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 month I would like to talk to you about decision making. As we all know God gives us a free will, which is to act at one’s discretion. Making choices in life is a day to day thing. God through the Holy Spirit is often giving us instructions and a way out of different situations. Many times it seems impossible, because our mind is very much set based on our lifestyle which
sometimes does not agree with God’s plan for our life. That is the moment where we have to activate our faith and move forward, knowing that we are victorious when we choose to follow God’s directions. 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 die for our sins and Confess that He is Lor d (Romans 10:9-10). Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Just a reminder that The Voice evangelizes, encourages, builds and lift up. We focus on Spiritual Trainings, Education, Job and Housing. We believe we are doing what God commanded us to do which is to “Spread the Gospel” by email. We cannot do it without you. We ask you to continue to help us by sharing the link. We know that there is a word for some in need.
Until the next one,
You are the Voice!
What’s Inside: Grand-Parenting in this Day and Age from the Seasoned Seniors Ministry Mother Anne Winston, Ministry Leader Page 6—7
Voice of Thanks Giving By Jenifer Grant Page 8
REMAINING ACCOUNTABLE By Pastor Boles Page 10
Oh Give Thanks!
From the Seasoned Senior Ministry Mother Anne Winston, Ministry Leader Page 12-15
Tux and the Bow Tie : The night before Chronicles of a groom to be part 4 by Pastor Al Gonzalez Page 18
NOW IS THE SEASON
By Jenifer Grant Page 19
Are You Really Living like God is Your Father? By Laura Petherbridge Page 22—23
Not Just For Teachers Only! By Eva Thomas Johnson Page 27
Grand-Parenting in this Day and Age from the Seasoned Seniors Ministry Mother Anne Winston, Ministry Leader
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). According to the word of God, Titus admonished the aged women (Seasoned Seniors Ministry) to be teachers of good things, and our hope in this month’s Newsletter is to encourage parents from a grandmother’s perspective. Mother Anne Winston - Words of encouragement to parents: It has been said that taxes and death are certain. I would like to add CHANGE to that list, of being as certain as taxes and death. The cliché of “It takes a village” to raise children, or at least a neighborhood, was in vogue in my time before most of you were born. It was a time when neighbors might discipline you verbally and then get news to your parents that you might need further disciplining. Things have changed now. My teacher friends, some of whom are now retired and glad about it, have told me stories of elementary school students’ behavior that are unbelievable. Also, one parent came to school to “kick the teacher’s butt” because of something their child said happened. The incident was about a grade that the teacher had given the student. The teacher had never met this parent before, and the parent had never been at a parent/teacher meeting. After seeing the mother, she could better understand the student’s behavior. Although life principles such as prayer, obeying authority, honoring adults, treating people as you want to be treated, settling disputes without fighting should be taught at home, they were also taught in school at a time when prayer was allowed in schools. Removal of everything that relates to God from schools and the public arena gives Satan open access to steal, kill, and destroy lives. Another change that impacts children’s lives and society in general is technology. Children now have open access to all things adult; unless parents ensure that phones, TVs, iPods, computers, games and all other electronics are programmed to protect children from viewing inappropriate material; otherwise, the sky is the limit. I believe that most parents want their children to be successful, self-sufficient, independent adults. Unfortunately, many parents today are young, on their own without family support in the immediate area and they do not know how to prepare their children to be self-sufficient. Many children are not reared in the love and admonition of the Lord; or shown that they are loved, important, special and talented, so they act out. Acting out gets them attention and it is their way of seeking love.
police involvement. Children and even some parents don’t know that only God can give the love that we all seek. Accepting the Lord as personal Savior and getting to know His love for us allows us to love ourselves and to stop running around looking for love in all the wrong places. In most cases, I believe that grandparents look forward to the time when they can say that they have raised their children and they have their grandchildren when they want a visit, or want to treat and spoil them and then return them to their parents. While writing this, I recall how impressed I was with an article by Simon Olshansky, titled “Chronic Sorrow” Social Casework 43, 1962, 190-193. It was a response to the suffering of parents who have children with mental disabilities. Some of these children need a lifetime of care from parents. I know of one such case of parents whose child is thirty years old and they have to care for her, as one would a nine-yearold child. For many reasons in today’s society, many grandparents have now taken on the responsibility of parenting their grandchildren or even great grandchildren because their parents are unable to provide proper or appropriate care. Parents may be deceased, divorced, single or having personal problems and grandparents agree to parent them rather than see them put into the foster-care system. I commend these grandparents. They may have a harder time depending on what the children’s past experiences have been and whether they or the grandparents have a personal relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ. I say to you pray for direction, strength, love and seek and get all the help that you need. God promises that whatever we ask for He will give to us. “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” John14:13-14 Mother Kathleen Ransom - Words of encouragement to parents: We live in a culture that reveres its youth and ignores its elders. Leviticus 19:32 (NIV) says, “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the God.” The things we can learn from our elders are limitless. Listen, they were born in a time that is very different from our own. Their perspective on life can be of great value as we struggle with our daily lives in this fast-paced unsettling era. Let’s talk about our young people for a moment. When we try to tell them something, their attitude is, they know it all. How can you know more than me? You haven’t lived as long as I have or experienced what I have. You are not there yet. Life has changed at a speed never seen before in human history. More than ever, we need those who lived in a slower time. Psalms 37:25-26 (NIV) says, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely, their children will be blessed.”
In today’s society children have more authority, and this authority makes some children believe that they can challenge their parents. Some children have actually gotten into fights with a parent. Maybe this is more apt to happen in a single parent household. Some children have called the police on parents for disciplining Article Continue…..Next Page….. them. Some parents are afraid to discipline their children for fear of
Article Continue….. The young people are bold even down to the little ones. They say what is on their little minds in this fast era. In another time a telephone would have been a rare thing in the home of their childhood. Now our grandchildren can have a phone in their cars, their purses, and their pockets. The computers - ask them about it (google it) and they can tell you. Smart in the head. But watch what comes out of their mouths. They curse like sailors, want their parents to jump across a desk to whip the teacher. If the teacher sends a note home to the parent because of stay in school suspension, the teacher can’t teach because of their behavior. Mothers, I recommend that you read, Psalms 128:1-2, “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of our labor. Blessing and prosperity will be yours.” Proverbs 17:6 says, “Children are a crown to the aged and parents are the pride of their children.” Let us help raise your children God’s way. As we used to say, the old school is the correct way. We must show respect to our elders. These young people say that’s the old-time way. We taught girls how to be little girls. Today, we teach the young mothers how to be grown when they are not. Young boys likewise, let them be children. I was at one time a married adult, then I became a mother. My mother wanted to teach me things, but guess what? I thought I knew more than she did. But look, all they were trying to do was instill Godly values into their children, who also did the same with their children. Every one of us counts. We can accept stepchildren and love them unconditionally just as we do those born into the family. We must admire some grandparents who had to raise their grandchildren because of circumstances. Think about some struggles they went through trying to help. I know, I did. What a struggle, but how rewarding. I see some fruit of my laboring. We must leave a legacy for our children, teach them how to pray, love the Lord, respect for others, and be forgiving. Teach them how to love. We can demonstrate not by talking it, but walking it. Acts 2:39 (NIV) says, “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Young people, we need wisdom to raise our children. You cannot leave God out. James 3:17 is very important. Stay with God. As parents, they are going to make mistakes, I did too. While I was raising my sons, I didn’t want to listen because I had my standards, but it was hard when I didn’t acknowledge God. It could have been even worse, but God. I did use some common sense and you know, some young women will say, well let me learn. I don’t want to do like my momma did me. If you know better, do better. Stay in the Word, you will have great success. 2 Timothy 1:3 (NIV) says, “I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.” Mother Olivia Brown - Words of encouragement to parents: Grandparents play an intricate role especially in today’s times due to the divorce rate and single parent family structure. Due to circumstances such as one or both parents may be serving in the military or unfortunately serving time in jail or prison for various reasons to name a few (drug trafficking, domestic violence, murder, robbery, or child sexual abuse). Grandparents hold a special place in the family as a trusted advocate, separate and different from the child’s parents. As a grandparent, we provide a safe place for our grandchildren to turn to in times of stress when they feel they can’t go to the parents. Some children do not see their grandparents as a day to day disciplinarian. A grandchild may see you as a pal, or friend. They may feel comfortable discussing issues they don’t discuss with their parents. As grandparents, we must be prayerful not to overstep our boundaries because our loving grandchildren can be cunning and you may find yourself going against their parents’ wishes by spoiling them or showing favoritism towards one grandchild over the others. As a grandparent we can assist the parents to inspire the child and build on their self-worth. Explain to them how much you love them and that you are available if they need you. Most of all is that spiritual guide and example of what the word of God says about how we are to treat one another (1 Corinthians 13). Last but not least, be a cheerleader for your grandchildren; if they are close by, spend quality time with them. For instance, if they play sports, or whatever they are interested in, cheer them on and go to the games or embrace their intellectual and verbal skills. If your grandchildren live a distance away, call them or write them often to let them know you are still around if needed. Mother Betty McCray - Words of encouragement to parents: As a grandmother of four grandchildren, never take over the role of the parent. Pray before giving wisdom to the parent of the grandchild. Re-
member, you made mistakes and learned along the way. It’s called trial and error and you learned what works and what doesn’t, so give them the same leeway you were given. Mother Mary Jenkins - Words of encouragement to parents: Our topic on grand-parenting is a right-on topic. As a grandparent my main concern is to live a life before my grandchildren that exemplifies what it means when the Scripture tells us to leave an inheritance to our children's children. That Scripture is not only speaking of monetary inheritance but also to show them good Christian values. I lead by example with my grandchildren. One thing that I say is treat people the way you want to be treated. Philippians 4:8 is a Scripture that I love and I strive to live every day. Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever thing are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.” Finally, as a grandparent we lead by example. Mother Cynthia Myles - Words of encouragement to parents: “Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly, and the pride of sons is their father” (Proverbs 17:6). Being a grandparent is a blessing. It is one of the most rewarding and happy relationships you will encounter; but, there are definitely challenges. The role of grand-parenting has changed. A lot of grandparents are now raising their grandkids having to step in the place of their parents. There are so many broken homes because of drugs, children being abused, lack of finances, and lack of education with the parents. We as grandparents try so hard to keep the children safe and loved. Trying to keep our families together keeps us on our knees praying and crying out to God. The best thing we can do as a grandparent is to show and teach them the love of Christ. Pray for our grandchildren who have gone astray. The word says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous” (Proverbs 13:22). Mother Joyce Owes - Words of encouragement to parents: As a grandmother of four, I realize it is not easy raising grandkids in this day and age because it is a new generation. Mothers let kids do whatever they want. Parents, teach your kids to apologize. Don’t allow a three year old to tell you “no.” Do not reward kids for doing what is wrong. Teach your grandkids to say grace. As a grandmother, I always tell my grandkids, “I love you.” Reflect: by Ruth Bell Gr aham (A poem submitted by Mother Ransom) Home is where I hope to stay. I hope to be here when any of the children or grandchildren needs me. From my vantage point I can look back on circumstances involving our children’s situation I once felt were hopeless, only to see in disbelief and amazement as God brought order out of chaos, light out of darkness. I will follow their struggles with peace in my heart. Battles may be lost but God will win out in the end. We gave them to Him. Each one uniquely loved, each as the other. Our most treasured possessions as each little family builds its nest. I shall be watching with interest and love, concern at times, but concern undergirded with confidence. Knowing God is in control. Mother Sandra Barr: In closing, young parents, the Seasoned Seniors Ministry is always here for you. Parents, do not disregard the Godly wisdom of grandparents. Do not take advantage of grandparents either. Always turn to God in prayer when you are faced with a problem or when everything is going well. Pray Bible verses to align your prayers with God’s will. “For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her” (Proverbs 8:11 NIV).
Voice of Thanks Giving Lord got to get this message to you My Lord without you My life would be through Thoughts of gratitude consume my mind Just to see the mountains You’ve help me climb My valleys were beyond deep Losing grip of both hands and feet Your forgiveness and mercy pulled me up While daily I sip from your cup Lord you do what no other god can do My heart and soul They belong to you This vessel is designed to give you praise Thanking you for Your love and grace Thank you for the helmet of salvation And the sound mind You’ve given me A pure heart covered by a chest plate And the footwear of stability My Lord I give you the glory My life Is a Iiving testimony With a voice of thanks giving I honor you my Lord and King Jennifer Grant
REMAINING ACCOUNTABLE Pastor Boles
Greetings believers! I want to talk briefly this month about a very important topic and that is accountability. As we emerge from probably the most interesting presidential election in all of American history the topic of accountability was probably the number one theme throughout the entire length of the campaign. So interesting how issues in the church mirror many of the same issues in culture. Just as the mandate for accountability among our governmental leaders is under the microscope so is the mandate for accountability among church leadership and the body of Christ as a whole. Believers now more than ever we must strive to be people of integrity. In times past God may have allowed a pass in the area of personal accountability, however I believe that he is now calling all believers to higher levels of living and personal accountability. As we enter a new era of leadership in America the world is going to be looking at the body of Christ to see if we actually portray and live what we preach and teach. One of the most important keys or factors contributing to us doing this
is the willingness to submit and have someone in our lives that we trust to correct us without getting offended. Our lives must be characterized with utmost levels of consistency, the peculiarity of our lives must be the thing that draws men to Christ and opens them to receive the Gospel. James 5:16 says, confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Believers we must make a personal commitment to this scripture and live it out in our everyday lives. As we challenge each other in love to grow in Christ the need to rebuke and correct diminishes little by little and we become the men and women God purposed us to be. So let’s all make a commitment to live more accountable lives, first to God, then ourselves, and then to men and in so doing we will see that God will use us in miraculous ways to advance the Kingdom. Till next month.... peace be unto you Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Oh Give Thanks! From the Seasoned Senior Ministry Mother Anne Winston, Ministry Leader 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). The Seasoned Seniors Ministry want to be doers of God’s word (Titus 2:3-5) and we want to be teachers of good things and our hope in this month’s Newsletter issue is to “Oh Give Thanks” unto God. In this season of Thanksgiving, we want to teach you that God deserves all the glory and thanksgiving. Mother Anne Winston words of encouragement to “Oh Give Thanks”: Thank you, Jesus, for my Mom, who in spite of her neglect as a child wanted the best for us, although she spent much of her life working to make provisions for us. Lord, I give you thanks for all of the people you placed in my life to influence me. Lord, I thank you for all of the times that I know that you save me from an early death. Lord, I thank you for the additional years you have given me to make a difference, to live for you, to die to self and be a witness of your love telling others about you. Holy Spirit, I can do nothing unless you guide and direct me. All I want is you, God. I always want to be in the audience of one, you Lord. Heavenly Father, I pray for deliverance from everything in me that is not like you. I thank you, Lord, because when I have asked, you have answered, when I have sought you, I have found you and when I have knocked you have opened doors. Father, thank you in the name of Jesus Christ, the name that is above every other name. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord (Psalms 150: 6).
Thanks be to God when we learned how Jesus died for our sin, was buried, and raised from the dead allowing us to be called children of God and we learned who we are in Christ; we want to give God thanks. Now, therefore, our God, we thank thee and praise thy glorious name (1 Chronicles 29: 13). We are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. For he hath made Him to be sin for us who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (2 Corinthians 5: 21). Thank you, God for the promise that we can do what you did and even more. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless his name (Psalms 100: 4). Thank you, God, for the power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power over the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt us (Luke 10: 19). I give you all the praise and honor. God thank you that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is in us (Roman 8: 11). God teach us to exercise that power. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you (Romans 8: 11). Amen. Mother Kathleen Ransom words of encouragement to “Oh Give Thanks:” To express gratitude, well pleased, glad, grateful (Phil 4:4). Come into His city with songs of thanksgiving and into His courtyard with songs of praise. Thank Him and praise His name. You see when we rejoice in the Lord, I first found out that the only way you will be able to give God thanks is, you must have a grateful heart. Some say, I don’t see where I am to give thanks to God for all the trouble I am going through. But you see, the only way this will happen this has to be a born again heart. Who knows where all their help come from? Rejoice in spite of it all (Phil. 4:4). Give Him thanks.
What a lesson Paul teaches us in (Phil 3:1314). Refuse to dwell on past ugly mistakes or unfair criticism. We are to put those things behind and keep Oh give thanks unto the Lord for He is good; our eyes on what is ahead. Paul says, I press on tofor His mercy endureth forever (Psalms 107:1). Say- ward the ing thank you, is an expression of gratitude and appre- goal to ciation that many of us learned in childhood. But, win the many of us did not learn to give constant thanks to prize for God. He is the one who deserves all the praise, honor which and thanks for all that He is and does in giving us life, God has even the more, an abundant life. Oh give thanks unto called me the Lord for He is good; for His mercy endureth for- heavenever (1 Chronicles 16:34). ward in Christ.
me from. He snatched me out. I am reminded of (Ps. 40); He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on a Rock. He gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth. I can go on and on, but I praise God and I give Him thanks and all the glory. Hallelujah. Mother Gwen Peters words of encouragement to “Oh Give Thanks:” Give thanks Celebrating shines in a quiet gratitude that God to those that are thankful. God says it is better to give than receive. When you do them a favor we don’t wait has blessed our homes and our lives with the spirit of until Thanksgiving. This is what we do, the pilgrims loveliness. We celebrate because our lives overflow with things to be thankful for and because God gives us traveled in foreign lands, they were wanderers, they also settled at the Plymouth Rock in 1620. the eyes to see how incredibly we have been blessed. Look around you. We don’t have to wait until ThanksMother Olivia Brown words of encouragement to giving. “Oh Give Thanks:” I give thanks to the Lord for loving me and bringing me into His marvelous light. He is Now, if you are married and your husband is beside you or wherever you need to go and he is behind my comforter, deliverer and a present time of help you in your ministry, or if you are with him in his min- when needed. He has opened doors for me when others tried to sabotage my job. My co-workers were trying to istry, you are going to have problems sometimes, (as long as it is a devil), but if you got Jesus, it is going to get me fired, and their scheme back fired on them and they got fired. God gave me favor and orchestrated be alright. Oh, just give thanks, somebody problem is doors to open in my favor. worse than yours. You may be alone (physically) but you are not alone with Jesus. You have been through some tough times. Don’t fear, don’t give up. We got Jesus, just think about what Jesus has done for you and He will do it again and again. I know a song that says, give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the holy One. For it is Jesus Christ His Son. Let the weak say I am strong and let the poor say I am rich for what the Lord has done. Do you ever think about His goodness? Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men (Ps. 107:8). Thank Him for His plan for you is good. Thank You for the future you have for me are for good. Thank Him for the good things He bring into your life. Ask Him to reveal His goodness to you more and more so that we may praise Him. For He kept you all night long, He kept you from all danger or evil. Thank Him for His protection. He is your provider the source of all your need. He is the real source of our salvation. Going to a good teaching church- oh give thanks for leaders of this church because He is a good God. How great is your goodness to those who trust and fear you (Ps. 31:19). Oh Lord how excellent is your name in all the earth (Ps. 8:1). My prayer is Lord help me to trust that you are a good God no matter what is going on in my life. You see you can’t praise Him enough. Put your praise music on and just sing a medley to Jesus. Thank Him for His greatness and His goodness. I know where He brought
I give thanks to God for loving me before I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior with all my flaws and sinful nature, such as anger, bitterness, and pride. Oh I give thanks to God for not allowing me to lose my mind because of the pressure of life seems to have overtaken me. I went through a divorce with two young children while I was a stay at home mom and wife. My husband and I rented an apartment from my mother, and she was aware of our marital problems and my husband leaving our home with me not being employed or having an income coming in. The day I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into my heart, He was an ever present help in my time of pain, and adversity. Oh! I thank God for being my rock, my Father, my shield and loving me in spite of all my flaws. Now that I have accepted Him as my heavenly Father, he is still working in me to see Himself illuminating through me. Day by day I’m learning to trust and obey Him, and to lay aside my weights, to trust and believe in Him, to adorn me with His virtue and become the bride He is molding me to become when He comes back like a theft in the night. Oh! Yes, I give thanks to the Lord!!!!
Mother Mary Wynn words of encouragement to “Oh Give Thanks:” Giving thanks and be thankful. Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let our requests be made known to God (Phil.4:4). Father God when we give thanks we are being obedient to God’s word. Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us (1 Thes. 5:18). Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Col. 3:17).
Be thankful when you are tired and weary, because it means you have made a difference. Unknown author As you can see this is not all that we are to be thankful for but it’s just a start, there is so much more to be thankful to God for.
When I give thanks to God I am responding to what God has done. I am placing my faith in God’s goodness and trusting in His sovereign wisdom. I always have something to thank God for the fact that I am still here, or that God still has a plan for me, or that God always provide for me.
Mother Agnus Huggins words of encouragement to “Oh Give Thanks:” I remember the first Thanksgiving without my husband. I felt why should I praise God? I cried, but in the back of my mind, I know God was saying you have so many things to be thankful. My son was fine, we had somewhere to live, we had food, and the bills were paid.
When Daniel faced a serious difficulty he did not cower in fear, neither did he complain. Daniel sought peace by giving thanks. The peace of God and the God of peace (Dan. 6:10). Thank you God, in Christ’s name, amen.
Today, I pray, God I have a peace and a joy, able to eat what I want, able to drive, able to see and to feel the love of Jesus as I serve the Lord and pray for people. I can say like David what shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits (Ps. 116:12-13).
Mother Marylane Jenkins words of encouragement to “Oh Give Thanks:” Being thankful is a common part of worship. A Thankful heart shows godly humility. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and a thanks offering and into his courts with praise. Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name ((Psalms 100:4 Amp). Thankfulness glorifies God. For all things are for your sake, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many rebound to the glory of God (2 Cor. 4:15). A thankful heart recognize God’s goodness. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving (1 Tim. 4:4). As I started to study for our article for the month of November, I came cross a poem that says a lot about what we should be thankful for. “Be Thankful”
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire, if you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don’t know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times, during those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge because it will build your strength and character.
Mother Denise D. Curenton words of encouragement to “Oh Give Thanks” Give thanks with a grateful heart, Give thanks to the Holy One. Give thanks because He’s given us Jesus Christ, His Son. We must live a life of gratitude. Always thanking and praising our Father for his love, mercy and grace that he has bestowed upon us. Where would we be without Him? Thank the Lord for giving us His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ so that none would perish, but have everlasting life! What a mighty GOD we serve! Every day we should praise God from whom all blessing flow and continue to bless His Holy name. Thank the Lord for your life, your family and your friends. We have so much to be thankful for. Wake up every morning and give thanks to the Lord for His wonderful works, his creations, the Heavens and the Earth. Thank him that you are alive! Be grateful that he had his angels to watch over you all night long and then he touched you in the morning, waking you up to a new day that you have never seen before.
Be thankful that God loved us so that He gave His Son Jesus as a sacrifice so that we would have everlasting life. Thank you God for bringing us out from darkness and giving us sight to see. Sight to recognize the works of the enemy. We have the choice that we do not have to live life down in Lo-debar. We have the choice to choose life or death, thank you God that you sent the Holy Spirit to do the work of convincing and convicting. Thanks for knowing our limits better than we do and that in your strength, we can find the enablement to endure.
Be thankful for the many gifts that God blessed us with so that we might serve the body of Christ and bring you glory. We thank you for your grace, loving kindness, mercy, caring for our well-being in every area of our lives. Thank you for the privilege of being your humble servant to help accomplish your mighty work. Thank you Lord that that your word is food for our soul,
If the Lord decided that you should come home and be with Him. Be grateful that Jesus Christ suffered and died to save our souls from eternal death, so that we would be able to live forever with God! Be thankful that the Lord chooses to forgive our sins. When we repent, he places our sins in the “sea of forgetfulness”. He will never bring up these sin issues again.
Thank you for the incredible privilege of being called your children. Thank you for revealing yourself to us in the hope that we grow closer to you and that our lives will never be the same, thank you that in our time of pain and struggles we can comfort in you and trust that you will make us whole. We are so grateful that you will always stand beside us and guide us in all we do.
If we surrender our will to the Lord, letting go of all our pain, heartaches and despair, we can receive His peace; an assurance in our hearts and mind that all is well and all will be well, that everything will be alright. We can also receive his joy; unspeakable joy! Joy that floods our souls to overflowing that will fill others and allow them to experience the joy of the Lord. Thank the Lord for his peace and joy.
Thanks for a peace of mind that comes from knowing that you are watching and protecting every event in our lives. We are so thankful how you have watched over our loved ones, our children, our spouses, our families and friends.
Living a life of gratitude, always being thankful of what the Lord has done. So, let us live life every day with a grateful heart knowing that this pleases the Father. This also increases our love towards others and helps us to become the person God wants us to be. Be thankful! Mother Cynthia Myles words of encouragement to “Oh Give Thanks:” We are entering in the holiday seasons of Thanksgiving. Every day should be a day of Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for, Thank you God for your Spirit that rains down on us.
Thank you for the man and woman of God that you have placed in charge over our spiritual growth in the Lord. Most of all we thank you for your “PERFECT LOVE”!! that you have for us. In closing, the Seasoned Senior Ministry wish each and every person a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. In whatever state you may be in this season of your life, we are all in agreement with the word that you be content according to (Phil. 4:11). We can give thanks and be content only through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, Mother Sandra Barr
Tux and the Bow Tie : The night before Chronicles of a groom to be part 4 by Pastor Al Gonzalez
I am literally 14 hours to the minute from saying I do as I write this. After 3 trips to the tailor my tux is in the hands of my most trusted friend that is not my wife to be. The “best man” and he really is the best. The rehearsal and the dinner are in the bag. I'm supposed to be asleep. Instead I reserved this moment to write to you readers. This is not the final segment, there is one more piece that will discuss the aftermath. This time I want to discuss the anticipation. My bride has spent the last 7 days getting ready and running all over. I have spent the last 8 days tying up loose ends. All in the anticipation of 14 hours from now. Yup do the math, that means I'm writing you at midnight with a wedding at 2pm. Tired? Oh yeah! But the anticipation of receiving the greatest gift God has to offer other than His son, has me on the edge of my bed wanting to sleep to get to tomorrow, yet I can't because of just that. Ironic isint it?
Just as I start to pray, I hear God says “my church is my bride, I am ready in anticipation.” Those words ended with nothing more than a thought planted, “is my bride running around beautifying itself?” WOW! What a thing to think about, and the reverence of grace rushes over me to purify my inner spirit. Conviction sets in for the church. We need to get this right. Then He reminds me as I go back to wanting to sleep; “you will be the priest of the most important ministry tomorrow, your family.” Men think about that and gut check yourself before you get this close because if you can't unequivocally say “thank you for teaching me and getting me ready” you don't want to stare down that barrel the night before you put on your tux and bow tie. For me…Goodnight, I have a wedding to go to in 13 hours and 45 minutes. Blessings!
NOW IS THE SEASON
A Christ is born to us on earth The one to give us second birth His human form so divine Around Him heaven’s glory shine Oh strong son of God immortal love We who have not seen your face Believing in you is our proof With that seed of faith we do embrace You oh Lord our Jehovah our praise God and man we do confess You have come with truth and grace We hail you son of righteousness In your humble state you came While ox and ass and camels did see The king with all power and reign Rules from now through eternity By Jennifer Grant
Are You Really Living like God is Your Father? Laura Petherbridge TheSmartStepmom.com Publication date: June 16, 2015 I let Jesus save me, but I wouldn’t let him love me, for a very long time. And I didn’t even know it. More than ten years after I surrendered my life to Christ, he stepped in and with a holy whisper he ripped off my mask. A lie lurked beneath the church charade, and the Holy One knew it was time for a revelation.
Jesus I jumped on the performance merry-go-round of serving on church committees, leading a small group and singing on the worship team. I traded the world’s treadmill for the church’s treadmill. The only difference was the assurance of eternity in heaven. And then—he interrupted. And I was faced with his troubling truth. Could it be true? Could I be a Christian for ten years and still not believe, “Jesus loves me”?
It was time. Through a very difficult and painful process God exposed the villain who robbed me of my “Laura, you don’t believe that I love you,” he pressed Heavenly Father’s lavish love. His name is fear. And into my soul. childhood pain and shame kept God at arm’s length and fear of trusting, fear of abandonment, and fear of “Yes, I do,” I protested, quoting John 3:16. rejection took his place. They were the cruel gatekeepers keeping me from his extravagant love. I knew the decision was upon me. Would I abandon the familiar lies and leap into his embrace? Or would I settle for the frigid slap that performance offered? It all boiled down to trust. My soul knew this was the turning point in my spiritual voyage. With trepidation I allowed him to gently remove the shrapnel of fear embedded in my battered heart. I recognized that a distorted view of God, and a perversion of his character had affected every area of my life. But the Wise One responded by allowing my inner true thoughts to surface. The hidden chorus that even I was shocked to discover which hissed, “God doesn’t really love you, Laura. Loving people is his job description, he has to love everybody. He saved your soul because that’s what God does for a living. Given the choice would he ever love you? Or even worse— would he like you? No way, it’s laughable. Why would he? What is there to like?” Up to that point my Christian journey was to follow the lead of fellow Christians. After saying “I Do” to
That’s the moment when God transformed from being a distant Boss to my Daddy. That day became my Father’s Day. Who’s Your Daddy? Do you have a distorted view of our Heavenly Father as I did? Do I Believe I am Loved By God? Do you know that you make God smile and sing? Zephaniah 3:17 says, “He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Imagine a toddler charging into a room beaming with excitement and laughter as he rushes into your arms. That’s the way God feels every time he looks at you. He wants to pick you up with a warm embrace. Do I Believe God Will Never Stop Loving Me? Nothing will cause God to stop loving you. NOTHING. You cannot out-sin his love God doesn’t wink at sin or ignore disobedience. He deeply grieves when we choose our own way over his. He isn’t pleased with sinful decisions, because they ultimately bring pain. As a loving parent he allows consequences to our poor choices in an attempt to motivate us to turn around.
I discovered that his faithfulness is permanent. It is an anchor that never shifts, disappears or abandons even when the waves threaten to overtake me. Do I Believe My Value is Determined by The Price God Paid for Me? How much are you worth? If kidnapped what ransom would you bring? Too often we see our value through the eyes of a parent, spouse, sibling, friend, coworker, or boss. Why do I believe a person rather than God? It’s time to stop the madness and recognize that we are looking in the wrong place for an appraisal. Your price tagged has already been stamped by higher standards.
“Because I am GOD, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you…that's His love never changes no matter what you have done. how much you mean to me! That's how much I love He is always willing to forgive. Our job is to admit the you! I'd sell off the whole world to get you back, trade wrong done, apologize to him (and possibly others), the creation just for you”(Isaiah 43:3-4, MSG). ask for forgiveness, and walk toward changing the Jesus Christ decided that you are significant. He debehavior. cided that you were worth saving. He loves you so "I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect much that he wants to spend eternity with you in love, love, and more love!” (Jeremiah 31:3) heaven. This is very good news. But that doesn’t stop him from loving you.
My journey with Jesus now totals thirty four years. Do I Believe God is Faithful and Will Not Abandon I’ve shared my “Daddy” message with hundreds of Me? people across the globe. Most like it. Many share it transforms them. God is radically different than people. Learning and believing this truth was a huge step in my spiritual There are a few curmudgeons who banter that too journey. I thought when the going got tough or I did much talk about God’s love makes God look like a something wrong, God would leave me. teddy bear or Santa Clause. I disagree. It’s a lie. He never runs. He is forever faithful. “The Fear may keep a Christian obedient for a season. But Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he once they know this love, the true Daddy’s love, it will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be will keep them obedient—for a lifetime. afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8). If your past has been filled with rejection or abandonment it will be more difficult to grasp this truth.
Not Just For Teachers Only! By Eva Thomas Johnson
It will soon be a new year and once again you will have a chance to read through the entire Bible in a year! It is so ex-
citing to learn what the Bible says about life and you get to learn so much about how men and women of faith handled difficult circumstances! So in preparation to begin your year journey into the land of the Bible, I’ve noted some things you need to know about the Bible to help you on your journey.
trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law.” Is this verse a contradiction to the other verse? Of course not, because it speaks of spiritual maturity. How much you use, practice, live, apply daily is a mark of spiritual maturity Not just how much you know or understand. You trained yourself through constant use of the scripture to distinguish between good and evil The Bible is essential to Spiritual Effectiveness. II Timothy 3:16-17 amplified bible says, “Every scripture is God-breathed (given by inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof, and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, (and) for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose and action so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Things We Need to Know About the Bible First of all the Bible is essential to growth. I Peter 2:2 The Bible is a Unit from the amplified bible says “Like Newborn babes you Its parts conspire to form a unified whole bound together should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure by the theme of God and His relationship to mankind. (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured There are 66 books collected in one volume – written and grow unto (completed) salvation, since you have (already) over a period of more than 1600 years by over 40 autasted the goodness and kindness of the Lord.” thors from a wide variety of backgrounds. Each book, section, paragraph and verse works together with the This verse points out several things, but let’s list 3: others to reveal God’s truth. Your Attitude as a Christian Your Appetite as a Christian Your Aim as a Christian The Bible is God’s Revelation = God’s unveiling Can you identify them on your own? God has revealed things that would otherwise not be known. He has unveiled that which is absolutely true. Next, the Bible is essential to Spiritual Maturity. Hebr ews His truth is entirely consistent. 5:12-14 from the amplified Bible says, “For even though by this time you ought to be teaching others, you actually need The Bible is inspired by God = God breathed someone to teach you over again the very first principles of When the Bible speaks, God speaks. It is the very words God’s Word. You have come to need milk, not solid food. For that God wanted communicated. God breathed out the everyone who continues to feed on milk is obviously inexperiscriptures and God used human authors to pen the enced and unskilled in the doctrine of righteousness of conwords, without compromising the perfection, integrity formity to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action, for or purity of the finished product. he is a mere infant not able to talk yet! But solid food is for full-grown men, those whose senses and mental faculties are