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AGN APR/MAY - 2011
? H G U O R H T K A E R B
IN THIS ISSUE Breakthrough and Discover Tiffany James The Spirit is Willing but the Mind Says NO! Dr. Lakita Long
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School of Theology President Pastor Tyrone Holmes
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SCHOOL OF
HEOLOGY 2 Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
The School of Theology is a comprehensive 22 course program that enables students to start and pursue a Biblical education based on a foundation of Biblical studies. Students will have the opportunity to graduate from the School of Theology and then continue their education towards a Bachelor of Biblical Studies Degree. The goal of the School of Theology is to equip men and women of God to develop and use their spiritual gifts for the work of the ministry in the Body of Christ.
It’s time to fulfill the calling that God has for your life.
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Seek and you will find...
Breakthrough and Discover
o
by Tiffany James
ften times when we think of breakthrough, we think of overcoming obstacles or victory in warfare. We can even visualize walls around us tumbling down so we can grab hold of what we’ve been fi ghting to obtain. This breakthrough is very common and much needed. Yet, there is another breakthrough often overlooked. It’s the breakthrough defi ned as a discovery -- a major achievement or success that permits further progress. It’s almost like having an AH HA moment. We can get a breakthrough from something we’ve been battling or we can overcome an obstacle that has been standing in our way. If we don’t have that breakthrough (discovery) of what is or has been standing in our way, then we can often fi nd ourselves back behind those same walls we seen come down asking how did these walls get rebuilt again. There comes a time in our lives when we must notice and research the pattern that is forming in our day-to-day lives that keeps us from obtaining success. Scientists often have historical breakthrough in science because they are dedicated to the assignment at hand. They put forth relentless efforts to discover something new and extraordinary they believe to exist. They take time to observe every angle down to the core of that research because they know with time comes more understanding. They are willing to learn from their mistakes by re-examining choices they’ve made along the way. They believe in discovering and uncovering the impossible and they know they can’t do it without the right team. We have to be the researchers of our destiny. We have to do all of the above in order to have a breakthrough in life!!! There is something new to discover about yourself so start your research and uncover your fi ndings. I promise you will be amazed at the extraordinary gifts you possess, the potential that has been buried within for so long, and the knowledge and wisdom that you gained from your dedication. You will also be able to uncover that maybe there is pain and bitterness that remains unhealed. Maybe un-forgiveness has taken up residence within. Perhaps even fear trapped you or you were living in the valley of regrets and confusion. You may even realize your very own hands built the walls around you and now this time when they come down because the faulty foundation has been discovered, uncovered, and removed they can never be built up again. Wherever you fi nd yourself in life, do not continue to look to others to do the research but become the scientist of your life and have a breakthrough discovery of who and why you were created to be.
Psalms 24:6-8 This is the generation [description] of those who seek Him [who inquire of and for Him and of necessity require Him], who seek Your face, [O God of] Jacob. Selah [pause, and think of that]! Lift up your heads, O you gates; and be lifted up, you ageabiding doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. (Amplified Version)
CONTENTS
SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY - PASTOR TYRONE H. PG. 3 / GINA DACUS - PG. 8 / WOMAN TO WOMAN PG. 10 / EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA - PG. 15 / DR. LAKITA LONG - PG.17 /
Breakthrough 5
8
10
Tiffany James Breakthrough and Discover Author Gina Dacus Affirmations & Poetry Pastor Susan Holmes Woman 2 Woman
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14 17
Rev. Austin Miles How Jesus Might Look Back at the Cross
Publishing USA Publisher - Pastors Hanoum / Dellinger
Editor-In-Chief - Will Byrns Managing Editor - Gina Dacus Copy Editor - Cathy Huffman Reporters/Columnists Susan Holmes, Austin Miles Priscilla Stanley, Gina Dacus, Don Huntington, Ramiro Amador & Don Kwong
Author Gina Dacus Women of Worth
Solano Dist. - Jeanne Byrns
Dr. Lakita Long The Spirit Is Willing
Photography - Tim & Jane Vaughn
21
World News
22
Pastor Will Byrns We All Need a Breakthrough
23
Good News
MVCC Chaplains Award of Distinction
Graphics - Will Byrns
5000 Amaryllis Street Oakley CA 94561 ofc: (925) 625-9570 fax: 625-9003 Email: wbyrns@americasgoodnews.com Send releases, letters and reprint requests to the Email or address above. (c) Copyright 2010 Mountain View Christian Center. All rights reserved. - Member OneNewsNow Christian Newspaper Assoc.
Good News America covers local, national and world news headlines and stories. The views and opinions expressed in this literature do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of America’s Good News.
Author Gina Dacus
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THE POWER OF BREAKTHROUGH By Gina Dacus When you feel as if there is no release in sight When you start to feel worn from everyday life At the critical point At the 12th hour God will SHOW up. As simple as tap on your shoulder He comes in and Pulls back darkness Only to reveal His marvelous light. Breakthrough has a way of SUDDENLY, Completely, Relieving you from What may have seemed the worst time In your life. When breakthrough Shows up – it makes That issue or concern Seem as if it wasn’t That bad at all. Because breakthrough exceeds Your worst fear Your biggest loss And Your greatest sadness. Breakthrough comes With an abundance That pushes back The enemy in a Way that he has no grip. Nowhere to Plant his feet Nowhere to sink His teeth. Breakthrough is invincible. Breakthrough is immeasurable. Breakthrough is undeniable. Breakthrough is powerful. Breakthrough is from God.
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“Woman To Woman” By Susan Holmes
As we look at the current situations that are taking place in our world, it is very obvious to see that the Earth and all the inhabitants who dwell on it is in desperate need of a breakthrough from Almighty God! All of God’s creation is crying out for deliverance that can only come by the Merciful hand of God Himself. Whether the need is the result of a major catastrophe such as in Japan, the effects of war, the economic collapse, relationship problems, family crisis, personal battles, the consequences of sin, or anything beyond our control -- one thing is for sure all need a loving touch from God. We need God to step in and burst open the windows of Heaven and pour down rivers of His mercy, grace and loving kindness for it is the only thing that will last forever! In 1 Chronicles 14 and 2 Samuel 5 there is written testimony of an account of David being in need of deliverance from his enemy the Philistines. David was accustomed to crying out to God in prayer for help, which was a part of his personal relationship with God. He had learned that he must live in total dependence on God and do things God’s way not his own. God came to his aid and delivered him from his enemies. 1 Chronicles verse 11 says, “So Israel came up to Baal-perazim, and David smote the Philistines there. Then David said, God has broken my enemies by my hand, like the bursting forth of waters. Therefore they called the name of that place Baal-perazim” (Hebrew meaning The Lord Of The Breakthrough!) David was saying, “God did it!” He used David to burst through his enemies like a raging flood. Because David sought God’s direction first, he knew it was God’s victory. David acknowledged God as the One who brought about his victory. He said, “I couldn’t have done it if God had not gone before me”. God is the Master of the breach, and the battle is not yours, but His. Always put God first and allow Him to bring the needed victory in every situation. Notice how David likened God’s power to the bursting forth of waters. In other words, he described it as a flood. He was saying that when the God of the breakthrough shows up and releases His power, it will be like a flood of His goodness, a flood of His favor, a flood of healing, and a flood of new opportunity. Think about how powerful water is. Three or four inches of water can pick up a huge car that weighs thousands of pounds and move it all around. We’ve seen on the news whole houses floating down the river in big floods. Nothing can stop the force of that water! Anything that’s in its way is moved! Today, you may have difficulties that look extremely large, obstacles that look impossible, dreams that look unobtainable. But know this: when the God of the breakthrough releases a flood of His power, nothing can stop it. You need to get ready not for a trickle, not for a stream, not for a river. Get ready for a flood of God’s favor, a tidal wave of His goodness, a tsunami of His increase! Dare to believe that God is going to overwhelm you with victory in every area of your life today! Isaiah 59:19B says, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight (for He will come like a rushing stream which the breath of the Lord drives)”. Amplified Version We need to position ourselves for the breakthrough that we’re trusting in God for. Then we will see His results in every area of our lives. Every promise is available to us! Invite the Lord Of the Breakthrough to take over every area of your life; your thoughts, attitude, body and situation. HE will Flood you with His healing, favor, and strength as you surrender your entire being to Him. His wave of Love will surround you forever
Psalm 29:10-11 The Lord rules over the floodwaters. The Lord reigns as king forever. The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. (NLT)
“When the God of the breakthrough releases his power, nothing can stop it” AGN - Pg. 11
How Jesus Might the Cr Reverend Austin Miles The world today is in chaos. There are no restraints in human conduct. Absolute values have long been abolished. Good is considered evil, and evil is considered good. And never has The Cross been more offensive to society than it is today. Sin abounds. Any mention of the name Jesus Christ brings contempt and ridicule. His name is blasphemed and many public displays of Christianity have been declared illegal, while at the same time, pagan religions are readily endorsed and encouraged. Seeing all of this, would Jesus have second thoughts about Calvary? How would He look back on his sacrifi ce today? Think about it. Prayerfully pondering these questions, this writer speculates what Jesus might say to us today as He looks back to the Cross: ... But beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Our time reference is much different in Heaven than it is on earth. If you were to be with us in Heaven, you would see an entire life spin out from birth to death in a matter of seconds. This is why coming to earth to face Calvary’s Cross was the greatest challenge I have had to face during my existence. First I had to come under the earth’s time system of seconds, minutes, hours, weeks, months and years. Even more challenging was agreeing to inhabit an earthly human body with its inherited sinful nature. A body that would feel the driftings and currents of the world as well as the pain. And it may surprise you to learn that I had to exercise extreme faith to go through with this. Remember, I began my sacrifi cial life on earth as a baby... a new birth on earth. As a baby I had to be fed, bathed, and diapered like any other baby. I had to learn to take my fi rst steps, learn to understand and speak words, and, experience the growing pains of adolescence. The time passes slowly for young people and soon there was such a feeling of distance between where I was at that time, and my time in Heaven with my Father, that it almost seemed a memory that may or may not have actually been. And while instinctively I wanted to be about my Father’s business, the Jews in the synagogues would curtly ask, ‘Who is this boy who asks such questions? Isn’t this Joseph the carpenter’s son?’ I eventually faced the appointed day... a day where I would take on all the sins of mankind, a day where I would (in a human body) die a disgraceful, excruciatingly painful death while the Roman soldiers ridiculed me and religious leaders mocked in the distance. and yet, this was the only way that mankind could be redeemed, saved by Grace, and reconciled to God. Without this sacrifice, all would perish, which had been Satan’s plan since the Garden of Eden. My human body was capable of the same temptations and stress as yours. This is why that in the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing what I faced the next day, I sweated great drops of blood. And yes, at one point (giving into the body I inhabited), I cried out: ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take this cup from me...nevertheless, not what I will, but what Thou wilt.’ The reality of what I faced was now before me. The unspeakable pain. Having to endure all the sins of mankind in my body... having to be taken to hell and back, to be ridiculed and to have one of my own disciples betray me... for money.
t Look Back at ross I had to call on every ounce of faith I possessed to go through with this. But I had no choice. The world itself was at stake. And my love of mankind was such that I would have none perish. As my Father promised me, and, as explicitly detailed throughout the prophecies, the entire event went exactly as foretold, ending in great victory. Lucifer suffered his greatest defeat as the keys of death were snatched from his hands. Death was conquered, giving instead, to all who believe in Me, everlasting life with me in Paradise. Looking at the world today... a world fi lled with violence, chaos, sin, unspeakable crimes against humanity... and even seeing those who call themselves My servants cutting down each other and distorting my Word, one could well ask, ‘Was it all worth it? If you could go back, would you go through the crucifi xion again?’ Yes I would. I would go through the whole thing for any ONE of you here. That is how much I love you. When you join me in Heaven, you will understand why I would want to share this Paradise with you. Heaven (you will see) is fi lled with exquisite peace and joy, and a place where you will inhabit perfect heavenly bodies... bodies free from aches, pains and disease. On second thought, let me clarify something. There will be one imperfect body in Heaven. And every time you see the nail holes in my hands and feet, and the scar in my side, you will be constantly reminded of how much I love you. And let me add, it was all worth it. So come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall fi nd rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Amen. Rev. Austin Miles, a pastor and interdenominational chaplain based in Northern California, is an award-winning writer and author. He was a writer, researcher and technical consultant for the multiaward winning TV series, Ancient Secrets of The Bible, which originally aired on CBS TV. Visit his website at: www.revaustinmiles.com
(Editor’s Note: This Special Feature, considered an Easter Classic, is republished annually throughout the world. It has inspired several TV and radio programs and is widely quoted by pastors of all denominations.)
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WOMEN OF WORTH SHARES:
A New Kind of Atmosphere By Gina Dacus Women of Worth meet the first Monday of every month for an awesome time in the Lord. Women of different ages, cities, and churches come together in unity for a night of good food, fellowship, worship and an incredible word of God from Pastor Kim Moreno and at times guest speakers. February’s word focused on elevated worship and challenged the women to get out of their comfort zones and the norm so that they would be prepared to meet God in a whole new way. Pastor Kim began by declaring that “God is releasing a sound of worship and praise in the atmosphere. When you come to know the Lord, you become an atmosphere changer. There is a sound that is being released that will bring about revival”. As Pastor Kim shared, worship comes in many forms and is not limited to one place. Unlike popular belief, worship is not limited to the building where you worship or is the worship team at your church responsible for initiating your personal worship. Worship is not limited to your Sunday morning service or right before your bible study. The kind of worship that she talked about transitions the believer to a new level in God where worship is ongoing. When the believer truly worships God in this way, Pastor Kim shared, that this type of worship will be a lifestyle. She challenged those about the appearance of worship and warned that God knows the difference. Worship brings about change in your atmosphere and situation. Pastor Kim shared how Paul and Silas experienced a breakthrough and release based on the worship they gave God in their desperate situation. They were locked in jail and needed a release. Instead of complaining about their circumstance, they began to give God worship that stirred up a revival and ushered in the presence of God. Are you experiencing a situation that requires a release? If you are stuck, it may be time to examine your worship. It may be time to transition the focus off the problem and zoom in on how great your God is so that you will experience the realness of him being the author and finisher of your faith. It may be time to worship God until you experience a release from your situation. It may be time for you to get out of yourself and get into God completely. As Pastor Kim shared, you have to get out of rituals, legalisms, pride, and routine. There is no room for pride in worship. You can’t worry about who is looking at you or what they might say. Remember, you are seeking an release, a change,and a miracle from God; he needs all of your attention an focus. Even in the midst of your storm, change can occur. As Pastor Kim declared, “You are the atmosphere changer.” Some may be questioning if a change in atmosphere is really necessary when they are going through a storm. Some may not believe that their worship matters. As Pastor Kim so profoundly shared, “You have to change your atmosphere to think straight and alter things in the midst of the storm”. It is not dependent upon the music, the praise team, or the Pastor. So the question remains --What do you personally bring to worship? Are you pressing in to worship God or are you a spectator on the perimeters of your storm? As Pastor Kim stated, “We have to be intimate to bring worship –that is the spirit of truth”. So take time right now and transition to your new kind of atmosphere by giving God praise. Even if you feel as if everything is going well, just begin by thanking God for everything that he is doing in your life. Even thank him for the situation that he is using to bless your life. Thank him for the things that he has done in the past and what he is going to do for your right now situation. And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation] (2 Corinthians 9:8 Amplified)
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Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)
How Jes
The Spirit is Willing but The Mind Says -- No! By Lakita D. Long, MS, MFTI, Ph.D
Growing up I use to hear the Pastor of my church in my hometown of Long Beach, CA say “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”. This scripture which is found in Matthew 26:41 says “Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”. Mark 14:38 says, “watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready , but the flesh is weak.” These pages, have always been very interesting, and also I found them to be very true. My spirit wants to be right, but boy this flesh does not. Such is true with your mind.
While your spirit indeed may want to serve God through your life experiences, abilities, skills and knowledge, the mind still at times has a primitive hold on it, and needs constant reminding that it is not the one in control. When you desire a breakthrough, sometimes, people want it in one area of their life, the one that is impacting them negatively. What I would like to quickly share is the power of breaking through mentally.
The mind is something that is fueled by our spirit and our soul with the content shaped by what it is that we bring into two these areas. The mind is very powerful and holds various memories of life and if not correctly interpreted, and/or corrected, can be a great hinderance to real spiritual and personal growth. So taking this into consideration, just for a few moments, I want you to consider where you are, and what has been the ruling reason why: YOUR MIND.
Recently, I heard Pastor Glenn Burris, Jr, speak at an event and one of the many things that he said that I have thought long and hard about, which was, if you are stuck in your past, it is because your mind is still holding on to some shame, and if there are issues in the present, then you have become overwhelmed, and feel that there is no hope of doing something else. As I thought more intensely about this, I realized that the common denominator in both instances, it is your mind!! How you think changes everything!
Here are a few things you can do to ensure that your mind is ready to make the jump that your spirit is so indeed wanting to do:
1. Keep your focus on what’s your priority- don’t allow too much room for unnecessary distractions. Even those things that seem good, could really be bad when you are trying to move, and make something happen. 2. Watch what you let enter into your mind- in times like these we must be ever so careful in what we choose to allow to be in our mind and thoughts. You are the only person that has control over this. 3. What you think is how you believe-when you think that you can’t fly, then you will believe that you can’t and you will not even try because of your belief. I found that whatever it was that I thought, or allowed my mind to think, be, or do, that is what I was.
Change Your Life Moment: Everyday gives you the rare opportunity to allow your spirit to be indeed willing and to have your mind to follow. It is your choice!!
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Foster Parents Needed Consider this...what if you were a child who needed a foster home and Agape Villages was called to help? Yes, you would hope a family would care. This is, in effect, what we deal with almost every day. There remains a tremendous need in our state for more foster homes for children of all ages, especially children 8 years and older and sibling groups. Agape seeks strong Christian families to partner with us to meet this need. For more information on foster parenting, call Isaura Roots at the Agape Villages office, 800-566-2225. AGN - Pg. 18
Will you be part of the next wonderful “Agape” story? We enjoy sharing stories of “our” children and their wonderful foster parents. These are an encouragement to us all! Here are two recent stories: Mary is a 14 month old girl placed with an Agape family. Mary was placed in foster care because of her biological mother’s use of illegal substances and verbal abuse. When Mary first came to our Agape home, she showed no emotion and would not play with toys. Mary has made large strides in her development and is blossoming. Her biological mom has seen the difference in Mary. Mary's mother is working hard to get Mary back and, if Mary is reunified with her mother, she has asked our foster parents to be Mary's grandparents and always be in Mary’s life. We are thankful for the blessing that our foster parents are in Mary’s life and her mother’s life. Daniel is 11 years old. He calls himself a “nomad” because he has been in so many foster homes. He loves his current foster home – they love him and accept him. He wants to stay where he is, and is asking to have another boy his age placed in the home so he can have a “brother.” His foster parents agree and we are working on that! Pray that we will find just the right little boy to be Daniel’s brother.
For more information about being a foster parent or to make a tax-deductible gift, please contact Agape Villages Foster Family Agency www.agapevillages.org 3160 Crow Canyon Pl. Ste 120 San Ramon, CA 94583 866-922-4273
James 21:7 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
WORLD NEWS
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
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CHURCHES HELPING CHURCHES IN JAPAN
A WATERPROOF BIBLE FOR THE HOMELESS
Russ Jones One News Now In the wake of Japan’s devastating tsunami and earthquake, efforts are under way to rebuild Japanese churches. As less than one percent of Japan’s population claims the Christian faith, the nation is one of the least-Christian countries in the developed world, which means each church is critically important.
Russ Jones One News Now
Churches Helping Churches is a fellowship of congregations that assists churches in recovering from natural disasters. According to Tom Kim, the group’s executive director, a team from his organization witnessed total destruction when they arrived at the region hit hardest by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. “The entire town has been wiped off the grid,” he laments. “People are scattered, and there are churches that have been hit. Buildings are completely destroyed, pastors...are MIA [missing in action] and we’re trying to identify them and restore some normalcy to the church so that they can continue their ministry in a community.” Kim goes on to report that Churches Helping Churches is helping facilitate conversations with pastors and their congregations, as they often employ a more reserved form of personal interaction. His group is also looking to provide aid as churches reconstruct their buildings. “It’s not because we place a symbolic or spiritual value to the buildings. The church of Christ is the people; it’s not a building,” the executive director explains. “But the building provides a very practical way for the churches to function and to be a light and a source of help to their community.” He adds that a team will return to Japan in a few weeks to begin long-term church rehabilitation efforts by providing intensive, gospel-centered counseling and training for pastors.
A college student has been inspired with a unique way to help the homeless receive the Word. Ivy Tech Community College student Kristin Scott recently visited a number of homeless shelters in Indianapolis with her church’s youth group, which led her to contemplate ways she could bless the homeless beyond the gifts of food, clothing, and housing many of them already receive. “I was eating my oatmeal in my living room, and I felt like the Lord just dropped an idea in me to raise money for waterproof Bibles for the homeless in Indianapolis,” she shares. “I immediately got online...looked at the prices, and I emailed the publisher, Bardin & Marsee Publishing, and I asked if there was a bulk discount on the Bible. And that very day, they were actually putting them on discount for ministries -- a 70-percent discount.” Statistics show that roughly 15,000 people in Indianapolis become homeless each year. But while the 600 waterproof Bibles that will be provided with the help of Bardin & Marsee Publishing’s “GIVE” initiative is not enough to reach all the homeless, Scott says that number is much larger than she initially expected. “I’m going to connect with different homeless ministries in Indianapolis and give them the Bibles to distribute to the homeless,” she explains. The young college student has given herself until March 4 to raise the necessary funds. More information about her efforts is availabale at WaterproofBibles.com.
We ALL Need a Breakthrough By Pastor Will Byrns According to the Merriam Webster dictionary the defi nition of a Breakthrough is… 1: an offensive thrust that penetrates and carries beyond a defensive line in warfare 2: an act or instance of breaking through an obstacle <a breakthrough agreement> 3a : a sudden advance especially in knowledge or technique <a medical breakthrough> b : a person’s first notable success <a breakthrough novel> Over the years, I have come to know in my walk as a Christian the word breakthrough is used quite often. In my earlier days as a believer I would sometimes contemplate what the term actually means. Is it a fi nancial breakthrough, a spiritual breakthrough, a physical breakthrough, or some other type of breakthrough that is helping us advance in our lives as we overcome obstacles in this world. I believe I am fi nally getting to understand in my heart how the term “Breakthrough” is really applied to my personal life. Everyone’s situation in life is different and others may have a different opinion about their understanding of breakthrough which is fi ne by me, but I want to share what God has been bringing forth in my circumstances. Breakthrough is not about us, or our personal wants or desires. It’s not about us achieving anything that we have been striving for in a physical way or overcoming struggles in our day to day life. Here’s the key: A real “Breakthrough” is breaking down or breaking through any barrier that separates us from being truly intimate with God. When we come to the place that we can hear His voice and know the perfect plan and purpose that He has for our life; that is a “Breakthrough”. When our every step is guided by Him and our relationship with Him feels closer than it has ever been before: that is a “Breakthrough”. When we sacrifi ce all else to walk with Him and trust him with our very life in every way; that is a “Breakthrough”. A true Breakthrough is about God’s will being done in our lives, and not our will. As I said before, it’s not about us; it’s all about the Lord. If we surrender ourselves each day to the Lord and pray for Him to use us to make an impact for Christ in the lives of others: that is a “Breakthrough”. In Romans 12:1 it states that we are to be a living sacrifi ce. “Therefore, Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” When you are experiencing the power of God working in your life daily in all you do, you are living the breakthrough life. You are living the number one defi nition of the Merriam Webster dictionary, but not in a physical way; you are living it in a spiritual sense. In our lives as believers we are fi ghting our enemies daily in spiritual warfare. Ephesians Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Even according to the world and Merriam Webster; if we are not walking in the breakthrough experience daily, we are on the defense. Today pray and petition the Lord for His “Breakthrough” power. Don’t just do the best you can to defl ect the attacks and use all your energy to just make it through the day. Take ground – Not in your power, but by the power of God. Zechariah 4:6 ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty. Do you need a “Breakthrough” today? There is only one source, so lay it down at His feet and put all your trust in Him because He knows the plans He has for you. He is your rock, your Savior, your strength, your wisdom, your power and your Breakthrough! Psalm 63:3-4 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. (KJV)
MVCC Chaplain Presented
Award of Distinction Timothy Vaughn of Brentwood, who was sworn in as a military chaplain with the rank of Major by General Dan Helix US.-V, was presented a Commendation Medal and Award of Distinction on October 15, 2010, "for his action and achievments during the Oct. 12, 2010 Dixon, California Stand -Down." Military Stand-downs, staged in various locations, reach out to homeless veterans in an army camp setting where they receive food, clothing, medical, dental care and counseling. The recognition-award was "Authorized and Approved by General Ted Blocker, Commanding) General of United States Volunteers." After in-class and fi eld work training,at Mountain View Christian Center, Vaughn, a Vietnam War Veteran was commissioned as an MVCC Certifi ed Chaplain on September 12, 2010, then advanced to military chaplaincy.
Just for laughs AGN - Pg. 23
FOR THE BEST TASTING CHICKEN AND RIBS YOU’LL FIND ALSO AT THE BEST PRICE! STICKY CHICKEN & RIBS DINE IN - TAKE OUT - CATERING
LUNCH AND DINNER - 925.240.2153
Sticky Chicken & Ribs 8335 Brentwood Blvd., Suite C Brentwood, CA, 94513
R E J O I C E! Women’s Lifegroup
In His Presence
Call us for gathering time & date Let us Pray as one
Holiday Inn Express Conference Room 8820 Brentwood Blvd. Brentwood CA (925)634-6400 Hotel (925)200-5671 Contact Info
TLCakes... The best cakes you’ll ever taste!
TLCakes We custom design your
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~ Weddings ~ Anniversary ~ Bridal Shower ~ Birthdays ~ Baby Shower ~ Engagement
Winter Chevrolet ~ Honda 3750 Century Court Pittsburg, CA 94565
winterchevrolet.com winterhonda.com
“Where Courtesy is Standard Equipment!”
Rose Winter
24 - America’ s Good News
Phone: 800.507.6535
Let Rose find you the right car at the right price. AGN - Pg. 24
NEED A HOME? - CALL RICK TODAY
Please support those who make Good News possible Experience true relaxation at Cabanas Reagan Management Services... We are here for YOU!
6061 Lone Tree Way Ste.E Brentwood, CA 94513 925.513.6070
Helping Hands
Food & Clothing to those in need Every Thursday 5:30 - 6:30pm 5000 Amaryllis St. in Oakley 925.625.9570
School of Theology
5000 Amaryllis St., Oakley Enroll now and start studying the Word of God Contact Pastor Tyrone 925.625.9570
Iron Shop
Men’s Recovery Group CHRISTIAN 12 STEP 925.525.9957 1745 East 18th Street, Antioch
Christian Help Ctr
2166 Sacramento Street Vallejo, 94590 707.553.8192 Food, Clothing, Shelter - Transitional Living
Birthright of Brentwood
Helping pregnant women facing personal crisis. 925.634.1275
Community Resources A Place of Learning
Location: 315 Orchard Drive Brentwood, 94513 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1043 Brentwood, CA 94513 For Questions Please contact Director: Laura Ceja 925.240.5146
Minister Travis Mozeke Grace Bible Fellowship Overcomers 925.727.8788
Love -A- Child Missions Homeless Recovery Shelter Rehabilitative services for homeless women and children. 925.458.5663 Email- info@love-a-child.org
Mission Solano
740 Travis Blvd., Fairfield CA 707.422.1011 Daily Meals, Transitional Living Daily Shower, Shelter New Life Programs
Royal Family Kids Camp
4725 Evora Rd., Concord Help for foster kids www.rfkcconcord.com Rick Fuller, Director 925.207.7240
Shepherd’s Gate
Christ centered services for battered/homeless women & children 605 Sycamore Brentwood 925.308.7507
Family Life Center of Brentwood
605 Harvest Park Drive, Brentwood 94513 925.634.2016 Ministering to families in need: Homework Help, Social Services (Food Stamps, Healthy Families) Food Pantry, Clothing & More Thursdays at 7pm
Echo of Christ Ministries
For more info on the conflict in the Middle East - Call 866.317.3626 www.echoofchrist.org
FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED
Every child deserves a home. Unfortunately, the sad reality is that there are just not enough to go around. There remains a tremendous need in our state for more foster homes for children of all ages, especially children eight years and older and sibling groups. Agape seeks strong families to partner with us to meet this need. For more information on foster parenting, call Isaura Roots at the Agape Villages office, 800-566-2225. On the web - www.agapevillages.org Share your love with a child.
“The One site for your News right Now” Your Latest News From A Christian Perspective
Whether it’s a story about prayer in public schools, workplace restrictions on Christians or battles for biblical truth within our denominations, the American Family News Network (AFN) is here to tell you what the newsmakers are saying. AFN is a Christian news service - with more than 1200 broadcast, print and online affiliates in 45 states and 11 foreign countries - that exists to present the day’s stories from a biblical perspective. We not only feature the latest breaking stories from across the United States and around the world, but also news of the challenges facing Christians in today’s society. At OneNewsNow.com, you will get your news from reporters you can trust to give the latest news without the liberal bias that characterizes so much of the “mainstream” media. For a refreshing and informative change in where you get your news, log on to OneNewsNow.com.
AGN - Pg. 26
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
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