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SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING TRIPS FOR 2004
Coming along on one of our upcoming events Heavenly Tours will be sponsoring in 2004 as we go back to some
of the old favorites & some new hot spots. We will sponsor several recreational Christian activities for you to
enjoy & fellowship with other saints throughout the year. Trips will be leaving from the Washington, Metropolitan
area. *Cost for all trips include: transportation, event, meal, prize drawings, gift bags & most important, fellow-
ship. Contact us for more information at 301/602-7536 or visit our website at www.heavenlytours.us. *Cost for
some trips will be determined by November 2004.
P.O. Box 6177, Largo, MD 20792- 6177 Phon e: 301/ 602- 7536 Fax: 301/ 341-1338 WWW.HEAVENLYTOURS.US
March 14, 2004 May & September 2004
Sight & Sound-”Behold The Lamb” Fishing on the Sandra Marie - $90
Lancaster, PA Wynne, MD
July 21 - 31, 2004Christians Cruisin’ With Jesus to Hawaii - $2700
10-day cruise around the Hawaii Islands
$300 Deposit Due: October 31, 2003
$375 Deposit Due: December 1, 2003
August 2004
New York Shopping Trip
New York City, NY
October 9, 2004
Sight & Sound-”Noah-The Musical”
Lancaster, PA
December 4, 2004
Christmas Shopping at
Rehoboth Beach Outlets- Fax Free
Rehoboth Beach, DE
Christian Entrepreneur Exp2004
Marriott Wardam Park Hotel
Washington, DC
August 2004
Free to General PublicExhibitors Fee: $200 Due B
December 15, 2003
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Table of Contents
TESTIMONIALSTESTIMONIALSTESTIMONIALSTESTIMONIALSTESTIMONIALS55555 MIRAMIRAMIRAMIRAMIRACLES CAN COMECLES CAN COMECLES CAN COMECLES CAN COMECLES CAN COME
IN BEAIN BEAIN BEAIN BEAIN BEAUTIFUL PUTIFUL PUTIFUL PUTIFUL PUTIFUL PAAAAACKACKACKACKACKAGESGESGESGESGESDad lived with his uncle and worked
for him on the far ea stern border o f
Russ ia in the city of Vladivostock.
His uncle owned a p recious stones
and meta ls factory where they
fashioned jewels and a rticles of gold
and s ilver. .. .
bbbbby Ty Ty Ty Ty Ta na na na na nyyyyya Specta Specta Specta Specta Spectorororororooooovvvvv
77777 MELISSA SPEIGHT’SMELISSA SPEIGHT’SMELISSA SPEIGHT’SMELISSA SPEIGHT’SMELISSA SPEIGHT’S
TESTIMONYTESTIMONYTESTIMONYTESTIMONYTESTIMONY
One woman ’s deliveran ce f romprostitution, a lcohol, drugs and
depression. .. .
by Meliss a Speightby Meliss a Speightby Meliss a Speightby Meliss a Speightby Meliss a Speight
FEAFEAFEAFEAFEATURESTURESTURESTURESTURES
88888 GOD’S DIVINE PURGOD’S DIVINE PURGOD’S DIVINE PURGOD’S DIVINE PURGOD’S DIVINE PUR-----
POSE FOR OUR LIVESPOSE FOR OUR LIVESPOSE FOR OUR LIVESPOSE FOR OUR LIVESPOSE FOR OUR LIVESGod’s Divine Purpose For Our Lives is
critical because without it you are
slowly progress ing to an inescapable
death....
by Rickey E. Macklinby Rickey E. Macklinby Rickey E. Macklinby Rickey E. Macklinby Rickey E. Macklin
99999 PRAPRAPRAPRAPRAY FY FY FY FY FOR YOR YOR YOR YOR YOUR FI-OUR FI-OUR FI-OUR FI-OUR FI-
NANCESNANCESNANCESNANCESNANCESMoney matters concern us even as
Christians, yet we seldom spend the
amount of time necessary to pray
and meditate about our finan cial
concerns....
by Mary Grate- Pyosby Mary Grate- Pyosby Mary Grate- Pyosby Mary Grate- Pyosby Mary Grate- Pyos
1414141414 ARE YARE YARE YARE YARE YOU BLESSED?OU BLESSED?OU BLESSED?OU BLESSED?OU BLESSED?My question to you wou ld be, if you
are blessed, wha t did you do to
obta in favor from the Lord an d
finally, wha t have you don e to sh ow
the Lord how much you a ppreciate
His blessings? ...
bbbbby Deacon Curtis Oy Deacon Curtis Oy Deacon Curtis Oy Deacon Curtis Oy Deacon Curtis O. Gill. Gill. Gill. Gill. Gill
2525252525 FRFRFRFRFROM BECOMINGOM BECOMINGOM BECOMINGOM BECOMINGOM BECOMING
INT INT INT INT INT O O O O O BEINGBEINGBEINGBEINGBEINGAt some point in a ll of our lives,
whether sa ved or unsa ved, we all
come to a place where we are
POETRY CORNERPOETRY CORNERPOETRY CORNERPOETRY CORNERPOETRY CORNER2020202020 “““““A CHRISTIAN VISION”A CHRISTIAN VISION”A CHRISTIAN VISION”A CHRISTIAN VISION”A CHRISTIAN VISION”
by Joe Floydby Joe Floydby Joe Floydby Joe Floydby Joe Floyd
2020202020 “THE PEA“THE PEA“THE PEA“THE PEA“THE PEACE OF GOD”CE OF GOD”CE OF GOD”CE OF GOD”CE OF GOD”
bbbbby L.C. Ty L.C. Ty L.C. Ty L.C. Ty L.C. Ta ra ra ra ra rd ydyd ydyd y
1818181818 “DON’T QUIT”“DON’T QUIT”“DON’T QUIT”“DON’T QUIT”“DON’T QUIT”
by Unknown Auth orby Unknown Auth orby Unknown Auth orby Unknown Auth orby Unknown Auth or
seeking out our purpose...
by Nikki Jonesby Nikki Jonesby Nikki Jonesby Nikki Jonesby Nikki Jones
2828282828 VISION- SIGHT OF THEVISION- SIGHT OF THEVISION- SIGHT OF THEVISION- SIGHT OF THEVISION-SIGHT OF THE
HEARHEARHEARHEARHEARTTTTTVision is the s ource a nd h ope of life.
The greatest gift ever given to mankind
is not the gift of sight, but the gift of
visionvisionvisionvisionvision.. .
bbbbby Dry Dry Dry Dry Dr. Myles Mun r. Myles Munr. Myles Mun r. Myles Munr. Myles Munro eoeo eoeo e
2929292929 UNVEILING YUNVEILING YUNVEILING YUNVEILING YUNVEILING YOUR DES-OUR DES-OUR DES-OUR DES-OUR DES-
TINYTINYTINYTINYTINYWhat is your vision? What ha ve you
always wanted to do? What is yourheart’s desire? Wha t is your dream?
When you can begin to see your vision
clearly, you will be able to fulfill your
life’s p urpose.. .
bbbbby Dry Dry Dry Dry Dr. Myles Mun r. Myles Munr. Myles Mun r. Myles Munr. Myles Munro eoeo eoeo e
3333300000 THE JOTHE JOTHE JOTHE JOTHE JOYS OF FYS OF FYS OF FYS OF FYS OF FAAAAATHERTHERTHERTHERTHER-----
HOODHOODHOODHOODHOOD
Fatherhood, then, is an awesome role,
responsibility, and duty in the overall
plan of God for mankind...bbbbby Ky Ky Ky Ky Keeeeevin Wvin Wvin Wvin Wvin Waaaaayne Johns onyne Johns onyne Johns onyne Johns onyne Johns on
3636363636 IN THE GARDENIN THE GARDENIN THE GARDENIN THE GARDENIN THE GARDENSurrounded by fragrant flowers, ancient
olive trees, and lush green grass , I was
pondering on the anguish tha t Jesus
Christ su rely felt in this sa me p lace twotwotwotwotwo
thousand years agothousand years agothousand years agothousand years agothousand years a go.. .
by Linda Ryze ngaby Linda Ryze ngaby Linda Ryze ngaby Linda Ryze ngaby Linda Ryze nga
4040404040 TTTTTAKE UP YAKE UP YAKE UP YAKE UP YAKE UP YOUR CROUR CROUR CROUR CROUR CROSSOSSOSSOSSOSS
AND FAND FAND FAND FAND FOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOOOOOW HIMW HIMW HIMW HIMW HIMThe cross is symbolic of our trials
and tribulations...
bbbbby L.C. Ty L.C. Ty L.C. Ty L.C. Ty L.C. Ta ra ra ra ra rdyd ydyd ydy
1616161616 CAN YCAN YCAN YCAN YCAN YOU HANDLE THEOU HANDLE THEOU HANDLE THEOU HANDLE THEOU HANDLE THE
TRTRTRTRTRUTHUTHUTHUTHUTHO, the tongue, the tongue, the tongue.
So much we s ay and sh ouldn’t. So much
we should say and don’t...
bbbbby Py Py Py Py Pa s ta s ta s ta s ta s tor Sherith a Boor Sherith a Boor Sherith a Boor Sherith a Boor Sherith a Bowmanwmanwmanwmanwman
COLUMN/SERIESCOLUMN/SERIESCOLUMN/SERIESCOLUMN/SERIESCOLUMN/SERIES
Upcoming Events...(insideUpcoming Events...(insideUpcoming Events...(insideUpcoming Events...(insideUpcoming Events...(inside
cover)cover)cover)cover)cover)
5454545454 SUBSCRIPTION ORDER...SUBSCRIPTION ORDER...SUBSCRIPTION ORDER...SUBSCRIPTION ORDER...SUBSCRIPTION ORDER...
BIBLE STORBIBLE STORBIBLE STORBIBLE STORBIBLE STORY OFY OFY OFY OFY OF
THE MONTHTHE MONTHTHE MONTHTHE MONTHTHE MONTH32 “32 “32 “32 “32 “A BRIDE IS CHOSEN”A BRIDE IS CHOSEN”A BRIDE IS CHOSEN”A BRIDE IS CHOSEN”A BRIDE IS CHOSEN”A Dawn Associates PublicationA Dawn Associates PublicationA Dawn Associates PublicationA Dawn Associates PublicationA Dawn Associates Publication
CoCoCoCoCovvvvver Ster Ster Ster Ster Story: The Principles & Pory: The Principles & Pory: The Principles & Pory: The Principles & Pory: The Principles & Pooooowwwwwer oer oer oer oer of Visionf Visionf Visionf Visionf VisionDr. Myles Munroe, a multi-gifted Leader/ Visionary, Motivationa l
spea ker/ Educator/ Lecturer/ best selling Author and business10
VISIONARVISIONARVISIONARVISIONARVISIONARYYYYY
LEADERS 2004LEADERS 2004LEADERS 2004LEADERS 2004LEADERS 2004
4242424242 Apostle Betty PApostle Betty PApostle Betty PApostle Betty PApostle Betty P. P. P. P. P. Peebleseebleseebleseebleseebles,,,,,
DrDrDrDrDr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munroeoeoeoeoe, Jo, Jo, Jo, Jo, Joyyyyycecececece
MeMeMeMeMeyyyyyererererer, P, P, P, P, Pa s ta s ta s ta s ta s tor Haror Haror Haror Haror Harold E.old E.old E.old E.old E.
TTTTTrrrrrammel, Bishop C.L. Lammel, Bishop C.L. Lammel, Bishop C.L. Lammel, Bishop C.L. Lammel, Bishop C.L. Long,ong,ong,ong,ong,
PPPPPa s ta s ta s ta s ta s tor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Bowman,wman,wman,wman,wman,
Apostle Shirley HollowayApostle Shirley HollowayApostle Shirley HollowayApostle Shirley HollowayApostle Shirley Holloway
Johnson, & Apostle NikeJohnson, & Apostle NikeJohnson, & Apostle NikeJohnson, & Apostle NikeJohnson, & Apostle Nike
DaramyDaramyDaramyDaramyDaramy
consultan t was ca lled by God to teach the sons of God tha t their natura l born
position is to be leaders...bbbbby L.C. Ty L.C. Ty L.C. Ty L.C. Ty L.C. Tara ra ra ra rdydydydydy
1717171717 THE EFFECTS OF FEAR:THE EFFECTS OF FEAR:THE EFFECTS OF FEAR:THE EFFECTS OF FEAR:THE EFFECTS OF FEAR:
THE SHOTHE SHOTHE SHOTHE SHOTHE SHOWDOWDOWDOWDOWDOWNWNWNWNWN----- PPPPPart Thrart Thrart Thrart Thrart Threeeeeeeeee
As you travel through this journey to
overcome the fear tha t has been holding
you hosta ge, you begin to realize that
the road is rather rough. When we first
started , you were energized and felt a
sense of power. Now, as you come
closer to the actua l showdown you a rebeginning to feel the added press ure....
by Athena Thomasby Athena Thomasby Athena Thomasby Athena Thomasby Athena Thomas
1818181818 FOCUSFOCUSFOCUSFOCUSFOCUSWe must be focused on God and be a bout
our Father’s bus iness...
by Chica go G. Longby Chica go G. Lon gby Chica go G. Longby Chica go G. Lon gby Chica go G. Lon g
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DecDecDecDecDec. 200. 200. 200. 200. 2003/ F3/ F3/ F3/ F3/ Febebebebeb. 2004. 2004. 2004. 2004. 20044Copyright 2003-2004 Visions Christian Magaz ine, In
L.C. TL.C. TL.C. TL.C. TL.C. Tara ra ra ra rdy Publisherdy Publisherdy Publisherdy Publisherdy PublishersssssPresident/ CEOPresident/ CEOPresident/ CEOPresident/ CEOPresident/ CEO
Execut ive EditorsExecutive EditorsExecut ive EditorsExecutive EditorsExecutive Editors
Penelope WhitePenelope WhitePenelope WhitePenelope WhitePenelope White
ColumnistColumnistColumnistColumnistColumnist
PPPPPastastastastastor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Bowmanwmanwmanwmanwman
Chica go G. LongChicago G. LongChica go G. LongChicago G. LongChicago G. Long
Athena ThomasAthena ThomasAthena ThomasAthena ThomasAthena Thomas
Writers/ Regular ContributorsWriters/ Regular ContributorsWriters/ Regular ContributorsWriters/ Regular ContributorsWriters/ Regular Contributors
Joe FloydJoe FloydJoe FloydJoe FloydJoe Floyd
Deacon Curtis ODeacon Curtis ODeacon Curtis ODeacon Curtis ODeacon Curtis O. Gill. Gill. Gill. Gill. Gill
Mary Grate- PyosMary Grate- PyosMary Grate- PyosMary Grate- PyosMary Grate- Pyos
Nikki JonesNikki JonesNikki JonesNikki JonesNikki Jones
KKKKKeeeeevin Wvin Wvin Wvin Wvin Waaaaayne Johns onyne Johns onyne Johns onyne Johns onyne Johns on
Rickey E. MacklinRickey E. MacklinRickey E. MacklinRickey E. MacklinRickey E. Macklin
DrDrDrDrDr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles MunroeoeoeoeoeLinda Ryze ngaLinda RyzengaLinda Ryze ngaLinda RyzengaLinda Ryzenga
TTTTTa na na na na nyyyyya Specta Specta Specta Specta Spectorororororooooovvvvv
Melissa SpeightMelissa SpeightMelissa SpeightMelissa SpeightMelissa Speight
Graph ic DesignersGraphic DesignersGraph ic DesignersGraphic DesignersGraph ic Designers
Cody BeasleyCody Beas leyCody BeasleyCody Beas leyCody Beasley
Fred BookerFred BookerFred BookerFred BookerFred Booker
Chauntika BrogginChauntika BrogginChauntika BrogginChauntika BrogginChauntika Broggin
Joa nn e NicollsJoa nn e NicollsJoa nn e NicollsJoa nn e NicollsJoa nn e Nicolls
(Dr(Dr(Dr(Dr(Dr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munroe Aoe Aoe Aoe Aoe Ad design)d design)d design)d design)d design)
ErErErErEresa Tesa Tesa Tesa Tesa Ta ra ra ra ra rdydydydydy
PhotographerPhotographerPhotographerPhotographerPhotographer
Kevin LucasKevin LucasKevin LucasKevin LucasKevin Lucas
Print Coordina torPrint Coordina torPrint Coordina torPrint Coordina torPrint Coordinator
TTTTTCG Printing/ WCG Printing/ WCG Printing/ WCG Printing/ WCG Printing/ Washingtashingtashingtashingtashington Timeson Timeson Timeson Timeson Times
Layout/ ProductionLayout/ ProductionLayout/ ProductionLayout/ ProductionLayout/ Production
Cha unt ika BrogginCha un tika BrogginCha unt ika BrogginCha un tika BrogginCha unt ika Broggin
Bible references are from the KJV and NIVBible references are from the KJV and NIVBible references are from the KJV and NIVBible references are from the KJV and NIVBible references are from the KJV and NIV
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Visions Christian Magazine
Revelations 2:1-5Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus
write: These things saith he thatholdeth the seven stars in his right
hand, who walketh in the midst of theseven golden candlesticks;
I know thy works, and thy labour, and
thy patience, and how thou canst notbear them which are evil: and thou hasttried them which say they are apostles,and are not, and hast found them liars:
And hast borne, and hast patience, andfor my name’s sake hast laboured, and
hast not fainted.
Nevertheless I have somewhat againstthee, because thou hast left thy first
love.
Remember therefore from whence thouart fallen, and repent, and do the firstworks; or else I will come unto thee
quickly, and will remove thy candlestickout of his place, except thou repent.
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Miracles Can Come in Beautiful Packages
I grew up in Siberia, but that’s not actually where my family started out. Dad lived with his uncle and worked
for him on the far eastern border of Russia in the city of Vladivostock. His uncle owned a precious stones and
metals factory where they fashioned jewels and articles of gold and silver. In fact, my Jewish family has a
history of working in this trade for the emperors of Russia, until the 1917 revolution, when the last emperor was
assassinated and the Bolsheviks took over.
When my father, whose name was Ascolt, was 15, the Communists came to their home and killed his uncle and
every single member of his family except my dad; the neighbors had warned him not to go home that day. His
uncle’s business was nationalized by the Communist bosses.
Ascolt found out that the authorities were aware he had survived and were looking for him. When they did
catch him, instead of killing him, they sent him to a place called Yakutsk, a town in a vast, wild plain far north of
China, on latitude with Alaska. And there he lived some years in wretched poverty. The cold and misery were
beyond description. There was no running water then, no cars or other means of transportation. The only
contact with the outside world would be when planes could land in the warmer months.
The fact was that there were a lot of rich Jews living there - or more accurately, formerly rich Jews. They now
had nothing. Or almost nothing. Incredibly, there were still people who wanted jewelry made or repaired, so Dad
would go to work at 4:00 a.m., doing the only thing he knew how to do - create jewelry and repair watches.
BORN ON A FROZEN PLAINI was born in 1953, the youngest of three daughters. It was the same year that Stalin
died. Restrictions eased andit became possible to travel (withpermission, of course) from place to place. Yakutsk was a relatively
free area simply because it was so desolate and bleak - a place the
police just didn’t bother people much.
My parents left Yakutsk for a little town near Irkutsk, Siberia when I
was five - a far more progressive area, and there were many Jews
living there. The Siberian climate there was much better than
Yakutsk’s and the Jews prospered among the large number of
universities and cultural institutions.
I was a sickly child, diagnosed with a heart disorder and was in andout of hospitals and children’s recuperation centers. I remember
praying as a child, “God, if you know I exist, please let me be well.”
My father continued to create jewelry in Siberia. However, the KGB
questioned him several times about his clients until he finally vowed
he would never work in precious stones and metals again. Knowing
that working in such luxury items could be very dangerous for the
Jewish community, he, from then on, kept his regular business strictly to repairing watches.
Tanya Specktorov
Test imonials
Tanya Specktorov
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However, my father was known as a very straight and honest man, and people who had jewels hidden from the
Communists would need their expensive things fixed from time to time. They entrusted their jewels to my father
who, behind closed doors, continued to repair and create specialorder pieces for his clients. Whenever I was
able, I would go to my father’s shop and help him repair watches and even build them from scratch.
Slowly my health improved and I began to feel better. My mother was the director of all the beauty salons near
Irkutsk (remember, that’s the way they did it under Communism.) After graduating from high school, I went to
work in one of those salons, but my passion was my classical piano, which I studied for 15 years.
My father was, by now, retired with a very low pension. He learned that if he would return to Yakutzk where
they paid four times as much and work there for another three years, his pension would be much higher. So my
mother and father left for Yakutsk, and I found myself left alone at 19. At times, I would talk to God. When I
heard about Yeshua for the first time, I didn’t cast him away. Once, I came across a book about Yeshua who
lived in the land of Israel. There was nothing in me that was against Him.
My parents returned from Yakutsk after three years; my father was very sick - obviously from the ruthless
temperatures and brutal conditions. He came back only to spend a year in
the hospital and then died.
I MARRY A HYPNOTISTI fell in love with someone by whom I had a child - my daughter, Nikol. However, the two of us soon parted
ways. I then met another man, Vadim, twenty-four years older than I, who asked me to marry him. He was
good to me and loved my daughter. Vadim
was a hypnotist and although it was illegal for
him to do so, he found plenty of people who
were ready to have him hypnotize them in the
hope of receiving healing. We traveled from
city to city applying his techniques, and I
learned his expertise and worked alongside
him for six years. However, I began to have
serious attacks from some kind of nerve
disease
where my body would become frozen - the
muscles of my entire body constricted with
panic attacks. For four years I was afraid to
be left alone for a moment.
Even before I was aware of the truths of the
Bible, I felt there was some spiritual cause
and effect, and that this man was increasingly
in control of my every move. I found I was afraid to even leave his presence for a moment, and he made itclear he wanted me with him at all times. I was sick and felt myself a virtual prisoner. Somehow, I gained
enough courage to
find a psychiatrist who told me to change locations, change husbands, change everything.
I went to the authorities to seek permission to leave for Lithuania (in those days, one could not travel from city
to city without permission from the Soviet authorities.) Then one day when my husband was out, I grabbed
Nikol and ran for my life. At 29, I started life over again in Lithuania. I was able to secure an office job as a
secretary in a large television factory, because even though Lithuanians have their own language, all official
documents had to be in Russian.
Test imonials
Tanya Specktorov making jewelry
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A NEW LIFE IN ISRAELEleven long years I worked in Lithuania and then in
1994 Nikol and I were able to immigrate to Israel. I
think that the Lithuanian authorities thought that I was
going to Israel to die. I was 5’7" and 90 pounds. I had
no appetite and struggled to live through the day. A
Lithuanian doctor had just looked at me and said, “You
have thyroid cancer.” That was his diagnosis with no
examination whatsoever.
I said to myself, “I don’t have cancer!” I would talk to
God, and I felt I would find help in Israel. Actually, my
dream had been to come to Israel since I was 15
years old.
I read books about Israel and longed to come back to
my ancestral home. And now, we were here! I
quickly landed a job in a Tel Aviv jewelry factory
where I worked for six and a half years, producing
beautiful jewelry.
But as the economic situation in Israel plunged, I was
laid off of my job and unable to find work. I was at
the end of myself, with no hope and no future. My
appetite disappeared completely and I continued to go
downhill until I weighed 85 pounds. I was in deep
depression and had lost the desire to live. The Israeli
doctors tried to regulate my thyroid, but nothing
seemed to help. At one point I actually felt I saw myspirit floating outside my body.
AND THEN CAMETHE GOOD LIFE
My sister, Galina, who had come to Israel before me,
invited me to her Messianic congregation, Tiferet
Yeshua (the Glory of Yeshua), that she had been
attending for five years. She had spoken to me many
times about the congregation and had been praying for
me those five years, but I was afraid to be in a crowd.
However, she kept telling me that Yeshua was the
answer to my problems, and that I could be healed
through Him. When I finally walked into the
congregation, I was in much pain with the nerve
disorder and muscle constriction, and literally crept
into the meeting room stiff legged, like a robot.
But when I heard the singing and worship that day, I
knew instantly I had come home. I immediately fell in
love with my living God, and I adore worshiping my
King! I am now a new person. I am slowly gaining
weight (now 104), and have no sign of any nerve
disorder and have more energy than I have had in
Melissa Spei ght’s
Testimony
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many years. My face no longer looks like a face of
death. God has brought me to the land of Israel and
here I have found. Him!
I can hardly fathom that I have received help from
istandwithisrael.com to start my own business and have
been given the opportunity to once again create
beautiful jewelry. And to know that with every piece I
create, I am helping to fund the future coffee houseministry for our congregation! God has given me more
than I could ask or think!
My name is Melissa Speight I am 37 years old, I
have two teenage girls who are 14 & 17 years oldValencia & Tameka. When I came to the House of Help program I had low self-esteem, no relationshipwith my children, didn’t trust people, and didn’t knowhow to cope with everyday situations.
I thank GOD for the House of Help City of Hopeprogram and the Holy Ministries Church of Christ; Ithank GOD for Pastor Shirley Johnson and FirstBrian Johnson for allowing GOD to use them as atool for getting me on the right path.
I thank GOD for delivering me from prostitution,alcohol, drugs and depression. Now I have a betterrelationship with my children, GOD has found favorfor me to be the leading usher. I have an apartmentat the City of Hope (Graceview Apartments) I alsowent to a school for food service and receive myfood-handling license.
The House of Help, City of Hope has provided assistance to
over five thousand individuals since it started in 1997. We have
assisted single men and women, single parents and children who
need help to make their lives whole. As well as meeting the
needs for such necessities of food, clothing shelter, and medicalcare. We also provide Bible study, internal guidance, career
counseling, narcotics anonymous meetings, parenting classes and
life skills to allow residents to return to society as whole
productive citizens. This a faith based ministry that look
forward to the donations of the people in order to continue the
work of the Lord. If you are interested in becoming apart of the
House of Help, City of Hope Ministries, please call us at (202)610-3116, Ask for Ms. Rachel Brown.
Please send your donations to: The House of Help, City of
Hope 2310-2322 16th Street S.E. Washington, D.C.
20020
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od’s Divine Purpose For Our
Lives is critical because without
it you are slowly progressing to
an inescapable death. Wow!
How can I start an article with such a
harsh prediction? Because I’ve learnedthat the discovering of your purpose is what
gives you passion to live. It is the appre-
hension of it that becomes the fuel in your tank – your
drive – your passion – your ambition – and your reason
for living.
David’s purpose was sealed long before he slew
Goliath. Read Psalms 139 verses 14–18. Jeremiah’s
was sealed before he entered his mother’s womb.
Read Jeremiah 1:4-8. And just in case you’re wonder-
ing, yours is sealed, too! In John 15 verse 16 Jesusconfirms this calling by stating “Ye have not chosen me,
but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should
go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should
remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in
my name, he may give it you. Please note that your
calling is not your decision but it can be your discovery.
Paul said, “Not as though I had already attained,
either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that
I may apprehend that for which also I am appre-
hended of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12) My God!I know I haven’t arrived at my final destination, but I’m
headed in the right direction. My desire is to appre-
hend. I’ve got to catch up with Christ. I must detain
Him for a moment. I need to take Him into question
because there are some things I need to know. Why
am I here? What is it that you want me to do? Where
do you want me to go? How long do you want me to
be there? Only God Himself can answer these types
of question. Essentially, knowing the answers becomes
the key to fulfillment.
It is a fact that if you were to ask five people, Chris-
tians and non-Christians alike, what their God-given
purposes were, at least four would say I don’t know.
What a tragedy it would be to live your whole life doing
what you desired to do and not what God wanted you
to do. Child of God, you must understand
that you do not even become a real threat to
the devil until you are walking in this calling.
It is this calling that He has anointed and
appointed you to. It is this calling that He
equipped you from glory to handle. It is thiscalling that makes the devil tremble and
demons fall to their knees. How do I know
this? Because the plans and purposes of God cannot
be subverted. God’s will can’t be changed by mortal
men or any other created thing. God never purposes a
thing that doesn’t come to be. In the book of Genesis,
God’s purpose was to fellowship with mankind and to
shower him with love, affection and attention. His
desire was that we would lack nothing! What happen?
Sin entered the scene and the devil thought that he had
spoiled the plan of God. But little did the devil knowthat God had a plan that preceded his. God will never
be caught by surprise. Jesus came and settled the sin
issue once and for all. Now, even though a lot tran-
spired between the books of Exodus to Jude, if you
take a real good look at the book of Revelation, you will
discover that what God purposed from the beginning
finally comes to pass in the New Jerusalem (chapter
21-22). The bottom line is when you walk in what God
has called you to do you are literally unstoppable. This
is why we can read Romans 8:28 with confidence.
“And we know that all things work
together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to
his purpose.”
Yes, we know that mankind’s primary purpose is to
bring God glory, but this will best be demonstrated by
finding out our individual purposes He assigned to us
long before we were released from His assembly line.
God’God’God’God’God’s Divine Purpose for Our Livess Divine Purpose for Our Livess Divine Purpose for Our Livess Divine Purpose for Our Livess Divine Purpose for Our Lives
G
“Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee:
and before thou camest forth out of the womb
I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a
prophet unto the na tions.”
Jeremiah 1:5
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Rickey E. Macklin, son of Reverend a nd Mrs. Arthu r Macklin Sr. of Camden, S.C., is a gradu ate of South Carolina State University
and Jericho Christian Training College, and h as his Master’s in Theology from Nationa l Bible Semina ry. Minister Macklin is co-
leader of the Jericho Singles Ministry, and se rves a s leader of The Mighty Men of Valor. Minister Macklin teaches “Christian
Courtship” at the Jericho Christian Training College and has produced a book to supp lement the course. He is the a uthor of
“God’s Whole Armor” and has completed work on his next Spirit-filled masterp iece ent itled, “Daddy’s Waiting On You.” He is
also Presiden t/ CEO of Ambassadors For Christ Minist ries (Temple Hills, Md)
by Rickey E. Macklin
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Pray For Your Finances
G
“It is important that we always pray to God about
our finances. If it matters to you, it matters to God. “
od cares about everything that matters to
us. His word tells us that He cares for us,but often we fail to seek the face of God
regarding our finances. Money matters
concern us even as Christians, yet we seldom spend
the amount of time necessary to pray and meditate
about our financial concerns. If only we would take
our financial cares to God in prayer. The same
scriptures that empower us to heed the word of God
for our salvation have the same power and peace to
prosper us in our finances. God’s word says for us to
cast our burdens upon Him for He cares for us. I
encourage you to pray about your finances and tomake prayer a priority prior to spending.
We must be wise to ensure that when we seek God’s
face to
bless our
finances,
we are
seeking
the love
and
wisdom of the Blesser - God, and not just theblessing - money. When we ask for and are granted
promotions, it is to glorify God in that position as we
accomplish the duties assigned to us. When we ask
for God to bless us with a financial ‘miracle,’ we
should always remember to honor and thank the
Blesser and not put our trust in the blessing.
Everything that we receive, including money, is given
for the building of God’s kingdom and to spread the
gospel at home and abroad.
It is important that we always pray to God about ourfinances. If it matters to you, it matters to God. Pray
that you are a good steward who honors God in all of
your financial transactions. Pray that you are
consistent in returning the tithes and offerings back to
God, the rightful owner. We are to constantly ask God
for guidance and wisdom to manage the remainder of
our finances after the tithes and the offering. It all
belongs to God – the tithes and the offering. God
takes pleasure in our prosperity and it is imperative
that we are wise in managing our finances in a manner
that pleases God.Yes, God is able to do exceeding abundantly aboveall that we can ever think, ask or imagine. Imagine
great dreams of how you can use God’s resources to
be a blessing to His kingdom. Ask for the finances
needed to spread the gospel of Christ in our
community and abroad. Think that you are the
powerful individual that God has blessed this day and
this moment to be a financial blessing. Prayer
changes things, situations and people. Prayer can also
change our money habits that do not please God.
If it matters to you, it matters to God. If it is a lack of
finances, pray that God will multiply what you have.
Pray to God that He will teach you how to become the
powerful steward
that He has
ordained for your
life. If you are
overwhelmed with
debt, pray that God
will teach you how
to get free from this bondage. God’s word says thatwe are to “count the cost” prior to engaging in actions.
Why not consider the word of God and what it says
about your finances? Pray is the key and the answer.
I challenge you to come boldly before the throne of
grace to receive help and power in the time of need.
Always remember that even as you are blessed
financially, God is more honorable than the blessing.
Seek the face of God concerning your finances and
listen to God as He speaks daily to you about your
money matters. You have within you the power to dowell, even in the area of your finances. God has
ordained blessings for your life concerning your
finances. It is through prayer – through
communicating with God that all of His rich blessings
will be revealed to you.
Mary Grate- Pyos is the Author of W W W W W ealth ealth ealth ealth ealth y W y W y W y W y W oman – Wise oman – Wise oman – Wise oman – Wise oman – Wise
Choices Choices Choices Choices Choices and President of Financially Focused, Inc. Her web
presence is www.financiallyfocused.com. She can be reached at
info@financiallyfocused.com or at mgpinvest@aol.com
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by Mary Grate- Pyos, MBA
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Cover Story
by L.C. Tardy
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Cover Story
For the earnest expectation of the creature
waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Romans 8:18-19.
he Lord calls his sons and daughters to be
stewards over the great gifts and talents that
He had birthed in us before the world began.
We are called according to God’s purpose. So we
begin this journey by building the foundation for our
foreordained purpose or
vision. Dr. Myles
Munroe, a multi-gifted
Leader/Visionary,Motivational speaker/
Educator/Lecturer/best
selling Author and
business consultant was
called by God to teach the
sons of God that their
natural born position is to
be leaders, and not
followers, to understand
who you are in Christ, and
what your foreordainedpurpose and vision is in
life.
I had the pleasure of
fellowshipping with Dr.
Myles Munroe at my
church home, Jericho City
of Praise, Landover,
Maryland. A crowd of
over 10,000 people filled
the seats, awaiting thepresence of a great brother and son of God. There
was a spirit present on this day, a spirit of unity, the
body of Christ was thirsty, hungry for finding our
purpose, and knowing who we are in Christ. Dr.
Myles’s motivating anointed-spirit was filled with a
great word from the Lord. As Dr. Myles arrived the
entire congregation stood up and clapped,
acknowledging the great calling on Dr. Myles’s life.
Dr. Myles was led by the Lord to speak on a subject
that has plagued our nation from the time of Adam and
Eve; that subject was based on something that we all
need to examine within ourselves. “Rediscovering the
human Mandate.”
Dr. Myles woke up the crowd, his anointing ripped
through the body of Christ like a bolt of lighting; his
words were, “Any attempt to control another
human spirit is “witch craft,” it is not natural, it is
unnatural.” “Dr. Myles further explained that,
“The original purpose & plan of God was the
extension of His heavenly
Kingdom on earth.” When
these words were spoken by
Dr. Myles there was a strong
sense of joy and freedom that
moved throughout the entire
congregation. Most importantly
replied Dr. Myles, “God
created man as a spiritspecies to manage His
administration on earth,” we
are earthly administrators,
humanity carries out the dictates
of God.”
Respectfully admiring the
obedience of Dr. Myles to
carryout the dictates of God, the
crowd jumped for joy, running
throughout the church, praising
God on their knees, speaking in
tongues; his message to the
people was powerful and life
sustaining. Dr. Myles
continued to enlighten the crowd
by addressing “Kingdom living,” he further explained
that, “God created one to be a king over the
earth.” We were created to have “dominion,” over
the earth, and that a Kingdom is simply a king
dominating, replied Dr. Myles. He explained that we
were not built for sin, and that we have our Fathers
genetics. Therefore, mankind means, “sons of God.”
(females-sons of God) generically speaking. “ If we
are sons of God, we` are given “dominion” which
“Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not
lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
Habakkuk 2:2-3
T
Dr. Myles Munroe
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Linda C. Tardy is a Freelance Writer/ Auth or. She is the
Publisher of this magazine, Visions Christian Magazine.
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means to rule, govern, manage, lead, to have a spirit
of control.” “
Our responsibility is to restore government
administration on earth, this is the reason Jesus came,
replied Dr. Myles.” We are citizens in the
kingdom of God, and in the Kingdom, a kings
reputation is based on the standards of the people(citizen), says Dr. Myles Munroe.
Dr. Myles Munroe activates the leader in you.
“Within each of us lies the potential to be an effective
leader, says Dr. Myles. He also states that, “Eyes
that look are common, but eyes that see are rare,”
Sight is a function of the eyes, but vision is a function
of the heart.” You need to understand why vision is
essential to your success, and make your dreams and
hopes a living reality, states Dr. Myles Munroe. I
believe this is something that we all should keep in
mind, as we venture through this journey: “Wherethere is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs
29:18 (KJV) and God created you to be king
over the earth.Dr. Myles Munroe is a great man of God. It is truly an
honor and blessing to have learned from such a great
son of God, and all praises to our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. Dr. Myles has proven to the world how
to carry out the greatest responsibility of all mankind:
Matthews 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I
have commanded you: lo, I am with you always,
even unto the end of the world. Amen.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things shall be added
unto you.”
Matthew 6:33 .
Dr. Myles Munroe in Russia
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I
A closer walk with God yields revelation, knowledge, and wisdom.
by Deacon
Curt is O. Gill
often hear people proclaiming that they are
blessed. Frequently, when I ask people how
are they doing, they often respond, “Blessed
by the best.” Other times when I ask people
how are they doing, they simply reply, “blessed.”
Others say, “I was blessed to wake up this morning.
He didn’t have to do it, but He allowed me to wake
up amongst the living and I consider that, being
blessed.” Still others say, “I was blessed to be able toget up, cloth myself and be in my right mind.” Even
when I talk to the homeless, the alcoholics, the drug
addicts, the prostitutes, the homosexuals, the ex
offenders, the runaways, the dropouts, the welfare
recipients, the overworked mothers and fathers, many
of them say they are blessed.
I know that some of you
have a big house in the
suburbs, a good job, good
health, degree(s) of higher learning, money in
the bank, three or four
cars in the driveway,
TVS in every room, the
latest stereo and sound
systems throughout the
house, camcorders and
video equipment, cellular
phones and many of the
other latest technological
developments to include
game boards.
Understandably, you advertise that you are blessed.
My question to you would be, if you are blessed, what
did you do to obtain favor from the Lord and finally,
what have you done to show the Lord how much you
appreciate His blessings?
With your big house, when is the last time you
dropped to your knees and proclaimed, as for me and
my house, we will serve the Lord? When is the last
time you took the opportunity to witness for the Lord
while you were on your good job? When is the last
time you used your good heath to help some of God’s
people who are suffering from ill health or being
physically challenged? I ask you, when is the last time
you exercised your degree of higher learning and
mentored some of God’s children or took time out
to rightly divide the word of truth to those who don’t
know how to read or have an understanding of His
Holy and righteous word? When is the last time you
turned your TV or stereo to a gospel station? When is
the last time you used the phone in your house or your
cellular phone to call someone and asked if they a
needed prayer or a ride to church? When is the last
time you used one of your cars to pick up someone
and give them a ride to the house of God?
Are the things you possess “blessings from God or
gifts from Satan?” I don’t want to take anythingaway from you, but I would like to set the record
straight. After talking to many of you and hearing
what you had to say, I am convinced that we don’t
understand what being blessed is all about. I feel that
there are many who use the word blessed without
understanding the meaning or the prerequisites for
obtaining a Blessing from God who created Heaven
and Earth.
When you look at some of the situations and
circumstances surrounding some of the people
described above, you must ask the question, “Are they
blessings or have they been given a chance to be
blessed? Are the things they have blessings from God
or gifts from Satan? A greater question would
probably be, with the God of the universe and having
all power and owning everything, why do people feel
that they are being blessed with so little or just living?
God said in his Holy and Righteous word, “Behold, I
stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my
voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will
sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20 Our
Bible tells us that God shall supply for all of our needs,
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
(Paraphrased Philippians 4:19) God’s word even
ARE YOU BLESSED?ARE YOU BLESSED?ARE YOU BLESSED?ARE YOU BLESSED?ARE YOU BLESSED?
My question to you would be, if you are blessed, what did you do to
obtain favor from the Lord and finally, what have you done to show the
Lord how much you appreciate His blessings?
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(continued on p. 2 (continued on p. 2 (continued on p. 2 (continued on p. 2 (continued on p. 2 1) 1) 1) 1) 1)
instructed us on what we are required do to receive
his blessings. When you consult God’s word, you find
that we are to . . . first seek the kingdom of God, and
his righteousness; and all these things shall be added
unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
Let us come together with an understanding of what
the word “Blessed” means. Blessed is a word used
in the Bible 302 times and with many differentmeanings. The most important of these meanings is:
to set apart and hallow, or make holy; to confer
happiness upon; to bestow good or grant favor to; to
express a wish for happiness for some other person;
to invoke special attributes upon; and to praise or
glorify. Can we all agree on this as a definition for
blessed? Which element of this definition covers or
describes you as recipient of God’s Grace, Mercy and
Generosity toward you?
Let us examine the definition of chance: Chance is a14th century word and is defined as something that
happens unpredictably without discernible human
intention or observable cause. The assumed
impersonal purposeless determiner of unaccountable
happenings the fortuitous or incalculable element in
existence. A situation favoring some purpose: the
possibility of a particular outcome in an uncertain
situation; or the degree of likelihood of such an
outcome. Chance is found in the Bible only 6 times.
My favorite scripture in the Bible which chance
appears is, “I returned, and saw under the sun, thatthe race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong,
neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of
understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time
and chance happeneth to them all. (Ecclesiastes 9:10-
12)
After examining the meaning of blessed and chance,
I again ask you, are you blessed or have you been
given an opportunity to be blessed? You alone can
answer that question. You know within your heart
what you are all about and what your relationship withGod is and no one else. “ . . . For the LORD seeth not
as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward
appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1
Samuel 16:7) What does God see, when he looks at
your heart? Is the reason you are doing so bad or
achieving so little because God knows your heart and
have seen you differently than man does?
Let us look now at some of the qualifications for
being blessed. Who is blessed? When you examine
the Bible, you will find that those who are chosen,
called or chastened by God are blessed. Those who
trust, fear and delight in the Lord are blessed. Those
who hear and obey the voice of the Lord are blessed.
Those who know, believe in and suffer for Christ are
blessed. There are also those who received special
blessings. I ask you again, “Are you blessed or have
you been given a chance to be blessed?”
Please review some of the examples of those who
were blessed during biblical times. We know there are
other examples, but these will allow you to evaluate
yourself in light of God’s Blessings. Who is blessed?
Those who are chosen called or chastened by God.
God’s word tells us that, Blessed is the man whom
thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that
he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with
the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings inheavenly places in Christ: Accordingly, as he hath
chosen us in him before the foundation of the world,
that we should be holy and without blame before him in
love: Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah
that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him,
and increased him. Blessed are they, which are called
unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith
unto me, these are the true sayings of God. Blessed is
the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest
him out of thy law; (Psalm 65: 4) (Ephesians 1:3-4)
(Isaiah 51:2)(Revelation 19:9), (Psalm 94:12)
There are others who will find favor and receive
blessings from the Lord. They are those who trust, fear
and delight in the Lord. The Bible gives us examples in
the following passages: Blessed are all they that put
their trust in him. Taste and see that the LORD is good:
blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Blessed is that
man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth
not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Blessed
are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still
praising thee. Blessed is the man whose strength is in
thee; in whose heart are the ways of them . . . .
Blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. Behold, that
thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
...Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that
delighteth greatly in his commandments. Blessed is the
man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the
LORD is. My question to you is, do you trust, fear and
delight in the Lord? Be honest with yourself, for the
Lord our God knows your heart and He knows the
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PASTOR SHERITHA BOWMAN’S COLUMN
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CAN YOU HANDLE THE TRUTH?
Columns
Lord, help me with my tongue. That I might speak the
words that You would have me speak. Not of flesh. Not of
anger. Not of other people’s persuasion. Rather, those
words that would edify the Body of Christ magnify Your sovereign power and exalt Your holiness and
righteousness. Lord, let my heart be clean and my spirit be
right when my tongue speaks.
O, the tongue, the tongue, the tongue.
So much we say and shouldn’t. So much we should say anddon’t.
I grew up in a family where a child wasn’t supposed to utterthe word, “lie or lying.” My grandmother and my great auntsinterpreted it as being too mature a word for a youngster.
You were trying to be “grown” if you used the word “lie.” Itwas almost as if it were a profane word. It was alright to saythat a person was, “telling a story” which wasn’t what theperson was doing at all. They were telling a boldfaced “lie.”But God forbid you speak the word.
So years later when my own children would say, “You’relying!” I would shudder from the flashbacks of my elderstelling me to watch my mouth. Nevertheless, I let mychildren’s words fall where they may. Because they werespeaking proper English. They were speaking truth.
Speaking truth. Though it stings the ears and causesshivers up and down the spine, the truth must be spoken.
The truth spoken might ruffle feathers, break hearts andsever relationships, but the truth must be told. Jesus tellsus in John 8:32, “that you shall know the truth, and thetruth shall make you free.”
When the truth is spoken it not only sets the hearer free, butit sets the speaker free.
Many of us walk around with much unspoken. Things thathave been on our hearts for weeks. Months. Years. We hold
it in. Thus creating within us stress, high blood pressure,anxiety attacks and worst of all, pent up bitterness anddeceit.
We’ll tell everybody else other than the person who needsto hear it. And what started out as a truth that could haveset a captive free, ends up being gossip. The truth is
reduced to mealtime conversation. And the person whoneeds to hear it is nowhere at the table.We become captive to untold truths. We pretend not to see,
not to know and not to be affected by an undisclosed truth.Feeling that by withholding, we are keeping the waters calm.Sparing feelings. Protecting the innocent. When in fact, weare creating the very bondage that we so wish to avoid.
Some people will forever walk in bondage because they just.....don’t.....know. Nobody ever told them. Some peopledon’t even realize that their actions hurt people. Some of them don’t even care. However, voicing the truth willundoubtedly prick their hearts causing them to think,reconsider and who knows, eventually they may be movedto change their ways.
So much we should say and don’t.
There are people who have hurt you and will never knowunless you tell them. There are people who make the samemistakes over and over while you watch on the sidelinesshaking your head with your arms folded.
There are people in various positions who promotefalsehoods and cause discord. Living lives far from the rolesthat they have been entrusted. But we dare speak up. Afraidof confrontation. Afraid we’ll be called the trouble maker.That we’ll be accused of troubling waters. When in fact all
we’re doing is speaking the truth.
Lord, help us.
When God lays something upon your heart to share withsomeone. Be obedient. Don’t second guess God’s timing. Don’tworry yourself about the aftershock. Tell the truth.
You can give the truth hard and fast or you can give it niceand easy. Allow the Holy Spirit to give counsel concerningthe delivery, yet be obedient to give the truth, the wholetruth, and nothing but the truth so help us God.
Jack Nicholson said in one of his movies, “YOU CAN’THANDLE THE TRUTH!” Maybe they can’t. But one thing forsure, when it’s all said and done, you my beloved will have“found favor and good understanding in the sight of Godand man.” (Prov 3.)
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of
silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)
“Can You Handle the Truth?” is an excerpt from the book, “Emails for the Christian Soul: 102 Messages of Praise, Hope and Revelation” by
Sheritha Bowman. Pastor Bowman is a wife, homebuilder, author and senior pastor of Soul Inspiration Church Ministries in Germantown,
Maryland. To order the book, please contact www.iuniverse.com.
To learn more about the ministry, please visit www.soulinspirationchurchministries.com or call 301.353.0602.
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by Athena Thomas
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Part Three
special series/column
T H E E F F E C T S O F F E A RT H E E F F E C T S O F F E A RT H E E F F E C T S O F F E A RT H E E F F E C T S O F F E A RT H E E F F E C T S O F F E A RThe ShowdownThe ShowdownThe ShowdownThe ShowdownThe Showdown
Athena Thomas is a writer currently working on her first book.
She is a lso the owner of Host U 4 Less, a web hos ting
compan y in Maryland. She can be reached at
aptenterprise@yahoo.com
As you travel through this journey to overcome the fear
that has been holding you hostage, you begin to realize
that the road is rather rough. When we first started, you
were energized and felt a sense of power. Now, as youcome closer to the actual showdown you are beginning to
feel the added pressure.
During this phase you are beginning to question yourself
as to why you decided to take this road. Can you turn
back? Is it really worth it? Where is that rock you used to
hide under? You have probably realized that in order for
you to conquer this fear and move into the calling God has
for you, you will have to make certain sacrifices and be
willing to walk blindly by faith.
For our discussion this month, I would like to reference twoimportant events from the Old Testament. The first is found
in Exodus 14 (entire chapter) where the Israelites were
scared because Pharaoh was pursuing them and they had
reached what they thought to be a dead end, the Red Sea.
Even though God was with them on this journey the people
were still scared and did not trust in his word to deliver
them to the Promised Land. When they were facing the sea
they began to wonder why God had led them this far only
to let them die in the wilderness. As you proceed through
your journey now, you may be starting to ask yourself
similar questions. Things are looking rather hopeless and
your enemy is closing in on you. What do you do?
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the
deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians[whatever is causing your fear] you see today you will never
see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be
still.” (Holy Bible, NIV Exodus 14:13-14)
As you move closer to the showdown with your fear
remember that the Lord is with you as a “pillar of fire and
cloud” ready to take on your enemy. When he shows you
the road toward your freedom you will still feel quite
overwhelmed. This journey is much like the one the
Israelites made as they traveled through the floor of the Red
Sea. It was a long journey and at times I know they may
have felt like those huge walls of water would come crashing
down on them at any moment. But when you look up and
see that pillar of fire and cloud, you begin to feel an inner
peace and know that those walls will hold up.
The second event is told in Genesis 22:1-19 but I would like
to focus on it’s meaning as described in Hebrews 11:17-19.
Abraham has been called and God has promised him a son.
Abraham moved into his calling and after some time God
fulfilled the promise with the birth of Isaac. Later God tested
Abraham by telling him to offer his only son as a burnt
offering unto him. Abraham obediently followed God’s word
and proceeded to do as he said. But before he could carry
out the act, God stopped him.
“By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaacas a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about
to sacrifice his one and only son, even thought God had said
to him, ‘It is through Isaac that your offspring will be
reckoned.’ Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead,
and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from
death.” (Holy Bible, NIV Hebrews 11:17-19)
This journey will bring you to your showdown with fear.
You will have to make a decision to stand or go back under
the rock. Sometimes it may mean you will be tested, as
Abraham was. But you have to be willing to go if God tells
you to go. This test is of your faith not your weakness. It
may seem like the hardest thing you will ever face in your
life. But if you have focused on the promises that God has
fulfilled in your life, are obedient and have faith you willmove even when it doesn’t seem to make logical sense.
So, is it over now? No, and the fear is not gone. But you
have been delivered from the bondage of that specific fear.
It is still there. If you have chosen the way of the Lord, now
you can STAND, look it in the eyes and know by faith that it
cannot control you anymore. Your path is clear now.
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FOCUSWhile Walking the Straight and Narrow
Words of Exhortation
Broth er Chicago G. Long
he Lord is the portion of mine inheritance
and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot.
This is the day that you have made oh
Lord and I will rejoice and be exceedingly
glad in it. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy
presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there
are pleasures forever more. Thou wilt perfect that
which concerns me. Blessed be the name of the
Lord. (Hallelujah!) In him I live, move and have mybeing. Who shall say amongst the saints and before
a dying world these words? I have set the Lord
always before me: because he is at my right hand, I
shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad and
my glory rejoiceth. The word of God says that “A
man’s heart deviseth his own way: But the Lord
directeth his steps.” Yes, this means that the steps of
a good man are ordered by the Lord. Having said
that I must ask you, “Are you focused? and what or
who is your focus set on?” “Are you walking with
God, behind God or ahead of God?” (Yes! It’s very
possible.) Do you find yourself more submissive to
your flesh or the voice of God. Lastly, do you feel
the connection to the flowing firepower of the Holy
Spirit of our Almighty, holy and righteous God?
Saints of God there is a place where the devil ceases
to trouble you. When we begin to seek the face of
God, not just his hand of provision, but I’m talking
about the face of God. When I can see eye to eye
with God, and know that He sees me in secret, and
hears my cry in His ears, He can smell the sweet
savor of my praise in His nostrils, I can hear the plans
and the answers that he has for my life from his lips
(not anyone elses) all within a one on one encounter in
his presence, and in his Holy Word. You have got to
know how to stroke God with your worship, invoke his
presence, command your angels to go into warfare on
your behalf. It should be your desire to have the
closest walk with God. While walking this blind walk of
faith you must stay in tune with the Holy Spirit who is
to lead and guide you unto all truth. The bible says:
“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us
watch and be sober (pray).” We must utilize the
T
weapons of our warfare to maintain, take by force or
even so possess those things which are do to us. When
the children of Israel finally came out of the wilder-
ness, into the land that God had promised to their
fathers, there was a report that giants were dwelling
there; but God still told Joshua to go in and possess the
land. Likewise we to in this day and time will some-
times have to move ahead with no delay; fighting this
great fight of faith and standing on God’s word alone.
Because if he said it, that finishes it. He’s omnipotent,
omniscient and well able to bring what he said to pass.The word of God also says in 2 Chronicles 16:9 “For
the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to
strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed
to him.”
We must be focused on God and be about our Father’s
business, just like Christ Jesus our Lord and great
example setter…He always prayed, worshipped,
taught, walked in love toward others, and always went
about doing great works. He always said, “I speak
not of myself but of him who sent me.” He also said,
“When you see me you see the Father, he and I are
one.” (Did you hear that!) Jesus was one with his
Father; they were synonymous…Jesus said that he
would make his abode in us; him and the Father wouldbecome one with us, if we receive them. (Glory!) God
wants us to walk that straight and narrow path to life,
lo he’s with us always, and he will never leave us or
forsake us. It takes focus on God, commitment to him
and his way, and faith in his Word to receive a vision
and to know your true purpose. Once you’re at this
point you must not look to the left or the right. Just stay
up in God’s face looking to be changed, filled and
empowered by him. He shall supply all your need.
Also, while on this path its imperative that you first
“W “W “W “W “W e must be f e must be f e must be f e must be f e must be f ocused on God and be about our F ocused on God and be about our F ocused on God and be about our F ocused on God and be about our F ocused on God and be about our F ather’ ather’ ather’ ather’ ather’ s business s business s business s business s business , just lik , just lik , just lik , just lik , just lik e e e e e
Christ Jesus our Lord and great example setter…He always prayed, wor- Christ Jesus our Lord and great example setter…He always prayed, wor- Christ Jesus our Lord and great example setter…He always prayed, wor- Christ Jesus our Lord and great example setter…He always prayed, wor- Christ Jesus our Lord and great example setter…He always prayed, wor-
shipped, taught, walked in love toward others, and always went about shipped, taught, walked in love toward others, and always went about shipped, taught, walked in love toward others, and always went about shipped, taught, walked in love toward others, and always went about shipped, taught, walked in love toward others, and always went about
doing great works.” doing great works.” doing great works.” doing great works.” doing great works.”
Columns
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come under a ministry and grab hold of the vision and
run with it, with faithfulness. Submit yourself under the
authority of the leaders and learn how to be a servant
of God first in the household of faith amongst the
brethren. The bible says to wait on the Lord and be of
good cheer. Amen!
You will find out that the method never changes to
staying focused, moving forward and going higher inGod. Just stay in his face…Keep talking, keep listen-
ing, keep being obedient in all things, by all means,
keep praising him, and worshipping him individually,
and corporately in humility, and with fear and trem-
bling. Only the pure in heart shall see God. We must
worship him in spirit and in truth. The bible says that
God seeketh after worshippers. Glory! You hear that?
Yes Sir! God seeketh after worshippers. You want God
to begin to chase you. Just become consistent in your
worship. He inhabits the praises of his people. When
you fill like you’re ready to go to another level let God
move you. Less the Lord build the house, man buildeth
it in vain. Stick to these two scriptures: Matthew 6:33
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness
and all these things shall be added unto you.” 2 Timo-
thy 2:15 “ Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth.” Use these frequently and
you should be fine.
Remember, stay focused on God, and he will make
provision for the vision, so rest in him and with prayer
and supplication and thanks giving make your request
known unto him. So I say to you now the race is not
given to the swift but to those who endure even in the
hardships. Finally saints be strong in the Lord and in the
power of his might.
God bless
Forever yours in Christ Jesus
Chicago Garfield Long born a nd ra ised in N.E. Washington, DC. He was lead back to the Lord in November of 1997, being
delivered from eight years of drug and alcohol abus e along with stress , oppres sion and …even jail time. He has steadfastly
completed a four- year Christian Disciplesh ip program at th e Jericho Christian Training College. He is diligently working as a
Teacher in the Children’s Church Ministry. He was recently married over the summer of 2003 to the beautiful and anointed Mrs.
Michelle Long whom h e met a t Jericho College and she’s mother of two sons a nd a daughter. He also brings a son to the mar-
riage, making him a p roud father and step daddy of four bea utiful children…He en joys spend ing time with his family and
sprea ding the gospel through evangelizing, and his written work. His goal is to bring God glory in all that he s ays a nd does here
on earth.
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Poet ry Corn er
“ A Christian Visi on” words by Joe Floyd words by Joe Floyd words by Joe Floyd words by Joe Floyd words by Joe Floyd
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Each individual must connect with GodBuilding a relationship with a strong foundation
Fortified with strength, trust and love
Working towards eternal salvation.
The connect with others with strength through unity
Supporting and encouraging each other
Work in small groups to reinforce the message
Jesus’ teachings instruct us to love our brother.
Contribute your talent to one of the ministriesGod has given each of us a special skill
Donate time, knowledge and dedication
To collectively fulfill God’s will.
Collectively the ministries strengthen the Church
The key mission is too reach lost soulsAll ministries working a common process
The ministries are striving to reach Church goals.
The goals of the Church is a Christian Vision
Transforming the community towards Christian life
The road map for this process is found in the Word
And in the teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
“ Don’t Quit” words by Unknown Author words by Unknown Author words by Unknown Author words by Unknown Author words by Unknown Author
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will
When the road you’re trudging seems all-uphillWhen the funds are low, and the debts are high
And when you want to smile, but you have to sigh
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with it’s twists and turns
As everyone of us sometimes learns
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems so far
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit
It’s when things seem worse
That you must not quit.
Praise God!
“ The Peace of God”Dear Lord,
Thank you for being God. I can’t touch you or see you,
but I know that you are there. I know this now because
I prayed, and you answered me. I asked you to send
your angels out from the archives of Heaven, to protect
my family, and heal my friends, and myself, and you
answered. I know now that you are real. Today I
realized that more than ever.
Someone prayed for me, and I prayed for someone
else, and ministered to a friend today, and shortly after,
the attacks came from satan. But I remembered that
you taught me to pray, and how to protect myself, by
wearing my armor, and covering myself with the blood
of Jesus. I remembered the things that you taught me
Father, and I used them to fight today.
I remembered that you told me that you didn’t give me
the spirit of fear, but love, power and a sound mind, to
girt my loins with truth, wearing the breastplate of
righteousness, to have my feet shod with the preparation
of the gospel of peace, to take with me the shield of
faith, wear the helmet of salvation, and carry with me at
all times the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in
the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance
and supplication for all saints. (Ephesians 6:14-18)
Father God, I used that armor today, and you
answered my prayer. As I watched the things that
satan tried to destroy be restored in my life, I jumped
for joy, spoke in tongues, and cried non-stop. I am
still crying Father, but these are tears of joy, because
now, I know that you are real.
I am protected wherever I go, whatever I do, no matter
what the circumstance, you will always dwell in me. You
are my light in darkness, my pillow, when I need to be
comforted, you open my eyes in the morning to witness
and hear the birds sing. I know now, that you Father
God, is real, and you will love me through all eternity. I
have a peace and love in my life now that surpasses all
understanding. Thank you Lord, for being God.
To God be the glory! Bless His Holy Name!
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Cover the Laps of God’s Leading
Lady with Heavenly Care - 1Tim
2:9-10
Pamela Brown, Owner
PO Box 6177
Largo, MD 20792-6177
Phone: 301/341-1338
Email: inheavenslap@hotmail.com
truth. If not, make a change today; tomorrow might be
too late. Your blessings depend on you. (Psalm 2:12),
Psalm 34:8O, Psalm 40:4, (Psalm 84: 4, 5, 12), (Psalm
128:4), (Psalm 112:1)
Lastly, we have those who hear and obey the voice
of the Lord being blessed! When you explore God’s
Holy and Righteous words, you see that, blessed are
the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the
LORD. Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your
ears, for they hear. ; But he said, . . . blessed are
they that hear the word of God, and keep it. ; But
whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and
continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but
a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his
deed. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear
the words of this prophecy, and keep those things
which are written therein: for the time is at hand.Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they
may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in
through the gates into the city. Psalm 119:1, Matthew:
16, Luke 11:28, James 1:25, Revelation 1:3, Revelation
22:4.
I ask you today, do you hear and obey the voice of
the Lord? What is he saying to you? If you are doing
wrong knowingly — then you are not listening to the
Voice of the Lord. The Lord will never tell you to do
something harmful to yourself or others. God is Loveand those who believe in Him must go about living in
love. For in His words, God’s word tells us to love our
neighbor as ourselves and if we love our neighbors as
ourselves, we have fulfilled the law.
Those who know, believe in and suffer for Christ are
blessed. And then there are those who received
special blessings. God Bless the man that walketh not
in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way
of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. He
also blesses the man whose strength is in Him and inwhose heart are the ways of them. God blesses those
who keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the
whole heart. He blesses the man that endureth
temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the
crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them
that love him. (Ps 1:1, Ps 84:5 KJV, Ps 84:55 KJV, Ps
119:1_2 KJV, James 1:12 KJV)
After reading all that, and prayerfully, with
understanding, I ask you, “Are you qualified for a
Blessing. Have you carried yourself in a way that the
Lord, our God, have found you favorable? If not,
what are you going to do about it? You know what is
required of you, so don’t stand in the way of your
blessings that the Lord is waiting to Bless you with!
There are many who think that because they cry Lord
Lord, they are going to receive a blessing or they are
being blessed. My Bible tells me, that, “Not everyone
that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into thekingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my
Father which is in heaven.
Are you doing the will of my Father or are you doing
your own will? (Matt 7:21 KJV) Are you blessed? If
you died today, would you be found favorable with the
Lord? Would you enter the kingdom of heaven of
pass through the gates of hell? If you know that your
lifestyle will keep you from entering the Kingdom of
Heaven, what are you going to do about it? You must
decide today for tomorrow may be too late. The Bible
tells us that we should always be ready: for in such an
hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
(Paraphrased Matthew 24:44) We must be prepared
to meet when He comes! Remember, in hell, there is
no way out!
THE END
DEACON CURTIS O. GILL
EDITED BY
BROTHER ROBERT CHILDRESS VCMVCMVCMVCMVCM
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“Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples.
And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the
Lamb of God.”The two disciples heard him speak, and
they followed Jesus. (John 1:35-37) One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon
Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and
he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him,
He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be
called Cephas.” (John 1:40-42) “
by Nikki Jones
From Becoming Into Being
At some point in all of our lives, whether
saved or unsaved, we all come to a place
where we are seeking out our purpose. We
ask ourselves the million-dollar question,
“why am I here or what am I supposed to do with my
life?” Unfortunately, many people live their lives never
realizing nor fulfilling the purpose that God has
ordained for them, and as a result, the greatness that
God had assigned to their lives never comes to pass.
** I was talking with a man once Who was looking forhis purpose. During our conversation, he very proudly
told me that he was a member of a very large, prominent
church in Houston, Texas. So I asked him what was he
contributing to the ministry; what was his role in this
large ministry
full of vision,
that he has
been a member
of for well over
a year now. His
response, “I amwaiting on my
call from the
Lord. I am
waiting for God
to tell me what
He wants me to
do.” How many of you have
this same testimony? The testimony of waiting for your
call or your purpose to be revealed to you, before you
begin to do the work that God had called all of us to, the
work of an evangelist, which is to go out spreading thegood news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and making
disciples.
*** Too often as Christians, we go out searching for
our purpose in secular places. We find purpose in our
careers, our financial status, and our education, rather
than in the word of God. So how is it that so many of
us get caught up in cross-dressing our God given
purpose with our own selfish and self-fulfilling
purposes? One reason that I have found is the lack of
real devotional time in the word of God, the living word
that speaks to us and gives us guidance and direction
for the very purpose we are searching for in our lives.
In reading the word of God, our God given purpose is
revealed to us, which is one of the reasons the devil
fights us so hard when we try to read. So we must ask
ourselves, are we really seeking God’s Divine purpose
for our lives or are we seeking what culture and society
tell us we should have?
In searching to find God’s purpose for my own life, Godbegan to deal with me in the area of my devotional
time. I would get up and read for 20 minutes or so and
that would be the summation of my personal devotion
for the day. But one morning, as I awoke, and began to
read John 1, I
paused and
began to ask
God what would
He have me to
gain from this
time of devotion. Right
in the midst of
my prayer, the
Lord began to
deal with me
about the
difference
between just reading His word and studying His word.
In order to make His word the lifestyle by which I live,
I cannot continue to simply read; I must thrust myself
into the commitment of study, which allows me to gointo a deeper level of understanding and revelation.
Reading gives you the ability to understand at a certain
“surface” level contextually. Studying, however, is a
state of mental absorption. Studying allows you to apply
your mind purposefully to the acquisition of knowledge
or understanding. It allows you to go deep. So I said all
of this to show you how God gave me a lesson on how
to find His will and purpose for my life, by truly getting
into His word and seeking His will, rather than seeking
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PSPSPSPSPSALM 13ALM 13ALM 13ALM 13ALM 130:5-70:5-70:5-70:5-70:5-7
I wait for the LORD , my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,more than watchmen wait for the morning.
O Israel, put your hope in the LORD ,
for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
God Bless
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how to rearrange His will to fit how I thought my life
should be.
On my journey towards finding purpose, the Lord led
me to look at Peter and his brother Andrew. There
were two things God showed me in looking at this
passage of scripture in the first chapter of John. First,
He needed to point out to me, so that I would
understand that His purpose for my life had nothing todo with my current status. I was reading an analysis
of the character of Peter, and it began by stating that
the author of 1st and 2nd Peter, was not the “original”
Simon Peter. At first glance, I was like not the original
Peter! What does this mean? Was there another
Peter? God quickly gave me clarity; this was a
“before walking with Jesus and after walking with
Jesus” picture of Peter.
When Andrew first brought Peter to Jesus, Peter
was “impulsive and full of weakness”, but it was atthat same point, Jesus said to Peter that he would be
called Cephas, which translated means a stone or
rock. This was Jesus prophesying about what Peter
would become; not what he currently was, and to
“become” is to grow or come to be; to pass from one
state to another, receiving new properties or qualities
or a new character. So it was when Peter gave his
life to Christ that his journey towards becoming
began. It was a character reshaping process that
most definitely involved many trials, tribulations and
sufferings.
The second thing God showed me in looking at Peter
and Andrew was that Andrew brought Peter to
Jesus. What does that make Andrew? A soul-winner.
Verse 41 says, “he first found his own brother Simon,
and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah”.
Andrew was witnessing to his brother, and as a result,
Simon Peter came to Christ also and gave his life to
following Him. When is the last time you witnessed to
someone about how you found the Messiah? How
many people are saved as a result of you being a
laborer of the harvest?
Matthew 9:37 says, “the harvest is truly plentiful, but
the laborers are few.” Our purpose is to be laborers
of the harvest. Before we can even begin to think of
our own personal lives, we must think of the call that
we all have to go out and make disciples. Many of us
cannot find purpose because we are sitting around
waiting for it to manifest out of our secular work. We
labor and slave all day for the world while people are
walking around spiritually dead and never coming into
the knowledge of Christ. If we want purpose then we
must allow God to make us fishers of men.
Being who God says you are going to be does not
happen overnight. In order to move into that new
character, with new properties and qualities, we have
to become Kingdom minded people. Kingdom-mindedpeople understand that our purpose is to be
soulwinners; to fulfill The Great Commission by going
out and making disciples. When we begin to do that
we will see our divine purpose for our individual lives
being fulfilled also.
We must try and remember that when we decided to
give our lives to Christ that was just the beginning of
our journey from becoming into being. We are all on a
journey to becoming what God designed us to be. I
am sure that Andrew had no clue of the greatnessthat Peter had assigned to his life, and think of the
tragedy it would have been for him to not witness to
Peter and allow him the opportunity to walk with
Jesus also. Peter would have not come into his
purpose had he too, not met Jesus. We never know
what kind of greatness we pass by on the street and
in the grocery stores. So on our personal journey to
divine purpose, let us remember our Kingdom
purpose. NOW GO GET A FISH!
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