Christian Women Lifestyle xPress Online Magazine by Christian Women Lifestyle xPress Online Magazine

Christian Women Lifestyle xPress Online Magazine

INSIDE Treasure Chest November/December 2012

Inside this issue: Dr. Clara Barnes

Do You Have the Strength to Do All Things Through Christ?

Be Thankful to God

Cover Story: Pastor David Lamb

The 10 Commandments

Why Do We Celebrate Christmas?

Democrat or Republican?

Cover Design: Reconciled 33 Media Studio

Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. Psalm 78: 1-4 (KJV)

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Let’s Stay Connected If you are a true seeker of the Word of God and want to discover the treasures of the scripture let’s stay connected. Scriptures leave knowledge and healing.

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Psalm 95:1-6

CEO Desk

reparing for the holidays can be frustrating and time consuming. Airports are overcrowded, flights are delayed, and stores are understocked and overpriced. People are busy preparing for the arrival of their loved onesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;cooking, cleaning, and making sure their home is a haven for guests. Everyone gets lost in the midst of preparing to observe two of the most celebrated holidays throughout the year: Thanksgiving and Christmas. America is so consumed with the thought of the holidays quickly approaching that they forget why these holidays were created and why we celebrate them. Thanksgiving and Christmas were not created so people could get drunk, eat to the extent that they are uncomfortable, and use their credit cards to buy gifts they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford. Instead, these two holidays were created to give thanks and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving has become more of a family reunion than an opportunity for families to unite with God. Christmas is so commercialized that people focus on buying gifts, forgetting the most precious gift of all: Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son and the price He paid so we could be free. As you celebrate the holidays with your loved ones and friends, remember to celebrate by honoring the Holy One. Deanetta P. Thompson Publisher/Founder

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Treasure Chest Christian Women Lifestyle xPress Online Magazine welcomes you to the Treasure Chest. Legend holds that pirates would go through any means necessary to find hidden treasure chests full of gold and other valuables. They knew once they found and opened a chest, its contents would be priceless. For us, the Bible is like one gigantic treasure chest: once you open it, the contents are invaluable! There is no problem or situation on Earth that humans have to deal with on a day-to-day basis that the Bible cannot answer. By giving us a treasure chest, God made sure we have access to specific instructions on how we are to live as women of holiness here on Earth. Unfortunately, some women never open the treasure chest, nor do they value what’s in it. This has led them to plenty of bumps and obstacles along the way. We created the Treasure Chest magazine for women all around the world to share their life ex-

periences, to discuss how God delivered them through something, or to encourage those who are getting to know Christ. We also created this magazine for those who are searching to find what is in the treasure chest and how they can use it to build and maintain a relationship with Christ. If you have any personal comments, please send them to ceo@cwlxpress.com or leave them on Facebook. Feel free to leave comments on any article you choose. Treasure Chest is sponsored by Christian Women Lifestyle xPress Online Magazine/Christian Talk Show. Don’t forget to click the Facebook “like” button and join our community of fellowship by visiting www.cwlxpress.com.

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The lives of the Taylor family were deeply affected by the harsh conditions of plantation life in the rural south. They were not to be burdened by circumstances. Families were broken, battered and bruised. Lives and loves were lost. Yet, they believed God would enable them to endure every hardship. Humiliation and degradation was not enough to deter them from their faith. The Taylor family was a well respected family in the church and community. Out of their own unselfish need to love and be loved, they reached out to others. When it was not always favorable, encouragement and hope was offered during tumultuous and stressful situations. Through determination and conviction they persevered and turned tragedy into triumph.

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CWL xPress: Pastor Barnes thank you for sharing parts of your family’s testimony with CWL xPress readers. Please tell us about yourself and your ministry. Pastor Barnes: I was born in a very small South Carolina town called Mt. Carmel which is in McCormick County and very close to the Georgia state line. Because work and money were scarce, we moved around quite a bit. My parents, Chessie J. Oliver and the late James Oliver Sr. were always in search of work and the next opportunity to do better for the family. I am the eldest of eight children and times were hard, but I'm thankful to God for how my journey through childhood has shaped my life. My husband, Herbert and I have been married for nearly forty years. We have three sons, Steven, Tori and Ti, as well as one daughter, Aretha. I have been blessed with seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. After finishing high school in the late 1960's, I did what most people did during that time. I went to work, got married and started a family. I spent thirty-three years in the South's once most productive industry, the textile mill; moved up the ranks from machine worker to Chemical Analytical Technician and retired as a Customer Service Technician. Upon retiring from mostly the only job I knew for the better part of my adult life, I felt there was more work being assigned to me and my calling was to be realized. I was middle aged and had only a high school diploma. I knew that in order for me to teach and preach God's word to his people I needed to be properly educated in Biblical Theology. At 53 years old, studies through Calvary Bible Institute in Greenwood, South Carolina afforded me an opportunity to receive a certification in educational procedures from Pensacola Christian College. I enrolled full time at Calvary Bible Institute and earned an Associate’s Degree in Bible Theology, May of 2001. My family encouraged me to continue going to school, and I went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Leadership, a Master of Divinity and ultimately a Doctorate of Divinity in May of 2010 from Destiny Christian University in Franklin, Tennessee. It goes to show that God can use anyone and bless them at many different stages of their life. I'm a recipient of the 2006 Dream Builders Humanitarian Award for Outstanding Leadership in the Community, as well as the 2011 prestigious Esther Award for Outstanding Christian Leadership. The hand of God was surely upon us when I became pastor. Along with my husband, cofounder of Living Waters Church, I finally had a house for the community to come and hear the preached word of God. On June 1, 2004 we organized the ministry as Living Waters Church of Worship, Inc.

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Deacon Herbert Barnes, our first administrator, and I stepped out on faith and purchased the old Matthews Community Center which was originally a church in the Matthew's Mill Village. From the archives of the Self Foundation, we learned the history of the property. The building was originally constructed in 1935 as Matthews Methodist Church. Mr. James C. Self, Sr. who owned and operated several mills in Greenwood, South Carolina saw the need for people who worked at the mill and lived in the mill village to have a place to worship. The property has undergone many phases in its seventy-seven year history. For nearly nine months, extensive renovations were made to the old parsonage, transforming the community center back to its original purpose and the parsonage into an office area. More than sixty people attended the inaugural service on Sunday, December, 26, 2004. We are a kingdomminded ministry where Jesus is Lord! With God's help, we strive to be a purpose-driven church where every person is actively involved in reaching the lost and leading them to Christ. Our goals are to overcome barriers of tradition and have an impact on an entire population and community. I constantly seek God's help that I might have a clear vision for ministry. My belief is that God will enable us to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. My passion is to see souls added to the Kingdom of God, and be highly visible in the community. The heartbeat of the ministry is worship, and the free flowing of the Holy Spirit, as we witness yokes being broken and destroyed in the lives of God's people. I see us as a real ministry with a real purpose. The sinner and the saint are equally important. We work to nurture and encourage people through good or bad times. There are people with real needs, pain, sorrow and disappointments. The ultimate goal of the ministry is to reach out to people from all walks of life. We teach the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through faith. [There is a need for people to understand the] need for deliverance, hope, and the promises of God.

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We at Living Waters believe in building people with real love. When we do that we build communities. We understand that in order for us to be Kingdom builders, we must be a church without walls. Those on the outside are equally important to the Kingdom of God. The core purpose of our ministry is to rise up as the people of Jericho did (Nehemiah 2:17-18). They were captured by a vision, casting a compelling image which ignited their faith in God's power. "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18). Our eyes are opened to opportunity to seize the fields that are ripe for the harvest. We have Sunday School every Sunday starting at 10:00 A.M.. It is our goal to educate the youth and the adults on God's word and his expectations for our lives through teaching biblical principles. Our Worship Service begins at 11:15 A.M.. and Bible Study is every Wednesday 6:30 P.M. We also have a Men's Ministry that promotes life building, discipling and teaching young men leadership skills. The Woman's Ministry (WRAPP), Women Reaching Accelerated Purpose and Praise, meets the 2nd & 4th Tuesday nights at 7:00 P.M.. CWL xPress: As you know, this magazine is based on scriptures from the Bible people use to get them through tough times. Before we talk about your family, what scriptures guided you through the process of starting your own ministry? Do you feel these scriptures gave you a confirmation from the Lord or encouragement? Pastor Barnes: God's word really inspired and encouraged me to start the ministry. He confirmed what He was doing through me. After several weeks of having Bible study in our home, we decided that we needed to make the Bible study more visible in the community. One night I had a clear vision of the building that would eventually house the ministry. I didn't know where it was. So I began to pray for clarity. My brother, who is a pastor, suggested we look at the Matthews Community Center. My husband made contact with the owner, and we met with him on a cold, windy day in March. When we walked into the building, I knew beyond a doubt, this was the building I saw in the vision.

â&#x20AC;&#x153; The core purpose of our ministry is to rise up as the people of Jericho did.â&#x20AC;? Nehemiah 2:17-18.

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Our founding scripture is John 7:38, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living waters.” In all honesty, while standing in that building, I was in awe, and I was also afraid because everything was too exact. Later that night I asked God for confirmation because it was so surreal, I couldn't believe my eyes. I confessed my fears to God, and with much fasting and prayer, a few weeks later He confirmed in my spirit, 2 Timothy 1:7, " For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” and “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my paths" (Psalms 119:105). One night after dinner the phone rang, and the owner agreed we could have Bible study at the center. In the same breath he asked us if we wanted to purchase the property. My immediate response to his question, "We can't buy that property." The Spirit was swift, "You can't, but I can." God opened doors from all angles making the impossible possible. He showed up and proved to me, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God" (Luke 18:27). I embarked on my journey armed with the word of God, and with His confirmation sealed in my heart I took my first steps into ministry, "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass" (Psalms37:4-5). "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6). CWL xPress: Most people tell their testimony from their own personal life. In your case you are telling your family’s testimony which is very unique. In a few words, what happened to your family? Pastor Barnes: My family was well respected in the community and the church. But their lives were deeply affected by the harsh conditions of plantation life in the rural south. They were broken, battered and bruised. Lives and love were lost. Yet, through it all they believed God would enable them to endure every hardship. There were no circumstances that could deter them from the word of God. Each generation became more fortified in their rock-solid faith, determined to persevere. CWL xPress: What scriptures or story from the Bible do you feel would best describe what they have been through? What scriptures did they have to rely on to guide them through all the obstacles in their way? Pastor Barnes: Job's personal tragedies resonate with a lot of what my family experienced. There's a culmination of scriptures that guided my family during their difficulties.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Christian Women Lifestyle xPress Online Magazine

Isaiah 40:31, served as a reminder, in times of weakness bind together, be patient and go forward. Not in their own strength, but soar with wings as eagles. Proverbs 3:5-6, enlightened them as to whom they could lean on for understanding and direction. Matthew 6:14- 15, was the essence of making a connection between what God does and what they did. Forgiveness was not for those who inflicted the pain; it was and still is for those who endured the pain. The healing process never takes place without forgiveness. I feel that these two scriptures, Luke 4:4 and 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 were needed more than physical bread to sustain them. Hebrews 10:22, 23 solidified their faith and gave them hope. My family had a firm grip on the promises of God. In tumultuous times worship inspired their way of life. Ultimately, with God's help they were triumphant. CWL xPress: Why do you feel this story should be told? What impact could it have on someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life? Pastor Barnes: I feel that this story should be told because it is very relevant. Although my family's struggles happened years ago, the story depicts real life accounts of many family issues today. Woven between the pages of God's Amazing Grace Spanning Four Generations are domestic violence, abortion, alcohol, rebellion and sibling rivalry. The book is also faith-based. It's a beautiful love story that caresses two young hearts as they yearn to be together. Pastor Barnes: The impact this story could have on someone else: Life is what we make it. Don't allow your circumstances to dictate the direction of your life. It's important to become rooted and grounded in the Word. Maintain unwavering faith and have the courage to deal with every challenge and setback in life. Have hope and find peace in the power of God's love. Be ready to experience what it truly means to forgive those who hurt you. CWL xPress: For families who are going through hard times or personal traumas, what scriptures would you recommend and why? How can readers get in touch with you to hear more about your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s testimony? Pastor Barnes: For families who are going through hard times and personal traumas in their lives, I would recommend a few of my favorite scriptures: Psalms 27:14 teaches to wait on the Lord. By keeping our hand entwined in His, it will give Christians renewed hope and courage. Psalms 27:5, God offers divine protection in His secret tabernacle. In Philippians 4:6 the Word admonishes believers not to tolerate anxiety or worry. We are to give thanks even in times of trouble, and leave all things to our sovereign God. Philippians 4:19 shows God's promise of supply. We can always find comfort in God's Word for every situation in life. "God will be with us, never forsake us, neither will he leave or fail us" (Deuteronomy 31:8).

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I can be reached through: email - amazngrace48@hotmail.com, Facebook, and Clara's Blog: http://claraobarnes.wordpress.com CWL xPress: How important is it to you to see your loved ones saved? Pastor Barnes: Two brothers, Moses and Shepherd who are characters in the book were concerned about their brother Frank's soul when he lost his life in a tragic accident (John 3:5, 2 Corinthians 5:6-8). CWL xPress: How do you cope with the loss of a child/grandchild? Pastor Barnes: Two of the characters in the book, Claudia and Abigail a mother and daughter lost a child. It was God's amazing grace that healed their broken hearts. As a parting gift, Christ left a legacy in John 14:27. In our fragmented lives, He makes us whole and well. He's the source of true peace. We're never abandoned in any situation. Psalms 147:3 tells us His word is a prescription that binds all wounds. Psalms 23:1-6 depicts a standout of Christ, the Messiah. We can be certain that we shall not be in want. He's Jehovah Roi, our great Shepherd who gives rest and restoration to a troubled soul. He provides a safe passage even when the direction is through Death Valley. He's our guide and defense. We have security as we walk with Him. He revives a drooping head, as blessings overtake us. The beauty of His love chases believers everyday as we remain in the house of God always. CWL xPress: Thank you Pastor Barnes. I pray your ministry and your writings be a blessing to others and thank you for contributing to the Body of Christ. Pastor Barnes: I thank you Sister Deanetta; may God bless you and your magazine.

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Philippians 4:13 Do You Have the Strength to Do All Things Through Christ? How many times have you set goals, only to say, “I’m not sure why I do this because I’ll never reach them?” It doesn’t matter if these are business or personal goals, those words can come to mind. You may feel this way when you set them or after you’ve been trying to complete them and you’re feeling defeated. Did you know that it matters what you say because those words will come to pass? That’s why we must be very careful with the words we choose to speak because through them we’re continually sowing seeds, and those seeds will come to pass no matter if you say it one time or multiple times. All too often we say the wrong thing without even thinking about it. You may be in the middle of a conversation, an argument, or thinking to yourself. It doesn’t matter because the words are spoken and that’s the beginning of whatever you spoke. While it’s hard to think about every single word, it’s something we must get use to doing so we protect ourselves and our families from the cruel things the devil has in line for us. No matter if you’re struggling with something or you want something to happen, you need to speak Philippians 4:13 every day. It may not even be a bad idea to speak it multiple times a day depending on what you’re doing, and what you need or want. It should be a part of your daily prayer as well. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Isn’t that powerful?

Broken down, that verse basically says Christ will give me the strength to do anything I want. That’s very powerful to any believer because it tells you, you have the power to do anything you want and all you have to do is ask for it. As long as what you’re asking for is in line with what God wants for you, He’s going to see to it you have the strength to do it. Once you have Philippians 4:13 in your mind and heart you know you’ll be able to succeed with your goals, and depending on what you set you may be able to exceed those goals, and reach

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ones you may not have thought were possible. Wouldn’t that be awesome? And all you need to do is pray to God, and believe it’s yours due to the strength you receive from God. Strength doesn’t necessarily come in the form of muscles in your body. It can be in your mind and in your heart. When you have the overall strength needed, you’ll reach success in everything you do. Isn’t that great? Of course it is, but you won’t have it if you don’t believe in the strength and continually pray and speak that verse. Philippians 4:13 isn’t only about goals and dreams. It can help you when you’re fighting a battle with the devil. It could be health related or it could be mental. No matter what it is when you speak this verse and continue to pray you’ll overcome the battle and you’ll come out on top as the winner. Whether it’s a new month or the end of a year, setting goals and working towards your dream is what you want. When you remember what Philippians 4:13 says and you say it daily you’ll see the fruits of your hard work. You’ll reach the goals, have the dreams you desire, and you’ll feel great about yourself. You will know God is on your side and you’re going to have what you want.

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NEW IDENTITY â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gatesâ&#x20AC;? (Deuteronomy 6:5-9).

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This passage gets to the heart of living for the Lord. The Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land. Joshua warned them about the danger of drifting away from God as they entered and enjoyed the blessings of their Promised Land. These instructions are God’s recipe for keeping our hearts in tune with His and our lives a reflection of His love within us. And what are we told to do? Make God’s Word the center of every day. Intentionally, and consciously apply the truth to every activity in which we participate, and every relationship we form. Surround yourself with God’s Word, so that even if you do start to wander away, you will see and be reminded of the truth that you knew and loved in earlier days. It seems this is what America is lacking in Christianity today, and a contributing factor to the decline in believers among younger generations. In this day and age, Christians are expected to blend in and be politically correct. Many believers who genuinely love their God, and Savior have been misled. They have bought into the mythical belief that the Christian faith is something that can be kept private. Perhaps you tend to believe that one’s faith is a personal matter to be kept between you and God. Perhaps you are of the persuasion that, like politics, public expressions of faith serve only to divide and offend, and in the interest of peace, we Christians must keep quiet about our "personal" faith. Dear One, that is a lie from the Prince of Darkness masquerading as an angel of light! Jesus tells us not to keep our lamps under a bushel. The Christian life is not merely an act or a face we put on at opportune times for our own glory or gain. The fallacy of "private Christians" disregards the fact that becoming Christians completely transforms our identity. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is gone, the new has come." When you become a Christian, everything about you is different. You have a new identity, and that is not something that can be hidden or kept to yourself. We need to be reminded of our identity in Him. God’s Word is the truth that reminds us who we are in Christ. Make His word your daily bread and commit to never missing a meal. A steady diet of truth will fan the flames of our new identity in Christ and make us the light of the world that we were called to be.

We were lost but now we are found. We were blind, but now we can see. We were condemned, but now we are forgiven. We were enemies with God, but now we are His children. We were dead in our sins, but now we are alive in Christ. We were slaves to sin, but now we are free in Christ. Christian Women Lifestyle xPress Online Magazine

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Be Thankful to God Thanksgiving is the time of year when everyone thinks about the things they’re thankful for and through their own traditions this gratitude is shared with loved ones. This is usually done at a gathering where food is served and football is on the television. What are you thankful for? Some people may answer: 1. I’m thankful for my health. 2. I’m thankful for my finances. 3. I’m thankful for my friends and family. 4. I’m thankful for my job. While those things are wonderful, and they’re things we should be thankful for, the one that’s higher than anything else is to be thankful for what God has provided to you and for your family. When you’re thankful for Him, the things you desire will come to pass. No matter what you have going on in your life and what you’re going to go through, it’s a good idea to keep God in the picture at all times. Pray and ask for what you need all the time. When you’re thinking about your life and what you’re thankful for you need to remember 1 Thessalonians 5:18. This verse says to “give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” God knows your future so it’s important to give thanks to Him for those things that happen.

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Sometimes it’s hard to give thanks when it doesn’t feel like anything is going right or when it feels like things are falling apart. What you may not realize is when you’re going through these bad or difficult times, this is when you need God the most. Giving Him thanks is exactly what you need to see the positive during these situations. The perfect example of something negative going on in your life may be the loss of a job or a car breaking down. You may wonder how you’re going to be able to continue on without those two things, but when you give thanks you’ll see there are so many other things you could have. You’ll also see matters could be a lot worse for you. It’s always important to remember because there are things that could cause you to not be thankful, you need to think about all the things that could be worse and you will realize it’s not so bad. It’s also important to constantly remind yourself that God isn’t the enemy. It’s hard not to think God has it out for you when bad things happen. Instead be thankful for what happened and anything that will happen in the future. When you do this you, will realize it is the enemy that wants you to think it’s God doing this to you. When you remember what 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says and that God knows what needs to be done, you’ll be in a better place. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year. It’s the perfect time to eat good food, watch football, and spend time with your friends and family. When you remind yourself of what you’re thankful for and how God is working in you, you’ll have a great holiday. It’s important to thank God for everything you have and will have. It’s also important to remember God knows your future and all things happen for a reason, and that’s because you must travel these roads to get to the destination God has set for you.

When was the last time you thanked God? Christian Women Lifestyle xPress Online Magazine

PASTOR LAMB Impacting America

With Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word In the Spotlight Pastor David Lamb is known for the love he shows to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people. You will not find him on TBN sitting next to Bishop TD Jakes nor will you find him sharing the same platform with Pastor Joel Osteen. If you want to find him just go to the most dangerous drug infested neighborhoods in Richmond, Kentucky. Pastor Lamb is not looking for a celebrity status or his big appearance on national television. Pastor Lamb is looking to save souls by using the word of God.

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CWL xPress: Pastor Lamb, it is truly an honor and blessing you were able to take a few minutes of your time to speak with CWL xPress. Before I begin, let me start by saying you are truly admired by many as one can tell by looking at your Facebook page because of the work you do and the time you put into the community and saving souls. You don’t own a million dollar building called a church, you do not live in a fancy million dollar home, but your heart, and the love you have for people and God is worth more than the two put together. You actually go out into the drug-infested neighborhoods and witness to lost souls. I have followed you for a long time and never heard you brag or boast about anything but God. Pastor Lamb you have a remarkable resume. Could you share with the readers a few details of your life and your ministry? Pastor Lamb: First of all, thank you for this great opportunity. You have been a great encourager over the last few years. God bless you! I struggle with telling my own story, but I’ll try as long as our readers know that without Christ I am nothing–never have been and never will be. Anything that I’ve seen or experienced was God and His incredible grace being bestowed upon me. I’m 36 years old. I’ve been happily married to First Lady April for over 14 years and have 4 beautiful children (2 girls and 2 boys). I was born and raised in Richmond, Kentucky–right in the heart of Appalachia. I was saved in 1994 and started preaching in 1995. I studied at Master’s Divinity School. I was brought up in a very religious family which had its ups, but also had its downs. It was good in that I was familiar with God, the Bible, church, preaching, etc., and had a fairly good understanding of the fact that God desired for me to live a holy life before Him and this world. On the flip side of that, I was taught many gross false doctrines that required the first five years of my ministry to sort out. Please, don’t take me wrong–I’m not complaining. God is amazing! It was just like the Word says, God was able to take that which was meant for bad and work it to His good. I became addicted to His word and prayer.

“A man with a purpose...” Christian Women Lifestyle xPress Online Magazine

My past has ended up being an incredible asset to me. I have served as pastor of five different churches: 4 in Kentucky and 1 in Florida. I have also evangelized the vast majority of the eastern portion of the United States, seeing thousands of souls saved and ushered into the Kingdom of God. I have written and published one book titled Absolutely Trinity! and compiled several teaching series ranging from prayer to the Godhead. I presently reside over Revival Tabernacle of Richmond, Kentucky. We started Revival Tabernacle in the winter of 2010 and had our first official service in February of 2011. The blessings of God have been so rich upon us we’ve had to move 5 times in this 2 year span. After praying many days and many hours about a 10,000 square foot church building that sits on the main street of our city a man that I had never met purchased it for us with the understanding that we would pay him back when we became financially secure enough to do so. We have went from 12 people to about 150 in this short space of time. The vast majority of these people were saved right here on our altars. We have seen addicts of almost every vice (crack, heroin, meth, cocaine, Percocet 30's, pain killers in general, alcohol, etc.) saved and totally delivered by the grace of almighty God! It has been nothing uncommon to see pimp, pusher, and customer all saved and worshiping God side by side on the same pew. We have had the opportunity of evangelizing the projects, ghettos, and crack alleys of our city nearly every Saturday since October of 2011. We bus in anywhere between 50 to 75 children out of these communities every Sunday. We teach them the Word of God and then have the great privilege of feeding them either hamburgers, hotdogs, Sloppy Joe’s, spaghetti, or pizza. Unfortunately, it is the only real meal some of these kids receive all week. We have also had the privilege of sending out as many as a hundred food boxes per month. We are literally watching God change the moral climate of entire streets right before our eyes. We have spent so much time working with the down and out they now call me the “Gangsta Pastor of Love” ... a title I wear proudly. It must be understood that I play just a small role in this incredible work. My pastoral board harbors the greatest soul winners I have ever met. I often get credited for things I didn’t know happened because they take the great commission seriously! We have about 30 saints on our evangelism team. Our kitchen and janitorial staff are second to none. These brothers and sisters have become the net that God has thrown over this city. The response to God’s mercy upon these people’s labor? There’s hardly a service that goes by that some lost soul doesn’t give their heart to God. We’ve went as long as 9 weeks where someone was saved every single service. We have also seen a great deal of divine healings here (cancer, high blood pressure, blinded eyes, brain tumors, etc.). God has been good to us! Christian Women Lifestyle xPress Online Magazine

So, that is a very condensed summarization of who we are and how I got to where I am. CWL xPress: When you go deep into the wilderness to witness, what scriptures do you quote or recommend for people to read leading them to understand how much Jesus loves them and the price He paid for their freedom? Pastor Lamb: Obviously, St. John chapter 3–with an emphasis on verses 15-21–is in our quiver, but Romans 5:8 is a favorite. It states the following: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Also 1John 1:7: “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” And verses like St. Luke 5:32:” I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” People need to know that regardless of how far in sin they’ve traveled Christ will forgive them and save them because it was for them that He died. CWL xPress: Pastors are always ministering to others to help them overcome the issues they deal with while they are on their earthly journey. Who or what ministers to you during your journey? Pastor Lamb: I was on the verge of resigning my Florida pastorate. I was spending a great deal of time in prayer and God’s word seeking His perfect will. One evening, as I was laid over my altar with the Book of Deuteronomy open, the following verse lifted up off of the page: Deuteronomy 12:20, “When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border, as He hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.” Three days later, while fasting and praying, I received an email from a friend who lived several hours away and had no idea that I was getting ready to leave the state. The message was simple. He said, “Brother Lamb. For several days now, I’ve felt like sending you a particular Bible verse.” It was Deuteronomy 12:20! Philippians 1:6 has also been a wonderful medicine for me. It states: “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

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Regardless of how difficult the struggle is I know that God has my back and has promised me great things! CWL xPress: What is your favorite song and why? Pastor Lamb: Oh, now that’s a tough one. I have many and they change often. One of my favorite songs right now is “When Mercy Found Me” by the Rhett Walker Band. It’s simply a powerful song illustrating where I was and how Jesus Christ showed up in the nick of time and rescued me. CWL xPress: When you participate in your outreach ministry program, what scriptures do you read to protect and strengthen you before you enter into Satan’s territory. Pastor Lamb: That’s a good question. 2 Timothy 1:7 is definitely one that I arm myself with. “It states: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Another one that I hold dear to my heart is Philippians 4:13 which states: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Old faithful Psalm 23:4 has also been a good companion in the darkness. It states: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” There are many others, but those are three that I reach for very often. CWL xPress: What scriptures do you read to your children or encourage your children to read? Pastor Lamb: We spend a great deal of time in Matthew 5, memorizing and talking about the beatitudes. They harbor wonderful truths concerning conduct and inner holiness. My oldest child (Ariel) is 11. She has read the New Testament through twice and the entire Bible through once. My wife and all of my children cherish the word of God. God has blessed me greatly. CWL xPress: Tell us more about your church and include location and service hours. Pastor Lamb: I covered most of this in response to your first question, but Revival Tabernacle is where the Hurting Find Healing! We are working desperately hard to break down the racial and social divide that exists in most churches. It is nothing uncommon to find blacks, whites, young, old, poor and poorer singing and worshiping God together! We are a broken people that know our help comes from the Lord. Men and women from many different backgrounds and cultures have made their way here. It is a place full of love, power, and longsuffering. It is also a place where you will hear the word of God preached without fear or favor. It is a soul winning station that is challenging other churches all over the world to actually be the hands and feet of Christ as opposed to talking about how they would like to be the hands and feet of Christ! Revival Tabernacle is just a good place to be! Christian Women Lifestyle xPress Online Magazine

We are located at: 129 Big Hill Ave. Richmond, KY 40475 Our service times are as follows: Sunday School at 12:00 PM; Sunday Afternoon Worship at 2:00 PM; Tuesday Night Bible Study at 7:30 PM; Wednesday Night Youth Service at 7:00 PM; and Friday Night Worship at 7:30 PM. CWL xPress: How can the readers connect with you and can they hear your sermons on the internet? Pastor Lamb: They can visit our website at www.revivaltabernacleinc.com where they will find a great deal of information on our church and staff as well as a link to several of my sermons. They can also join us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/revival.tabernacle.54 . They can also visit my personal website at: www.davidlambministries.com . Once again, I want to say thank you so very much for this opportunity! I pray that God continues blessing you and that He will open up many more doors!

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Are You A Survivor?

Are you a survivor? What doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report did you receive? What challenges did you have to face during and after your struggles? Did you cry out to God? What scriptures brought you through some trying times? Share your story with us at CWL xPress online magazine. Be a testimony to someone else. Maybe your story can get them through some rough times. I have a story myself but I would like to hear yours. Email me personally at ceo@cwlxpress.com.

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Learning the 10 Commandments is an Important Part of Life The 10 commandments are a very important part of our lives. Most adults know the 10 commandments. What about the children? Unless they learn it in a youth group, they probably don’t know what all 10 of the commandments are, so we have to show them how to study and implement God’s commandments. One thing to know is the 10 commandments can be difficult for children to learn and understand; however, that’s not the case when you put it into words they can understand. The 10 commandments are found in the book of Exodus, chapter 20, verses 1-17. They read as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Thou shall not have any other Gods before me. Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image. Thou shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Honor thy father and thy mother. Thou shall not kill. Thou shall not commit adultery. Thou shall not steal. Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Thou shall not covet.

Some of those are pretty easy to understand, however, there are a few that are more difficult, and if they’re difficult for an adult to understand you know it’s going to be even harder for a child to understand.

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Have no other Gods. 2. Have no idols. 3. Honor Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name. 4. Honor the Sabbath day. 5. Honor your parents. 6. Do not murder. 7. Do not commit adultery. 8. Do not steal. 9. Do not perjure yourself. 10. Do not covet. Trying to teach your children the 10 commandments and helping them to understand is something that is hard to do; however, it is needed. There are several ways to make this happen, but the most important thing is to do it in a way that works for your children. Repeating the 10 commandments over and over is one way to learn them. Another good way to teach the commandments is through making it a mnemonic game by finding a way to rhyme. You can also try putting the list to a song. Think about the age of your children and how they learn and then use that to find a way for them to learn in a way that could be meaningful to them. The 10 commandments are guidelines we need to follow every day. They should be taught to children early as, they show interest and understanding.

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What Are You Teaching Your Child?

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 Christian Women Lifestyle xPress Online Magazine

Listen To “Living According To The Bible”

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The Reason for the Season… Why Do We Celebrate Christmas? Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. It’s full of laughter, great feelings, and great family time. However, one thing a lot of people don’t think about when it comes to the Christmas season is the true meaning of Christmas. A lot of people feel Christmas is all about the decorations, the tree, and receiving presents. That’s NOT what it’s all about. They think the gifts are all that matters, but in God’s eyes, that’s not the case. The real reason we celebrate Christmas isn’t because of gifts; it’s because we’re celebrating the birth of Jesus. If it’s been a while since you heard or read about the birth of Jesus, here is a refresher. In the book of Matthew, chapter 1, verses 18-25 it talks about His awesome birth and how it came to pass. It’s possible you may not know everything, so it’s important to read through it so you have a better understanding of this story. We all know the virgin Mary was with child, but what you may not know is Mary and Joseph weren’t married yet. When Joseph found out he was basically upset and considered quietly leaving her. After he found out Mary was pregnant he had a dream, and was told by an angel of the Lord not to be afraid, and to bring Mary home as his wife. That Bible verse makes you really think about the way times were back then. Divorce didn’t happen unless it was something seriously biblically-based and having a baby out of wedlock was one of those things. It’s different when the Lord is involved. Christmas is the same way. When you allow the Lord to show you what the true meaning of Christmas is you won’t struggle so much with the celebration of the holiday. It’s unfortunate that the stores and manufacturers have taken advantage of this holiday because they encourage people to forget what the holiday is all about. Some people will tell you giving is the main reason for the holiday, but as we know from Matthew 1:18-25 that’s not Christian Women Lifestyle xPress Online Magazine

true. Those verses in Matthew discuss the name Mary’s son will have and what it means. His name will be Jesus and that means He will save the people from their sins. This means no matter what you do, if you ask Jesus to forgive you and mean it, He’ll forgive you. There’s nothing like living your life wondering if Jesus has forgiven you, or if you’re going to Hell. You won’t have that fear or concern when you know that Jesus will save you from your sins. The devil will try to attack you during the holiday season, but he will be at it in full force when he thinks he can ruin the holidays by commercializing Jesus special day . The time is now to eliminate this from happening. Start by asking God for forgiveness and teaching you the error or man’s ways. Then thank Him. Christmas can be a difficult time of year if you’re short on money or find it hard to celebrate this happy holiday due to lack of family or community. It doesn’t have to be hard to celebrate when you understand what Christmas is all about. When you know the true meaning of Christmas it’ll be easier for you to celebrate the holiday.

Matthew 1:18-25 Christian Women Lifestyle xPress Online Magazine

Democrat or Republican? Deuteronomy 17: 14-20 Psalm 33:12 1 Peter 1:14 John 12:26 Psalm 91:11 Luke 1:52 Daniel 2:21 Psalm 103:19 Daniel 4:26 Daniel 4:17 Daniel 2:21 Psalm 22:28

Which Candidate Will You Vote For ? We have reached one of the most crucial times in America. Yes, it is time to vote. America is in great danger. Our land is polluted with the error of man’s ways. America is greedy and self-centered, with lovers of the same sex and haters of their brothers and sisters. Celebrities get more attention than God. America is so busy being white or black in skin color that we have forgotten how to be Christians. This reminds me of the children of Israel and why they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, willing to follow their flesh instead of God’s word or those who support God’s word. True Christians don’t have much of a selection in this election; in our society, we will never have leaders like Moses, John the Baptist, or the Apostle Paul. However, we must make a choice and decide who will run this country. A few scriptures are listed above for you to meditate on while asking God for guidance when deciding who you are going to vote for. Pray before you vote. Pray for the person you voted for. Your life could depend on it!

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Merry Christmas

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n those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8

And there were shepherds living out in the fields

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nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

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America Let’s Keep Marriage Holy And Sacred

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:27-28

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Salute Our Women In The Armed Forces

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where ever you go. Joshua 1:9

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