A BETTER ME August 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 8
Walk Into Your Destiny KERRYKAY PUBLICATIONS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ pages/Kerrykay-Publications/ Email us at: kerrkay64@hotmail.com Write to us at: P.O. Box 4846 Savanna-la-Mar P.O. Westmoreland, Jamaica, W.I. Call us at: 876-292-0888 For more KerryKay Publications material, visit us at: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/ HannahBooks
IN THIS ISSUE: Guarding Your Mind Through Faith...Pg3 Rough Water..Pg3 Let ’ s Suffer as Christians ...Pg4 Finding True Loyalty...Pg5 Putting Selfishness Aside...Pg6 Loving Beyond the Surface...pg7
Take this approach, today marks the beginning of the rest of your life. Everything before this point was a buildup for now. Every low situation, every difficulty and all the joyful periods worked-up to this moment. You should be so grateful that you lived to see today. This promise stands to every Christian who loves the Lord—“All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose” (Ro. 8:28). The title above brings me back to the period when I just got saved. I remember the word vividly, “Walk into Your Destiny.” My life has never been the same. For you it might be different. Maybe you have already accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour but face constant challenges that have caused you to grow weary. Just stop, inhale and focus your thoughts on what the word promises. Everything prior to now is a contributing factor to this moment. Make the best of it because it will affect your tomorrows. Remember that all God promised you He is going to do. Let’s look at David’s story. He was anointed king after Saul disobeyed God’s command to utterly destroy the Amalekites. Though he was anointed he had to go through many battles and trials to be appointed. David however, behaved himself wisely. He didn’t give up on what was promised to him though things looked dismal at times. As David walked in his destiny his crown came to Him. “Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag; It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to
David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance. And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped. And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also. And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead? And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him. And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I. And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite. He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me. So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.” 2 Samuel 1:1-10 An important point to note from the text above is the fact that it is important to be obedient to the will of God. If Saul had destroyed the Amalekites as commanded, none of them could boast about killing him. In 1 Samuel 31:4- we see that Saul actually killed himself. Another point to take is that, if you are not obedient to what God says, He can raise up someone else to do so. As the above text states, David was coming back from what Saul should have completed. In your waiting on God to fulfill His promises, you must stay obedient and in His will. Don’t try to expedite the process by helping God. God will do it in His time. The right time.
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
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August 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 8
The Focus Message Contributors this Issue: Writers: Kerry-Ann Barrett Design and Layout: Khadine Dennis 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. 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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Editor: Kerry-Ann Barrett
New on iTunes !!! This Book focuses on the issue of premarital sex. In looking at the issue, actual life situations of which I’m familiar with, in story like settings were used to show how sin attacks us subtly and can become strongholds in our lives. The purpose of this project is to have readers see these traps in a practical way and avoid them. As young people and as singles we have to have our eyes open to the wiles of the evil one. He will use seemingly innocent gestures and things to draw us into immorality. But with our eyes opened we will see these things for what they really are. Although the focus of this project is based on sexual immorality the concepts can be applied to sin in general.
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The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
August 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 8
Guarding Your Mind Through Faith “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” When our hope is in God, we learn to see beyond the issues and situations we face. We will look at them in a positive light. So instead of complaining or being depressed we simply get excited waiting to see the good that will come of the situation. The word says in Psalm 34:19, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Not some but all. Our lives as Christians are full of miraculous testimonies. For every harsh situation we go through, we get some form of rejoicing because God does not go back on what He said. Even when everything looks dismal and there seems to be no way God is still in Control of Everything.
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Many times we start complaining and say things contrary to the God’s word which He already declared over our lives and we curse ourselves. Just as the Children of Israel were delayed in the wilderness because they complained and murmured, the same happens to us.
Faith teaches us that when the facts say something negative the truth (our hope) will always be what God says. The If God said it our role is to get in line with what He has said sooner we agree with God’s word and walk inline with the and reaffirm these positive things in our minds. Philippians same, the easier our life will be. We are to stay positive 4:8 declares, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are and look for the good in our situations. Jesus will not fortrue, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are sake His children. If God brings you to it, he will take you through it. just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if
Rough Waters I visited the beach recently as it was a nice and sunny day. However, when I got there the water was so rough. Deciding to enjoy my day despite , I sat on the shore watching the waves. The once clearly blue water was now brown and ugly. The waters climbed higher every time, every instance clearing the shores of small rocks that were previously expelled from the sea. After a few hours, I could see the sand again. The rough sea cleared a path for me to walk. I was then told by a man who was walking the beach that the sea is stirred. He then added that it might be detrimental for swimming seeing as the stingers are out in full force. He also added that this was the process of the sea cleaning itself.
proved to be quite relaxing.
The rough waters caused the sand, weed and other particles to get mixed together. But despite all of that, there is a lot to be gained when the water is stirred. In rough times (persecution and pain) we might be offensive to others (muddy water, stingers) but just as the rough waves cleared the shore there is a greater joy to be received when the rough seas in our lives complete their course. As such, we must embrace these periods. The more we are persecuted the higher we must go in God. When you do this the very darts of the enemy loses power. The closer you get to Jesus, the less effective the darts thrown because experience worketh hope. The more we overcome our situations the more I thought to myself, “there is a time and purpose for everything.” hope we have. The further we go in the water the more we are We should analyze situations and with wisdom make decisions able to manage the waves. We must then launch out into the that are appropriate to maximize our efforts. I needed to know deep. the right time to work the sea. When the water is stirred it might Jesus calmed the storm. We have his power inside of us and not be ideal for swimming , but watching and listening the waves therefore we are equipped for our situations.
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 8
August 2012
Let’s Suffer as Christians About A Better Me “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” 1 Peter 4:19 Many times Christians are faced with situations that intimidate them. This is because we say to ourselves: “I did the right thing; I obeyed the word of God; I fasted and prayed. So why am I lacking? Why am I in doubt? Why is my situation so overwhelming? I am seen as a fool for standing, both fied and that we will reign with Him. Chrisby others and myself because I do the right tians will suffer it’s a part of it. But we are thing but can’t seem to succeed.” overcomers in God. Once we are in His will, Take comfort in the word of God: the scriptures say that we will suffer, but “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered let us make our election sure by putting for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise away evil from among us. God is good and with the same mind: for he that hath sufHis mercies endureth forever. If we suffer fered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; as Gentiles we need to repent of our sins. That he no longer should live the rest of his This is why it is important to live repentive time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to lives that we can truly be free from sin. As the will of God. For the time past of our such when we suffer innocently we are life may suffice us to have wrought the will identified with Him. He was the innocent of the Gentiles, when we walked in lascivi- lamb sacrificed for us. Then are we truly ousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, Christians. What a powerful God. Suffering banquetings, and abominable idolatries: is a part of it. Wherein they think it strange that ye run If we look at our physical life; a mother not with them to the same excess of riot, suffers to bring fort a child. Despite the speaking evil of you: Who shall give acsuffering, a great joy takes over as that count to him that is ready to judge the child is safely delivered. Likewise there is quick and the dead.” (1 Peter 1) joy in Christian suffering, for if we suffer Let us therefore continue in good works with Him, we shall reign with Him. knowing that our Father in heaven is glori- (2Tim.2:12)
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.
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August 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 8
Finding True Loyalty In a society that is purposed on selfachievement, loyalty is hard to find as it is every man for himself.
About A Better Me
David found himself in a position where he was made king , then he had to flee from his kingship. Upon his return he was central to a quarrel of his brethren as to who got more of his attention. “And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have brought the king, and his household, and all David's men with him, over Jordan? And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to us: wherefore then be ye angry for this matter? have we eaten at all of the king's cost? or hath he given us any gift? And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than ye: why then did ye despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.” 2Sam. 19:41-43 We also see that in 2 Samuel 20, Sheba
the rebel came and caused the men of Israel to follow him. His life was taken for that. Sometimes we are surrounded by people who appear to be loyal but as soon as they get a chance to leave, they will. After all the disputing Israel left David to follow Sheba just like that. Remember it was not David that had a dispute with them, yet they chose a rebel over a king just because he said what they wanted to hear. They were not loyal. We will never be able to please everyone. However, if we please Jesus we will stand in good faith. For if we are loyal to God we don’t have to worry about His loyalty.
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
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
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August 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 8
Putting Selfishness Aside 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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And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan. Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man. And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem. And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem? I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king? Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward? Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee. And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.” 2 Sam. 19:31-38
he was now an old man. He could have taken another approach and said this is what I always wanted. I might not be able to enjoy it or might even be a drag to everyone around, but I’m coming. Instead, he analyzed his situation and saw that it would be better to send his servant. Can you imagine the joy Chimham? Can you imagine us today giving opportunities to the people who they best fit? A job market that hires the people who are truly qualified for a particular job? Everyman in his right place. We have to exercise wisdom in all that we do. Even in our churches, our leaders must ensure succession systems to ensure that this heritage is continued and preserved. We must learn to look beyond ourselves and see the greater good. No man is an island, hence we must co-operate, encourage and build each other.
We have to evaluate our situations and see that some of the opportunities we are afforded might be put to better use by someone else. Barzillai saw that he was too old to enjoy many of what King David could afford him and that he was not in a position to give much assistance to the king as
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
August 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 8
Loving Beyond the Surface “And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!” David loved Absalom even though he slept with his concubines and took his kingship causing King David to flee. When he died King David lamented. Similar to what transpired with Saul, David continued to love those who turned from him without a cause . David looked beyond all Absalom did and loved him as his son. Even though his men couldn’t understand it and were challenged by the emotions King David showed, it depicted the relationship with God and his children. When we rebel against God, refuse to repent and die in the process- it must hurt our Father. Christ came that all should live, not for us to die: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Christ died for us just as David would have readily died to save Absalom. It must hurt, to do the ultimate sacrifice for someone that then turns their back on you and then die without repenting of the same. This is a soul gone with a broken connection to a father. The Lord knows our potential and good intentions and sometimes that is what saves us. David might have looked at other times when Absalom showed and proved to be a man of truth and honour. Likewise in our lives there are individuals that have deeply wounded us, but our ability to love beyond the surface will be the key to us living a God centered life. Just as God looked beyond our faults, we must do the same. Though He could not look at or stand sin, He wanted us close to Him and went to the cross to ensure that this was possible. We love not because we gain, but we must love to be complete.
Happy Birthday JAMAICA!
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The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.