Building a Positive Atmosphere

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COVER STORY

Building a Positive Atmosphere

Jimmy Evans

If you want a close-knit home, you need to create a home with a positive, encouraging atmosphere

n previous months we have discussed negative and destructive communication traits. Once those have been identified and removed from a marriage and family environment, it's important to replace them with something positive. A positive atmosphere is one of the foundations of a healthy family.

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Psalm 100:4 says, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." This scripture reveals that the secret to entering God's presence is praise and thanksgiving. God's heart opens to the positive person. Since we are made in His image, our hearts also open to those who are positive in their approach to us. (On the other hand, we tend to close ourselves off to those who are negative.) Within the family, we need to be each others' cheerleaders. Husbands need to root for their wives. Wives need to root for their husbands. Parents need to root for their kids. In fact, the parent should be more positive about his or her child than anyone that child will be around. All of us—husbands, wives, parents, children—tend to gravitate toward those who affirm us. If you want a close-knit home, you need to create a home with a positive, encouraging atmosphere. In a positive home, the husband can't wait to get home because that is where he is affirmed and honored. He feels special. In a positive home, the wife can't wait to see her husband because she knows he is going to build her up and speak loving things to her. In a positive home, kids can't wait to return from school 4

because they love to be with their parents. Their mom and dad constantly are speaking loving and positive things to them. Conversely, a home of poisoned words and negative attitudes turns into a home where family members cannot relate to one another, nor do they enjoy spending time with one another. A negative home causes kids to turn to their friends for communication, rather than their parents. A negative home causes a wife to spend more time with her friends or family than with her husband. A negative home causes a husband to embrace his work, his activities, or his friends rather than embrace his wife or children. The result is an emotionally barren home filled with closed, distant people. This is the fruit of a negative spirit. How do we build a positive atmosphere in the home? Psalm 118:24 says, "This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Praise is our decision. There is always something to be thankful for in life, and praise finds it. Every single day we have a choice. We can choose to praise God. We can choose to speak loving and encouraging words to our family. We can choose to remind our spouses, our children, and ourselves what is right with our families. When we praise the good things, we build an atmosphere of light and joy. I've heard it said many times that it takes seven positive comments to make up for every one negative comment. What is the positive-to-negative ratio say about the condition of your home? And what do you need to start doing to balance it out?

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WWW.ADONAIMAG.TV The name Adonai is translated Lord in the Bible. Adon means, “steward administrator, master, or Lord.” The addition of ai to adon intensifies or elevates its meaning, changing it to mean “the ultimate Lord, the Supreme Lord, or Lord of all.” The vision of Adonai Magazine goes beyond denominational, traditional, ethnic and cultural barriers that are sometimes imposed and have interfered with the Lord’s vision for an international kingdom building.

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Franklin K. Kyei

Editor of the Adonai Magazine Send your letters and suggestions to the editor at info@adonaimag.tv or call: 347 449 5892

FAITHFUL AND TRUE visit www.adonaimag.tv for more articles

(The Adonai Story)

e did not envisage that the little seed called Adonai Magazine that was planted in a small studio in the Bronx, New York, in October 2008 will grow to become such a huge tree, to bless an uncountable number of people and churches. We never, in our wildest dreams, visualized what is being attested to about the magazine by many in the house of God today; and even in the secular world: which is - a widely circulated and read monthly Christian Magazine that is informative, educative, and sound in content; an online T.V Network that serves a similar purpose, soothes the soul with heavenly music twenty four hours a day, and streams to life teachings and preaching from renowned Ministers of the Word. We still remember how a fellow believer boldly stuck her neck out and gave us less than six months to survive. Five years into that “prophecy” and we are still kicking and climbing higher on the Ladder of divine success. This is the doing of the Lord of the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

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It is exactly five years ago when we launched Adonai Magazine. The road to this point has not been easy. It has had its share of ups and downs, but the Lord has always been our present help in trouble. We have never faced a trial that the Lord did not see us through. We have never encountered a monetary situation in which the Faithful and True Lord turned His back on us. We have never faced a dark crowd which was thick enough to overwhelm God’s divine presence and light around us. He began with us when were printing 5,000 copies, and He has seen us through to more than 30,000 copies a month. He put a dream in our spirits about telecasting Christian programs, and today we have an online TV program running. He gave a dream to 6

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start a radio ministry, and today we have the Adonai Radio Ministry that broadcasts Christian music all day long. He gave us a vision to market gospel products, and today He has worked it into being with an online marketing unit where people can go and purchase gospel products. This is the doing of the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes. We cannot but say thank you to God for all He has done through us and with us. None of us in the Adonai Team has anything to boast about apart from what the Lord had placed in us, to be used for His glory and to bring honor to His name. We would like to join with Apostle Paul to say that “We are never sufficient of ourselves as to be able to do anything by ourselves. Our sufficiency is of God; who has made us able stewards of His gifts” – 2Corinthians 3:5-6. To you our readers, partners, and stakeholders, we want to say thank you for your loyal patronage and unflinching support. You are the reason for our existence, for the Lord called us to serve Him by serving you. And so on this occasion of our fourth anniversary, we would like to call on you to join us to say a BIG THANK YOU to the FAITHFUL AND TRUE LORD who has given us this wonderful story to tell. Whatever song we have to sing on this occasion finds its life and meaning in Him alone; and we trust that His faithfulness and truthfulness will continue to see us through the years ahead till we see Him face to face. Check out our newly designed website with more features and options to upload your articles videos and event pictures for free.

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Dr. Myles Munroe

For Books or Teachings by Dr. Myles Munroe on CD, audio or video tapes, call or visit us at: Bahamas Faith Ministries International. The Diplomat Center, Carmichael Road. P.O.Box N-9583, Nassau, Bahamas Tel: (242) 341 – 6444. Fax: (242) 361 2260

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The Kingdom is Here he biblical account recorded by Matthew states, “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near’” (Matt 4:17).

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These are the first recorded words of Jesus. The phrase “that time” refers to the arrest of John the Baptist, a prophet whose mission was to announce the arrival of the King. Now the King Himself was on the scene, and He was announcing the arrival of the Kingdom. This was the only message Jesus preached. If The Cross is the you search all four of the doorway that gets us back into New Testament Gospels the Kingdom. of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, you will find that Jesus always talked about the Kingdom. Everything He said and did related to the Kingdom and its arrival on earth. Jesus said, “Repent” (which means to change your mind or adopt a new way of thinking), “for the kingdom of heaven is near” (which means, in effect, that it has arrived). In other words, Jesus was saying, “Change your way of thinking! The Kingdom of Heaven is here! I brought it with me!” When Jesus brought the Kingdom of Heaven to earth, He brought also the promise of restoring to mankind the dominion over the earth that Adam and Eve had 8

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lost in Eden. He brought back our rulership. Before we could be fully restored to our Kingdom, however, the matter of our rebellion against God had to be dealt with. This rebellion is what the Bible calls sin, and it is universal in human nature, a legacy of Adam and Eve’s treason in Eden so long ago. Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price for our rebellion so that we could be restored to a right standing with God, our King, and be reinstalled in our original and rightful place as rulers of the earthly domain. The “gospel” message—the “good news”—is more than the Cross. The Cross is the doorway that gets us back into the Kingdom. The Cross of Christ, therefore, is all about Kingdom restoration. It is about restoration of power and authority. It is about regaining rulership, not religion. Our Father, the King of heaven, has given us the Kingdom. It is ours. Jesus Himself brought the Kingdom to us. It was His main purpose in coming to earth in human flesh. We receive the Kingdom through His death. The moment we turn from our rebellion against God and place our trust in Christ to salvage us from the consequences of that rebellion, we become naturalized citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, with all the rights, benefits, and privileges that come with citizenship.


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Pas. Abraham Obadare

Pastor Abraham Obadare is a minister at Christ Apostolic Church WOSEM, New York City •Our TV programs show: Queens: QPTV 34 on Wednesdays at 10:30pm & Fridays at 5:30pm, Brooklyn: BCAT 56 at 12am on Sunday Long Island: CABLEVISION 20 on Saturday 7:30am Tel: 718 658 8981. visit www.adonaimag.tv for more articles

I Am Different

he word “different” in the dictionary is defined as, 1. “not alike in character or quality …; 2. not identical; separate or distinct …; … 4. not ordinary; unusual.”

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Now when we read 1 Peter 2:9 with the understanding of the word “different,” we get a sense that the bible is saying we are not like others who live in disobedience by rejecting the Savior as the foundation of hope (vs. 8). This is why the verse starts with the word, ‘but.”

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

1 Peter 2:9 says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”

How did I become different? By receiving God’s mercy (vs. 10) - buying me back with the blood of Jesus (vs. 24). See Acts 20:28 & Titus 2:14 Once He bought me back, God now sees me as His chosen, holy priest with special distinctions. Since I am different, I do not play on the same field as the people in verse1 who walk in malice, guile, hypocrisies, envy and evil speaking. Apostle Peter 10

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says in verse 3 that if I have tasted the grace of God which makes vs. 9 quoted above to be true, then I cannot participate in verse 1 (malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking.) He also says if indeed I am different, I would desire the pure word of God, not the dilute ones (vs. 2). Because I am different, Jesus says I have to: Ensure that my righteousness exceeds that of general bible readers or philosophers - Mat. 5:20. Maintain inward purity – Mat. 5: 27-28 Hold my marriage sacred – Mat. 5:31—32 Stay away from swearing – Mat. 5:33-37 Stay away from seeking revenge but go a second mile – Mat. 5:38-42 Extend my love beyond only those who love me – Mat. 5:43-48

How can I live a life of a peculiar / different person? By receiving and increasing in the power of the Holy Spirit (Ezek. 47:1-12) This will help me with 1 Pet. 2:11-12 which prescribes that I abstain from lust and ensure that my good works bring glory to the name of God in my life. Why did God make me different? In order to show forth the honor / virtue/ that lead to the praise of God in all that I do (Vs.9).

May you begin to see yourself as a different person in order to bring praise to the name of the Lord.


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Joyce Meyer

For more on this topic, order Joyce’s four-CD series Change Your Words, Change Your Life. You can also contact us to receive our free magazine, Enjoying Everyday Life, by calling (800) 727-9673 or visiting www.joycemeyer.org. Please note: The views and opinions expressed throughout this publication and/or website are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Joyce Meyer Ministries.

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How to Instantly Increase Your Joy xtremely religious, legalistic people have a criticism or judgment about everyone and everything. They just have a way of bringing people down with what they say. But as a follower of Christ, you can have joy overflowing that pours out onto others. God wants to use YOU to make other people happy! And the happier you make others, the happier you will be because you reap what you sow.

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First Peter 3:10 says, “For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good-whether apparent or not] keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit).”

What Do You Say After You Pray? When we’re having a problem, we shouldn’t ignore it. But it doesn’t do us any good to relive it by talking about it repeatedly. Instead, we should pray and say something that will enhance our prayers. And when others complain to you, talk about the good things. Turn the conversation around. Help set a positive atmosphere. Jesus said there will be tribulation…and then He said, “Cheer up!”

What have you been saying today? Have Be faithful during you been your tests, right speaking where you are, and God will promote you words that help you enjoy in due time life?

I’ve found that when I see and feel it the least, God is often doing the most! And then it seems like He suddenly brings things to pass. So say something positive. Set yourself up to believe God is working. Maybe you work at a company where there are a few problems that aggravate you on a regular basis. Talking about them won’t change anything, but praying could. Remember, God is in control of your circumstances. He will take care of you if you do what you’re supposed to do.

Watch out for the joy-stealers: gossip, criticism, complaining, faultfinding, and a negative, judgmental attitude. With God’s help, we can choose words that will only be a blessing to ourselves and others.

The next time you have a trial, be determined to get through it without saying anything negative. Pray and then say something in agreement with what you prayed. If we really believe God’s working, then we will see results.

David often prayed that God would help him with his mouth. Psalm 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, impenetrable] Rock and my Redeemer.” Today, I want to encourage you to get into the habit of speaking words of praise and thanksgiving-especially in times of adversity. 14

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Our Leaders Need Encouragement Too First Thessalonians 5:12-13 (MSG) tells us to speak positive words about our leaders. It says, “And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!” Have you ever made a point to exhort a public official who was doing their job right? What about your boss cont. on pg. 18


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How to Instantly Increase Your Joy

contd. from pg. 14

or your spiritual leaders? When you’re in a leadership role, you can never please all of the people all of the time. There’s also a lot of responsibility that goes along with it that others may not realize. Instead of being critical of people in authority over you and envious of their position, be happy you’re not responsible for everything they have to do. Instead of piling on complaints, thank them for what they do. Overwhelm them with encouragement and appreciation! We need to energize the leaders in our life so they don’t quit and give up.

You Can Bring Joy to Others Easily Even the simplest words can make an amazing difference in someone’s day, words like please, thank you, forgive me, I’m sorry, I was wrong. Just think how much negative energy and strife could be avoided if we used

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those words regularly. A whole day could be saved! When someone makes a mistake, say what you would want them say to you. “It’s no problem. Don’t worry about it. I make mistakes too.” How much better is that than having to remind them of their mistakes? Proverbs 15:23 says a man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment-how good it is! It’s very inexpensive to give a compliment. So form a habit of adding value to everybody you touch in your life. God’s words are full of life and power. And you can make others feel better by bringing His Word to other people in your life. Look your loved ones in the eye and say, “I appreciate you”-especially if you’ve been taking them for granted. Remember, you reap what you sow, and you can instantly increase your joy in life if you decide to change your words.


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Parables of Jesus Christ Word Search Game

BIBLE GAMES

Two Debtors - Good Samaritan - Rich Fool - Lost Son - Fig Tree - Unjust Steward Tares - Hid Treasure - Pearl - Drag Net - Two Sons - Ten Virgins - Talents - Sower

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Elsie Osae-Kwapong Email: elsie@adonaimag.tv

Happy 5th Anniversary preciate you! Our doors are still open for more of your positive critiques. To you fans of my page (Adonai Kids), I appreciate you all for the support, love and encouragement you give everyday; especially those of you who show your love through the website, and emails. I pray that the Lord order your steps as you obey Him. And to our readers we say thank you for your consistent patronage.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run into it, and are safe - Proverbs 18:10 So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty - Zechariah 4:6 I shed tears of Joy as I write this piece, because Yes! This is the word of the Lord to the Adonai Media Ministry: "It is neither by might nor by power, but it is by my Spirit that you have been able to achieve 5 years of continuous publication.” We thank God for everything we have been through. It has not been easy for us (the team), but the Lord strengthens us everyday of our lives. I no longer think about the past, but rather the goodness and impact the magazine has created in our communities. We give God all the Glory. We could not have done all these without the support of Ministries and Businesses that advertize in the magazine, as well as the constructive comments we receive from you all from time to time. I would like to say on behalf of the entire Adonai Team that: We ap22

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To all our distributors in the various states, I cannot tell you how delighted I am to offer you my deepest appreciation for all the things you so tirelessly do for Adonai Magazine. What make Adonai Magazine’s circulation even more exciting for me are the personal testimonies you share with us. I say God richly bless you for your endeavors. On a personal note, I would like to recognize and appreciate some of the team players: Brother Kyei Amoako – Ohio, Brother Dennis Amoako - New Jersey, and Brother Richard - New York; for your hard work and faithfulness. God richly bless you. As I end my note and on behalf of the Adonai Team, I once again say thank you and God richly bless you all. If you want to be a part of this great commission and outreach to the thousands of souls out there, I want you to know that you are welcome to advertise your ministry with us at www.adonaimag.tv or call us on 347 449 5892, as we take you globally.


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