1 faith unlimited january, 2017 2

WAYS TO ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD!

Mikea Fulton

BUILD A BETTER YOU IN 2017!

Grace Meier

A new year is like a blank book, The pen is in your hand, It’s your chance to write a beautiful story!

Publisher and Editor – Faye Hanshew Co-Publisher & Co-editor – Dr. Bill Hanshew

ARTICLES Start Believing God’s Opinion of you in 2017 TEEN WARRIORS Build a Better You in 2017 Ways to Encourage Your Child The Battle for Good Thinking and in A Positive How to Lead a Better Life

Matthew Deves Grace Meier Mikea Fulton Stuart E. Smith Anna C. Meier

Our Health Determines Our Destiny Melissa Smith-Shepherd How to Kick Stress Out of Your Life Dr. Bill Hanshew Girls! Girls! Girls!

Genice Fulton Ten Rules for Biblical Study Dr. Dan L. Corse I, _______, Do Hereby Resolve Dave Kachele God Was About to do “His New Thing!”

Bishop Frank Dupree The Christian Life – Know Your Position in Jesus Evangelist Ernest Nelson K. Nanor Our Christian Walk Rev. Leon Gosiewski What You Need to Know Before Going into Business Tom Tompkins, Jr. Christian Walking Pastor Kumar Raju Komannapalli

January 1, 2017 begins a new year of Faith Unlimited magazine. But it would not have been possible if not for the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and all our writers, business ads and you who read this magazine each month.

You might wonder why publish such an extensive free magazine each and every month? The Bible says in Hebrews 6:9 (GW) “Dear friends, even though we say these things, we are still convinced that better things are in store for you and that they will save you.”

Listen… No matter what you are facing today or faced in 2016, God has not forgotten about you and He never will. The Bible teaches us that God Himself watches over His Word to make sure it works in your favor. In other words, your responsibility is to believe, and God backs up His established Word concerning your life.

As you may have established some new goals for 2017, or have promised God in some way that you will do better or possibly be a better person this year, realize this: God has made you to be like Him. You have Father God’s DNA and the ability you have been empowered with is to be who He has predestined you to be.

The reason we do this magazine every month is first and foremost, because God inspired the Publisher & Editor, Faye G. Hanshew to create Faith Unlimited. But also, it is because “we are still convinced that better things are in store for you and that they will save you.” As another translation says, “we are convinced of better things concerning you, and of things that accompany salvation.”

As you grow in your understanding of God and His Word, we at Faith Unlimited count it as our pleasure to make a regular contribution toward your spiritual growth. Colossians 1:9 says, “For this reason we also, since the day we heard {about your relationship with God, we}, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;” and we want you to know that we are praying for you.

Happy New Year, and may God bless you as you continue to grow in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Dr. Bill Hanshew Co-Editor Faith Unlimited Magazine

START BELIEVING GOD’S OPINION OF YOU IN 2017!

by: Matthew Deves

Any of you who lived through the 80’s will surely remember the song, “I Hate Myself For Loving You.” If you do, there’s a good chance the tune is playing in your head right now. You are welcome. The rest of you can look it up on YouTube!

Unfortunately, Joan isn’t the only one singing this song these days. Most of the well-meaning church folks you know are agreeing more with Ms. Jett than God. How can this be?

They say they love God, but deep-down really hate themselves. Too harsh? Let’s personalize it, put it a different way. You want to believe that you are approved

by God but are so disappointed in yourself and convinced that God must feel the same. You might say, “I mean, how could He be happy with me when I’m such a screw-up?” A vicious circle of thoughts wears you down from feeling so continually worthless. You are told that

you need to love God, but it hurts to think about your failures all the time. So, you hate yourself for loving God. Rev. Joan might have been onto something we can use in 2017.

Thinking less of yourself does not prove to God that you love Him. He never asked you to insult yourself to show him how spiritual you are. You think there is something that you can do to gain his approval. The creation is arguing with the Creator. Here is the absurdity of how the conversation might go: You: “I messed it up today God. I’m just not getting things right, and you know all the stuff that I should have done.”

God: “I’m not sure what are you talking about.”

You: „You know I always fall short and wasn’t as obedient as I should have been.”

God: “I don’t remember any of that.”

You: “But, I need to get better at…”

God: “I made you right.”

You: “God, please forgive me for disappointing you.”

God: “I am well pleased with you.”

You: “I’ll try to do better tomorrow.”

God: “Nothing you do can make me love you less.”

Good News from the Cross - HE LOVES YOU!!!

You: “I feel so alone.”

God: I’ll never separate my Love from you.”

Is this a silly example or oddly familiar words that you have spoken? You have the ability to believe more in a false image of yourself than the Truth of God’s opinion about you. It is your right, privilege, and jurisdiction. The Bible word for this is “authority."

You are the boss. Just don’t tell me that God is in control and then use your privilege of free will to override His plan by seeing yourself as a lowly worm. He can’t agree with this lie. He does not see you as dirty. His will is not best served by people who have a warped sense of their self. 2 Corinthians 5:21 in the Mirror Bible explains how Jesus took that view away for you.

This is the divine exchange: he who knew no sin embraced our distortion; he appeared to be without form; this was the mystery of God’s prophetic poetry. He was disguised in

our distorted image and marred with our iniquities; he took our sorrows, our pain and our shame to his grave and birthed his righteousness in us.

He took our sins and we became his innocence.

The marred image you have of yourself is a lie from the devil.

Like you, Adam believed the fake news of the deceiver when he was convinced that he just needed to know a little more to be right. Adam did not realize everything was already right.

He had everything he needed.

He got to hang out with God on his walks in the garden. He was not missing a thing. Jesus removed the lies, pain, and trauma by choosing to place them upon Himself. His choice to eliminate the distortion leaves you with only one conclusion. You are whole. God’s view of you is pure innocence. Not a snapshot of innocence with a filter of shame, guilt, and condemnation clouding the picture.

Right standing has been

birthed IN YOU. You become His innocence. When He sees you, He sees His Innocence. Do you have confidence in an image that is not representative of your true self? Ask yourself, are you in agreement with God? He does not remember your shortcomings. He sees you as right and complete. No distorted images. Do you see it now?

The Amplified version of 2 Cor. 5:21, “For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness].”

Love God. Love God’s opinion of you.

Love yourself.

TEEN WARRIORS Writers: Stuart E. Smith Teen Writers: Mikea Fulton Anna C. Meier Grace E. Meier

by: Grace Meier Hey there Whiz Kids!!!! For this month's article I

am going to be giving you advice or ideas on how you can be better in 2017. I will name a few then I will tell you how I am gonna try to be better for 2017.

How you can try to be better for 2017 1. You can help your parents out around the That’s me! ď Š house more often 2. Clean your room without being asked 3. Do a random act of kindness to a homeless person or a person who is not as fortunate as some people like give a homeless person some change or money 4. And last but not least, donate all the stuff you don't use or want.. if you used to have a pet but don't anymore donate your pet toys to your local animal shelter There was a few ideas on how to be better for 2017 and choose kindness and try your very best not to be rude to people this upcoming year.

How I will try to be better for 2017 1. I am going to try to help my parents out more often without being asked 2. I am going to try my absolute hardest and best to be nicer to my sister and the girls giving me trouble at school.

Some motivation for doing your best comes from God’s Word 1. 1 Timothy 4:10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

2. Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

3. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 4. Romans 12:11 Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.

5. Proverbs 12:24 The diligent hand will rule, but laziness will lead to forced labor.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed!!!!

Remember it's a new year so try new things and step out of your comfort zone.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!

Remember.. Choose Kindness!!

Grace

NoI am NO psychologist. But maybe these tips to encouraging your child can help in some way.

Let’s take a look at the word 'encourage'. en·cour·age Give support, confidence, or hope to someone.

Resource via Google The first term the dictionary gives us is 'support'. How can we give support? You can compliment your child, tell them everything they are good at. If your child is a girl, she may like to hear that she is pretty, or she looks good in an outfit. I think that both girls and boys really want their parent’s attention on any topic. Just to sit down and have a nice chat, whether it's about school, friends, sports, or hobbies. The list can go on and on.

The next term is 'to give confidence'. I feel that sarcasm about a child’s look, comment on something, or just a regular thought can drain confidence. I know I feel very hurt and ignored when someone says something sarcastic about me. Sometimes when I go shopping for clothes, I see moms try their very hardest to find something their child may like to wear. They show him/her the top, pants or jacket and the child says "no". Maybe it's because a bully at school is always sarcastic about their look.

The thing to do with these situations, is to not feed the fire too much. What I mean is, don't try to wiggle the problem out of your child and constantly ask about the subject. They will tell you

when they are ready. But if a problem makes other problems in the home, sit the child down, and talk with them and do not let them leave until you are satisfied with the conversation. Keep a soft tone with them. Don't get loud or angry when they will not speak. I personally love it when my parents talk with me.

The last term is 'hope'. I think that hope is somewhat related to trust. Trusting your child can mean the world to them. I'm not saying just give your $30,000 car to your fourteen-year-old and tell them to get something from the store. Let them know you can trust them. Sometimes, I file away documents, receipts, invoices, employee forms, and go on business trips with my dad. When he lets me do this, I feel he can trust me. Because, that's some important stuff I'm dealing with!

I really hope this helps you to encourage your child. May God bless you this holiday season!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

By: Stuart E. Smith

Dec. 7th 1941 there was a roar from hundreds of fighter planes over Pearl Harbor.

These were those of an enemy who had just sent letters of good will through their ambassadors earlier that week.

In their effort to obliterate the American Naval forces they attacked suddenly and without warning early Sunday morning. This was our introduction into War with the Empire of Japan. 2,403 Americans died and 1,178 were wounded.

September 11th, 2001 with similar surprise and at about the same time in the morning, terrorists having planned out a simultaneous attack on the Pentagon, World Trade Center Towers and who knows where

the 3rd plane United flight 93 was headed which crashed in the Somerset County Pennsylvania in Stoney creek Township. 2,977 confirmed dead from those evil men who learned how to fly but never to land.

It was a little over 2000 years ago, when those Roman soldiers nailed the Son of a carpenter to a wooden cross.

His crime was that he had stirred up the religious leaders of his day. He was speaking a message of redemption and telling the world He was the way, the truth, the life and no man could come to God except through Him. 1 man died and the entire Earth shook.

Satan laughed. Through his planning the evil one had

caused the death of Jesus of Nazareth. Now, he would again rule the world through evil devices and cause men to continue to rebel against God. Or, could it be this was God’s plan all along? Did Salvation need to come to men by this great sacrifice?

In all of these illustrations there was an act of war and an answer to it. We joined the War known as WWII and defeated the Japanese who had attacked us. The second example caused American military might to respond with great force against Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

This war continues today with anti-American terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State.

The third illustration is that of the death of Jesus Christ on that Roman Cross. His victory over death, hell and the grave was completed in those 3 days while His body lay in a borrowed tomb. He rose again on that third day and according to scripture is seated at the right hand of God. The Bible plainly tells us, we have an advocate with the Father, it is Jesus Christ. 1st John 2:1 This fact that we have the ability to communicate directly to God gives us an upper hand on any adversity that may come our way. As a born-again believer we are not victims, but we are victors.

Not because we are perfect but because of what Christ has done on our behalf. He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

The enemy continues to try to sneak up on us in our thought life. The Bible tells us that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. We must be aware of this fact. The Apostle Paul gives us a remedy for that thought war. Ammunition for the very souls of men is the thought we cleave too versus those we are to utterly reject.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 If we had known the Fighter planes were coming toward Pearl Harbor December 41 or those hijacked flights were intended to crash into or peaceful existence on 9/11 we might have been able to avoid most of the tragedies of those

notable horrendous attacks.

However, this is not the case.

Be aware the thoughts of a man guide his steps toward God or away from Him. We may still see some tough times ahead but by thinking on His grace and mercy and knowing that even in the storms of this life, ‘WE ARE NOT VICTIMS, BUT VICTORS!’ We can rest in the knowledge that greater is He that is in us than he that is in this world. We can be strengthened by the fact that ‘if God be for us, who can be against us?’ Ours is a march toward a guaranteed Championship finish as the Sons and Daughters of God. May the year 2017 find you thinking on these things and be positive through the relationship you have in Jesus Christ that you will overcome adversity and you will triumph over evil. God bless you all.

By: Anna Caroline Meier

First and foremost, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

It is finally 2017! Are you as excited as I am?!

This month, I want to talk about how you can lead a better life. Now some of these things are going to be just common sense stuff, but others you may really need to think about.

When it comes to people, here are some things you should think about:  Don’t judge others. I know, you probably think this is an obvious thing. But one thing people do without realizing it is judge others.

When you look at someone and think something negative about them, you are judging them. We may not realize we are judging them, but it can happen.  Be kind to everyone. I know you may think that it is way too much to ask to be kind to everyone, but remember that everyone deserves love. Sometimes, a person can

come off as rude and the natural human reaction is to be rude back.

Just remember to always show kindness towards others.

When it comes to schooling:  Always put in your greatest amount of effort.

Something that tends to be taken for granted is education. It is something that is available to a lot of people and not completely found as important. Education is so so important. It prepares you for your chosen career or helps you find an interest in something.



Treat your peers and teachers with respect. I know you may think that not everyone in your school or community deserves respect; I have been there in fact. Everyone does however deserve respect.

They may not show it to you or anyone else, but it is the right thing to show your peers and teachers respect.

When it comes to family:  Be kind and helpful towards them.

I get that family can be annoying or irritating at times, but family is always going to be by your side.

They are always going to be there if they know what’s good for them.

Just as you should always be there for them.  Don’t take family for granted.

Everyday families are there for you

and for each other. They are easily the number one thing that can and will be taken for granted.

As the new year comes around, you can think about all these things and think about how you can lead a better life. Of course, before you lead a better life, you must lead a better you. Improving yourself is the only way your life will go into a better direction.

This month’s bible verse is: Proverbs 27:1 says, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”

Please tell me what this verse means to you and any goals you have for the new year!

Email me at faye.faithunlimited@gmail.com with “Anna Caroline” as the subject! May you all have a blessed January!

-Anna Caroline-

by: Tyler G. Johnson by: Rev. Melissa Smith-Shepherd We all know how important it is to pray over our destiny, but there is another important thing we must do if we are to walk into the destiny that God has for us. We must put our health in the top priority. Our health level determines our ability to obey God, to prosper, to love our family, to love our neighbors, to reach out to the lost world and to achieve our destiny. Since our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we must care for ourselves with honor, respect and kindness.

For if our bodies cannot go, then the Holy Spirit cannot go. God moves through us, and part of our responsibility of going into the world to preach the Gospel is being able and prepared physically to go into the world.

Modern American health is in crisis. Chronic illness, sickness, disability and infirmity seem to be increasing. We see it all around us and in our own families. We are supposed to be walking in health and blessing so what it causing all of the suffering? We know that it is not God trying to punish us, because Jesus said, “If you have seen me you have seen the Father,” and Jesus went around healing people everywhere!

We know that the Old Testament wrath of God was satisfied in Jesus, so God is not trying to pour out His wrath upon us if we are in Jesus. We also know that God is not trying to use sickness or calamity to “teach” us because the Bible says that all scripture is given

for doctrine and teaching and that Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit to be our teacher! So, what are we missing? As I sought God about some health issues that my family is overcoming, I realized that much of what God instructed people to do for health had to do with what to

eat. I studied about why God prohibited pork or shellfish or other unclean things and found that there are neurotoxic substances in these foods that deteriorate the health. There were also things that God instructed them to eat periodically during feasts and I found that those foods cause the body to be cleansed of parasites, cancers, and inflammation.

Even the gifts brought to Jesus, frankincense, myrrh and gold were used to heal many ailments among the Jews.

Some sicknesses were healed through prayer, yet others were cleansed by natural methods. I studied about how foods were prepared before the modern industrial era and found that many of the methods used today as well as chemical additives and preservatives are actually causing many of the diseases we are seeing and blocking or reducing our nutrients.

With these things in mind, I began to share the information that I had discovered with family and friends and many of them began to change their diets, use natural herbs or supplements to reverse deficiencies and they started to recover! My husband, Bill, and I started to eat organic and had some tests done to check our mineral levels and deficiencies.

Even though we were eating well, and taking lots of vitamins, we still had deficiencies in many minerals

due to the poor quality of the soil in the U.S. lacking many important minerals and due to the chemicals they use to grow foods that actually block your nutrient uptake. We began correcting these deficiencies and what a difference it made in our health, energy, strength, and feeling of well-being.

We found out that if you are deficient in minerals that you can take vitamins all day long and still cannot assimilate them without the proper mineral levels. We are so thankful to We are so thankful to have this knowledge and hope to share it with others as well! The things we have learned are not readily available to the public. The medical doctors only receive a few hours of nutritional training in their degree program, so they are unable to be the disseminators of this important information. They are trained primarily in how to prescribe medications to mask or subdue symptoms but not heal or cure the underlying cause of a disease. In the past decade, we have seen some doctors begin to prescribe vitamins or supplements and this is great but these kinds of doctors are not the majority.

As nutritional knowledge increases in the world, disease should decrease exponentially but unfortunately that is taking some time to occur in our nation since the information is not coming through medical

doctors or hospitals but is coming mainly through nutritionists and natural medicine clinics.

Many are suffering and need this information quickly and that is why there is such an emergence of health websites and nutrition schools in the U.S. and even chiropractors who have nutritionists on staff to help their patients recover faster.

This new frontier in health called natural and alternative medicine is bringing great results in reducing disease and suffering.

Historically, it took 20 to 30 years for a new medical intervention or information to permeate the medical industry because communication was still archaic. Medical systems are catching up with new technologies and greatly shortening this timeframe.

However, the natural and alternative medicine that is helping thousands to reverse disease and restore their health is also not a major part of the allopathic medical system but exists outside the system and as such it is not utilized by the majority. Hospitals and clinics do have dieticians that assist, but these practitioners do not have the same knowledge base and information as the natural and alternative medicine practitioners and so they are limited in what type of advice or instructions they can give a patient.

Dieticians are not

trained in the unhealthy methods of food production and resulting toxicity levels causing many of the illnesses and diseases that we are facing in our nation. Dieticians do not seek to cure disease, but only to help manage symptoms as compared to natural and alternative medicine that seeks to reverse causative factors of diseases. Other hindrances are insurance companies lack of coverage for these natural alternatives and that the FDA lacks appropriate governance for these healing methods. In other nations, natural and alternative medicines are their primary medical care. In those nations, the disease rates and chronic illnesses are much lower than in the U.S. It is important to remember that the Bible discusses natural methods

of healing and science is proving that not only is it more effective, but also has much less chance of causing side effects and long-term problems like chemical-based medications and pharmaceuticals. Another interesting point that has emerged through science is that over 90% of chronic illness is due to diet and lifestyle, and simply removing toxic foods and adding the proper nutrition and foods many illnesses are reversible.

As we start our new year and seek God for His direction in ministry and family, we encourage you to begin to seek God for help, grace, knowledge and power to learn about natural ways to boost your health and productivity! God has led us in prayer time to research a certain

vitamin and then found out that we were in fact low in that vitamin! The Holy Spirit can lead you and guide you to health and strength and desires for you to live out your days in health and joy. God wants you to fulfill the number of your days and accomplish His plans for your life, your family and your ministry!

God bless your health!

To help you learn more about natural and alternative health, we created a health and wellness page to share the latest information in natural health research articles, news and updates. To learn more about natural and alternative medicine please go to my Facebook health page at: www.facebook.com/Melissa Smith-Shepherd Health & Wellness

Happy Birthday to my Sweetheart, Bill. You are my helper, my love, and my best friend. I could never have done this magazine or LIVE TALK WITH FAYE without your encouragement. I am thankful God chose you for my husband to spend all eternity with. I hope your day tomorrow is as Happy and Fulfilling as you deserve‌Because you deserve the very best! I love you!

Your Wife, Faye

HOW TO KICK STRESS OUT OF

YOUR LIFE! by: Dr. Bill Hanshew

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” I love this verse and it has been one of my favorites over the years. But one day I discovered this same verse in the God’s Word Translation and it reads this way, “With perfect peace you will protect those whose minds cannot be changed, because they trust you.” One problem that seems to exist for some Christians today, is a lack of a made-up mind. Those who live under stress and worry, which are both bi-products of fear, are generally pressured to change their mind often,

even about the Word of God. It seems that many are concerned that God may not come through for them.

We need to understand that the ability to “think thoughts” does take place in your mind.

Yet, we need to know that the Bible often refers to your mind as the “heart.” When Jesus said in John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me,” He was saying that you are not to be worried in your thinking.

The Greek word for “heart” used here is the word “Kardia” which is pronounced, “kar-dee’-ah” and comes from the Latin word, “Cor” and simply

refers to the center of your being or “the heart.” This word refers to the thoughts, feelings and emotions or your mind. From the word “Cor” we get our English words, cardiac or cardiology.

Now, the true way to identify your mind is better stated in scripture as your soul. Your “soul” is your mind, which is the house for your will,

intellect and emotions.

Therefore, it is important that you do not allow your soul to become fearful about anything. But once your heart or mind becomes fixed on the truths of God’s Word, then you are about to see your miracle manifest.

Psalm 112:7 (KJV) says, “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.” Christians must become established in the revelation of God’s truth. And once you become fixed in His truth, do not change your mind about what has been revealed to you. Just keep trusting that the creator of the heavens and the earth can be trusted with what He says.

We know that doctors have discovered that worry, stress, fear, anxiety and more can cause stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, heart attacks and many other types of health problems. So, the way to eliminate stress is to trust the One who is greater than your ability to fix your mess.

God does not want you to live your life today filled with worry and fear about the things that may or may not happen tomorrow. God does not want you living in fear

over the things you or anyone else cannot fix or repair. This is why Jesus said in Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” God gives you His grace, which is enough, or is sufficient for today as well as enough grace to take care of you tomorrow, without you adding one thought of worry or stress to it.

Now, the way you prepare for tomorrow is to stay in the Word of God today, which will keep you in perfect peace or in a place of not changing your mind because of pressure. Never sit around and worry about tomorrow.

1 Peter 5:7 says, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” Put your trust in Jesus today, by turning everything over to Him that you have been concerned about, or truthfully stressed about. Trusting Jesus with all things includes people, not just things.

So, how can you kick stress out of your life? Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.” This literally means

that a joyful heart can make medicine even better. But when your heart broken or wounded about the cares of life you have been facing, it takes away your strength.

And since the Word of God is like medicine, having a joyful heart also causes the Word to settle deep within you.

Proverbs 4:20-22 (KJV) says, “20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”

When you are a growing Christian, sometimes stress can turn into “unforgiveness,” and at times, it can even turn into “strife.” One person said, “Strife drowns out the voice of the Lord.” However, God wants you to be stress–free, strife–free, and in good health.

Therefore, anyone can worry and be in fear which will inevitably cause you to develop physical and emotional symptoms, due to being over stressed–out about life. And that is what most people have told me in counseling session that they

have experienced. We find that people can experience high–blood pressure, ulcers in your stomach, panic attacks and much more. But Jesus said this in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” The word tribulation here for “tribulation,” simply means,

pressure. And everyone is challenged by pressure in life.

But even pressure will generally cause stress if you allow it to. However, you can choose to live in the peace of Jesus which empowers you to Kick Stress Out of Your Life.

Are you stressed–out over how things that currently going on today and worrying about things tomorrow, instead of trusting God with

both today and tomorrow?

One sure way to get the stress out of your life right now is to refuse to worry about anything. You can make a decision today that you will not worry, stress, fear, or be filled with anxiety.

But you can choose to avoid sickness and much more just by casting the care or worry over on Jesus and take on His joy and His peace today. …Think about it!

With perfect peace you will protect those whose minds cannot be changed, because they trust you.

Isaiah 26:3 GW

GIRLS!

GIRLS!

by: Genice Fulton

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.

(Psalm 139:14, NKJV) God has excessively and abundantly blessed me with three amazing daughters, two amazing granddaughters, and lots of amazing girlfriends all over the world! I absolutely and wholeheartedly adore girls!

God delivers girls in all shapes and sizes!

Some girls have blonde hair, some are brunettes while others are redheads! God gives us big brown eyes, ocean blue eyes, and emerald green eyes! He also blesses us with short girls, tall girls, and even girls inbetween! And God is so good to us, additionally He blesses each of us with different talents! (1 Timothy 4:14-16) Some girls sing, some play a musical instrument,

some speak publicly, while others draw, paint, and others dance for Him! How imaginative and creative is He! (Ephesians 2:10)

But, did you know, God’s creation (girls) are under constant attack? (1 Peter 5:8) For example, I am a photographer and I have had the privilege to take photos of a lot of girls of all shapes, sizes, and ages. During most photo shoots, I found myself thinking, “Wow, what a fun, vibrant, and beautiful girl! Just look at those beautiful eyes/hair, etc.” In all my photo shoots I viewed my subjects as (not just pretty) very beautiful. In all my sessions, my thoughts were interrupted by a comment that left me shocked and and angered (at the devil).

In every photo shoot, each girl made mention of something they didn’t like about themselves. When I heard these comments, I always asked, “How can you focus on the 10% of things you dislike about yourself when 90% of you is over the top fantastic?!”

This reminds me of the Garden of Eden. “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden, but”. (Genesis 2:16-17) We can enjoy the entire 90% of things about us that are fantastic, but, wisdom instructs not to touch the other “10%”. This also reminds me of tithing. We can freely use the “90%” but.

However, that is a different topic.

Negative comments originate straight from hell. (John 10:10) God instructs us to “take every thought captive”, “be thankful in all things”, and insure our heart’s meditations are “pleasing in His sight”. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 19:14) God “looks at our heart”! (1 Samuel 16:7) And we are to imitate Him! (Ephesians 5:1)

Negative comments about ourselves are a result of the thought life being out of balance.

Have you ever felt dizzy due to an earache (out of balance)? It feels terrible, doesn’t it?! We do everything we can to regain our balance so that we can stop feeling terrible.

Our thoughts are the same way, we must keep them in balance according to God’s Word!

Girls, please hear me when I say, only Jesus is perfect in all areas of life 100% of the time!

We are us, we are not Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:10) And, did you know, we cannot live our lives any way we see fit? We cannot say everything that comes to mind, we can’t overeat/undereat, over exercise/under exercise. We are not our own! (1 Corinthians 6:19) Because of our love for Him and because we are commanded to do so, we must honor God with our body. (1 Corinthians 6:20)

God loves you!

Let’s all rise up and be the daughter He has called us to be!

Genice Fulton

Our Bible tells us, we are “His temple”.

According to www.dictionary.com, temple defined is: “an edifice or place dedicated to the service or worship of a deity,” “any place or object in which God dwells, as the body of a Christian.”

In Dannah Gresh’s, “Raising Body-Confident Daughters”, she writes, “My greatest concern is not health for the sake of health. Our bodies are temples of the living God. We should take better care of them so that we can honor and serve the one who lives in us.”

God gave us one body, wisdom says, “choose life” and take care of the body He has given us! (Deuteronomy 30:19)

All we have to do is find a scripture, write it out into a personalized confession, and read it every time we need to read it. His word neverever fails, don’t ever give up on yourself!

(Luke 1:37, Galatians 6:9)

I have a couple of things I’d like to share with you that helps me stay in balance. First, I’ve learned to always be a student of myself. I have learned to “listen” to my body and allow it to teach me what it easily digests and what it has problems digesting. My husband can easily eat pork and white bread until his belly is content.

But for some reason, my body has a hard time digesting pork and white bread so I avoid those things. Likewise, he can enjoy more ice cream than I can. That is my “10%”. I have a very long list, my “90%,” of foods that I enjoy.

(Corinthians 9:27)

1. “Lies Young Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free,” Nancy Leigh DeMoss & Danna Gresh 2. “Raising Body-Confident Daughters, 8 Conversations to have with Your Tween,” Dannah Gresh 3. “Breaking the Cycle of Offense,” Dr. Larry Ollison 4. “The 5 Love Languages,” Gary Chapman

Secondly, if you struggle with over eating, under eating, over exercising or not exercising at all, God wants to help keep His children in balance! He wants to help us! (Jeremiah 33:3)

I would also like to list, four life changing books I enjoy sharing with all the girls in my life:

God loves you! (Psalm 36:5-7) Let’s all rise up and be the daughter He has called us to be! (1 John 3:1, 1 Peter 2:9) “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

by: Dr. Dan L. Corse It was in September of 1978 that I followed Christ’s counsel in John 3:7 and was born again. It occurred when I heard the message of the gospel at a funeral and believed (Rom. 1:16). Soon after, I began attending the denominational church pastored by the minister who had delivered the message. Full of zeal, but lacking scriptural understanding, I hung onto every word that the Pastor spoke. Looking back, those days proved to be a great learning experience. Be that as it may, after moving to another part of the state in 1979, I soon discovered that there were some things that God would have me unlearn related to my early denominational experiences.

One of the things I needed to unlearn related to women and ministry.

My denomination had taught me that God only used men in ministry. However, the Holy Spirit revealed to me the error of this view upon my engaging in personal Bible study and no longer merely embracing the views espoused by my denomination. Looking at Old Testament, I saw that God used Deborah as both a prophetess and a Judge (Jdg. 4:4). Huldah was also a prophetess, as was Isaiah’s wife (2 Chr. 34:22; Isa. 8:3). Looking at the New Testament, I saw that Anna was a prophetess (Luke 2:36). Philip had four daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:9), just as Peter

said daughters would do when elaborating on Joel’s prophesy in Acts 2:17.

Phoebe was addressed as a “servant of the church in Cenchrea” (Romans 16:1, NKJ); the word transliterated servant is diakonos, which Thayer’s

Greek Lexicon tells us is a “deaconess.” Priscilla, with her husband, Aquila, taught or “explained’ to Apollos, a minister, “the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26, NKJ). This couple also shared the responsibility for “the church that met in their house” (1 Cor. 16:19, NKJ).

Clearly, much of what my denomination had taught me related to women and ministry was unscriptural.

It smacked of what Jesus called the traditions of men that make “the word of God of no effect” (Mark 7:13, NKJ). Yet, though my studies revealed that much of what I had been taught related to women and ministry was inaccurate, that being so did not lead me to reject the importance of submitting to God-called and equipped ministers (Eph. 4:11; 1 Cor. 12:28), as some erroneously do. What it did was accentuate our responsibility to engage in personal Bible study. We should do so in a manner like the Bereans, who “received the word spoken”

by Paul, “with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether”

the things spoken were so (Acts 17:11, NKJ). Like the Bereans, each of us has an obligation to determine if the things we have been taught are scripturally accurate or not. But there is more.

3.

The “more” of biblical study involves how we determine those beliefs that we will embrace and espouse as true and those that we will reject as false.

Such a determination underscores the need for biblical “Rules of Study.”

What follows is a compilation of “Rules” that will enhance our studies:

4.

5.

1. The Rule of Dependence on the Holy Spirit – We must rely on the Holy Spirit’s illumination as we seek to determine the intended meaning of God’s word (John 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:9-11). The Holy Spirit will unveil Scripture to us in a manner consistent with other interpretations He has given us. He never contradicts Himself.

2. The Rule of Definition – Studies of Scripture begin with a study of words.

We must correctly define words

6.

and interpret Scripture within the parameters of those definitions. To correctly define words, the use of Hebrew/English or Greek/English lexicons can prove invaluable.

The Rule of Context – Biblical meaning must be gathered from the context. That means every word must be understood respective to the words that come before and after it.

The Rule of Historical Background – Having an awareness of the culture in which Scripture was written is imperative.

The Rule of Precedent – Violating the known usage of words or inventing other meanings for those words is an unacceptable practice in biblical study.

The Rule of Usage – The Old Testament was written by, to, and for Jews; the New Testament was written during a time when Greco-Roman culture was ascendant (and to a lesser extent Jewish culture). Scripture must be considered while recognizing these

cultural realities. Thus, we must never allow our cultural preconceptions related to the modern usage of words to sully the waters of accurate biblical interpretation.

7. The Rule of Historical Background – To enhance our understanding of Scripture, we must have an awareness of the times in which it was written.

8. The Rule of Logic – Biblical interpretations must make sense, which includes applying the logical laws of language and grammatical analysis.

9. The Rule of Unity – Our interpretations must be consistent with the rest of Scripture.

10.The Rule of Inference – Inference involves the implication of facts and conclusions based on other known facts.

Conclusions contrary to known facts in Scripture will result in inaccurate biblical interpretation.

Using these 10 Rules will empower us to accurately engage in biblical study.

They will not, nor should they, relieve us of the obligation to submit to Godcalled and equipped ministers. Nor do they

mollify our responsibility to consistently assemble with other believers as members of local bodies (Heb. 10:2425). What utilizing these Rules will do is commission us to determine where we are embracing inaccurate scriptural interpretations and reject them. Doing so will also quality us to no longer be led astray by inaccurate teachings, wherever such instructions find their origin. Finally, doing so will equip us to “promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching” (Tit. 2:1, NLT), which should be an overarching goal for all of our biblical study.

by: Dave Kachele Catchy, huh? An article encouraging you to make a New Year’s resolution – how creative! But give a guy a break! I know you’ve got your list!

1.

Gotta lose that 10#’s by February 1st

2.

Not forget to feed my dog/cat/hamster/ …

3.

(Husbands) Help with the housework without complaining

4. (Wives) Not to kill my husband if he doesn’t chip in with housework without complaining 5. Spend no more than 5 hours a day playing games on my computer, tablet, or phone 6.

Go to bed no later than 9 every Sunday through Thursday night

7.

Have devotional time first thing every morning

8.

Go to church every Sunday (You’re the Pastor! You have to go!)

9.

Get along better with my cranky neighbor

10. Other ______________________________________________________________________________ So, what would a guy with a ministry called Win and Grow suggest? You guessed it!

Win and Grow a Disciple in 2017!

Seriously, I’ll bet that some of you have that one on your list. Others are saying, “oh yeah, good idea.” But many of you don’t want to go there for a myriad of reasons: o I’m an introvert. o I don’t know what to say to someone about how to know the Lord. o I don’t know where to look in the Bible to explain the Gospel. o I’m afraid of being rejected or made fun of.

o I’d say something wrong and chase a person away from God. o I’m better at showing God’s love that talking. o I think showing God’s love is better than talking. o Other …

But you know a stack of scripture telling you to share the Gospel by showing it and by using words. Every song you hear on Christian radio is about letting your light shine. Your pastor preaches on it. You get Facebook ads every day showing some new resource to help you share the Gospel. So, how do you overcome your reluctance? Could you win and grow a disciple? Yes, you can! Isn’t part of the Great Commission a promise from Jesus that He’d be with us always?

I wrote a 50-day devotional for Christians with a healthy fear of sharing the Gospel. It was written to guide you into a place of confidence and peace to witness when the Holy Spirit prompts you. Here’s a little summary: RELAX. Be natural. Be relational. Be real. Abide in Jesus and BE oBEdient.

Love – Pray – Love – Pray – Love … Remember that the Holy Spirit is always drawing people.

Remember that your loving service will open doors for you to share with words.

Pray, look for, and learn to know when “God moments” happen with your Circles of Influence.

Be ready to tell your own Jesus story in just a few minutes. No one can refute your own story.

Learn the “Four Spiritual Laws:” LOVE; SEPARATION; REMEDY; RESPONSE. “Make It Happen” so that you are ready for “Let It Happen” opportunities.

Work with and within your Christian community.

Be ready to disciple a new believer. It’s about just being a good friend.

Our Lord hasn’t returned yet in 2016. Perhaps He will in 2017.

I _______________________________________________, Do Hereby Resolve … to take someone with me.

Dave Kachele, Founder Win and Grow Ministries Author: THE RELUCTANT EVANGELIST website: http://www.WinandGrow.com winngrow@gmail.com

I Peter 3:15

by: Bishop Frank Dupree

At the time of Jesus’ birth the world was a very much like it is today…

The Jews were dispersed throughout the world and were as varied as the Christian Church is today.

Hedonists.

They were irreligious and self-centered.

There were Metropolitan Centers in the Major Cities of the Roman Empire where the Jews were sophisticated, wealthy and influential. Not very religious, yet still different from the rest of society in certain ways. And, they looked down on the “simple, country folk”.

The Religious Jews were just that… Ritualistic, regulated by rules and Religious. They were not necessarily people of Faith… their trust was in who they were: The Chosen People; not in Who He Was and their personal relationship to Him. This was the Religious Class… The Scribes and Pharisees; the Elite who deemed themselves

The Gentiles were absolutely

They also looked down on the poor, simple minded country folk; especially those who “religious Jews”.

“Better than the rabble of the uneducated masses”. They also looked down their noses at the working class of country folk and hated the Gentiles!

These felt “Superior” to everyone; even the wealthy class because they were the “Legalistic” ones who followed the Law and all of the additional commandments of their Leaders.

Then there were the Jews who were the Believers… They might not have had the money or the education of the City Jews and the Scribes and

Pharisees but they also did not have their arrogance!

They didn’t trust in trying to keep the Laws and all its prescriptions because they knew that was impossible and they were realistic. These believers simply trusted in the God of Abraham, the Father of Faith, who himself was not perfect but loved God with all his heart. Isaac who wasn’t self-righteous but just knew that God loved Him and he trusted in Him.

God was speaking in a new way… He was “doing a New Thing”.

Jacob the deceiver who had a change of heart because God touched him. He knew that God didn’t demand rule following but complete trust.

When John the Baptist’s birth was announced, it was done in the splendor of the Temple between the Golden Candlestick and the Golden Altar of Incense. The reason was it was the last time that God would come to the Temple… He was about to change everything about how He dealt with mankind.

Gabriel, “The Might of God” came and appeared to Shepherds in the fields that night. He did not appear to a Priest in the Temple like he did with the announcement of John the Baptist’s birth. No, he came to the “Tower of the Flock”. A place where only sheep destined to become sacrificial lambs in Jerusalem were raised by Shepherds who were no ordinary common ones but those who knew that their task caring for these special sheep had to be done as “Unto the Lord” and not unto man. And after he announced the Birth of the Savior the skies were filled with the Heavenly Host who declared: “Glory to God in the Highest and Peace on Earth to men of Good will.”

In contrast, Jesus’ birth announcement was made in the humble quarters of a lowly home in the poor countryside of Nazareth. The place that was the most deplorable to the Wealthy and Religious Jews…

And, when Jesus was born it was not in the Holy City of Jerusalem close to the Temple and the Sanhedrin.

No, he was born in the “City of David”. Bethlehem, the “House of Bread”. The Bread of Life had come down from heaven unbeknownst to the Elite, the Wealthy and the Religious!

God spoke to them…

God was about to do His “New Thing”!

God is getting ready to speak to us today…

Today, just as back then, there are the Big City Churches who aren’t religious. They don’t care so much about God’s will…

They care more about the way the world looks at them. They fit right into the NonBelievers Society never causing a stir among them because they don’t preach the Gospel of the Kingdom…

They have a “Progressive Gospel” which is no Gospel at all. They would look down at us just as their counterparts back in Jesus’ time looked down at others.

And, today, just as back then, there are the Ultra-Religious, Holier than Thou Churches…

Those that have Christianity boiled down to rules and regulations. They are not always the biggest and the wealthiest but they claim to be better educated and they know and practice the Bible in their Legalistic ways.

No, God is going to move on Living Water Church and others like us!

He is going to reveal His Word, His Revelations to the

“simple, country folk” who are the humble one who know that they are the Shepherds of God’s Flock. The sheep that are precious to Him because they are willing to lay their lives down for Him and be, like Jesus, led to the slaughter without complaints. These are true descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob…

Trusting God with their BornAgain hearts!

God is coming to those who don’t trust in the size of their Church or how wealthy it is…

He’s going to speak to us…

Jesus came to a world in darkness… He was the “Light of the World” … Now we, as

His followers are “the Light of the World”. Please listen to what He wants to say to us now…

His Voice will speak to us and He will Govern us, Guide us, Ground us, Guard us and Gather others to Himself through the Apostolic Team of Fivefold Ministers here.

We will grow from being “The Children of God” to “The Sons of God”…

He will place in our hearts a love for the lost so that we reach out to them and bring them to Christ.

He’s going to Move Among Us!

His Glory will be revealed as we do and all flesh will see it!

He is going to bring true Revival here that will draw all men unto Him. You may offend some with your faith but even they will say of us: “Behold how they love one another”.

So, get ready… We are about to become “A Shining City on a Hill” like Bethlehem; the City of David, the House of Bread.

Are you ready?

“Oh come all ye faithful.

Joyful and Triumphant” Merry Christmas Everyone!

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (John 15:7-8) One thing the Lord expects from every follower of His (a baby Christian, a young Christian and a matured Christian) is for that person to be fruitful. For a Christian to be fruitful he needs ultimate faith in the love of God (the Word of God).

Faith is the truth and the truth is light. When we ultimately believe in the Word of the Lord, we are like mountain Zion which cannot be shaken. Faith is power, just as Love is power. But sometimes we do not

honestly love the Lord as we ought to, without understanding that it is He who loved us first and gave Himself for us. As we believe in Him we are said to love Him but that is a borrowed Love because He is love Himself.

Every disciple is fruitful in the sense that he has believed in the Lord and his faith has granted him some understanding of the Word of God. Just as the scripture says, faith cometh by hearing and hearing through the Word of God. In Matthew 4, when the Lord was tempted by the devil to change the stone into bread, the Lord did not waste His time to argue with the devil over that. But instead, He gave him the

word, “A man shall not ‘live’ by bread alone but by ‘every’ word that precedeth forth out of the mouth of God.” A baby Christian shall not live by bread alone, but by ‘every’ Word that comes out of the mouth of God. A young and a matured Christian shall live by every word that comes out of the mouth of God. A person can be gifted in many areas and may be

blessed with a lot of divine revelations from heaven, but that does not guarantee that he is a mature Christian.

What guarantees that a person is a mature Christian is when he exercises his senses to discern between good and evil. To be able to discern both good and evil, and light and darkness itself, salvation must come and that means, you shall ‘know the truth’ and the truth shall set you free. The truth is your ultimate faith in the Word of God. Not partial faith, but ultimate faith because ‘all scripture is given by the inspiration of God…’ The Lord Jesus came be glorified yet, not to destroy the Old Testament law and Prophets.

When we go to school and sit for exams, we are given both question and answer booklets. The Old Testament is just like a question booklet which no man was not able to solve by any act of righteousness. The New Testament is as an answer booklet which God has solved by Himself through the righteousness of Christ Jesus. Without the question booklet, what meaning will the answer booklet be for

anyone? Or, without letting man know about the origin of the world, the origin of man, the origin of sin or the law and its consequences on the human-race, how would the gospel be of benefit to him?

Although a solved question is a solved question, yet since we want both the questions and answers to be of benefit to the one who reads through it, the one who wrote it must decode in a way and manner or language which can be easily read and understood by the one who uses it. It also teaches that the only way God has provided as a means for understanding His questions and answers, is so that a person will benefit by receiving the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ and simply trusting in the Gospel that tells us how Christ died for our sins according to the scripture. (1Cor 15:1-4).

The New Testament reveals plainly that the Old Testament has a veil on it and that veil has been ridiculed away through the Spirit of Christ Jesus. That is why we should turn to Him by ultimate and constant faith in His Word, because the word

is His love story for humanity.

And as we believe in His Word, we receive in our heart His love, or His Spirit.

His Spirit is His Word and His Word is life, just as turning to the Lord is the same as abiding in Christ. We can turn to the Lord with all purpose, means we can love Him and love our neighbor (2 Cor. 3:13-18). Without His Spirit or His love, or His union in our hearts, we cannot please Him because that is the word of faith that we had all received from the beginning.

With His life (Word & Spirit) inside us we cannot be unfruitful. (John 15:1-2, 7-8 and Acts 1:8).

All we need is to believe in the Word of God. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing which is by the Word of God. The same way it was appointed for men to die once and after that the judgment, and in that same way Christ came to give His life once, for all humanity by taking away the burden of sin and placing it upon Himself.

He did this so that instead of judgment after death, we might have life. This comes

through obedience to the Spirit of God after believing and having received His life in our hearts. Therefore, we live each day unto the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ after we believed in this Good News (Hebrews 9:27-28).

A baby Christian needs only a portion of the Word to survive, which is the milk of the Word. If a baby Christian

is given every scripture, it would be of no benefit to him. It will harm him because it is too much at the start. A baby Christian cannot be as fruitful in the Word, the same as a mature Christian.

When Jesus told Peter, Simon do you love me? Peter replied, Yes, I love you Lord.

That is the kind of love for baby Christians and that is why the Lord’s first reply

God richly bless you in Jesus name.

Happy New Year.

Ernest Nelson Kweku Nanor Family of Glory prayer and Evangelical Outreach Administrator – Youth for Christ

was, feed my lamb. But later He said, feed my sheep. Feed my sheep is what John also wrote to little children, Young Men and fathers.

Young men and fathers are ‘men’ already and as the scripture says, ‘A man shall not live by bread alone;’ thus, baby Christians only feed on the carnal aspect of the Word. It is the Word they can comprehend.

by: Rev. Leon Gosiewski ‘We are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life’ (Romans 6: 4) As we enter a New Year, we do so with increased signs, prophecies and spiritual promptings pointing to the soon return of Jesus. The message is clear; we must all be able to say, ‘I am ready’.

And so we each need to take this opportunity to look afresh at our Christian lifestyle, and check that we are living, as the wise maidens did, in perpetual readiness.

Talking of wisdom, lets take a closer look at Matthew 25: 10, ‘the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in’. It is important to grasp that it was the ready maidens who entered the feast, and the door locked behind them. Whilst, when the foolish, and unready maidens finally knocked on door, the bridegroom said, ‘I do not know you’. This is not a lesson we need to learn after the door has closed! We must know our Lord, and have a relationship with Him that obediently responds to His words.

It is now, today, that we need to take a hard and honest look at the lifestyle we are living, and face the truth that there is a spiritual urgency made more poignant, because it is a sad fact that many believers are falling short of experiencing the vitality, health, peace and power of God in their lives. Instead, to one degree or another, most are unwisely backsliding and even falling by the wayside, whilst others are struggling in the sticky web of sin, procrastination, apathy, and the cares of the world, choking and weighing them down like a millstone around their neck.

In short, there is a disconnection between what the Bible says, and what most of us are actually experiencing and living. The question is, why? And what can we do about it?

At the center of answering these questions is our attitude of heart toward God. Just as nothing that is great comes without effort, so we have to willingly turn our thoughts and hearts toward facing some challenging truths.

Jesus made this very simple and telling statement, ‘Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?’ (see John 6: 46). It may seem harsh, but John takes this question further and says, ‘He who says ‘I know him’ but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him’ (see 1 John 2: 4). The truth spoken of here is the truth of our changed life, our relationship with Jesus, and our total lifestyle pledge toward Him. Are these a positive fact, or is there a negative reality about them?

As we read Paul’s words to the Roman church, and in particularly those found in Chapter 5: 12 – 6: 23, we discover that living a true Christian believer’s life requires change; and if we want to change, we must die to self. We must lose our identity and take on the divine identity of Jesus so that it is no more ‘I’, but Jesus who lives in me (see Galatians 2: 20).

What all of this boils down to is an honest question of our heart’s real desire, ‘how badly do we want it? How badly do we want Jesus?’ It is not enough to come to Jesus, and honor Him with our words whilst our uncommitted backsliding heart is disobedient and sinful (see Matthew 15: 7 & Jeremiah 7: 23, 24).

Paul aptly describes the true Christian lifestyle as a walk (see Romans 6: 4). The significance of walking implies taking action and moving forward. Spiritually, this is important because walking forward in the Christian life is about leaving the past, separating ourselves from sin, and walking toward, and maturing in God. There is a saying that says something like this: ‘if you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got’. If we are going to change, we need to change.

One of, if not the main problem Christian believers face in their lives, is the fact that sin is either not fully, or in most instances, not dealt with at all from the key moment of turning to God. The result is that our old nature never completely changes.

The Gospel message is about truth, integrity, kingdom souls and disciples. It is about lives changed from sin-bound to holy freedom.

For far too long we have been deceptively fooled into believing that repentance is simply turning from a sin, or a set of sins whilst keeping our old selfish lives and ego. That is like trying to live Christianity like magnetic poles that repulse one another.

As we can see from the repulsing diagram illustration, there is absolutely no harmony between sin, worldliness and holding on to our old lives, and holiness, heavenly union and a new and heart yielded life to God. Repentance is not just about turning from a sin or sins; it is about dealing with these, and putting them to death on the cross of Calvary, and the blood covering of Jesus so that they do not come back. It is about returning to God. It is about death to self, and literally dedicating our lives to God, and becoming His righteous and holy servants.

The church has not stood firmly against the continuance of our old selfish, worldly and sinful thinking and behavior. It has not stood against trying to foster a holy relationship with God, whilst sin continues to flourish. The two are in opposition to one another, and left unchallenged and unchanged, the door of opportunity for satan to attack remains wide open. As a result, the process of spiritually growing and maturing is stunted and, for most believers, tragically thwarted.

Sin in our lives separates us from God. It stops the Holy Spirit from working in and through us, and it causes spiritual blindness and deafness. None of us can move forward, and into Kingdom of Heaven light whilst sin is lurking unchallenged.

If we cannot sense, even the slightest presence of evil, and anguish, to the point of tears over our sin and sinfulness, we are desensitized to it, and its slave. We are unable to judge and discern spirits, and we may even come to accept levels of sin in our lives, thereby leaving a free entry point of control over us to satan.

This has become the fate of countless numbers, and instead of walking; many have stopped, and become comatose, or backsliding and falling away.

The sin cycle must urgently be broken. We must break the easy access of satan into our lives through sins that bind us, and prevent us from walking in holiness and power.

Sin, worldliness or carnal living can never be acceptable, or given room in our lives. We must come humbly before God, with a broken and contrite spirit and yielded dedication of our lives.

Without these, we can never be over comers; we will continue to try to serve two masters, and sin will hold us back.

We must come to God with a depth of repentance that seeks nothing less than purity through the blood of Jesus. The old person that we were, along with its sin, must firmly be nailed to the cross of Calvary, and burnt as a living sacrifice in the refining fire of the Spirit.

We must speak out the words, and declare that we will allow nothing but God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit our permission or right to enter our minds, heart, body or spirit.

We must command, in the name of Jesus, any residue of satan’s influence in our minds, hearts and bodies to leave, and every thought given captive to Jesus.

As you dedicate yourself unreservedly to God, 2017 will be a year of readiness, vitality, peace and power because God will be your God in whom nothing is impossible.

by: Tom Tompkins, Jr. Part 1 – Who Do You Need To Become?

Personally, I have been in business for nearly 24 years.

During these years, I have learned a lot about how business works and how the way people operate determines how business works, flows and functions.

What I will discuss in this article and future articles is applicable to those in the marketplace as well as those in ministry.

As odd as it may sound, before going into business or ministry, you need to answer an important question. In fact, this question should lead to

asking additional questions.

The question you need to ask yourself before going into business is: “Who do I need to become and what do I need to do differently in order to succeed in business (or ministry)?”

Keep in mind, who you are today does not have to stop you from moving toward success in any venture. In many cases, it is not initially as much about who you need to become as what you need to learn about who you are already are. As a born-again believer, you are righteous, blameless and upright (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). You

are a son or daughter of God and a joint heir with Christ.

Removing condemnation and a misunderstanding of your true identity in Christ removes a large road block to success.

Knowing who you are in Christ will bring confidence that is simply impossible to obtain otherwise. This is

where the rubber meets the road when it comes to moving forward in business. Often, those who wish to go into business do so with a mindset that is based on poverty, lack of vision and hope. This is why I say it is important to discover who you need to become compared to who you currently are. What needs to be done differently in order to walk on a path you want to walk on?

Additionally, it is as simple as getting into the habit of regularly doing some type of exercise. Let’s face it, being out of shape makes it difficult to function. Learning about money, how it works and what it can and cannot do is also important. What I am basically talking about is increasing your financial IQ. What do you need to learn about today that you did not know yesterday?

For some, the process of becoming who you need to be may involve changing how you see yourself. This not only begins with knowing who you are in Christ, but also knowing what others have told you in the past may not be what you should believe. Personally, I have dealt with those who have previously attempted to do what I am currently doing.

They did not succeed, which in their mind means I also cannot succeed. However, when I meditate on the words of Ephesians 3:20, knowing that God can do far more than I could ever ask or expect based on His power working in me, I clearly see that I am capable of success, not because of who I am in myself, but who I am in Christ.

The average person does not understand money.

For instance, how quickly could you tell me about the difference between an asset and a liability? In case you do not know the answer, please allow me to give a quick lesson.

An asset is anything that puts money into your pocket.

A liability is anything that takes money out of your pocket.

This information along with much more is what many have never learned. Such information is not taught in school. Those who know about and understand money, business and investing learned such things while

growing up. They learned from their parents. Yes, there are rare exceptions to this rule, but for the majority, what I have described holds true, including myself.

Personally, I did not begin learning about money, investing and the difference between assets and liabilities until the year 2007. I spent most of my life not understanding money which had a negative effect during my first couple of business ventures. I learned by reading books, watching and reading biographies of those who understand money and attending seminars.

Eventually, I attended a business school in the state of Colorado where I learned more in nine months than I could have possibly learned during a lifetime of, “seat of the pants� experiences. This is an ongoing process and only part of the equation, but it is vital.

In some cases, becoming who you need to be may mean making significant changes in how you use your time.

Today, in the information age, there are more distractions readily available than ever before. Speaking from experience, it is easy to find videos on YouTube and

other video streaming sites that have to do with my personal interests such as cooking or drag racing. I have spent many hours watching such videos, but one day God spoke to me and made something very clear.

For me, I have no desire to have a job and work as an employee. I know this is not for everyone but for me, I do not desire the limitations and struggles that employment brings. One day, God spoke something to me concerning

the time I was consuming by watching cooking and drag racing videos. He said, “Tom, if you want to spend your time watching videos that do not increase your education and aid you in moving forward in what I have for you, you can simply get a job and become an employee.�

What God was saying is that the way an employee thinks and lives is radically different from the way an entrepreneur thinks and lives. Don’t misunderstand what I am saying, there is nothing

wrong with watching cooking or drag racing videos, but it is important to keep such things to a minimum as it is important to focus on what needs to be learned to move forward in business or ministry.

When all is said and done, my advice to you is this: ask God what you need to do differently before going into business. Allow Him to give you the answer and move forward from there.

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38) Today the biggest challenging issue in the Church is Obedience. Many people hear the Word for several years, but still the question with them is whether they have received or not. We can understand any believer that he will follow and stand with the Word if he really receives. Obedience gives us the results in the Christian lives, yet obedience is based on what a person believes.

2016 years ago, Jesus was born in this world through the obedience of a virgin woman, to words from God. Mary was told by God’s angel about Jesus’ birth through His Word manifesting in her body. Mary do not know how it would be, but God knew His way of performing His plans and purposes in a human life. The angel said it shall be done with the Power of the Holy Spirit. Yes, it is true. But there also is another reason, which is that it shall be unto her if she says “YES” to God’s will, and His Word. And Mary did say “Yes.” Amen!

Let us compare our Christian lives today to the life of Mary, the young virgin girl in those days. She had the responsibility to answer for her parents, brothers and sisters, friends and relatives, to her husband, and to the LAW. That is why she was afraid. But she said “Yes” to God’s Word when she was encouraged by His angel. In order to say that she was obedient to God’s Plan, Purposes, Promises and the Prophecies, she had to face many challenges ahead in her life.

The Christian walk should include obedience. I would like to give you some other examples or points to help encourage you.

1. Mary was obedient to God’s Word, Plan, Purpose, Will, Presence, Power, and His Spirit. (Luke 1:26–38)

2. Joseph, her husband was obedient to God when he received a dream from God. (Matthew 1:20–25) 3. The Maggie or Wiseman, followed the Revelation of God’s Star, His Light, and His Miracle in the Universe. (Matthew 2:2) 4. The Shepherds followed His leading and leadership as they left all their flocks as they came to Jesus.

Obedience means, willing to face any secular, social, political, family, personal problems while standing with Jesus, the Word of God. Luke 1:37 says, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” That is why Mary believed in

God’s words and received them. This is called the total admission and expression of her will to the Son of God to come through her flesh and to save the entire World. He is born to save this World, which means you, me and everyone in this World. Salvation comes by the obedience to God’s Word. Eventually, obedience to the Word of God produces the Life and Light of Jesus in any person. The Christian walk should move with the obedience.

Let us be obedient to His Will, Calling, Vision, Dreams, Revelation, Grace, Truth, Life, Light, Holy Spirit, and to His Power. This brings you a very peaceful and gracious New Year 2017.

“Happy New Year!”

Pastor Kumar Raju Komannapalli

If you are not a Christian , and would like to be, all you have to do is repent of your sins and invite Jesus into your heart.

Say the prayer below, and mean it from your heart. If you decide to make Jesus Lord of your life, we would LOVE to hear from you.

Please go to: https://www.facebook.com/faithunlimitedemagazine and leave us a note. God Bless you for this life changing decision!

Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I thank you for dying on the cross for me. I confess with my mouth. I believe in my heart that you are the Son of God. I believe you are the Lord and that God raised you from the dead. Please, forgive me of my sins. Wash my heart clean. Come live in my life. Be the Lord of my life. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Teach me to walk with you and live for you the rest of my life.

Thank you for saving me and for giving me the gift of eternal life in Heaven with you. Amen.

TOMORROW IS The First Blank Page of a 365-Page Book.

WRITE A GOOD ONE! Brad Paisley