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Spiritual Warfare by Pastor Boles Abounding in Oneness by Jennifer Grant The Chronicles of a Groom-toBe: Before the Bowtie & Tux (Part 1) by Pastor Al Gonzalez Focus Group: Single Parents From the Seasoned Senior Ministry The “Voice” Spotlight for July: Sister Bianca Davis Inhaling Every Breath You Take by Ms. Sonya The interview by Brother Keith Lashley Not Just for Teachers Only: Are You Free by Sister Eva Johnson
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)
From the Editor Dear Reader,
July, the month we celebrate CFM’s Church Anniversary and Pastor’s Appreciation. The Voice wants to congratulate Dr. Jones, Lisa Jones and ALL CFM partners on this great and momentous occasion. It’s been 15 years!!! Come and celebrate with us JULY 15, 16& 17, 2016. Also during the month of July here in the USA we celebrate the 4th July, which is the day that represents the Declaration of Independence. As you spend time with family and friends remember to reflect the fruit of the spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) Love is a deliberate attitude of good will. It gives without expecting anything back and does not look to see whether the person deserves it or not. Joy is a supernatural gladness. Peace is the tranquility in the midst of a storm because you know that God is in control. Patience is the ability to maintain a godly attitude no matter what. Kindness is the ability to adapt to others needs.
Goodness is the desire to see good in others. Faithfulness is the ability to walk with integrity. Gentleness speaks or deals with others softly and calmly. Self-control is to stay focused on pleasing God. Continue to walk in the spirit! Plus, remember that there is always an opportunity to explain the plan of salvation which is simple; Admit that you are a sinner, Believe that Christ is the Son of God and He died for our sins and Confess that He is Lord (Romans 10:9-10). Proverbs 11:30 says “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Lastly, as a reminder to you that “The Voice” is a tool that evangelizes, encourages, builds and lifts up. We focus on Spiritual Trainings, Education, job and housing. We believe we are doing what God command us to do which is to “Spread the Gospel” by email. We cannot do it without you. Please continue to help us by sharing the link. We know that there is a word for someone in need. Until we share again... You are the Voice!
SPIRITUAL WARFARE Pastor Boles Greetings believers! This month our focus will be spiritual warfare, a subject that’s a matter of great debate in the world today. A great majority of people in the world don’t believe in it, or even believe it exists. Surprisingly there are also many in Christendom that take a very passive attitude regarding spiritual warfare. However this is a serious matter in the lives of the true Sons of God. The Bible warns that we would have trouble in this world mainly perpetrated by our enemy Satan.
grants to the believer a great majority of warfare would have no grounds for attack. Following simple belief in the Word is prayer. When Jesus was confronted by the enemy He always reminded him what the Father said and we must do the same. Praying Gods word back reminds Him of what He said concerning us. It’s not that He forgot what He said but it shows Him our faith in what He’s said. In other words we show God through prayer that His word is preeminent in our lives and our faith lies in Him and what He said concerning us. Scriptural references concerning Spiritual Warfare: John 16:33 1 John 4:4 1 Peter 5:8-9 Ephesians 6:11-17 2 Thessalonians 3:3 John 10:10
The Word of God provides for us also many examples concerning the proper ways to engage in spiritual warfare. One of the main reasons many believers succumb to the attacks of the enemy is that they simply don’t believe The Word of God as it’s been revealed. God encourages us in His word to only believe. Simple belief in the Word of God will prevent most spiritual warfare from lasting damaging effects in the life of the believer. You see once you understand all the benefits that the finished work
James 4:7 2 Corinthians 10: 3-5 Isaiah 54:17 Romans 8:37 Luke 10:19 Deuteronomy 28:7
Until next month, Peace Be unto You.
Abounding in Oneness Jennifer Grant Oneness is The Creator’s ultimate design Coming through just one blood line But by the hardness of our heart We became separate and apart Oh where is that love That descended from above Shall it not be manifested Through Jesus’ blood There is no color to our skin No black, no white, no anything He is the potter, we are His clay We are molded in His own way Created with one heart, the heart of God One mindset, the mind of Christ It’s now time to break down the walls of hate and jealousy, Selfishness and pride, behind these walls we should no longer hide Time to rebuild the walls of forgiveness With love and with kindness; Establishing His will among us Abounding in His Oneness
Before the Bowtie & Tux (Part 1) – Chronicles of a Groom-To-Be by Al Gonzalez In our culture today, there is so much emphasis on the bride’s preparation, such as her gown, the colors and event coordination; with little left over focus for premarital counseling (we will cover this in a later discussion.) However, there is even less focus on the journey of preparation for the groom. For the next few months, I am going to chronicle my own journey toward readiness for the calling of being a husband. Ephesians 5:25 (NASB) says: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” Let me make this disclosure up front. I am not an expert by any means, nor am I perfect or claim to have all the answers. In fact, this Scripture alone makes it perfectly clear that I have a lot to live up to. I mean, Jesus loved His church so much that He died for it. As beautiful as the church is, there are a lot of messed up, imperfect, sinful people making up that congregation He calls the church. Think about that for a second. The church is perfect in His sight, yet it is perfectly imperfect. Moreover, those imperfections were forgiven before they existed. That, my friends, is true love. It is a love that comes from a place of knowing who you are first. Christ knew who He was - the son of God and His purpose was to save all of mankind.
So as a groom, I have to be clear about who I am in Christ and my purpose. I also have to consider the following introspective questions to determine my readiness for a relationship: Are there any behaviors that need correcting, like sin cycles or generational curses? Do I have the wisdom and character needed to consistently develop myself? Do I have the foundational level of patience and grace to accept the imperfections of a bride?
Before the Bowtie & Tux continued...
I asked myself these questions before planning to embark on picking a bowtie and tux. Once I could definitively answer those questions positively, Ephesians 5:25 took on a whole new meaning and this thought within me came to light, “I am going to be a husband.” With that thought came a new set of questions: Can I love this woman that God has sent me, the way Christ loves His church? Can she count on me to love her, forgive her, provide, strengthen, protect, create, develop, and secure for our lives together? Can her emotions have a safe place to rest? Since Jesus is all that for the church, as a husband I am to be charged with the same set of responsibilities if I read that Scripture correctly. I get to benefit in receiving the blessing of my bride’s love for the rest of my life. But the love Jesus gets from the church cost Him His life. Jesus loves all the imperfections of His bride (the church) that much, so unconditionally. His charge is for the husband to follow His lead. I don’t have to die for her, because Jesus already took care of that for me (thank you, Jesus.) The hard part is developing the capacity needed to love every part of who she is; imperfections and all. Yes, I am blessed with an awesome woman of God that has put in her time to be ready for God to send her a husband. So, loving her is pretty easy. That love is also the result of putting in the hard work of going deep and wide within me preparing to be received as a husband by such a woman. So before I put on my bowtie and tux, I have come to see, that as Christ served the church with His life, I too am ready to do the same for my bride. After all, marriage is about two
becoming one and serving each other. There is no selfishness in that picture. Brothers, if you’re in a relationship, and all you think about is what the relationship can do for you, there are some very selfish motives there. If, however, you see how you can add value to the relationship, then your perspective is right. I have decided that I can, will, and want to serve rather than be served (Mark 10:45), so I am ready for my bowtie and tux. I have made the choice that I hope the male readers will make. That choice is to live in all areas of life with the idea that I.N.A.M. (It’s Not About Me). If you can master that, then you might be ready to look into a bowtie and tux.
July 2016 Community calendar dates July 2nd- Employment Services byAppointment ONLY. Assist with Resume, interview tips, application, etc. July 6th - 7-8:30 pm “Children of Inmates Inc.” Group Session Location: Jr. Outre Facilitator: Latoya Sheppard July 21st- 7 pm (Every 3rd Thursday)“N.O.S.I.S” (No One Suffers In Silences) Sexual Abuse Group Location: The Secret Gardens Facilitator: Lisa Jones July 24th - 6pm-9pm “Transitional Team Family and Friends” Location: TBA Facilitator: Laticia Newsome
Mark T. Jones, Sr. Founder
July 29th - (Every 4th Fri) – 6pm-9pm “Worship/ Soaking” Location: CFM Main Sanctuary Facilitator: Dana Mackey July 30th - 6pm-9pm “Unity In The Community Jazz Benefit Concert” Location: CFM Main Sanctuary Facilitator: OPEN TO ALL Resource and Referral Phone Line:
Family Support and Resource Center Restoring Hope, Life, and Strength in OUR Community 2 Corinthians 12:10
(813) 423-2060 “PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE” Mon, Wed& Fri- 11am to 1pm ALSO Mon and Wed - 6pm to 8pm WALK-INS are WELCOME
Questions or Concerns Contact Resource and Referral Ebony Sasser, Coordinator Kristian Dilbert, Assistant Renae Kendrick, Director cfmfamilyresourcecenter@gmail.com
The Center for Manifestation 3102 East Lake Avenue Tampa, FL 33610 www.centerformanifestation.com Sunday 7:00am-3:00pm Mon.-Sat 10:00am-5:00pm
From the Seasoned Senior Ministry Mother Anne Winston, Ministry Leader Focus Group: Single Parents 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).
Once you are whole and know who you are then you can love and be the parent that God has called you to be. If you do not know how to be a nurturing parent seek help. Ask God to lead you to counselors or mentors who have proven records of the skill that you seek. God admonishes us to "train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them Proverbs 22:6 up in the nurture and admoni“Train up a child tion of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4) Start nurturing your child in the way he should go, and in the beginning of life, do not when he is old he wait until he or she is teenager or in trouble. Your child is not will not depart your peer, friend, or man of from it.� the house, you are the parent.
You have heard it said the problems begin at home. Raising a child or children is difficult enough in a two parent home, but the situation is even direr when there is only one parent. Single parents may be affected especially in tough economic conditions. The Seasoned Seniors of Center for Manifestation wish to focus our attention this month on encouraging Single Parents because it takes a village to raise a child.
Single Parenting encouragement Mother Anne Winston: If you are a single parent because you had a child or children out of wedlock, as I did, this message is for you. To have the life that God planned for you to have; stop, and declare a moratorium on seeking a dating relationship or marriage. Seek wholeness. Find out who you are, whose you are and what is God's plan for your life. Find out about love from the definer of love, God. God is love.
The first and most important step in this process is to commit your life to the Lord Jesus Christ. This is explained in (Romans 10:9-10). Then, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."(1 John 1:9) Since God forgives us and removes our transgressions as far as the east is from the west then trust God to remove your shame, feelings of abandonment, rejection and self-loathing. You cannot love your child or anyone else if you do not love yourself. Our creator, God, has a plan for your life and it is a good plan.
Focus Group: Single Parents continued...
Trust Him and He will work on your behalf and make everything work together for good for those of you who love God, and are the called according to His purpose. You are not a mistake regardless of what has gone on in your life. As it was with Jeremiah, (Jeremiah 1: 5),before God formed you in the belly, He knew you. God, the One who made heaven and earth, made you in His image and after His likeness, loves you and He wants to have a relationship with you. God called everything He made good. God knows your heart and everything about you. You are one of a kind, not in competition with anyone else; you are as unique as your fingerprints. If you keep God first in your life; pray, have faith in God's word and be obedient, God's blessings will chase you down. The things that I’ve mentioned here are not things that I always got right but are things that I have lived long enough to see work in my life and in other's lives. Single Parenting encouragement Mother Gwen Peters: We must take time out to encourage one another and show love for our single parents. We must show them how to take care of their little ones. We must tell them as well as show them what is right and what is wrong. We should correct them in the way that is right. Single parents, pray over your children all the time and let your children see you praying and reading your word every day and they will learn to do the
same thing. Single Parenting encouragement Mother Kathleen Ransom: Jesus said in His word (1 Pet.5:7) to “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” When we are raising our children we may feel we are all alone. Maybe you were left to raise your children alone, but you are not by yourself.
God is there! Reach out and touch Him. He said, I will never leave or forsake you. (Heb. 13:5) Get to know Him as Lord and Savior, He knows your situation. Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding and in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. (Prov. 3:5) Never leave God out, put Him first. Get to know who you are in Christ and whose you are. Try Jesus. I tried Him and He never failed me yet. You can count on Him –He will never make you ashamed. I have been where you are. I was a single parent until I found myself a husband. We may not understand what is going on in our lives, we may question why God why. I didn’t know it then, like when children need shoes and extra treats and you went to the grocery store and the kids ask can I have this and you didn’t have the funds. You break out in tears. Know this, God has all seeing eyes. He knows what you need (Matt. 6:33) and He is always working it out for your good. (Rom. 8:28) Trust in God.
Focus Group: Single Parents continued...
Single Parenting encouragement Mother Cynthia Myles: Children are a gift from God. God intended that a child be raised by two parents, a father and a mother. Because things don't always work out the way God design them; we find ourselves mostly women becoming single parents. There are men that raise their children as a single father too. Life can surprise you with all sorts of circumstances; death of one of the parents, or the other parent can just decide to walk away from the commitment of parenting, or you as a woman could have been taken advantage of sexually and end up pregnant and you decided to keep your
child and raise him or her yourself. No matter the situation that occurred of your becoming a single parent -with God you can be a great parent.
Single parenting is not an easy job; heck, it is not easy with both parents, but as a single parent raising kids you must reach out for help. They say it takes a village to raise a kid so don’t think you have to do it alone. Make sure you have a strong support system of family, friends, your church, even their schools. Programs like Big Brothers
and Sisters. Also educate yourself with as much info on raising kids as a single parent. Each child is different so you have to know your child to know what their needs are. Listen to your kids when they want to talk. Let them know that they can talk to you about anything. The greatest thing you can do for your child is to show them LOVE. Teach them from the word of God. Teach them about the love of God. Let them see the love of God in your daily walk. (Proverb 22:6) says, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart.� Raising and training a child within the context of this proverb means that it begins with the Bible, as all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training. Teaching kids the true word will make them wise. Training a child in the way they should go means, first and foremost, directing them to the Savior. So look to God with all your decisions in raising your kids and you can rest assured that God will see you through it and your kids will appreciate everything you did for them. They may not see it now but the day will come and they will know just how much you loved them and God will get the glory. If there is anything you have to change please do so. I appreciate the opportunity to share some word that would help someone with their life journey.
Focus Group: Single Parents continued...
Single Parenting encouragement Mother Olivia Brown: (Ps. 127:3) “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward.” (NKJV) God loves His children; His children will inherit His Kingdom. (John 10:11) says, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” Being a single mom is one of the toughest jobs for a woman especially with all the pressures that our children face daily. (Sex trafficking, sexual abuse, children sending pictures of their private parts to one another by cell phones, substance abuse, weapons on school-grounds, school bullying, cyber bullying, gangs, domestic violence, and children refusing to go to school (truant). You know there's a problem when a parent call and reports her six year old is refusing to go to school, and please send the police by to take them to truancy. We single moms must learn to build a spiritual relationship with God and His affairs and become completely devoted to Him; as a result, an intimate relationship is birthed where the single mother leans on the Lord to meet her every need according to His riches and glory. Some women are single moms by widowhood, or by choice in adopting orphans or foster children. Some women find themselves abandoned by the child’s earthly fathers. No matter what your circumstances
are the Lord is close to single moms and willing to help us raise the children in the best way possible. (Isa.54.5) says, “We are blessed because God is our Husband.” For we can be assured that ABBA FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN, the Holy One of Israel will take care of all His earthly children. God is our provider. In many places in the worldsingle mothers dominate the largest group of people in poverty. Our King of Kings will provide everything that is necessary that for the family to survive. We must keep our focus on the Lord, through prayer, fasting, and our Bible Study. We will find the Lord is able to care for us and protect our children above and beyond what we can ask or expect. Don't faint no matter what the circumstances are through our eyes, we must continue to move forward and see the Salvation of the Lord. God will always do His part. Mother's, we as single parents must get back to basics. Spend quality time with your children. Put away all electronic devices (that includes yours). No T.V. and have a sit down at home dinner without, any distractions, only you and your children. Talk to them, not at them! Find out what's on their mind and be receptive as long as they say whatever, is on their mind with respect. Remember, it takes a village to raise up a child. We are here to help you in any way we can.
Focus Group: Single Parents continued...
Single Parenting encouragement Mother Mary Jenkins: I can’t begin to express to you how important it is for you to be that example that your children look up to. They need a role model, not “God is our shelter from others but they and strength, our need you to words of comfort be that role and hope, encourmodel. Altagement and our hough you strength to endure. are a single parent your “ life is a mirror to your children. Your children see what you do more than they hear what you say. They rely on you for guidance and encouragement. They are happy when you are happy and sad when you are sad. They want you to say it’s okay or it’s all right, we will work things out when they make a mistake. Encourage them to do well and say so- as well when they make a mistake. Do not criticize them in a negative way. Always be positive. Always show them how much you love them with a smile, hug or even spending that special time with each one of your children. Remember that with the help of God you can raise your children to be all that God intended them to be. May the blessing of God be with you and your children. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Prov. 22:6) Single Parenting encouragement Mother Mary Wynn: God is our shelter and strength, our words of comfort and
hope, encouragement and our strength to endure. God will comfort and heal you so lean on God for comfort, healing, strength in the same way. You can share what you are feeling with others, by giving and receiving comfort (2 Cor). In (PS. 91), live under the protection of God most high, then you will say to the Lord, you are my place of safety, you are my God and I trust you. Trust in God. In closing, the Seasoned Seniors Ministry is a support system for our Single Parents. We are great listeners and prayer partners. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child. Our encouragement to you according to God’s word is to LOVE your children. Mother Sandra Barr
The “Voice” Spotlight for July Sister Bianca Davis When you get comfortable with whom you are; you can sometimes forget about where you’ve been. Nothing good can come from this posture. However, when you recognize that your past was part of the brokenness that was necessary to build and construct you into the amazing child of God you’re becoming. . . .His light can be seen even in how you wave a flag or sway your hand. VOM has the honor of interviewing a beautiful soul! Our “Voice” spotlight is our own Sister Bianca Davis. Here’s her story. During my formative years is when I was first exposed to Christ. I actually learned of Him as I grew up attending both the Catholic Church with my father and the Baptist Church with my mother until about the age of 10. I was baptized at the age of 11. My mom dragged me to the altar with her to join a new church and I remember not really knowing what Christ or baptism was all about, but being baptized was a requirement for membership so I obeyed my mother and got wet. I attended that Baptist Church for about 3 years until my mom divorced and we moved away. I can’t really remember ever attending a church regularly after that.
After high school I enlisted in the Army. Traveling overseas, being deployed in a war zone and being forced to live and deal with lots of different personalities caused me to pray to God constantly for peace and protection. I remembered the foundational teaching from my childhood to call on God when I needed help, but that was about as far as my relationship with Christ ever went. I didn’t really seek and encounter God for myself until I was an adult. For me, it took losing everything to find my way back to Him. I lost my marriage, my vehicle, and my house, forcing me to move in with my parents again and....... failing nursing school. Losing everything that I once let define me put me in a vulnerable place. It allowed me to hear God’s voice clearly and lead me to seek His love with no distractions. I decided to rededicate my life to God in 2012. I still had a lot of unforgiveness, anger, and regret in my heart from my divorce and failures, along with my new struggles of being a single mother of two beautiful girls. But as I grew closer to God He began to mend my broken pieces, reintroduce me to love and lavish me with His grace.
The “Voice” Spotlight continued...
I was introduced to CFM via Facebook. I was somehow connected to the singles ministry online. As I got more active within the group, and started attending the singles outings; hearing about the church started to intrigue me. So I started coming for bible study on Monday nights and the rest was history. I have been a member at CFM since September 2014. I joined because at that point in my life I was seeking more of God, and He met me there. He showed me that there was a greater purpose for my life, and aligned me with people who were going in the same direction.
I have encountered and developed relationships with some amazing people while here. Since the moment I first walked through the door I have been loved on encouraged, corrected, and accepted for who I am in Christ. My first hug was from Linda Mility. I love how I don’t have to mold myself to fit in. Being the best authentic you is highly encouraged. My life’s purpose is to first and foremost to be like Christ, and to love others. Every day I aim to love on, encourage and serve others like Christ did. My job at the Bay Pines Veterans Hospital, in which I love and am very grateful that God placed me in
this position as a Patient Care Tech on our Cardiac Care floor to love on, and holistically care for people during some of the most vulnerable and seemingly hopeless times in their lives. Currently at CFM, I serve in one of the Dance ministries “Freedom in His movement.” The foundational scripture of our ministry is Isaiah 61:1,“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” I knew without any doubt that I was supposed to serve in this ministry when I joined CFM. Watching the other women minister, pouring out their hearts, unrestrained and worshipping God liberated me. Although I had ministered in dance before in another church I never knew how effective ministering in dance could really be. With every move, kick, spin, and wave of our flags and streamers we shift the atmosphere, break chains, declare healing and proclaim the goodness of God. I would encourage anyone who is interested in joining Freedom in His movement or any other ministry to seek God first and to seek counsel from the ministry leader you want to join.
The “Voice” Spotlight continued...
(Continued) It is also important to fully understand the ministry’s vision and where you fit in it. The purpose of ministry is to serve, not to be seen or something you do just because you enjoy what you do. I have learned so much in the year and a half that I have been at CFM. I Love that I am constantly challenged in my spiritual walk, and encouraged to look within my own heart to make the changes necessary to keep my hands clean and my heart pure. I no longer just live, but every day is a new day to fulfill Gods purpose for my life, to maximize the gifts, talents and skills He has given me and to lead others to Christ. I would choose the word collaborator to describe myself because 1 Corinthians 12:12
says that “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” Although we are all doing something different in the body we are all one. When you collaborate with someone you work jointly with them to achieve purpose. In 5 years I see myself mature in my walk, mentoring others, still serving, encouraging and loving on Gods people. I also see growth and maturation in our dance ministry as well as God enlarging Freedom in His Movement’s territory. I hope for greater access to those whose hearts are devoid of His love and who do not know Him; for I am an example of what God can do with broken pieces.
Inhaling Every Breath You Take Ms. Sonya LORD, my Lord, thank You for Your direction in this day Father, my Father, thank You for loving me always God, I thank You for Your fire in my life Cleansing me and anointing me to draw others to Your light Each second of every moment, each moment in every day I depend on You to light up the next step that I'm to take And without Your grace enabling me, I could not make it through So I'm thankful for the provisions that so graciously come from You All the AMs that You are to me, they are true necessities I give you honor, Sovereign One, for in You I have found identity I'm here under Your covering, I know in time I'll be released But till then You will find me holding Your leg while sitting at Your feet Cause I need you, I need you Yes Lord, I hunger and thirst after you In worship, I won't pull away I'll keep waiting in Your presence, inhaling every breath You take .....come breathe in me and I will rise on eagles’ wings.
THE INTERVIEW Brother Keith Lashley 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:
ask the Receptionist for her assessment of you in the waiting room, or respond to a negative report from the parking attendant about a lousy attitude in the parking lot. There should be absolutely no eating, drinking or chewing gum as you wait, as these signal a lack of maturity.
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 asking about salary as soon as the interview starts, belittling a former employer, or taking a phone call during the interview process. When waiting for the interview to start, do not text or play games on your cell phone. Turn your phone off or put it on silent and do not check it at all until you return to your vehicle at the end of the interview. You would be surprised who is watching you. In fact, assume that you’re being evaluated from the minute you arrive at the building where the interview is being conducted. A potential employer may
Questions about benefits at the onset are not a subject to be raised. This could send the wrong message that you are shopping for a position. Avoid volunteering information that you are interviewing with other companies. It may also be perceived that you are shopping for the “best deal”. Even though this may be the case, it could be interpreted as a lack of commitment to the company.
Be prepared to not just answer questions but ask questions. Prior to the interview, find out as much as you 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 individual and those around them. Customers can sense this too and will take notice.
Mic Fleming. The principal at YESShr suggests questions like: What do you like best about this company? Is there anything else you need to know about my application that we haven't covered? Be encouraged to discuss something highlighting the company’s accomplishments. Fleming added, “At least flatter me that you've done some homework about the company.” Finally, be truthful and don’t embellish. Be relaxed and be yourself. Speak clearly and watch your grammar. In today’s electronic age, getting an interview should be a sign of encouragement because many applications are given online and are impersonal. These points may seem obvious to some and unnecessary to others. However, I personally have been in a hiring position and while conducting interviews noticed things that may seem small but influenced my/our decision. In today’s climate, there are many qualified individuals for a select few positions. Making a good impression is important now more than ever.
Mic Fleming at YESShr posts the following: “There is no excuse for not having any questions for the interviewer. “Interviews are two-way streets. The company wants to know if you are a match for them. You want to know if the company is a match for you. When that point comes in the in- Our next articles will cover appearance as well terview, it's your chance to find out,” says as resume preparation.
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JULY 12 -15
3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS Lodging, meals, sightseeing, empowerment workshops
Y FOR SUCCESS, INC. PRESENTS
mpowering The Community One Girl At A Time
GIRLS IN GRADES 7-12 ARE INVITED TO JOIN US!
ENT 16
$429/PERSON (Includes Lodging, Food & Transportation)
3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS TOUR LOCATIONS INCLUDE: Florida State University Florida A & M University University of North Florida University of Central Florida Art Institute
$75 Non-Refundable Deposit Due: May 5th Full Payment Due: June 10th
Contact Us Today! (813) 300-2891 Crystal Bailes cbailes@girlsrgems.org Gaby Delisme
Pampering Party, Beach Day & So gaby_delisme@me.com Much More!
Not Just for Teacher’s Only….…….by Eva Johnson
ARE YOU FREE?
July 4th, we celebrate the many freedoms we have as American citizens of the United States, but are we really free? How do we minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ to third world countries where they have little or no freedom? And even as citizens of this great country, many are not free in their spirit, mind and body. How can a person be totally free in the midst of boundaries and laws that bind and limit freedom? ONLY THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD AND ALLOWING GOD’S WORD TO PENETRATE OUR SPIRIT, SOUL AND BODY CAN ONE BE TOTALLY FREE! SCRIPTURES OF FREEDOM: (KJV) Psalm 119:45-And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. Isaiah 58:6-7 - Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the
oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; Matthew 10:8-Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Luke 4:18-The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, John 8:32 - And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:36 - If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Not Just for Teacher’s Only continued...
Romans 6:18 - Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. Romans 3:24-Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Romans 6:22 - But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. Romans 8:1-4 - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned son in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. Romans 8:21-Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 1 Corinthians 2:12-Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 2 Corinthians 3:17 - Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Galatians 2:4-And that because of false
brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: Galatians 5:1 - Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:13 - For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. James 1:25 - But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 1 Peter 2:16 - As free, and not using our liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.