FALL 2022

The learning curve

fall 2022

EDITOR Ashley Ennis 1620 S. Hopewell Loop, Atkins, AR 72823 501.269.1144- ashley.ourherald@gmail.com

OFFICIAL BOARD Chairman- Dee Jay Shoulders 707 Ronnie Rd., Madison, TN 37115 615.423.0040- djpreachit@bellsouth.net Vice-Chairman- Richard B. Burks 11900 Road 171, Philadelphia, MS 39350 601.656.7210- rbb4543@yahoo.com Secretary-Stacy Lisenbey PO Box 513, Plainview, AR 72857 479.393.8858- slisenbey@gmail.com

OFFICERS

WELCOME

Welcome to your Herald. A place to proclaim what the Lord is doing in His church and in His body of believers. This is the voice of our association, a chance to tell what we have seen and know to be true. We hope you feel at home here. Sit at the table with us and eat- there is something for everyone.

Our mission is to connect the body of Christ through fellowship, accountability, and shared resources to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world around us.

Ambassador at Large- Richard Humphreys 179 Millbrook St, Percy, AR 71964 870.310.1677- rickhumphreys2@yahoo.com Youth Director-Dee Stone PO Box 57, Plainview, AR 72857 479.272.4755- wiredwithjesus@gmail.com Missionary Secretary- Clifton Beecher 1887 Hack Brown Rd, Franklin, KY 42134 270.776.0902- clif.beecher@gmail.com Ladies Auxiliary President- Karla Shoulders 707 Ronnie Rd., Madison, TN 37115 615.830.2697- theboyzmom1@bellsouth.net Promotional Arm Director-Aaron Wojcik 132 Grindstone Dr, Gallatin, TN 37066 931.252.4212- aaronwojcik3@gmail.com

PRESBYTERS Arkansas- Dennis Bledsoe 22660 130 Lot #28, Bryant, AR 72022 501.326.5411 California- Frank Ellis 10583 Oleander Ave, Fontana, CA 92337 909.382.1029 Kentucky- David Penrod PO Box 632, Bowling Green, KY 42102 270.781.2768 Missouri- Travis Hollingsworth 3235 W. Madison St, Springfield, MO 65802 615.830.2697

EDITOR'S NOTE The editor reserves the right to shorten, refuse and or hold any article, or part thereof that is deemed contrary to the spirit of the association.

The Editor and the A.B. of C. receive all articles in good faith, all authors are responsible for the authenticity and veracity of material they submit for publication in Our Herald. This magazine is published quarterly, the subscription price is $15.00 per year. Please contact the editor for any further information you may require.

Mississippi- Antoine Stokes 1609 Robertson Rd, Louisville, MS 39339 662.803.3878 Tennessee- Jonathan Denton 202 Lake Terrace Dr, Hendersonville, TN 37075 615.293.5530

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR I always save this part of the magazine for last. and today I am so glad I did because I woke up this morning to a beautiful image in my mind's eye.

The train from Isaiah 6:1 draped over a church. The colors were rich, the fabric was heavy, and the church was solid. Right away I understood this was something important. This was a vision of what God is doing in His church.

Earlier in the week, I had seen a memorial, it almost looked like a tombstone, except on the front was a woman sitting at a desk quilting. Her quilt was hanging over both sides of the table and under her chair was written "The Piecemakers."

Isn't that what quilters do...sew pieces together to make a whole?

When the Lord showed me the train of His robe covering His church, I heard in my spirit (the way one does), "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9).

God used the memorial as a filter through which to understand the vision.

God is piecing together His church to become peacemakers. He is robing us in dignity in spite of those who would try to rob us of it.

In Matthew 5:39-48, Jesus teaches us what to do in the face of opposition. He tells us to turn the other cheek, walk the extra mile, lend without discrimination, give both our coat and our cloak, and to do it all while blessing the offender. Jesus tells us to love in a way that costs us something. It isn't just loving difficult people, but it is dying to our sense of what is fair. This kind of love is the narrow path. It is a love that bears stripes, carries crosses, and says "forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:24).

It is the mother who forgives the drunk driver. The man who spends his life in prison, falsely accused.

The teenager who is bullied for being different.

The child caught in the middle of a nasty divorce.

I am available to minister and may be reached at 501.269.1144.

"For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God" (1 Peter 2:20).

We say we want a book of Acts church...God gives us the strength to carry it well and the humility to die to ourselves so we can do what is acceptable in Your eyes.

This issue is called "The Learning Curve," because the space between where we are and where we are moving towards is the place where God's grace shines the brightest. Psalm 154:9 tells us, "The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works." I am grateful for tender mercies and that His "gentleness hath made me great" (Psalm 18:35). I am grateful the train of His robe fills the temple and that He covers us in His dignity.

A big thank you to Pastor Liz Mauldin for sending me the photo on the front cover.

Unity is progress and yet there is still so much to learn.

In everything, always, more Jesus,

Ashley Ennis NEW SUBMISSIONS Please send all new submission to: ashley.ourherald@gmail.com Winter 2022/2023 Submission Deadline: November 12, 2022

SUBSCRIPTIONS Please mail $15 check or money order to: Ashley Ennis 1620 S Hopewell Loop Atkins, AR 72823 Make Check payable to: ABofC

CHAIRMAN'S CORNER PASTOR DEE JAY SHOULDERS "HE RESTORETH MY SOUL"

Every single verse out of this famous 23rd Psalm is quoted and read many times over. From Funerals to weddings and in between this is a powerful Psalm.

Nineteenth-century preacher Henry Ward Beecher described Psalm 23’s blessings in one of his sermons.

He said this psalm has “charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. It has poured balm and consolation into the heart of the sick, of captives in dungeons, of widows in their pinching griefs, of orphans in their loneliness.” I say amen to that. But I want to focus on a portion of that chapter that is not preached as much but is so powerful for us all in these trying times. HE RESTORETH MY SOUL. Isaiah 53 is one of the clearest statements in the Bible of what Jesus has accomplished for his people, and the first thing we see is that Christ came to redeem you and me. That means he came to release you, set you free, and do whatever it takes to get you out of the mess you are in. When Isaiah speaks about the redeeming work of Christ, he does not begin with our guilt and sin; that comes later in the following verse.

He starts with our suffering. He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. Whether it’s a division in your family, the loss of your job, the death of your loved one, the pain of your past, or whatever it may be we must know that Christ has not abandoned us in our griefs and sorrows.

He refused to remain in heaven at a distance from your pain and your tears. He came near, and he bore our griefs and carried our sorrows for us. Jesus will not allow suffering to be the last word in your life. The chastisement of our peace was upon HIM. He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Clearly, the intent of this verse is that our peace is part of the finished work of Christ on the cross. Maybe you’ve got the church thing down and by that I mean you are faithful to the house of God. Also, you love God and His word and you’re not wanting to sin but rather you desire to live in righteousness. But something is missing and it’s noticeable to you on the inside. Deep down you need Him to restore your soul.

When I say, ‘He restoreth my soul" it literally means He refreshes, He recreates, and He quickens us. It means He revives and He reinvigorates us when we are exhausted and weary. It literally means Christ will renew and sustain our lives.

He also gives us restoration of our mind, will, and emotions as we listen to His words and speak to Him in prayer and in worship. Only God takes the initiative to restore the souls of His people. We all will face times of uncertainty, trouble, and worry. People of all ages experience trials at some point in life.

Sometimes sadness takes over and we become exhausted spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. We are so busy.

And when our lives are consumed with busyness, our soul craves rest which can bring a time of reflection and replenishment.

Continued on Page 17 1

Ambassador-At-Large BRO. RICK HUMPHREYS "SLOW IS BETTER THAN NOT AT ALL"

“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her." Proverbs 4:1-8

“Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me." Proverbs 8:1-17 “I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts." Psalm 119:100

Some people learn faster than others. Why? They have a hunger for learning. They have a desire to please God by obedience to His commandments. Some learn by mistakes, others seem to never learn from their mistakes. God will meet you at the level of your desire. Some seek him early (young) in life, others later (older), and some never at all. We all have a desire to some degree; it is a matter of how we employ it. We can all sit in the same church house, hear the same message, (or not, if the ear is not listening), and not respond in the same manner.

Some of us are quick to hear while others are not. Some are quick to understand while others are not. Some read and quickly respond, others are slow, and some do not respond to the spoken message or the read Word. Some have to experience the negative side of the Word to make a positive response to the commands of God, even though the commands are not grievous. Disciples sometimes just don’t get it. Carnal minds get in the way of spiritual understanding!

Disaster, disappointment, hurt, tragedy, and unexpected loss can impede our understanding and learning. Even with Jesus teaching us, we still are reluctant to grasp what He is teaching. He had this problem in Luke 24 and looked at two of His disciples and said (Luke 24:25-26) “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?” Jesus had told them He would be crucified and would rise on the third day, but they didn’t get it. They were devastated by His death, they were disillusioned at not being set free from Roman rule, and their expectations had not been met. Does this sound familiar to any of you?

Continued on Page 18 2

WOMEN+ MINISTRY SIS. KARLA SHOULDERS LADIES AUXILIARY PRESIDENT

Our new little grandbaby is a year old and is growing so fast! She’s doing new things every day and surprises us all with how much she has learned in the short time she’s been here! She is definitely the smartest baby around! ;-) We reflect on how fast time has flown and how it seems like just a few days ago our own little babies were growing and learning. Even how our own lives down through the years have had so many unique areas of learning.

Is your heart open to receive from God and grow the way He would have you to? Will you stop growing in wisdom and knowledge when it comes to God and His Word?

We can stop if we want to, but just as in the natural, we would be foolish to decide to stop growing spiritually.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7 Is your heart open to receive from God and grow the way He would have you to? Will you stop growing in wisdom and knowledge when it comes to God and His Word?

We can stop if we want to, but just as in the natural, we would be foolish to decide to stop growing spiritually.

If we one day decided, “I’m done growing and learning…I’m good.”

How sad and what a mess our lives would be. We would be foolish to think we’ve arrived or known enough to sustain us through the rest of our lives. We all learn at a different pace, but we all learn.

Growing spiritually is just the same.

We all start out our spiritual walk learning more and more each day.

It is up to us to decide how much we will grow in God and continue to allow His Spirit to pour into us.

Life gets busy but we should never get too busy to continue to grow in Christ. Let’s make sure we take time to be sensitive and look around to see the things that God is trying to show us so that we can grow in Him.

Psalm 25:4 3

SPIRITUAL LISTENING BRO. AARON WOJCIK PROMOTIONAL ARM DIRECTOR

What is the Spirit saying to the church?

What is the Spirit saying to you? Do you even know? As Christians, we like to believe that the Spirit is directing our lives, but if that were completely true, you would see a lot less Christians struggling with

fear,

anxiety,

stress,

burnout,

confusion…and the list goes on. How do we hear what God is saying to us?

Paul said, “I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Christ” (Galatians 1:12).

Wow. If we heard someone not named Paul the Apostle say that, we’d probably have our doubts. But Paul was very clear about how he came to preach the gospel. After Paul’s dramatic conversion experience that left him sitting blind in the middle of a road to Damascus, he went to Arabia for a period of three years to be able to hear the message that God wanted him to preach. Paul was a very educated religious teacher. He had a lifetime of knowledge about the law and Jewish tradition. He needed to get away from all of that knowledge to clearly hear what the Spirit was saying. After three years of listening to the Spirit, he went to Peter, James, and John, the original Apostles to confirm what he had come to know as the Gospel (Gal 1:18-20).

Paul shows us two key elements of Spiritual listening: personal relationship and corporate accountability. We typically gravitate more towards one than the other.

Some believe they hear from God, but they don’t want to be accountable to anyone, especially someone who may disagree with what they believe God said to them.

Resisting accountability is an indicator that you are acting out of pride. Others seem only to listen for God during a church service or learn God’s Word from a pastor’s sermon. I don’t believe this is what Paul meant when he said “How can they hear without a preacher”.

If so, he didn’t follow his own preaching. There is a balance. We need the voices and accountability of Godly leadership in our life, but if you’re willing to listen, God wants to speak to YOU!

Paul shows us two key elements of Spiritual listening: personal relationship and corporate accountability.

I have learned that while there is certainly a place for creativity and organization when it comes to ministry, we can become too dependent on our role in the process. God is for order and organization (see the entire bible for examples). However, he also wants us to depend on him first. If we can’t even save ourselves, what makes us think we can organize the salvation and discipleship of others without God leading us?

This is where our ability to listen to the Spirit comes into play. First, do you acknowledge that you need God’s Spirit leading you? It’s easy to tell others that they need the Holy Spirit directing their lives, but do we feel the same urgency for His direction when we make our own plans? Does ministry stress you out?

Could it be that you are placing the success of your ministry completely on your plan and your effort?

Wouldn’t it be freeing to just let the creator and savior of the world tell you what He wants? Too many times, we define our relationship with God or our success as a minister on how well the ministries we lead succeed.

While Jesus chose to use us to take the gospel to the world, he wants us to be content being vessels. Trust Him. Listen to Him! Continued on Page 18 4

“The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.” -Psalms 53:1

Day by day and year by year, our country is becoming more foolish. According to a 2017 Gallup poll, only 64% of Americans are “Convinced God exists.” That is down from 79% in 2005. Other surveys show different percentages, but in whatever form the question is asked, the percentage of people in the USA who believe in God is down and descending fast. In fact, America has become ripe for a great missionary effort. You may Google it if you like, but Europe is worse in this area than the USA. Social pressure weighs heavily toward disbelief.

Aggressively anti-God books, written by people called “New Atheists,” are becoming bestsellers.

Sadly, the pressure to disbelieve is more intense within colleges and among college educated people. Over the past fifty years or so, our major universities have become hatcheries for disbelief in God. Some are not so bad in this regard; others are horrid.

One very intelligent oneness Pentecostal young man received a scholarship to Vanderbilt University.

He came home an atheist, perhaps an agnostic.

Now he is not only against the beliefs of God’s people, but he has also gone on a kind of vocal crusade hostile to them. It is fine to get an education, but don’t allow the education get you.

5

Please, do not misunderstand my intentions. I am enthusiastic about our young people getting a higher education. I encourage them to get a college degree, to go for a master’s degree and if possible, a PhD. They need to get all the education they can.

It will better their situation in the career world and make them more able to work for the kingdom of God. I am simply advocating the need to better equip young people for the warfare they will likely encounter in the colleges and universities.

You see, belief or disbelief in God is directly connected with the problem of evil being in the world. Why is evil here? How did it get here? Why does a good God allow bad things to happen?

Murder, rape, stealing and other crimes abound. The 24/7 news is full of them. The evil twins of hunger and disease seem to gain ground each year. Politicians are convicted for taking bribes and outright stealing from the citizens. It appears the drug culture, the gang culture and the sexual exploitation (human slavery) of young girls are here to stay.

Drunkenness, child abuse and violence against women, are unspeakable.

These actions and many others are wicked, vile and horrible. They are evil.

They are in the world.

Why are these evils in our world, in God’s world?

Why would a good God create such an evil place?

It’s a simple question that has been used by atheists to convince young people that God does not exist. It is an old question to which there are no new answers. Books have been written and are being written to answer this question. Wise men, philosophers and theologians, logicians and academics, have discussed and argued this issue for years, centuries even. I certainly have nothing new to add to the discourse. But I have something old to remind us of.

These “wise” people are asking the wrong question. In addition to asking the wrong question, they are searching for the answer in the wrong places. They are using the wisdom of the evil world to search for the reason evil is in the world. Not one of them seems to notice this as a conflict.

“Wise” people need to remember, as do we, that the God who created the world has written a Book. It would seem to make sense for them to read that Book. At the beginning of the God’s Book, he tells about creating the world. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” The first three chapters explicitly demonstrate that the “wise” people are asking the wrong question.

The question is not why a good God would create such an evil world. This is a spurious question for the plain reason that God did not create this “evil world.” God created a good world. He created a world in which there was no evil. It was mankind who chose to bring evil/death into God’s world.

God has spent time and effort ever since repairing mankind and mankind’s evil. God came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ to rid the world of evil and death. Someday when Jesus comes again, he will completely purge the world of evil.

Testimony- This is a post I shared on a Monday night, a few hours later I pulled up Pastor Mink's article to place in the Herald. I think it is amazing how God works and shares His heart throughout the church. I text Pastor Mink and told him what a great word he had sent over and what a blessing it had been to me that day. It can be hard to share your heart publicly and I was grateful for the confirmation. You never know how God is using you to bless someone!

Keep sharing! Ashley Ennis

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God put man and woman in his good world to live in it and care for it. Our first parents chose not to believe what God told them. By doing so they rejected his goodness. They chose to disbelieve God. They disregarded the Creator. By doing this, they brought evil into God’s good world. To disbelieve what God said is evil. To disregard God is evil. Atheism does both and therefore is evil. Atheism means “no God.” Atheism says no to God. Evil began in a tilt toward atheism.

I took this photo of the Religion section on Saturday at Barnes and Noble with my friend Rebecca Cooper. I Think it is a very good representation of this world. The holy mixed with the unholy. Pastor preached on books Sunday and confirmed in me what the Lord was telling me on Saturday. Books are one of the most powerful things on earth. Jesus put His revelations in a book. I looked it up and there are around 4,200 different religions in the world. Satan had to come up with 4,199 lies to fight one powerful truth. While we were there Rebecca and I prayed that every lie in that store would be made void and the truth of Jesus would ring loud. This store has been taken over by witchcraft and unholy nonsense (there are far more examples than pictured here). I turned a few covers around when we first got there, but there was no way to get to them all (not sure if that helps anything but I find it hard to walk by without doing something).

We also had the opportunity to pray with two different sets of young people. The first couple said they were atheist but let me pray for them anyways. The second I overheard while checking out. She didn’t want her mother to put her on medication. If you want to find the lost, go to a book store.

God forgive us for what we have allowed and for what we have called entertainment.

DO NOT FEAR Bro. Stephen Tolman

In 2017, as I saw the church rejoicing in what they saw as a political resolution to a spiritual problem, I saw a vision of Trump winning reelection but not being seated as president. Great economic, social and spiritual stress began to greatly afflict the nation, and a satanic spirit of destruction, decay and despair came over the USA. In 2017, as I saw the church rejoicing in what they saw as a political resolution to a spiritual problem, I saw a vision of Trump winning reelection but not being seated as president. Great economic, social and spiritual stress began to greatly afflict the nation, and a satanic spirit of destruction, decay and despair came over the USA. At the end of 2022, social unrest, riots and regionalized conflict (that even in cases looked like civil war) began to overtake the nation and greatly weakened it. At the time of its weakness, an external attack (not an invasion), came upon the nation and it was brought to its knees.

Then I heard a voice which said…

Because they have committed the sin of Sodom and have sacrificed their children to Moloc, I have brought judgment on the land: Ezekiel 16: 49-50, "Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty and committed abomination before Me; therefore I took them away as I saw fit."

For I called this nation to be a light unto the nations but it has become a corrupting force.

For as Moses raised up a serpent in the desert, so that all who looked upon it were saved from death and destruction, but that same serpent became and idol to my people and I had Hezekiah destroy it, So I allowed a document to be written to free this nation but now my people pay more attention to this document than to my Word. Even so if the nation repents of its way, I will put a stay upon this judgement and show her mercy.

Church do not fear what is to come in the coming days for I will raise up my people and they shall be light and be a witness and even I the midst of persecution, they shall see my power and my glory. As it was in the book of Acts, you shall see my power and glory manifest in and even greater way in your lives and your children’s lives. I shall be exalted upon the land and in the midst of destruction, you shall see a revival as has never been seen before in this country.

You say as the prophet Hosea said… but Lord, “There is no truth or mercy or knowledge of God in the land." But I shall remind you as I said in Isaiah and in Habakkuk… For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

Do not seek your own prosperity and comfort anymore but seek my face says the Lord.

Then you shall see my glory manifest upon your lives and upon the nation. You shall lack no necessary thing even in difficult times, you shall be safe even in the midst of violence and danger. Do not fear says the Lord but look unto me for I am your source.

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WHAT DOES WORSHIP LOOK LIKE? SIS. JOY KING

What does worship look like to you?

I wonder if we truly understand what worship is. Everything in creation was made to glorify God. We were created to love, adore, worship and devote our lives to Him. Worship isn’t simply singing songs.

It’s a lifestyle devoted to a loving God and putting Him first in all things. We worship through ins and outs of our daily lives. We all know that the power of music can reach souls and connect us with God‘s presence, but music is only one part of worship. Worship itself is expressing love, respect, reverence, and devotion. We can worship with our whole lives. In fact, we are called to reflect love, honor, serve and give glory back to our creator in everything we do. Its all about connecting with God in worship and being continually transformed by the process.

When we put God first in all things, we are living out our identity as children of God. We were made by Him and for Him. God wants our whole hearted, authentic and honest devotion. That overflow and expression from our hearts can spill out through our entire every day life. We worship in what we do and say every single day.

Faith

We can worship through our Faith. Have you viewed faith in a way to worship before? We think of faith as a heavenly quality, and it is. But faith is also a completely earthly attribute. As Hebrews says, it is "the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see" (11:1). Faith is the vital foundation of our relationship with God. It’s the belief that God is true and trustworthy and doing all that he said He would.

Our Calling We can worship through our Calling. We’ve been called to love and serve Christ and live out our relationship in ways that reach other people. Each of us have been given gifts and abilities to use to impact the world around us. And every action we take a long those lines is an act of offering and reflecting glory and devotion back to God. It’s an act of worship through calling. It’s being faithful with a few things, just as Jesus said. The call to love and love in relationship with God, to obey his word, to love the people around us, and to serve and represent Christ in the circumstances we’re in. This also includes using the gifts God has given us. Doing so is being a faithful steward of what we’ve been given.

Pain We can worship through our Pain. Pain is a difficult problem. We hate pain and suffering yet at some point, it touches every life. While everyone’s perspective on pain is rooted in personal experience, we can learn to worship through our suffering. When suffering touches our lives, how do we respond? The best starting point is in turning to God for help in finding that he is a God who is with us. We must focus on God‘s truth and cry out to him in our hardship. This is an act of worship. Opening our hearts to him in our pain and trials lifts him up while at the same time filling us with his strength.

8

In hard times especially, worship is an ongoing

process

of

bringing

our

questions, confusion, hurts, doubts, any emotions to God as an acknowledgment

So what does worship really look like to you? I pray that we challenge ourselves every day to view worship in a broader way, beginning with steps of faith that reflect our trust and His goodness.

of our need and his ability to provide.

Even in our pain we are never alone.

Serving We can worship through Serving. When we worship through serving, we stop striving for our own benefit and instead identify with those most in need of help.

If we worship through serving it not only reveals our hearts, it actually changes us.

Just

take

a

look

around.

We

are

surrounded by the ‘least of these’ in need of physical, mental, and spiritual renewal.

When we concentrate on giving and serving to others it helps us die to self. It puts God on the throne of our hearts where He belongs. If God is at the center of our hearts, our thoughts and our lives, then there leaves no room for our own agenda. We stop focusing on what doesn’t matter.

When we worship, we are saying, “God come

and

consume

me.

You

are

welcome here.” Worship is who we are.

We were all created to worship God. We were created to give thanks to God, to adore Him, to put Him first and to obey Him. We become like the one we worship.

Whatever

or

whoever

we

worship is who or what we will become.

If we worship God, we become like Him.

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne,

We begin to take on His characteristics.

and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

So what does worship really look like to you? I pray that we challenge ourselves every day to view worship in a broader way, beginning with steps of faith that reflect our trust and His goodness.

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Revelation 5:13

TEACH LIKE JESUS Sis. Anna Hale I can’t say I always wanted to be a teacher.

First I wanted to be a figure ice-skater, but there just aren’t many opportunities for iceskating in Southern Kentucky. Also, I learned at 20 years old that I can’t even stand on ice skates. I considered being an artist, but I can just barely draw, an eye doctor (I would have had to study too much), and an author (I’m still considering this one). However, when I became a teacher, it was more than a simple decision on my part, I knew I had been called.

it’s in the quiet moments of Jesus’ ministry that we get to hear his “teacher voice.” The sermon on the mount is a beautiful example of how Jesus taught. Matthew 5 tells us that He went up on a mountain and sat down, and then he began to encourage the people with the Beatitudes. Afterwards, he offered corrections. He told them, “You have heard,” or “It has been said… but I tell you…” To teach like Jesus is to bless others, to set things right, to make things clear, and to bring greater understanding.

On this side of Glory, it is unrealistic to believe that we could be the perfect, patient, wellspoken teacher that Jesus is, but what a privilege to be chosen by God to bear this part of his image!

Here are some ways that we could apply His example to our own classrooms:

~Be led by the Spirit Every year, around the end of April, when my third-grade students start getting squirrely, I begin to think that maybe God is calling me to do something else. During the 2020/2021 school year, I started down the slippery slope to burn-out way before April; I knew I had a long school year ahead of me if I didn’t get my heart right, and that’s when God downloaded just the update I needed to keep going: teach like Jesus. The thought kept coming to me over and over, like a song stuck in my head in the middle of the night. Teach like Jesus. I literally wrote it on my hand, my calendar, and the tops of my notebooks as a reminder. The realization that Jesus was a teacher, and that He had picked me to share in this calling was so encouraging!

The question, then, that begs to be asked is, “How do we teach like Jesus?” So, we turn to the Gospels, which bear witness to the miraculous, wonder-working power of our savior. The Gospels also show us a teacher, fully God and fully man who taught with patience, kindness and grace. His ministry was unlike any teacher who had come before him or would come after him, and

(Ephesians 3:16) ~Practice patience (Colossians 1:11) ~Correct with kindness (Proverbs 6:23) ~Use your “teacher voice" (Proverbs 16:24)

Whether a public school teacher, private school, home school, or Sunday school teacher, the call to teach is an honor and an opportunity to love on God’s children.

As the new month ushers in the start of a new school year, my prayer for every teacher is that we would lean on the Lord, knowing that He is still the Master Teacher, and there is so much to learn from him. I pray that we would use His example as our measuring stick, and find our strength in His love for us.

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STOCKINGS FOR STUDENTS Sis. Karen Sanders In 2018, Celebrating Teachers launched a ministry to the nations in the holiday season. One of our partners shared a vision to "share the love of Christ in the Christmas season with children from needy families." The vision of Celebrating Teachers is to equip teachers so that they can educate their students to impact their world with for Christ. The education of the child involves every area of their being, Spirit, Soul and Body. Classroom teachers daily face challenges of children who are abused, neglected, and hungry.

Faced with these challenges, teachers have

the

mandate

to

educate

a

generation. Our teams work throughout the

year

to

help

teachers

build

relationships with families to meet their needs, During the Christmas season, however, they have a unique opportunity.

They recognize their student's families, particularly the children. Teachers at our partner schools in our local communities and internationally, contact us with the ages, interests, wishes, and sizes of their needy students and other children in their families. We then work through our partner

churches

and

interested

individuals raising support and receiving gifts for these children.

h e lp ! o t y s a I t 's e E R E H SCAN

In 2021, Celebrating Teachers teams and their partners provided 789 gifts locally and over 400 gifts internationally to children of families in need, children in hospitals, and children in remote villages of Honduras and Mexico. Through the Stockings for Students program, teachers provide us lists of sizes and ages of children needing gifts and families needing food for Christmas. We then purchase ageappropriate gifts, wrap them, and deliver them to the teachers, who distribute them to the parents for their children to open Christmas Morning. This helps the teachers develop stronger relationships with the parents, helping the children through strong relationships.

In 2022, we are launching new opportunities for area churches to become involved, either by contacting our teams to assist with their local school distributions or by helping us to meet our goal of 1500 gifts for needy children in December. Donations to help us with purchase and shipping of gifts and clothing can be made by check, directly to Celebrating Teachers Inc. at P.O. Box 1943, Owasso, Oklahoma 74055, through our website at http://www.Celebratingteachersintl.org, or you can select gifts directly through our AmazonSmile.com link, Gifts purchased through AmazonSmile will be delivered directly to our home offices, where they will be wrapped and prepared for delivery to the children.

Thank you for sharing our vision, as we do all that we can do, Linking People with Resources to People with Need! We invite you to share the invitation, join us, and BE A LINK!!!

For more information, contact Karen Sanders at 918902-2740.

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LEARNING CURVES Sis. Lori Stevens I remember when I was young, I loved to help my mom bake. I would sit in that kitchen, asking her questions and trying to help as much as she would let me. When I was about ten, I declared that I was going to make a batch of chocolate chip cookies all by myself. My mother said she would be around if I needed her. I was quite certain I would make great cookies all by myself. I started out great but as a batch was in the oven, I got distracted by something else. I realized my cookies might burn and rushed to pull the cookies from the oven. I realized too late that I had forgotten the hot pad. I grabbed that sheet of cookies bare handed, burning my hand badly. I knew right away I needed my mom. She quickly doctored my hand and finished baking the cookies. I felt that burn for several days. I learned quickly that day, that hot pads are truly necessary and I still think of that incident today when I open a hot oven. I still have a love for baking and my baking skills have greatly increased. That day, I had a jump in my learning curve.My mother said she would be and trying to help as much as she would let me.

When I was about ten, I declared that I was going to make a batch of chocolate chip cookies all by myself. around if I needed her. I was quite certain I would make great cookies all by myself. I started out great but as a batch was in the oven, I got distracted by something else. I realized my

cookies might burn and rushed to pull the cookies from the oven. I realized too late that I had forgotten the hot pad. I grabbed that sheet of cookies bare-handed, burning my hand badly.

I knew right away I needed my mom. She quickly doctored my hand and finished baking the cookies. I felt that burn for several days. I learned quickly that day, that hot pads are truly necessary and I still think of that incident today when I open a hot oven. I still have a love for baking and my baking skills have greatly increased. That day, I had a jump in my learning curve.

What is a learning curve? It is defined as the rate of a person's progress in gaining new experience ir new skills.

This applied to every new skill or experience we have. We all learn at different rates and speeds. Some experiences give a great amount of experience and others bring us forward little by little. This applied to our spiritual walk as well.

I was raised in church and learned early on, that that does not make me any better or less of a sinner than anyone else.

We are all born into sin and we all are in desperate need of the Savior. I learned Bible stories and memorized verses. This has been a foundation on which I have been able to stand as an adult. But those stories and verses are not enough for a lifetime. I needed to learn to more about God, experience God for myself, and learn from my own experiences, good and bad.

As I became an adult, I had to determine for myself that God was there for me as well. I had friends who walked away from God as soon as they were no longer at home with parents. I had others who were determined to walk toward God with all their heart and soul. I had to make a decision for myself to serve God. Looking back, that was an easy decision. But making the decision over and over in the face of adversity, trial and loss is a bit harder. I have learned that God is always present and never leaves or forsakes his children. When I choose Him, he always responds to work for my good. Not what I want, but for my good. I have learned that Bible study and prayer are deeply important to my spiritual growth. I have learned that church attendance and fellowship are important for spiritual development. I have learned that fasting is necessary at times. I have learned that my life has no meaning without Christ as the center.

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I have also learned that being a Christian is not about being perfect. I used to look at older saints and never imagine they made any mistakes. I wondered how I could ever live up to that standard. I have learned that I do not need to be perfect and neither were any of these saints. Churches are filled with imperfect people and that is what makes church so wonderful.

Matthew 5:48 in the Amplified Version says, "You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect." Jesus was telling us to work toward maturity and grow in the spirit, not expect to never make a mistake again. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) and he knows humans are not perfect, he does expect us to grow and learn. To perfect is to finish or complete a work in us. We all make mistakes.

We all say or do things that are not from a heart of love. We all have moments that our past and sinful nature attempt to rise up. We all get tired, grumpy, frustrated, disappointed and even allow those things to dominate our thoughts and actions. We are not perfect. We may see others fall, we may fall ourselves. We may be hurt by words from another. This does not mean we are not going to make it through or be loved

by Christ. Instead, it speaks of the need to learn from the experience, fall into the arms of Jesus again, and allow him to work on our hearts.

These moments bring us further along the spiritual learning curve. The decisions we make in those moments determine our growth in Christ. Do we call out," I need to you God!" Do we turn away in shame and give up? These decisions bring about growth or destruction to our soul. Do we pray and reach out to the fallen and hurt or write them off as another one who could not serve? Our decisions to determine our growth.

Hebrews 13:21 says, "Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Amen." This verse tells me that God will work on me as I submit to him and allow him to work on me. He will change me and develop growth in me to make me more like him. He is able to 13

change my imperfections, forgive me when I fall, and lift me up to better. He will make me well pleasing, I cannot be changed and increased in faith without him. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says his strength in perfect in my weakness. When I am disappointed, see fault in others or myself, I can lean on his strength. He will carry me through. I do not need to expect perfection from myself or anyone else. I can expect to hurt, disappointed, and find that faults can be hard for relationships. But, God's grace and mercy can be extended to me and to others.

God's grace and love will cover a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8) When we love with the love of God, we can become an encourager of those who struggle, and a lifter up of the fallen. When we place our faith in Christ through all circumstances, we become a testimony of faith. When we run after God and His purpose, we grow in strength, faith, love, and humility.

We are all somewhere on this learning curve of faith. Some have had great experiences that have developed deep faith quickly, some of us are taking baby steps all along the way. We can only pray one for another and love one another as Christ loves us.

(John 13:34-35) We are not called to be perfect, but to work toward perfection or maturity in Christ. He will finish the work, consecrate us and complete his plan in us as we submit to him.

There is a funny picture that shows our plan verses God's plan. It shows us planning out a straight line straight to glory, but God's plan is full of ups and downs, curves and bumps, all of which break off the sin nature, cause growth and bring about the spiritual perfection he seeks to give us. We learn to trust him through each and every curve, up and down. We grow through the learning process. We are all in a process. May we support one another, help one another and give grace to one another, including ourselves as we go through the process of learning to be like Jesus.

HE LEADS ME

PASTOR HAROLD MAULDIN

One of the most popular chapters in the Bible is Psalms 23. It is used for weddings and funerals and all sorts of other settings.

When David wrote Psalms 23, he was focused on God being His Shepherd that provides. He MAKES you lay down. No, I don’t want to. "Doesn’t matter, I am your shepherd, LAY DOWN." When God is our Savior, He MAKES US, HE LEADS US, and then we start walking in places beyond our imagination.

The Lord is my Shepherd- I have no wantsHE MAKES ME- HE LEADS- HE RESTORESHE LEADS- I WALK-I FEAR NO EVIL- FOR HE IS WITH ME. He orders our steps. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death there is no fear because God is with us.

The staff represented the Word of God. It keeps him on the path. He uses it to grab the sheep when it gets out of line. The staff gives him rest and strength for the days; it is a lamp to his feet that lights his path.

We walk through hard places, and it seems rough at times to keep going. If we will keep on going, God will prepare a table before us right in the presence of our enemy. God is for us. He can cause your enemy to become silent before you.

God wants us to have passion to win the lost.

When God is your shepherd, you will walk around anointed. He anoints your head with the helmet of salvation.

He makes me- He leads me- He restores- He leads me- I walk- I do not fear- He is with methe Rod and Staff comfort me- My head is anointed with oil- My Cup runs over- Goodness and Mercy follow me- I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!

In your life, you are going to have trails and tribulations. The God of trials is the God of the tribulations.

Tribulations works patience and it is patience that possesses your souls. When we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, there are two things that keep us from fearing evil: the rod and the staff.

The rod represents the strength in former battles.

When the Shepherd got discouraged, lonely or preparing to take on an enemy, the rod encouraged him. Every time he won a battle, whether it be from a lion, a bear, capturing a stray, or fighting the elements; the shepherd would etch to notch into the rod to build his faith.

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A LESSON ON CHURCH GROWTH PASTOR JOHN HATTABAUGH

How many ask the question "Why isn't our church growing"?

Across America there are so many church that average 35 to 75 and never seem to break the 100 barrier.

As I travel Ministering and for work I have made many observations. For example, I was working in a town of about 20,000 and decided to look up the local Apostolic church. I found the street and discovered the church was only 1/2 block off the highway (what a wonderful opportunity for a church sign). I drove up in front about 15 minutes early and looked around. The paint on the signboard was peeling off along with the information. The grass had not been cut in a month. Some repairs had been done to the soffit but it was not painted...

The front door was jammed and I asked a member how to get in and was directed to a side door. The group slowly gathered and several glanced my way but no one spoke. the minister taught the Sunday school class and then asked if I would like to greet the church. I asked them what they thought they might do to help the church grow?

On another occasion I spoke to the waitress and asked if she would like to go to church. She seemed interested and inquired as to the name.

When I told her it was the Pentecostal church, she immediately turned away and said "They don't like me. I went one-time wearing pants and they said I could not come dressed like that...an opportunity lost."

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I invited a family of 5 to a local church. They owned their own business and had bought a house close to the church. They seemed to enjoy the service and promised to come back. The treasurer said they had put a tithe check of $300...which by the way the church really needed.

After a few services, one of the "saints" went to the lady and told her she could not come in pants and her daughter needed a longer dress and the neckline was too revealing.

I like to fish, but never clean the fish before I catch them. Shouldn't we let them fall in love with Jesus first?

I visited a rather large church and the worship was very good. The minister got up to speak and laid his Bible to one side while he preached from a computer. Perhaps he needed that but at least open the Bible.

Over the years we have seen many different Pentecostal "groups" or organizations spring up. Strange that often a minister that preaches and lives the truth from the Bible but may not be received with respect in another assembly. They are not recognized, not asked to set on platform or testify.

Perhaps we could use a lesson in ministerial ethics.

I visited a growing church that doubled every two years. I wanted to know how they did it. I was welcomed in the parking lot by a friendly attendant. When I reached the door it was opened for me with a friendly welcome. Several people made an effort to shake my hand and welcome me. the welcome center gave me more information and a visitors card. by the time I reached a seat I counted 13 different people who shook my hand and gave me a warm welcome. the restroom was extremely nice and well supplied. The person next to me shook my hand and handed me his number. He then asked for mine (by the way I got a call from him on Tuesday).

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CALL ME MARA PASTOR FRANK ELLIS In the book of Ruth, Naomi said to call her Mara, which means bitterness. Naomi’s name means “my delight." What a contrast between my delight and bitterness.

The book of Ruth is an easy read with so many lessons. Already by this verse, her family had moved from Bethlehem Judah to Moab. In Moab, Naomi’s two sons married, but her husband and both sons died in Moab. Naomi heard the famine was over and decided to go back to Bethlehem Judah. Upon entering her home town people began to see Naomi to greet her. It is at this point she says to call her bitterness. I am reminded here of those who have left the church due to different reasons.

Some thought it was boring. Some chose the pleasures of this world. Some chose to corrupt God’s Word to make life easier for themselves.

Whatever the reason for leaving, they left the true house of bread (Bethlehem is translated as House of Bread). This is the bread that nourishes our soul. Nothing else can feed us like God’s Word and being in church to fellowship with those who come.

Like Naomi, some have found that what they ran away to is not working out and have suffered great losses. Like the prodigal son who came to his senses after being broke and eating less than what the pigs he was feeding had, the trip home becomes a necessity. Naomi no doubt was bitter about her experience. Some of those who lost so much by being away from God’s blessings become bitter.

It is not easy to lose bitterness. In God, however, there is hope, life, and joy. We read in Psalms 30:5 that weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. I know you say you have been sorrowful and bitter for quite a while.

Only half of Naomi’s daughter-in-laws came with her to Bethlehem Judah. Ruth evidently saw something in Naomi that said life is better with this woman and her God. We read that Ruth went out to the fields to find food for herself and Naomi. Ruth was not going to let her mother-in-law starve if she could help it. It must have been difficult to know that Ruth would be looked down on for not being a Jew and a stranger to this area. Yet Ruth found favor with Boaz.

It was Boaz who told his workers to intentionally drop extra grain for Naomi to pick up. Boaz evidently heard how Ruth was taking this bounty to Naomi and wanted to bless his family member. We find some Christians today are still charitable and God uses them to bless His family.

“He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.”

Psalm 18:19 We do not read that Ruth displayed bitterness about losing her husband. I am sure she was sorrowful. I wonder if she had any family left in Moab. Perhaps she did, yet she chose to come to Bethlehem Judah with Naomi not knowing how she would be treated or accepted. Thank God we are accepted into His family. I know God has accepted sinners who ask for forgiveness. I wonder why it takes church members so long to accept forgiven people?

You can read how Boaz redeemed Ruth and the property that belonged to Mahlon, her first husband. Boaz bought so much more in that deal.

We see that Boaz and Ruth had a son named Obed which means serving. I will add that each of us is an Obed serving God in the way He wishes. Let God bless you to be His servant.

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We’ve all experienced times of turmoil and stress. The days and nights become overloaded with things to do, bills to pay, appointments, decisions to be made, and much more. When the stress and busyness take over our thoughts, we can struggle with thoughts and actions.

Perhaps decisions are made too quickly, and we learn later that we made the wrong choice.

Maybe we’ve taken on too many responsibilities and we aren’t giving our all to anything. When we are downtrodden, heartbroken, and exhausted mentally and physically, going to the Father is opening the door for Him to restore our soul. Jeremiah 30:17 says, For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord. God spoke to the prophet Joel and said, I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. He then said you shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. Wow—what great things can happen when He restores our soul. Finally, when God refreshes your soul and when He revives you and restores you it will lead to you saying along with David the words to the famous 103rd Psalm, Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. If you are tired, exhausted and weary begin today calling out today to the Great Shepherd and ask Him to restore your soul.

The pastor welcomed all the guests.

Worship was very lively and sincere. Their prayer was very moving and an invitation was extended for special needs prayer.

The minister preached a very clear and concise message. I was surprised at the close of the service that the Pastor sought me out with a personal greeting. The visitors were invited to have coffee and some sweets. When I left, I realized why they were experiencing such growth.

Accomplish, Assurance, Bear fruits, Blessing, Confidence, Encourage, Endurance, Faith, Foundation, Gods grace, Gods will, Good deeds, Good works, Guidance, Isaac, Justice, Moses, Noah, Nurture, Obedience, Observation, Peace, Perfection, Predestined, Purpose, Rahab, Relationship, Righteous, Seek, Spiritual, Truth, Understand 17

Continued from Page 16 The women of the city began to declare that Ruth was better than seven sons.

These women began to sing praises about Naomi, Ruth and Obed. Naomi’s bitterness turned to joy. This child would be a blessing to Naomi as she aged.

Naomi became care giver to Obed. I am sure that she no longer wished to be called bitterness. No Naomi had a delightful reason to live as now she had someone who could carry on the family name and inheritance. Many who come to God in bitterness finally get around to being blessed and lose their bitterness to become a delight in God’s kingdom. If you have bitterness now give God some time to work on you. You too should become a delight as you find delightfulness in God.

Continued from Page 2 Our expectations do not have to be met! We have been delivered from the clutches of sin and it’s bondage, our need is met in abundance, we are children of the Most High God! He has gone to prepare a place for us, that where He is we may be also. He is coming to receive us unto Himself. What part of that am I slow of heart to understand? I am now, presently, a son of God, “and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:23). I am the apple of His eye, He is the shade on my right hand. He is my righteousness and power, my shield and buckler, my strong tower, my very present help in a time of trouble. He is closer than the words in my mouth. Whom shall I fear or of whom shall I be afraid? Come on, get on the high side of the learning curve! Keep His commandments, love Him, be wiser than the children of this world. Your Father has already overcome it for you, just follow in His bloody, nail scarred foot steps all the way to the end! Don’t be slow to trust Him in all things, regardless of how it is going; it will be alright in the end. He won and so do we!!!

Continued from Page 4 Second, do you give the Spirit an opportunity to speak to you? Paul took three years to make sure he got past all of his learnings and traditions to be able to clearly know what God wanted him to say. What he came out with went against all of his prior experience. What God told him enabled him to take nothing but the gospel to the Gentiles, a people that the other apostles weren’t able to reach effectively, because of their strong Jewish traditions. We need to worry less about who may disagree with a new method and more about whether or not we are being directed by the Spirit of God.

Finally, do you have accountability in your life through the spiritual leadership God has placed around you to confirm what you believe the Spirit is speaking to you? (Wait, I thought you said it doesn’t matter if people disagree with what God told you to do) Paul isolated himself to hear from God, but then he went to tell Peter, James, and John what God had spoken to him. Don’t fear this accountability. Don’t avoid it because you think there might be disagreement. Learn to trust that if God is speaking to you, He will confirm it. Surrounding yourself with Godly leadership doesn’t mean you aren’t hearing from God for yourself.

Paul believed what God had spoken to him, but he was humble enough to seek the council of established Godly leadership around him. That humility was not one sided.

Good Godly leadership will always practice humility in their handling of others. This made it possible for Peter to later take Paul’s rebuke. The relationship between these two strong men reflects how the body is supposed to work. It’s not about us. It’s about Him and them.

God wants to talk to you. Are you willing to listen? It’s a lot easier to do things His way. Let some of the weight of trying to lead perfectly on your own fall away. Jesus really isn’t expecting that from you. He won’t reward you for doing it all by yourself, even if you could. In fact, he’d like it a lot better if you’d let him help you. He loves you that much. And don’t worry about whether or not he will speak to you. Just make sure you’re listening to what His Spirit wants to say to you! Now, stop reading this and go try it.

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WAKING UP IN AWE I love waking up in awe to Jesus every morning. I try to live all my life, every moment of every day in respect and awe to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If it had not been for God on my side I would not be alive today. There have so many times in my life that if things had happened a little differently I would not be here today. I’m sure most everyone else could say the same thing about their life . Hallelujah Hallelujah Many of those things were happening before I was Born Again and I didn’t fully understand and realize them back then. I’m so glad God knew back then how much I would be Thanking Him now even though I did not. I’m so glad God had a plan for me and He took care of me, so I could fulfill His plan. I’m so glad I got Born Again and got The Spirit of God (The Holy Ghost) living inside me. I now want and desire The Holy Ghost to lead me and guide me every day exactly where He wants me to go. I want to do exactly what He wants me to do. I want to help exactly who He wants me to help exactly the way He wants me to help them. The more I live this way the more in awe I am to God. The more I live this way the more I am in awe to the ways of God.

IN JESUS NAME It’s so awesome to have a relationship with the creator of the universe. It’s so awesome having the ability to talk to Him anytime anyplace about anything and know He hears and can change or fix anything, Hallelujah! Hallelujah! My God can make what is become what is not or what is not become what is, anytime anyplace for anybody, when you ask In Jesus Name and believe.

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GOD IS GOOD BRO. DOUGLAS FARMER

REUNION IN HEAVEN Hallelujah! Hallelujah! l’m so glad I can think about and write about a reunion in heaven, not as a sad thought but a happy thought. Before I was Born Again this was something I had heard about but I tried not to think about because I was not ready.

But not thinking about or getting ready for an event that’s going to happen with or without you will not stop it from happening with or without you. I’m so glad I got Born Again 15 years ago. I’m so glad to say I’m ready and prepared to go to that reunion in heaven someday. It could be today or it could be many years from now, but it’s coming one of these days, and it’s going to be a wonderful day. The older I get the more people I know that have left this life, and hopefully were ready for their reunion in heaven. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! No matter how many years we get to live in this life, it’s only like a moment compared to eternity in heaven. But during our moment on earth we have to get Born Again if we want to go to heaven. Nothing of this earth is going to heaven and that’s why we have to die to this world and get Born Again into God's Kingdom so we can go to that great reunion in heaven I can’t wait to meet Jesus and all my loved ones that have gone on before me.

THE TIME Sis. C. Darlene Pruitt The time we have heard of for so many years Has arrived and so many are filled with fears Shelves at the store becoming bare Shortages appearing everywhere.

The enemy forcing folks against their will To do what’s not right and they’ll even kill No longer free to make our own choice It’s a sad, sad time and we have no voice.

They're preparing the way for the evil one That’ll take over before they’re done And the right way is no longer good The evil way is what’s understood.

Oh, my Lord, I cling to You Knowing that You will see me through Though things get bad as I try to stand I know You will hold my hand.

And take me through the trying time Even as the world draws the line I have no fear of what may come Just trusting You until time is done.

I'M LEARNING Sis. Mary Lou Forrest

Learning to trust You Lord each day Learning to follow You come what may Learning dear Jesus to walk in Your way Learning to find comfort when I pray Learning that You are the king of my life Learning Your grace is healing my strife Learning Your mercies can make my life right Learning my Savior to walk in Your light

COMING HOME SIS. ELIZABETH SPENCER

PART FOUR: INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY The day had come at long last. The air was balmy, and the clean, sweet scent of apple permeated the cabin. For the past few weeks the two men had been harvesting apples from the quickly-producing tree. Immediately after gathering, they’d started the preservation process: canning jams, butters, sauces, ciders, and more.

To no surprise of Solvo, this process too had become a lesson. …

“How great is this harvest,” Amadeus said as they’d hauled their first crate of apples into the kitchen. He’d said these words every time a new crop was gathered.

“Why do you say this with each and every new haul?” Solvo said with a light chuckle.

“For me, one harvest will never lessen the importance or enjoyment of another,” Amadeus’ voice took on a contemplative tone.

Solvo was sure he’d opened the door to a new teaching.

“Please Amadeus, explain this mystery to me,” Solvo was smiling in anticipation. “I imagine most people would tire, at some point, of the repetitive monotony of it all.”

21

“It is true, a task as repetitive as planting, gathering, and preserving could easily become monotonous. A lack of variation tends to bore people. People can easily overlook importance if impressiveness is lacking. Most people seek grandeur over actual significance.” Amadeus paused for Solvo to reflect.

“By no means! I find both are perfectly captured in the seemingly simple. People often think that boredom is a result of too much routine, but in truth, it is nothing more than a lack of structure.

Routine simplicity has a greater chance of resulting in measurable delight than sporadic chaos ever will. Constantly seeking the next great thing easily leads to a discontented heart.

We begin to lose sight of all the wonder and beauty in our immediate vicinity.” Amadeus took a breath. Solvo knew more was coming.

“You see, finding satisfaction can only be done if you are willing to be satisfied. This harvest is great, not because it is bigger or better than the last, but because it is the current harvest!

Moments can only be meaningful if enjoyed for what they are in that moment. The present time and all it encapsulates is to us the very mirror of eternity. Occupying the past or waiting on the future leaves us empty, but living in each and every moment the Maker gives us is lifegiving. We are to make the most of today while it is still called today. If we look only to the past, today becomes another yesterday. If we seek only the future, today is nothing but the next tomorrow. Living for today, for we are promised nothing more, is the entire point of it all.

Completing the task at hand, recognizing and following the subtle nudges of our Maker, are the things that truly matter. Each moment makes up a lifetime, but what is life if not for each moment?

I, for instance, could continually long for the great harvests of times past or else hope for an even greater crop next year, but what good does that do me for right now in the present time? The Maker has given me a current field to plow, plant, and grow, who am I to question it’s yield?

People get so caught up in what was or what could be that they completely miss what is.

They would call routine monotony and simplicity boring. Not realizing that the most extraordinary moments are rarely proceeded by parades of musical accompaniments and gestures of grandeur, but rather come by quiet interruptions of everyday living.”, for instance, could continual long for the great harvests of times past or else hope for an even greater crop next year, but what good does that do me for right now in the present time? The Maker has given me a current field to plow, plant, and grow, who am I to question it’s yield?

It was true. Solvo had never lived so simply, and yet he found himself so full of wonder and awe at the seemingly mundane. Greatness, he supposed, was not found in seeking greatness but in finding contentment in all things.

“So to answer your original question, each and every harvest will always be great because it is the harvest of today. I do not look to past crops or future hopes, only to begrudge my current circumstances. Each day is a gift, every harvest a new opportunity.” Amadeus spoke these words as he cleaned apple after apple.

Finishing one particularly red apple, he tossed it to Solvo.

“Each harvest, every fruit, is miraculous. One only has to stop and think of it’s humble beginnings to recognize the impressiveness of it’s glorious end. Where in the midst of everyday living is the time for boredom? Why seek grandeur, when the greatness of life is presently all around me? How can I not but be excited through each and every simple task when yielding such results?” …

And now, it seemed to Amadeus that Solvo was ready. Solvo might have argued, but he knew better. Amadeus would never have endangered him, and his trust in Amadeus was now truly explicit. Solvo knew Amadeus was sent of the Maker and was living his purpose according to the Maker’s desires.

With his bag fully packed, Solvo was ready. He’d learned as much as he could, isolated here with Amadeus in the mountains. It was time for him to set forth, to give wings to the truths he’d discovered. It was time to go into all the world with his knowledge of the Maker and spread this good news.

…finding satisfaction can only be done if you are willing to be satisfied. This harvest is great, not because it is bigger or better than the last, but because it is the current harvest! Moments can only be meaningful if enjoyed for what they are in that moment.

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P U G N I COM

On average there are 100 million Bibles printed each year. It’s projected that there are more than 6 billion Bibles currently in print – 140% more than the estimated 2.5 billion copies in print as of 1975. www.wordsrated.com

INE: DEADL NEXT 12, 2022 MBER NOVE NEWS YOUR EMAIL O: ICLES T &ART RALD E .OURH Y E L H AS IL.COM @GMA

ARKANSAS- CAMP MULBERRY FELLOWSHIP IS OCTOBER 30TH Hello, friends of the ABofC. This is Pastor Shoulders. I hope all of you are doing well. At the general conference in July, I felt like there would be $50,000 to come in between the conference and the end of the year. Well...it has happened quickly. I am thrilled to report that there is over $53,000 that has come in since Night 1 of Conference- to GOD be the glory. Let's rejoice over this and rest in the fact that our God shall supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. We give Him the praise. I appreciate you all...the best is yet to come.

Q: Where was Solomon's temple located?

A: On the side of his head.

Q: How did Joseph make coffee?

In the foyer of a church, a young boy was looking at a plaque with the names of men and women who had died in various wars. He asked the pastor, "Who are these people?" The pastor said, "Those are members from our church who died in the service." The boy asked, "The early service or the second service?"

A: Hebrewed it.

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