VOLUME 1, ISSUE 10
A BETTER ME October 2012
KERRYKAY PUBLICATIONS
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IN THIS ISSUE: The Truth...Pg3 Total Protection ...Pg4 Fighting Bitterness...Pg5 Reach the Lost...Pg6 The Blame Game...pg7
Morning By Morning... Story is told of a beautiful lady who had been married for almost 30 years. She does everything to love and support her husband and family despite the fact that he has continually been unfaithful to her with a younger female. The younger woman befriended her trying always to be like her and knowing this she doesn’t react. At least not in a way others could see. She just continues as if her world was perfect.
life is good. He spends a lot of time with the family, provides sufficiently and protects them the best way he knows. He is not all bad,” she explained.
The above is by no means condoning infidelity, however there is a principle in forgiveness that should tug at every heart. What if God were to walk out on us when we continuingly mess-up? What if He did not forgive us? Why does He She was asked why she stays in that unfaithful stay? Even though in the above story the lady relationship and she said, “Great is Thy faithful- also spoke about some of the good things her ness”. Those hearing her answer looked at her husband did, we know that it is not of any good and thought, ‘surely this woman is crazy.’ She that we have done. smile and held up her hands asking them to “Not by works of righteousness which we have look at her finger nails. She said, “Even though done, but according to his mercy he saved us, I cut them every day, every morning when I by the washing of regeneration, and renewawake there is new growth reminding me of ing of the Holy Ghost.” Titus 3:5 God’s faithfulness to me.” As we grow in Him we take on more and more “Do you know the cruel things that I’ve done of this forgiving attribute. We choose to forgive that God has forgiven and wipe my sin slate and be happy. Un-forgiveness fosters bitterclean?” She continued by saying , “it is this un- ness which will separate us from God. deserving forgiveness that helps me to forgive “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our others, including my husband.” debtors. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:” Mt Even though she knew that what her husband 6:12;14 was doing was wrong, she chose to forgive him than to leave. “Would I be any happier if I left Let us be forgiving Christians. him and raised my three boys by myself, forK. Barrett saking other men as he is still alive? The truth is, separate from that area of our marriage-my
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
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October 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 10
The Focus Message
Photo Credits: Shellie-Ann Anderson
“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.”
Romans 8:28 Many times we get discouraged by our situations, and it becomes hard for us to see the good that God is doing for us. The Bible gives us numerous examples, but when faced with the challenges of life, it just seems like all we have learned is just a fantasy and not applicable to us. Today I want to declare to you this is not so. God loves you. Your situation is a molder to get you to your finished product.
Contributors this Issue: Writers: Kerry-Ann Barrett Loi Perry Design and Layout: Khadine Dennis Editor: Kerry-Ann Barrett
This project looks at the everyday situations that take away our strength of wanting to live while giving biblical references and explanations of the positive side to periods of suffering. The articles included are a collection of articles from a series of volume 1 of the A Better Me newsletter published by this author. The focus theme is, “All things work together for good." Rom. 8:28 Review: “This book is filled with wise words. Our attitude in life can often be shifted as our perspective is and this book offers great reminders of the hope that is forever ours.” Adam Drake
We only need to trust God and maintain our integrity, as He always comes through for His people. We should take on the attitude of the three Hebrew boys, who believed that God would save them and even if He didn’t, that He was still God. We all have purposes; however we are not exempt from harsh situations. Christ Himself had to endure hardship to fulfill His purpose: “…Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again…” (Acts 17:3). Some of us, will suffer more than others, but be assured your latter shall be greater. Use the lessons that you learn from your negative situations, to make yourself, your environment and those around you better. We are all a work in progress. Everyday is a new day to be better. The Focus of the A Better Me Newsletter is to do just that, encourage through our bad times. Bad times will come as there is a season to everything, but we were born with the ability to overcome such. Be strong and know that God is with you. Kerry-Ann A. Barrett
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For the Discouraged ISBN: 9781301672530
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The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
October 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 10
The Truth I guess we all can relate to a moment or time when we discovered, uncovered or was told some hidden truth that rocked our core. Our perception prior was somewhat handicapped. Secrets/ Hidden truths can make or break us but the truth will set us free. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:31-36) every man have praise of God.” (1 Cor.4:5) The above scripture shows that our concept of what the Men must recognize that by ourselves we are dead. situation is, is sometimes false. These men believed that “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother they were free when indeed only He who is true can make conceive me.” (Ps. 51:5) “For all have sinned, and come free. “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come short of the glory of God.”(Rom. 3:23) unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and The penalty for this is death. “Nevertheless death reigned one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jefrom Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned sus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the due time.” (1 Tim. 2:4-6) figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so If there is any truth it is in God for He sends men “… also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded before the world began; But hath in due times manifested unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the his word through preaching…” (Titus 1:1-30) gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but This truth is the Gospel - the truth that leads to life eternal. the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they Many will see no need for this truth as overtime ‘they’ which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righthave managed to keep themselves above water and eousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” (Ro. 5:14ground. They see themselves as self sufficient with the 17) resources to weather the storms of life. For them there is no need for a God that seemingly restricts their leisure time. They see themselves as free because they can do what they please. Their judgment of freedom is premature and flawed and will lead to death. “Therefore judge
Let us accept the truth and not be servants to sin. Jesus is the remedy to the sin problem. The truth is we can’t save ourselves. We all need Jesus to be free. Kerry-Ann Barrett
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
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October 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 10
Maximum Protection As I walked to work viewing the cars and the children walking by; the vehicular traffic seemed to be increasing as my journey continued. As usual my mind drifted into an arena conversing with God. I realized that my view of the road ahead was clear but the view behind, I would have to position myself in order to see, which would take a considerable amount of effort. I began to talk to God saying “Lord I see the road before me, make my pathway clear, but the view behind I am unaware of, so protect me from behind.”
looks okay and safe. But the things behind us, we are unsure of its status. A lion attacks his prey subtly and carefully from the back, lays wait for the moment the prey becomes vulnerable, then attacks with full force. So is the devil. Beware of his wiles. He is “like” the lion, seeking who he may devour (1Peter 5:8). Many times we get backbitten, set up, betrayed, and deceived when we least expect it – in our backs. Today lets not only ask God to make the way clear before us, but as He is doing His great and mighty work in our lives lets ask Him to be a shield around Many times we get attacked not by you totally and completely, because things before us but from things that there are those who are waiting and come from behind. Maybe this includes watching to launch an attack. Be unresolved issues, lingering habits, sins aware!!!! that so easily beset us, enemies and the list goes on. We often feel that all is well because everything before us Loi Perry
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
About A Better Me A social arena for young Christians who want to fellowship outside of the traditional church setting. The aim is to create a showground where we can testify, seek prayer and basically have fun together. We not only want to be an online community but a group that reaches each other in everyday life. Add us Facebook by searching: A Better Me and clicking the LIKE button.
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October 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 10
Fighting Bitterness Have you ever hit a point in your life where you just felt like you were stunted? Nothing worked! Everything just was at a standstill. Your mind is fixated on questioning why things are the way they are. You feel victimized as you feel as if you are doing the right thing. You ask, “Why am I then suffering ?” “When will it be my time?” “Jesus, why don’t You answer me?”
who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”
David had a yet praise despite, if we are to survive as Christians we better have a yet praise. Things won’t also go the way we want them to but we have to be thankful in all things. In the end they work for our good. Remember the other times when you were at your last hour Has anyone been there? I sure have. Those sad and God came in and saved you, remember days when you question your faith wondering when showed up to bless when you weren’t what if? It is in this time that we have to pull out evening thinking about blessing, and remember all the stops to ensure that our emotions don’t when you were delivered from a situation that get the better of us causing us to stray from you caused on yourself. Hope in God! God’s will. I think David too went through this Yes it might feel like you are forgotten. You are and penned it well in Psalm 42: not. Jesus loves you. If when you were not even “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so considering Him, He came and wrap you in panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul love , know that He is more committed to you thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I more than ever. Despite the enemy’s attack, come and appear before God? My tears have know that you have defense in God. Call on been my meat day and night, while they conHim. He is your God. Don’t lose your peace and tinually say unto me, Where is thy God? When I joy that God has given you by worrying. Worryremember these things, I pour out my soul in ing is saying that the All Powerful God is not me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went able. Ask Him to restore your joy and peace. with them to the house of God, with the voice of Find that deep praise in your time of trouble-joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holythis is how we fight bitterness. day. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in uphold me with thy free spirit.” Psalm 51:12 KJV God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his In Jesus’ Name, AMEN. countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him,
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
About A Better Me A social arena for young Christians who want to fellowship outside of the traditional church setting. The aim is to create a showground where we can testify, seek prayer and basically have fun together. We not only want to be an online community but a group that reaches each other in everyday life. Add us Facebook by searching: A Better Me and clicking the LIKE button.
We will be taking questions from our readers regarding any aspect of Christianity that they would like to exploit or seek clarification on. Please make sure that you send your questions before the 5th of each month. In doing so, we will be able to get feedback for your questions from Ministers and other Christians that have suited answers. Email questions to: kerrykay64@hotmail.com
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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 10
October 2012
Reach the Lost In the process of going about my daily business, I overheard some young ladies discussing previous fights and the means by which they overcame their opponents. I was taken aback, because they were talking for the world to know. It was even more disturbing because these young ladies where in their uniforms. One went on to say that her mother told her that if at any time she was in a fight and lost she better not let her know about. If that should happen, she would get another beating. The young lady sitting beside her asked her, “Why would your mother say that?” She then proceeded to boast about how bad her mother was and how many times she went to prison. The saddest part was this was what she was aspiring to.
When I went home it really plagued my mind. So many live comfortably in sin because that is what they know. It is then for the Church (which includes me) to through wisdom, find effective ways to reach people. Those of us who have already found the light of Christ ought to be grateful as God didn’t have to save us. “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gosTo an extent it is not this young lady’s fault. pel of Christ, who is the image of God, This is what she knows and how she was should shine unto them. For we preach not socialized. For her this is right. “Train up ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and a child in the way he should go: and when ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For he is old, he will not depart from it.”(Pr. God, who commanded the light to shine 22:6). For those of us who were brought up out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, in Sunday school and church we were to give the light of the knowledge of the taught that we should be virtuous women glory of God in the face of Jesus as is Proverbs 31. “She openeth her mouth Christ.”(2Cor.4:1-6) with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways My prayer today is that the Lord truly of her household, and eateth not the bread equips me to win souls and lead the lost to Him. K. Barrett of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” (vs 26-28) How do you tell such a one that what your mother taught you was wrong and lead them to righteousness? As “there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”(Pr. 14:12 and 16:25)
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
About A Better Me A social arena for young Christians who want to fellowship outside of the traditional church setting. The aim is to create a showground where we can testify, seek prayer and basically have fun together. We not only want to be an online community but a group that reaches each other in everyday life. Add us Facebook by searching: A Better Me and clicking the LIKE button.
We will be taking questions from our readers regarding any aspect of Christianity that they would like to exploit or seek clarification on. Please make sure that you send your questions before the 5th of each month. In doing so, we will be able to get feedback for your questions from Ministers and other Christians that have suited answers. Email questions to: kerrykay64@hotmail.com
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October 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 10
The Blame Game... Philippians 2:12-16; Genesis 3:1-19 Grace came “That ye may be blameless and harmless the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” Philippians 2:15 We all have at some point played the blame game. Especially at work. No one wants to be at fault similar to in the Garden of Eden when man first sinned. The man blamed the woman and the woman blamed the serpent. God punished all. When we are on the job and in our everyday life we need to be responsible. We have to think before we act because we will have to bear the fruits of our actions. Bad work decisions have serious implications and might cause strain and stress in the work place. It’s no use blaming someone for a decision that you made in the course of handing your responsibility. Because of this, one has to ensure that they manage the influences around them at work. Your team members might encourage you to do something that is wrong even in the name of the firm getting ahead- but keep in mind if it doesn’t work out you are the one that’s going to be held accountable. If not for that reason, a Christian should at all times strive to be moral as they represent Christ where ever they go. The worst part is that, the same people who encouraged you to do evil will be making comments about you being a Christian and doing the wrong when things go sour. Also note that if you make a mistake, claim it and fix it if possible. Don’t accuse anyone else when you know that you did it . The truth might be rough, but it makes us free. Integrity is necessary in our walk. Being a Christian is our life and style– this means that our Christianity goes beyond Sunday or Saturday worship. Its in all our actions as we live to glorify God and remain blameless and harmless sons of God. God bless you. By Kerry-Ann Barrett
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The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.