M'Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine 2017 Spring/Summer Publication

International Publication

Modern Beauty In Christian Living

2017 Spring/Summer Edition

Christian Magazine

Put Your Trust In God... Not Man!

He Has Risen!

Christ Jesus Our Lord!

The Ferrell Phelps Freedmen’s Town Documentary Project

Inspire

by Ferrell Phelps Asrtist/Photography

•

Educate

•

Inform

Christian Magazine

STAFF

4 Salvation Invitation

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CO-FOUNDER/PUBLISHER Elizabeth Jackson

CONTENTS 04

Ez Needle Multi Threader

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Inspirational Message

08 10

Invitation To Christ

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Elizabeth Jackson, Creator Pastor Charles Stanley Prayer Of Salvation

CHIEF EDITOR Teesha Walker

ASSISTANT EDITOR Byron Jackson Jr.

ADVERTISEMENT DIRECTOR Elizabeth Jackson Office: 832.722.2767 or Email: lizj.mbracingbeauty1@gmail.com

Living The Christian Life PHOTOGRAPHERS GRAPHIC DESIGNER Pastor Charles Stanley Ferrell Phelps Jr. Elizabeth Jackson Kenneth Grissom Freedmen’s Town

Documentary Project and Photo Exhibition Ferrell E. Phelps Jr.

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This Military Mom Does it Best

Written by Teesha Walker

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Teesha Walker Regena Waddle

Bob Gotti

Forgiveness Is Not For Others Written by Regena Waddle

SPONSORS Cover Photo by Ferrell Phelps Jr.

Featured Article

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Writers

~ Interactive Hair Studio ~ ~ Ferrell’s Photography~ ~Opia Photography~ ~Mrs. Annie Price~ ~Pamela Survillion~

For Current & Previous Publications www.issuu.com/elizabethjackson9

Put Your Trust In God... Not Man!

He Is Risen The Savior who died in our stead, now has risen from the dead, The Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, from that grave to New Life, Those who saw Him could rejoice, praising God with one voice, In light that He now has risen, Eternal Life to us, God has given.

Christ, who died for all man’s sin, now in power can reign within, In every Believer, in their heart, once residing, He will not depart, New Life, He gives to you and me, life that extends into Eternity Since He rose we’re not the same; readying us to eternally reign, When on earth, believers died, they were given bodies Glorified, Through the power of His Name, each body by God is changed, That change assured to you and I, by Christ, who reigns on high, Change gained, from only One, Jesus Christ, God’s Eternal Son. All Authority was given to Jesus, to change the heart of all of us, Leading us when we follow Christ, to point all others to New Life, Pointing men to who we’ve adored, Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord, The Only One, with power to give, to all believers, new life to live.

The Spotless Lamb, claimed victory, for sinners like you and me, Victory over both sin and death, providing for His, eternal breath, When we depart from this earth, then Glorified through New Birth, To reign with Christ forevermore, upon reaching the eternal shore.

by Bob Gotti

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“Never Thread Another Needle in Between Weaving Again”

“Spending too Much Time Threading Needles?”

Not Anymore!!!

“Etozmake Needle Multi Threader is designed your weaving installation process easier and faster than the conventional way!”

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website: www.ezneedlemultithreader.com

E

lizabeth Jackson is a lifelong Houstonian. She is a wife, mother of five children, grandmother, entrepreneur, videographer, editor, magazine publisher and inventor. Elizabeth achieved an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies and a Minor in Biblical Counseling. She’s the owner and operator of Interactive Hair Studio for 19 years. She has 35 years of experience in the beauty industry. She promotes healthy hair growth through commitment and Excellency of service.

Elizabeth has published a Christian Magazine, M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine, for five years. M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine promotes education, inspiration, and encouragement to enhance the life of every believer and offer Jesus Christ to the unbeliever.

She video and edits an Online talk show, which hosts many celebrities and everyday people doing extraordinary things. This dedication and commitment to Excellency led to the creation of the Ez Needle Multi Threader.

Ez Needle Multi Threader promotes professionalism, increase productivity, and revenue, efficiency and enhances time management. Ez Needle is a multipurpose product which is useful in the hair weaving, sewing, quilting, or any area where the use of multi needles is necessary. Elizabeth motto is to do everything you strive to accomplish in an excellent manner and trust the results to God.

What does Ez Needle do for you?

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Spending Too Much Time Threading Needles?

4 Designs

Not anymore, with Ez Needle Multi Threader you can have up to 15 - 30 needles available for use in minutes. Ez Needle Multi-Threader eliminates the hassle and frustration that comes with threading needles. Ez Needle allows you to precisely thread needles regardless of unraveling thread. No more hanging needles on towels. Ez Needle frees your clients from threading needles for you so they can enjoy the experience of salon care and surf social media. Ez Needle Multi Threader is also Multi-purpose.

“With Ez Needle Multi-Threader all your weaving, sewing, and quilting needs can be a breeze!”

Website: www.ezneedlemultithreader.com | Email: ezneedle@gmail.com

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.” Ephesian 6:1-3

What the Bible Says About Knowing All of God Hos. 2: 19, 20 Charles Stanley

In order to know someone intimately, you can’t just know what they do— you must know their character and heart. You have to know what motivates them. The same is true for God. In Hosea 2: 19, 20, He says, “I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, in lovingkindness and in compassion, and I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord.” He has “betrothed” (or engaged) His people to Himself for one reason: to let Himself be known.

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nfortunately, sometimes we know about God, but we really don’t know Him. Yet God wants us to love Him in a deep, intimate relationship. Here are six reasons we should know God’s ways.

1. We should know the ways of God because they are essential in knowing Him. By learning the ways God works, we become acquainted with His heart— and life’s greatest joy is knowing Him personally and intimately (Ps. 25: 4, 5).

2. We should know the ways of God because He requires that we know them. The Lord desires for us to go beyond a surface relationship with Him, so He has given us commands to follow to facilitate it. We learn not merely to see Him as our Master, but as our Beloved (Deut. 10: 12).

3. We should know the ways of God because it is the yearning of His heart for us to do so. The Lord desires our fellowship— for us to seek and worship Him wholeheartedly (Jer. 33: 3). This fact alone should motivate us to pursue a deep, meaningful relationship with Him. 4. We should know the ways of God because He loves us. Our heavenly Father desires the very best for us, and He wants each of us to realize that His plans for us will always be above and beyond all we could ask or imagine (Jer. 31: 3; 1 Cor. 2: 9; Eph. 3: 20).

5. We should know the ways of God because they are the best way. No matter what situation we must endure or how difficult a choice we have to make, we can be certain that God’s way is the best way to face it. He will guide us and give us the strength and wisdom to handle our circumstances in a godly manner (Jer. 29: 11).

6. We should know the ways of God because they are the pathway to success. Although the world’s definition of achievement involves wealth and power, to the Lord true success lies in obedience to His will (1 John 2: 17). Ultimately, no one can thwart the plans of God— He will succeed and achieve the victory (Job 42: 2). And when we submit to Him, we share in His triumph.

Therefore, set your heart to know all of God— His works, His ways, and His will for your life. Because He promises, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer. 29: 13). See the Life Principles Index for further study: 1. Our intimacy with God— His highest priority for our lives— determines the impact of our lives.

Stanley, Charles F. (2009-03-17). The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NASB (Kindle Locations 63410-63418). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

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\\ PRAYER OF SALVATION// A SINNER’S PRAYER Romans 10: 9,10

You Can Receive Jesus Christ Right Now by Faith - Through Prayer:

Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness.

I believe that your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin.

You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess the Lord our God and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved.

Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved.

Thank you Jesus, for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus, transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself.

Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life! Amen.

Can you think of anything more wonderful that could happen to you than receiving Christ?

“As soon as you can find a Bible believing and Bible teaching Church so that you can begin to hear and study the Word of God. Remember, Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” Paul D. Landrew Put Your Trust In God... Not Man!

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AFTER YOU PRAYED THE PRAYER OF SALVATION, BELOW ARE SOME SUGGESTED CHURCHES YOU MAY CONSIDER GOING TO FOR MORE BIBLE BASED TEACHING AND GUIDANCE IN THE WORD OF GOD. Dr. Paul D. Landrew, Senior Pastor/Teacher Loving Word Fellowship Church 170 Rittenhouse Houston, TX 77076

Pastor Henry Thomas True Fellowship Baptist Church 3115 N. Fry Katy, TX 77449

Pastor Bennett T. Cortez Greater Faith Baptist Church 9235 West Montgomery rd.

Houston, TX 77088

Pastor Raynard Hillis Double Rock Baptist Church 1595 Shafter Ave San Francisco, California 94124

Pastor John Adolph Antioch Missionary Baptist Church 3920 West Cardinal Drive Beaumont, TX 77705

Pastor Donald Stallings D. D. Perfecting Praise Community Church 6618 Antoine Dr. Houston, tx 77091

Pastor Roland Booker Just Church Ministry 13547 Bammel North Houston Houston, TX 77066

Pastor Ralph Douglas West The Church Without Walls 5725 Queenston Houston, TX 77084

Senior Pastor C. David Harrison First Baptist Church Heights 201 East 9th Street Houston, TX 77007

Pastor Charles Tompkins New Prairie View Baptist Church 4303 Sealy Rd. San Felipe, TX 77473

Pastor Charles Carter Jr. First St. Mark Baptist Church 2934 Brackenridge Houston, TX 77016

Pastor Andy Woods Sugar Land Bible Church 401 Matlage Way Sugar Land TX, 77478

What The Bible Says About Our Greatest Salvation “Christ took our punishment and died in our place. Since our attempts at righteousness will not satisfy God, Christ clothed us in His righteousness in such away that when God, the Father, looks upon us, He does not see our sin; He sees only the righteousness of His Son, Jesus Christ.” L. Moyer Hebrews 2:1-4 -What has been the greatest moment of your life? For some people, the answer might be their wedding day, the birth of a child, or an important promotion. But for believers, the best experience is salvation, when their eternal destiny was changed. New Christians often have a fervor to share their faith. In time, however, many find their hearts cooling as they focus less on their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 2:1 instructs, Therefore we must give the most earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. “Salvation is God’s amazing solution to man’s sinful condition: it is His gift of rescue - through the death of Jesus- from the penalty of our transgressions.” Charles Stanley

Read current & previous editions Online @ www.issuu.com/elizabethjackson9

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To live the Christian life is to allow Jesus to live His life in and through us. Gal. 2: 20

Many Christians today seem content to live what they think is an adequate Christian life. They believe that if they go to church, read their Bible occasionally, and say their prayers once in a while, they will be all right with God. Occasionally, they may be inspired to go above and beyond their normal routine and volunteer to serve others as an usher, a member of a church committee, or even go on a short-term mission trip. Though they go through the motions of being a “good Christian,” they do not enjoy the power, peace, and joy that should come with the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10: 10). Eventually, the counterfeit Christian life they are living becomes a burden and does not comfort them when the storms of adversity assail. This was not what you were created for. God does not call you or any believer to a marginal Christian life characterized by chores and rituals. He desires to have a daily relationship with you where you experience His presence and trust Him for wisdom, courage, and strength in all situations. With every step you take, decision you make, conversation you have, and thought you entertain, the Lord wants to glorify Himself through you. That is why Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Gal. 2: 20). How do you allow Jesus to do so? In what way does He live in and through you?

If these two questions seem difficult or confusing to you,

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you aren’t alone. Many people never realize how powerfully Christ could demonstrate His life through them.

This is because many believe that the key to living the Christian life starts with pious acts, when it really begins with a deep, intimate relationship with Him. Therefore, to answer the first question: How do you allow Jesus to do this?— you must realize the answer comes by working on your relationship with Christ. You do this through Bible study, prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers.

You not only learn about Him, but you must also listen to Him, because He will teach you how to love Him, live for Him, and walk in His ways.

The answer to the second question: In what way does He live in and through you?— This is because He has a special purpose for your life, and the most important thing you can ever do is simply obey Him— no matter what He tells you to do. God will allow situations and troubles in your life that only He can solve. This is so He can demonstrate His glory, power, love, and wisdom through you.

Is there anything distracting you from having an intimate relationship with the Lord? Have you failed to trust God’s sovereignty? Are you worried that you’re not doing enough to deserve a relationship with Him or that you could lose the eternal life He has given you? Then you need to return to the basic truth that your salvation is through faith in Christ and not by works. There is absolutely nothing you can do to earn it or be worthy of it. Therefore, there is nothing you can

do or fail to do that would cause you to forfeit it either. The issue is not your salvation but the impact of your life for Christ and the joy and fulfillment you receive from Him. God does not call you to an adequate life— He wants it to be extraordinary. However, for you to experience the life He planned for you, you must stop being distracted by peripheral issues and focus your attention completely on Him. Can you do it? Can you trust Jesus to live His life through you and take care of all that troubles you? Of course you can!

The God who redeems you can teach you how to live for Him. The Savior you trusted for your eternity is more than capable of taking care of all the

matters that burden you daily and shining through you brightly so that others can know Him and be saved. Therefore, die to your notions of what the Christian life should be so you can experience true life in Him. See the Life Principles Index for further study. Many people never realize how powerfully Christ could demonstrate His life through them. He has a special purpose for your life, and the most important thing you can ever do is simply obey Him— no matter what He tells you to do.

Stanley, Charles F.. The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NASB (Kindle Locations 83532-83540).

Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

Modern Beauty In Christian Living

Put Your Trust In God... Not Man!

M’Bracing Beauty Magazine Advertisement Rates Please Circle One: • Back Cover • Back Inside Cover • Front Inside Cover • Full Page • Half Page • Quarter Page • Eighth of Page

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Celebrating 6 Years of Service

“Serving the Lord and His people through Outreach Publication”

He Has Risen

Christ Jes Our Lord!

What the Bible Says About Keeping One Another Accountable Gal. 6: 1– 5

Many believers object to the idea of accountability because they don’t see how other people’s actions are any of their business— and they refuse to allow anyone into theirs. Others mistakenly believe that the personal nature of our relationship with God excludes our need for mutual accountability. Although it is true that our relationship with the Lord is personal in nature, it is not true that it is completely private.

The Bible teaches that we are accountable to God first and then to one another when it comes to our conducts and characters. Accountability is defined as a relationship between believers wherein one has invited the other to observe the development of character in one or more areas. For example, it could be as simple as asking a friend to check with you from time to time about the consistency of your quiet time and prayer. You may want to ask someone to check with you on how often you share your faith or how much time you are devoting to your family.

An area where accountability can really make a difference is that of recurring temptations. Paul taught that if a believer is caught in sin, the strong members of the church are to work with the sinner to help him get back on track (Gal. 6: 1–

3). Sometimes people become trapped in activities or attitudes that are too powerful for them to overcome on their own, and they don’t know how to break free. It is not up to you to save them from their troubles.

However, you can remind them of God’s promises, pray for them, share Scripture with them, and listen when they struggle.

We offer others support and compassion when they are trying to do what is right, confront them with the truth when they drift in their faith, and always encourage them to live in a manner that is pleasing to God. Remember, in an accountability relationship you are not answerable for how the other person reacts to you or matures spiritually. But you are responsible to be available for the Lord to use you in their life— telling the truth and loving that person through the process.

Stanley, Charles F..

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The Ferrell Phelps

​ reedmen’s Town Exhibit F An Evening of Art, Culture, and History Univeristy of Houston Event Center

C

reator/Author Ferrell Phelps is the creative mind behind the “Freedmen’s Town” Fine Art Photography Project. He is a native Houstonian Business Owner, Author, Professional Celebrity Photographer, and Local Talk Show Host. Ferrell is the ideal candidate for this monumental undertaking.

"This project is important to me because I understand my civic responsibility as an African American citizen of Houston, and the price that my forefathers paid in order for me to even have had an opportunity to attend these schools and have the career and quality of life that I enjoy now. It’s important to me because I, Ferrell E. Phelps, Jr., stand on the shoulders of freed slaves, which has allowed me to accomplish my professional dreams."

Capturing the raw emotions of anger, joy, hurt and excitement, Ferrell Phelps’ photographic art will connect the spirit of Freedmen’s Town’s ancestors to the viewing audience. Most importantly, the photography will tell the story of how the community’s original red clay brick streets were made, fired, cured, and laid by the hands of former slaves, who chose to leave an enduring mark by using their talents, skills and hard earned money to positively impact the collective life of their community.

Tickets can be purchased at the door!

You are Cordially Invited to this Once in a Lifetime Black-Tie Affair Come join us for a journey through history as we celebrate the legacy of Houston’s Fourth Ward community.

Artist, photographer and visionary, Ferrell Phelps, has crafted the vehicle for our passage through time with stirring live depictions and rousing photographic imagery that are certain to captivate and move you. This exhibition will follow carefully laid bricks from the Bayou of the 1800’s to present day Fourth Ward in a stunning display that you do not want to miss!

3100 Cullen Blvd Houston, Texas 77004 July 8, 2017 Six until Nine Thirty PM (Hors D’oeuvres will be served)

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Alfred Moody, Owner

Mary Collins-Green

M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine

This Military Mom Does it Best Written by Teesha Walker

Sometimes the career path chosen is accompanied with great sacrifices. Many of those sacrifices have a great impact on your family, friends and marriages. It is not an easy task, especially for mothers with children. We were honored to speak with a woman of such caliber.

SFC (Sergeant First Class) Mary Collins-Green is member of the United States Army and was recently deployed to Kuwait for nine months. Her career called her away from her two beautiful daughters and her husband. Although, she was not physically present on a day to day basis; she explained how she and her husband function while she is away.

MBM: What do you consider is the best way to prepare small children before you leave and how do you handle missing your children while you are deployed?

SFC Green: What worked best for me was talking to my kids. Eva was too young to understand but Eden was aware. I explained to her that I wold be gone for awhile but assured her that I would be back.

I told her to take care of her daddy and baby sister. She has been keeping her part of the deal.

This is my fouth deployment but my first with children. I still do not know how I am getting through without being an emotional wreck. I take solace in the fact that my husband is an awesome father and we have a strong support system. He sends me pictures and videos often which keeps my spirits up.

MBM: How do you stay active in your girls life while you are away?

SFC Green: Stay in contact! I try to call weekly and video chat when I can so that they can hear my voice and see my face. I listen to them and hold regular conversations as we would at home. My husband sends me a list of things/activities that they will be doing. I use this to talk to them about their experiences and their feelings about what they will do or have done. I also stay active in praising them when they are good and disciplining them when they need it.

MBM: How important is it to be able to communicate with the other parent?

SFC Green: Communication is paramount in parenting, but especially when parenting long distance.

My husband and I communicate often about our goals for the girls, our expectations for them and even about our differences in parenting styles. The distance makes me feel like I don’t have a say in some things. Active and positive communication with my husband ensures that my views are heard and exercised when he is making a decision that must be made quickly.

I salute all mothers, especially those who sacrifice precious timing in order to make sure their children live a great life. Happy Mother’s Day to you all!

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Answers to Life’s Questions How can I combat my fears?

2 Tim. 1: 7 Paul’s words to Timothy are equally God’s words to you. He has given each one of us “a spirit . . . of power and love and discipline” (2 Tim. 1: 7). Therefore, we never should respond to circumstances or people in fear because we have the power of God living within us— the very power that dispels all fear and anxiety. 1. Ask for God’s help. When fear strikes, immediately ask for God’s help. Tap into His power and allow Him to encourage your heart. Remember when Peter tried to walk on the water to Jesus, but his fear overcame him (Matt. 14: 30)? When he found himself in trouble and fear— sinking in the sea— he had the right response.

He asked for God’s help.

“Lord, save me!” This is your best first response any time you feel fearful. 2. Ask the Lord to fill your heart with a sense of His abiding love. Love is a powerful antidote to fear. God’s love has the ability to eliminate it. I remember the first time I preached in my home church. I was young and had a “fear attack.” I felt the people would expect more from me than a group of strangers might expect. So what helped me? I read the words of the Lord to Joshua in Joshua 1: 5– 9, and then I turned my focus to the people of my home church. I felt overwhelmed by how much I loved them and how they had loved me through the years. By the time I stood in the pulpit, the fear had completely

drained out of me. John tells us, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4: 18). Ask your heavenly Father to impart to you more of Christ’s love and to take away any torment you feel. As you do, fear will lose its grip on you. 3. Ask God to give you a sound mind, filled with and operating according to God’s Word. The basis for a sound mind is the Word of God. The more you know of God’s promises and the more you live according to His commandments, the greater your strength to withstand fear. Use Scripture to speak directly to the source of your fear, just as Jesus quoted Scripture to Satan during His time of temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4: 1– 13).

When you feel gripped by fear, turn your gaze to Jesus, redirect your heart to His love, speak to your fear from the Word of God, and then respond boldly to the situation. The Lord’s desire is for you to “be strong and very courageous” today (Josh. 1: 7). See the Life Principles Index for further study: 8. Fight all your battles on your knees and you win every time. 3.

God’s Word is an immovable anchor in times of storm.

“God’s Word is an immovable anchor in times of storm.”

Stanley, Charles F.. The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NASB (Kindle Locations 86599-86620).

Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

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Answers to Life’s Questions How do I handle nagging doubt?

Satan loves to use prayer is faith in fear and doubt action. When we to discourage pray, regardless of believers.

He whether or not we knows if he can feel like it, we make get you to question a statement of faith.

God, then maybe We pray because you will give up we see God as the and abandon His solution to what will for your life. we face. If you are Luke 24: 38 Feelings of fear facing a difficult often accompany situation, don’t feelings of doubt and uncertainty. If left unattended, hesitate to ask Him to show you the best way to handle these runaway emotions can tempt you to stop it. If your level of trust seems low, don’t worry. The Lord trusting the Lord and His ability to provide for is wise and kind. He wants to teach you more about you. The first step to turning away from doubt and Himself, not frighten you away. And your faith will discouragement is to proclaim your faith in Jesus increase as you get to know Him better. Even if you don’t Christ. When trouble strikes, He is your omniscient feel you have the emotional strength to trust God, don’t help. He also is the only One who truly understands worry. The Lord is your strength (Ps. 18). A. B. Simpson you completely. He knows often told those who found Life Principles your weaknesses and themselves in a difficult spot, strengths. He also knows “Trusting God means looking “When God tests you, it is a exactly what is needed to good time for you to test Him encourage you and lift you beyond what we can see to what by putting His promises to the up so you can continue God sees. Fight all your battles proof, and claiming from Him walking forward in faith. just as much as your trials have Second, set a goal to read on your knees and you win every rendered necessary.” The last God’s Word each day. This thing Satan wants you to do is time.” is the best way to combat to go to God in prayer and tell fear and doubt. The Lord uses a daily reading Him you feel doubtful. Always be honest with Him; He program to train your mind and to teach you how to knows it all. Honesty breaks the pattern of doubt and handle doubt. The Book of Psalms highlights many provides the right atmosphere for God to work greatly personal battles over emotions such as fear, doubt, in your life. Remember, He loves you with an eternal loneliness, and discouragement. David and others love, and He will provide for your every need. made a conscious decision to trust the Lord through Stanley, Charles F.. The Charles F. Stanley Life Printremendously difficult circumstances and found ciples Bible, NASB (Kindle Locations 75079-75087). that God never once failed them. Third, prayer is essential in fighting fear and doubt. In essence, Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition

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CONTACT: GEORGE “GOLDENBOY” PHELPS

832-273-2811

Email: SkyTrues@gmail.com www.skytrues.storenvy.com

FaceBook: @skytrues Instagram: @skytrues Twitter: @skytrues

Forgiveness is Not for others!

Written by Regena Waddle

In life we are faced with many upsets, heartaches and pains. I have grown to realize that hurt and pain is a part of growth for everyone. When people hurt us we each handle it differently. Sometimes one can shut down and give up because of a hurt that they may allow to hinder their life. Some people become bitter or angry and hold grudges. It takes so much energy to hold on to a grudge and even more to be angry and bitter towards something that has happened in the past. Life is so short that if you blink you truly will miss something. Therefore with all the energy that it takes to hold on to a hurt, it takes away from so many more bigger things that could grow you and help you help someone else with your testimony.

Forgiving others seems hard but it is so easy, and while we feel it’s for the other person it is truly for you and the glorification of God. We have a great model for forgiving others! God knew that we would have a need for forgiveness, so He sent His Son Jesus to rescue us all from the interminable consequences of our sins 1 John 4:9-10 (KJV) says “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” Colossians 3:13 says, «13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Not only does Jesus have the power to forgive, but he can also award us the power to forgive others just as we have been forgiven.

I was in bible study one night and battling with some issues of the heart and mind and as usual God speaks to me through his word brought forth by the preacher. He said to pray for God to grant us with mercy to look upon others as he does to us. He shows us new mercy daily and we have to consider others in that same light. Think back to when there was a time you messed up or fell short and let someone down you wanted them to show you mercy and forgive you. Now you have to do the same, it is imperative to put yourself in another person’s shoes to imagine what it would be like to walk their path one day. I know for myself I am not perfect and if I mess up I would like God to forgive me. How can I expect him to forgive me if I can’t forgive myself or others? Now forgiveness is not only for the other person that was wronged but also for you. It is not something that you do for the other person. Forgiveness is something that you do for you.

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When you hold on to things, you continue to bear hurt, anger, hate, grief/sadness altogether profound feelings that cause distress to you physically mentally and emotionally. It also has an effect on your body, perception of yourself and of others, not only that it effects how you see the world as a whole.

Not showing mercy or forgiving others can allow you to hang on to all of these burdens. You are held captive or in bondage to your own feelings and emotions and as a Christian we have to keep in mind that Jesus forgave so forgiveness comes as a part of being a child of God and his kingdom. Let us remember that only what we do for Christ will last. Stop wasting your energy and time on being bitter and holding on to things that can be cast out into the depths of the sea and no longer remembered. Let us learn how to forgive and make amends so that God can get the glory and you can live freely. In all things we are to do it for the glorification of God not ourselves.

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