VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9
A BETTER ME
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September 2012
My God, My Friend I spent the first twenty years of my life knowing that there is a God but for many reasons didn’t accept Him. Don’t get me wrong I believed that He was real. I knew about the ten commandments that He gave to Moses and that I had to live a certain way to be a Christian. Its just that, it was so hard to give my life to Him then. It just seemed like church was a bunch of rules that took every ounce enjoyment out of life.
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I saw God as this supreme, invisible being who was up in the sky somewhere or everywhere. I had no connection to Him. While I empathized with Jesus dying on the cross I didn’t get the connection of what that meant for me, that the purpose of that cross was to build a bridge so that I could be close to God. So it was, I couldn’t accept what I couldn’t understand.
IN THIS ISSUE:
I lived my life searching for joy and happiness, a pursuit we all take on at different times. I never thought to look for God for that. The plan was find it, enjoy and then when life has settled then I would commit to the Lord.
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Take a Look in the Rear View Mirror...Pg3 The Righteous Preserved ...Pg4 The Word 3.0...Pg5 The Word 3.0...Pg6 My God, My Friend...pg7
I looked in the club and parties, but that wasn’t as fulfilling as I thought it would be. I looked to achieving greatness in my studies and career path - though I did well and excelled. it didn’t fill the gap. I lived to make my family proud and they were but it did little or nothing for me. I tried filling this void by pursuing relationships but I think the void extended. Nothing worked, at least not for long. Finally the misery of failure saw me crawling back to
the Saviour. It was desperation that led me to Him. The joy I felt was unspeakable. As it is written in 1 Peter 1:8-9 “yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” With this joy, it wasn’t hard to give the rules a try and it so happened that trying these rules proved to be the most liberating experience I ever had. God not only became my Master (as I thought of Him because of the rules) but He became my friend and guide to comfort me in my most troubling times. It was what I was always looking for. The void was now gone! I now found a friend that was true, honest, loving and kind. As I grew in Christ, I learnt that I could talk to the invisible God. He wasn’t just a far-away God anymore, but He was always with me. He ensured that my needs were met way beyond my expectations. He was really there for me when others couldn’t even see my struggles. Similar to how a man would for his wife Jesus went all out for me. The only exception is that Jesus proved His supremacy by giving of His life that I could find joy. In our society today, it would be as if a man was trying to woo a woman that wasn’t even paying him any attention. So he killed himself to get it. When she sees his ultimate sacrifice and then says this man really loved me at which point it is late because he is already dead. She might go to his funeral out of gratitude or pity. Cont’d on Page 7
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
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September 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9
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. 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.
Contributors this Issue: Writers: Kerry-Ann Barrett Loi Perry Design and Layout: Khadine Dennis Editor: Kerry-Ann Barrett
New on iTunes, Amazon.com, BarnesandNobles.com!!! 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.
HannahBooks . Ebook and Paperback available now. Amazon.com, BarnesandNobles.com and Nook. . . ISBN #: 978-1-105-73248-5 ISBN #: 978-1-105-68974-1
Kerry-Ann A. Barrett Please get your copy of this project at: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/
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The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
September 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9
Take A look in Your Rear View Mirror matured into what You needed me to be. I became convinced that everything were a part of the puzzle of my life, my ability to grow and most of all… I saw You were there, You were always there, in every walk, every fall, every rise it was YOU... You who hid me even when I was hurting You so badly… You who hid me so that my enemies wouldn’t get to me in that messed up state… I turn my gaze to the road before me…. I see my journey but unaware of what lies ahead. But… I see You there... I look in the rear view mirror and I see You there… I look ahead and I see You there. My heart bursts with amazement, as it beats faster, pounding harder. My spirit begins to rejoice, You are Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the As you drive in your LIFEX50 down the avenues, streets, End, the First and the Last, the Author and the Finisher of and highways, never forget to look in your rear view mirror. my days. God You were there in my beginning and I see You Many times we are so busy with the this and that’s of the at the end as well. How do You do it, why do You do it for present, complaining about what’s not happening, crying me…. As the tears begin to flow down the contours of my about not prospering as much as you may have expected, face, that signifies the depth of my amazement of Your not having what you want and the list goes on and on. goodness and faithfulness, I am ushered into an arena of But wait you can’t just drive and not look in the rear view gratefulness. I used to cry over the past, but You have mirror. You can’t live your life without looking back from taught me how to rejoice over it. Even though it was where you are coming from. against Your will, even though I’m undeserving of Your grace and mercy You still tell me, it was all a process that I I do my occasional peeks at yesteryear at the places I’ve chose but You made all things work for my good. been, the things I’ve done, the person I used to be. I look and I shake my head and wonder “was that really me.” As I Now I look in the rear view mirror and smile with amazedrive each glance brings its separate set of emotions and ment about the places I’ve been, the things I’ve done, the reactions. The hurts, the pains, being used, abused, misun- way I used to be and see written and stamped all over derstood, abandoned, ostracized, all comes with a sadGRACE AND MERCY. dened emotion and maybe a trickle of tear. But not for If I cry while looking back its just tears of gratefulness and long…. I look back again and I see how foolish I have been appreciation for taking me through the journey that broke at times, how selfish, self-centered, carefree, careless, and me and mended me at the same time. I hold my head up messed up I used to be… I take my eyes off the mirror to today and bravely say because I went through all I did, I am escape the shame and embarrassment as I shake my head a vessel of honor today. My process may have seemed in disbelief. long, strange, unbelieving or even unbecoming, but hey its Hesitantly I look up again, not sure what may come this time. Surprised, my glance becomes fixed on the things I got rescued from, the persons, the things, the objects, the blows…. Inhale…exhale… as I fight the tears that tried to surface as I stare in amazement…. I saw gradually how I
mine and I embrace it and I own it. It’s because of my process that I learnt who God is and developed a personal relationship with Him. My doubts are settled…. He is real!!!!!!
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
Loi Perry
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September 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9
The Righteous Preserved Reading: Ezekiel 8 and 9 As Christians we have to understand that God sees everything. Many times when our situations cast dark clouds over us we tend to feel like we are forsaken. But today let it be known to you, you are not. God has not forsaken the Earth, He is still everywhere. In the scripture text we see how many of the children of Israel believed that God didn’t see what day do and did many abominations even in the temple. Because they thought the Lord had forsaken the earth. This leads one to think about motive. Why is it that they pretend to be Children of God. Their lives were one way to everyone but in dark chambers when the public was absent they worshipped other Gods. They were idolaters. Even in the very sanctuary. Similarly many Christians have packaged themselves in a way that they are seemingly lights of God. However, in the recesses of their hearts this is far from the truth. They stand, sing, wave, and shout in worship services but its only a performance of what worship should be. It is not real. There is no true righteousness in them. Their heart is set on doing contrary to the word of God, even when they are taught the right way. They complain and view it as not applicable to them giving humanly rational reasons. This is a sure way to go to hell.
and the people impose worldly beliefs on the church. Many Christians adopt these new ways to their own detriment. For others, while they don’t partake in these acts, they will never cry out against them or have any issue with others committing the same. We must lament over the fact that souls are heading for hell and cry out to God for the saving of their souls. To be better Christians we have to pray for others, especially when they have lost their way. We must stand up for what is right even if we are victimized for it. Right is not subjective- it is what the word of God says. When we are righteous God will preserve us. We are the salt of the earth. If we don’t tell people of salvation how will they know? If we keep the truth to ourselves, because we don’t want to offend thereby enabling ungodly behavior, how will that soul be saved?
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.
Many of us were salvaged from some situations that we many times don’t want anyone to know, but yet we many times uphold slackness. Right is right and wrong is wrong. Let us encourage those that are a far off to taste and see that the Lord is good. Similar to how many of us did not know what we were missing out on before we came to Christ, many are in that predicament today. Not that we are prefect and do not sin, but that we have and advocate in Christ whose grace it is that has saved us and not our own righteousness.
In chapter 9 of the text all the individuals who lamented over the unrighteousness (see vs. 4) were given a mark of preservation but unto all others the punishment was death (see vs. 5). It wasn’t just the individuals who committed these acts, but this encompassed those that uphold these things, ignored these things and those that saw nothing wrong with these things. They were all destroyed. We live in a society where when the culture changes and new laws are passed- governments
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
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September 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9
The Word 3.0– “The Word is God” The Word of God is the bread of life. All life flows through it. When we are governed by what God says we live life to the fullest but when we lead unto our own understanding we live defeated lives waiting to die. “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”(Mt.4:4). The Word: Edifies, Encourages and Strengthens. “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification (Instruction), and exhortation (encouragement), and comfort (support).” 1 Cor. 14:3 The Word is God: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.” (Rev. 19:11-16) How does the Word reveal God? God the Father: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jn1:1. Just as He gave Adam instructions in the beginning, God gives us instruction as to how to live. God the Son: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” Through grace Christ has encouraged us to live right as He came to Earth in our likeness and was by all means obedient to the will of the Father (The Word, Himself). “I and my Father are one.” John 10:30
God the Holy Spirit: “It is the spirit that quick-
About A Better Me
eneth {“And so it is written, The first an Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.” 1Cor. 15:45}; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I(Jesus) speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63). “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb.4:12). Christ promised that the Comforter will come. (John 14:14-16). The Holy Spirit comforts, supports and strengthens us. He serves as a life coach that resides in us to fortify us that we can truly live for God.
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.
“For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” Acts 17: 28-31 “
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Ro. 1:19-21 “ 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. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.” Col. 2:8-10 ———— Cont’d on pg 6
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
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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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September 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9
The Word 3.0- (cont’d) 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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same situation that was played out in the Garden of Eden. Adam had a great relationship with God- I believe God would have told Him anything He wanted to know because of the fellowship they had. But the enemy had the first couple deceived into getting knowledge in a way that God did not approve of. The Word unifies and confirms the Godhead. God is the Word. The Lord our God is one Lord (Mk 12:29; Deu.6:4). Disobedience of God’s word is directly offending Him because sin is offensive. Sin does the opposite of what the Word does: it retards, discourages and weakens us. The Word enlightens while sin is deceptive. You cannot achieve light through sin, at least not to light your heart. You have to have a relationship with God (The Word) where there is open communication. We have to identify with Him. If we can’t identify with God, it becomes difficult to understand the Word of God. Hence many that find the Bible confusing and contradicting have not in part or in whole discovered who God is and are lacking in His Spirit. The light of understanding has not yet shun in their hearts. So they can’t comprehend the light. It is foolishness to them. “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:5
The way of sin (sin’s promise) says, “You don’t need God, You can do it yourself and be your own god.” We know that the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). But we also know, man will most times prefer his own way to God’s way (Is.55:8; Pr 14:12; 16:25). This then creates our life struggle, that is finding and living the will of God for our lives. We must maintain our relationship to know God’s will and we must allow His Spirit to lead us to live His will. By so doing we will grow in Him. As Pastor L. Johnson best puts it: “Up, down and across”. Up in height thereby achieving more sunlight; Downhaving deeper roots for strength and nourishment and across for balance. Three dimensional growth. We must stay in the Word for continued edification that we might know His will. We must stay in the Word to get encouragement to maintain and sustain our walk with God. We Must stay in the Word for strength to overcome every plan sent to block our salvation.
They can only see the deception promised to them. A promise of receiving something that God has promised- but to achieve in a We must stay in God! way that God does not approve of. The Kerry-Ann Barrett way of sin may seem appealing but the end of it is darkness and death. This was the
The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.
September 2012
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9
My God, My Friend (Cont’d) With Jesus the mighty God, he rose from the dead to start a courtship with me. This really makes a girl feel special. In this process we are building a relationship so that I can know His ways to eventually reign with Him. This requires me learning to love, respect and please Him. Loving Jesus is not any different than loving one’s spouse. History has shown the endless sacrifices people make because of the love they have for their spouses. Its as simple as this, I plan to get married one day so since I’m going to have make certain sacrifices for my marriage to work, honouring God might be the best proving ground. When I looked at it like that, it was as if the rules were not a big deal any more. This would be the compromise I would make to make my relationship work. The word of God says in St. John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” What I found was the more I became obedient to God’s commands, the easier it became to obey Him. While I looked at my relationship with God through a marriage union, it is not limited to that. Many discovered their relationship with Him in setups of: father to child, teacher to pupil, siblings, best friends and so on. All of these roles have been experienced by myself. So if you do not relate to God how I do, its not that you don’t get it. He just reaches us in different ways. He has proven that He stands by His word, so I must stand beside Him as we must have oneness in what we portray. This relationship is never one sided, He filled my void through His ultimate sacrifice; nothing that I will ever do can repay what He did for me. When I obey Him, it shows by gratitude and pleases Him well. If I’m happy and He’s happy how joyful the friendship. As our friendship with God grows, we take on more and more of His attributes. The closer we get, the more authority we are given. The power of God is not limited and he liberally gives it to those close to Him. The power I speak of is not only in regards to the laying on of hands, healing the sick, etc. But to live triumphantly over sin and its snares as we have a responsibility to live Godly lives. A relationship with God is necessary for every Christian walk. Taken from the Upcoming project: My God, My Friend By Kerry-Ann Barrett
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The A Better Me Newsletter is a KerryKay Publications production, sponsored and marketed by the same.