START 2018 STRONG START WITH YOUR PURPOSE BY ERIC OTCHERE
Years ago
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I was a big fan of setting big New Year resolutions. That appetite has changed in recent times. I no longer begin my year with the priority of writing what I will do and what I will not do. But I must say that I am not encouraging you to go and throw away your hard written list for the New Year.
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START 2018 STRONG START WITH YOUR PURPOSE I just want to bring your attention to something bigger than a list. It makes a lot of difference. Imagine with me for a brief moment that you stand at the harbor.
A captain comes on board a ship and start sailing. On asking him why he is moving the ship, he pulls out a tall list and reads, “I am going to Sweden, pick up some travelers, visit the some old time friends and head for home after 10 days.” How will you react? Certainly, you will look him in the face and repeat the question again. You might think he didn’t understand. But it is not lack of understanding. It is lack of clear purpose for what he is doing. Many of us behave like this captain. We start each year with a tall list ready to go into action. We are driven by activities without productive consent from our purpose.
And by purpose, I mean the whole reason why you exist on earth. It’s impossible to live
a purpose driven life when we start e defining our purpose.
Ask yourself: What is my life really about? Then, proceed with a list. Enjoy the New Year.
CONTENT
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6 SIGNS THAT YOU LOVE WELL BY ALICE MILLS
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WHAT IS HOLDING YOU SHELLY WILSON
EXCLUSIVE
INTERVIEW GRACE KAPSWARA
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BECOMING YOU NICOLE STUBBS
36 SINGLE & WAITING BY FAITH J. ROLLERSON.
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UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS BY JUANITA WOOLDRIDGE DREAM HAILERS BY ERIC OTCHERE
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INTENTIONAL LIVING BY CHAVONNE THOMAS
58 NEW BEINNINGS BY MARY EISENACHER
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62 NEW BEGINNINGS MONIQUE RAY
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A CHANCE FOR NEW BEGINNINGS BY JOY JALLAH
NEW BEGINNING SHONDEL JACKSON
COLOR YOUR WORLD
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
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BY ALICE MILLS
I
am always amused by titles like this one until I dive into the topic. Learning to love well takes a lifetime of dedication to the art. Most posts on the topic of love read like a long list of complicated instructions. Or sometimes they seem like a list of clichÊ’s strung together.
So while I agree that love does indeed manifest as action, those lists don’t prove generally helpful to me. After all, love requires a study of others and their needs and wants. I know that my husband and children each have very different ideas of what they need in order to feel loved. I thought I was good at loving for a long time, and could not figure out why all my efforts seemed to fail. As it turned out, I did not love my abusive first husband well. I think the relationship would have ended far earlier if I had. To love well comes from a place of strength and requires fearlessness. Living with my first husband who had Narcissistic Personality disorder let to a lot of trauma. And yet God did shore up my weakness.
He gave me the strength to love truly, beginning with telling the truth about who I was and what I suffered. 14
You see, I always thought love required a kind of masochistic sacrifice in which I
gave all and was supposed to be happy receiving nothing in return.
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SIGNS THAT YOU LOVE WELL
My notions of unconditional love were highly romanticized but in the end led to terrible bondage. Unconditional love should not entail denial or dishonesty.
When we lie about who we are or cover up how we feel for the sake of the other, we have stopped loving. We have erected a straw man in place of our real selves, and no one has a real relationship with a mirage. With every lie, we take a step away from the other person and those lies must be uprooted in order for real relationship to take place. So here is my list of what loving well requires. I fully admit that it is not full of practical or cheery instructions such as date nights, affirmations, and surprise breakfast in bed in the morning, though those are wonderful. Love is at once action and deeper than action. Love is a state of being that is ultimately inclusive, ultimately truthful, yet does not press or control. Check out 1 Corinthians 13. Or start with this:
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ALICE MILLS
1. You tell the truth with love. As I grew out of the idea that love means taking all the hits and never complaining, I learned to tell my current and wonderful husband when his actions affect me. By showing him who I am, I love him in a way that gives him the opportunity to love me back. As a common example, my husband often missed the laundry basket by about six inches every day.
was afraid he would resent me, but on bad days coping with chronic back pain, I resented his lack of consideration. I admit I was so frightened to show him how I really felt. I was afraid he would think I was trying to guilt him. But my husband is a really good man. He can tell the difference between honesty and manipulation. He stopped throwing his things on the floor.
2 You can be pleased. As a For several years I tried all the recovering people pleaser, I was Christian woman tricks like so focused on making others thanking God I had a husband to happy that I did not give them pick up after. But that covered room to reciprocate. One of the up the issue. I dislike nagging so greatest gifts one can give I decided to be honest. Really another is to joyfully accept their honest with a side of overtures, their gifts, their vulnerability. affections. Ironically,
I told him that my back injury made it painful. his socks on the floor, I actually felt very lonely inside because I thought maybe I wasn’t worth putting clothes in a hamper. I told him how I felt like a terrible wife when I nagged. I 14
I learned this from a rather emotionally cold man I dated who once asked me if I could be pleased. I was so convicted. Did I let others in my life please me or was I too busy loving without accepting love into return.
Since then, I try to just give the pure joy of being thrilled with any genuine attempt to give me love. Why this can be difficult, I am still not sure. But sometimes it is as blessed to receive as it is to give. Think of the last time you genuinely gave someone pleasure. Bet you liked that feeling. Are you denying others that gift of feeling that they can bring enjoyment to the lives of their loved ones? 3. You listen well. Listening to others can be such a challenge. My daughters could talk without ceasing in their teens. But they didn’t expect my whole attention during those times, just my passive presence. Sometimes though, they would need my whole undivided attention. I struggle with this. My mind is a
kaleidoscope filled with ideas plus I am a tad dissociative. My husband and my kids (even as adults) need focused active attention regularly. To feel understood gives them courage to face their lives and more encouragement than the wisest advice. 4. You intercede well. If you do not pray for your loved ones, you are leaving their futures to chance. Who better someone who loves them to bring them to God’s attention? Do I pray the same things every day? No. I know God might not get bored, but I sure do. I journal my requests for them. I read scriptures over them. And sometimes I sit and invite God to love them with me, and to show me how to love them better.
6 SIGNS THAT YOU LOVE WELL 5. You are open-handed.. If you have to manipulate or arrange the lives of your loved ones, you need a reality check. God has never once manipulated or forced me to do anything. Nudged? Yes. Forced? No. Control masquerades as love but is often just the fear of rejection. Let go of the guilting. Let go of the stern lectures. In fact, let everyone off the hook. Let them choose you. And if they don’t, love them anyway. In the end, freeing someone to be who they are is an incredible act of faith. It looks like releasing expectations and labels. But if you want real love, if you want authenticity, you open your hands. Control encourages lying. Do you love your family enough to let them stumble and learn on their own? Enough to experience consequences? Lastly, are you safe enough for them to be who they really are around you? If not, time to get your love adjusted. 6. You are accepting. If you really love someone, you are not dedicated to their improvement. There is already a Holy Spirit and He doesn’t have any positions for Junior Holy Spirits currently. Take a look at the people in your life. Do you spend your time trying to change them? Are you fundamentally disappointed in your children or your husband? If you find yourself rejecting your husband and children or shutting them out, it is time for serious repentance. You are rejecting their identity and shaming them. If you are disappointed in their actions, then you may have to release your expectations and forgive. When I see people work through this in prayer, the atmosphere in their home begins to change. The presence of true love introduces the presence of true hope. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you see shortcomings. That too, is real love. To admit imperfection is to entertain humility. And after all, love is not proud and does not boast. And all those things on this list? Shower yourself with that kind of love too. To love yourself well is to teach your children how to love themselves and others.
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here is something holding you my friend. Often there are bars of a prison that are quite invisible. The enemy at some point bound you in some area. Likely it will be the place of your greatest victory. But the enemy has fully convinced you to remain quiet. He has stolen your voice. Not just a loss for you, but surely it will be a loss for the many others bound in this same prison.
Perhaps courage is needed in this hour. For you have the power in Christ to break through the prison bars. The power of life and death is in your tongue and you are worthy enough to speak up and speak out. Christ wants to restore your voice. Your ultimate healing will come as your voice is heard declaring freedom. The enemy has most assuredly told you it might embarrass you and those close to you. Or perhaps he has told you it’s in the past and not worth discussing…so you pretend it’s not there. And so the prison remains. Some even believe it doesn’t really affect them, “I’m over it.” Yet, you have built such a wall surrounding your heart that no one can get close to you. It has now affected every relationship you have. The bars are strong and anything ignored will remain. It has kept your heart closed to many situations and has caused you a standstill in your destiny. But when you find your voice, the train starts moving again as that which has held it back no longer remains. When you find your voice again you will begin to see others who had the same prison walls. They were also silent and thought they might never get out from behind those same bars. Until one day …. Someone who once was silenced … Decided she would be silent no more…
Isaiah 61 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…
INTRODUCING GRACE KAPSWARA Without sounding too spiritual Grace Kapswara is first a born again christian, a lover of God, and a believer in Jesus Christ. I am a wife to a certain hunk called Kudakwashe Kapswara, and by the grace of God we have two beautiful children Upendo ( Swahili name meaning Love) and Kuzivakwashe ( Shona name meaning the knowledge of God). We also parent two amazing children, whom we took on after the passing on of my sister and her husband. I therefore am a proud mother of four! I am an international speaker who is very passionate about the kingdom of God.
Exclusive Interview
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What are you most passionate about in life?
This will definitely be relationships! let me expand more on this, to me relations are what make the world go round as such I strive to see people get along, building bridges instead of burning bridges, that is priceless to me. Impacting the lives of the less privileged in societies is another of my passions, I live for influencing the lives ensuring that a solution is provided for the needy regardless of the circumstance, as such we run an orphanage in Chegutu, Zimbabwe.
beauty
2 Would you like to share your testimony As she walked slowly through the huge crowd of people at a crusade, my mother was about 7 months pregnant with me, as usual her husband, my dad had 6
just dropped her off and waited for her afar off,as a staunch Muslim he did not want anything to do with the gospel of Jesus Christ, unknown to him, it was on this day he would encounter our Lord Jesus Christ. As my dad was parked, waiting for my mum he could hear the great evangelist saying "come to Christ.... he resisted at first, however a time passed he could not contain it,
he was moved, and hurriedly went to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. My mother did not even know what had transpired, and to cut the long story short when I was born they named me Neema, meaning Grace because I was born under a new era in their lives (being the third born out of four, I became the first to have a Christian name).
I firmly believe when one has been shown great mercy, and forgiveness they tend to be more passionate and zealous in what they do: Acts 9- where we see Saul`s and his escapades encountering Jesus Christ becoming a fervent worshiper of the Lord as Paul.
seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart".
For prayer and fasting the longest I have had has been 90 day, 7 of which I spent in the prayer mountain, seeking his face for myself! I recall how I would have all night prayer meetings as mentioned earlier, in which I My life has been filled with would pray, I mean pray! no breaks testimonies through persecution, I am not talking about our bring Its been a tough journey but and share all night prayer definitely rewarding. I started meetings, where we occasionally seeking the face of the Lord as a have food breaks... all night prayer young girl and by the time I was a was that, All Night Prayer, i sought teenager I would hold my own all his face till the sun came out! Yes night prayers in my own contained unbelievable but true! 'prayer room' seeking the face of the Lord was and still is my Regardless of not having taken deepest desire. part in Islamic practices but having had roots in them through I took on prayer and fasting, my dad, I felt it pleasurable to attending revival meetings even in pursue God as the I felt and still remote churches where we would feel the great grace and mercy he walk through dusty and muddy endowed me with is unimaginable pathways. It true what the Bible and I can`t comprehend, I can says in Jeremiah 29'13 " you will never thank him enough!
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE
2018
kind
3 Tell us about your strengths It has always been a challenge talking about my own strengths, as it appears I am blowing my own trumpet, nevertheless I will try to mention what I hear many people say to me which I believe are my strengths. God has given me the ability to embrace and relate to people from
all walks of life from the rich and wealthy to the poor and disadvantaged I uphold all people to high regard, and offer unconditional love to all. Loyalty and consistency are again my major attributes, and I believe this has grown me. I am a very strong encourager no matter what situation a person is going
through, through the grace of God they leave knowing that God will indeed turn things for their good. I am generally a selfless individual who puts the needs of others before my own.
What part of the church does your ministry represent?
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My husband and I serve under Bishop Tudor and Pastor ChiChi Bismarck, as Pastors of married couples, overseeing over 600 couples in the church. Our ministry therefore represents marriages in the church. In the last 4 years we have done more than 200 weddings in our church, there is a grace of marriages over the house. Our day to day activities include pre and post marital counselling sessions, we host seminars, monthly empowerment sessions to help build the lives of these various couples.
5 What challenges do you meet in ministry as a beautiful, kind 8
will start with the anointing, moving on to being kind and lastly beautiful. I
A respectable elderly preacher once said, anointing attracts, and when it attracts it attracts both the good and the bad. As a beautiful, kind and anointed woman,
translates to a lot of things. In some places people find it difficult to receive from a women so you have to work twice as hard. Women are normally just associated with ladies conferences but we have a word for everyone and not just women. Sometimes being African is also a challenge. The problem with being kind is you are easily taken for granted, mistaken for a fool, and easily abused. The general notion in society is people who are kind have and yet people do not realize that we give out of a need, it is a sacrifice if anything!
In certain arenas you are misjudged because you are stylish, look good and take great care of yourself. In some parts of the world, a powerful woman of God is expected to have no manicure, no make up, one who does not dress up, thus in such arenas you can even be labelled for the mere reason that you take good care of yourself, how sad.
On the other hand there are those parts of the world were they appreciate beauty, and the challenge comes when they verbalize it, even to the extend of approaching me and passing comments which are Being a beautiful woman in ministry rather suggestive.
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HOW HAVE YOU DEALT WITH THOSE CHALLENGES?
The bible says wisdom is the principal thing... It is wisdom that carries me and helps me how to relate with people from diverse people groups. I also seek counsel, from those around me And off course through prayer, ask God to take over and do only that which God can do It's the grace of God, I just surrender to Him He is the one who called me not me and so I do as he wills, go where he sends me and pour out what he has placed in me and allow his to do the rest. 14
HOW DO YOU ESTABLISH HEALTHY BOUNDARIES BETWEEN CHURCH AND FAMILY?
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It can be so difficult, because with any other corporate profession in my opinion it is better to handle matters because you are dealing with egos mainly and not souls. Many times you are back from a mission you need to spend time with the kids however ministry won’t allow because someone is on a deathbed, verge of divorce you name it. So striking a balance hasn’t been easy. I don’t know how l do it, but l suppose l am learning to prioritize knowing that God comes first then my
WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES
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I have a tendency of wanting to please everybody, l am a people pleaser! Even when I travel I am ever in trouble with the immigration as a result of my bags I always have a little something for everyone, because l long to make life easier for people the extreme of it is however sad as it almost always leads me in trouble.
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What is your advice to women who are like you? Women in ministry need to be well rounded and knowledgeable on issues beyond the church domain so that they can be relevant to their different spheres of influence. Women in leadership in ministry need to be wise in the ways of the world as well so that they can meaningfully impart to their followers.
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Is there something you would like to say to women today......
Be yourself! Stick to your lane, God loves you, God has a purpose for you. Stop looking down upon yourself my message is plainly Be Yourself!
First Sunday is communion Sunday and this scripture 1 Corinthians 11:28 reads. But let a man examine himself.
We often do the examining part just before we take communion, however when I think of this scripture, I think that examining yourself all time is a necessary part of growing and changing; of BECOMING you.
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ne of the definitions of ''become'' is to grow, to be. There was a point in my life where I had to take a long look at who I was. I literally was standing in a mirror and truthfully, I didn’t like what I saw.
Those words had a profound effect on me. I was walking around in a depression and wasn’t aware of it until I started taking inventory of myself. I didn’t always not have confidence in myself or love for myself. Words are powerful,
I was at a cross roads in my Proverbs 18:21. life. I had to begin questioning everything about Words that are spoken to us myself. and words we speak to ourselves. I began to realize How did I get here? that I had allowed other Why did I gain so much people’s opinion matter more weight? to me than my own opinion of Why was I ugly to myself? myself and more importantly What do I have to offer to what God’s thoughts of me the world? are. Many of us have asked I had to start re-affirming and questions like this at some speaking God’s word point in life. concerning me. I can think back about my life 2 Peter 3:9-11 and can almost pinpoint situations that lead me to The Lord isn’t really being believe something negative slow about his promise, as about myself. It was usually some people think. No, he is something that someone said being patient for your sake. to me and I internalized it. 14
BECOMING YOU BY NICOLE STUBBS
He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. I began to pray the word of God and ask him to show me who I am and repent for allowing the enemy and the “inner” me to speak less of who I am.
I begin reversing my thought process and change the way the I spoke about myself. I begin to re-define myself and see myself through God’s eyes. It was realizing that I was created in the image of God, and that I’m on the mind of God, that I could start to see the woman I am becoming. The process is not a pretty one. Going through my process, I had to take ownership of my part in the dysfunction in my life and ask for forgiveness.
Everyday I’m learning how to love me and embrace everything about me. I’m becoming more and more comfortable in my own skin, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I make declarations every day, that I’m bigger, stronger and better. I’m becoming, growing to be all that God’s wants me to be and that is someone who is pretty amazing. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man in I also needed to forgive those Christ, he is a new creature: who tried to tear me down old things are passed away; because of a lack in their lives. behold all things have become new. God is so patient and faithful. He never gives up on me. He made me a Gift with gifts. 14
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BY FAITH J. ROLLERSON I’m not quite sure I’ve mastered being single nor waiting. I don’t know if there are any real masters. There are days when it seems that I have this thing on lock, and then there are days when my pillow is soaked with my tears because the loneliness is so painful.
Being single seems to be a blessing and a curse, meaning in this is a
must acknowledge, deal with, and move on from the hurts of our past.
We need to deal with the spirits time in your life where you get of: Rejection, betrayal, to know yourself, but it also can unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, be a time when you feel so and we have divorce the spirits alone. of boyfriends passed. It shouldn’t be that a man is needed to complete you, that your life is less fulfilling because you don’t have one, but whereas a man doesn’t complete you, it is nice to have someone to share certain life moments with. To live a fulfilling single life, we
It’s hard to be happy when you have all this excessive baggage weighing you down, and you sure can forget having a healthy relationship with anyone. The ultimate key to release us from these spirits is prayer.
BY FAITH J. ROLLERSON I know that 1. I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and 2. That before I even drew my first breath that God had a plan for my life. My destiny was already mapped out. There were a lot of detours and one being broken relationships. And they were broken because I was broken. I didn’t understand my worth, my value or my beauty. I never took the time to get to know me, even from a young girl. Growing up I felt ugly. I didn’t think I accepted their few minutes of time because that was a few minutes that I could pretend to matter to them.
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much of myself so sweet words from poisonous lips was music to my ears. I found myself giving myself to men who only wanted sex, and I made myself okay with that because I didn’t believe I could get better. I was so broken that my mentality was programmed to this selfdestructing behavior. I saw nothing wrong with being a jump off, a side chick, someone that’s called when their other lady friends weren’t available. I didn’t care.
I didn’t always protect myself either. My mind was so distorted that I threw caution to the wind for empty promises.
I haven’t been in a relationship in years, but I realized that just because you don’t have a boyfriend/husband
It doesn’t mean you are single. To be single, you need to be delivered and set free from “them” and that takes time, prayer, fasting, discipline, and commitment. If you don’t then you won’t be single and waiting, you’ll be single and throwing tantrums, or settling for any Joe Schmoe. One of the most freeing feelings in this world is being freed from the weight of your past. I have made a conscience decision that while I’m single and waiting I’m going to live a life pleasing to God. To stick to my assignment and to live as he created me to be. The bible says that if I delight myself in him then he’ll grant me the desires of my heart. I’m in the process of God cleansing me from the inside out We focus on not just being lonely anymore that we do not take the time to truly assess all that comes with being a wife. Its more that cooking, cleaning, and having sex. It’s about commitment and covenant.
so that I will be single in mind, body. Before God sends you a mate he wants to be sure that you are in place to handle the ministry of marriage.
growth, maturing, and preparation. Again, I haven’t mastered being single and waiting, but my prayer life is increasing.
I have accepted that though I am And God, before he sends a not married yet that doesn’t mean husband, he needs us to have that there is anything wrong with covenant with him. He wants us to me. be completely submitted to his will My time will come and when it for our lives. Being single and does I will know that it is God’s waiting is a time of learning, doing.
Reverend John Harvard was the first sponsor of Harvard University.
All football fans have one thing in common they cheer their teams. But fans do not cheer their teams at all times.
Whilst one category of fans will cheer their team whether winning or not (they are called raven fans), another category only cheer their fans when they are winning. Thus, their level of support is minimal when they are losing.
The second is so characteristic of Ghanaian fans when the national team is playing. Before they even finish the match, they will start crucifying them of their performance. Dream hailers are much like the first category of football fans. They support you whether you are down or up in your game. One person who stands out as a dream hailer is Barnabas in the Book of Acts in the Bible. He single handedly spotted and raised the potential leaders in both Paul and John Mark. Such people have quite disposition but make huge contributions in lives. Jesus’ dream attracted the famous wise men from the Far East who exhibited five lessons we can learn from about dream hailers.
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(Read Matthew 2:1-12).
THEY ARE WISE (Matt. 2:1, 2): Why did God invite the wise men to the birthplace of Jesus and not any other people? Dreams must attract the right people. Right people are wise people. What it means to be wise is to apply the right information in practical living.
They are ready to correct their mistakes which can put your dream in danger. Open yourself to wise men to support your dream.
They are hard to find. When found, they are ready to lay down their lucrative jobs and obey God in order to support a dream.
THEY ARE REJOICERS (Matt. 2:10): A typical poor man thinks the rich man is the cause of his poverty. Hence, they don’t celebrate rich people. Rich men have a secret that you can only attract what you celebrate. They rejoice with people of their own kind. The poor man associates with
fellow poor men. Dream hailers rejoice with people who discover their dreams in life. The three wise men “rejoiced exceedingly” with the parents of Jesus. Rejoicing is a decision not a condition. If you don’t rejoice with others, they will not rejoice with you either. Rejoicers instill confidence in the dream.
THEY ARE WORSHIPPERS (Matt. 2:11):
people with the attitude of gratitude and acknowledge other people’s contribution in the world.
Dream hailers are dream worshippers.
Worshippers don’t fake. They revere what They know they are you have. Worship not the only best is a way of life. thing that ever happened to the People with the heart of worship are world.
THEY ARE GIVERS (Matt. 2:11): The dream of establishing Harvard University benefitted massively from Reverend John Harvard who sponsored the young institution with £779 (half of his estate) and his library of around 400 volumes.
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Harvard University is now in the top five best universities in the world. People such as Harvard are dream hailers. They feed dreams with provisions such as gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Seek dream hailers to sponsor you, and seek to become a hailer yourself.
DREAM HAILERS
THEY ARE GOD SENT
Your hailers will find you.
(Matt. 2:12):
Dreams are meant to be realized. Dreams are meant to impact other people’s lives.
The last thing about dream hailers is that they are sent from God. Connecting dreamers to their hailers is God’s business. Even though they might be far away, they will still cross our path. Has it occurred to you that it was after the wise men visited Jesus that God instructed them to leave for Egypt? They got secured financially before they took off to Egypt.
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BY ERIC OTCHERE
All these can be achieved when the right people are connected. Lack of the right people can breed frustrations. Be watchful of who you invite to your dream. They must be wise, joyful, worshippers, givers, and most importantly God sent.
Today, as I waited for the train, I noticed a young man who seemed to be afraid.
He was gasping for air and staring into a paper bag. I decided to approach him to ask him if he was feeling okay....
YOU CAN WIN!
Problems Oh, difficulties... how we love them so. (Hint the sarcasm) There are sooo many things we go through in lives that attempts to take us down, whether you’re an adult or youth. .
BY CHANTE WHISONANT
I even bet some of the people reading this are in the process of some situations that would make you say, “Yikes!”, am I right?
matter how old you get, no matter where you run, there’s always You’re tired of trying to going to be a problem. accomplish something that seems impossible OUR problem is when to accomplish, and we accept ‘em and let And I’m guessing you’re SICK of life them cause continuous you’re at the point throwing it’s, “I told chaos in our lives where you’re just about you so!” back in your because we gave up. ready to give up and face every time you try. drop everything. Why? The situation against Again, am I right? us isn’t the problem, Because you’re tired of it’s how we handle that running, seems like you Maybe, but let me tell situation. can never move far you something. No People say to me all the time, “Chante’ I can’t do this. I give up. Nothing is gonna get better. I mean, it hasn’t yet. And I’m not gonna wait around with 14
enough from the stuff, might as well accept it.
false hope for things to change.” See, sentences like that is what stops us. Will everything change on it’s own? Of course not!
Why would the trouble want to STOP causing trouble? But, WE can stop the trouble. WE can fight it. It will only get better if you allow it to.
Against All Odds Nothing ever changes because we don’t push ourselves to change. It’s our life. It’s our peace, and it’s our happiness. Wouldn’t you want to control that? “But how do I do that?” Well, I’ll tell ya. But you have to listen to a story first. Everywhere I’ve moved, all my life, I have been bullied, misused, talked about, disrespected, torn down, made fun of and more. People would laugh at my dreams and say I could never do. I was made to feel useless because I was told that I am useless. I felt I was stupid because I let their words program my mind into thinking I was stupid. I wanted to kill myself so many times because I was just so tired. I didn’t want to wake up in the morning. I didn’t want to go to school.
Shoot, I almost attempted to end my life multiple times, I felt like there was no reasoning for it. But something in me just would allow myself to go through with it. I knew that it wasn’t worth it. I was right. Despite how I felt, despite what I went through I made it out. How? I told myself I could do it. I MADE myself do it. No matter what you’re fighting, no matter what you’re life is like, you CAN do it.
happened back then, I fought the odds against me. My bullies became the reason I’m an author.
My pain paved the way for my purpose. I became what people said I couldn’t be despite what they all said and did. Through the Lord, I came out stronger even though the situation was made for me to grow weaker. Trust me, God can and will do the same for you, but only if you let him.
Against all the odds you will come out on top!
Against all odds, you will pull through. No matter what happens, you can and WILL win.
The thing is, that can only be so if you’re still in the ring putting up a Love, kisses, and fight. blessings, No matter what
Min. Chante’
UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
BY Juanita Wooldridge
On New Year’s Day, the first day of the year, people are so caught up in making resolutions or changes, determined to make corrections in their lives through acts of selfimprovement in their personal lives, that we make unrealistic expectations.
As people get caught up in the moment and realize that these changes are unattainable and that they are unable to keep them the failure to succeed and the weight of their original burden becomes that much heavier and they began to see themselves in an even dimmer light than they may have before. These resolutions or vows are often fueled by a sincere desire to make changes because of loss of a job, breakup of a marriage or family, sickness or disease, or any number of reasons because of what these vices have produced in their lives. Sexual immorality, drug abuse, teen pregnancy, homosexuality, alcohol and tobacco, overspending, gluttony, pornography, murder, abortion -- -- -- -- --
The Christian, the born again child of God, is not exempt from this painful process. Many Christians also make
resolutions, vowing and declaring before God and themselves that this coming year they are going to make some serious
changes in their lives. Note the emphasis here, that they are going to make the changes.
But when we as Christians take it upon ourselves to solve the problem, we are taking it out of the hands of our All-Sufficient God who has declared that He is the One who will do the work in us. It is not through our works but we must rely upon Him, He is our Problem Solver. When we come to Him vowing to give up this and that instead of asking for His strength and His help in our weakness He is not bound by His Word to respond to that vow. We must be honest before God and admit that even though we may be Christians and love the Lord, there are those of us that also suffer from some of the same worldly bondage.
28:20-22 “Then Jacob made this vow: ‘If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing, and if I return safely to my father’s home, then the LORD will certainly be my God. And this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me.’ “ We can see in this passage that Jacob is trying to make a contractual agreement with God. If You do this then You will certainly be my God and I will give You a tenth of everything.
We often do the same today - we try to play mind games with God, not Even if we make resolutions before realizing that God knows all things, God that we will spend more time in even the games we are playing. His Word, in His Presence, in Ministry, we are still actually making vows before GOD. As we As we yield our specific areas of yield our specific areas of need to need to God, He is the only One who God, He is the only One who can can really help us. When we make really help us. that resolution or vow to God, we are in a sense telling God that we When we make that resolution or are the one who will fix the problem. vow to God, we are in a sense telling Often a believer or even an God that we are the one who will fix unbeliever may even try to barter, to the problem. Often a believer or make a deal with God. A vow could even an unbeliever may even try to include all promises to perform barter, to make a deal with God. A certain things for, or bring certain vow could include all promises to offerings to, God, in return for perform certain things for, or bring benefits which were hoped for at His certain offerings to, God, in return hand. for benefits which were hoped for at His hand. NLT Gen.
Gen. 28:20-22 “Then Jacob made this vow: ‘If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing, and if I return safely to my father’s home, then the LORD will certainly be my God. And this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me.’
“ We can see in this passage that Jacob is trying to make a contractual agreement with God. If You do this then You will certainly be my God and I will give You a tenth of everything. We often do the same today - we try to play mind games with God, not realizing that God knows all things, even the games we are playing. Fulfilling of a vow was considered as a sacred and binding duty. A vow was as binding as an oath and therefore was to be kept to the letter and not to be made lightly. Genesis 30:2 “If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.”
A vow or resolution is a contract with God with Whom we are in covenant. If we can’t fulfill those vows that we make, then we ought not make them because if we do we are breaking our covenant relationship with our God Who wants nothing more than relationship with us. It should always be our heartfelt desire to give our very best to God but to be very cautious of making resolutions or vows to Him. For He will hold us to these vows. Deuteronomy. 23:21-23 For the LORD your God demands that you promptly fulfill all your vows, or you will be guilty of sin.
UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS However, it is not a sin to refrain from making a vow. But once you have voluntarily made a vow, be careful to fulfill your promise to the LORD your God. It is much better to talk with the Lord about our issues specifically, about areas in our lives that we want to work on, and need Holy Spirit to help us to overcome them.
It
is important to remember that our words, whether spoken to God or one another are not to be taken lightly. With the very words of His mouth our God spoke creation into existence. We must be cautious of the words that we speak because there are always ears that hear because God hears every word. Vows, whether good or bad, spoken in haste, are very often hard to fulfill and as scripture tells us it is better not to make a vow than to break it. We need to be cautious very of the words that we speak. Have a Joyous New Year. Blessings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
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NEW BEGINNINGS
by Mary Eisenacher
Our good future is fused with the experiences of the past. All that God has taught us bears fruit in the many new beginnings of our life. I have always loved seeing new things come to life . . . the seed that sprouts and turns into a plant with beautiful flowers, the conception that turns into a precious little newborn baby, and the life of a person that begins to turn into a calling from God.
My parents prayed for me as a baby in the cradle that God would use me. When I was growing up, my mother thought that my brother would be the preacher. She was right because He is a minister in the context of his life, and I am the ordained minister – consecrated as a prophet and apostle (my functions).
would turn into a spiritual educator myself through the work of the ministry. New beginnings for you could mean a new relationship, new job, or new commitment to Christ. That always comes with an untangling from the old.
There can be pain involved. It can It took many new beginnings to get come with sleepless nights, in me to where I am today. Believe me trepidation (fear, anxiety, when I say that I had no idea as a nervousness, apprehension) – if shy non-verbal child where I was you do not have the leading of the headed. I had no inkling that when I Holy Spirit, or got out of college, I would work for educators – and later on in life I – if you do not have the leading of the Holy Spirit, or if you are cooperating with the crushing 14
blows of others who do not understand what God is doing with you. Even if you have heard
correctly, you can second-guess/hold off/and miss the mark.
What is a beginning? Our God can be very specific. I know, because He has had me leave the comfortable past and forge into the future - only on His say so. Others shook their heads in unbelief. The consensus was that I had lost it. However – after a reasonable amount of time – those same people had to admit that I had been bold enough to make the change and reap the rewards. Hallelujah! What has God birthed in your spirit to do for Him? What will it cost you? How can it really come full term and be birthed in the natural? Those are questions for the Holy Spirit. All can be answered if you are diligent and patient in the wait. Pray!
It is early stages or a start. A new beginning is something in early development. It is like a painting that the artist is just starting – it does not look like much at first. There are initial stages and steps to be followed. Psalm 37:22-24 22 For those blessed by God will [at last] inherit the land, But those cursed by Him will be cut off. 23 The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path]. 24 When he falls, he will not be hurled down, Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand and sustains him.
You can expect Him to be with you. There is an opening up – The answers will come. If they do performing like a beautiful not, continue what your last order rosebud that finally opens up. was that you were sure of it being There is a launching – like a boat from God. God wants to leaving the dock. There is an communicate on some level with establishment of the new – it will you so that you will understand. transcend your original thoughts Just keep at it! Keep seeking Him! or dreams. Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
It is a creative process. Just as God spoke and there was light, your voice in the matter will begin to create the new.
NEW BEGINNINGS There comes a time of inauguration – a so-called appointment, swearing in, or ceremony where (as the visionary) you are formally recognized. With that comes activation, introductions, and instigations (promptings, encouragements, and provocations). Yes, the provocations come – those times of aggravations, hassles, vexations, and frustrations. It does not all come neat and clean. You become the one to push those negative things down that are not of God, and speak it the way you want to see it – just like Abraham! Romans 4:16-18´7 16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed— the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not. Are you scared yet? NO! You are not! Because . . . when God tells you to begin something
by Mary Eisenacher new, He will provide what you need and walk with you through the whole process. Yes, He will! When you are obedient, you know it will be worth it (based on your past experiences with God). I think of each new day and the sunrise. It is so exciting to see a beautiful sunrise. When I was pregnant with my son, I saw every sunrise. Even in the womb, he started moving around at 6:30 in the morning. I had lots of times of reflection while looking out the window and greeting the morning. Those were times of wonderment at who this child would be, what he would look like, and how God would use him. It was a time of great hope. God did not disappoint me with him. We did not have the privilege of seeing our children through sonograms, so we had to rely on our Holy imaginations – just as you will need to do regarding your dreams from God. When you begin to dream with God, He will not disappoint you. He has a plan, purpose, and destiny for you. Read Jeremiah 29:11 It is time to dream big for a new beginning somewhere in your life. Seek Him about any blueprints He has that you have not seen yet. 14
Ask for a Holy imagination for what He has for you. He will do it by bringing His plans out and exposing them to the light for you to see.
I went to see a prisoner who was dying. He was handcuffed to the bed and had an officer on each side of him. He cried when I asked him how I could pray for him.
However, I want to caution you to make a new commitment to Him He told me that he knew early in and a promise to follow His his life that God had asked him to leading in the process. be a minister. He said “No!” to God and never answered the call Then, you will not run ahead of on his life. He was very Him or lag behind. I remember a remorseful. I prayed with him and time when I was a volunteer never forgot the wasted life that chaplain in the local hospital. was about to end with a
criminal record – not that God did not forgive him that day, but that there could have been so much more that he could have done and how much happier his life could have been.
accomplished?
It is really not a hard thing to do. To get genuine with God and ask Him what His heart is for you . . . will be a bonus, with many rewards as you “answer the call.” Do not let your life go Trust me, He will not by without seeking the turn you away. His ear face of God or what is perked and waiting you have been created for you! to do. Each person is unique, and fine, and He longs to hear from needed. If you say you! Your voice will “No!” . . . what will not reach him in a be done? If you say moment’s notice. “Yes!” . . .what will be And, it does not
matter what you have done or where you have been. He will accept your repentance and hear your prayers. I want to leave you with one more thought: If God can give you a vision of something that you can do to meet someone else’s needs, would you be interested? Most of us want to help someone else! I do not believe you are
by CHAVONNE THOMAS
C
an you believe 2018 is here? I am sure in 2017 you experienced many highs and lows. There were times where you saw God show up in amazing ways, and then, there were times where you worked hard to keep your peace, your smile, and your faith. Despite all of the challenges of 2017, it is time to look forward to an amazing 2018. How will that happen? It will happen with intentional living.
Often we can find ourselves in a cycle of daily responsibilities. We can live our lives on cruise control experiencing a level of happiness and fulfillment. We do not realize it, but we begin to allow life to lead us rather than us making intentional decisions and plans to live the life that we desire. The dreams, goals, and desires that you have in your heart will only be realized when you choose to live intentionally.
What has God put in your heart to do that has only remained dormant? Has God called you to prayer? Has God called you to a greater level of study of his word? What instructions have God given you lately? When we live intentionally we live a more fulfilling life, and we will experience more victories. If we desire better or more for our lives, then we have to be intentional about how we live every day. Here are some steps we can take for intentional living in 2018:
1. Seek God in Prayer- I heard a preacher say that when we meet God in prayer, God begins to reveal to us concerning matters of our hearts. Therefore, when we get God’s insight we live at an advantage. Wow. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path.” In prayer, we are showing God that we trust Him, and we are relying on him to help us
navigate through life. You have to seek God for direction and there you will find growth, victory, and revelation. As we begin to dialog with God, we allow him to download information that within ourselves we have no knowledge of. Therefore, in 2018, run hard after God. When your passion matches your pursuit, you will see God’s power and glory manifested in your life.
INTENTIONAL LIVING 2. Study the Word of God-The Bible says in Palms 119:105, “His word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my pathway.” When we study God’s Word, we get wisdom and knowledge on how to accomplish our goals. We have the opportunity to discover the heart of God concerning his plans for our lives as his children. Psalms 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” As we put God first in our lives, he is going to show himself mighty and strong in our lives. It is not for us to give up or throw in the towel when it gets hard or the wait is too long. Instead, it is for us to trust His word until we see the manifestation of His promise for our lives.
BY CHAVONNE THOMAS
3. Plan and Organize- Intentionally living requires a plan. Do you have a mentor? Do you have an accountability partner? Have you purchased a planner or journal? God gives me a lot of ideas in a given day. I have to journal my ideas down, so that when God wants to reveal something, it does not come and go as merely a great idea. The Bible says to write the vision. Whatever God has shown you, it is time to follow through. Do not stop until you reach your destiny. I want to take this moment to encourage someone who has been working toward a dream. Don’t quit. Keep moving forward. What God has shown you, believe that in his perfect timing, God is going to bring it to pass. God is building, recreating, and stabilizing his people in this season.
Therefore, we have to be intentional about our time to study Let him finish what he started in you! Plan God’s Word. It is in study of God’s and organize the things that needs to be done to reach that goal, finish that word that we can decree and book, start that business, expand declare what His word says concerning our futures, our present that business, and so much more. circumstances, and the transition process from one point to another.
Allow God to be God in your life. In order for great results, it will take maximum effort. It is time out for underdevelopment, under-representation, and underachievement. Intentional living is taking your life back from stress, your job, and responsibilities that can cause you to be stuck in a cycle of a life you have not desired. It is not for anything to consume or control you, but it is for you, with the help of God, to shape your life into the way it was intended before the foundations of the world. Will you believe for greater? Will you live as God has intended for you to live? Will you accomplish the dreams and goals that God has placed upon your heart? Do you know your value? Will you plan for a better tomorrow? LIVE INTENTIONALLY! Start today for a 2018 that will shock you and everyone around you!
by Monique Ray
My life hasn’t always been easy, and I can’t say that it was because of other people. At some point in our life we must take ownership for our own actions and realize that it’s just us.
I’ve made some wrong choices trying to live a life I wasn’t created for, but I thank God for being a God of second chances.
renewed it was then I begin to receive my New Beginning. I was able to start living the life God had created for me.
I had to renew my mind in When I was living in Christ which is what the darkness of my own self I word of God encourages us couldn’t see God’s truth. to do. Once when my mind was
Darkness keeps us blind to the way of God intended for us to live. once we surrender to the Will of God we can embrace our purpose in its entirety.
When I begin to let go of the things and people that God didn’t ordain for my life, it enabled me to have a new beginning.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new God created us for his creature: old things are purpose and to truly passed away; behold, all understand that things are become new.’ purpose it requires a When we become new relationship with God. in Christ it empowers
Letting them know who God is and who she is in God. Ensuring her no matter what she’s going through that if she turns it over to God, and find her secret place and say yes to God Will and His Way. 14
Then and only then God can restore her and turn every situation around. We as women suffer in silence and we’re afraid to get help. We diminish ourselves by thinking we deserve the hurt and pain we go through.
us to handle our Godly earthly assignments; which we were created for. One of my Godly assignment is to be a source of help woman that is assigned to me.
But I’m here to let you know that you don’t have to live in pain. You don’t have to suffer in silence. There is an out and the way is through Jesus Christ. God can fix every situation, but it requires you giving it to him.
BY MONIQUE RAY
NEW BEGINNINGS
I look at my life and realize that everything that ever happened to me had purpose. I’m glad that I finally came into alignment with the Will of God concerning me.
joy. It’s brings me joy, because For the first time, I’m excited about that’s what I was created for. I was my future. I serve a God who loves created to help others and to me so much that he didn’t let me encourage them. stay in darkness, but who pursue me. He never gave up on me, “Wherefore comfort yourselves because he knew exactly when I together, and edify one another, even would come to him. God knew the as also ye do.” meticulous moment I would turn my life around and accept the I’m embracing my New Beginning plans he has for me. and the path that God created me for. I’m walking into my Destiney Often, times I hear people say that knowing that God hand is on my this Christian walk is hard, but I life. Because I finally know My totally disagree with that Value and the God I serve. statement. I think what makes a person relationship with God “I can do all things through Christ seems hard to them; is they have which strengtheneth me.” not surrender totally to his Will concerning them. I encourage you to align yourself with the Will of God concerning When we as people surrender to you. Embrace your New Beginning the Will of God, not our will, but that God has for you. Know that His will; life become so much You were “fearfully and wonderfully easier. It’s only hard when we still made” and created in the image of want God to accept the things and God. people we’re not willing to let go of. God loves you and he have so much more for you. Embrace you New The mere fact that my life stories is Beginning and Soar in the Will of helping someone brings me great God. 14
And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
THE NEW BEGINNING BY JOY JALLAH
It is a new season and time for new ventures, adventures and moving into a fresh new start in life. It can be scary at times when going through transition. Moving from one place in life to another place in life. However there is no need to be scared, rather, become more courageous, fearless and adventurous in life Just move forward into the new beginning. It will bring growth and better changes. When you trust the small beginnings and become faithful in the small things in life you will receive more and it will be a blessing in your life.
The new beginning is a place to develop a place of trust. A place of expectations. A place to explore new beginnings. To become better in learning and growing in life. New beginnings always produce changes and bring greatness from all odds. The new beginning is always a place to completely get closer to God. Where ever you find yourself in life, make the best out of it. Also let your light shine. Be example for others when the new beginning become a reality in your life.
Always a fresh start in life is Life is full of ups and downs. Be needed. It is a place of self ready for the unexpected in life. discovery. A place of knowing God And remember that the bible says, is working things in your favor. A ''all things are working together place of holding onto the for good for those who love God promises of God. and are called according to his purpose.''
A place of believing and trusting in the new beginning. New things will spring fourth through your life. See God work wonders in the new season. New beginning spring fourth miracles and opportunities. Just your effort to go forward in life and to live the new life makes a big difference. All things are possible to them who believe. God mercy are new everyday. Trusting in the promises of God for your life. New beginnings is a time of being focus in life. It is time to follow the leading of the spirit of God. New beginnings always bring instructions to follow, and guidance to live by.
God will order his beloved steps. The hope of glory is living and active in the 14
lives of his beloved. God is always side by side with us. God is near.
Only believe and you will see the glory of God. It is so brilliance to begin a fresh start in life.
NEW BEGINNINGS by Shondel Jackson
Letting go of the past is not always easy. It is one of the most difficult tasks for some of us.
Somehow we feel more comfortable holding on to what was, rather than embracing change. We feel more comfortable to hold onto a situation or circumstance that may be ninety percent unhealthy for us, rather than trust God to embrace a new beginning. Many of us use excuses such as, “I know what I have now, but I am not sure what I would be getting”, in order to justify staying in an unhealthy situation. In Philippians 3:13 , Paul says, “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” Change is not the most comfortable thing, but there are
times we will be required to let go of the past, in order to embrace the new beginning that God has for us. Many times forgetting what lies behind may mean forgiving others of the wrong they have done to us, and moving forward. It may sometimes seem easier to hold onto the hurts, and the pain than to let go of the wrongs that were done to us and forgive. Forgiveness is not the easiest task to complete, but it is more beneficial to forgive than to hold onto malice, and bitterness in our hearts. Embracing the new beginning God has for us would mean we have to sometimes forgive others and make a decision to leave past hurts, pain, rejection, disappointments and bitterness behind.
The Bible is filled with examples of men and women that had to make a decision to leave the past behind, and embrace the new beginning that God had in store for them.
One great example of new beginnings is seen in the life of Joseph as depicted in the book of Genesis. Joseph was the second youngest of twelve brothers born to Jacob who was also called Israel. In Genesis 37:3–4 (NIV) it says, “Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.” Joseph was the love of his father’s life. This caused his brothers to envy him and hate him. Further in this same biblical account, we see that the Lord gave Joseph a dream about his brothers bowing down to him. Joseph told his brothers the dream and this angered them even more. The anger coupled with the jealousy, lead them to plot Joseph’s demise, and they eventually threw him into a pit and sold him into slavery.
If anyone had reasons to be bitter was Joseph. All Joseph had was a dream, which he innocently shared with his brothers. Because of this, he was envied and sold into slavery by his brothers. And to make matters worse, even when he thought that things could not have gotten worse, and he had gained favor with Pothier, his master and placed as head of the master’s household, he was accused of attempted rape by the master’s wife. Joseph had every reason to be bitter. However, had he held onto bitterness, he would not have been able to embrace the new beginning that God had in store for him. We see in the end results of the story that Joseph was eventually made second in command of Egypt and it was all part of God’s strategic plan. His brothers eventually did bow down to him as was seen in the dream.
It
doesn’t matter what direction your life may have turned, once you hold onto your God given dream, God will eventually bring it to pass. It may seem as if you are being steered away in a different direction from your dream. What you are going through may not even make sense, but know that God will use every hurt, every scar, and every wound to advance you into your purpose.
something, and you have been disappointed so many times, that you do not even want to try anymore. The hurt and pain of that situation is so deep that you are at the point of giving up. Nevertheless, we have to let go of the past in order to embrace the new beginning.
Have you ever found yourself in a place where you see no way of getting out? I have found myself Like Joseph, you may have gone there a few times. A place where through severe abuse by the hands my heart ached so much that I of someone you have trusted. You wondered where was God. may have suffered severe disappointment after having Yet after a while, when you look several doors close that you were back at your life, you want to know so sure you would have been able how did I make it through that to walk through. You relive time? It was the God of new the pain and the hurts daily, and beginnings that brought you every time you think about it, through. The problem is, the devil forgiveness sounds like the will always try to magnify task that is impossible to achieve. everything we are go through and the truth is, our problems are really It may even be that you have tried small in the eyes of God. so may times to achieve
We should never limit God to one opportunity, one door, one relationship, one job interview or one-exam results. God always has another job, another door, another relationship or another opportunity. He is a God of endless possibilities, a God of new beginnings. He is the author of your story and it will be a successful story. God always has a back-up plan. The enemy is just too stupid to know this. If the enemy had known that Jesus would have been raised from the dead three days after He died, he would have never planned His death. Like Joseph, God is requiring us to let go of some things that may be holding us from moving forward. It may be past hurts, wounds and disappointments. It may be some people that the Lord is asking you to let go of, or it may be a certain environment that you are constantly dwelling in that is not bringing glory to the Lord. Whatever it may be, only you know what the Holy Spirit is asking you to give up. If you yield to the Holy Spirit and let go of what the Lord wants you to let go of, He will give you a new beginning. Let go of every hurt, every rejection and disappointment and allow God to usher you into the new beginning that He has in store for you. That’s His specialty; He is the God of new beginnings. God bless you all.