F
E E R
Your Guide to Living a Victorious Life
www.changingtimes.info
Changing
>
Volume 15, Number 1 www.changingtimes.info
imes
T h e Vo i c e o f t h e C h r i s t i a n C o m m u n i t y "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths (Proverbs:3:6)
The Bridge of Triumph
© Chuck Pinson
Changing Lives . . . One Issue at a Time!
SPRING 2017
1
URBAN Classic
Changing Times
Sectional Retail $2750 Sale PRice
$1198
Eye has not see, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. - 1st Corinthians 2:9
INDUSTRIAl
Solid Wood Queen Bed Retail $999
Sale PRice $398
2 SPRING 2017
Mandeville, LA Baton Rouge, LA Long Beach, MS 985-871-0300 www.afd-furniture.com
www.changingtimes.info
Do you carry the Son-Shine of Christ? Dear friends, I understand that the Christian must always put Christ first and think of Him in all his life. One of Paul's words says, "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." That is, if we love Christ truly, we will want to do everything for Him, to honor His name, to bless Him, to extend the influence of His love among others. Of course, this being true, we should not live for ourselves, to get glory for our own name, to bring honor and reward to ourselves. Jenny Lind used to say, "I sing to God." Her heart was so full of love for God that she thought only of Him in her singing, not of herself. Thousands of people gathered to listen to her and were filled with rapture as they heard her sing. Or take any eloquent preacher. As he preaches, men and women
are drawn to him and wait upon his words with admiration and enthusiasm. Of course, he is honored, but if he is a true man, he lays the entire honor down at the feet of Christ. No one who lives successfully can help receiving honor for himself. One, who writes beautiful poems, makes a name for himself, a name which lives in the world and shines wherever it is known. Of course, it is possible for the person to do all this for his own glory, with no thought at all of Christ. This is not the way to live. But at the same time, it is possible for such a person, winning the acclamations and applauses of the world, to be as humble as a little child. For example, I occasionally call a good friend of mine, who is pastoring a church in Slidell, Louisiana. We have been friends a long time. In fact, he baptized me over 20 years ago. But I never saw a
From the Editor more simple-hearted man than he is. Wherever we meet and talk together, he consistently appears to be utterly unconscious of the fact that he is loved by so many people, especially his own congregation. Whenever I run into an old acquaintance that knows Pastor Rick and his name surfaces, their face smiles and the son-shine of Christ takes an immediate glow in remembrance of him. He loves Christ and he lives for Christ. Every word he speaks is meant to honor Christ by helping others. I believe Jesus smiles every time any of us display His characteristics in our everyday life. Indeed, He rejoices in it and seeks to have His honor grow brighter and brighter, which makes His name more glorious, to spread the influence of His
love among people, and to help others live. Remember this also, that Christ does not care for mere glory and honor in itself. What He wants is that we may make His name known to people, that blessing may come to them through His teachings. The only true way of showing our love for Christ is by loving others in His name, interpreting His love to them. Your mission, therefore, in the world, is to tell people all you can of the love of Christ, of His goodness, His compassion, His kindness, His patience, and His mercy so that they may learn to love Him too, and that they may receive from Him the comfort and the joy and the peace and the blessing which you have received and which have made your life so beautiful. Save the Nations Ministries >
Celebrating 50 years in NOLA New & Used Cars
w w w. B e r g e r o n A u t o . c o m
3525 Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie | 504.888.2131 For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love. – Psalm 5:12
SPRING 2017
3
FROM THE EDITOR
Changing Times
Manufacturers Since 1867
525-2128
4315 Bienville St., New Orleans, LA 70119 • www.edsmiths.net
RUBBER STAMPS - SIGNS - MEMORIALS - BADGES - SEALS - FLAGS Cast Bronze & Aluminum Plaques • Engraved Metal & Plastic Plates
christian bookstore Open Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm
985-641-7776 1337 Gause Blvd., Slidell, LA Ed & Linda Paul, Owners
T. PAYNES TRACTOR SERVICES LIFTS - DIGS - GRADES - HAULS (504) 347-6057
Mobile Home Moving Heavy Equipment Crane Truck Demolition Site Preparation 20’ Pile Driving Building Erection
Sand, Dirt, Rocks, etc.
504-529-2221 1300 Baronne St. New Orleans, LA 70113
Today’s Dental “Your Place for Beautiful Smiles”
Family Dentistry anD specialty practice Relax in Confidence with Gentle and Experienced Dental Care FREE
New Patient Exam & X-Rays (D9310, D0150, D0210)
Includes consultation, exam & x-rays Cannot combine offers | savings of $339 Expires 4/30/2017
FREE
Professional Whitening Trays (D9969)
New patients only after paid cleaning, exam & x-rays at regular fee. Cannot combine offers | savings of $450 Expires 4/30/2017
Call Today!
Dimetry Cossich, DDS
(504) 361-5333
1708 Manhattan Blvd., Suite C Harvey, LA 70058
(985) 809-1889
842 North Collins Blvd. Covington, LA 70433
Implants • Braces • Whitening • Veneers • Crowns • Bridges • Invisalign • Dentures
Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry Visit us on the web @ www.TodaysDentalLa.com
4 SPRING 2017
How to Profit from Reading Changing Times Changing Times needs to be a continual burning and shining light for Christians long after church service is over. We preach and teach as men having authority from on high. If you will make it a habit in reading Changing Times we truly believe this will help you grow deeper in your walk with the Lord. Our mission is to reform and purify the church and to lead people toward godly living consistent with the Reformed doctrines of grace. Changing Times was birthed out of three main needs: (1) the need for biblical preaching and the teaching of sound Reformed doctrine; (2) the need for biblical, personal revival that stressed the work of the Holy Spirit in the faith and life of the believer; and (3) the need to restore biblical reading on a daily basis in the life of a Christian which will result in a stronger personal relationship with God while encouraging the church to promote the worship of the triune God as prescribed in His Word. Doctrinally, Changing Times can be vigorous at times yet warm and contagious. Evangelistically, it can be aggressive, yet tender and worshipful. Politically, its aim is to be scriptural, balanced, and bound by conscience before God. How to Profit from Reading Changing Times: 1. Changing Times writings help shape life by Scripture. Christians should love, live, and breathe Holy Scripture. We should relish the power of the Spirit that accompanies the Word. Each edition of Changing Times is all Word-centered; more than 90 percent of their writings are repackaged sermons that are rich with scriptural exposition. Our writers truly believe in the sufficiency of Scripture for life and godliness. If you read the Changing Times regularly, your Bible-centeredness will become contagious. These writings will show you how to yield wholehearted allegiance to the Bible’s message. You will become a believer of the living Book, echoing the truth of John Flavel, who said, “The Scriptures teach us the best way of living, the noblest way of suffering, and the most comfortable way of dying.” Do you want to read a publication that puts you into the Scriptures and keeps you there, shaping your life by biblical teachings? Then, read Changing Times. As you read, enhance your understanding by looking up and studying all the referenced Scriptures.
2. Changing Times shows you how to integrate biblical doctrine into your daily life. Changing Times’ writings do this in three ways: First, they address your mind. We view the mind as the palace of faith. In conversion, reason is elevated. We understand that a mindless Christianity fosters a spineless Christianity. An anti-intellectual gospel quickly becomes an empty, formless gospel that never gets beyond “felt needs,” which is something that is happening in many churches today. Changing Times is a great help for understanding the vital connection between what we believe with our minds and how that affects the way we live. Jonathan Edwards’s Justification by Faith Alone is particularly helpful for this. Second, Changing Times confronts your conscience. Our writers are masters at convicting us about the heinous nature of our sin against an infinite God. They excel at exposing specific sins, then asking questions to press home conviction of those sins. Devotional reading should be confrontational as well as comforting. We grow little if our consciences are not pricked daily and directed to Christ. Third, Changing Times engages your heart. We excel in feeding the mind with solid biblical substance and we move the heart with affectionate warmth. We write out of love for God’s Word, love for the glory of God, and love for the soul of readers. 3. Changing Times shows how to exalt Christ and see His beauty. Christ is the sum of the whole Bible, prophesied, exhibited and demonstrated, to be found in every leaf, almost in every line of the Scriptures. Think of Christ as the very substance, marrow, soul, and scope of the whole Scriptures. If you would like to know Christ better and love Him more fully, immerse yourself in Changing Times. 4. Changing Times reveals the Trinitarian character of theology. We are driven by a deep sense of the infinite glory of a Triune God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We agree with John Calvin’s glorious understanding of the unity of the Trinity in the Godhead, which shows how that worked itself out in electing, redeeming, and sanctifying love and grace in the lives of believers. John Owen, a Puritan See CHANGING TIMES on Page 31
www.changingtimes.info
How Should a Christian Husband Love His Wife?
Men
by Angie Lewis Christian marriages are to be different than the unbeliever's marriage because a follower of Christ becomes sanctified (set apart) through the word for God's purpose. (John 17:17) When a Christian obediently follows the principles of Christ it has a purifying affect on the heart and mind. Are you letting the word of God cleanse you and your marriage? This is how a Christian husband should love his wife? A Christian Husband Should Have Self-Control If a husband cannot keep himself from looking, touching, or bedding another woman other than his wife then he most likely is doing something wrong in his walk with Jesus. It seems that his relationship with God is faltering somewhere. The attitude of lust and desire outside the bounds of marriage always hurts everyone involved. Why put your self and family through such pain? If a Christian husband is having difficulties with ridding himself of wrong desires then he needs to pray about it and ask that God help Him to
turn away from immoral desires and to only have eyes for his wife. Scripture lets us know that only those people who truly belong to Jesus and who have denied self have given up the sinful nature with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:24) "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. (Titus 2:11-12) A Christian Husband Should be Considerate of His Wife "Husbands in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives." (1 Peter 3:7) This means for a Christian husband to be understanding, caring and selfless, putting his wife's wellbeing above his own. Understand that this is the way God wants a husband to love his wife. Scripture dictates that the only way a husband would be able to put his wife before himself is to have a right relationship with Jesus Christ.
HAVE YOU SEEN CHANGING TIMES’ WEBSITE LATELY? Come check us out at www.changingtimes.info and while you’re there, click the purple button on the left to visit our New YouTube Channel! Let us know how you like it in the comment section. Scan this code to visit our website
www.changingtimes.info
Treat Her With Respect as the Weaker Partner (vessel) And treat her with respect as the weaker partner and as heir with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. (1 Peter 3:8) "Weaker partner" does not mean moral or intellectual ability but physically weaker. As we all know women are more vulnerable to criminal and sexual abuse and a husband should be protecting her in that regard. In what ways can you
protect your wife from these kinds of abuses? Husbands should respect the fact that their wives are physically weaker and protect them from all outside influences. If your wife rebels against this protection then explain to her, with scripture in hand, that it is your Christian duty to protect her from mistreatment in the world. Let her know that this is one way in which you show your love See HUSBAND on Page 34
Serving the Northshore Since 1983 Authorized Dealer for “Everyday Low Prices - All Brand Names Available” 1806 N. Causeway Blvd. • Mandeville, LA 70471 • 985-626-8538 www.tireworldccc.com like us and follow us on facebook for chances to win prizes
3000 Clearview Pkwy | Metairie, La 70006 phone: 504-454-5104 www.campobetterliving.com
1620 North Highway 190 | Covington, Louisiana 70433
www.mobileoneautosound.com
985-809-0172
visit our website to sign-up for special email offers!
Table of Contents From the Editor
3
Men
5
Women
8
Children
10
Seniors
12
Marriage
16
Education
18
Health
20
Financial
22
Feature Article
24
Personal Revival
25
The Christian Journey
26
The Transformed Life
28
The Triumphant Christian
29
Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name. – Psalm 30:4
SPRING 2017
5
MEN
Changing Times
Faith for Your Family Adrian Rogers I believe our greatest joy, our greatest privilege, and our greatest responsibility is to be a parent. The night our first son was born, I got down on my knees and prayed, “Oh, God, if I never have any other kind of achievement, if I never have any material goods, if I never get to pastor a worthy church, never preach a good sermon, oh, God, I want you to make of me a good daddy.” One of my life’s verses is (Psalm 112:1-2): “Blessed is the man who feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in His commandments. His seed [his children] shall be mighty upon the earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed.” It Begins with Parents Beyond any doubt, the most powerful, influential people on earth do not occupy elected office, run industries, or control Wall Street. The most influential people are parents of faith.
You may not recognize the names Amram and Jochebed. But you certainly know the name of their son — Moses. He became a leader who changed the destiny of Egypt, Pharaoh, and God’s people. But he had two parents who were champions. Their claim to fame was that they were the parents of a boy named Moses. (Hebrews 11:23-27) tells more of their story. 23By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. 24By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible.
Amram and Jochebed raised a child who changed the world. Notice the first “by faith Moses” (v. 23). Whose faith was engaged at that moment? Not Moses, but his parents. Then in the second “by faith Moses” (v. 24), we see that “when he was come to years” Moses refused — of his own initiative — to align himself with Pharaoh. By this time, faith has been transferred from Amram and Jochebed to their son. Now he is acting in his own faith. I cannot overestimate the importance of family. We’ve been told “it takes a village to raise a child.” That’s backward. It takes a family to raise a child, and families change the village. Family is the primary classroom. This is why the devil has unleashed all the artillery of hell against the family. Amram and Jochebed stood against the tide. They Had Faith’s Vision They were people of great faith; they saw Moses was an unusual child. But God has a plan not merely for the “Moses” of this world but for every child. I can tell you that
God has a plan for your child. Every child is special. Each has unique gifts from God. There are things no pastor, no teacher, no coach can see that moms and dads can see if they say, “My child is a gift from God,” and pray, “Oh, God, give me the faith that Amram and Jochebed had, to see a destiny for my child.” Can we believe God on behalf of our children? Not only can we, but must we! You cannot control the destiny of your children, but you can certainly influence their destiny. A father once came to Jesus, pleading “Master, if you can, do something for my son.” Jesus replied, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” He answered, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” I think we’ve all prayed a prayer like that: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” The Lord saw that germ of faith, and God did for this boy what his See FAITH on Page
HAS CHANGING TIMES MADE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE? If your answer is yes, will you help us do the same for others? ❏ Yes, I will pledge my support for Changing Times by donating $ ________________. Make check payable to Save the Nations Ministries, Inc. [A 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization]. ❏ I prefer to pay by credit card. ❏ Visa ❏ MasterCard ❏ American Express Number __________________________ Exp. Date ___________ Name ______________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________ City _________________________ State _______ Zip _______
Mail your donations to: Phone ( ) ________________________________________ Save The Nations Ministries, Inc. E-mail ______________________________________________ P. O. Box 1095 Covington, LA 70434 ❏ Prayer request enclosed. 6 SPRING 2017
7
MEN
www.changingtimes.info
FAITH Continued from Page 6 father believed for. We can — we must — believe God on our children’s behalf. They Had Faith’s Valor Amram and Jochebed showed great courage by hiding Moses. It was a dangerous time for them, but they realized their battle was not with Pharaoh. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world; against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12) When we understand our battle is not with flesh and blood, it ought to encourage us. A spiritual battle can be fought and won by faith. “This know also, that in the last
days perilous times shall come.” (2 Timothy 3:1) The days in which we live are equally dangerous. Enemies even more vicious than Pharaoh are attacking the home today: a society completely given over to sensuality, the breakdown of moral values, pornography, drugs, alcoholism, and secular humanism taught in schools — the list is endless. Moses’ parents were “not afraid of the king’s commandment.” Why? Because they knew the King of Kings! Put fear out of your life and say, “By faith in these dangerous days, we’re going to raise this child for Jesus.” © 2017 Love Worth Finding Ministries, P.O. Box 38300, Memphis, TN 38183, www.lwf.org >
Changing Times
is owned by Save The Nations Ministries, Inc. and is Published every other month by On Eagles Wings Unlimited, Inc.
For Advertising or Distribution call On Eagles Wings Unlimited, Inc. P.O. Box 3268, Covington, LA 70434 (504) 455-6900 • (985) 871-0238 • Fax: (985) 871-0241 For Editorial Department e-mail: changingtimes@bellsouth.net
The Publisher shall be under no liability for its failure for any cause to insert an advertisement. The Publisher will not be responsible for errors after the first insertion. Material errors not the fault of the advertiser will be adjusted by not more than one gratis insertion. Advertiser agrees to obtain clippings and tear sheets when the local rates are in effect. Advertiser agrees to protect and indemnify On Eagles Wings Unlimited, Inc., its agents and employees, against any and all liability loss and expenses arising from the publication of the Advertiser’s advertising because of claims for (1) alleged misrepresentation or misstatement; (2) alleged infringement of trademark, trade names, patents or copyrights; (3) alleged violations of fair trade laws; (4) libel and invasion of rights of privacy, (5) other violation of the rights of 3rd party’s or of government rules. The Publisher reserves the right to censor, reclassify, revise, edit or reject any advertisement not meeting the standards of acceptance of the Christian Community. All ads accepted are subject to credit approval. Reproduction of any part of Changing Times without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.
Mattix Kitchens & Baths
CHARLIE MAESTRI’S C A R P E T & FLO O RING
Over 44 Years Experience
(985) 892-1535 Cell: (985) 966-1759
Mattix Cabinet Works is your new orleans headquarters for quality all-wood cabinets with granite, quartz, butcher block and other countertops. turnkey installation and designs available from our certified kitchen Designers.
1037 Ronald Reagan Hwy, Covington, LA c_maestri@msn.com
$5 SPECIALS SATURDAY
$5 Burgers & More All Day
Mandeville 68425 Hwy. 59,Suite 1 (985) 893-2355
WEDNESDAY
$5 Burgers & More 5pm ‘til 8pm
new OrleanS 415 n. Solomon St. (504) 486-7218 www.mattixcabinet.com
All Specials Dine In Only
69455 HWY 59 • Abita Springs (985)-809-6313
got that
• The appearance of advertising in Changing Times does not constitute an endorsement nor does it reflect the opinion of Changing Times or On Eagles Wings Unlimited, Inc. • Changing Times is not responsible for the content of advertising inserts. The publisher and the editor reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article.
NOTICE
Serving New Orleans for 70 Years!
Warehouse Specials Carpet Remnants 16 x 16 Slate Tiles • Bamboo Your Complete Floor Store “Where Quality Comes First”
sinking feeling?
TM
walls
cracking?
doors
sticking?
We Specialize In Older Home Structural Repairs
Older Raised Homes Have Been Our Specialty For Three Generations
• Shoring & Leveling • Replace: Sills, Joists & Rotted Wood Damage • Repair Rotted Bathroom Floors
• Repair All Types Of Brick & Cement Piers • Wooden Porch Repair • Custom Built Porches
Lauricella & Sons "A Local Family Name That You Can Trust"
(504) 737-1114 • (985) 429-1430
Free Estimates • Licensed and Insured • www.dlshoring.com
HHHHHH Hollywood Door Serving metro N.O. since 1954
GARAGE DOOR Raised Panel Steel Limited Lifetime Warranty
8’x7’ Installed Tax Included
16’x7’
569 $ 935 $
VISA, MC, AX DISCOVER
They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. – Psalm 111:8
PLUS $30.00 TO REMOVE & HAUL OFF OLD DOOR PLUS $60.00 TO REMOVE & HAUL OFF OLD DOOR
GARAGE DOOR OPENER
Liftmaster 8165 NOW
$
339
Installed Tax Included
Includes 1 remote
504-837-5711 www.hollywooddoor.com
1118 Central Ave. Metairie
SPRING 2017
7
Changing Times
Women
A Call to Biblical Womanhood Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Support a locally owned Christian Business TM
We use
the most advanced motor oil available
Full Service Auto Center
Discounts available for Churches, Schools and Fleet accounts. Call today for more details.
3247 Chetta Drive • Metairie, LA 70003 • (504) 885-6495 www.gtautorpmo.com
Telephone Christian Counseling Barbara Porch, M.Div., LPC Licensed Professional Counselor for Adults
Compassionate, Confidential, Convenient, and Affordable Care for the Soul Over 20 years of experience Helping hurting hearts suffering from depression, anxiety, fears, grief, betrayal, marital issues, doubts about the Lord, or the effectiveness of prayer.
Classy
HAIR & Wigs
Hundreds of Wigs in Stock Human Hair & Synthetic • • • • •
Clothing Shoes Accessories Hair Extensions Beauty Supplies
(985) 898-0250 Call 504-488-0302 to schedule a 60 minute phone session
1000 Business Hwy 190 Suite #35 Covington (Across from McDonald’s)
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • LEASING
FIND YOUR HOME'S VALUE FOR FREE!
May the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ, surround you all the days of your life.
Just scan the QR code
Licensed in Louisiana
985-626-3300
1703 North Causeway Blvd., Suite C • Mandeville, LA 70471
www.northshorehomes.co
Teenagers need loving homes too!!! Open your heart & your home!!! Therapeutic Foster Parents provide safe, nurturing homes to at-risk youth Methodist Foster Care recruits, trains and certifies Therapeutic Foster Parents for Louisiana’s neediest children. We provide a monthly stipend, ongoing training, and 24/7 suppport.
8 SPRING 2017
CONTACT US: 985-445-4026 LMCH.org/mfc
Due to the modern feminist revolution, the value of women has come to be equated with their roles in the community and in the marketplace. Relatively little value is assigned to women’s roles in the home. Today, no bouquets are handed out to women for being reverent and temperate or modest and chaste or gentle and quiet. Women are rarely applauded for loving their husbands and children, for keeping a well-ordered home, for caring for elderly parents, for providing hospitality, or for carrying out acts of kindness, service, and mercy. In other words, little attention is paid to the kinds of accomplishment that the Word of God says women should aspire to (1 Timothy 5:10; Titus 2:3-5). The feminist revolution was supposed to bring women greater fulfillment and freedom. But I can’t help feeling a sense of sadness over what has been forfeited in the midst of the upheaval—namely, the beauty, the wonder, and the treasure of the distinctive makeup of women. It should come as no surprise that the secular world is confused about the calling of women. What I find more distressing is the extent to which feminism has taken hold within the evangelical world. The Feminist Revolution Comes to the Church As prominent Christian speakers, authors, and leaders promote an agenda that encourages women to define their worth in the workplace, in society, or at church, we see modern feminism at work within evangelicalism. These same leaders minimize women’s roles in the home as daughters, sisters, wives, and mothers. They don’t seem to see women as bearers and nurturers of life, as caregivers, as those privileged to shape the character of the next generation. We see the fruit of this revolution in women who are sinking in a quagmire of divorce and remarriage and wayward children. We see it in women who are exhausted from trying to juggle the demands of one
or more jobs, function as single parents, and remain active at church. We see it in women who are disoriented and confused, who lack a sense of purpose for their lives, and who are perpetually shrouded in woundedness, self-doubt, resentment, and guilt. Yes, the feminist revolution has come to the church. And when I add up all the gains and losses, there is no question in my mind that women have been the losers. As have their husbands and their children and grandchildren. As has the church. As has our lost, unbelieving culture. A Counter-Revolution of Biblical Womanhood Some years ago a fresh mission began to stir within my heart. Since that time, hope and excitement have replaced my sense of pessimism and of being swallowed up by the feminist revolution. A study of the development of modern feminism (feminism itself actually dates back to the Garden of Eden) impressed me with the fact that this massive revolution did not begin as a massive revolution. It started in the hearts of a handful of women with an agenda—women who were determined and intentional in their efforts. I began to wonder what might happen in our day if even a small number of devoted women would begin to pray and believe God for a revolution of a different kind—a counter-revolution—within the evangelical world. What would happen if a “remnant” of women were willing to return to the authority of God’s Word, to embrace God’s priorities for their lives and homes, and to live out the beauty and the wonder of womanhood as God created it to be? Your Place in the New Revolution Unlike most revolutions, the counter-revolution I envision does not require that we march in the streets or send letters to Congress or join an organization. It does not require us to leave our homes. (In fact, for many women, it calls them back into their homes.) It requires only that we humble ourselves, that we learn, affirm, and live out the biblical pattern of womanhood, and that we teach the ways of God to the next generation. See WOMANHOOD on Page 11
WOMEN
www.changingtimes.info
15 Ways to Make Prayer a Part of Your Everyday Family Life By Karen Butts 1. Help your children to become aware of answered prayer. Tell them about the times in your life when God has answered your prayers. Encourage them to share when God answers their prayers even if His answer isn't what they wanted or expected. When you have other believers-especially missionaries and full-time Christian workers-in your home, ask them to tell you about answered prayers they have experienced. Point out God's answers to your children's prayers, even the smallest requests. 2. Help your children to see the beauty of God's creation and thank Him for it. Don't miss opportunities to appreciate His handiwork around you. Take time to point out sunsets and beautiful flowers . . . and thank God for them right then. 3. Whenever you see or hear about someone in need, take time to pray about it with your children. It could be something on the news or in the paper, or something you come across during the course
of your day. Teaching them to pray when they see an accident or when you pass a homeless person could have a lasting influence not only on your children, but on those who are prayed for. 4. Wrap family traditions or events in special times of prayer. For example, lay hands on the person with a birthday and bless him or her; thank the Lord for two things that you love about her, etc. At Thanksgiving, go around the table and have each family member pray about what he or she is most thankful for over the past year. 5. Pray blessings over your children. Lay hands on them at bedtime or at another time when they are hurting in some way, and pray scriptural blessings over them. (Numbers 6:24-26) is a good one to memorize: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." 6. Teach your children to prayerfully put on the armor of
God (Eph. 6:10-18) at the beginning of each new day. Each of us needs to be aware that we are in a battle and that God has provided us with some very important equipment with which to protect ourselves and fight. This can be done as a family, but don't ritualize it or make it a legalistic thing. 7. Have family devotions and prayer time. While any time is good, early mornings before everyone goes separate ways is probably the best time. This will remind children that God will be with them throughout the day. 8. Put together a family prayer journal. Place each family member's picture in it, as well as pictures of your pastor and his family, relatives, unsaved friends, and neighbors. Pray through the album together, and encourage one another to pray individually on a daily basis for those represented. 9. Teach children to keep a personal prayer journal. Here they can record personal prayer requests, praises, and answers to prayer.
10. Develop a missionary prayer notebook. Place prayer cards or pictures of missionaries your family and/or church supports in a threering binder with plastic page protectors, colorful paper, etc. Include pages with pockets for recent newsletters, prayer needs, e-mail messages, etc. Pray through the notebook on a regular basis. Help your children make the connection between prayer and saving the lost. Pray together that the Lord of the harvest (Mt. 9:38) would send workers into His harvest fields. 11. Adopt a people group to pray for -- perhaps one of the unreached groups of the 10/40 Window. Pray for your people group daily, research its needs, and be open to what God will do through your family. To adopt a people group, contact Adopt-a-People Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 1795, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1795. There is also a wonderful video that See FAMILY LIFE on Page 32
Then it was our turn. Dad wasn’t able
He could fix a bike, or mend a daughter’s broken heart...
to manage the house and shop anymore, so we needed to find a place with caring people and the right amenities to keep him smiling. We found that at The Landing At Behrman Place. With all-day dining, resort-style living and unique active-living programs, dad has a list of new priorities!
MONTHLY RENT
STARTING AT $1295
Call Today and Schedule a Tour! (504) 208-4993 3601 Behrman Place | New Orleans, LA 70114 | TheLandingRet.com You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. – Psalm 115:11
SPRING 2017
9
Changing Times
Children
Amy's Question by Timothy Shay Arthur
Happy Jack Mange Medicine Happy Jack Mange Medicine promotes healing and hairgrowth to any mange, hot spot, or dandruff on dogs and horses without steroids! SPENCER’S FEED & SEED · 985-796-3970 · www.kennelvax.com
Restaurant
Smart security at your fingertips. Get a FREE Consultation Today
504.780.8775
Special Italian Food and Pizza Pie VIDEO, ACCESS CONTROL AND SECURITY SYSTEMS
SERVING THE PEOPLE OF NEW ORLEANS SINCE 1957
(504) 780-8775 www.laalarmwatch.com
134 N. Carrollton Ave • Mid City (504) 488-7991
Freedom AlArm Service inc. Residential & Commercial • Complete Sales & Service 24-hr Monitoring Security & Fire Alarms • Access Control CCTV • Automatic Gate Systems • Electronic Fence State Licensed • Certified and Insured
Office: (985) 809-9639 24-hr (800) 365-4137
69282 Hwy. 59 • Abita Springs, LA 70420 E-mail: freedomalarm@bellsouth.net 10 SPRING 2017
"Amy!" Mrs. Grove called from the door that opened towards the garden. But no answer came. The sun had set half an hour before, and his parting rays were faintly tingling with gold and purple, the few clouds that lay just alone the edge of the western sky. In the east, the full moon was rising in all her beauty, making pale the stars which were sparking in the firmament. "Where is Amy?" she asked. "Has any one seen her come in?" "I saw her go upstairs with her knitting in her hand half an hour ago," said Amy's brother, who was busily at work with his knife on a block of pine wood, trying to make a boat. Mrs. Grove went to the foot of the stairs, and called again. But there was no reply. "I wonder where the child can be," she said to herself, a slight feeling of anxiety crossing her mind. So she went upstairs to looks for her. The door of Amy's bedroom was shut, but on pushing it open, Mrs. Grove saw her little girl sitting at the open window, so lost in the beauty of the moonlit sky and her own thoughts, that she did not hear the noise of her mother's entrance. "Amy," said Mrs. Grove. The child startled, and then said quickly — "O, mother! Come and see! Isn't it lovely?" "What are you looking at, dear?" asked Mrs. Grove, as she sat down by her side, and drew an arm around her. "At the moon, and stars, and the lake away off by the hill. See what a great road of light lies across the water! Isn't it beautiful, mother? And it makes me feel so quiet and happy. I wonder why it is?" "Shall I tell you the reason?" "O, yes, mother, dear! What is the reason?" "God made everything that is good and beautiful." "O, yes, I know that!" "Good and beautiful for the sake of man; because man is the highest thing of creation, and nearest to God. All things below him were created for his good; that is, God made them for him to use in sustaining the life of his body or the life of his soul." "I don't see what use I can make of the moon and stars," said Amy.
"And yet," answered her mother, "you said only a minute ago that the beauty of this moon-lit evening, made you feel so quiet and happy." "O, yes! That is so; and you were going to tell me why it was." "First," said the mother, "let me, remind you that the moon and stars give us light by night; and that, if you happened to be away at a neighbor's after the sun went down, they would be of great use in showing you the path homeward." "I didn't think of that when I spoke of not seeing what use I could make, of the moon and stars," Amy replied. Her mother went on — "God made everything that is good and beautiful, for the sake of man, as I have just told you; and each of these good and beautiful things of creation, comes to us with a double blessing — one for our bodies and the other for our souls. The moon and stars not only give light to make dark ways plain, but their calm presence fills our souls with peace. And they do so, because all things of nature being the work of God, have in them a likeness of something in himself not seen by our eyes, but felt in our souls. Do you understand anything of what I mean, Amy?" "Just a little, only," answered the child. "Do you mean, mother dear, that God is inside of the moon and stars, and everything else that he has made?" "Not exactly what I mean; but that he has so made them, that each created think is as a mirror in which our souls may see something of his love and his wisdom reflected. In the water — we see an image of his truth, which, if learned, will satisfy our thirsty minds and cleanse us from impurity. In the sun — we see an image of his love, which gives light, and warmth, and all beauty and health to our souls." "And what in the moon?" asked Amy. "The moon is cold and calm, not warm and brilliant like the sun, which tells us of God's love. Like truths learned, but not made warm and bright by love — it shows us the way in times of darkness. But you are too young to understand much about this. Only keep in your See AMY'S QUESTION on Page 34
CHILDREN
www.changingtimes.info
4 Important Things Every Kid Should Know
Family Owned & Operated Since 1990
vazquez Seafood & Po-Boy ReStauRant
Kids, we're all in deep trouble and some of us don't even know it. The Bible tells us in Romans that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." God hates sin. He is perfect and He wants us to be perfect. He is so holy that somebody has to pay for our sins. God loves us so much that He gave us a way out of our punishment. He sent His Son Jesus to pay the penalty for the sins of everyone who believes. Jesus never sinned, and He died on the cross for us. We know that God was satisfied with Jesus' sacrifice because God raised Him from the grave. Jesus is in heaven now, getting ready to come back some day. If we want to escape our punishment we have to believe in Jesus and follow Him. We have to give up and turn away from our sins. Jesus will help us do that.
Believing and following Jesus does more than help us escape punishment. Jesus wants to be our friend and He makes our life right now pretty special. He also promises that when we die, we will go to be with Him in heaven forever. Grown-ups call that eternal life. If you want to be saved from sin, you don't need to wait. You can pray to Jesus right now: Dear Lord Jesus: I know that I am a sinner and I believe that you died to pay the penalty for my sins. Thank you for taking my punishment. Please come into my heart and help me to live for you. Amen. You can learn more about Jesus and how to live for Him by talking to someone else who is saved and by going to a good church or Sunday School. Copyright © 2017 - The Lorain County Free-Net Chapel North Central Ohio, U.S.A. >
WOMANHOOD Continued from Page 8
Does the call to a counter-revolution in favor of biblical womanhood resonate in your own heart? If so, be an example of a godly woman to the world. And pray that others will heed the counter-revolutionary call, too. Adapted from Becoming God’s True Woman, edited by Nancy Leigh DeMoss ©2001 Crossway Books. Used by permission. >
I invite you to become a part of this counter-revolution, believing that in God’s time the changes that will result will be more profound and on a higher order than any of the sociopolitical changes our world has experienced in this generation. Making it personal
%
15
F OFAY
D UN YOUR S ON G IN CH IN R BR CHU ETIN! L L BU
Open Monday-Friday • 10am-8pm — Sat. 10am-2pm
985-893-9336 515 E. Boston St., Covington, LA 70433
As a Chaplain in America’s Navy, you’ll find limitless ways to employ your faith as you help guide the thousands of dedicated men and women who serve our nation. Think of it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be true to your God, your nation and your beliefs. TO LEARN MOREABOUT FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES,
CALL 800-852-7251 or e-mail nola@navy.mil
Open for Lunch & Dinner Monday - Sunday
Licensed
985-847-0020 137 Taos St. · Slidell, LA Also Visit Us at: 70380 Hwy 21, Covington, LA · 985-871-6674 2320 Veterans Blvd. · Metairie, LA · 504-837-6696 1821 Hickory Ave., Harahan, LA · 504-305-4833 www.carretasgrill.com You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word. – Psalm 119:114
Insured
Professionally Trained Over 25 Years Experience Tree Trimming • Tree Removal Commercial & Residential Bucket Truck Service or Climbing
319-8530
FRee eSTimaTeS
341-2006
With Good Will Doing Service As To The Lord. “Jesus” - eph 6:7 Participant of the
SPRING 2017
11
Changing Times
Seniors Just Call Me Grandpa by Jerry Ousley Well, it's finally happened. I knew that if I stuck around on this planet long enough the day would come when I would move from Dad to Grandpa. Our daughter, Megan, gave birth to our first grandchild on March 1st of 2008. I'm not proud or anything but if you'd like
to see our new granddaughter I've got plenty of pictures I could show you. The first time I held my little "Peanut" I felt a love and a desire to protect her like I hadn't felt in many years. I also feel a great need to completely spoil this little girl. I
Best Wishes from
Sun
InterIors, Ltd. Specializing in Commercial & Church Flooring Sales • Installation • Maintenance References Available Carl Franzella
504-833-8104
www.suninteriors.com Best kept secret in Metairie for quality rehabilitation and skilled nursing care.
Covington's Premier Destination for Short Term Rehabilitation & Long Term Nursing Care
985-892-6900 1330 Ochsner Blvd. Covington, LA 70433 www.forestmanor.com
Family Atmosphere • Activity Program Beauty Parlor • Nutritious, Tasty Meals Professional Healthcare Staff
St. Anthony’s
Healthcare and Rehab Center 6001 Airline Drive • Metairie, LA 70003 504-733-8448 • Fax 504-733-1917 www.stanthonynh.com
hope she likes her Grandpa as much as her Grandpa likes her. By the way, her Grandma is pretty proud too. We visited them just last night and I got to hold that precious little bundle of joy for quite a while. As I looked down on the sleeping blessing from God I felt warmth transferring from me to her. I know she felt safe in Grandpa's arms because she slept like a little doll. Yeah, I don't want to brag too much but what can you say when you're holding the prettiest and most precious little baby in the world (of course I'm sure that each of you who have experienced Grandparentdom could say the same thing). It reminds me of our Lord. You know, He probably feels the same way about each and every soul that is born into His Kingdom. He cuddles us and holds us and wants the best for each of us. Although He wants us to grow into mature Christians I believe He also wants to spoil us with His blessings and He does. All through the Gospels Jesus told us not to worry about things and spoke of how much God the Father loves us. He talked about how that He was going to Heaven to prepare a place for us just like parents prepare a room for their expectant child. He's getting it all set up and when we get there it will be finished, ready, and just exactly what we need. Debbie and I fixed some things up at our house too in anticipation of our little "Peanut." We bought a crib and several things we're going to need because folks we plan on doing our fair share of babysitting for this little girl. God is making all things ready for us. The day will come and the time will arrive when we will be birthed from this world to our real
home in Heaven. That will be an exciting day. I know we all dread it now, just like that little baby probably thought that her world had fallen apart when she moved from the warmth and safety of their mother's womb into this world. But it was necessary for the next step of growth. And so is our move from this world to Heaven. We don't know what to expect. It scares us to think about leaving the life we've known for so long. But let me tell you, it will be the best thing that ever happened, at least if we are Believers in Jesus Christ His disciples and followers of Him. For now we rest in the comfort of His arms, feeling His warmth and love surround us. Things aren't always pleasant and we get upset just like a baby who gets hungry or needs a diaper changed. I know our little "Peanut" isn't very fond of being changed or having a new outfit put on her; but then those things are very necessary. Sometimes God has to do some necessary things in our lives as well. We don't like it. It seems inconvenient and we rebel, complain and sometimes get very fussy. But it has to be done. It's for our own good. So the next time God puts you in an uncomfortable position or situation, just know that the best will come of it. It may not seem like it at the time but it will; you'll see. I'm going to stop now because I think I hear my "Peanut" calling me from 10 miles away. Jerry D. Ousley is the Author of five books, "Soul Challenge", "Soul Journey" "Ordeal" "The Spirit Bread Daily Devotional" and his first novel "The Shoe Tree." Find out more by visiting www.spiritbread.com or email us at jousley@ spiritbread.com. ©2017 FaithWriters.com. All Rights Reserved >
Jefferson Battery Quality Nursing Care • Hospice Care Medicare Skilled Nursing Unit Intermediate and Respite Care Short and Long Term Rehabilitation Ventilator Dependent Unit On-Site Dialysis Positions available for RN • LPN • CNA Between Paris Rd. and Bullard Ave.
14500 Hayne Blvd. • New Orleans 70128 • 504-246-1426 Visit our website www.ferncrest.com
12 SPRING 2017
Retail / Wholesale / Commercial Sales - Top Prices Paid for old Batteries -
Batteries For almost everything • Cellular Phones • Cordless Phones • Hand Held Radios • Pagers • Autos • Trucks • Heavy Duty Equipment • Motorcycles • Personal Watercraft • Boats • RV’s • Security Systems • Medical Equipment • Emergency Lighting • Custom Battery Packs • VRLA/SLA Rechargeable • NICAD/NIMH/Lithium • UPS Systems • Camera • Camcorder • Lap Tops • C-MOS • Lead Acid 8 am - 4 Pm mon - FRi
(504) 833-2400
700 Jefferson Hwy. • Jefferson, LA 70121 • www.thebattman.com
SENIORS
www.changingtimes.info
Mittens
Gift Cards Available choose from:
by Richard L. Provencher It began with two mittens Grandma knitted. "I hope you like them," she said. When Susan went out to play before lunch she had one on each hand. Nice green mitts with purple and green trim. Susan and her friend Sally were dressed up in snowsuits. The sun was warm. But the wind was cold. Warm rays were blown far away. Both girls walked to the park. They did not have far to go. They could still see their house when they looked back. Their moms watched from the window. Susan and Sally were such good friends. They jumped and ran. They made angels in the snow. They drew faces in the snow. They had so much fun. It was a special kind of day for good friends. Then Susan began to cry. "I lost a mitten," she said. "My mom will be very sad." She began to cry again. "What will grandma say?" she asked Sally. And they looked all over. They looked in one snow pile, and the next one. And another one. They even dug under all their angel shapes. Susan's mom and Sally's mom came out of the house. They came to see what was wrong. It was their turn to check all over. They went from one snow pile to the next, again. Susan was happy her mom came to help. She even put her two hands over Susan's cold hand. It began to
warm up again. It only tingled for a few minutes. Then mom gave her own mitt so Susan's hand would stay warm. She loved her mom. She liked Sally's mom too. It looked like everyone was having fun helping. Then, someone found the lost mitten! Was it her mom? Was it Sally's mom? No, it was Sally. She was the lucky person. Susan's mitt was hiding under the snow. It was right under mom's foot. Her mitten was glad to be found. Now Susan was very happy. She had two mitts the same, again. Her mother was also happy. Now she could get her own mitten back. Grandma would be really happy too. These were such special mittens. Everyone went back to Susan's house for hot chocolate. And Susan put her mittens to dry by the fireplace. It was such a good time out in the snow. But it was nice and warm in the house. And the little girl with the found mitten was full of smiles. Â Richard & Esther Provencher My wife, Esther and I are "bornagain" and enjoy sharing our writing. It is a Christian Outreach for us. Our E-mail is: richardprov2@ gmail.com. You are invited to visit our website at: www.wsprog.com/ rp/. Free downloads available. We live in Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. Please pray for one another. ©2017 FaithWriters.com. All Rights Reserved >
“Do you have the time?” When you or someone you know has a hard time understanding the sounds of voice, even simple sentences can be misunderstood. This is just one of the specialized hearing problems we solve.
Call today to set an appointment for your FREE “no gimmicks” hearing test!
Bryan K. Stinson, BCHIS LA License #919
• Free Screenings • Housecalls • 24 Years Experience
Gretna
700 Westbank Expressway 504-362-4556
Metairie
6824 Veterans Blvd. 504-571-5394
RestauRant DeliveRy seRvice, llc Fine Dining at a Moment’s Notice!
875-7700
Call 985Order online @ www.menuexpressdelivery.com
Follow us on Facefook!
Chinese • BBQ • Mexican • Italian Thai • Greek/Mediterranean • Japanese Seafood • Steaks • Po-boys • Pizza Salads • Desserts • Local Specialties Home-style Cooking Delivery Area Includes — Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe, Mandeville, Madisonville, Covington & Abita Springs all MajoR cReDit caRDs accepteD
Across from East Jefferson General Hospital Emergency
METAIRIE’S PREMIER SKILLED NURSING FACILITY Medicare Skilled • Planned Activities • Tours Offered Daily •Short Term Rehab & Therapy Three Home Cooked Meals Daily •Private Pay Options • Social Services Department
4312 Ithaca St. Metairie 504-887-6414 • www.colonialoaksliving.com Providing long-term care services and short-term rehab and therapy in an atmosphere of caring and compassion
L. L.C.
Reliable Community Alternatives, LLC. Let us be the non-medical care and support for you or your loved one(s) in the comfort of your home.
24-Hour on-call management available to monitor your services
Our services include, but not limited to assistance with: Bathing, Grooming, Personal Hygiene, Meal Preparation, Light Housekeeping, Companionship, etc. Our Professionals are Licensed and Insured. • www.rcahomecare.net
Orleans/Jefferson Region 1
H M
504-779-4740 •
St. John/St. Charles Region 3
504-465-5322
Heritage Manor Mandeville
Health Care and Rehabilitation Center
985-626-4798 • www.heritagemanormandeville.com 1820 W. Causeway Approach • Mandeville, LA 70471
Canon Hospice provides quality end of life care to those seeking comfort and dignity while dealing with a life limiting illness. Canon Hospice serves Baton Rouge, the Northshore, Greater New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The caring team at Canon is dedicated to a hospice ministry that helps patients and families accept terminal illness positively and resourcefully. With special expertise in pain management and symptom control, Canon Hospice designs individualized plans of care for each patient based on their unique needs. Home based services provide doctors, nurses, social workers, pastoral care and volunteers who tailor their services according to patients’ diagnoses and home situations. Care can also be provided in the group home settings as well as assisted living and nursing homes. For patients with more intense symptom management needs, Canon has Inpatient Hospice Units located in Jefferson, Louisiana and in Gulfport, Mississippi. These units provide 24-hour care in a home-like environment where patients are permitted to receive visits at any hour. All donations and fundraising activities at Canon Hospice go to support the non- profit Akula Foundation. The Akula Foundation’s many projects include: indigent patient care, the Canon Hospice Health Hour, which airs each Saturday at 2pm on 99.5 FM WRNO New Orleans and 104.9 FM WBUV Gulfport/Biloxi and each Saturday at 10am on 1150 AM WJBO Baton Rouge, and Camp Swan, a bereavement camp for children ages 7-12. The Akula Foundation also supports the Grief Resource Center which offers free group counseling and services to anyone who has experienced any kind of loss or grief.
New Orleans 504-818-2723 Northshore 985-626-3051 Mississippi Gulf Coast 228-575-6251 Baton Rouge 225-926-1404 Or call toll free: 1-866-907-7378
www.beltone.com Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. – Proverbs 1:2
www.canonhospice.com www.akulafoundation.com
SPRING 2017
13
SENIORS
Changing Times
Hearing Aids for Believers by Jim Elliff Let’s face it-sometimes it is hard to get much out of the sermon or teaching you receive in your church. While some of the blame often lies at the feet of the presenter, it is still the obligation of the listener to scratch for something nourishing for the soul. Here are some hearing aids: 1. Sleep more. Not during the meeting, of course, but the night before. This takes some planning. It is especially difficult with youth, who use Saturday night as an opportunity to stay up as late as possible. 2. Take notes. Buy a small notebook with a sturdy back, and don’t forget to bring a pen or pencil. Your notes may be imperfect, but they do help a sluggish mind. Don’t let your note taking make the session purely academic. Sermons are to be "experienced." I like to put the subject in a circle in the middle of the page and draw lines out from the circle to other points, etc. But everyone has their own style. 3. Bring your Bible. It is difficult to follow the preacher’s line of thought when you don’t have the whole text of his message, including the surrounding context, in front of you. Pew Bibles are sometimes useful, but using your own Bible means that you can underline as you need to, and write notes in the margin. 4. Sit closer. Almost without exception, the best listeners are in the front. There are some valid reasons to be in the back, needless to say, but it is usually true that sitting in the back impedes our listening. 5. Minimize distractions. If you are sitting where there is a lot of movement around you, find a better place. If your kids are noisy and seek your attention, then "divide and conquer" by asking a relative or friend to sit with you. Prepare a way for the little ones to "draw" what they are learning from the sermon. And make sure they go to the bathroom prior to the meeting. Nothing breaks concentration, for listeners as well as the preacher, like the Sunday shuffle to the restroom. 6. Ask questions. In a typical session, this will likely have to be
14 SPRING 2017
done following the meeting. For instance, you might ask: "Pastor, I did not understand what you meant by the phrase ‘sanctification is by faith.’ Would you please explain that again to me?" 7. Discuss the problem. Express to a pastor or leader that you are having trouble listening and would like to improve. Ask for suggestions. Perhaps this will cause the leader to be alert to your need and to improve communication, or you might discover some better way to connect to his style of speaking. Some people sleep each and every time the Word is preached. The preacher opens his Bible; the member closes his eyes—every time! Others don’t sleep, but they have nomadic minds and never concentrate. Years of this will leave you spiritually destitute. There has never been a truly spiritual person who could not somehow lock his or her mind on the truth. Jesus said, "Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him" (Luke 8:18). In other words, if you do not "take heed how you listen" even what you seem to have in terms of understanding will be taken away from you, revealing that you never truly understood or knew God at all. One person hears all he can and, though it might not be all he would like, it still makes him stronger. The other person sleeps or mentally escapes and experiences spiritual atrophy or even eternal loss. Nobody likes to be told, "Get a hearing aid." But I say, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Mt. 13:9). Copyright © 2017 Jim Elliff. Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc. >
SENIORS
www.changingtimes.info
The Tracks of Your Tears A Journey to God by David Jeremiah Tears form a track through life that leads the willing from grief to God. While some people get bitter instead of better, others allow difficulties to reveal their need for God. The tracks of Job's tears started in the plains of "Catastrophe," wound through the valley of "Confusion," and ultimately led to God on the mountaintop of "Confession." Job felt the sting of his friends' judgment: "My friends scorn me; my eyes pour out tears to God" (Job 16:20). Between God's seeming displeasure with Job and his friends' attacks on his honesty, Job was emotionally crushed-and his tears flowed. Yet, once Job had wept enough, his tears cleared his eyes of his misapprehension of God. Job had never acknowledged that God was sovereign and had the right to deal with His creation as He wanted. Just as human tears wash toxins out of our body, so Job's tears washed toxic attitudes about God out of Job's heart: "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:5-6). Tears and Our Journey Toward God It's easier to see God through our tears because sorrow often leads to repentance: "For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death" (2 Corinthians 7:10). Almost every time we weep, we "repent"-we change our minds about God. When a loved one dies, through our tears we think differently and afresh about God's comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). When a relationship causes tears to well up, we are made to think differently about what God expects of us as a peacemaker (Romans 12:18). And when the everyday stresses and disappointments of life produce tears, we see yet again that God is in control (Romans 8:28). The spiritual life is a constant process of repentance-of changing our mind about who God is and how He works in our lives. The person
who is not weeping, repenting, and rejoicing on a continual basis is the person whose vision of God is not as clear as it might otherwise be. The Tracks of Your Tears Can you look back and see the tracks of your own tears through the years? Did they continually wash away yesterday's perception of God and allow you to see Him with new clarity? People who live in high-traffic metropolitan areas are often amazed at what they can see after a rainstorm clears the air. Our tears also make everything seem clearer...brighter... different. The pressure is relieved and our perspective is restored. All that is not to say that tears are easy-there is a price to pay for gaining a clearer vision of God. After all, in the final analysis, tears are a result of PAIN! And pain hurts! So it is those who are willing to be humbled by life, by circumstances, by others, by their own failures, and yes, by the loving hand of God, who are most likely to weep tears of resignation and repentance-and see God more clearly as a result. God sees our tears. In an hour of great suffering at the hands of the Philistines, David wrote, "You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your book?" (Psalm 56:8). David had a sense that he did not weep alone; that God saw and collected his tears in order to honor them. David ended his psalm by confessing, "For You have delivered my soul from death. Have You not kept my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?" (verse 13). God sees your tears as well. I pray that you will gain fresh perspective on the value of pain and the tears that often follow. Like Job, let the tracks of your tears be a lifetime journey to God. Don't stop with catastrophe or confusion- journey on to confession and behold God as He truly is: the God of all comfort, the God who sees and honors the tears you shed. This article was excerpted from Turning Points, Dr. David Jeremiah's devotional magazine. Call Turning Point at 1-800-947-1993 for your complimentary copy of Turning Points. >
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly – Proverbs 2:7
SPRING 2017
15
Changing Times
Marriage
Are Christians Following Jesus Christ For Their Marriage? by Angie Lewis Many young single Christian men of today are growing up not knowing what it means to be the head of his home, even though this is what God intends for him. How can a man provide for and care for his family when his wife rebels against this God-given role for him? “For the husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.” (Ephesians 5:22-23) Many young single Christian women believe that submitting to their husband’s headship means to be a doormat. Why have the churches not taught the true purpose behind a wife’s submission? Did you know that marriage is the living symbol of the relationship between Christ and the church? When Christian men and women do not adhere to their God-given roles they are rebelling against God’s plan for them. The churches do not talk about the importance of marital roles because they do not want to rile up any of the wives that go to that church. But if the church is not teaching what Christ taught then isn’t our Christianity going to be in ineffective? To be a Christ Ones means to follow Jesus and emulate his teachings in our lives, right? Then what’s going on? Sadly, many Christian men of today are becoming conditioned into believing lies and what they see in Christian culture as truth. But the only truth is whatPGodLsaysAfor them. They are not following and 504.245.8221 trusting in Jesus, but in the world, and this is why many marriages fail. A Christian marriage will not stand up under the pressures of society telling them how their marriage should be. A misinformed Christian man is likely to marry a woman who has made her career more important to her than the marriage. Neither of them realize this when it is happening, but a woman working while trying to raise children “in the Lord” and trying to keep an organized and managed home life, and keeping husband happy will cause much chaos within the marriage. Resentments will flare? Argu-
I Do.
I Do.
SOUTHERN OAKS
P L A N T A T I O N
504.245.8221 SouthernOaksPlantation.com
ments will fester. Bonds will break. And intimacy will become a thing of the past. Couples begin going their own way, just because they are NOT LIVING their marriage for God. They are not following Jesus. No one is really happy as they each strive to make more and more money so they can keep up with everyone else around them. Someone in the marriage is going to do something stupid, possibly immoral to get some sort of fulfillment for his or her hectic and unhappy life. They both need encouragement but neither is encouraged enough to offer any. They will believe they are not in love with their spouse anymore and want a divorce. This all happens because we aren’t following the teachings of Christ for our marriage. We’re so rapt up within ourselves and the world around us, that we are neglecting our marriage! “The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. (1 Corinthians 7:3) The bottom line is; a marriage based on a rocky foundation will be rocky! It’s not enough for Christians to just believe in Jesus. They must DO what Jesus teaches! They must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Jesus. A Christian must bring the principles and teachings of Christ into their marriage by practicing them every single day. What should a young Christian man thoroughly understand N T A T I Obefore N getting married? “Husbands, love SouthernOaksPlantation.com your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her”. (Ephesians 5:25) What should a young Christian woman thoroughly understand before getting married? “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. (Colossians 3:18) A good Christian marriage starts with a Godly based foundation. Christians are responsible for their own spiritual health. Don’t rely on others to tell you what scripture says, or only what they want to tell you—read the bible for yourself
SOUTHERN OAKS
Climate Controlled Storage Non-Climate Controlled Storage 3 Northshore Locations to Serve You Better Hwy 22 Hwy 25 Hwy 190 985-845-7867 985-626-1923 985-871-0117 West Mandeville
East Mandeville
Covington
Also offering RV & Boat storage Visit our website for more information
www.safe-stor.com 16 SPRING 2017
See MARRIAGE on Page 33
MARRIAGE
www.changingtimes.info
Growing Up and Getting Married in Today's Society by Angie Lewis
Tranquil Living Home Away From Home
Whose job is it to instill values Little Tommy is now big Tom Assisted Living Residence and morals in our children? Are we and is married. He does not know 4500 Leo Street leaving this important stuff up to the what forgiveness is. He does not Marrero, Louisiana school system because we are too know what love is. He is needy and 504.304.9925 busy working to maintain a comfort- insecure. He does not know how to able lifestyle? It used to be back in take care of himself except through • Private and Semi Private Rooms • Personalized Care the forties and fifties that the teach- physical abuse, in which his wife ers were moral individuals, subse- gets a lot of these days. Tom under• 24-hour Supervision • Religious Services quently; they also taught the class stands revenge and defending the • Nutrition Intake Monitoring • Exercise Classes ethics and how to treat others prop- little bit of self-image he has left. • Assistance with Eating • In-Home Physician Visits erly. Some of today's teachers are No one intervened on little Tom• Assistance with Bathing • Medication Reminders having some deep moral issues with- my's behalf; they were too busy • Assistance with Dressing and • Prescription Pickup in themselves that could directly working, teaching math and sciGrooming • Dry Cleaning Pickup affect the children in a negative way. ence, and being selfish. Tom now • Toileting and Continence Care • Transportation to Appointments Today, many of the children in needs inner healing but he does not • Laundry and Ironing • Evening Tuck-in school are bullies and intolerant. know it; He think the way he feels • Companionship and Conversation Children are not taught to respect is normal and that all the marriage and accept others. I guess a lot of problems are the fault of his wife. children these days have to learn Quiet Mary never felt loved as a the important aspects for building child growing up. Her parents were character on their own. They will always very busy working in their learn how to respect others by play- medical practices to give Mary the ing video games and watching TV. nurturing she needed as a child. They Some of these children probably showed their love by giving Mary all will not make it through life and the material possessions a child could will end up spiritless and on the ask for and more. Mary's teacher did streets. Maybe on antidepressants not like Mary. She thought Mary was for the made-up disease they call a snob and a spoiled little brat who Attention Deficient Disorder. (Take got her way too much just because your child off all forms of sugar, her parents were rich. processed and starchy white floury Mary never told anyone that she foods for one month and see if they felt unloved and unwanted by her still have an attention disorder? parents and teacher, and so everyIf our new generation of chil- one thought she was happy as a dren, soon to be adults are not lark. When Mary turned fourteen taught how to respect, forgive and she began sleeping with many of love others properly how on earth the boys in school. This is how she can they expect to be able to get felt loved and wanted. When she We Repair All Types of Roofs along with a spouse in marriage? If was sixteen, Mary got pregnant and I were a child today, growing up in her parents made her get an aborFlat • Metal Roofs a public school, I would feel very tion and put her on birth control. intimidated and abused just by the Mary does not know anything at all Roof Coatings • Slate • Shingle ruthless attitude of the teachers and about her Creator because her children and how they behave teacher teaches atheism. Three Family Owned & Operated ·Residential & Commercial towards one another. If it is not the years later Mary marries her first Licensed & Fully Insured schools responsibility to teach mor- husband. Sadly, Mary, being so als, and how to get along with oth- used to dating and feeling loved by Labor & Material - Warranties On All Work ers whose responsibility is it? sleeping around in high school, Serving the Area Since 1986 Here is a scenario to think about. exhibits the very same behavior Little Tommy had always been bul- with her husband. lied by his classmates. He told the When she feels unloved by her SLIDELL MAND. /COV. teacher but she never did anything. husband, she simply has an affair. Finally he had to learn how to Mary has not learned how to stay defend himself because he just married to the same man for very could not take the mistreatment long, because she doesn't know how anymore. So he started to lift to love and she doesn't know what weights just so he could beat up the commitment is. This is what dating Same Day Service bullies who physically and mental- in High school has taught Mary. No ly tormented him. A year later he is one cared about Mary when she was Free Estimates strong and wins his first fight. After growing up, and now she has learned LA. STATE LICENSE #56071 the fight, he felt euphoric, and his to care about no one but herself. SENIOR adrenaline was rushing. For Tommy, © 2002-2017 Heaven Ministries. CITIZEN DISCOUNT it felt so good to get revenge that it All Rights Reserved. www.heavenhas become his new attitude in life. ministries.org > For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; SPRING 2017 17 their corrective discipline is the way to life. – Proverbs 6:23
Roof Leaking? B&H ROOFING REPAIRS, LLC
639-1552
892-1561
Phones Answered 24 Hours a Day
Changing Times
Education Setting Goals By Charles F. Stanley Unless we give serious thought to our goals and how to reach them, our time, money, and priorities will usually be determined by others. Identifying some life objectives can lead us into deeper intimacy with the Lord. It can also result in healthier relationships with family and friends, and the peace of mind that comes from a well-planned strategy. As Proverbs says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage” (Prov. 21:5). Goals and motivation To begin, I encourage you to write down each of your goals. Let me remind you to keep your mind and
heart open to God’s desires for you. (Proverbs 16:9) reminds us, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” That doesn’t mean you are not supposed to make plans and set priorities. But it does mean that on occasion, you will need to adjust your focus as God reveals His purposes for your life. Once your objectives are listed, write why fulfilling them is important. That way, you’ll know your motivation for each goal you set. For instance, your plan may be to pay off the mortgage within five years. Why? Perhaps you hope to live without debt or would like the assurance of a paid-for home should anything happen to your health or employment status. The why will
The Wong Family Invites you to “Experience the Flavor of China at its Best” Quality, Consistency and Value 600 N. Causeway Mandeville, LA 70448
(985) 626-4476
2100 N. Morrison Hammond, LA 70401
(985) 345-6789
motivate you to continue in your efforts when other things come up that could be a temptation to abandon that goal. What’s more, in order to achieve your ambitions, it’s important to have an idea of what your objectives are and why they are worth attaining. Types of goals I’d like to suggest a couple of areas to consider when setting goals: Your spiritual goals are of utmost importance. Perhaps you need to reexamine your quiet time—or start one if you don’t already spend time alone with God. Plan when and where you will meet with the Lord during the week. Don’t leave it to chance. Unless you set aside time, other things will fill your schedule. Another spiritual goal would be to join a small group within your church—such as a Sunday school class, prayer team, or support group that seeks to find God’s answers to difficult questions. If there aren’t any small groups within your church, you might offer your time and energy to facilitate one. Serving is another spiritual goal to consider. Perhaps this is the year to stop enjoying the benefits of fellowship without giving back to your faith community—check out church ministries you could join to help your Christian brothers and sisters or people who don’t yet know the Lord. And if you attend a church but have never joined, consider becoming a formal member. Character goals are vital to your growth as a spouse, parent, child, friend, pastor, boss, or employee. Try asking these questions: • What would I like to become? • What one thing would I like to see God change in me? • What character quality—if devel-
oped—would make me a better parent, sibling, friend, etc.? My son Andy once shared his character goal with me. It has three parts: 1. A husband worth respecting 2. A father worth imitating 3. A leader worth following And why did he feel those objectives were important? “That is what God has called me to be,” he said. “To move in this direction will lead to a deep sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. To become these things will make my time on earth worth having been here. . . . It will set a pace and direction for my children that, if followed, will ensure for them the best quality of life they can experience as well.” Andy knows why he wants to achieve this goal. That motivation will help him in the choices he makes and will guard him when temptation comes. Get started Determine the areas of your life that need specific goals, and go to work. Whether objectives involve finances, relationships, or health, don’t waste time feeling sorry that you didn’t take action sooner. Instead, begin to establish where you want to be six months or a year from now, and ask God to give you the strength to stay on track. Enlist a friend to hold you accountable and periodically check up on your progress. To ensure that you use your time well, sit down and make a schedule for the coming days. When the year ends, you will be among the minority who ended the year with more accomplished and less left undone. Adapted from “Charles Stanley’s Handbook for Christian Living” (1996). ©2017 oChristian.com. All Rights Reserved >
St. Mary's Dominican High School
•Summer Programs 2017•
June 5 - 23
Camps for girls who have completed grades 1 - 8!
Jumpin’ for Joy DominiCamp (1st – 4th graders)
(4th – 8th graders)
plus
Band, Drama, DominiTech, Studio Art, and Sports Camps! Before and after care available. For more information, visit www.stmarysdominican.org.
St. Mary’s Dominican High School is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for girls and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin.
18 SPRING 2017
www.changingtimes.info
EDUCATION
God Is Not Boring John Piper Recently I spoke at Northwestern College as part of their year-long 100th anniversary celebration. The title of the message was "The Supremacy of God in the Life of the Mind." One capability of the mind that I focused on was the imagination. It applies to everybody who has a mind. Here's what I said: One of the great duties of the Christian mind is imagination. It is not the only thing the mind does. The mind observes. The mind analyzes and organizes. The mind memorizes. But imagination is different. It does not observe or analyze what's there; it imagines what is not seen but might be there and might explain what is there (as in the case of most scientific discoveries). Or it imagines a new way of saying what is there that no one has said before (as in the case of creative writing and music and art).
I say that imagination is a Christian duty for two reasons. One is that you can't apply Jesus' golden rule without it. He said, "Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them" (Matthew 7:12). We must imagine ourselves in their place and imagine what we would like done to us. Compassionate, sympathetic, helpful love hangs much on the imagination of the lover. The other reason I say that imagination is a Christian duty is that when a person speaks or writes or sings or paints about breathtaking truth in a boring way, it is probably a sin. The supremacy of God in the life of the mind is not honored when God and his amazing world are observed truly, analyzed duly, and communicated boringly. Imagination is the key to killing boredom. We must imagine ways to say truth for what it really is. And it is not boring. God's world - all of it rings with wonders. The imagination calls up new words, new images, new analogies, new metaphors,
new illustrations, and new connections to say old, glorious truth. Imagination is the faculty of the mind that God has given us to make the communication of his beauty beautiful. Imagination may be the hardest work of the human mind. And perhaps the most God-like. It is the closest we get to creation out of nothing. When we speak of beautiful truth, we must think of a pattern of words, perhaps a poem. We must conceive something that has never existed before and does not now exist in any human mind. We must think of an analogy or metaphor or illustration which has no existence. The imagination must exert itself to see it in our mind, when it is not there. We must create word combinations and music that have never existed before. All of this we do, because we are like God and because he is infinitely worthy of ever-new words and songs. A college - or a church - committed to the supremacy of God in the life of the mind will cultivate many
fertile, and a few great, imaginations. And O how the world needs God-besotted minds that can say the great things of God and sing the great things of God and play the great things of God in ways that have never been said or sung or played before. Imagination is like a muscle. It grows stronger when you flex it. And you must flex it. It does not usually put itself into action. It awaits the will. Imagination is also contagious. When you are around someone (alive or dead) who uses it a lot, you tend to catch it. So I suggest that you hang out with some people (mainly dead poets) who are full of imagination, and that you exert yourself to think up a new way to say an old truth. God is worthy. "Oh sing to the LORD a new song" - or picture, or poem, or figure of speech. By John Piper. Š Desiring God. Website: www.desiringGod.org. Email: mail@desiringGod.org. Toll Free: 1.888.346.4700. >
JOIN THE TEAM THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE. For every would be hacker there is a cyber professional ready to combat the enemy. The Army projects power in and through cyberspace and will not be defeated. goarmy.com #ArmyTeam
For more information contact a recruiter at: 1665 Dove Park Road, Suite 520 Mandeville, LA 985-893-7724 A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. – Proverbs 11:13
SPRING 2017
19
Changing Times
Health
A to Z: 2017 Weight Loss Commitments by Dr. Don Colbert
ADVANCED HEALING MASSAGE THERAPY Acupressure • Joint Liberation Let the real you encounter the real God SERVICE TIMES Sat. 6:00pm | Sun. 10:00am (King’s Café opens 1 hour before each service) 2020 Elsie Ave., Slidell, LA 70458 (Off of I-10 & Fremaux Ave.)
THERAPEUTIC-GRADE ESSENTIAL OILS including: frankincense • myrrh hyssop • nard • cassia • lavender peppermint • Rose of Sharon/cistus and other oils of the Bible
Norman Nail, LMT#0458
Listen to Life Songs - 89.1 FM (Monday-Friday 12:30pm) Celebrate Recovery - Thurs. @ 7:00pm
504-214-2314
(Biblical solutions for life’s most pressing problems)
www.YoungLiving.com
Facebook: Crossfire Church of Slidell www.crossfirechurch.net
D D S
Abita Dental Care
LLC
Steven E. Pfingsten D.D.S.
Family Dentistry for All Ages RestoRative, CRown & BRidge, dentuRes, PaRtials & whitening Caring Christian Atmosphere • New Patients Welcome Saturday Appointments Available We Accept Medicaid & Most Insurances
985-892-3250 71623 Hickory Street, Abita Springs, LA 70420 (on the St. Tammany Trace in Historic Abita Springs)
BECAUSE A COACH
CARED
Expert Coaching | Advanced Technology | Life-Changing Results.
Koko FitClub, a Digital Gym.
COME CHANGE YOUR LIFE WITH US THIS YEAR Take your first step towards a healthier, stronger, fitter YOU this year. Try Koko FitClub for 30 days for just $30. Come work with our coaches, meet our members, and see what makes Koko so special. There is no obligation. If you don’t love Koko in 30 days, we haven’t earned your business.
3441 E. Causeway Approach • Mandeville LA 70448 985-951-2086 • mandeville.kokofitclub.com 20 SPRING 2017
If you are one of the many people determined to lose weight in 2017, I hope to make it easier for you by providing you with 26 commitments you can make for yourself this year. Remember, small changes add up. Don’t feel like you have to adopt all of these at once. You can adopt a new commitment every 2 weeks for the 52 weeks of 2017, and be a new person by 2018! A) Avoid negative self-talk. Every time you think a thought, including negative thoughts, you are attracting more similar thoughts. Positive attracts positive and negative attracts negative. B) Begin to read the labels. Eating healthy starts with knowing exactly what you are eating. Read the ingredients list on every product you buy. Opt for products with a short ingredients list, made entirely from whole foods. Good-bye chemicals etc... C) Curb your carb addiction. Eliminate simple carbs (like sugar, white flour, white rice and most processed cereals, pretzels and crackers) and replace them with low-glycemic, non-refined, nonprocessed whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans. D) Drink plenty of clean, filtered water every day. Take your weight in pounds and divide it by two. The result is how many ounces of water you should drink daily. E) Exercise. You will promote weight loss and decrease your appetite. Plus you’ll build muscle, which will boost fat burning. F) Fill your cup with freshly brewed green tea. It helps burn fat and helps increase your metabolism. G) Give up fast food. H) Hit the weights. Begin a strength-training regimen 2-3 days a week to build muscle. I) Increase your intake of omega3 fats. Good sources are walnuts, flax, wild-caught fish or fish oil. J) Join the breakfast club. Eat a well-balanced breakfast every day. In fact, breakfast should be your largest meal of the day. K) Kick your diet soda habit. L) Laugh daily. M) Make time for relaxation every day. N) Never consume trans fat. It will appear on the ingredients list as hydrogenated or partially hydroge-
nated oil. O) Organize your plate so that at least half the food on it is non-starchy vegetables. P) Practice mindfulness. Be aware of the amount and taste of the food you are eating. Mindless eating most often occurs in front of the TV, at a ballgame, movie theatre, or while talking on the phone. Q) Quit all sources of artificial sweeteners like aspartame, NutraSweet and Splenda. Stevia is a safe sugar substitute. R) Reduce your salt intake to less than 2,300 milligrams a day, which is about 1 teaspoon. It is best to use Himalayan sea salt. S) Sleep at least 8 hours every night. T) Try new varieties of fruits and vegetables. Open yourself up to new food options. Perhaps you’ve never tried quinoa, red lentils, kale, bok choi or kiwi. U) Understand the difference between organic and conventional food and begin increasing the amounts of organic food in your diet. Organic is especially important when it comes to fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy. V) Visualize a New You. Imagine yourself thinner, more energetic, in a better mood and healthier. Imagine what this will feel like. How will it affect your relationships, your job and your life? W) Write down what you eat. Food journals are a proven tool for increasing weight loss. X) Examine yourself. In what situations and environments do you find it the toughest to eat healthy? Try to reduce exposure to these situations. Y) Say “Yuck!” to corn and corn products. Corn is not a vegetable. It is a grain given to cows and pigs to fatten them up. Z) Zero in on healthy activities, hobbies and foods you enjoy. Increase the frequency of these activities. © 2017 Dr. Don Colbert, MD PA www.drcolbert.com >
CHRISTIAN Community Referrals
www.changingtimes.info
ATTORNEY Bono Law Firm 3801 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 206 Metairie, LA 70002 504-835-9909 www.bonolawfirm.com
CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORES Gospel Book Store 91Westbank Expy Ste 410 Gretna, LA 504-362-7770 Books, Bibles, Music, Gifts, Church Supplies Open: Monday-Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm
AUTOMOTIVE DEALERS Bergeron Automotive 3525 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, LA 70002 504-888-2131 Honda of Covington 100 Holiday Square Blvd. Covington, LA 70433 985-892-0001 www.hondaofcovington.com Premier Automotive Group Toyota of New Orleans • 504-940-0000 Premier Nissan of Metairie • 504-455-5800 Premier Kia of Kenner • 1-866-744-5083
CONVENIENCE STORES Todd’s Country Corner 79056 Hwy. 40 Covington, LA 70435 985-893-2424
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR Griffco Automotive Diesel Repairs , Oil Changes, A/C Service 79056 Hwy. 40 Covington, LA 985-373-8710 www.griffcoautomotive.com Zoom Tech 815 Asbury Dr., Mandeville, LA 70471 985-624-5080 www.zoomtechautomotive.com BRIDAL SPECIALTY Second Line Handkerchiefs (Backyard Printing, LLC) 1960 Surgi Drive • Mandeville, LA 985-231-7789 secondlinehandkerchiefs.com BUS CHARTERS Gaten's Adventures Unlimited "For All Your Traveling Needs" 465 Morris Road, Hammond, LA 985-345-7629 · 877-855-8572 www.gatenbuscharters.com CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Larry Holmes Bourgeois Bennett 111 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, La 70005 504-831-4949 larryh@bb-cpa.com • www.bb-cpa.com
FURNITURE American Factory Direct 68490 Hwy. 59 Mandeville, LA 70471 985-871-1120 www.afd-furniture.com GLASS SERVICES A-1 Glass Services, Inc. 1247 Collins Blvd. Covington Residential • Commercial • Auto Truck • Mobile Glass • Patio Shower Doors 985-892-5312 HARDWARE STORES Mid Point Feed & Seed True Value Hardware Open Mon – Sat 7:30-5:00 19744 Hwy. 40, Covington, LA 985-892-2002 HURRICANE SHUTTERS Cool-Vue Aluminum 504-464-9194 coolvuealuminum@bellsouth.net www.coolvue.com LONG TERM CARE FACILITY Good Samaritan Living Center 615 Hilltop Drive Franklinton, LA 70438 985-839-6706 goodsamlivingcenter.com
PHARMACY Lee Road Family Pharmacy Your Trusted Family Owned Pharmacy 19705 Hwy. 40, Covington 985-400-2595 leeroadfamilypharmacy.com POWERSPORTS Honda of Covington Powersports 1026 N. Collins Blvd. Covington, LA 70433 • 985-892-9730 www.hondaofcovingtonpowersports.com RETREATS - VACATIONS Berry Creek Cabins 985-730-4395 www.berrycreekcabins.com Like us on Facebook TOWING SERVICE Jenkins Towing, Inc. Ray Jenkins & Sons 24-Hour Towing Covington, LA 985-892-4038 VETERINARY VCA Causeway Animal Hospital 1315 N. Causeway Blvd. Metairie, LA 70001 504-828-2700 www.vcacausewayanimalhospital.com WELDING Lloyd’s Welding & Son, LLC 19722 Hwy. 40 Covington 70435 Office 985-892-0889 Fax 985-871-7785 WINDOW INSERT REPLACEMENTS Window Solutions by Richlyn LLC Distribution Center 70454 Ste. C Hwy. 59 Richard Weixel 985-871-8181 www.nofoggywindows.com
Trinity Neurologic Rehabilitation Center 1400 Lindberg Dr., Slidell, LA 70458 985-641-4985 www.trinityneurorehab.com
Sitting
Service
Andi Richardson & Bob Conley, Owners
In home sIttIng And medICAl seRvICe
504.754.0021 985.246.6475 Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment. – Proverbs 23:23
Equipping Men & Women of God through Christian Education for over 35 years! BACHELOR, MASTER, DOCTORATE, Th.D., Ph.D. Ask about our “ Degree By Testing! ” Honorary & Combined & Accelerated Degrees Available for qualified applicants “Accredited by TAC”
Affordable Quality Education—FREE Evaluation—Credit for Life Experience
888-837-4931 or visit www.omega.edu SPRING 2017
21
Changing Times
Financial
Dave Says
FULL TAX AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES BUSINESS • INDIVIDUAL • FEDERAL • STATE CpA SERVICES AVAILAbLE YEAR ROUND SERVICE • BUSINESS CONSULTING MONTHLY ACCOUNTING SERVICES AUTHORIZED E-FILE pROVIDER
TOTAL TAX TIME, LLC
2100 WOODMERE BLVD., STE 100 • HARVEY, LA 70058 (504) 341-8881 - OFFICE (504) 617-7500 - FAX YOLANDAFD@bELLSOUTH.NET - EMAIL
Monthly payments sending you over the edge? WE’RE HERE FOR YOU
Ask about a consolidation loan today... One loan, one low monthly payment.
Call, stop by, or apply online TODAY!
MAGEE FINANCIAL www.mageefinancial.com
P.O. DRAWER 2300 - 2225 HWY. 190 • COVINGTON, LA 70434
3805 PONTCHARTRAIN DRIVE, SUITE 2 • SLIDELL, LA 70458
1915 FLORIDA STREET • MANDEVILLE, LA 70448
1001 WASHINGTON STREET • FRANKLINTON, LA 70438
(985) 893-1600
(985) 626-8549
414 COLUMBIA STREET • BOGALUSA, LA 70427
(985) 735-8267
(985) 643-6400
(985) 839-3512
We’re proud to be your hometown lender! 22 SPRING 2017
Financial Straight-Talk by Dave Ramsey www.davesays.com
How to Invest Smarter in 2017 You’ve promised yourself for years to get on top of your retirement plan. Make 2017 the year you follow through with these five simple steps toward smart investing. Step 1: Engage with your investments As soon as you pack away your tinsel and mistletoe, schedule a sitdown with your investing professional to review your retirement plan. “Just like you schedule a medical physical once a year, be sure to make time for a financial physical too,” Laura Crean, a financial planner with PSG Financial and a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., advised. Investing isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it arrangement, so start with your 401(k) and understand how your contributions are allocated. Be Confident About Your Retirement. Retirement Investing 101: Don’t set it and forget it.Now may also be a good time to turbocharge your retirement savings plan with a Roth IRA. While options in your 401(k) are usually limited, you can choose from thousands of investment types for your Roth IRA. Your investing pro can help you choose investments for your Roth IRA that compliment your 401(k) choices, so you can make the most of your investing dollars this year. What else should you ask your investing professional during your annual check-in? Consider these questions: • Overall, how are my investments doing? • Am I on track to reach my retirement goals? • How can I improve my retirement portfolio? Step 2: Adjust your tax withholdings Part of smart investing is doing the right thing with your money throughout the year. If you receive a large tax refund every year, it might be time to adjust your withholdings on your W-2 form. Let’s say you typically receive a $2,400
tax refund. That’s $200 a month that you could use to pay off debt, save or invest! Smart investing means doing the right thing with your money throughout the year.image/svg+xml If you invest that $200 every month for 15 years at 10% growth, you could end up with an extra $83,000 for retirement! Balance your withholdings so you don’t owe money or receive a large refund. So, bottom line: • Adjust your W-4 if necessary. It’s easy, and you can do it anytime. • Don’t absorb the extra money into your budget. In other words, have a plan. • Revisit your W-4 if you get married or divorced, have a baby, or add a second job. Step 3: Get serious about finding extra money to invest Adjusting your tax withholding to bump up your retirement contributions is a painless way to boost your nest egg, but don’t stop there. Try to find extra money any way you can. One way to find extra cash is revisiting your insurance premium costs. Some insurance companies provide discounts if clients pay the annual premium in full, for example. Some also offer discounts if you’ve completed a qualified defensive driving course. Check with your insurance company to find out if you qualify. You May Also Like: • 4 Pricing Tricks Retailers Use to Make You Spend More • 4 Insider Tricks to Sell Your Home on a Tight Timeline • How to Help Your Parents and Still Save for Retirement • Are Kids' Sports an Investment for College? Step 4: Don’t react to the stock market No one knows what the stock market will do from one day to the next. Not even Laura, who has See INVEST SMARTER on Page 33
www.changingtimes.info
FINANCIAL
Create Your New Year's Goal It’s time for a fresh start. A clean slate. Your biggest dreams! Maybe you want to buy a home, save more for retirement, or enjoy a debt-free vacation next year. Now’s the perfect time to make a plan for your money and your goals! Whatever your New Year’s goals are, we have you covered with these simple steps to turn your wants into well-dones: 1. Set aside time to dream big for 2017. Go to a coffee shop, a book store, your favorite park — anywhere you feel inspired to dream big! If you're married, make it a date! Or spend some time thinking apart and meet back at the end to share your goals with each other. 2. Write down what you want to accomplish in 2017. Finish this
sentence: This year, I will . . . Be sure to make your dream specific, measurable, all yours, time sensitive, and written. The more in-depth your goals, the better your chances of accomplishing them. 3. Get a head start. What are some steps you can take early on to meet your goals? When you have a game plan, you'll hit the ground running. As an example, if you are planning to go on a debt-free vacation next year, start a vacation savings fund in your budget! Take a look now to see how much you can start allocating each month. Give your goals action steps and reach them faster! —Used with permission from DaveRamsey.com >
Fort Knox AlArm We appreciate your support! ~ Ace Indovina
504-828-4233 Driver's License renewaLs (aLL Locations except Gretna)
Notary Always on Duty
DMv services - License pLates titLe transfers, speciaLty License pLates
HaraHan - (504) 739-9047
Marrero - (504) 340-6360
(Inside WalMart at Huey P Long Bridge)
Gretna - (504) 364-8276
(Across from WalMart Garden Center)
Metairie - (504) 410-3110
(Inside Sears Oakwood)
(Martin Behrman & Vets Next to Gordon's)
Kenner - (504) 468-8620
new orLeans - (504) 561-9335
(Inside WalMart)
(Across from Tchoupitoulas WalMart)
HouMa - (985) 580-4956 www.notaryshoppe.com
Three proven principles for a successful 2017 Courtesy of DaveRamsey.com As you look at your 2017 calendar, you’re probably thinking about the year ahead and wondering what it will hold. You might even be deciding on the resolutions you need to make. Or you’ll get to them later. Or maybe you’ll just eat some leftovers. Looking back at the past, and looking forward to the future, can be stressful! Here’s some great news; with a new year comes new opportunities. Second chances. Do-overs. You get to leave the past behind and make a fresh start! You can make this year better than the last. As this new year begins, try out these proven principles that will set you up for success. Let mistakes stay where they belong There’s a reason the rearview mirror is smaller than the windshield. Looking at what’s ahead is more important than looking at what’s behind you. Yes, you need to take responsibility for your past, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay there. You can’t be excited about the future if you’re living in the land of regret! Let experience teach you
Whether it’s those mistakes you’ve made or the unexpected trials that knocked you off your feet, learning from them can be fuel for future success. When asked about his many failed inventions, Thomas Edison once said, "I have not failed 10,000 times. I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work." Failure deepens your compassion, forgiveness and empathy. It can give you more self-awareness, improve your skills, and motivate you to work harder. Let gratitude decide your outlook When you choose gratitude, you enjoy better relationships, feel better physically and emotionally, improve your self-esteem, and even sleep better at night. There are no downsides to seeing through the lens of gratefulness, but the benefits can radically improve your life! So what are you waiting for? Let these principles make 2017 a great year for you! Write down those goals and resolutions, and then start working on them. A successful year is waiting. Go after it! >
*Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He’s authored four New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover and EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 5 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.>
BREAKFAST
LUNCH
DINNER
SERVING FRESH PASTRIES WITH CRAFT LOCAL COFFEE.. HOURS: SUN - WED 6:30am - 5pm / THUR - SAT 6:30AM - 8PM
1011 Village Walk · Covington · 985.246.3345 · www.abitaroasting.com
Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. – Proverbs 30:5
SPRING 2017
23
FEATURE ARTICLE
Changing Times
The Powerful Deliverer By James Smith
810 N. Columbia Street • Suite C • Covington, LA 70433
985.875.0160
Fax 985.809.2179
roberson
advertising service, llc 315 Industrial Parkway Dr. Bogalusa, LA 70427
• Cold Web Press • Prepress Service
Proud to print
Changing Times
985-520-6059 roberson@robersonadvertising.com 24 SPRING 2017
"Their Redeemer is strong — the Lord Almighty is his name!" (Jeremiah 50:34) Israel had been given into the hand of the oppressor — for sin had brought its punishment. The sufferings of the captivity were great. The time appointed was long. But the covenant still stood firm. The promises must be fulfilled. Their relationship with God was not disannulled. They were his people still. He was engaged to them still. He had power to deliver them. He was but waiting for the fittest time. Then, the captive would be delivered; the oppressed would be set free; the scattered flock would be gathered; the lost sheep would be found; the Lord's heritage would be restored; and the remnant of the house of Israel would be pardoned — for "their Redeemer is strong, the Lord Almighty is his name!" What the Lord was then to Israel — he is now to his redeemed people; and the power he then exerted for them — he will now exert for us. He is the Lord Almighty — the God of armies, the God of battles. Victory or defeat lies with him. He is strong — so strong that all created power is as nothing in comparison with him. He is almighty. Wondrously did he display his power, when he made a way through the Red sea; when he threw down the walls of Jericho; and when he delivered his people out of Babylon? These were only samples. They are recorded to . . . strengthen our faith, excite our hope, and draw forth our prayers. What he has done — he can do, and if necessary will do again. He will deliver us in six troubles, and in seven will not allow us to be overwhelmed. Let us remember, however weak we are, our Redeemer is strong. The Lord was Israel's Redeemer, or strong Deliverer, and he is our Redeemer too. He redeemed them by the exertion of his power, and the sacrifice of their foes. But he has redeemed us by the sacrifice of himself, and by the operations of his Holy Spirit. He laid down his life, as the price of our ransom; and he sends the blessed Spirit, to claim us for his own. He took our nature — and he became near of kin to us;
he became near of kin to us — on purpose to be qualified to redeem us, and that he might come under obligation to do so. He paid all our debts, met all our obligations — so making our cause good; and having made our cause good — he will carry it despite of Satan, sin, and death! Yes, he will thoroughly plead our cause — answering every charge brought against us by Satan, and meeting every demand made upon us by the law. Our Redeemer is our Advocate. He who died for us on earth — now pleads for us in heaven. Against our disobedience — he places his perfect righteousness; against the sentence passed on us — he pleads his own most precious blood. His pleading is powerful — because he meets and answers all claims. His pleading is prevalent — because he silences every accuser. His pleading will infallibly secure our salvation — because he ever lives, is ever in office, and is always in court. While he pleads above — he exerts, and employs his power below. He works in us — while he pleads for us. And while he appears in the presence of God for us above — he watches over us here below. He will therefore give us REST: Rest from every anxious care. Rest from every cross and burden. Rest from all our toils and troubles, Rest in his presence, and in the enjoyment of his love forever! Nothing shall then disturb us — or cause us to fret. No one shall then harass us — or put us in fear. How precious the Lord's people are to him! Notwithstanding all their unworthiness, sin, and sinfulness, and all their departures from him, and unkindness to him, there is nothing on earth, or in heaven, except his only begotten Son, who are as precious to the heart of God, as his people are! GRACE GEMS! A Treasury of Ageless Sovereign Grace Devotional Writings Our Purpose To humble the pride of man, to exalt the grace of God in salvation and to promote real holiness in heart and life. ©GraceGems.org 2017 >
www.changingtimes.info
God Delights In You! by David Wilkerson The Holy Spirit gave David a revelation that is the key to all deliverance. David could say, “The reason God delivered me from all my enemies—from all my sorrows and the powers of hell—is because I am precious to him. My God delights in me!” “He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me” (Psalm 18:19). Do you need deliverance from lust, temptation or trial? From a problem that’s mental, spiritual, emotional or physical? The key to your victory is in this verse. God delights in you. You are precious to him! In Song of Solomon, the Lord says of his bride, “How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!" (Song of Solomon 7:6). Three of the Hebrew words in this verse are synonymous: fair, meaning “precious”; pleasant, indicating
“pleasure”; and delights. These words describe Jesus’ thoughts toward his bride as he beholds her. He looks at her and says, “How beautiful, sweet and delightful you are. You are precious to me, O love.” In turn, the bride boasts, “I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me” (7:10). The meaning here is, “He runs after me with delight. He chases me because I am so precious to him.” These same thoughts are found throughout the Psalms: “The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy” (Psalm 147:11). “The Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation” (149:4). I can try to convince you of God’s delight in you by telling you, “You are precious to the Lord.” Yet you may think, “That’s sweet. But it’s only a lovely thought.” No, this truth is much more than a lovely thought. It is the very key to your deliverance from every battle that rages in your soul. It is the secret to
6636 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Metairie, LA 70003
504-455-5800 www.PremierNissan.net
Personal Revival entering into the rest God has promised you. Until you lay hold of it— until it becomes a foundation of truth in your heart—you won’t be able to withstand the trials of life. Isaiah had a revelation of God’s great delight in us. He prophesied, “O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee" (Isaiah 43:1-2). Isaiah wasn’t talking about a literal flood or fire. He was talking about what people go through spiritually and mentally. Israel was in captivity at the time; their floods were trials, their fires were temptations, their rivers were tests. These were all Satan’s attempts to destroy and overwhelm God’s people. Isa-
2712 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Kenner, LA 70062
1-866-744-5083 www.PremierKia.com
For though your people, O Israel, be as the sand of the sea, a remnant of them will return; the destruction decreed shall overflow with righteousness. – Isaiah 10:22
iah’s words were a message of pure mercy to Israel. The people were in captivity because of their own stupidity and foolishness. But God sent them a brokenhearted prophet who said, “God wants me to tell you that you belong to him.” Right now, you may be in the midst of your own swirling waters. You may feel overwhelmed by a trial or temptation that threatens to consume you. You’ve got to understand from these biblical examples that the Lord does not always calm the waters. He doesn’t always keep the floods from coming or put out the fires. Yet he does promise this: “I will walk with you through it all. This trial or circumstance will not destroy you. It won’t consume you. So, walk on. You’ll come out on the other side with me beside you!” Copyright ©2017 by World Challenge, Inc., P.O. Box 260, Lindale, Texas 75771. >
13150 I-10 Service Road Off Bullard
504-940-0000
www.ToyotaOfNewOrleans.com
SPRING 2017
25
Changing Times
The Christian Journey Can God Help my Emotions? By Pastor Doug Gilford
Today’s age is a bustling, belittling, and utterly tedious race to a finish line that is never even seen. With social media ruling our lives, and our neighbors controlling our happiness, we easily get lost in our own understanding. With all of the distractions of the world around us,
we let our emotions take over, and oftentimes we forget to thank God for the things He has done, and instead start to question when He will do more. Have you ever stopped to consider the number of things that are used to stress us out? From the car that cuts us off, to the boss that we can’t seem to make happy, people and things can easily pull us out of our normal, healthy, and emotional states. Now, in our time of social media dominance, it is difficult to escape the frustrations we encounter on a daily basis. So, what do you do when you are frustrated and stressed? While some turn to their normal routine of alcohol, others rely on drugs, or other hard living to drown out the pain and stress that they feel. What if there was an alternative way to help yourself? Of course, as a preacher, my goal
is to point you to the Bible and to Jesus’ words. Let me show you something. Jesus says in (John 14:27), “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” Peace. Isn’t that what we are always looking for, really? Peace is the feeling of tranquility in our hearts and minds. Jesus says in this verse that He has peace, and He gives it to us. Think on that for a moment. Jesus has peace that He will give to us! It is a wonderful thought to know that God, Himself, has peace to give us. In (Ephesians 2:14), Paul tells us that Jesus IS our peace. Jesus says He gives us something else, as well. In (John 15:11), He shows us something that He has to help us deal with our emotions: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” Joy. First He gives us peace, and now we see He has joy to give us as well. Peace. Joy. Joy is like peace, as it helps us with contentment even in the most difficult situations. However, please don’t let God’s joy be con-
fused with earthly happiness. Earthly happiness is temporary, and depends on what happens to us here on Earth. Happiness is great, but joyful happiness is better. Joy is the sweet confidence that even through difficulty, God is in control. Once you realize that peace and joy come from Jesus, you begin to see and understand the Eternal and internal benefits of knowing Him. First, God’s joy and peace lasts forever. It doesn’t run out, and it doesn’t depend on others or good circumstances. Second, it totally transforms our core emotional state, no matter where or what we are going through. So, can God help us in our emotions? The Biblical answer is yes. As with all scripture, there is our part as well. Most scripture has God doing something AND us doing something. God has already provided the peace and joy. Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you, peace I give to you.” And “that your joy will be complete.” This is God’s part. Our part is found in (Proverbs 3). (Proverbs 3:5-6) says, “Trust in See EMOTIONS on Page 32
Designer Travel A Full Service Travel Agency
Call for an appointment today to book the vacation of your dreams!
ALL INCLUSIVE VACATIONS
504-835-3200
GOLF AND BEACH VACATIONS
mail@designertravel.info
ESCORTED AND INDEPENDENT TOURS
www.designertravel.info
Metairie, LA 70002
26 SPRING 2017
HONEYMOONS
www.changingtimes.info
The Cleansing Of Sin by Andrew Murray "If we walk in the light, the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:7, 9). The same God who forgives sin also cleanses from it. Cleansing is no less a promise of God than is forgiveness; therefore, it is a matter of faith. Cleansing, as well as forgiveness, is as obtainable from God as it is indispensable and impossible for man. And what now is this cleansing? The word comes from the Old Testament. While forgiveness was a sentence of acquittal passed on the sinner, cleansing was something that happened to him and in him. Forgiveness came to him through the Word. Cleansing was something done to him that he could experience. Consequently, we are liberated from unrighteousness and from the pollution and the working of sin by the inner revelation of the power of God--cleansing. Through cleansing we obtain the blessing of a pure heart--a heart in which the Spirit can complete His operations with a view to sanctifying us and revealing God within us. Forgiveness and cleansing are both through the blood of Jesus. The blood breaks the power that sin has in heaven to condemn us. The blood also breaks the power of sin in the heart which holds us captive. The blood has a ceaseless operation in heaven from moment to moment. The blood has likewise a ceaseless operation in our heart--to purify the heart from the sin which always seeks to penetrate from the flesh. The blood cleanses the conscience from dead works, to serve the living God. The marvelous power that the blood has in heaven, it also has in the heart. Cleansing is also through the Word--the Word testifies of the blood and of the power of God. Therefore, cleansing is also through faith. It is a divine and effectual cleansing, but it must be received in faith before it can be experienced
and felt. I believe that I am cleansed with a divine cleansing, even while I still perceive sin in the flesh. Through faith in this blessing, cleansing itself will be my daily experience. Cleansing is sometimes ascribed to God, or to the Lord Jesus, or sometimes to man. That is because God cleanses us by making us active in our own cleansing. Through the blood, the lust which leads to sin is mortified, the certainty of power against sin is awakened, and the desire and the will are thus made alive. Happy is the person who understands this. He is protected against the useless pursuit of self-purification in his own strength, because he knows God alone can do it. He is protected against discouragement, for he knows God will certainly do it. Accordingly, our chief emphasis occurs in two things--the desire and the reception of cleansing. The desire must be strong for a real purification. Forgiveness must be only the gateway or beginning of a holy life. I have remarked several times that the secret of progress in the service of God is a strong yearning to become free from every sin-a hunger and thirst after righteousness.6 Blessed are they who thus yearn. They will understand and receive the promise of a cleansing through God. They also learn what it means to do this in faith. Through faith they know that an unseen, spiritual, heavenly, but very real cleansing through the blood is being worked in them by God Himself. Child of God, you remember how we have seen that it was to cleanse us that Jesus gave Himself. Let Him, the Lord God, cleanse you. Having these promises of a divine cleansing, receive this cleansing for yourself. Believe that every sin, when it is forgiven you, is also cleansed away. It will be to you according to your faith. Let your faith in God, in the Word, in the blood, in your Jesus, continually increase. "God is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Lord God, I thank You for these promises. You not only give forgiveness, but also cleansing. As surely as forgiveness comes first, See CLEANSING on Page 34
INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC
Protection that is very affordable! • • • • • • •
Churches Home Commercial General Liability Workers Comp. Auto Flood
• • • • • •
Motor Homes Boats RV’s Condo Renters Motorcycles
50 YEARS EXPERIENCE, INTEGRITY & FAMILY PROTECTION
985.646.1006 | 504.450.1680 2208 Second St • Olde Towne • Slidell
ear
VICKYM16@HOTMAIL.COM
Wishing you Beautiful Blessings at this Time of Year
Sunday Special
15% OFF
with Church Bulletin (Dine in only)
SPECIALS DAILY Tuesday - Family Night Open Lunch and Dinner - Monday through Sunday Mon-Thurs 11:00am-9:00pm • Fri-Sat 11:00am-9:30pm • Sun 11:00am-8:30pm
716 W. 21st Ave. • Covington (985) 892-5950
And they shall call them The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord; and you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken. – Isaiah 62:12
SPRING 2017
27
Changing Times
The
Transformed Life The "Clean Heart" Life How to Experience it by Andrew Strom It was in my teen years that God totally revolutionized my life. I was filled with the Holy Spirit when I was 17 - and that was really the turning point. It was an overnight transformation. And after I read a few 'Revival' books, that was all I cared about. -The glory of God coming down and transforming people. I was hungry for God to move. Something happened to me when I was converted that I always assumed was "normal" - and still believe it should be. God gave me a true 'fear of the Lord' from the start, and a deep repentance where I literally went right through my life and repented of everything I could find that was not godly. So I was "clean" and newly filled with the Spirit filled with His love and power. And I found that I could literally WALK in this 'clean' state before God -
28 SPRING 2017
without any "effort" or striving whatsoever. I just figured this was normal. It became my 'natural' state - walking with a clean conscience and clean heart before God. Did I have to "strive" to maintain this constant "clean heart" state? No, not at all. I simply avoided sin and kept walking in this inner purity that God had given me. No effort at all, really. It just seemed "natural". The Scripture, "There is no condemnation to them in Christ Jesus" was very real to me. I could sense that indeed I walked under a new "law" - the 'Law of the Spirit of LIFE in Christ Jesus' which had made me free from the law of sin and death. In the Bible I saw this was totally 'normal'. There didn't seem to be anything "special" about it. Whenever I discovered any 'darkness' in me that I had not seen
before, I instantly would repent of it because God had given me a deep hatred of sin. This is one of the keys to this kind of walk. I could not stand for anything to come in between me and God. I simply walked before Him in this permanent state of communion and fellowship. If I inadvertently "tripped up" in such a way that I noticed a kind of "spot" on my white robe, so to speak, I was very quick to deal with it because I hated sin and loved walking in total transparency before God. -But it was not common for me to have to do that. Sometimes weeks would go by without me having to seriously "repent" of anything. 'Clean' had become my natural state - a wonderful gift from God. This is not to say that temptation never came along. Of course it did. I just had to choose not to entertain it. I hated sin and loved God too much to indulge it. But did this mean that I was outwardly "perfect"? No! -Just that I was inwardly walking with Him in righteousness and "purifying myself as He is pure". And so the years went by... I read the book, "The Normal Christian Life" by Watchman Nee, and along with some other Revival
books, etc, - this helped me to understand better the state I was in - and to assume it was "normal". But I would often come across other Christians who seemed surprised when I would share a little about what I was experiencing. Many did not seem to live in any genuine "victory" over sin - and seemed to be always 'repenting' with little real result. They told me I needed to keep "short accounts with God" which seemed to mean that I had to repent every half-hour or so. What kind of "victory" this was, I could not discern. Didn't Jesus die so that we could walk with God as ADAM did before the fall - communing with Him in the "cool of the evening"? Isn't that the whole point? -To give us a clean heart and restore us to full communion with God - as an actual STATE OF BEING? Isn't it just that simple? Another thing God taught me later on was to "RENOUNCE" things that were serious temptations in my life. This did not affect my "righteousness of heart" before God one way or the other, but it did affect my mind - and the clarity of See CLEAN HEART on Page 34
www.changingtimes.info
Deliverance Comes From an Awesome God (Psalms 66) During a time of severe tornadoes and thunderstorms, I was driving my daughter home from the doctor. With the awesome display of nature before our eyes she naturally became edgy. She asked what I would do if a tornado came to our house. I said to her: I will "lift up my eyes unto the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:12). What else could one do if a tornado approached? Heather's response was memorable: "No, Daddy, I mean your backup plan! In her own way, she demonstrated remarkable understanding of the sovereign nature of God - It's His creation and He is in control of it. At the same time, she knew of the responsibility of man. These two work hand in hand. But always understand, your plan is the BACKUP plan - steps performed while led by the Spirit of God! When you look around at your
life, what do you see that you need to be delivered from? Perhaps there is a physical ailment. Some of you might have faced a major calamity; indeed, at least one couple in our class survived the tornado last week going through their apartment complex. Still others of you may need deliverance from a bad job or have, frankly, a bad marriage relationship. These are all circumstances problems in the here and now. No doubt these problems are real and difficult to face. The child of God knows in his heart that they are "light and momentary troubles" and yet we struggle with them. Few of you might admit it publicly but you may need deliverance from uncontrolled anger, from lust, from worry, from depression, or drunkenness. What help is their in the Bible about these battles we face? Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf! He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the
waters on foot-- come, let us rejoice in him. He rules for-ever by his power, his eyes watch the nations-let not the rebellious rise up against him. Selah (Psalm 66:5-7, NIV) God chooses to deliver us FROM battle on occasion. This is to His Glory! As David remembered the Israelites facing a fast approaching army from Egypt, He thought of the hopelessness of the situation. The Israelites were quite literally "up against the wall" of the Red Sea. God led them into this situation. They had three "natural" responses: despair at their situation, acquiesce to a bad situation and be enslaved again, or fight knowing they would lose. Moses gave them a fourth "supernatural" response: faith in Almighty God. When God takes you as far as YOU can go, He is faithful to deliver you from where YOU cannot go. God's parting of the Red Sea was dramatic and a way to point the Israelites to faith in
If he has walked in My statutes And kept My judgments faithfully, He is just; He shall surely live!� -Says the Lord God. – Ezekiel 18:9
Him. The closing of the waters on the Egyptian army should have sealed any doubts they had about His care for them. The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. (Psalm 18:4-6, NIV) What will you do in the face of death? David cries out to God, "LORD" which is the translation of God's personal name. David does not cry out to some invisible force; He cries out for deliverance IN battle to the Lord God he knows PERSONALLY. Can you honestly say you have ever personally cried See DELIVERANCE on Page 33
SPRING 2017
29
Changing Times
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Cutting-Edge Research at Tulane University At Tulane University it is a priority to contribute to the advancement of science and knowledge, and one way this is achieved is through participating in cutting-edge research. Faculty, staff, and students participate in a variety of research studies throughout the year that lead to new discoveries for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of health conditions. A large portion of our research is clinical research, which involves human subject volunteers. Some studies may use healthy volunteers, while other studies are looking for volunteers with a specific health condition. For the last 5 years, Tulane School of Medicine has participated in a large National Institutes of Health grant with other institutions in Louisiana to promote research within the state. At Tulane, we sponsor our faculty to explore new ways to identify, prevent, and treat common conditions that are common in Louisiana. We also support a Clinical Translational Unit (CTU) to provide a broad range of services to offer complete clinical trial coordination and to assist in the initiation and conduct of clinical and translational research. The CTU is staffed by a highlytrained clinical research team who assist in all stages of the clinical and translational research process. The CTU offers private clinic space for participants to attend study clinic visits. We also conduct community outreach for health screenings and education programs.
but are looking to gather more information on how the drug or device works. These types of studies may involve placebo treatment, and neither the patient nor the study team may know if the patient is receiving the placebo or active treatment. We also conduct studies that do not involve medications or devices. During the study period patients may be asked to attend study clinic visits, which are likely to be in addition to their regularly scheduled doctor visits. At these visits the research team may collect blood and urine samples, ask about the patient’s health, and perform a physical exam. Some studies may require other tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG, which measures the electrical activity of the heart). Results from these tests can be provided to the patient and the patient’s doctor(s). Often these studies provide medications, lab work, and compensation for time and travel.
Participating in clinical research may offer a benefit to patients by the additional care and attention to both the patient and their health condition. Previous research has shown that by participating in a research study, improvements in health status can be achieved, even when the patient receives placebo treatment. The study doctor and team monitors the patient throughout the study period and will alert the patient and their doctor(s) of any changes in their health. The research team may also refer Tulane has participated in many landmark research studies. These stud- the patient to see a doctor at Tulane Medical Center or University Medical ies have led to discoveries in identifying new methods for diagnosis of Center if necessary. health conditions and new medications or guidelines for treatment theraIf you are interested in hearing more about our research, please call the pies. Currently we have research studies that are looking for volunteers Tulane CTU at 504-988-0200. We will request a small amount of informawith conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, liver dis- tion from you to determine those studies for which you are eligible. A ease, kidney disease, heart disease, various types of cancer, and healthy study coordinator will follow up with you to tell you more about the study volunteers. or studies for which you are eligible. The choice to participate in a Some of our research studies may include new treatments that are not research study is completely voluntary. Whether or not you decide to parFDA-approved, these studies may be looking at a new treatment option ticipate will have no effect on the medical care you receive at Tulane for a condition. Other studies may be using a FDA-approved treatments Medical Center. >
Are you interested in participating in cutting-edge clinical research at a leading academic institution? We are actively recruiting research participants with the following conditions: • Bladder Cancer • Chronic Kidney Disease in Children • Cystic Fibrosis • Diabetes/Type 2 • Diabetes/Type 2 and High Blood Pressure • Diabetes/Type 2 and Kidney Disease • Diabetic Kidney Disease • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection and abnormal pap smears • High Blood Pressure • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis • Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease • Open-angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension • Post-menopause and weight loss without Hysterectomy • Prostate Cancer • Scleroderma Associated Interstitial Lung Disease • Smoking • Stroke • Total Knee Joint Replacement 30 SPRING 2017
If so, please call the Tulane School of Medicine Clinical Translational Unit to see which studies you might qualify for at:
504-988-0200
www.changingtimes.info
Real Estate Marketplace
CHANGING TIMES Continued from Page 4 writer wrote an entire book on the Christian believer’s communion with God as Father, Jesus as Savior, and the Holy Spirit as Comforter. Changing Times teaches us how to remain God-centered while being vitally concerned about Christian experience, so that we don’t fall into the trap of glorifying experience for its own sake. 5. Changing Times shows you how to handle trials. The slogan on each of our front covers states “Changing Lives one Issue at a time”. For some, it is received as one edition at a time but its real intention was one personal issue at a time! We believe that Changing Times grew out of a great struggle between the truth of God’s Word and its enemies. Changing Times continues to stand ready to arm Christians for our battles, and to encourage us in our suffering. We teach on how we need affliction to humble us (Deut. 8:2), to teach us what sin is (Zeph. 1:12), and how that brings us to God (Hos. 5:15). 6. Changing Times explains true spirituality. We stress the spirituality of the law, spiritual warfare against indwelling sin, the childlike fear of God, the wonder of grace, the art of meditation, the dreadfulness of hell, and the glories of heaven. 7. Changing Times shows how to live by holistic faith. We try to apply every subject we write about to practical “uses”. These “uses” will propel you into passionate, effective action for Christ’s kingdom. Changing Times promotes a comprehensive worldview, a total Christian philosophy, a holistic approach of bringing the whole gospel to bear on all of life, striving to bring every action in conformity with Christ, so that believers would mature and grow in faith. We write on practical subjects such as how to pray, how to experience personal revival, how to conduct family worship, and how to raise children for Christ. We carry life-giving messages to reach the lost, the curious, the new beginner, the Christian who wants more and the seasoned believer. For we all are on Christ’s radar! 8. Changing Times teaches the importance and supremacy of preach-
ing. Preaching should be expository and instructive; evangelistic and convicting, experiential and applicatory, powerful and “plain” in its presentation, ever respecting the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit. 9. Changing Times shows you how to live in two worlds. We should have heaven “in our eye” throughout our earthly pilgrimage. We should take seriously the New Testament passages that say we must keep the “hope of glory” before our minds to guide and shape our lives here on earth. We should view this life as “the gymnasium and dressing room where we are prepared for heaven,” teaching us that preparation for death is the first step in learning to truly live. If you want to live in this world in light of the better world to come, read Changing Times. Reading Changing Times will place you and keep you on the right path theologically, experientially, and practically. We agree with John the Baptists’ summary of Christian sanctification: “Christ must increase and I must decrease.” Our prayer is that God will use Changing Times to inspire you to read the bible more. With the Spirit’s blessing, Changing Times will enrich your life in many ways as it opens the Scriptures to you, probes your conscience, bares yours sins, leads you to repentance, and conforms your life to Christ. Let Changing Times bring you into full assurance of salvation and a lifestyle of gratitude to the Triune God for His great salvation. You might want to pass along a copy of Changing Times to your friends as well. There is no better gift than a good book. I sometimes wonder what would happen if Christians spent only fifteen minutes a day reading Changing Times. Over a year that would add up to reading about twenty averagesize books a year and, over a lifetime, 1,500 books. Who knows how the Holy Spirit might use such a spiritual diet of reading! Would it usher in a worldwide revival? Would it fill the earth again with the knowledge of the Lord from sea to sea? That’s our prayer, our vision, our dream. Take up and read! You will be glad you did. Save the Nations Ministries. >
Anthony Grosch, Licensed REALTOR
®
Home-Grown, Locally Owned & Internationally Known
uscte
For all your real estate needs...
Joy
Rachel Van Voorhees · Property New Orleans, LLC 504-909-3756 Office: 306 Pine St. · New Orleans · 504-908-6364
Joyce Guidroz
Associate Broker Direct 504-390-7651 joyceguidroz@gmail.com
1601 Belle Chasse Hwy, Suite 101 • Gretna, LA 70056 Office 504-207-2007 • Fax 504-613-4647 Office Independently Owned and Operated
Rick Roberts and The RobertsTeam.com has successfully helped hundreds of families find homes here on the Northshore!
ust
3016 Dumaine St.— Beautifully renovated large 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Bayou St. John. Great open floor plan, wood floors, high ceilings, lots of light and a huge backyard. This lovely home is truly in move-in condition! $449,000
Cell: (504) 339-5292 Office: (504) 366-4511 Fax: (504) 366-4519 3725 MacArthur Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70114 anthonygrosch2@juno.com www.GardnerRealtors.com
The power of a team of professionals along with the integrity of an agent chosen by his peers to lead them as their President. Put Rick and his team of agents to work for you with your next move!
985-502-9733 cell 985-377-1128 office rick.roberts33@me.com www.TheRobertsTeam.com
REMAX Elite 3067 E. Causeway Approach Mandeville, La. 70448
Each office independently owned and operated.
Business 101: One on One. Approachable. Knowledgeable. Dependable. No Hype, No Gimmicks. Whether you’re buying, selling, or considering a real estate move and need advice, consider utilizing Beverly’s 42+ years in the business. Her experience, reputation, and results speak for themselves. It’s no wonder her candor and resutls consistently make her a leader in client satisfaction! Call the Broker who listens (and talks) and gets results. Beverly is also available for speaking engagements, workshops, break-out sessions and consultations.
Beverly Hobbs Shea
Realtor, Managing Broker High Road Properties, Inc. 505.669.8826 bev@beverlyhobbsshea.com • www.BeverlyHobbsShea.com
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, and be strong. – 1 Corinthians 16:13
SPRING 2017
31
Changing Times
the
therapon institute
offering relief therapy biblical counselor certification
Four Programs to Choose From: • Certified Belief Therapist (CBT) • Certified Reentry Crisis Counselor (CRCC) • Licensed Belief Therapist (LBT) • Certified Youth Behavioral Advisor (CYBA) Therapon Certification is recommended for any caring Christian desiring a full-time or part-time ministry helping hurting people through the confusing maze of a wide range of recovery issues such as divorce, marriage counseling, grief, compulsive behavior, anger management, problematic thinking errors, emotional trauma, abuse, relapse prevention, and criminal recovery. The Therapon Institute conducts certification schools as well as CEU seminars. For more information, please contact us at (504) 328-2249 or www.therapon.org.
CHRIS PAVING Concrete & Asphalt
Licensed & Insured Locally Owned & Operated
FREE 985-960-2131 ESTIMATES Northshore
EMOTIONS Continued from Page 26
FAMILY LIFE Continued from Page 9
the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Trusting in the Lord is the first requirement in attempting to do great in the kingdom of God. The second requirement is equally profound and difficult: “Lean not on your own understanding.” Finally, the next action we are asked to do is to “acknowledge Him in all your ways.” So, our part is to trust God (not ourselves), to acknowledge, and to give attention to God in everything we do. The truth is, if we are honest with ourselves, our lack of peace and joy happen during times of great frustration when we have been trying to carry the load and fix things on our own. We should ask ourselves, “How has that been working out for me?” When we do things God’s way, He gives us peace and joy. That is why people can have joy without happiness, and happiness without joy. But we cannot have God’s joy without God. Will you trust Him this day, even in your emotions? Call on Him in prayer and ask Him to help you. I promise you, He is faithful and NEVER changing, if you do your part, to TRUST, to LEAN, and to ACKNOWLEDGE, then He will do His part, too. If you have any questions about what I just wrote about or if I can help you in your walk with God, feel free to give me a call. May God bless you. Doug Gilford, Senior Pastor, Cornerstone Church-23051 Hwy 1088, Mandeville, La 70448. 985624-8652 >
teaches children about the 10/40 Window called The 10/40 Window for Children. It is available from Joey and Fawn Parish, 6673 Sora Street, Ventura, CA 93003. 12. Develop a family prayer calendar each month. Take turns, or do it together. Put each family event or activity on the calendar, so it can be prayed for. Wouldn't it be great to have the entire family pray for a child to do his best at the track meet or that Mom would meet someone who needed to hear about Jesus at her meeting? 13. Go on a prayer walk in your neighborhood. Pray for all the families that live around you. For help on how to do this, obtain the book Prayerwalking by Steve Hawthorne and Graham Kendrick (Creation House) or the video Prayerwalking for Kids, available from Joey and Fawn Parish (see address above). 14. Adopt a leader to pray for. The objective of this National Day of Prayer Task Force program is to have families adopt a local, state, or national political leader. The family commits to pray for and communicate with this leader for at least one year. Kits are available from NDOP at (800) 444-8828. 15. Participate as a family in prayer events. Join with other believers for the National Day of Prayer (first Thursday in May), PrayUSA!, Praying Through the Window, March for Jesus, etc. Encourage your junior- or seniorhigh school children to take part in See You at the Pole. © Revive Our Hearts. Karen Butts. Used with permission. www. TrueWoman.com>
Causeway Coin Company
Southshore
504-909-2078 534 N. New Hampshire 985-875-9390
800-622-3654 www.chrispaving.com 32 SPRING 2017
Open Mon-Fri 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sat 7 a.m. to Noon Closed Sunday
Catering Available
Bring in this ad and get a free fountain drink with the purchase of full size sandwich or hot meal. (Offer Expires 04/15/17)
Buying & Selling Coins • Rolexes Gold • Silver 504-832-8050 Appointment line 985-707-6315 3031 N. Causeway Blvd. Metairie, LA 70002
www.changingtimes.info
DELIVERANCE Continued from Page 29
INVEST SMARTER Continued from Page 22
out to the Lord Jesus Christ and asked Him save you? If not, you do not know Him personally. Facing "the cords of death" will be a hopeless experience. If you have trusted Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, then you have a most wonderful life, even in the face of death. The Lord God is personally involved in your life and will deliver you from your battle with circumstances or enslavement to a particular vice. You must trust Him and be obedient to His word. David went to the right place knowing that God was fully capable of delivering him. This is faith - confidence in God's character. He will not allow a single event in your life that is more that you and He cannot bear together. Though it is hard to understand "To the faithful, You show Yourself faithful" (Psalm 18:25). God is indeed trustworthy! Consider: For you, O God, tested us; you REFINED us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went THROUGH fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. (Psalm 66:10-12, NIV) ©2017 WordTruth.com >
more than 30 years of investing experience. “We can’t predict the market,” she said. “But we do know that postponing or delaying your retirement savings means you are possibly missing great opportunities.” If you're debt-free, start saving right away to capture the best opportunities. It’s also important to avoid the temptation to move around investments just because the market dipped for a day or two. That’s not always as easy as it sounds, so keep these key tips for successful longterm investing in mind: • You can’t outsmart the market by jumping from one investment to another in reaction to or anticipation of stock market changes. • Stick with investments with a solid history of growth. • Start early if you can, and contribute consistently and intentionally to your retirement savings plan. Step 5: Get with a pro at any stage and age If you’re in your 40s or 50s and haven’t started saving yet, don’t worry. You still have time. Get started now and call a pro! An investing professional can help you calculate a realistic retirement goal and track your progress along the way. Look for someone who will take the time to explain all your investment options so you’re equipped to make informed decisions about your future. Need help finding an investing professional? Learn more about SmartVestor Pros in your area. *Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He’s authored four New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover and EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 5 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey. com.>
MARRIAGE Continued from Page 16 and ask God to give you the answers and guidance you need and He will provide! For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any doubleedged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) © 2002-2017 Heaven Ministries ~ Marriage Healing Ministry All Rights Reserved. www.heavenministries.org >
It’s Tax RETURN Season! Turn that Refund into Your Dream of Business Ownership P Award Winning Janitorial Franchise P As Low as $1,000 Down P Guaranteed Accounts P Regionally Based Support
Become a leader in Green Commercial Cleaning Services. Schedule an informational session today!
StratusBuildingSolutions.com 985-705-0705
Experience You Can Trust!
Attorney CristiAn P. silvA Criminal • Civil • Family Law • Wills and Trusts Immigration • Personal Injury • Worker’s Compensation
504-301-2549 Our office staff speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French 1818 Manhattan Blvd. Suite 2, Harvey, Louisiana 70058 www.silvalawfirm.net
We are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. – 2 Corinthians 2:15
SPRING 2017
33
Changing Times
HUSBAND Continued from Page 5
HOUSE MOVING HOUSE LEVELING HOUSE ELEVATION
roubioninc.com
269.9909 LICENSED INSURED / LOCALLY OWNED OPERATED SINCE 1868
for her. No woman in her right mind would resist such love and spiritual understanding. In (Ephesians 5:26) husbands are to wash their wives with the word, cleansing her and making her holy. Show your wife spiritual wisdom and discernment through your love for her. This is what being "head of the wife" means. The husband first must be a man of God before he can cleanse his wife with the word. Continue to be wise in the Lord and wash your wife with the word, making her holy as Christ's church. Christ's death sanctified and cleanses the church and it is God's word that cleanses us. (John 17:17) "So that nothing will hinder your prayers". (1 Peter 3:8) Have you ever wondered why your prayers never seem to get
As a Chaplain in America’s Navy, you’ll find limitless ways to employ your faith as you help guide the thousands of dedicated men and women who serve our nation. Think of it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be true to your God, your nation and your beliefs. TO LEARN MOREABOUT FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES,
CALL 800-852-7251 or e-mail nola@navy.mil
answered? Do you pray and pray and nothing changes? It could mean that you are hindering your prayers because your relationship is not right with God. If a husband is not considerate and respectful of his wife, perhaps his prayers will be hindered. I mean this is what scripture says, plain and simple. In (Matthew 5:23-24) it lets us know that if you have a problem with a fellow believer (spouse) that you are to resolve the problem BEFORE coming together in prayer. God is not going to resolve your problems with your wife for you. You need to resolve your problems with your wife first and then go to God with your prayers. The bottom line is if a husband uses his headship position as a means to mistreat his wife, then his relationship with God will suffer and consequently his prayers will go unanswered. Our attitude towards others reflects our relationship with Christ. (1 John 4:20) © 2002-2017 Heaven Ministries. All Rights Reserved. www.heavenministries.org >
CLEAN HEART Continued from Page 28
AMY'S QUESTION Continued from Page 10
it. I was no longer bombarded with temptations anywhere near as much after 'RENOUNCING' those strongholds out of my life. I have now been walking with God in this "clean-heart" way for many years. It does not seem to be an "effort" or anything 'hard'. I have been made a 'new creature' and I simply walk in it as a "natural" state. My heart and my conscience are continually clean before God washed in the blood of the lamb. So what are the pre-requisites for this kind of walk? -Simply to have a true "fear of the Lord", to have experienced "thorough repentance" and also to have been baptized and Spirit-filled, I believe. -Simple stuff, really. For most of us the door is wide open to walking in this. Can you trust God for it, my friends? Will you enter in? God bless you all. ~ Andrew Strom. >
memory, that every good and beautiful thing you see, being made by God — reflects something of his nature and quality, to your soul, and that this is why the lovely. The grand, the beautiful, the pure, and sweet things of nature — fill your heart with peace or delight when you gaze at them." For a little while after this, they sat looking out of the window, both feeling very peaceful in the presence of God and his works. Then voice was heard below, and Amy, startling up, exclaimed — "O, there is father!" and taking her mother's hand, went down to meet him. GRACE GEMS! A Treasury of Ageless Sovereign Grace Devotional Writings Our Purpose To humble the pride of man, to exalt the grace of God in salvation and to promote real holiness in heart and life. ©GraceGems.org 2017 >
CLEANSING Continued from Page 27 does cleansing follow for everyone who desires it and believes. Lord, let Your Word penetrate my heart, and let a divine cleansing from every sin that is forgiven me be the continual expectation of my soul. Beloved Savior, let the glorious, ceaseless cleansing of Your blood, through Your Spirit in me, be made 34 SPRING 2017
known to me and shared by me every moment. Amen. GRACE GEMS! A Treasury of Ageless Sovereign Grace Devotional Writings Our Purpose To humble the pride of man, to exalt the grace of God in salvation and to promote real holiness in heart and life. ©GraceGems.org 2017 >
Christian Attorney Personal Injury Cases • Auto Accidents We Come To You Home Or Hospital Southshore, Northshore Prompt Personalized Attention Over 38 Yrs. Experience John Bono
Michael Bono
• Neck, Back & Head Injuries • Spinal Injuries • Disc/Nerve Damage • Wrongful Death • Amputations • Maritime • Offshore • Burns
• Scarring • Paraplegia • Slip & Fall • 18 Wheelers • Pedestrian/Auto • Children’s Injuries • Premises Liability • Uninsured Motorist
Also Offering Successions, Wills, Real Estate Transfers/Sales, Business Formation, and Contracts
Free Consultation - no recovery / no Fee
504-835-9909
3801 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 206, Metairie (1 Block From Causeway Bridge • Free Covered Parking)
Metairie and Mandeville Locations www.bonolawfirm.com