VOLUME 1, ISSUE 11
A BETTER ME November 2012
KERRYKAY PUBLICATIONS
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IN THIS ISSUE: Sandy-Weathering the Storm...Pg3 Keep On Fighting ...Pg4 Scammers Among Us...Pg5 Conforming to the Word...Pg6 Missing the Exit...pg7 Reversing to Move Forward...pg7
Preserved to Give Hope Imagine seeing an image of a potted plant, green and flush placed in a dessert land where everything around that plant looked dry and beige. This is a representation of the church in this present world. We are placed in deprived areas to give hope to those without. Isaiah 43:19-21 “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen. This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.” Jeremiah 17:5-8 “ Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” We survive because we trust in God and we are preserved because He nourishes us. Colossians 3:1-3 states that “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek
those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” The green and flush plant didn’t get its nourishment from the earth. It was separated from the natural environment. We Christians have to do likewise knowing that our source is eternal and not limited by the offerings of this present world. If we think this way; it will be difficult to have idolsthings built with hands. “O Lord, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit. Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?” (Jer.16:19-20). Despite the situation those that are stayed on Christ will be preserved and we will be a sign of God’s glory on this earth.
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
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November 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 11
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.”
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
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.
November 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 11
Sandy– Weathering the Storm It’s the morning following hurricane Sandy. Most of Kingston woke up to no electricity. At the earliest sight of light individuals venture outside to see how their property endured the storm. People were hammering, sweeping, mopping, and such the like all in an attempt to resume some amount of normalcy.
is
As I looked on, I started thinking about all the processes that had to be taken into consideration in weathering the storm. Before the Storm: Ensuring that essential supplies are stored to sustain during the storm. Food items, flashlights, water Reinforcing vulnerable areas to ensure safety. (batten down windows, tape or cover glass) During the storm: Stay in the secured area Use of supplies stored The Aftermath: Access damage to property and make adjustments Stow away material used in reinforcement Use or place in storage any excess essential supplies. I learnt a spiritual lesson from this. It is that similar to the natural processes we use to weather storm; we can make spiritual preparations to weather the storms of life. There is a time and season for everything. (Ec. 3:1). You have to prepare for the storm, before it happens. We have to sow in the Spirit that when the rough times come we are able to stand. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Eph. 6:13). This is what we must do: “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which
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.” Eph. 6:14-18. Doing the above will take into consideration, us reading and living the word of God and through faith petitioning Him knowing that He is all powerful and the Saviour of our souls. During the storm we need to stand on the promises of God. For if we arm ourselves with God’s armour, we will be victorious. We then have a hope in God. “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Ro. 5:3-5 When the storm coast clears- there might be external damage- but our inner-man will be duly fed and stronger than ever. For the damage that is done we must strengthen that which is still there. That is repair our armours ensuring that we stay fortified and ready for the next storm.
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
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November 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 11
Keep On Fighting the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all. Have you been fighting? Feel like you
The thing is, its hard as we take the
have always been fighting? Think that
journey, but often times we focus on
you can ’ t fight anymore? Wonder why
what's happening now around us; not
is there always a fight? Unsure of if its
being mindful of how the end is gonna
worth fighting? Simply just tired of hav-
be. Remember that Jesus had already
ing to fight? Feel like your strength is all prayed for you ( St. John 17 ) . The gone? Like you have been knocked out
battle is not yours it ’ s the Lords and
too many times and this time you just
with Him it ’ s a sure victory. It has
don ’ t wanna get up… Bloody, sweaty,
been written from the beginning that in
weak, messy, broken, hurt, DYING!!!
the end we shall win. You see, the thing
Crying for help but no one cares, shouting to be saved but no one takes the time to hit the bell…. SUDDEN DEATH!!!!!!! Just needing a word that you can survive, a hug that simply says “ I care ” …. A smile that says “ you are not alone… I am here ” … sigh… inhale… exhale.
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.
is we all have our crosses to carry, we all have our stories, we all have our issues, but the end is dependent on us. Will you succumb to these blows or will you arise with a determined mind that you are going to make it? Is it worth it? I will say yes… Even though the battle may be hot, be guaranteed the victory will be sweet. FIGHT ON!!!!!
Been there… felt it huh?... but be encouraged… keep on fighting. Ecclesiastes 9:11 - I returned and saw
Loi Perry
under the sun that - The race is not to
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
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November 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 11
Scammers Among Us About A Better Me
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 We are all familiar with the phenomenon of scamming especially in recent times. Everyday we learn of new ways that these deviant individuals use to take what doesn’t belong to them. These people have unfortunately woven their way strategically among the people of God. How so you ask? “For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2Tim 3:6-7). He tells her, “I already see you as my wife,” in an attempt to have her lay with him in a bed of lust. Scammer! This is the type of person that says the Lord said, when the Lord didn’t say, and by doing this lead many astray (Jer. 28:9-15). Scammer! Don’t for one second believe that women don’t scam. “With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.” (Pr. 7:21-23) Scammer!
presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.” Luke 13: 25-28 By their fruits we shall know them. If you squeeze an orange you won’t get lime juice. They have similarities but if you study them carefully, they smell different, taste different and have different purposes. Even if you compare and orange to a sour orange- they are different in many ways and it is these differences that identify them. Its easy to identify the sour orange by it rough exterior when compared to the orange.
We have to learn to discern between good and evil. We live in a time when the enemy “ When once the master of the house is will disguise himself as light. We need wisrisen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye dom to discern or we will die. We are in a begin to stand without, and to knock at the war and so we must therefore stay alert. door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and God is not the author of confusion and as he shall answer and say unto you, I know such anything that is contrary to the WORD you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin of GOD is not of God. to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
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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November 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 11
Conforming to the Word Are there aspects in your life that you know should be fulfilled but for one reason or another they are pushed aside? What about promises that God has made to you and gifts from God that you have not yet claimed? If we look deep enough we will see that most of the time the reasons we live without are locked into the fact that we are not conforming to what the word says. Hence, our quality as Christians is compromised.
119:105).
Are you called to be a teacher but for some reason it just is not happening? Did you prepare according to 2 Timothy chapter 2: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Until you do this, your promise will be delayed. You might have your own reasons why you think this is not happening like: “You were not Every promise that God will give any of chosen because of favouritism or No one us can be traced back to the Bible. There sees you etc.” God knows the heart and will never be a prophecy, vision or dream He is the true promoter follow His inof God that will contradict what the word structions. “For promotion cometh neiof God says. He is not the author of con- ther from the east, nor from the west, fusion. (1 Cor. 14:30). As such, it doesn’t nor from the south. But God is the judge: matter how we received the promise he putteth down one, and setteth up what matters is that we conform to scrip- another.” Ps.75:6-7 tures. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Ti. 3:16-17)
There is no new way. “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (Col. 2:8). What promise are you waiting for? What instruction does the Word of God gives in attaining this promise? Follow that. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Ps.
Brethren and friends, let us be guided by the word in all things. There is absolutely nothing new under the sun. The Bible is our road map- let us use it to accomplish the promises of God.
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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November 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 11
Missing the Exit... I remember being out with friends and because we had an idea as to where we were going we turned off the navigation. We knew the direction up to a point, or so we thought, because we ended up coming off the highway an exit too early. We then became confused and had to turn on the navigation system. The short of the story is we got to the destination but by taking a longer route and more time. How many times do we get a promise from God but fail to take his direction to it? How many times do we miss the exit by either passing it or coming off too early? You just can’t seem to get a hold of this promise. Every time that you think this is it, you are then place ten steps backwards. Its as if the goal posts are moved and the promise just seems further away. Just follow God’s direc-
tion. We need His direction. Don’t ever turn off the navigation of the Holy Ghost. Be not lead by your own understanding. Let God be your lamp. We must listen attentively and stay in the word that we can walk in accordance with His will. Any other way will cause loss of time, resources and life. We can’t afford to lose anything more. We went pass the exit and the car broke down- now we are stuck in the middle of nowhere. We are lost and helpless but in this time we can cry to God for road side assistance. He will fix our vehicle and get us back on track. Once back on route we must ensure that we listen to the navigation (Holy Ghost) for where and what to do. Follow God’s lead and you will reach His promise to you.
Reversing to Move Forward While learning to drive an 18 seater passenger vehicle there was a particular “U” turn that I didn’t like. It was at the edge of a cliff like area with and very narrow to go around especially with that size vehicle. It required me stopping and reversing while checking my mirrors to ensure that I didn’t hit the tractor that was conveniently parked there. If I’m not careful when going around I’m sure to end up in the wall before me. So you can imagine the joy that filled my soul each time the driving instructor told me not to make the turn at that point but at an area that allowed easier maneuvering.
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As Christians while travelling on the road to Salvation- we have no issues traveling the straight. When situations arise that requires more maneuvering we opt for a short cut not realizing that we miss out on the key corner stones and foundations. The past (reverse) holds the keys to our future. Many of the misconceptions in doctrine would be avoided if when issues came up we went back to what the word of God says and then move forward. In doing so we are ensuring that all objects (potential accident or damage) are cleared. What is done most times is a shortcut- avoiding the issues altogether or colliding head-on causing serious damage. The word is always there to clarify the things we are not clear about. We can always go back to it. If ever there is a question about doctrine, traditions or customs; the word, our foundation is there to help and equip.
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.