give thanks...By Jennifer Grant … Page 14 “Giving… Seasoned Seniors Ministry ….Pages 16-17 The Bow Tie for a Tool Belt… Pastor Al Gonzalez...Page 24 Your Process… Pastor Eddie Boles … Page 25 The Christian Struggle with Mental Illness … By Ed Stetzer … Pages 26 Our Legacy… By James and Adicia Cato … Page 27 NOT JUST FOR TEACHERS ONLY… By Eva Johnson… Page 30 “Arise!" ...By Kay. Shauntay… Page 31
Loving my Sisters By Eboni Shippy All of my life I was being shown the duplicity of relationships, mainly in my family. I grew up with two brothers, my mother, and great aunt who posed as my grandmother due to the abandonment of my mother by my biological grandmother. My mother is a social butterfly; there weren’t many people that didn’t know her by her beauty and very stylish attire. Of the many people that she knew, I quickly learned that her best friend was a man. She was very close to her eldest brother, but the women she called sisters wasn’t her actual sisters. My family dynamic as I grew up like many others; were made up of mostly people that were not of any relation to me. Needless to say I never bonded with the women in my family, I have minimal family ties, I considered myself a loner, which caused me to never really understand the essence of who I am.
13:34-35 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”) The world has put such a spin on love, and stereotypes on female friendships, it’s almost taboo for women to have healthy relationships. Most of the women I’ve spoken to have trust issues with other women, mainly from their childhood. Many have poor relationships with their mothers, sisters, or the matriarch of the family. The average woman enters into relationships with other women loaded with suspicion. Throughout the relationships breadcrumbs of trust are left behind, often to test the others loyalty. As time goes on relational idolatry begins to develop, where one becomes a possession to the other,
which leads to clicks. Then last but not least the ‘I knew it’ takes center Fast forward my childhood friends were my neighstage. This is when one of the women finds their indebors, mostly boys. I have a few female associates from pendence of the other, which pulls the scab of abanchildhood but not one I could say was my donment off. friend. We’ve all grown up and went our separate Now the relationship is up for grabs, the enemy rejoicways. Occasionally I bump into women that I grew es while they attack one another’s character publicly. up with, truly not recognizing them or even knowing their names. I pretend to express such joy or keep a The goal of Sister’s Corner “Loving My Sister’s” is a straight face as I try to remember where I know them neutral meeting ground for women to express their isfrom; often times walking away with an empty feeling sues openly in hopes to come to a resolve. and no real recollection from the past. My Prayer Focal for the Women of God is a Sound As I have now been given the opportunity to break Mind. Renewing and refreshing our minds so that we generational curses and dig up the seeds meant to kill can engage one another whole heartedly. my destiny, I asked God to give me a heart for my sisters all over the world. I asked HIM for healthy rela1 Peter 1:22 - Seeing ye have purified your souls in tionships with women and ways to impact those that obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned have had the same experiences as I did. love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently: God has commanded us to love one another (John
The Meaning of Flag Colors with worshippers moving and stampeding with flags, billows, and scarves!?! In an atmosphere where you are free to dance, to move, to run, to shout. I’m imagining the warfare, praise, and worship of the worshippers in that place! Now imagine the various colors used in this stampede of worship. Reds and yellows, blues and green, purple and pink all around! God created color. When I defined the meaning of color, one meaning stood out; “a shade of meaning”. Colors have meaning and they speak too. For example, the color green found in our leaves and grass; green means growth and development; life and restoration. If God speaks to us and makes Himself known to us through the world around us (Romans 1:20), it should not seem strange that He would use color to express Himself as well. God specifically mentions different colors in the Word. Amber is specifically called out when describing His glory in Ezekiel 1:4. Other times, colors will be used to Throughout history, flags and banners have represented the opin- symbolically represent something. For example, just as brown ions and purposes of those who carry them. Rather it be flown as and gray are used to represent repentance and humility – brown signals, rallying points and standards of identification, flags de- for sackcloth and gray for ashes (Esther 4:3). It is the same refine battle lines, and give direction and encouragement. They garding high priests, and the specific colors they wore because declare the victory and identify the one in authority. They signi- of its respected significance. fy surrender and submission (to yield (something) to the possession or power of another and in our case, God). They are an out- Meaning of colors with biblical references: ward expression of the praise and worship that is in our hearts. Yellow: Faith and glory of God (Romans 4:20), anointFlags, banners, streamers, scarves, billows and wings in worship ing (Exodus 25:6) are used for God’s people as a visual tool. They can declare a Orange: Fire of God (Ezekiel 1:4; 27; 8:2), deliverance time of battle in spiritual warfare, God’s love, His grace, holi(Daniel 3:19-29), warrior (Psalm 97:3), passionate ness and power. As the Spirit of God (the watchman) directs, the praise (Ephesians 3:19) waving of flags will open the “spiritual gates” of heaven allowFuchsia: Joy (Isaiah 55:1; Nehemiah 8:10), right relaing the Holy Spirit to flow freely among His people with healing, deliverance, and encouragement. Flags are vital to the body tionship (Psalm 16:11; 32:11), communion (Song of Solomon 5:1) of Christ. They make a statement – a statement of our worship, our praise, our warfare, and a statement that reflects our intimacy Scarlet: Fine linen for the tabernacle (Exodus 26:1; 31; 36; Numbers 4:8), Cleansing (Leviticus 14:52), Royalty and relationship with God. They are a form of visual worship (Daniel 5:7; 16; 29) and they make a powerful statement. In the same way that an action can signal something without saying a word (like raised Red: Blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7), love of Christ hands in worship signal surrender to the Lord) – so do the flags. (Romans 8:35-36), blood of the lamb, atonement Sometimes scarves, flags, streamers or any other instruments (Leviticus 14:52-53), redemption (Galatians 3:13), salused by the dance minister, can be used for both worship and vation (Joshua 2:18-21) intercession simultaneously. One may wave flags and intercede Wine: new birth (Matthew 9:17), multiply (John 2:9; 10), all at once to bring in joy, peace, restoration, an outpour an out- overflow (Joel 2:24), mercy (Amos 9:13, 14), filled with cry, fire and deliverance in the atmosphere; therefore, making plenty (Proverbs 3:10), new wine (Ephesians 5:18) them powerful in worship. Flags, scarves, streamers, tambourines, etc., all are used for the glory of God and are effective spiritual weapons and tools used against the enemy. These weapons and tools are used to command atmospheres, shift worship, and to usher in God’s presence! Same message different way of bringing the word. Flags create an environment for praise and worship. The same way a preacher uses his mouthpiece to edify God’s people, is the same way a dance minister may use a flag and a scarf to minister to His people. Can you imagine an altar filled
The Meaning of Flag Colors (Continued) Purple: Royalty (Ester 8:15; Revelation 1:6), kingship (Mark 15:17; John 19:2), majesty, mediator, wealth (Judges 8:26; Revelations 18:16), authority (Ezekiel 27:7) Blue/Sapphire: Law/commandments (Numbers 15:3841), heaven (Ezekiel 1:26), revealed God (Exodus 24:10), grace (Romans 6:14; Hebrew 4:16), the Priesthood (Exodus 28:31), water of the Word and authority (Ephesians 5:26), prayer, river of God (Revelation 22:12; 17), over-comer (1 John 4:4; Revelation 3:21), Living water (John 7:3839), Holy Spirit, divine revelation (Hebrews 10:15-16) Turquoise/Jasper/Aqua: River of God (Revelation 22:1), sanctification, healing (Revelation 22:2), lifegiving flow of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), the New Jerusalem (Revelation 3:12; 21:2) Green: Praise (1 Chronicles 16:32-34; Psalm 63:3), life, (1 John 2:25), health (Genesis 1:30), growth (Genesis 9:3), prosperity (Genesis 30:37-41), restoration (Isaiah 61:3; Psalm 23:2,3) new beginning (Isaiah 27:6; Romans 6:4), fruitfulness (Psalm 52:8; Hosea 14:8), flourishing (Jeremiah 17:8; Ezekiel 17:24; Psalm 92:12-15) Gold: Eternal Deity, the Godhead, foundation, sanctified (2 Timothy 2:20:21), alter (Genesis 44:8; Exodus 37:2;6; 25:11;12), beauty (Ester 1:6;7), precious, holiness (Genesis 39:30), glory, purified out of the refining fire (Malachi 3:3; Zechariah 13:9), tested (1 Corinthians 3:1114), majesty (Ester 8:15), righteousness (Psalm 119:127), divine light (1 John 1:7) Silver: The Word of God, redemption (Deuteronomy 22:29; Matthew 27:5; 6; Ephesians 4:30) refined, purity (Malachi 3:3; Zechariah 13:9), divinity, righteousness, salvation (Zechariah 11:12; 13) White: The Bride of Christ (Psalm 29:2; Romans 6:22; Ephesians 5:8-16; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 3:4-5; 7:9;14; 19:8;11;14; 22:17), purity (2 Chronicles 5:12; Daniel 12:10), Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16; Luke 3:22; John 1:32), blessedness, holiness (Ecclesiastes 9:8; Isaiah 35:8; 1 Chronicles 16:29; Psalm 47:8; 96:9; Ephesians 4:24, 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:7), righteousness (Isaiah 1:18; 61:10), light (Ecclesiastes 2:13), joy (Ester 8:15-17), angels (John 20:12), saints (Psalm 30:4), peace (Hebrews 12:14), completion (Matthew 17:2; Colossians 2:10; 4:12), conquest (Daniel 7:90), triumph, victory (Matthew 28:3; Revelation 1:14; 20:11), surrender, harvest (John 4:35) Brown: End of a season (Ecclesiastes 3:2; Jeremiah 8:13; Matthew 21:19; 2 Corinthians 4:11; James 1:11), Pride/filthy rags (Isaiah 24:4; 28:1; 64:6), Weary, faint (Galatians 6:9), People (Isaiah 40:7 - 8) death, famine, mourning, (Jeremiah 8:21) reconciling Mediator, authority (Exodus 28:9; 20; Ester 1:6; 9:29) Black/Onyx: Darkness, evil, sin, (Zechariah 6:2; Jude 13; Revelation 6:5; 12), affliction, humiliation, calamity, obedience unto death (Revelation 12:11)
When colors are conjoined together; they speak powerfully in unison as well:
Tabernacle - Scarlet, Purple and Blue: These are the colors used in the tabernacle where God dwelled with the Israelites in the desert (Exodus 28:8; 36:8; 39:1) Bride of Christ - Gold, Silver and White: We are purified when Jesus redeemed us to become holy as He is holy (Malachi 3:3; Deuteronomy 22:29; Ephesians 4:24) Fire - Yellow, Orange and Red: As we stand in faith the glory of God is revealed no enemy can penetrate His protection or overcome His deliverance (Romans 4:20; Psalm 97:3; Joshua 2:18-21) Faith - Yellow, Green and Blue: Faith in God's ways given to us by the Holy Spirit brings life to us now and for eternity (Romans 4:20; Hebrews 10:15-16; 1 John 2:25) Healing water - Blue and Aqua: Life, cleansing, healing (Psalm 1:1-3; Revelation 22:1) Covenant/Promise - Rainbow colors: Promises of God (Genesis 9:13) Grace - Purple and pink: We are adopted into royalty when we are birthed into God's Kingdom. This is only done by His grace He provides everything we need. (2 Corinthians 8:9) Mercy - Purple and red: Jesus is our mediator and redeemer, He clothed us in salvation and gives us a robe of righteousness (Titus 3:4-7; Isaiah 61:10) Praise - Fuchsia, purple and aqua: We have joy in the wealth of the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 33:9; Hebrews 2:10-12; 13:15) Worship - Purple, blue, and wine: Longing, seeking to be in God's presence because of who He is. (Matthew 2:2; John 9:31) Majesty - Purple and blue: Dignity, priestly, power, authority, ruler, King or high official (1 Chronicles 29:2425; 2 Chronicles 2:14; 3:14; Jeremiah 10:9; Ester 8:15; Ezekiel 27:7) Repentance - Black, Red and White: All can be redeemed by Jesus through repentance, because all of us fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23 - 24) Sources used: https://hubpages.com/education/ CreationsAnew_Color_Meanings http://www.wavesofworshipflagministry.com/Purpose--Use.html www.dyed4you.com The Bible
“CANCER” By Jennifer Grant
The dreaded “C” word is what we fear Chemo's side effects and loss of hair With our families we have to share We say it’s cruel and it’s not fair There are many types of cancer you see, potentially invading parts of the body An abnormal growth of cells some malignant, some benign Fear sometimes becomes our courage When loved ones have left to the grave With a fighting spirit, not one of fear The color pink signifies our love and care Jesus took thirty-nine stripes to the cross That we can be healed from this body mass Allowing the radiation of The Holy Spirit To kill the root of this evil culprit Manifesting God’s healing power Under His blood is our cover We are loose from this infirmity Finally living in a new body but seek God’s wisdom in every aspect of your life.
Hello Jesus
By Jennifer Grant Hello King Jesus so glad You came Another celebration: in Your name The spirit of joy and peace You brought Through No other channel can this be sought From the twinkling of that star: The wise men were led from afar, to see the best gift to us all Found cradled in an animal’s stall While the angels sing, “Hallelujah” Declaration of our King and Savior Oh, how we love the theme And the beautiful Christmas scene King Jesus began this wonderful story Sometimes forgotten, the true glory Instead tradition comes to play Hanging decorations, shopping all day Hello King Jesus, we thank You well You are the greatest story to tell This is the season we celebrate Your name We thank our Father that You came
Together We Give Thanks By Jennifer Grant
We come together in a place called home An atmosphere of tears, hugs, and laughter Welcoming and greeting friends and family As we huddled together, oh so lovingly We were all created to give thanks not classified by status or ranks We give thanks to the almighty Father because He provides for us like no other We all have a reason to be thankful Not just for the turkey, on a dressed platter But for the days that life turns each page To show us what should really matter Never forgetting our Originator The Almighty who created us all Never stop loving the ones you hold dear In life there are obstacles that’ll interfere Together we give thanks Come to the table and get your share His loving-kindness has no blanks As we feast on God’s mercy and care
“Giving”
From the Seasoned Senior Ministry Mother Anne Winston, Ministry Leader Theme Scripture: 3. The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4. That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, 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).
Mother Kathleen Ransom God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whosoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life. His “Giving” is the topic the Seasoned Seniors Ministry will motive was love. He willingly gave his life, sacrificed focus on this quarter. ”For God so loved the world that he himself for you and me. gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life” (John Our motives should be love, also. We give ourselves 3:16). away. You will find life given back with a bonus and blessings. Giving not to get something in return, is the Mother Anne Winston The act of giving is to donate, way generosity begets generosity. Give yourself over to contribute or bestow a gift into the possession of another prayer, to worship, and to reading his word. I read Psalm person. The greatest gift ever given to mankind is the gift 109:4 this morning and he took me to a safe place beof salvation given to us by the shedding of Jesus Christ’s cause he delights in me. He saved me. He delights in my blood on the cross. “For God so loved the world that He giving of myself. gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John First, I give me. I surrender my all (John 4:7). Meet the 3:16) The question is; do we accept the gift of salvation, woman at the well (v. 10), you know the story. Jesus believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and have eternal life? knows everything about us before we tell him. Jesus does In the book of Matthew 9:37, it tells us that “the harvest what is best. He took a life that was drifting and gave it truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.” new direction. Just don’t think of yourself - see the need God does not wish that any should perish. So, he does not of others. Help them by giving yourself away. want us to sit on or bury our gift from him. He wants us to tell others about him and his love for us. We should Give freely to the poor person and do not wish that you not be like the servant steward who buried the gift of didn’t have to give. The Lord, your God will bless your money entrusted to him. God called him a wicked, sloth- work and everything you touch. There will always be ful servant and took away from him what he had been poor people in the land, so I command you to give freely given. to your neighbors, to the poor and the needy in the land. The gift of giving is more than a dinner on Thanksgiving Day or a gift on December 25th. As God continues to When we bring our sacrifices to give to God, he doesn’t give to us, he wants us to continue to give freely also. want worthless things. Give our best to him. Give the We can give our selves, our time and our resources. best of your service.
Therefore, give freely; help other people freely. Give and we shall receive the same measure; the giving will be the same you get back in full (Lk. 6:38). Put a seed in the growth of giving. Remember Ruth and Naomi. She had no money. But, what she gave Naomi was her commitment to serve her God, and go wherever she went. She travelled and lived and pursued life with Naomi. She accepted her God and did it with purpose, full of love and devoted deeds. Remember, she had nothing to offer Naomi or her God. She gave of herself willingly. We must give of ourselves; our time, our talents, and our gifting. We must give in our homes, our neighborhood and our churches. We must give to our family and friends while volunteering our service. As God gave to us freely, we must give back in our community wherever we are needed. Father, help me to give cheerfully and accept graciously. Christ in you has given you life (Rom. 12:8). I also read how the Queen of Sheba gave praise to Solomon, God, and his splendor. She was overwhelmed. She gave credit where credit was due (1 King 10). We are to do the same.
Mother Mary Wynn’s words of encouragement for “Giving:” Why do we give? What’s our motivation? What is the purpose of giving? What does the Bible say about giving? We are giving so we can bless others. This is a good motivation. But biblically, it is not the starting place for God’s people. We also have to remember that generosity is about so much more than money. It is about our entire lives - giving of our time, talent, and treasure. And if that’s true, our giving has to be motivated by something far greater than needs. Here are twenty-one great bible verses about giving: Genesis 14: 19-20 -17 Exodus 25:2; 35:5; 36: 5-7 Acts 2: 44-47; 5:4; 20:35 John 3:16 2 Cor. 8:1-12 6:30; 2 Cor. 9:6=12 James 2:15-16 Prov. 28:27
Philippians 4:15 2 Cor. 9:10 Rom. 12:8 2 Cor. 9: 68 Lk. 6:38; Lk. Lk. 3:11 Mk.6:3-4 Mal. 3:10
Queen Esther was willing to give her life and die for others to save her people. The woman who anointed Jesus’s feet gave the most expensive perfume. God remembered In closing, this is the season for giving, be it Thanksgivher in the Gospel of John for her spiritual deed. God ing or Christmas. “GIVE.” wants us to be a giver and not a taker. Please call The Center for Manifestation; Apostle Mark The holidays will soon be approaching; don’t forget to be Jones, pastor (813-241-6919) and we will gladly lead you thankful for what God has done for us. I don’t have the to salvation. Mother Sandra Barr money to give as I would like, but I give him thanks for the service I give. It is not half-hearted but true devotion to his service.
The Bow Tie for a Tool Belt By Pastor Al Gonzalez It is a modern day misconception that the honeymoon means they live happily ever after. However, the reality is it's a lot of work. The bowtie turns into a tool belt. That's right; you read it correctly, a tool belt. Hopefully, you were smart enough to get a bunch of tools from your local hardware store a.k.a. your premarital counselor’s office. Strap up that tool belt because it's time to start utilizing those tools. You see, it was wonderful while you were dating and would get to go to your own separate home. Home was a place of your yearnings and desires to spend more time with the one you love. Home was a place of solitude where your habits and discipline went unchallenged. When there was a disagreement or someone was annoying, you could just go home to sleep for the night, pray about it, and return to that place of joy or forgiving them/yourself. You were doing so without having to confront or be confronted by the opposing force.
that no longer has a picture of Michael Jordan dunking from the free throw line. Instead, it’s “what a beautiful picture of a sunset” or the artwork created by your wedding photographer. Instead of using a ruler to determine where you're going to cut and how something measures up; use it to see how far you can help your wife pursue her dreams, how much grace you're going to give your kids, and how much of a man of God you truly are. Don't use the screwdriver to tighten the reins of your insecurities and control over your wife. Use the screwdriver to create the perfect tension in your financial budget, to create good tension between the balance of work and home, and to tighten your family bond.
Conflict will arise; and how you've used the tools during the conflict-free times will prepare your wife's heart for how you will use them when there is conflict. Create security in your wife's heart to know that when conflict arises; the man in the bowtie that she married Instead; there is no privacy or running away to old will lead her with the tools that you received before disciplines or habits. Now, new creations can either you were married. Do not hesitate to call your counsebe handled in a loving fashion or a place of frustration. lor again for a checkup or for readjustment; we all Finding new ways to go through your daily routine in need it. Men, throw away the tool of pride; you have love becomes a bit more challenging. New elements, nothing to prove. Be humble, caring, gracious, and as simple as where to place the cups, knives and forks, become difficult if not impossible (For men, it’s loving. Remember, love your wife the way Jesus loved the church. He died for his church, so, be willing particularly difficult because we don't like Chace.) A feminine touch enters into the man cave that was your to sacrifice just as much. bachelor pad or home for video games and sports This is what I have learned only two months away memorabilia. from being married one year. Men, I cannot stress All of these new nuances become sometimes overenough the importance of knowing your tool belt and whelming. Yet, God ushers in a new grace that if we actually using it. It has been the happiest time of my grab a hold to it like we would a hammer or a ruler; we life and, at the same time, it has been the most chalwould find ourselves building and creating something lenging. Yet, with every valley and every mountaintop, that can only be crafted by the Savior. Instead of usthe greatest blessing of all is that I GET to love my ing a hammer to hit every nail and break every piece, wife for the rest of her life. If you aren’t married yet, we now use a hammer to build our wives up and cre- know that you will need some tools for every situation. ate a strong foundational structure for the family. ReSo, start loading up your toolboxes now! member, there's a strong structure behind that wall
Your Process Pastor Eddie Boles Greetings Believers! As we prepare to enter the last quarter of 2017 I’d like to focus for a few moments on the subject of “Processes." This term seems to get a lot of attention not only in the church, but out of the church as well and rightly so. Almost everything we do is attached to some sort of process. However, problems usually arise when one chooses to abort or discount a process that was put in place in order to bring about positive results in their lives. A process is defined as a series of acts or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end. In the Bible, we see God’s processes being used from Genesis through Revelation to bring mankind into right relationship with Himself so that we may enjoy eternity in His presence. Even when Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden tree, God had a process already in place to bring man back into right standing. Jesus going to the cross and bearing mans’ sins was the most brutal process ever in history, but it was all for the Glory of God which has produced millions and millions of sons. In the Church, there seems to be inability of many Believers to allow others to go through processes ordained by God. Believers are called to pray, encourage, build up, and support each other in Christ,
however we must be very discerning as it pertains to God's will for our brothers. We have to be careful not to interfere with God's process in the life of others because doing so could cause an individual to miss very important lessons that God is attempting to teach them. Jesus had strong rebukes for everyone that attempted to get in the way of God's process during His life, whether it was
one of His disciples or religious leaders. Finally, as Believers, let's remain super sensitive first of all to God's process in our own life and then to God's process in others' lives. Remember this, if we heed to God's process in our own life, then we will never get in the way of God's process in the life of others. Why? Because God will never orchestrate a process in your life that conflicts with his process in the life of another believer. He is not the author of confusion, but the author of peace. So, peace be unto you in your God ordained process.
The Christian Struggle with Mental Illness By Ed Stetzer
With frequent high-profile tragedies connected with mental illness, many people, Christians and non-Christians alike are talking about the challenges of mental health. While some stories garner much media attention, beneath the surface this issue touches many of us deeply. We all have friends and family members who suffer with mental illness, and many of us are struggling. Last week I spoke at “The Struggle is Real” Mental Health and the Church Summit at Seacoast Church on the subject of the Church and Mental Illness. As I see the widespread presence and pain of mental illness, another reality confronts me: oftentimes Christians struggle with talking about and understanding mental illness. There are three points that I want to lay out to encourage all of us to confront effectively the stigma and issues of mental illness. More importantly, let's seek training to care for our brothers, sisters, and even ourselves who suffer with these challenges. We struggle with how to struggle The first glaring issue is that Christians struggle with how to struggle with mental illness. In many ways, the church, the supposed haven for sufferers, is not a safe place for those who struggle with mental illness. Throughout church history, people have written about the “dark times” and how they trusted the Lord in the midst of a trial. But in our churches today, we often feel like we can’t talk about our problems, and so we can’t effectively deal with our suffering. This truth stretches from the top down. The sad reality of our present church culture is that if a pastor were to talk about the mental illness with which they’re struggling, the next church or organization to which they apply will likely choose another candidate. In our churches today, we often feel like we can’t talk about our problems. How can we, the church, expect to offer the hope of Christ and lifechanging help to those suffering if our churches are not a safe place for us to own our brokenness? We first have to take off our masks and recreate the culture in our homes, churches, and organizations. We don’t know how to struggle with mental illness because the church is not a safe place to struggle.
What is the spiritual issue? Part of the struggle is discerning the extent of the spiritual issue with mental health. How much is physiological and how much is spiritual ? Is mental illness a punishment for sin or a natural illness? We all have spiritual struggles: struggling with our identity in Christ, receiving forgiveness, living with joy. With mental illness, the struggle becomes much more complicated. Is it something that can only be resolved with a deeper understanding of the gospel and closer relationship with Christ and others, or can it be impacted by some external influence— medication, counseling, etc.? Another paralyzing question that many people ask is whether mental illness is the direct result of a person’s sin. Answering that question in full would require more words than I have for this post. So, let me start that, in the Chrisitan worldview, all suffering is the result of sin. Natural disasters (tornados, tsunamis, earthquakes) as well as illnesses (Ebola, diabetes, cancer) are not the result or punishment for a particular sin or sinner. Maladies and disasters are evidence of the brokenness caused by the Fall of humankind. So the presence of suffering doesn’t condemn the sufferer as much as it points to the condemnation of humanity. Mental illness is not only a spiritual issue. As such, mental illness is not only a spiritual issue; it’s a natural illness from the brokenness caused by the Fall. We have to see that on top of spiritual measures, there are beneficial and helpful medications and treatments available to fight this illness. Scripture and medication are not enemies Scripture and medication and/or counseling are neither enemies nor mutually-exclusive. Scriptural authority is not challenged by the efficacy of medical science. The Bible is without error; it’s inerrant and sufficient to guide people through the challenges of life. It’s the Bible’s very sufficiency that reassures us that some physiological realities require external intervention. However, according to a LifeWay Research study, about half of evangelical Christians believe that prayer and Bible study alone can heal mental illness. God can absolutely miraculously intervene and right a chemical imbalance, He can do the same for a broken leg. Yet virtually everyone acknowledges there is nothing wrong with going to the doctor for the latter. This deep-seated belief that somehow seeking help for a mental illness can not only pit scripture and medicine as enemies, but also ostracize and dishearten the countless Christians who, along with their friends and families, struggle with these issues. When the suffering doesn’t go away through reading the Bible or prayer, the person affected may despair of his or her spiritual ability or maturity. The very thing that should provide unshakable confidence, that should strengthen our faith in Christ, becomes a source of shame if our faith isn’t “strong enough” to beat the illness. Most of the time when a physician treats a chemical imbalance and there are some manifestations of those challenges, that imbalance doesn’t go away by prayer or by reading your Bible alone. Sometimes medication is needed and there should be not shame in that. The more Christians struggle with how to deal with mental illness, the more we fail to create a safe and healthy environment in which to discuss and deal with these issues. As a result, many of our Christian churches, homes, and institutions promulgate an aura of mistrust, guilt, and shame. As more of us are coming forward with our own stories of struggle and pain, I’m encouraged that it’s okay to talk about these things. We have to defeat the shame because the reality is that many Christians struggle with mental illness.
Our Legacy By Elder James and Adicia Cato When our daughter informed us that she was pregnant two years ago, and that she planned to name the baby Legacy; we immediately began including Legacy in our prayers on a daily basis. We went to see Legacy in Florence, Alabama for the first time when she was eight days old. My husband raised her up and dedicated her to the Lord. When I first held her, as I looked at her, I must have gone up into the third heaven. What I saw was an ancient command and pure royalty, even as she fell asleep. It was quite intimidating! Four months later, we received a text from my daughter that read “pray!” Later that evening, we learned that Legacy had stopped breathing for a certain amount of time. The doctors were saying she would never do thus and so, and wanted to pull the ventilator. Here in Florida, we were not moved. Our family in California, Michigan and Florida began praying together on a daily basis. Legacy’s dad agreed that if the ventilator was pulled and Legacy breathed on her own, that she would be allowed to live. Thus, when the ventilator was pulled, Legacy began breathing on her own. The Lord moved her closer to us; to a hospital in
Montgomery Alabama, which was an eight hour drive. We began visiting her once a month, for what has now been 1-1/2 years. My husband said that he has already seen Legacy healed, living in Florida, and chasing the alligators! Our prayer is for the manifestation of Legacy’s healing; nothing missing, nothing lacking and nothing broken. Also, that she will witness and give her testimony to many. We have witnessed God’s hand on Legacy; as in our absence, he placed wonderful care takers around her. We have found everything in the house here at CFM, as the Lord brought partners to us who have been very supportive in helping us to get Legacy moved here to Florida. We believe she will be here in not too many days from now, in Jesus’ name! We would like to thank you all for your continued prayers, your love and support!
NOT JUST FOR TEACHERS ONLY……….. By Eva Johnson
Some little known facts behind the origin of Christmas: Winter solstice, as it was called, the Europeans celebrated light and birth at this time that they considered the darkest days of the year. They slaughtered cattle so they wouldn’t have to feed them during the winter and the cows supplied them with fresh meat during this time. They drank the beer and wine that had fermented all year during this celebration. The people celebrated looking forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight. Yule (logs) – December 21st through January, Scandinavians would set fire to huge logs and would feast until the logs burned out. The sparks from the flame represented pigs or calves being born for the coming year. Pagan god Oden was honored in Germany during this time they called the Winter solstice. They believed the pagan god Oden flew through the night sky to observe the people deciding their fate as whether they would prosper or perish. So many of the German people stayed inside their homes in fear of Oden. The Romans had harsh winters during which time they worshiped the god Saturnalia in honor of Saturn (god of agriculture). During the Winter Solstice, the Romans would feast on food and drink until they were drunk. Slaves and Masters would switch places for a month in celebration. They also celebrated Juvenalia, a feast that honored the children of Rome as well as Mithra, the infant god of the unconquerable sun, they believed was born from a rock and whose birthday was on December 25th, believed to be the most sacred day of the year. The only holiday celebrated by the early Christians was
actually Easter. Jesus birth was not celebrated at all until the 4th century AD when it was instituted by church officials. Since the Bible states that shepherds were watching their sheep, it is supposed that Jesus was actually born in the spring and not winter. December 25th was chosen by Pope Julius I to celebrate the birth of Jesus in an effort to get rid of the pagan holidays and festivals that were celebrated at the time. Christmas was first called the “Feast of Nativity” in Egypt in 432 AD. The celebration spread to Scandinavia by the 8th century. During the Middle Ages, Christmas had pretty much replaced the pagan festivals but unfortunately Christians celebrated Christmas almost in the same way as the pagans with much feasting, drinking and a mardi-gras type atmosphere. One person would be crowned the “lord of misrule” and terrorize their neighbors. By the 17th Century the Puritans took over England (1645) and Christmas was cancelled. It was not instituted again until King Charles II ruled England reinstituting Christmas celebrations. In America, 1620, the pilgrims did not celebrate Christmas or make it a holiday and anyone celebrating it was fined. The only place Christmas was celebrated was the Jamestown settlement as instituted by Captain John Smith. The American Revolution eventually wiped out English customs brought over by the European settlers and Christmas was reintroduced becoming a federal holiday in 1870. On your own, look up St. Nicholas, Santa Claus and how they became a part of the Christmas celebration. Just a thought…I wonder how many believers are taking their children to see Santa? And I hope you do not participate in the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon. It is truly amazing to me how many people put their children through this mess. And you know I had to research the origin of it. Its origin does not come from a book someone wrote but from the tradition behind the book’s research. Its roots are from German and Scandinavian traditions of the “nisser” or “tomte”, a mythical creature believed to be watching or protecting a person. The names given were remembrances of the beings origins in an ancestral cult. The elf on the shelf is supposed to be moved throughout the house and the parents pretend like it moved by itself to watch the children to make sure they are good otherwise the elf will report back to Santa telling him they should not get toys for Christmas. Believers please tell your children about Jesus. His birth, death and resurrection. Tell them the Truth and about the Truth, the Way and the Light not some fairy tales with demonic origins. There is no tooth fairy, easter bunny, santa claus, sandman or jack frost. As an unsaved mother, thank God my daughter had the sense enough to tell me straight to my face, “Mommy, there really is no Santa claus is there?” I had to tell her the truth and she was only 4 years old. I wondered how she knew but I found out that she had 2 lists. One for me and 1 for Santa and nothing on Santa’s list was received so she knew right away he didn’t exist. But my daughter knew there was a God and even believed in Him! Why? Because everything she prayed for came true!
“Arise!"
By Kay. Shauntay Dry bones laying in valleys, motionless, Low valleys, awaiting God's breath Heavy-burdened with stress and the works of the Flesh, Heart-less thoughts included. Mindful of sinful natures, thus, left in tormenting seclusion Simply concluding, the only conclusion is That you need the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to Rescue you from pitiful illusions of a broken past Being ye, instead filled with the Holy Spirit to overflowing, Half-full is the optimist’s glass.
And your cup forever runneth over When living that Spirit-led life That takes you back to the basics Basic lines where God laid Heavenly foundations And gave you Jesus's bloodshed as the Love-Offering For the New Life in Christ. God Spoke, and it Was; God Speaks, and it Is God is Speaking, therefore it Will be! Thereby, acting Accordingly, You, Yes! You Shall Arise as He, The #1 Spoken Word Artist proclaims you too.
For He is the Base-line of Truth, Whose commands gave dry bones a boost, Doses and doses, of Higher Revelation Now let us Thank God for His Proof of Restoration.