1 faith unlimited october, 2017 a 2

October 2017 – Published by World Bible School International Training Center

Wiltshire, England Rolla, Missouri

There is a Stonehenge Statue in front of the Missouri S&T University, Rolla, MO. There are many theories as to the reason the original Stonehenge was built. I have heard from someone, but could not find it anywhere in history, that it means a connection of people. For instance, if two people know a 3rd person, but do not know each other, there is still a connection.

This reminded me of how I met our Featured Writer/Artist for this month’s issue, Wendell Phillips Phil Berwick. He and I both knew someone in an International country, but did not know each other. That person mentioned him to me, so I contacted Phil. Since that time, I have so much enjoyed watching his timeline and his art. Then, I contacted him and ask him if he would be interested in being a part of our magazine along with Merferd. You can read Phil’s story about Merferd, I won’t go into that, but Merferd’s job is to go around and show love to many people. I thought it was awesome that he was in the middle of the riots in Ferguson, MO just showing love to many people. Phil recently helped a man collect tools for the earthquake in Mexico, and Merferd showed up!

I love something that has a purpose and a reason. And Merferd has both.

He shows Father God’s love to whoever he meets, through his creator, Phil.

If you would like to see a documentary about Phil, there is one coming up called, "The Man Behind the Merferds" by filmatographer, Josh Herum. It will premiere at New City Fellowship - 3502 Grace Ave St Louis on November 10 at 7:00 pm.

You can find Ticket info is at: www.Merferd.com I pray you will enjoy this issue of Faith Unlimited Magazine. Remember, you can get your very own copy at: http://amzn.to/2xMkZOV Please free to share our magazine with your family and friends. Go and take someone with you to meet Phil. Please tell him you saw this advertisement in Faith Unlimited Magazine, and say hello to him for Faye if I do not make it!

Faye Hanshew Published and Editor

Publisher & Editor Faye Hanshew

Articles

Merferd and Me His Love Conquers Fear Jesus, The Servant of Servants May the Love of Christ Compel Us Ain’t That Tough Enough?

LOVE – Our Highest Goal The Labor of Love Opens Doors for Words of Love In the Midnight Hour The Borrowed Bucket Knit One – Purl Two Catch Me if You Can!

TEEN SECTION Loving People Even When It’s Hard INTERNATIONAL SECTION Nutritional and Fitness - Exercise The Labor of Love

Co-Publisher & Co-editor Dr. Bill Hanshew

Wendell Phillips Phil Berwick Dr. Bill Hanshew Pastor Bill Hackworth Dr. Dan L. Corse Matthew Deves Genice Fulton Dave Kachele Pastor Jo Bruns Richard Rundell Krissy Webb Speaker/Author Larry Thompson

Mikea Fulton

Dewanshu Ahlawat Ernest Nelson K. Nanor

This rendition is different than all the painted and wooden ones that Faye chose to use for my story. THIS is how Merferd was drawn since his inception 44 years ago, until recent years when I began to add color.

Ink, pencil, lots of chicken scratches, scribbles, and cross hatch shading. Kind of like much of our life. Our lives don't always HAVE to be colorful, just as long as they are DRAWN from above.

Keep your eyes open when you drive through St. Louis, MO! You just might see Merferd lurking around any corner!

The Sun, The Moon, And Merferd!

Wendell Phillips Phil Berwick Picture by: Trenton Harris

It was a winter’s evening at the Pallet yard. My friend, Pastor Paul Gonella was still trying to get his homeless employees into warm apartments. I was bringing wood and making Merferds.

The sky was clear, not too cold, and Jay Jay and I were by the fire. She had the sweetest countenance and the hardest work ethic. She slammed a hammer down day in and day out, tearing apart old discarded pallets, pulling nails, ripping apart and rebuilding, alongside the men. Wood wasn’t the only thing being recycled at the yard.

Seventeen years earlier, I’d come to Paul’s father’s house to climb and trim his tree. He greeted me with “My son is overdosing on my floor.” I walked inside and straddled on top of the sprawled mass of heroin addict convulsing and sweating at the gates of hell on his father's floor. Something was taking my open hand and slapping his chest over and over as I prayed for deliverance, prophesying that God

would use him to break the demons of addiction over the city. He sat straight up, eyes bulging at me, and slammed back down. That was the year 2000. It was now 2016.

“PHIL BERWICK! The voice said as I answered the phone. THIS IS PAUL GONELLA. I WANT A MERFERD ON MY HOMELESS MINISTRY WALL!

Jay Jay is special to Paul, one of many least of these, that he has delivered

with a stack of paper and fists full of pencils. This was better than school because dad was giving us a free slate to create. In 1969, Merferd came into being. In 1972, I named him.

He’s been drawn thousands of times, doodled beyond reason on school, college, seminary, and business paperwork.

into the hands of Jesus while still alive.

He’s delivered 55 dead. But God has made good on His word seventeen years earlier. Pastor Paul is now a pastor, mentor, and father, loved by hundreds of the city’s homeless.

As the fire crackled below and stars crackled above, Jay Jay, craned her neck up and to the side; "You know… I aways wondered if Merferd was….

Jesus.” I leaned in toward her and in a secretive voice answered, “Just between you and me, Jay Jay… He just might be.”

It occurs to me as I write; Merferd has become a minister to the city. Though media and Satan have stigmatized St Louis, people are thirsting for hope and love. I hesitate at the word 'icon' of the city, what others have described Merferd as. I’ll go with ‘a brand of brotherly love.’

He dates back to a day when as a young boy, our dad brought my younger brother and me two school desks along

When my wife Theresa (Tree) and I would take a date, I left Merferd inked on a clean napkin with a prophetic or encouraging word from Tree, with the tip tucked in. Every checkout person at every drive up has gotten one as soon as she has slid open her window to hand me change. And every guy who’s handed me the burger at the next window has gotten one too. All my bank tellers, the man who towed me home today, they have one. I especially enjoy inking him in thick black marker on the empty boxes at Aldi’s stores, slipping behind an aisle to see people’s expressions when they’ve

been ‘MERFED.’ It was during the Ferguson, Dellwood, Jennings and south Grand riots when windows were broken and boarded, that l took Merferd to the streets. From Thanksgiving Day 2014, and for several weeks it became known as “Painting for Peace," a phenomenon that had never

happened on earth before. Media across the country and the world covered very little of the spontaneous Paint for Peace movement. Over 300 artists of all colors were painting all colors on the boardedup riot busted businesses. Themes of peace, forgiveness, hope and brotherly love do not drive viewer ratings and make big profits like the reporting of conflict does.

because I had painted over their tags. But it backfired. The RFT did a follow-up story about the buffing of the Merferds, and that generated even more fans. I began making two-dimensional tree climbing Merferds in places the haters couldn't get to.

I also incorporated a game called, "Where on Earth is Merf." I would give a riddle and a rhyme, and winners got a drawing.

When there was no more plywood to paint, I left Ferguson, into forlorn places in the hoods of St Louis to paint. All I ever heard about was, "Man, thanks for coming and doing that," and "THAT'S TIGHT Bro!" I ventured into South city facing down a huge white gang tag, the 'Low Downs', or LDs. It was giving off bad vibes and too close to one of my daughter's house. I incorporated some of the lineages of the gang tag into a huge Merferd with arms out saying, “Love Your Brother as Yourself” (Jesus). I covered a vulgar symbol at Grand and Miami with a large Merferd saying “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Something like a movement began, and Merferd went viral in St Louis. People had been growing weary of the non-descript, property defacing graffiti and gang tags. Now out of nowhere a character with a face and head full of hair was emanating some love in the land of the living....and dying.

MoDot (Missouri Department of Transportation has now taken Merferds down from the trees along their right-ofways. But this has opened up dialogue about possibly releasing boring areas of empty space to art. Besides, many of them are fans.

It was the early May 2016 cover story of the River Front Times that catapulted Merferd and me onto center stage of the city. It was titled “The Man behind the Merferds” by Thomas Crone.

Within a week of the story's release, a slew of Merferds were obliterated by the Low Downs and a few other taggers,

Merferd’s message of hope, love, and joy, interestingly, didn’t spark the suburbia Christian community. He wasn't embraced there as I had assumed.

His core of fans are a mix of low and middle, a handful of upper, income folks with tattoos up and down their bodies, the homeless, the addict, the recovering addict, atheists, anarchists, truckers, firemen, cops, strange straights, and gays.

I try not to be political or for Merferd to be political. He and I DID rally at the side of Rev Rice and the New Life Evangelistic Center, to try and stop the city from shutting down the only 24hour homeless shelter. He's flown high along 70 with a banner, "Drop your gun son, kneel down and pray." I’m primarily relying on the Holy Spirit, and the Creator of creators to use him as he chooses.

If nothing else, I desire that Merferd is proof that there is a creator. Without

getting preachy with his fans, I will often say this, as I sketch them out a drawing; "If Merferd has a creator, ME, then we have a Creator as well."

A documentary, "The Man Behind the Merferds" by filmatographer, Josh Herum is premiering at New City Fellowship 3502 Grace Ave St Louis on November 10 at 7:00 pm.

Ticket info is at: www.Merferd.com

Whether hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, or riots, Merferd is lurking around somewhere showing lOVE to all the people! NONE ARE LEFT OUT! He is creating fans all over the world!

HIS LOVE CONQUORS FEAR! 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

In “The Living Bible” it says, “We need have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly; His perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what He might do to us. If we are afraid, it is for fear of what He might do to us, and shows that we are not fully convinced that He really loves us.” Therefore, if perfect love casts out all fear, then why do you fear when God’s love is greater in you?

I think it comes from a lack of understanding that Jesus who lives in you, is the personification of Love. The word “personification” is defined as, the attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form. And that means that Jesus is the person of Love.

Notice that we DO NOT need to have any fear of someone who loves us perfectly. When we fear, it is viewed as some outside source of something that can harm us. Yet many feel like when they fear, it is because God is not taking care of them. Yet, His perfect love toward us

by: Dr. Bill Hanshew

should be the force that removes or eliminates all dread of anything.

Especially of what you might think God would do to you.

Fear generally comes because a person does not understand how much God loves you and has provided for you. When, and if you are afraid, it is because of the fear of what He might do to you, and truly demonstrates that a person is not fully convinced that the God of the universe really loves you. So, how can love conquer any fear in you?

As an example: When the doctor gives you a bad report and in that moment, fear grips your heart, the enemy may tell you, “you are going to die.” This is no more than fear trying to get you to believe that lie, and to get you to not believe that “you are healed by the stripes of Jesus.”

When you are nearing the end of the month and your money is running out, fear may grip your heart, and the enemy may say, “you are not going to make it.” This is no more than the voice of fear telling you to not believe that “your God supplies all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

When someone rejects you, fear may grip your heart, and the enemy may tell you, “you are all alone, and nobody loves you.” This is no more than the enemy trying to convince you to not believe that “you are the accepted in the Beloved.”

Only God can love you perfectly. Human love has fear mixed with it and is based on uncertainties. But, God’s love is perfect and is completely based on the certainty of His Word.

So, if you know God loves you, you need have no dread or fear about anything. And anytime, anyone would ever say to you something which is the opposite of what God says in His Word, do not believe in that report.

Hebrews 13:5-6 says, “For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” If you fear, the Bible says that you are not fully convinced that God loves you. So then, why fear? If you accept His perfect love for you, His love in you can eliminate all fear of any other report which might come to your hearing ear, which opposes the Word of the Living God. You must decide: Whose Report Will You Believe?

Say this; “GOD LOVES ME!” Say it out loud; “GOD LOVES ME!” Look in the mirror and say it again; “GOD LOVE ME!” Come on, say it like you believe it; “GOD LOVES ME!” You see, when the enemy says anything to you, it is a lie. What is a lie? By nature, it is a non– truth. When the enemy gives you a non–truth, it means that he is lying! What is he lying against? He is lying against the Word of God. Do you believe God?

Mark 5:36 says, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”

Luke 8:49-50 says, “49 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.”

50 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.”

It appears that what you believe, has everything to do with what you get. Also, know that fear can interrupt, or interfere with, or hinder what you believe!

Mark 9:23 says, “Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” How many things are possible? All things… Amen?

Psalm 119:89 says, “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.”

Is God’s Word a sure thing? God will not change His mind nor will the Bible be rewritten to fit man’s theology. The Word of God is “FOREVER SETTLED” in heaven.

So, what is Love? Yes, God is love, but also love is Truth. You can believe God’s report today, know and experience His love toward you, and walk away from fear forever! Now, you can have a blessed day in Jesus Name! …Think about it!

Jesus, The Servant of Servants by: Pastor Bill Hackworth

After celebrating Labor Day weekend, we can be ensured that summer is in the rearview mirror and fall is approaching quickly, with its bells and whistles!! Pumpkin spice, cooler weather, football, and the leaves on the trees have begun to change color. Every new season whether in the spirit or in the natural has its pros and cons. The shifting of seasons can be a tough transition, but the excitement of the new season, is always greater than the rough times the transition bring. So here we are, fall is upon us, one season closes as a new one springs forth. Let us be fully aware of what God is doing in the different seasons of our lives.

Labor Day is one of the markers we have to remind us that one season is coming to an end and shortly after we will embark on a new season. Labor Day is an oxymoron, it is titled labor, but we use it for rest. In the natural, we labor for rest, in the spirit, it is not until we learn to rest that we can truly labor. Just like everything in His kingdom operates opposite of this kingdom. The poor are made rich in faith, the weak are made strong, the ones who works the least gets paid as much as the one

who works the most, the prodigals feast with the King. It is a kingdom where the currency is faith.

This kingdoms foundation is love, joy, peace, trust and believing.

This King sits on His throne named Grace, and everything that flows from His throne is undeserved favor.

This King gives His whole kingdom away, declaring everyone that is willing to receive His kingdom, are not servants to it, but are heirs, and sons. Everyone in this Kingdom becomes kings, and we all bow our knee to the King of Kings.

There is something different about this King, everything He builds, He gives away. He is a King that does not demand to be served, but

one that has come to serve those in His kingdom. His rule of law is grace, mercy, and freedom. He takes everything that is wrong about you upon Himself, and gives you everything that is right about Him. He swallows up every false identity that you have believed about yourself, and says, "As I am, so are you in this world." To discover who I truly am, I must discover who He truly is. We know He is holy, we know He is love, we know He is compassionate, and faithful. I could go on and on, there is no words that would fully describe this King, we truly have to get to know Him, to fully understand that He is indescribable. This King does have a name, it is Jesus, which means salvation. He has come to restore, reconcile, set free, heal, and serve.

One of the attributes of this King that I would like to touch on today is, even though He is the King of kings, He is also the Servant of servants. He said, “I didn't come to be served, but to serve." I want to share a scripture with you that the Holy Spirit highlighted to me a few years ago, it is in John 13: 3-5.

John 13:3-5 (NKJV) 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself.5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.

These few verses spoke and speak volumes to me about the person of Jesus. That knowing, everything had been given into His hands, and He knew where He was from and knew where He was going and everything was created by Him and for Him, knowing this, He girded Himself and washed the feet of the disciples.

In the world system, servants wash king’s feet, but this King, washes your feet.

John writes in 1 John 3:2 it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for

we shall see Him as He is. We like to push these verses off into some future realm, but the revelation of Him, is the revelation of us. The more I see Him, the more I discover who I am.

This journey began the second you said, "I do" to His proposal. He is continually revealing Himself to us now, and will continue throughout eternity.

One revelation that has shifted my thinking, is an all-knowing God, created me in His image, to manifest Himself to the world. Many wonder what that looks like, I am here to tell you, it looks exactly like Jesus. How does God flex His muscle? By dying on a cross. How does He respond to being beaten, stripped, and crucified? He shouts out, "Father forgive them!" How does He win our hearts? He influences us, by His goodness. The beauty of Him draws us to the one we were created for.

In turn, how are we going to influence a broken world? Will it be by shouting what we are against, or will it be by revealing what we are for? We are children of God, who have the same power of influence that Jesus did. As I see Jesus the Servant of servants, I identify with Him because I was created in His image.

If I am going to be everything He has called me to be, serving others will flow naturally. I’m not talking about legalism, where your servitude is required. I am saying, serving is the very nature of God, and you being a partaker of His divine nature, will only be complete when you stop rebelling against who you truly are. Paul writes in Ephesians, that you were created for good works. Good works flow as a fruit, from the sons and daughters of God. Church, we can change the world, by loving the hell out of them. The whole world wants a King like Jesus. We have the power to influence, by demonstrating the very heart of God to a world that is searching for something, they just do not know what that something is.

The Father revealed who He is, through His Son. He demonstrated what He meant when He said, “the greatest among you, will be your servant." When we become secure in who we

are in Him, a labor to serve others will be birthed out of our God given identities. Sons motivated by love, will out work those motivated by religious duties. I want to encourage you today, open the door for someone at the convenient store, smile at someone at the grocery store, give generously, buy somebody coffee. The impact it will make on someone else’s life, will never be known, but the impact it will make on you, will be felt immediately. When we live out of our true identities peace, joy, and love are a byproduct.

Grace and peace to you all. God Bless!!

Philippians 2:3-8 (NKJV)

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

May the Love of Christ Compel Us by: Dr. Dan L. Corse

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 – For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge that if One died for all, then all died, and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

As Christians, living for ourselves is an utterly selfish proposition. Doing so will, sooner or later, result in unfulfilled lives. Why is that? It is that way because Christ provided us another example to follow, one that is the antithesis of the self-absorbed life. He lived His life as a servant, providing us a template for our lives.

And what should compel us to live as He lived?

The love of Christ!

Compelled by the love of Christ, what will be the trademarks of our lives? The hallmarks will be a consuming love for God and for others.

What are the specific indicators of such lives? Impelled by the love of Christ, we will do the works that He created us to do.

Though we recognize that He will grant us rewards for those works (1 Cor.

3:14), we will do them, not merely for personal gain or glory, but to bring about good, that which always benefits others.

How, specifically, will such good appear? If one is broken down by the trials of life, our words will provide restoration. If one is beset with infirmities, our faith will seek healing for them. If one has known great rejection, we will greet that one with godly acceptance.

Whatever manner of challenge another faces, the love of Christ will urge us to partner with the Holy Spirit in bringing about the solution to it. And it will do so in a manner that consistently points that one to a godly lifestyle lived not for self, but for God. Too often, the idea of living for God equates to selfish propositions, based on self-centered proposals, which reveal that we are not truly living for God but for self. From this perspective self-serving questions arise: If I give, how much more will God give me in return? How will it benefit me to do good deeds for others? Why should I show mercy to those who should have known better? Where were these people when I needed help?

Ultimately, undergirding these questions is an overarching one, “What’s in it for me?”

Such questions are not indicative of our being compelled by the love of God. For the love of God “does not seek its own” (1 Cor. 13:5).

Seeking our own means the focus, rather than

being on others, is on us. That being so, it is imperative that we recognize if we are playing the part of the self-sacrificing believer rather than the love of Christ really urging us to do so. And, if we recognize that we are involved in a charade, what the Bible refers to as hypocritical behavior, we must immediately seek His forgiveness for it and repent of it.

True repentance is revealed by our embracing a new course of action. Such a route will remove us from hypocrisy and self-serving behaviors where “I” is the deciding factor for every endeavor. Instead, our love for Him will be the determinant.

Upon such a journey, we will not be found among those whose lives are nothing more than a “sounding brass” or a “clanging cymbal” (1 Cor. 13:1). Noisy lives void of the love of Christ will, ultimately, profit nothing, and, based on their hypocrisy, risk the great betrayal of others (1 Cor. 13:3). Rather, motivated by the love of Christ, our lives, will exist as words fitly or rightly spoken, like “apples of God in settings of silver” (Prov.

25:11). Controlled, urged, compelled, and impelled by the love of Christ, our lives will act as a healing balm in the lives of others, that which purposefully brings forth restoration, peace, and, where needed, reconciliation with our loving Father.

(All quotations taken from the New King James Version.)

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Ain’t thAt Tough Enough?

Love was tough but not TO you…Love was tough FOR you. by: Matthew Deves The Fabulous Thunderbirds tried to tell you, but you didn’t listen. Ain’t that Tuff Enough?

Is taking upon Himself the weight of the sin of the world tough enough? John knew that Jesus was tough enough when he declared, “…Look that is the Lamb of God who is to take away the sin of the world! John 1:29 Weymouth To fully appreciate the grit Jesus demonstrated when He personally took your pains, let’s take a deep dive into the context and original language of Hebrews 4:15 which Wuest translates as, “For we do not have a high priest who is not able to enter experientially into a fellow-feeling with our infirmities, but one who has been tempted in all points like as we are, without sin.”

It's long but well worth it to carefully read the following quote from the Wuest Study notes of the verse and notice my emphasis in bold:

“The writer, having spoken of the exalted and victorious High Priest, and of the fact that He is Very God of Very God, now hastens to assure his readers that, whatever they, because of these facts, have thought to the contrary, this high priest is quite approachable and of a sympathetic nature. He speaks of Him as not one who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities. The word in the Greek is sunpatheo. The word patheo comes from pascho which means "to suffer." The prefixed preposition means "with." The compound word means "to suffer with" another person,

thus to sympathize with him to the extent of entering into his experience and feeling his heartache yourself. The use of the word here means more than a knowledge of human infirmity. It points to a knowledge that has in it a feeling for the other person by reason of a common experience with that person. Our Lord’s appreciation of our infirmities is an experiential one, based upon the fact that He was tempted like we are.

The infirmities here are not sufferings but weaknesses, moral and physical, that predispose one to sin, the weaknesses which undermine our resistance to temptation and make it difficult for us to keep from sinning.

He was tempted "like as we are." On this last, Expositor’s has a valuable note: "The writer wishes to preclude the common fancy that there was some peculiarity in Jesus which made His temptation wholly different from ours, that He was a mailed champion exposed to toy arrows. On the contrary, He has felt in His own consciousness, the difficulty of being righteous in this world; has felt pressing upon Himself the reasons and inducements that incline men to choose sin that they may escape suffering and death; in every part of His human constitution has known the pain and conflict with which alone temptation can be overcome; has been so tempted that had He sinned, He would have had a thousand-fold better excuse than ever man had. Even though His divinity may have ensured His triumph, His temptation was true and could only be overcome by means that are open to all. The one difference between our temptations and those of Jesus is that His were without sin."

The words "without sin" mean that in our Lord’s case, temptation never resulted in sin.

They could mean also that temptation never sprang, in our Lord’s case, from any sinful desire on His part. In other words, they could mean that He was apart from sin in that he had no sinful nature like us. But, in the light of the context, it seems that the first meaning is the one which the writer is desirous of imparting to his readers, since it is the likeness of our Lord to us which is the point of emphasis, not a dissimilarity.”

Toy arrows? I love that word picture. Notice the two life-changing details from the highlights: Jesus sympathized with you to the extent of entering into your experience and feeling your heartache and the false assumption that he was divinely covered in armor that shielded him from feeling what you feel Ain’t that tough enough?

As High Priest, he fully identifies with us in the context of our frail human lives. Having subjected it to close scrutiny, he proved that the human frame was master over sin. His sympathy with us is not to be seen as excusing weaknesses which are the result of a faulty design, but rather as a trophy to humanity. (He is not an example for us but of us.) Mirror Bible Love Incarnate sweat drops of blood to overcome every side effect that sin that could try to suppress you. Love overcame the resistance. Walking ten miles on His hands and feet don't even compare.

Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Ephesians 1:4 Message Jesus crawled and scratched His way through your substitution process. The fight was never with you. The fight was for you. You were the prize. You are the Trophy of Grace.

But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere, For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God… 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 Amplified And I got it, thank God! In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he

brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance.

Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. 2Co 2:14-15 Message Did you hear that? He called you the sweet fragrance of Christ! How could anyone imagine that the Father was disappointed with you after reading that verse? The only way this is possible is in the confines of your mental realm. Have you heard of the term, brain fog?

The memory of your sin is like a haze in your mind, but Love did the “tough” work of clearing the air of all your shame, guilt, and self-hatred and replaced it with a new nature. Jesus eliminated the stain of sin, only the genetic markers of Pure love remain IN you. You can live FROM your born-again spirit and bypass the restraints of your intellect. We don’t throw out the mental realm but realize that we now hold the thoughts, intents, and purposes of Christ in our new mind. You have the Mind of Christ For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. 1 Cor 2:16 Amp

outer shell. It did. The Word found an absolutely suitable home in your joints and marrow. The Right Son made sure that the robe of righteousness went from being an outer garment to being woven into your spirit.

The fabric of the temple veil is a perfect illustration. Outer to inner. Holy Spirit was released from the Holy of Holies to now dwell in you. The weave of the tapestry curtain was like the complex system that makes up the outer shell your temporary existence. Not to worry, your earth suit was vulnerable to the Spirit of God. It was ripped from the top down.

And at once the curtain of the sanctuary of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; the earth shook and the rocks were split. [Exod.

26:31-35.] Matthew 27:51 Amp Your soulish-realm was rent. Your outer layer was split like a surgeon would “crack your chest” to get inside quickly and fix a cardiac problem. Sin caused trauma and Love used laser precision to stop the bleeding. Your innocence was at stake. He was tough enough to reach your heart.

By this fresh (new) and living way which He initiated and dedicated and opened for us through the separating curtain (veil of the Holy of Holies), that is, through His flesh, Heb 10:20 Amp

But the unregenerate man of the highest intellectual attainments does not grant access to the things of the Spirit of God, for to him they are folly, and he is not able to come to know them because they are investigated in a spiritual realm. But the spiritual man investigates indeed all things, but he himself is not being probed by anyone. For who has come to know experientially the Lord's mind, he who will instruct Him? But as for us, Christ’s mind we have. 1 Cor 2:14-16 Wuest

The Result of Love finishing the tough work?

Healing and wholeness were the outcomes. Constant acceptance was the gift.

Paul reminds us of this, "he had you in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love.” Whole and holy BY His Love! A life without separation is your inheritance. Because of the tough work being completed, you are now in union with Wisdom.

I would tell you that His Word cuts right through time and space, but you don’t need it to do that. You just needed it to pierce your

The Wisdom that originates from above sets the pace in innocence; it loves peace; it is always appropriate (polite); persuaded about

that which is good; filled with compassion; these fruits are pure goodness and without discrimination. Seed always predicts the harvest. Righteousness inspires the kind deeds of those who embrace peace; these are like seeds sown into fertile soil. James 3:17-18 Mirror Translation Seed always predicts harvest. Love's nature is the seed. The Promise of the ages. You are the harvest! This inspires you to be a new creation that oozes Peace. You can now operate from this indwelling Peace.

And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God’s will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts]. James 3:18 Amp

There should be no moral conflict. Peace rules.

God is not conflicted about you. He does not use the world's definition of “tough love” to draw you closer. Your status was never in question. He judged you Righteous in Christ.

Judge yourself by the same standard.

This is how we know we're living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He's given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. God is love.

When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day--our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. 1 John 4:13,16-17 Message Do You think Love was tough enough to accomplish all this? Ain’t that tough enough?

by: Genice Fulton

Let all that you do be done with love. (1 Corinthians 16:14, NKJV)

I recently experienced one of the most powerful, impactful, compelling, life changing situations I have ever experienced. Initially, I thought it happened suddenly. But once I started thinking about it, I realized it was many years in the making.

Almost five years ago, I received a shocking phone call informing me my niece’s husband had tragically and very unexpectedly went to be with Jesus. The incident was a life changing tragedy. My mind was having a hard time accepting what I was being told. I kept asking myself, “How can this be?” My niece was young, in her thirties and they were building their dream home. They went to bed that night just like every other night except this night, before morning arrived her husband woke up with Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:8, Hebrews 6:18)

My niece was completely and totally devastated.

She cried uncontrollably as I held her on her mother’s couch.

Through tears she asked me, “What am I going to do without him? How am I ever going to make it without him?”

I could not believe this was happening. This girl I was holding as she cried, was the same girl I held in my arms on the way home from the hospital after she was born. I had so many hopes and dreams for her and I never expected a tragedy like this.

She slowly started to learn how to live without the love of her life. Day by day things were beginning to look up. There were days that were extremely difficult but I was beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel for her. She was overcoming! (Romans 8:37) Before she was able to fully get back on her feet, she experienced another terrible tragedy.

Her only daughter (almost nine months pregnant at the time) had unexpectedly gone to be with Jesus. In a very short time, her husband, daughter, and granddaughter unexpectedly and very tragically left this earth.

Total devastation hit again. I wondered, “How much can one person handle?” (Romans 12:15) This road has not been an easy one for my niece. As I’m sure you can imagine, it has been quite the opposite to say the least.

At this point, you may be asking, “How has this been one of the most powerful, impactful,

compelling, life changing situations you have ever experienced?”

The lesson is this. Over the past 4-5 years, I have watched my niece overcome all the adversities that accompany crises such as this, with love. True love. I have watched her intentionally love. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) She loves when she feels like it but especially when she doesn’t. She loves those easy to love but especially those hard to love. (Luke 6:27-49) She has made her highest goal…to love wholeheartedly. (1 Corinthians 14:1, NLT, & Colossians 3:23, ISV) She has obeyed God’s command to love, and in doing so God has worked the miraculous in her life! She conquers all issues of life through love! (1 Peter 4:8)

the

labor of

opens doors for WORDS of

by: Dave Kachele

“COULD WE WITH INK THE OCEAN FILL , AND WERE THE SKIES OF PARCHMENT MADE , WERE EVERY STALK ON EARTH A QUILL , AND EVERY MAN A SCRIBE BY TRADE ; TO WRITE THE LOVE OF GOD ABOVE WOULD DRAIN THE OCEAN DRY; NOR COULD THE SCROLL CONTAIN THE WHOLE , THOUGH STRETCHED FROM SKY TO SKY .”

FREDERICK M. LEHMAN

When we think of the Labor of Love, we must begin with God’s Labor of Love for each and every person who’s ever been or ever will be born. Of course, this would include the not yet born that are aborted every day around the world.

I don’t understand God’s love; I receive it, but I cannot begin to comprehend it. There are many people that I deeply love, for whom I would lay down my life. But, I wouldn’t give one of my children’s lives. God did. He so loved us that He gave His only begotten Son,

and when we believe in (fully trust in, rely upon and cling to) Jesus, God forgives us of our sin and gives us eternal life! We freely receive the gift of faith, a repentant heart, and strength to live for our Lord.

hadn't. People received clear, clean drinking water, but no Living Water. Many, including atheists, do good works - labors of love that are in no way connected to the Gospel and love of Christ.

After God did this, what did He do? He told us about it. Have you ever studied how the Bible came to us? Many were severely persecuted and even gave up their lives just so we could have it in a language that common people could read, study, and understand. Now we have Bibles in hundreds of languages that tell the story of God’s amazing grace and Labor of Love.

Our Labor of Love cannot be manipulative - "I helped you, so you're going to listen to the Gospel whether you want to or not!" But, we have to know that because we are in Christ, our Labor of Love is going to open an opportunity to share God's Words of Love too. Let’s be ready, even eager, to show and speak LOVE!

There’s a famous poem by Edgar A. Guest titled “I'd Rather See a Sermon” (than Hear One Any Day). You may know it. I like the words very much. Certainly, words alone cannot convey love. Love is an action verb!

But it’s sad that many believers think that it is good to serve in the love of Christ with no words.

I once talked with a young man who had spent two weeks digging wells to give clear, clean drinking water to a village in a 3rd world country that didn't have it - for sure a Labor of Love. I told him how great that was and asked if he had shared the Gospel with anyone. He

Dave Kachele, founder Win and Grow Ministries Author: THE RELUCTANT EVANGELIST website: http://www.WinandGrow.com winngrow@gmail.com I Peter 3:15

1 Thessalonians 1:3 3

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

In the Midnight Hour

by Pastor Jo Bruns “By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.” Psalm 42:8 (NIV)

In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth, the moon and the stars, and night and day. He is the Creator of both light and darkness. John 1:1-5 (NIV) reaffirms this: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” No matter how dark your life might seem, God is ever-present in it. It cannot overtake you nor consume you.

It’s been said that people most often seek God during the darkest, most trying times in their lives. These “night seasons” when God “seems” most distant, are the times when one cries out to God in his/her distress and grief.

It’s in times like these we often question God saying, “What is man that You are mindful of

Him?” The Bible is full of examples of these “night seasons.”

Jacob and Joseph.

Job and Elijah.

David and Hannah.

Paul and Silas. Each of them cried out in their own way to the Lord with the desire that God would hear their heart’s cry.

1. It is during the “midnight hour” where we wrestle with “God.” Take a look at the story of Jacob in Genesis 32:22-32 (VOICE).

Later that same night, Jacob got up and…sent them (his family) all ahead across the stream along with everything he had; but Jacob stayed behind; left alone in his distress and doubt. In the twilight of his anguish, an unknown man (some refer to him as God or an angel) wrestled with him til daybreak. When the man saw he was not winning the battle with Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was thrown out of joint as he continued to wrestle with him.

Man: Let me go; the dawn is breaking.

Jacob: I will not let you go unless you bless me. Man: what’s your name?

Jacob: Jacob. Man: You will no longer go by the name of Jacob. From now on, your name will be Israel because you have wrestled with God and humanity, and you have prevailed. Right then and there the man blessed Jacob. So Jacob called the place Penuel because as he said, “I have come face to face with God, and yet my life was spared.”

Love surrenders. Love persists. Love wrestles. Love receives.

2. It is during the “midnight hour” where we search for “our true love.”

3. It is during the “midnight hour” where we choose to pray and sing.

You might be restless night after night in your bed, like the Shulamite woman experienced in Song of Solomon. She couldn’t sleep and got up to go search for Him. “Restless night after night in my bed, I longed and looked for my soul’s true love; I searched for Him, but could not find Him. I will get up now and search the city, wander up and down streets and plazas. I will look for my soul’s true love. I searched for Him, but I could not find Him. The watchmen found me as they kept watch on the silent city.

‘Have you seen my soul’s true love?’ I asked.

Not long after I left them, I found Him –I found my soul’s true love.” (See Song of Solomon 3:1-4 (VOICE)) Love looks. Love seeks. Love searches. Love finds.

Paul and Silas found themselves in prison after ministering the Word of God. They were flogged and beaten and chained. And, yet, despite their pain, they chose to pray and praise. It was dark and even though they could not “see” Him, they knew God was present with them in the darkness. Regardless of their surroundings, they continued to remain steadfast in their faith and openly rejoiced in their suffering. They loved the Lord, whether in chains or whether they were free. And, in their sufferings, their anguish of soul, they rejoiced and gave thanks. As a result of their outpouring to God in the darkest of times, their love for God overflowed to the other prisoners.

Acts 16:25-26 (KJV) states: “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that

the foundations of the prison were shaken and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bands were loosed.”

Love Endures All Things. Love overflows.

Love Breaks Chains. Love Sets the Captives Free.

It’s in the midnight hour where our faith is often tried and tested. It’s in the “dark night of our soul” where we truly discover an intimacy with our Creator. Jesus Christ. It’s during this time where our faith must rest in Christ alone.

Nothing else satisfies. We may search for love

in all the wrong places, seek cheap substitutes, such as alcohol, drugs, food, or illicit sex, but in the end, it comes down to this: There is no where we can run and hide, where God cannot find us. Darkness may be all around us, but He will, and does, shine His light into the darkness where we will find our way. It’s in the midnight hour where we find He truly loves and cares for us. He pursues us with a relentless love. He steadies us when the night terrors come. And He rejoices over us with singing and brings deliverance.

REMEMBER! NEVER GIVE UP!!!

I am thirsty. My throat is as dry and raspy as the desert sand that has filtered between my toes all morning. Ah, a well; relief at last. But no bucket to draw water. What a predicament.

Or is it an opportunity? A woman approaches. But why is she there in the heat of the noon-day sun? She will surely give me a drink.

Give me a drink.

“Why do you ask me, a Samaritan, for a drink?”

If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, give me a drink, you would have asked him, and He would have given you living water.

“But Sir, you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. You have no bucket.

If you want water, you must first invest in

a bucket. Then you must take lessons to operate the ropes, which lets the bucket down the well. Finally, you have to sign up at the village for the time of day that you want to draw water.”

No, no. You don’t understand. I’m not interested in investing in your water system, or for that matter, any of your other systems. I just want to borrow a bucket for a cup of water.

He Borrowed What He needed Jesus was in the world but not of it. He didn’t invest in any of the systems of the world, whether political, physical or even religious. He simply borrowed what he needed.

He was conceived in a borrowed womb, born into a borrowed family and a borrowed race of people. God, not Joseph, was His True Father. He was born in a borrowed stable, even in a borrowed culture, for His true culture is the heavenlies.

He borrowed twelve disciples from a cross section of humanity. He borrowed water to make wine, symbolic of the new wine (of the Holy Spirit). Jesus preached from a borrowed boat and slept in borrowed lodging. He even borrowed a coin from a fish to pay His taxes, and heads of grain from a farmer to satisfy His hunger and that of His disciples.

He preached in a borrowed synagogue, for the true temple of God is made without hands. On a borrowed Sabbath, He healed

a man’s withered hand. From a boy, He borrowed five loaves and two fishes to feed 5,000 men, plus women and children. He rode to town on a borrowed donkey, ate the Last Supper in a borrowed room, borrowed a basin to wash His disciple’s feet and a towel to wipe them.

They buried Him in a borrowed tomb, but He gave it back in three days. Neither that tomb nor death could hold Him. Jesus ably taught and demonstrated that our natural life consists of nothing but borrowed time, for spiritual life is our true, eternal life.

What happened to what Jesus borrowed?

He didn’t wear it out, break or abuse it, but multiplied it or left the lender with eternal life. To the woman at the well, He revealed the source of living water and turned her whole village to Him. From the borrowed Sabbath, He gives us the true Sabbath, a rest in Him. From the borrowed tomb He gave us resurrection life, the greatest power in the universe, exceeding the power of gravity, the rotation of the planets, the power of life from a seed and even the power of the sun.

Now Jesus asks, “Can I borrow some time from you – that we might fellowship in prayer, praise, and worship and through study of the Scriptures come to know each other intimately? Better yet, if I can borrow your life, then I will give you mine.”

Freelance writer Richard Rundell is a Bible teacher and author of several books, numerous articles and book reviews. ***

MEET KRISSY Krissy Webb was born and raised in Missouri. She has been married to her husband Glen for 22 years, and counting.

Her and her husband have one grown son.

Krissy's hobbies are sewing, knitting, and crocheting.

Krissy is very involved in her church, where she is the Craft/Activities leader among other titles. Bringing community together and helping people with anxiety/panic disorders is her calling by using the Word and fellowship.

by: Krissy Webb

"Hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love." Colossians 2:2

In today’s world, being a neighbor is so different than it used to be. Our parents and grandparents were all about lending a hand to help when there was a need. The community was important to people. We need to get back to that kind of mentality. One way to do that is by making items by hand to show love to each other. As my great-grandmother Lodder use to say, "Idle hands are the devil’s workshop."

Proverbs 16:27 Knitting is an example of blessing others, as well as bringing the love into your own life. As you decide on what type of yarn, colors, pattern, width, and length of your project you also find that the Lord will reveal to you something about the piece you are working on.

Maybe it’s a scripture, meaning of the color name, or the person it is supposed to be for.

Using two needles to knit one continuous piece of yarn together (which strengthens the item just like love strengthens us) and come out with an item that you can gift to someone is so

heartwarming. A couple of ministries that I am involved with do just that.

G.W.'s Hats for the Homeless, based out of Missouri, is a ministry that uses a loom to knit hats together. The hats are being mailed to the RV Ministry in South Dakota to be distributed to the homeless. G.W.'s accepts clean yarn donations from people for the hats to be made.

They are always looking for others who would like to get involved.

God's Wings based out of Missouri is a covering ministry ran by Carla LeMay. Prayer Shawls are the main item made. Psalm 91:4 says "He will shield you with His wings." "The Lord wants His people covered, not exposed.

Think of Adam and Eve, even in their sin the

Lord made them coverings;" expressed LeMay. Knitting can be traced all the way back to the Fifteenth Century. Actually, in 1268 there was an organization of Knitters. Knitting has been used to make garments for many purposes.

Pioneers knitted clothes and blankets for their families. People in the depression era would make gifts out of knitting for birthdays, Christmas, and other holidays. In many of the wars that have happened and in the ones that

are ongoing, people made and still make socks and helmet liners for the soldiers to help keep the warmth in and sweat off the skin. Others knit Chemo Caps, Security Blankets; and yes, even sweaters for animals for rehabilitation purposes.

There is so many ways to spread the love and bring back the unity in community. Just ask yourself "What can I do for my neighbor?"

Then go do it!

LOVING PEOPLE EVEN WHEN IT’S HARD BY: Mikea Fulton It is very hard to love someone who is hateful to you. I know from personal experience that it’s no picnic. In fact, it’s more like trying to save the Titanic from sinking! It’s almost impossible! But the Bible gives us hope, it says, “I can do ALL things through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 ESV

I have been bullied multiple times. It was so hard for me to love me enemies. They were calling me rude, inappropriate names, and criticizing me because of my height, hair color, shoe size, skin color, what I wore, you name it!

Everything! But, in the end God graciously rewarded me with my amazing circle of friends and the opportunity to be a youth ministry leader.

So, I tell you, listen and heed God’s word with all of your heart. If He tells you to love your enemies, do it! Imagine, if God was you, but

still with His same characteristics, is dealing with a difficult person, would He ignore the wisdom you are giving to Him? Would He just blow you off and go against your words? Think on that.

NUTRITION AND FITNESS EXERCISE AND CALORIES

by: Dewanshu Ahlawat Q 1. What is meant by Compound Exercises?

A. There are two types of Exercises, one is Compound Exercises and the other is Isolation Exercises. Compound Exercises are those exercises that targets more than one muscle group at a time. In such exercises, there is one primary muscle group and one secondary muscle group that are targeted. Let me explain this with the help of few examples.

1. Exercise: Overhead Shoulder Press Primary Muscle Group: Shoulder Secondary Muscle Group: Triceps 2. Exercise: Pull Ups Primary Muscle Group: Back

Secondary Muscle Group: Biceps 3. Exercise: Bench Press (Inclined/Flat/Declined) Primary Muscle Group: Chest Secondary Muscle Group: Shoulders & Triceps It is obvious that doing compound exercises, one can lift more weight because of the more number of muscle groups involved.

Q2. What is meant by Isolation Exercises?

A. Isolation Exercises are those exercises that targets only one muscle group at a time. In this case, there are no primary and secondary muscle groups. Let me explain this again with the help of example.

1. Exercise: Flyes (Inclined/Flat/Declined) Muscle Trained: Chest 2. Exercise: Calf Raises Muscle Trained: Calves 3. Exercise: Biceps Curls Muscle Trained: Biceps Q3. What are various forms of Aerobics Exercises?

A. The word “Aerobics” means with oxygen. Aerobics exercises are also called as cardiovascular exercises or cardio. Aerobics exercises are those exercises that raise our heart rate. As the heart rate increases, the amount of oxygen in our blood in the body increases. Let’s see what the different types of aerobics exercises are.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Walking Running Cycling Swimming Rowing Boxing Aqua aerobics (Exercises in water) Stair Training (Very Effective)

9. Skipping 10. Jumping Jacks 11. Bear Crawls 12. Mountain Climber 13.High Knees 14. Butt Kicks 15.Box Jumps 16. Dancing

Q4. What are the benefits of doing these Aerobics Exercises?

A. If I would tell you the benefits, you might feel like doing some Aerobics Exercises to get a healthy and fit body. The benefits are listed below.

1.

2.

3.

4.

It improves oxygen circulation in the human body.

It improves our sleep.

It helps in weight control and obesity.

It prevents us from Cardiovascular (Heart) ailments.

5. It reduces the chances of diabetes.

6. It reduces depression and stress.

Q5. How much calories do we burn in our daily activities?

A. This is a very interesting question. Let me present the data of how much calories do we burn on hourly basis.

S. No 01.

02.

03.

04.

05.

06.

07.

08.

09.

10.

11.

Daily Activity Sleeping (Sleeping for 8 hours burns 8x60=480 Calories) Sitting Quietly Sitting and Talking Watching TV Writing Teaching Driving Cooking Yoga Eating Climbing a Hill

Calories Burnt Per Hour 60 72 90 90 100 200 200 160 200 85 530 (Very High)

I am Dewanshu Ahlawat having 26 Certifications including Nutrition and Aerobics Exercises. I would like to thank the Editor in Chief of this wonderful Magazine Mrs. Faye G Hanshew for publishing my article in her reputed International magazine. This is my sixth article published on this platform and I am thankful to the Editor and the readers. See you in the next month with some more interesting topics on Nutrition and Fitness. Keep reading “Faith Unlimited�.

by: Ernest Nelson K. Nanor

Acts 3:7 “And he took him up by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.”

John was a disciple of Christ who was the beloved among all the Disciples of Jesus; and he was one of the Sons of Zebedee, whom Jesus called from Capernaum. And even though he was the beloved, he did not take things easy, especially with things concerning the defending of his faith in Jesus Christ, and ultimately his love for God! John was together with Peter when the man at the gate which was called beautiful was healed in Acts Chapter 3:4 which says, “And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” He took the man by the right hand and lifted him up. After the incidence, John together with Peter faced a lot of trials,

including being put into prison because of the truth they held.

from Me, however, not My will but Yours be done!

One thing I often say is that something that is not worth believing, is not worth dying for. But if we claim we believe, we should also be able to stand firm in whatever consequences which may accompany what we believe.

This was the same cup James and John was asking for when they went to Jesus to plead that He would grant one of them to sit on His right hand, and the other on His left hand in His Kingdom. And He asked them whether they would be able to be baptized with the same baptism He is baptized with, or whether they would be able to drink the same cup that He was drinking.

Yet, without much understanding, they said “Yes” even with the childlike faith!

In Africa for instance, there have been a lot of stories about those who fought for their country’s independence and freedom from slavery; which also demanded many sacrifices, bloodshed, and much more.

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Nelson Mandela are among the noticeable men who were imprisoned on several occasions before the voices of the people came from their respective nations, such as Ghana, and South Africa which were to be heard and accepted by their colonial Masters. Later, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah became the first Prime Minister of the people of the Republic of Ghana. Likewise, Nelson Mandela, also known as Madiba, became the First President of the South African Republic.

It was during the time of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah that we saw a great unity among the people of Africa. Yet, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was on the verge of fighting another battle to bring all of Africa under one State, namely, The United States of Africa! However, these men did not become who they were, having everything handed to them on a silver platter. They understood what they believed in and fought for it without giving up easily, and at all cost.

Before Jesus went to the cross, He could have ended everything at the Garden of Gethsemane and simply spent His time with His family.

Mary, His mother was always concerned about what He was doing and despite knowing about His mission on this world, her natural affection towards Him as her first-born son which was always evident. However, He exclaimed with his last breath knowing what was ahead of Him; If possible, Let this cup be taken away

In Luke’s account of the gospel, Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” My big question is that if there is no individual cross for us to bare, as disciples of Jesus, then why did Jesus make this statement? Why did John, Peter, James, and Paul all go through the things they did because of their faith?

The disciples went through a whole lot of fatalities such as James was beheaded, Stephen was stoned to death, and Peter was hanged on a cross. Even John was put into hot oil for six hours, yet it did not hurt him and many were converted to Christianity. Yet, when the people who performed these brutal acts to John, saw that he was not going to die, they exiled him to an Island called Patmos, and there the book of Revelation was revealed to him.

Many of these could have begged them to stop doing what they were. The disciples might have told them that they had been lying, or that they were sorry just to gain the favor of the government officials who were trying to oppose to the message of the gospel. But they did not exchange their beliefs with a Presidential handshake, or for food, or clothing, or even for shelter!

In the Old Testament, these things occurred on several occasions, such as when Moses was raised by Pharaoh’s household, and while the

children of Israel were living as slaves under that particular kingdom. The Bible reveals that at that moment, Moses discovered his true – identity, he did not make any agreement with the Egyptians trying to apply some sort of worldly wisdom to align himself with them. I understand his decision perfectly in that he did not own up to being a Jew. It took so much pain, much grief, and much love; however, no matter what it seemed like, he made that decision without looking to left or right!

When Jesus died and went to His death, the grave could not hold him, and neither did His flesh see corruption; because it was not

possible that the grave could hold Him. And anytime I see a professing believer trying to make any league with the enemy, and claiming that is wise, I would say one thing; which is that he does not understand the wisdom of God! By the wisdom of God Jesus gave up His own life, to be killed by the Roman armies at the very same time His disciples abandoned Him. And by the same wisdom of God, Jesus did not abandon His disciples but came to them after His resurrection; not because He only needed them, but because He loved them. And that is called, a labor of Love.

By: Speaker/Author Larry Thompson

Let's take a quick look at this term: “everincreasing glory,” found in 2 Corinthians 3:18. "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV). That term could be said this way: from one level of glory to the next level of glory; or another way to say it: from one degree of glory to the next degree of glory. Not only is His glory ever-increasing, but it is also increasing in our lives from one glory to the next level of glory. This continues through all generations, forever and ever.

That, by itself, is staggering to imagine, but that is how the Father thinks and acts. He knows no limits. He knows no lack or want in any degree.

This is the height of the standard He has set.

Everything about His glory is superlative. I really like this superlative quality. It has embedded in it the very hope that all things are possible, without limit or any other inconsequential thought or imagination.

We know Jesus is coming back for a glorious church, but I do not think it is normally considered that His glory is what makes us glorious. It is also possible that most think that only when we all get to heaven that it will be glorious. Remember this superlative language, which is the very character of the Father. We have words to compare like great, greater, greatest. It is not unlike this with His glory – glory, glorifying, glorious. He has given us His Holy Spirit to accurately lead and guide us in all truth concerning His glory. This truth concerning His glory in Scripture is called "the knowledge of the glory."

Paul writes how he is praying for the church— apostolic kind of prayers—in Ephesians 1:16-

23, "That the God of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him" (Ephesians 1:17). Notice that these are the very same areas the enemy attacks – wisdom, revelation, and knowledge. This is what the Holy Spirit is making known, revealing it to us from the Father of glory.

The simplest, most direct answer to any prayer, is received in praying for others to be built up in their spiritual walk. Those we pray for are being supplied supernaturally in every area, if we are willing to make that level of commitment to others, rather than thinking only of our own selves.

Years ago, before Mount St. Helens erupted, a couple of my friends and I made a decision to go up to the ape caves. The caves are close to the foothills of the mountain. They were formed from lava flowing through the underground fissures that extended from the mountain. One of my friends had been there before, so he was familiar with the terrain and what advance preparations were needed to trek under the earth's surface.

The caves were not unlike all those images derived from reading "Journey to the Center of the Earth" by Jules Verne. My first thoughts were that it would be rather cold; I was soon corrected by my friend. He knew that it was well insulated, and only a light jacket would be needed, even though we started out with almost a foot of snow all around the entrance.

These days, the area is developed as a tourist site, and made easier to enjoy by the work of the forest service. Our journey then was not so easy, as we stepped down over ice-covered rocks and muddy wet surfaces created by the water that cascaded into the darkness.

We did bring lanterns, for which I am thankful.

At one point while walking in the cavern area, we turned off the lanterns. It was amazing to experience how dark it was. I could not even see my own hand in front of my face.

There are actually two directions you can take inside this lava tube. The one that leads downward is only about 3/4 of a mile, while the other direction runs more than two miles, heading towards the mountain. I believe it runs parallel to the surface, but significantly below the outer crust.

There are places that are so narrow you have to crawl through on hands and knees, and by contrast, places so large that it would be possible to drive a semi-truck through them.

There is a reason it is called the "ape caves".

The superstitions of Sasquatch permeate your mind as a reality while groping about under the earth's surface in the impenetrable darkness.

I was told that there was a skylight at the end of this adventure. It was the result of the ceiling of the cave giving way, crashing to the floor.

When we arrived at the point where the skylight was, there were trees and logs that had fallen down through the opening. I looked at how things had settled against the cave wall, and decided I could climb out to the top.

I had to shinny up a slippery wet log, making my way to a ledge where I could climb up higher to a small protrusion at the top of the cave. My observation gave me the impression that from there it would be easy to reach the top and leave the cave. Once I reached that location within the cave and knelt on a small ledge protruding from the wall, I saw that my first look did not lineup with the reality facing me now. While firmly gripping with one hand, I stood erect and was still a foot away from reaching the top with my arm extended all the way.

I made the calculation that it would be possible to leap upwards and place my hands firmly on some immovable object and pull myself out on the edge of the hole. What was I thinking?!

You know, I really do wonder how an inspired idea transforms your thinking, contrary to normal thinking, or for that matter the sure and safe way.

I leaped by faith, knowing everything in me would be focused on hanging on, pulling up, and not giving up for any reason. I made it with ease, actually, in spite of the fact I reached down through 8 inches of snow on the surface perimeter of the opening to assure a good hold on which to pull at the same time I leaped up.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that there was a slight outward lean backwards from this height in the cave where it curved back towards the ceiling. All of those conditions did not daunt me from making my effort. Once at the top, it was so far down to the bottom of the cave where my other two partners where still standing, that the lantern looked almost like a flickering dim candle.

Now, what I had in mind was to walk down the hill through the snow-covered forest back to the place where the car was parked. It seemed logical to me that it would be a much easier trek than going back down through the cave, crawling over some very tight spots and eventually reaching our starting point. All I had to do was just stroll through the woods, I reasoned. My friends called out to me, though, and asked me to come back with them.

Now comes the fun part, for which I am very grateful to be able to tell you. What I first did in my own pride and arrogant efforts, I would have to repeat in reverse, surrendering my will and trusting completely in my friend.

His plan was to climb up to the same ledge I stood on before taking that last leap to climb up and outside the cave. Once on the ledge, he would kneel down and grasp the edge of the cave securely with one hand, and then, while I eased myself back down into this dismal, very unforgiving opening, he would catch me with his other arm, and set my feet on that same tiny ledge where he was kneeling. Oh my!

I had used all my strength and efforts in my struggle to reach the top; now I had to struggle back down. There was no room for error. This wasn’t like making a mistake and God would

forgive you. A mistake here would be costly, not just to me, but perhaps to my friend, too.

Talk about an adrenaline rush! I do not favor the idea of repeating that event in quite the same way.

We get these Sunday school lessons on faith, and on how we are to trust; sometimes there is an example where someone falls back blindly into someone else’s arms. You may get a high score on an open book test after studying the textbook, but it’s quite a different thing to deliberately put yourself at the mercy of your catcher.

I jumped! He caught me! I have never forgotten the lesson that I learned that day in the cave. Did that mean I would never go back to that skylight? Would I avoid any and all dangerous places? I truly believe that the central issue in a believer's life is to trust Him implicitly, more than I trusted my friend, more than I trust myself. Taking Him totally at His word, even when it defies all logic and reason, we need to trust the still small voice in us spoken by the Holy Spirit and follow after Him, in spite of ourselves.

I did go back to the ape caves. I went with a different friend. We went during the summertime, unlike my first adventure. I knew the terrain from experience, and now was ready to face what an inward witness dictated—that it would be possible to climb up out of the cave at the skylight, and return back to the parking lot. The hike would be enjoyable.

We were both successful at climbing out of the cave; walking back downhill through the forest, I discovered my compass was slightly off. As a matter of fact, both of our internal compasses were off. We arrived at the road, and then discovered that we were almost a mile and a half away from our destination, and curiously we were both wrong about the direction towards the parking lot. It was uphill

from the point where we reached the road. I might have reached the road easily or might not have when the ground was covered with snow; however, with only a light jacket, and the possibility of becoming separated from my companions needlessly, I am glad I became willing to climb back down into harm’s way.

Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

(1 Corinthians 15:57) Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14)

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If you are not a Christian all you have to do is repent of your sins and invite Jesus into your

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.

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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.

My son was in the Navy, and I am very proud of him for serving our Country! I will always stand for Him, The United States of America, the Flag, and the National Anthem!

THE PUBLISHERS AND EDITORS OF FAITH UNLIMITED STANDS FOR GOD AND COUNTRY, INCLUDING OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL, SO WE WILL CONTINUE TO STAND FOR THE FLAG AND THE ANTHEM.

Please remember, Father God’s love is unconditional. Pray for all the victims around the world that have been affected by flooding, fires, and other things. That is our job, our responsibility‌to help the hurting.

Romans 8:19-23 (NKJV) 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.

23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

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