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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

www.visionschristianmagazine.com e-mail: [email protected]

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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

Main OfficeMain OfficeMain OfficeMain OfficeMain Office

Visions Christian Magazine, IncP.O. Box 7066, Largo, MD. 20792-7066

202-398-2317

Visions Christian Magazine

is available through

subscription.

Please give us a call at202-398-2317

VCM is also available online at

visionschristianmagazine.com

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.

www.visionschristianmagazine.com

e-mail: [email protected]

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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

VCMVCMVCMVCMVCM

VCMVCMVCMVCMVCM

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 

[email protected]  or at [email protected] 

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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 

[email protected] 

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: [email protected]

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 

VCMVCMVCMVCMVCM

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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