Untangled: Testimonies of Deliverance and Release
The Dangers of Mixed Signals
a well kept body, but a
Editor-in-Chief Jacquinette Murphy
Senior Editor Shawnetta Murray
Interactive Media Director Lakisha Walton
Design Director
Tameka Lewis
Contributing Designers
Tameka Lewis
Lakisha Walton
Contributing Writers
Chris Black
Kenya Black
Clarence Davis
Alfreda Lockett Evans
Tiffany Green
Tamia Holland
Tiara Holland
Kadeem Jimmerson
Sharmira Mallard
Keyonia Mathis
Deloris Mitchell
Aundia Rogers
Aaronda Smith
Stephanie Wyatt
Copy Editors
Deborah Howard
Jacquinette Murphy
Shawnetta Murray
Asha Scroggins
Aaronda Smith
Janice Wyatt
Stephanie Wyatt
Contributing Photographers Manifest-it Photography
Advertising Manager / Finance
Patsy Oliver
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Christian warfare is not for the faint of heart. One must be holy, fit, and equipped naturally and spiritually for the faithful execution of the duties of this life-long assignment.
In the early church days, the disciples were called Christians first, while in Antioch because their lives were exemplary. They were witnessing to others, spreading the gospel message of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. In some regard, they were like an army moving throughout the land, helping others to the safety of eternal life. First, like an army, they had to be acquainted with the mission. They then had to be prepared to handle the mission. And finally, while in battle, use the right armor and tools for proper and safe navigation, all while remaining focused on the goal.
The same concepts apply to running a race; it requires preparation, training, and mental and physical exercise. A runner must eat well, have the mindset needed for the mission, and condition the body to maintain throughout the race.
The goal of both scenarios is victory, like the desire of the faithful Christian to obtain eternal life. In this edition of Fired Up Magazine, the articles explore the qualities and challenges of kingdom fitness naturally and spiritually. What does (or doesn’t) a Christian life look and sound like? How do you become a Christian? How can you maintain a balance between the body and Spirit? What parts of our life would pass the kingdom fitness test? What practices and behaviors would be deemed pleasing and acceptable unto God?
The cover feature invites the reader to join the ranks of protecting the purity of the kingdom sound by keeping separate from the things of this world. Some features discuss salvation and sanctification. And still, others describe the danger of mixed signals. Fired UP magazine also aims to equip its readers with knowledge and measures to keep the natural body well and fit so kingdom warfare continues effectively.
As you travel through the pages or flip through the online edition, we hope you see yourself and gain insight into your life’s journey. Subscribe, let us know your thoughts, and message us at publisher@firedupmag.com
Jacquinette D. Murphy
QHello. I am a 21-year-old minister who feels the call of God to start my own ministry. However, I don’t feel like I’m getting support from my pastor. I’m ready to leave, but something just won’t let me. What should I do? Should I wait on my pastor or follow the leading of the Lord?
AKeep in mind that a pastor who is truly called by God has a range of vision that goes beyond that of an evangelist. I would suggest that you go to your pastor and ask him in what ways you can improve as a young minister. Invite him into your ministerial journey. You might be surprised what pitfalls he can help you avoid! And in doing so, he will be more likely to support you as he sees you grow and evolve as a young evangelist.
QI recently gave my life to the Lord, which is causing some conflict with my close friends. We’ve been close for the majority of my life, but I find myself uninterested in their conversations or even hanging out anymore. We no longer have much in common. I don’t want to dissociate myself, but I’m finding it hard to keep up communication. What should I do?
QAs a man, I find it particularly hard to believe that God would “call” women to preach, as He has said many times that women are to be subject to men. But recently, I have joined a church that believes in women ministers. Should I leave the church? or is there something I’ve misunderstood in the Word?
AThis is a common question. It appears you have misunderstood the scriptures. God has used women to do a work for Him from Genesis to Revelation. The same Paul who told Timothy not to suffer a woman to teach and to usurp authority over the man (I Timothy 2:12) was the same Paul who told the Galatian church that “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) Because we know that Paul was not contradicting himself, we must reconsider what his intended message was to Timothy and know that he was not limiting all women from ministry but perhaps the women at that particular local assembly.
AA loss of interest in things you once enjoyed is understandable and proof of your genuine heart change. Try inviting them to more of your new interests. Being in a godlier environment will allow them to experience the same righteous change of heart you did.
QI’ve been saved for 8 years now, and I feel like I’m finally ready for marriage. I’ve recently found someone with whom I feel a connection with. Prior to being saved, I dated a few times in the world, but it is vastly different in the church. I want to be sure that I conduct myself in a way that doesn’t run her off. How should I approach dating in the church?
ADating, like any other life choice, should always be preceded by prayer and guidance from God. As a Christian, we don’t date for recreation but rather for marriage, and we understand that
marriage is a binding contract between you, your spouse, and God. So, even at the dating stage, you both need to seek God for His perfect will. If it continues toward courtship, you guard your heart, your thoughts, and your actions to ensure that no opportunity is given over to temptation. It is a great idea to court in groups to have accountability and avoid unnecessary temptations.
QI just got saved two weeks ago, and I love my new life, but I live with my boyfriend. I want him to get saved so we can continue to be together. What steps can I take to convince to give his life to Christ?
AYou made a valuable choice in accepting Christ into your life. II Corinthians 5:17 says, “If any man be in Christ, he or she is a new creature…” You have been born again; therefore, you no longer live the same old lifestyle. If you want to maintain your salvation, you will need to change living arrangements. When you’re filled with the Holy Ghost, the power of God comes with it. This Power will give you the ability to do what is right and pleasing to Him. It will also guide you into how to witness, not only to your friend, but to others. Your lifestyle, following Christ, is a witnessing tool all its own. When he sees that you are adamant about living a holy lifestyle, it may compel him to ask you about the plan of salvation.
differently of me. Please, help me!
AIt’s ok to talk with your parents about what you experienced. Parents will always be there for their children, especially when it comes to salvation. They will be able to help you deal with the situation with prayer and guidance. God is a forgiving God. You recognized what you did was a sin and you needed to repent. Confession is one step to restoration. Your parents will be proud you came to them with your thoughts and regrets. Now the healing process can begin. You will find yourself a better person having acknowledged that salvation is definitely worth protecting.
QThree months ago, I heard the Lord call me to minister, but I don’t know where to start. Any suggestions?
ASeek the Lord concerning your call into the ministry. And as always, consult your pastor about any move or decisions you make that has to do with the church. He can give you instructions and guide you into the next phase of ministry. Get into the Word and study to make your calling and election sure and then wait for God’s timing on when to begin your ministry.
QDuring my summer sports camp, some of my teammates introduced me to pornography, and now I find myself struggling with desires that I know are against what pleases God. I want to talk with my parents about it, but I don’t want them to think
Linda decided to travel to Europe, specifically to the Vatican City in Rome. She had always wanted to go and had been saving up for the trip. She contacted a travel agent, made the arrangements, confirmed the dates, and got all her business in order before leaving.
Upon checking into her hotel, Linda immediately explored every square inch of the city. Her first stop was at a quaint shop that sold vintage globes and hourglasses. When she went to pay for an item with U.S. dollars, the shop owner said, “We only accept Euros.” (the official currency of the Vatican).
“No worries,” Linda thought. That’s just this one shop. As she traveled on, she began to run into the same issue repeatedly. Some things that Linda wanted to purchase could only be acquired with Euros. Then the stark reality of the situation hit her.
She was finally on her dream vacation but couldn’t experience everything she could have because she hadn’t exchanged her home country’s currency for the currency of the Vatican to make purchases. And is that not like how some Christians are? They do not understand that to have all they can in Christ Jesus, it takes using the Currency of the Kingdom to obtain it.
Many Christians don’t realize that once they accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, they have entered not just into a new covenant but also into a new kingdom. Jesus spoke on many occasions about this kingdom: the kingdom of God. In fact, the good news Jesus preached was that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
(Matthew 4:17)
And just like this physical world, the kingdom of God, also, functions by way of a legal tender, which is faith. Hebrews, chapter 11 and verse 6 explicitly states that it’s impossible to please God without faith because when you come to God, you, first, must believe that He is, AND you must
believe that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seeks him. But what is faith, how do you obtain it, and how can you gain more of it?
The writer of Hebrews paints an interesting portrait of faith. He says that faith is a substance and that it is evidence. Did you know that oxygen is a tasteless, odorless substance essential to life but invisible to the naked eye? The fact that my lungs expand and contract from breathing is evidence that oxygen is there and I’m alive. So, then, faith is an unseen substance that one possesses that is made evident by the believer’s actions.
James, the brother of Jesus, makes this clear in James, chapter number two. “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”
See, faith is not what you say; it’s what you do. That’s why it’s currency. It’s moving. James teaches that a person could say they have faith but have no works to show for it. He said he could show you his faith (provide evidence) by WHAT he did.
When people believe they should care for their family, they’ll go to work. They’ll work to put a good roof over their heads. They’ll save money to send their kids to a good school. What they won’t do is sit around and hope something happens. That’s not faith.
The Bible lets us know that everyone starts with a measure of faith. This is apparent because we all believe in things that aren’t necessarily seen. We put trust in people and believe in positive outcomes. But godly faith used in the kingdom can only be acquired by God and increased
In the book of Romans, chapter number ten, the apostle Paul writes, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” You increase your faith by listening and taking in the word of God and then acting on that information. Remember, you can hear the word of God all day long, but if you don’t “do something,” then what you know won’t do you any good.
Buying a house requires more money than buying a candy bar. Some situations in life require more faith than others. The only way to be prepared to supply the necessary faith is to exercise faith regularly. To do that is to walk in obedience to God’s word daily.
Faith can’t be turned on and off like a light switch. Faith must be gained and released. Remember: it’s currency!
Jesus told His disciples, “Have faith in God.” (Mark 11:22). Be rich in the knowledge of God the Father. Believe that God is. Believe that God is capable. Believe that God loves you and has your best interest in mind.
Once you do those things, you’ll see that your faith can supersede financial burdens, legal troubles, health issues, relationship problems, and any other woe this life throws at you. Remember: “…this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4).
By Sharmira Mallard
Thescripture says Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). In order to fulfill this mandate, heart checks are necessary throughout the journey.
The heart is one of the body’s most valuable organs. Without it, we could not live. When it’s physically healthy, we are capable of fulfilling many tasks necessary for daily living. Adversely, when its health is compromised, we are limited. The same concept applies to the spiritual facet of the heart. When the spiritual health of the heart has been compromised, various demonstrations of sin become apparent. Jesus admonished a multitude of followers to hear and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth. Perpetually, it aligns with the principle of a problematic pipe. If you turn on the faucet and brown water begins to pour out, it is only indicative of contamination from the pipes from which it came. The same concept applies if one’s behaviors are contradictory to the standards of godliness; it is indicative of a contaminated heart.
In the Bible parable of the rich young ruler detailed in Luke Chapter 18, the ruler approached Jesus with a question that he believed he already had the answer to: “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”. Jesus proceeded to speak a portion of the commandments, to which the rich young ruler responded with confidence saying, “All these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus followed up with another prescription for admission to the kingdom. He told the rich young ruler to sell all that he had and give to the poor, “and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” This answer did not meet the desire of the rich, young ruler as he
went away grieved. He was deeply saddened by Jesus’s instruction, but worse, he went away. His choice of action, to walk away from Jesus, was reflective of the condition of the heart. On the surface, the rich young ruler was dedicated to God and all that he commanded. But when challenged to go deeper, he walked away.
Heart check: What or who am I not willing to let go or embrace at the commandment of the Lord?
Humans are referenced as creatures of habit. Many of our actions are routine or habitual. We drive to work routinely, work in mostly the same routine, and carry out various tasks throughout our day in the same manner. But what happens when our worship becomes habitual? Our church attendance, our prayers, and even our morals become acts of ritual and lose intentionality. We, too, become susceptible to an overcrowded and unyielded heart, just as the rich young ruler had. Anything that is done without intention, lacks focus. Unintentional worship is ritualistic. Many believers partake in Communion, which is an act of eating unleavened bread and juice, which represents the body and blood of Jesus. However, Jesus did not leave us with the commandment just to eat and drink, but He said to do this in remembrance of me. He gave use purpose- an intention. When we lose intention, we lose the heart of worship, our purpose to love and honor God.
Heart check: Is my life an act of intentional worship, or is it habitually moralistic?
Healthy eating and exercising habits, when done consistently, are well known to produce many benefits, reducing the likelihood of developing heart disease, which is said to be a silent killer. Heart disease’s reputation is due to its unknown presence. Once its damage takes hold, many of it’s victims succumb to death. Spiritually, the same concept
applies. If we are not cognizant of not just our choices but what has our attention, affection, and adherence, we too succumb to the attacks that are meant to kill our relationship with God, subsequently keeping us out of the kingdom. Scientifically speaking, a runner runs best when their heart condition is well. This means that, for the most part, their diet consists of lean meats, some complex carbohydrates, plenty of vegetables, and fruit. This diet allows them to run at maximum quality. Spiritually concerning, if our diet consists of overindulgence in social media, sporadic bouts of prayer, no fasting, and inconsistent church attendance, how can we run a race diligently that has been laid before us (Hebrews 12:1-2)? A quality diet produces quality results.
Heart check: Is my spiritual diet conducive to the run required for this race?
The vitality of the race that we have been compelled to join relies greatly on the spiritual health of our hearts. God calls for us to present our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). In order for us to be living sacrifices, each of us must ensure that our heart is not divided, resulting in half-portioned living. It’s a heart thing! Diligently keeping our hearts requires many maintenance checks, and some difficult decisions. Additionally, the quality of our intentions must match the value of the end result, right?. If a good standing relationship with God and making it to the Kingdom of Heaven is the goal, we must continually perform maintenance checks are part of the reasonable service package.
Keeping your heart diligently requires many maintenance checks and some difficult decisions. But the quality of our intention has to match the value of the end result, right?
If a good standing relationship with God and heaven is the goal, maintenance checks are part of the reasonable service package.
Like many, I grew up going to church, Sunday school, choir rehearsal, etc. I knew to sit in the chair before the church on Sunday morning if I needed to go to the altar. I knew church protocol from early childhood. While I knew how to function in the house of God, I had never encountered the God of the house.
When I was about seven, God saved two of my aunts at a holiness church, Full Gospel Holy Temple, in Dallas, Texas. They then became members there under the leadership of Apostle Lobias Murray. I saw God not only change their outward appearance but deliver them from the sinful things I’d witnessed them do all my life. I no longer saw my aunt drinking Schlitz Malt Liquor while listening to gospel songs. I no longer saw them going to clubs, dressing provocatively, and cursing—no more boyfriends visiting overnight. I saw a change in their lifestyles. I saw the real deal in them. I saw a difference in the way they were living. I saw deliverance FROM sin! As a child, God showed me that there truly is a difference between being religious and living saved.
The problem I faced as a child was that not everyone agreed with the changes my aunts made. It caused great division in my once tightly-knit family. You see, my aunts got saved in the late 70s -- on the heels of the Jim Jones tragedy, where 900 of his religious followers committed suicide at his behest. People argued that to be saved, it didn’t take all that the late Apostle Murray preached. Many said that he was brainwashing the church members -- how else could he have convinced all those women to let go of their
makeup and stop wearing pants? My family was silently divided for a long while: it was “us” versus “them.” All I knew was that there was a difference, and I wanted what they had.
As a child, I wasn’t allowed to join Full Gospel because of the politics among the adults, so I treasured every chance I was allowed to visit. Never had I experienced church as I had there. Never had I felt the peace of God as I did when I was in service there. Everything about the experience just stuck with me. I remember praying every night, asking God not to return before I could be saved. When I was twelve, I visited Full Gospel. I got saved and filled with the Holy Ghost but was afraid to tell my parents. My stepdad didn’t
holiness church, I listened to service on the radio (this was years before YouTube was available). Also, I had a cousin who would come home from church and call me to share whatever message Apostle Lobias Murray had preached. We were like Celie and Nettie from The Color Purple. I WAS HUNGRY FOR THE WORD!
The day came when God let me know that I’d have to decide: please Him or please man. At sixteen, I was “invited to leave” my mother’s home. It was a costly decision, but I chose God. Although it was the hardest decision I’d ever made, it felt like the best decision. I was elated as I walked toward the sanctuary that night. I was finally able to go to church as often as I wanted. At that time, my testimony differed from some of my peers who grew up in the holiness church. They were itching to get into the world to see what it had to offer. I grew up exposed to marijuana, alcohol, and other ungodly issues. I knew what “the world” had to offer, and I yearned to get closer to the things of God. I envied them at that time.
believe in God, and my mother didn’t like the ministry, so I kept it to myself. My mother noticed I wasn’t wearing the pants she’d bought me. She insisted that I wear them to school. I wore them to school out of obedience to her. However, out of obedience to God’s word in Deuteronomy 22:5, I’d change into a skirt once I got to school. Eventually, I told my mother I’d gotten saved and filled with the Holy Ghost. I also asked her not to buy any more pants for me.
Because I was not allowed to join this
As I fast forward from age 16 to now (age 51), God has truly blessed my life! I was told that I would fail because I was rebelling. God has repeatedly proven that one never loses when one chooses Him. He restored our family relationship and blessed me with a good job, home, marriage, and peace that passes all understanding.
If given the choice, I’d do it all again. I would choose God every time because He has never failed me. God has kept me for 38 years, and He can do the same for you!
Thesound of children playing outside in their neighborhoods seems like a memory from a lifetime ago. If it does occur nowadays, it seems to be a rare sight. What happened to children riding bikes down the street and climbing trees and playing dodgeball with their neighborhood friends? In contrast, it’s been replaced with many children glued to their televisions and tablets for hours at a time, playing violent and explicit video games or scrolling social media. In my day, I have seen the innocence and simplicity of childhood change because of the perils of our modern-day culture: crime, drugs, sexual immorality and lack of parental guidance and support. While this list does not include all the issues our children encounter, it does represent a great deal of what the youth of today experience at alarming rates. Because of these societal and family deficits, it can be said that our children do not seem to be children anymore. Often, our young people encounter circumstances that require them to make adult decisions to survive, fit in or even cope with domestic, mental, or personal issues that they may never mention openly. What is the solution to this widespread issue?
Jesus is the answer for the world today, is not just a song lyric; it is an undeniable truth! What our young people (and all people) need, as never before, is the love of God. Specifically, our youth need to understand how much God loves them and that they are not alone in this ever-changing world. So, the real question is… How do we as Christians, witness to our younger generation? The greatest impact we as (adult) Christians can make on our young people is to be real examples of Christian discipleship. We must show our youth that living for God is the best life. They are inundated with the voices of the
culture. In many instances, our young people often try to emulate the glamorous lifestyles of celebrities, hip hop artists and social media influencers. However, this is very detrimental to their lives, spiritually and naturally so. The need for the older and experienced generation to embrace our youth and teach them is quite imperative. Therefore, the function and operation of church youth ministries are vital. Since it is often said that our youth are not only our church of the future, but also our church of today, how we equip them is very important. ¹According to Barna.com, “Millennials are leaving the church. Nearly six in ten (59%) young people who grew up in Christian churches end up walking away, and the unchurched segment among millennials has increased in the last decade from 44% to 52%, mirroring a larger cultural trend away from churchgoing in America.” This indicates that many young people do not value the importance of committing to church and developing a relationship with God. Today, many people believe they can successfully have a relationship with God outside of church attendance and dedication. This is far from the truth.
The Full Gospel Holy Temple Church, Inc. has developed a strong focus on keeping young people in the church and are implementing specific programs to keep church relevant for its younger members. I recently inquired about how current youth ministries approach the mandate of positively impacting our youth for the kingdom of God. According to Minister Priscilla Bibb, of Full Gospel Holy Temple of Houston, Texas, her main priority as a youth leader is to teach her young people about finding their identity in Christ Jesus and understanding the importance of having their lives rooted in true holiness.
(Continued on page 20)
By Clarence Davis
The Kingdom of God needs proper representation. Fit representatives for Jesus Christ are required similarly to a defendant’s need for a person fit to take the witness stand. This is partly because so much harm transpires from those proclaiming to be Christians who truly aren’t. Secondly, the world, at large, is still looking for genuine, authentic Christians who follow the lifestyle and exhibit the character that emanates from Jesus Christ, as reported in the Scriptures. Therefore, from time to time, it’s appropriate to determine what qualifies someone to represent Jesus and how we can assess their legitimacy.
For starters, we should answer, “What does it mean to be a Christian?” Due to the popularity of Christianity worldwide, many subscribe to the Christian title, but what constitutes being a Christian according to the Bible? The word Christian comes from the Greek word “Christianos,” which means to be a follower of Christ or someone Christ-like. In Acts 11:26, onlooking believers first announced this at Antioch, who noticed a similarity in the disciples’ lives to that of the Lord Jesus, who ministered there. Perhaps it was the love they showed one another, the humility displayed in serving each other, or maybe their passion for God and denunciation of sin. Whatever it was, it was enough to convince the observer that they had both been with Jesus and become like Him.
Therefore, to be a Christian means to act like Christ.
Merely calling yourself a Christian isn’t enough if a lifestyle demonstrated by Jesus Christ doesn’t follow it. So, who can live like Jesus? I can imagine someone stating how Jesus is the Son of God and, therefore, it’s easy for Him to be Holy, just, and good. As a result, some people simply adopt the Christian title and try their best to perpetrate what being a Christian is. Many will begin attending church services to better learn Biblical principles and even go to seminary to earn degrees. Others will join and partner with charitable organizations to minister to the needs of disenfranchised
people around the world. Yet, one may do all this and still be unfit to be considered a Christian. The Apostle Paul offers this caveat in 2 Timothy 2:19, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” Nothing hurts a witness for Jesus more than someone calling themselves a Christian but hasn’t departed from sin.
However, this is precisely the problem. How can a man depart from sin, and how does he qualify to be a Christian?
First off, a man, in his strength, cannot depart from sin. Our forefather Adam was created in innocence, but sinned against God, deforming his nature. As a result, this polluted nature has been passed down from generation to generation, shown in people performing wicked deeds to fulfill selfish desires. Throughout time through the sciences, humankind has tried to understand and fix this corrupt nature; however, their prescriptions come up short. The legal system is necessary for punishing evil, but it cannot make a criminal pure. Medicine and therapy are constructive for the mind and body, yet powerless to convert a soul. Religious activity and charitable contributions are beneficial and effective in making someone feel better but don’t produce a change in a heart committed to serving its interests. What is humanity to do after exhausting all its options? Who else can the world turn to when it realizes its helpless and hopeless state?
Isaiah 45:22 says, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” No one is powerful enough to change a man’s heart but God! Therefore, God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, beckons sinful men to look to Him for help and salvation. He has lovingly provided the power to transform sinners in the Person of Jesus Christ. Because sin separates and cuts off communion with God the Father, He sent His Son Jesus, who lived a perfect and sinless life, to
die in our place and bring us into a proper relationship with God. By trusting and believing this, sinners experience transformation by the Holy Spirit into a new creation. The Holy Spirit washes our hearts, makes us clean before a Holy God, and we, therefore, become acceptable to Him. I reiterate that men and women cannot fix themselves; because of this, we need a power beyond ourselves that can change our corrupted hearts. This is accomplished by the Holy Spirit, which makes us fit, or worthy, to represent Christ to the rest of the world. The Holy Spirit is the agent of regenesis after we believe the gospel and enables us to live as Christ lived in this world. Therefore we can testify according to Titus 3:3-6, “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.”
As we observed, one does not become a Christian by religious activity or assuming its title. A person is a Christian because they have submitted their lives to Christ and have started the journey of being conformed to His image by the working of the Holy Spirit. Those committed to Christ can accurately represent Jesus Christ to the world for the Kingdom of God. Furthermore, the world itself is looking for real representatives. Cheap knock-offs are a dime a dozen; however, when someone comes in contact with the real thing, there is truly no comparison. If you feel unfit and inadequate to represent Christ, get fit now! Believe in Jesus, receive new life by the Spirit, and then go out and let the light of Jesus shine through your life.
By Kenya Black
Hey, have you seen sanctification anywhere? I can’t seem to find it. It’s like it vanished into thin air, but I know it was here; I can’t figure out where it went… In the world’s churches, sanctification is an ancient word that only the older generation spoke of; it’s not a requirement anymore, and being a Christian doesn’t take all that. But, in God’s church, sanctification is alive, present, and still thriving through his people. But why are some people treating it like the plague? Where has our desire to be dedicated to God gone, and how can we get it back?
Sanctification is often defined by three significant definitions, all equally important for this conversation, and are listed here:
1. Sanctification is the act of declaring holiness.
2. The action or process of being freed from sin or purified.
3. The act of causing something to be or seem to be morally right or acceptable.
To be considered a Christian, you must be sanctified. As the seasoned saints may say, you must be set apart. Being sanctified is a necessity. It shows that you belong to God completely. You are his chosen vessel and are willing to go through the process of becoming sold out to be God’s servant. When you are sold out to God, the devil has no authority or part in you. Dedication to God is what he requires of his children.
In Leviticus 20:7, God commands the people of Israel to sanctify themselves and to live holy. They were required to clean themselves up and leave things, not of God alone. Today, God is still requiring this participation from you. If you intend to serve God and live a holy life, you must let go of some things, people, and desires. Being a child of God means that you are held to a holy standard of living. This living requires you to stay away from unclean things, shun the very appearance of evil, and be separate from the things of the world. Don’t forget, child of God; you were bought with a price! (1 Corinthians 6:20)
Earlier, we talked about how you’ve got a part to play. When a runner prepares for a marathon, they abstain from certain foods. Their level of training intensifies to prepare them for the journey ahead, and they keep their goal in mind so that they can focus and maintain their physique to run a successful race. Just like the runner’s commitment, we, as God’s children, must be committed to his standard of holiness. Regardless of denomination, race, or gender, he commands sanctification for his own. In 1 Thessalonians, Chapters 4 and 5, you can read about the consecration a believer of Christ must maintain to continue in this way. As you read the list of behaviors we are to have and not have, you’ll see where your help comes in at 1 Thessalonians 5:23 because it mentions that the God of peace will sanctify you wholly. He will sanctify you completely in spirit, soul, and body. Cast down the thoughts of doubt and fear that you can’t maintain holy sanctification! In Philippians 4:13, you are reminded that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
For many churchgoers, their idea of sanctification pertains to church attendance. But as we have discovered through the living word of God, that perception is false. Sanctification is being dedicated to doing the will of God. If Monday through Saturday, we look like the world and talk like the world; but on Sunday, we shun the world for two hours to sing, shout, and play the tambourine, then that’s good enough, right? No, not according to God’s word. In 2 Corinthians 6:17, we are reminded to come out from among them (the world) and be separate because the Lord has commanded us to. If you are holy, you should look holy, talk holy and be holy. We are to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints (Jude 1:3). False teachers will creep into the church and tell you that sanctification is dead and done away with, but rely on the word of God, it will not change, and we can trust that God’s word is true because it has been tested and tried. (Psalm 12:6)
Romans 12:1 states, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Walking away may not seem easy, but with God, he tells us that his yoke is easy and his burden is light (Matthew 11:30). Walking away looks like leaving those ungodly desires, people, and things that come to hinder your walk with Christ. You have a great reward in heaven for following God. When you ask God to sanctify you, you are essentially telling God that you are willing to be used as a sacred vessel of honor and dedicated to fulfilling his will. You can’t be fit for the kingdom of God without sanctification. Sanctification is the seal God provides to his children once they have truly and fully given their lives to him. With this seal, God knows those that are his. And because you are sanctified, you’ll be ready for the master’s use and prepared unto every good work. (2 Timothy 2:19-21). Wow, this whole time, sanctification was right here! All we were missing was understanding. Thankfully, the search for sanctification has ended, and we can be about our father’s business.
When we need repairs in our home, we call a service person, whether for electrical work, plumbing, or any other form of dilemma. Once they arrive, you can see them pulling out tools from their toolkit. In the toolbox are tools to solve a problem and protective gear to protect the service person from potential danger, which can overcome the obstacle. Life also has its share of problems, but for every problem there is a solution.
Did you know that as bornagain believers, we have a spiritual toolkit that we can use and access 24/7? You don’t need to call a service person; God has given us all the necessary tools to overcome spiritual obstacles. First, we must understand the need to have a spiritual toolkit. Whether you have been saved for two days or twenty years, we all have the same adversary, who is the devil. The adversary does not want you to enjoy the blessings of the Lord. God’s plan for us is to prosper spiritually and to experience peace from God’s plan for our lives. The enemy attempts to persuade us otherwise, using wrong emotions, idle minds, and wicked thoughts to distract us from God’s will. Since 2 Corinthians 10:45 tells us we can’t fight a spiritual battle in the natural with knives and guns, we must go to the word of God and pull out our tools and weapons from there.
Maybe you’re wondering why you need those tools. We need them because the thief, our enemy, comes to steal, kill, and destroy. With an adversary like this, we cannot afford to be passive about anything that comes our way.
The Bible states in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
By Tamia HollandIn our toolkit, we have so much to help us along the way, including our armor that will protect us against the devil’s wiles. There are two types of armor that we are equipped with, and that is offensive armor for conquering and defensive armor for protection. We must put on the whole armor of God so that we can stand against what the enemy is throwing at us. The breastplate of righteousness will protect our hearts from the lies the enemy tries to plant. Combat every lie with the word of God. As you stand, have your loins girded with truth. Also, have your feet covered with the preparation of the gospel of peace. God will order your steps. His word will not steer you wrong in your battle. Use your shield of faith when you are tempted to doubt because we cannot please God without faith. Take the helmet of salvation to protect your mind and use the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, and you’ll be able to discern the truth from a lie.
In certain organizations or positions, it is known that the person with the keys has the authority, whether the warden or the manager. These individuals have the power to unlock and lock the doors of the entire facility. But did you know God gave us keys and power? In Luke 10:19, He has given us power over all the enemy’s power,
and nothing can harm or hurt us. Matthew 18:18 says, “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” We can lock (bind) or unlock (loose) doors with our keys. These keys will function on natural doors and kingdom doors. We have the keys to the kingdom.
In a familiar biblical story in 1 Samuel chapter 17, David went to battle to fight Goliath. Those that were on the battlefield were not able to fight Goliath because fear paralyzed them. Saul armed David with his armor, but he could not go out with Saul’s armor because he was not confident in it. David spiritually put on his whole armor of God to fight a giant naturally. David took five smooth stones and his staff, but most importantly, he went confidently in the God of our salvation.
In contrast, seven sons of a chief priest in Acts chapter 19 took it upon themselves to try to perform the same miracles they saw the apostle Paul performing. They tried to operate without the proper tools. Sadly, it ended with the evil spirit leaping on them, and they were left naked and wounded.
God loves us so much that He is no respecter of persons. He has allowed everyone to come to Him and ask for the power we need to fight this battle and to use our tools effectively. We all can be equipped with power. We can be equipped, prepared, and ready for battle. We do not have to live in this world powerless, giving ourselves over to the will of the enemy or left ignorant of his devices. With the help of God’s toolkit, we can successfully conquer.
By Deloris Mitchell
Did you know that God commanded his people to indoctrinate their children? It’s true. It’s a requirement.
What is indoctrination?
Indoctrination simply means, to TEACH. God is serious about teaching our children. There are over 135 scriptures about teaching children. Deuteronomy 11:18-21
“Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon
your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates: That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven
upon the earth.”
Years ago, indoctrination was practiced among most Christians in the United States. It was a part of the Christian experience. Most people who were raised in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s knew 5 things:
• Psalm 23
• St. John 11:35
• Matthew 6:9-11
• St. John 3:16
• Luke 2 (the Christmas story)
On Easter Sunday, children dressed in their Easter frocks and went to church to recite their memorized Easter speeches.
Little boys were uncomfortable in their Easter suits and ties.
Little girls were feeling pretty in their petticoat dresses, and new shoes, and excited about the one time of year they could wear a semigrownup hairdo. Most families took pride in their children knowing the Bible and having the ability to quote scripture from memory. The more scripture the children knew, the prouder the parents. This was proof that parents were teaching/ indoctrinating their children in the ways of Jesus. In essence, making the youth fit for the kingdom.
Fast forward to the 21st Century. There is a war going on in the United States for the hearts and minds of the youth. “We’re coming after your children” is the battle cry. The unfortunate thing about this war is, only one side seems to be fighting it. This decades long battle has been a silent, very strategic, stealthy battle,
but now, the indoctrination of the youth has come to full fruition and is out in the open. Sadly, this war has gone on right under the noses of many Christians without any detection at all.
Reading, writing, and arithmetic have taken a back seat to socialism, equity, social justice, and gender identity. There are very few trade schools teaching auto mechanics, plumbing, or welding. Children are taught how to protest in the streets, radical feminism, and all things LGBTQIA+. Sex education has mutated from the birds and the bees into the howto’s of deviant sex acts. Abstinence? What is that?
Sexual indoctrination, the grooming of America’s children has been enhanced by ‘family friendly’ drag queen strip shows (with police protection). The world has even challenged God’s creation, male and female. Children are now taught that there are more than 100 genders. You can be binary or nonbinary. You’re not a boy or a girl at birth, you can figure that out later in life. If you choose to be a furry (an animal), that’s okay. Through gender affirming care, in many cases paid by the government, you can change your gender from a boy to a girl or vice versa, if you so choose.
An agency called Bigeye conducted a study. Study title: Half of Gen Z Believes the Gender Binary Is Outdated. This is a devastating study. Academia and the medical profession have also taken a major role in corrupting the minds of our youth. In an article in Psychology
Today entitled: Three Gender Myths Almost Everyone Believes–But Shouldn’t: the author lists three things that are myths. The myths are as follows:
1. Gender is housed in your genitals. If you have a penis, you are a boy. If you have a vagina, you are a girl.
2. There are only two genders.
3. Young children don’t have the maturity to know their gender. How can this be? Where was the American church while our youth were taught such wickedness? Since the enemy of God has hidden the most abominable of sins under the umbrella of politics, many Christians have ignored them leaving the world to plant and water the seeds of wickedness in the youth. God’s people have been instructed to be sober, be vigilant. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world and not after Christ. However, those scriptures have not been elevated to the level of importance they deserve. In a country where the founding documents are inundated with biblical principles and upwards of 400 thousand Christian churches exist, how did the enemy of God steal the hearts and minds of our youth?
This statement has been spoken by many Christians, “I will not force my religion on my children. I want them to grow up and find ‘their own truth.’” This mindset is antithetical to biblical teaching. Who better than the parents should form the mindset/worldview of their children?
According to the Barna Group, only 9% of American adult Christians have a biblical worldview. It is next to impossible to teach a worldview that you do not have to your children. This leaves our youth at the mercy of the world. When Christian youth leave home with no foundational core moral values, they are an open vessel to the world that is full of evil deception.
(Continued on paged 35)
By Keyonia Mathis
Have you ever dealt with someone who expresses interest but then shows signs of a lack of interest in building or starting a relationship? Yes, no, or maybe? This is what you would call a mixed signal, an unclear message, or is often looked at as a contradicting message.
Mixed signals can be dangerous. If someone is making a left turn but has their right signal on, it makes it unclear which direction the person is going. For example, we use signal lights on the road to communicate while driving. It is important to know how showing mixed signals naturally and spiritually looks, how God responds to someone showing mixed signals in their daily lives, and what can be done to discourage a person from showing unclear natural or spiritual messages.
For example, a mixed signal can be someone who keeps you close but they do not commit to you. In contrast, spiritually, it can be someone who attends social watering holes such as lounges, nightclubs, day bars, and other gatherings over the weekend but sings praise and worship on Sunday morning. Furthermore, a person showing mixed signals spiritually will pick and choose what scripture they will live by but shun other scriptures that do not fit the narrative of their life. This person must understand the negative impact mixed signals can have on their relationship with God and their witness as a Christian.
Professing love for God but not obeying His word does not show that you love Him (John 14:15). Humanity has chosen to take man’s word over God’s word. For example, people in the church world have told others they do not have to go to church every time the doors are open. As a result, many do not prioritize coming to the house of God. Now, what God has said does not move or affect them. It is better to obey the Lord rather than take man’s word. Galatians 1:8 says: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let them be accursed.” God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), and it displeases God when someone changes the meaning of His word to fit their narrative. The word is forever settled in heaven (Psalm 119:89). We can rely on God’s word because it never changes.
After considering what it looks like to show mixed signals naturally and spiritually, one must consider what God has said in His word about living in this manner. As a Christian, we must live by every word of God. Indifference to God is one being lukewarm. Either you are cold or hot, but there is no in-between. To be indifferent means not having a specified side. How can two walk together unless they agree? God would rather we not live for Him than say we live for Him but straddle the fence (Rev. 3:16). Acting or faking like we live for God is what the word of God calls a form of godliness (2 Timothy 3:5). Professing Christians can dress the part, talk the part, shout, and run all around the church, but if there isn’t a Christ-like life to back this up, then they are just making noise and doing bodily exercises which profit nothing.
God has a standard for His people that includes living holy. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” You are a new creature in Christ, and the old man is dead. It is impossible to be an old man and a new man at the same time. No man can serve two masters. You cannot serve yourself and serve God. God must become the center of your life, but you cannot do both. In Deuteronomy 30:19, God said, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:” God, in the end, wants you to make a choice. Not choosing to make a choice is still making a choice.
To avoid sending mixed signals, confusing others, straddling the fence, and being lukewarm, do as Joshua admonishes in Joshua 24:15, choose ye this day whom ye will serve.
Bibb shares, “With peer pressure on the increase, our youth struggle with taking a stand in what they have been taught, and in what they know to be true. Also, another great challenge is the challenge to live holy a lifestyle. This is a major challenge because some of our youth don’t believe in holiness, or do not really think that it takes all of what the Bible teaches about living holy to make it to Heaven.”
Youth ministry in its various forms should have a singular focus: teaching the youth what it means to love and serve God. Minister Christopher Carr, a youth leader at Full Gospel Holy Temple of Anniston, Alabama stated, “The current priority of youth ministry should be developing Christ- centered lives in today’s young people. We live in a time where youth ministry promotes more events and outings than the gospel. Events and outings are great; however, today’s youth are facing many obstacles and challenges. For many, the missing element is a relationship with Jesus Christ.”
One particular youth ministry event that has maintained its positive impact in the Full Gospel Holy Temple ministry throughout the years is the annual week of Vacation Bible School (VBS) hosted at the L&S Christian Camp located in East, Texas. Full Gospel’s annual VBS camp offers the youth a welcoming and godly environment to experience the outdoor camp life while enjoying their peers and learning about Christian discipleship. Minister Phillip Smith, Sr., a long time VBS camp leader, shares what our youth currently needs today is understanding and communication. “It is vital that we get an understanding of what our children face in today’s society. The term “peer pressure” has become almost cliquish in describing what our children are going through. What they are exposed to today, dwarfs what we dealt with even ten years ago. We must research to understand the what and the why of what they face.”
Another youth ministry that is thriving and successfully equipping our youth in Christ is the Acts 29 Forward Motions Camp, founded and led by First Lady Daniele Murray, of the Full Gospel Holy Temple in Dallas, Texas.
The Forward Motions Camp is a three-day camp experience that empowers the youth to be bold in their faith in God.
When asked why she believed God gave her the vision of the Acts 29 youth ministry, Lady Daniele Murray shared: “The book of Acts represents a worldwide movement that converts, empowers, and equips. We can expect that our children will have the confidence, courage, and the ability to stand for Christ even when the world wants them to take down! On a personal note, I see myself in our children. God has given me a special love and desire to see them saved and live full, holy, successful lives. God allowed me to teach for several years, which was a precursor for the work He wants me to do with our children here.” Nurturing our young people and engaging with them in church is as important as any other aspect of their lives. Church should not be an afterthought or option to them; they should learn from their parents, pastors, and ministry leaders, the importance and value of establishing their own relationships with God. Proverbs 22:6 states, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Simply put, teaching our children about God and all that pertains to Christian living, is as critical as their primary, secondary and higher education. We do not have to lose an entire generation because of the depravity of our society or our own neglect. There is a way that is right. And that way is Christ. Leading our youth to Christ is an honorable responsibility.
Citation:
¹ https://www.barna.com/research/six-reasons-youngchristians-leave-church/
Faith: A strong belief in God or the doctrines of a religion based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.
To Be Fit: To be sound physically and mentally, healthy and put into a suitable state, made ready.
To Be Holy: To be devoted entirely to the deity or the work of the deity - God.
When placed in the context of the mission of Christians, these words and phrases are tightly aligned. They are codependent in achieving the tenets of The Great Commission in Matthew 16:15, which states to go into the highways and hedges and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost. This assignment is not for the faint of heart but for the one who is properly equipped, naturally and spiritually, to execute the duties of this life-long assignment faithfully. Just as with any quest, there is a measure of faith, preparation, discipline and action required to fulfill the goal of being holy and fit, especially when it comes to the work of the kingdom of God.
Four experienced women who are educators, fitness professionals, wives, mothers and very active church women have found the secret of putting their faith alongside their disciplined effort to live more fulfilled and well-balanced lives.
Tia Anderson-Williams, an educator, coach, personal trainer, and now entrepreneur, grew up in a traditional holiness church congregation. She knew about exercise from the tiny lens of private school physical education classes and recess times. While she did not grow up with a focus on physical fitness and mental wellness, as she began her college years, Williams learned these things are essential components of a healthy life.
“If it was not volleyball or ping pong, this is as far as it went for me,” said Williams as she reflected on her physical activity commitment while growing up. “After church services, we ate, and it would be good food. You know, the kind that sticks to your ribs and clogs arteries. I grew up learning to fellowship with food to have a good time.” Something she now refers to as unhealthy habits. Once she observed this newfound connection of being health conscious, she questioned her peers who did not play sports, about why they went to the gym regularly just to work out to understand the why behind this seemingly unnecessary commitment. Williams grew up reasonably healthy, and her motivation
was preventative after a mirror-type prompting about twelve years ago. “I became more intrigued about the benefits of living a healthier life to avoid future health disparities noted in my family after a brief doctor’s visit,” she said. However, it took a year to commit to improving her life. “It was after a church trip that I saw some photos circulating of myself and some of my friends while we were on the beach. I thought, ‘Tia, you look like a whale on the beach; a whale is on the sand! How did you let yourself get that big?”
She mentally noted that the time for a lifestyle change was imminent. Since access to resources was not immediately available to help her begin the new journey, she started walking. “I tried to get friends to go with me, and they didn’t want to,” shared Anderson - Williams. “I finally realized that it is like salvation-an individual affair. Just like we have to walk our personal spiritual path and may or may not have others to support, at the end of the day, we must ensure that we are praying and seeking God and understand our relationship with God.” This awareness became fuel for her to take ownership of her health. “I realized that my body does not gain or lose anything based on what others’ bodies are doing. You are responsible for yourself even if no one else works out with you.”
Twelve years ago, Anderson-Williams began her fitness journey to retrain her mind and learn what essential actions were needed. However, it did not stop there. She has made it her mission to help as many people as possible through education and training in alignment with the Christian faith. She overcame the fear of making a personal lifestyle shift and is today an advocate of health and wellness and the founder of New You Fitness, a personal training and fitness company that helps individuals to develop and consistently execute a holistic health plan to meet their fitness needs to improve the outcomes of their life. As she reflects on her evolution in the fitness industry, Anderson-Williams can see how her perspective has broadened and now encourages others to take a more realistic view.
“I loved physical fitness. I saw the body and tried manipulating it to get the desired look. But, as I got older, I got wiser and realized fitness is truly from the inside out. You must take care of those parts that you can not see. You can’t see my brain and heart, but you can see what I eat. The things I put inside my body make a difference in what is happening outside the body.” Anderson-Williams helps clients apply their faith mixed with discipline to meet fitness plan goals based on the Bible scripture 3 John Chapter 2. “I believe we
have been taught discipline to no end in the church. I walked away from sin and gave up friends and a lifestyle. That was not easy, but I knew He would give me something better,” she said. “The devil knows that there are certain things that he cannot tempt Christians with, but I feel that he has another trap we do not always pick up on. ”Anderson-Williams continued, “If he cannot tempt you with sin, he can keep giving you food with salt and sugar, and that clogs arteries or make you tired after going from revival to revival, and now you do not have the strength to work out. The devil will sit back and allow you to kill yourself with choices. We have faith that God can heal, but we must do our part using discipline and the Holy Spirit to help us.
LaTyshua Hill, a realtor, wife, mother, and Christian business entrepreneur, embraced a fit lifestyle through a personal health battle with her enemy hidden in plain sight.
“I would eat and be miserable. I also gained weight and felt tired and sleepy while walking around, even at church. Then, I began to notice that I was constantly out of breath,” said Hill, who also mentioned the constant brain fog and a lack of concentration. It became a challenge to her daily schedule and eventually prompted a visit to her doctor. During this visit, she learned she was on the cusp of a few health concerns and had sleep apnea symptoms (when your breathing pauses while sleeping.) Instead of just accepting this diagnosis, she surmised
that if she changed her mindset, she could also reshape the outcome of her life.
As a believer, she knew the scripture in James Chapter 2, Faith without works is dead, being alone, and the necessity of taking responsibility for her eating habits and her daily activity. “I had to count the cost, change my relationship with food, exercise, and eating habits. I realized that although we need food to live, my food (choices) was killing me,” said Hill. Stewardship in Christianity includes the health of our body as the prize creation of God. 3 John 2 states, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health even as thy soul prospereth.” As a child of God fully engaged in a word-based, faith-focused church, Hill knew her soul was in good health, but her body struggled to manifest this verse’s beginning. “I have to take care of myself and my family. God wants us to be in good health, and how can we tell others to do something we are not doing,” explained Hill, who knows that Christians are living epistles for the spirit of God to dwell in.
Discipline became the order of the day for Hill, and each day dawned and set with a consistent set of practices of personal responsibility, action, and accountability for the health of her body - her temple. In less than a year, Hill saw the success of her journey catapult into a new way of life. She reduced her body weight and can now do day-to-day tasks with increased energy and better functionality, which enhances her ability to work in her real estate business. Spiritually, she is overjoyed to have a more focused prayer life, an uncluttered mind, and better concentration. According to the Centers for Disease Control Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (anything that gets you moving) and two days of muscle-strengthening training per week. These requirements can be completed incrementally throughout the week or in a single setting.
Now, Hill is an example and an inspiration through her God-centered apparel company, Bee Good T-shirts and Gifts at www. beegoodtees.com, which offers inspirational tee-shirts, hats, journals, mugs, and fitness attire, and workout skirts to help encourage others to be good to their bodies, and put the right foods inside to be able to live well.
Luke 22:32 states, “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Trina Webster is another woman of faith who manages a national fitness brand’s operations and training functions and is committed to using this knowledge to better others. Eighteen years ago, she did not see herself as a connector of faith to
fitness in the community and church to help yield more successful outcomes for people of all ages. Webster entered the fitness industry through her career opportunity and took advantage of an employee perk.
“I did not understand the attributes of fitness until I started working for the brand. They promoted a healthy lifestyle and gave employees a couple of hours per day to ‘work on themselves’ and live the brand,” she said. “Like our Christian testimonies hold conviction, I wanted to be able to speak to questions based on my real experience.” So, as she began to work out in the gym regularly, she began to soak up knowledge about various benefits and types of fitness offerings available to multiple age groups. “I have people that come to the fitness club who are not trying to lose weight or build muscle. Some are up on canes, and the oldest was 99 years old. They have goals of just being able to stand and cook in their kitchen,” she said.
Webster noted that fitness is for everyone of all ages and especially for the children of God. “We cannot be effective and do the work of God if we are too tired, worn out, and unable to utilize this temple (our bodies),” she said, conscious of the fact that believers are the hands and feet of Jesus who carry the gospel to the lost. “You can not fulfill the work of ministry can not be fulfilled if you can not move.”
While fitness is not a hot topic in the church community, Webster is a resource for others. Webster works within her church as a part of the health ministry. She has hosted wellness events and walk-a-thons but sees an entry point for churches to help foster a fitness lifestyle by assisting the congregants in understanding their fitness nutrition goals.
“God opened this door to allow me to get into it and learn. I have learned about the benefits of what to do and how to help others and to be a resource in the kingdom of God, “Like our salvation is the beginning point, there is a starting point in fitness, and your goals will change over time.”
The Bible mentions that bodily exercise profiteth little in I Timothy 4:8. Some Christians will use this scripture to validate their choice to have a sedentary lifestyle instead of maintaining an active one. This scripture is precautionary and speaks to the value placed on physical health and its earthly benefits versus spiritual health, preparing one to reap eternal life. But, it did not say it has no effect. So, no excuses!
Working out and being healthy should be a part of our daily routines but not the main focus, nor should it become an act of self-worship or pride. Remember the first of the ten commandments in Exodus 20:3 “Thou shalt have no other God before me?”
Over ten years ago, learning to balance and integrate her love for fitness with her passion for God was a bit of a challenge for Erika Howard, an academic curriculum writer, owner of Two and Nine Fitness Apparel, and a fitness enthusiast who has worked in all aspects of the fitness industry.
“I played sports in high school but was not really into fitness until college when I got a job at a small gym. I watched the children at the gym, and the owner thought I would be a great aerobics fitness instructor.” She agreed, and the owners paid for her to get her certification to teach aerobics while in college, jumpstarting her love for the industry.
“I taught step and floor aerobics and soon became interested in nutrition, health, and personal training. I enjoyed this so much that I changed my major to Exercise and Physiology and worked in all gym areas, from the front desk to sales to aerobics, cycling, etc.” The impact of this experience was profound and created a lifelong dream of owning her fitness gym and coupled with the desire to help her father, who had been diagnosed with diabetes. Needing to build her cash flow, she followed her father’s advice and became a physical education teacher, coach, and, ultimately, a classroom teacher for 18 years. This shift in her path did not thwart her love to stay fit.
“I love fitness, being outdoors, caring for my body, and trying new things. I always enjoyed fitness because it is all about people bettering themselves,” said Howard, who still works out daily. “I enjoy the sun and wind beating on my face. I love to feel the elements, sweat, and know that something is happening in my body.”
For Howard, physical exercise is when she enjoys the
beauty of God’s creation. “I love nature and appreciate God. He is the best artist. I love to work out in the morning. It is something about the newness of the day and starting over.”
Once Howard learned of God’s plan for her life, she began a more challenging journey to align her two loves that ultimately allowed her to bridge them. Working in education as an athletic coach and an avid fitness pro, Howard realized the alignment of her life conflicted with the tenets of her newfound faith in God.
“I struggled with understanding the concept (of modest apparel) but wanted to be obedient and receive what God had for me,” she began. “I was still coaching and trying to live like others (outside of my faith) while I wrapped my mind around it. Ultimately, I decided to give up coaching and become a classroom teacher to live a saved life. Health has always been my priority; no matter what I had on, I would go to work out. I just wanted to be healthy, be fit and live long.”
As she surrendered all her dreams and desires to God, she developed and nurtured the proper relationships to help remove barriers for others, especially Christians who wanted to increase their fitness levels. “I wanted fitness to be fun, and I felt like I could help the people in the church.” She longed to see more physically active Christians taking charge of their health.
Modesty was one barrier she observed for the ladies, so she started a small business changing basketball shorts into skirts. While this helped some who were already interested in improving their health, it became costly and unpredictable. “Is it going to be too short or tight in the hips?” Then, you had to put shorts under it. It was a hassle. If anyone did not want to work out, it would count you out because it was too much to go through.”
This business idea eventually faded but was later rebirthed after a dream. “ I was walking into a nationally branded clothing store, and two ladies, a mom, and daughter, were walking out and wearing my apparel brand. I said, ‘I like your skirt,’’ and the ladies began to say how much they liked the brand. They began showing me the website, not realizing I was the owner.” She knew this was confirmation from the Lord dealing with her about restarting this business. I woke up and said, “Lord, I do not know how to sew at all.”
Howard has been in business for over a year, and the lessons and joy she has found in this new fitness opportunity have left her in awe!
“You can do anything in a skirt! Do not let skirts restrict you from being physically active. It does not matter what skirt you have on, be out there doing something, ” admonished Howard, who explained that the premise of the business is just that, “Do Something.”
“We desire to encourage women and men to get out and be fit and not let attire be a barrier to being physically active.
Learn more about Howard’s fitness brand Two and Nine by visiting her website Twoandninemodfit.com and see athletic skirts made from various materials with built-in shorts and zippered skirts, statement tees, and camp skirts for petite women like tweens and teens.
“Take what I see in the world and make it modest. Cute fashionable items that look good allow Christian women to be confident in what we wear in all seasons.”
Keys for Mothers on Faithful and Fit Living
Howard has a special heart for mothers. “We have a lot to do. Many of us are wives and mothers and play a role God ordained for us. For me, being a mother is my ministry. We are examples to our daughters and set the pace for the family. As a woman, when you get up and work out, your husband may get up and work out with you. We must be fit to run our households and not be sluggish and get up late. We have a lot more to do.”
Regarding the Christian mission, it is vital for the kingdom to get out and witness. “We must go out and witness and walk these streets to tell someone about Jesus. The same faith that we have in knowing that God can heal is the same faith that we got to put to work on this front. Faith without works is dead. We have to do our part.”
Another key is creating relationships with people on the same mission to foster camaraderie and accountability.
She turned to people she thought could help because she had never mass-produced anything. Her team worked through all the known issues to create a more sustainable and valuable product.
“A group gives motivation. Motivation is like taking a bath. You have to do it daily. On the days that you do not have it, your girlfriend may have it. Godly friends provide fellowship, give you godly counsel, accountability, and you can challenge each other to your physical limits.” said Howard. ”I am grateful for my tribe.”
Remember that the devil has a trap waiting for the saints that we may not always pick up on. He can slow us down with lousy health if he can’t get us with sin. As Christians, we must remember that we are in a battle against the enemy. Just as the military has to prepare for a mission, we must prepare to fulfill our faith’s mission.
A little fuel for your faith-driven fitness goals:
• Be honest with yourself about your current wellness state.
• Set relevant fitness goals for you and your body.
• Do something active every day, even if it is walking.
• Ask for help to plan or accomplish your fitness goals.
• Challenge Yourself - Put in more effort than the previous day, try new activities.
• Remove all excuses and vary your workout routine and activities (outside, inside, virtual, individual or group, or team options).
• Connect with like-minded people to support, motivate and create camaraderie.
• Start and, if needed, start over.
• Give Yourself Grace.
• Include God in your fitness plan. Ask him to help you meet your goals.
As a child, I was ostracized for being a little different. I was the one that wanted to wear a belt instead of choosing to “sag” my pants. I was the one who wanted to go to school, instead of hanging out at the corner store. Unfortunately, the peer pressure was a little too much for a person without the Holy Ghost, and I got tangled up. Although my mother embedded in me the fear of God at an early age, it was not until later in life that I learned about the power I was missing and how to get untangled from the things of this world.
Growing up many of my family members and friends spent time in prison, and two of my brothers are still incarcerated today. Although I was not caught up in the penal system, I was tangled up with many ungodly things. People constantly told me I was the “good one” because I did not go to jail; instead, I chose to finish high school and college. But many people did not know that I was crying on the inside, wishing I did not exist. I was poor, felt alone, was seeking love in all of the wrong places, and was so angry at the world that I used profanity in almost every sentence.
People fail to realize that a life without Jesus is the same as a life with Satan. I was not in prison physically, but I was mentally. I
searched for the love that I was missing. I joined a prominent Greek Fraternity and formed a bond of brotherly love. Regrettably, I found myself trading one entanglement for another.
I was invited to Marshall Full Gospel Holy Temple around my sophomore year in college. Because of what my mother taught me about Jesus as a child, I knew I was supposed to be doing something different; therefore, I accepted the invitation to attend church services. The power of God was indeed in the atmosphere, which led to a feeling of conviction about the things I was tangled in.
I must admit after I left church that Sunday, the ‘Word’ fell on thorny ground, and as Mark 4:19 reads, “And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.”
At the time, I did not realize that God was drawing me, and as Jesus said in John 6:44, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” It was not until December 26, 2004, that I gave my life over to God and started learning
how to live an authentic, saved life. I began to untangle myself from the things of this world to follow hard after God.
I have gone beyond what I could have ever expected. I, a young black male that grew up on the Southside of Fort Worth, an area known as “Murder Worth”, was born to uneducated parents, around drugs, murder, and poverty, yet God saw fit to prevent me from becoming a statistic. Instead, He allowed me to be the first in my family to graduate high school, attend college, go further to receive my Master’s Degree, and later a Doctorate of Health Science. He watches over me as I serve in the Texas Army National Guard, and 25 years later, after obtaining the rank of Major and a deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan, I am still in my right mind. He has blessed me with a saved wife and two children who don’t have to experience what I experienced as a child. To God be the glory! I am thankful for being untangled from the things of this world in order to follow hard after God, and I am an example that you do not have to be a product of your environment.
Cedric Hill:
I don’t know where I would be without this ministry. Brought up in this ministry from age five, I knew the truth about God. When I became a teenager, I grew tired of going to church. I decided to stop going as soon as I was old enough to make my own decisions. I realize that this was the biggest mistake of my life! I became bound and engulfed by ungodly habits and a magnet for sin, starting with weed, alcohol, and fornication. I felt I was having a good time, living my best life.
As the years progressed, I started getting in trouble with the law. I was constantly in and out of jail. Because I was on probation, I started doing drugs that, unlike weed, would not stay in my system long, so I could still pass the required drug tests. Being led deeper into Satan’s clutches, I began to drink more alcohol, pop pills, snort powder, and hustle to support my expensive habits. Little did I know, I was becoming chemically addicted to these drugs to the point that I must get high and drunk every day. Satan was committed to helping me destroy myself.
Because I grew up in church, I knew God’s word and that I had a calling on my life. I clearly understood that my soul would be doomed to hell if I died. Yet I kept running away from God, thinking I’ll get saved when I was ready. Before I knew it, over 20 years of my life had passed, and I was still trapped by Satan’s vices and running from God. The Holy
Scriptures state that God’s spirit will not always strive with man. And I remember when I started to feel that God was removing His candlestick from my life because He was tired of my refusal to surrender. I felt my world growing smaller daily, to the point that I didn’t know if I was going or coming. I started to feel like I was losing my mind.
I almost overdosed a few times and had to call the paramedics to my apartment. Still, I kept running from God but did fewer drugs to maintain. Then one day, I took half of a pill and had the worst trip of my life straight to the banks of hell! My body could not take any more drugs or alcohol.
My mind was so far gone that I could not even make sentences to ask for forgiveness or dial 911 because the numbers on my phone were going in different directions. My heart was stopping; it was beating so fast! As I tried to lie down, I started seeing black demonic shadows flying all over my room, and I knew I was done. But something inside of me fought for my life! I grabbed my phone and managed to call a sister from my childhood church through Facebook Messenger. I managed to mumble, “Please pray for my soul; I’m dying.” When she started praying, I immediately started to calm down to where I could focus a little better. I hung up with her, put
on one of the late Apostle Lobias Murray’s old sermons, and blasted it as loud as possible on my Bluetooth speaker. Then, I started calming down to the point where I passed out. The following day, I said I was done with drugs, but a friend came by and wanted me to take him to get some pills. After that near-death experience I had encountered just hours before, I still agreed to go with him. Immediately after getting the pills, we headed home. A random car got behind us, chasing us down the street with an AR-15 rifle hanging out the window. Again, my life was back on the line! God had spared my life again! During the high-speed chase, I told the driver to make a right turn instead of a left, and we met God’s grace. There were three police cars, one in each lane, with lights flashing and posted at the red light. The guys chasing us turned around and went in the opposite direction.
This last experience confirmed that the end of my life was near. I was tired of running. I went to church
At a young age, LaShonda Spencer was looking for that big break or stroke of good luck. Born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana, she found herself entangled with a habit she could not break free from on her own.
“As a young lady, I developed a gambling habit that led to an addiction. I started playing card games (Pitty Pat and Tunk), then Bingo. I scratched off lottery tickets and played the Pick Three and Pick Six. But I was truly hooked by the casino games, specifically Blackjack! I literally spent 24 hours a day every week at the casino trying to get 21.” Looking back, she knows that God saw her addiction and its impact on her life. He created a means for her to change course.
She wore a shirt with the words: joy, peace, happiness, and longsuffering. These are the fruit of the Spirit, but I did not know what they were at that time. I stepped back and said to myself, “Everything on her shirt I need in my life.” She read the words but also saw something different in her daily activity while at the workplace. It piqued her interest, and she soon learned that this lady was more than a coworker but a divine intervention for her.
good was going to happen to me. He preached, “God wants to set you free!” He said he did not care if you have a thousand-dollar-a-day drug habit; God loves you and can set you free. He said he did not care if you had to take a pill to wake in the morning, take a pill to keep you going through the day, and a pill to make you sleep at night. He said, “Matthew 1:21 states, A virgin shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus, and he shall save his people from their sin!”
“I was born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana, in Catholicism, and even attended a Catholic school,” shared Spencer. She emphasized how little she knew about the power of a holy God to change her desire for the things of this world to a desire for living a life pleasing to Him.
“God saw fit to move me to Dallas in July 1995. He put someone in my life that lived a life of holiness before me, and she began to witness to me,” she said. “When I met this lady, she looked so pure and clean.
“I was placed with her for on-the-job training, and she began to witness to me. One day, we were in the restroom, and she gave me her phone number and told me that God loved me and wanted to save me. She said if I ever needed someone to talk with, call her. After a while, I called her, and she gave me an invitation to church. I met her husband, and both shared with me more about the power of God and how He had the power to change my life.”
LaShonda came to the church listening for what God could do and was not disappointed. “When I got to the church, I heard people testify how God had delivered them from drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes. I heard how He had put broken homes back together.” But when the minister began to preach, her heart was pricked by the Word of God. It made her deeply desire more of God. “He declared something
Hearing this was like breaking news! The Virgin Mary had a son who was the one who came to save. God was opening her heart to His kingdom plan for her life. “He told me that “saved” means to be delivered, and “sanctified” means to be set apart, and then filled with the Holy Ghost, means to have the Spirit of God in your heart.” All of this was the change that she needed. She understood God’s plan for humanity’s salvation, which included her! “When the altar call was made, I did not harden my heart. I went down to the altar, repented of my sins, asked the Lord to save me, and fill me with the precious Holy Ghost! That day, September 6, 1996, GOD SET ME FREE!”
Today, LaShonda Spencer is a minister’s wife, a mother of two adult children, and a diligent worker in her church. She is constantly sharing her life-changing testimony to help others separate from the world so they also can be fit for God’s kingdom.
I didn’t always have the testimony that I was living a life pleasing to God. I went to college, and after a one-year sabbatical, I went to a school close enough, yet just far enough, to do my own thing. I was a light and a witness initially, but after about a semester, I began to drift from God, and I pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. (AKA). I remember my first night going to the club, and many friends stated: “If Crystal is in here, God must be about to come back.” Sadly, I killed my witness in a matter of minutes. God protected me in my error as I continued to frequent clubs and experienced broken bottles and bullets flying near me. One night, the night of one of the biggest parties of the year, I lost my desire to attend. It felt different, and this came as a surprise to so many that knew me. It was even more of a shock when I said, “I want to go to church tonight instead.” God was drawing me by His Spirit. He saved me and delivered me that night.
Although I came back to God and stopped clubbing and partying, I believed I could fully participate in AKA through service, maintain my five positions in the chapter and still be devoted to God. I thought, “This organization was founded on Christian principles. Some scriptures are interwoven throughout its history, guides, manuals, etc., so surely there’s no major conflict.” Yet, in my attempt to toggle between God and the sorority, I began to feel a strong conviction. I had recently crossed over more than twenty ladies from pledge to initiated members of the sorority. I told them that there must be a lifetime commitment to this organization. On the other hand, I was questioning everything that I thought I knew. I started asking God to reveal his divine plan, and if AKA was not a part of that plan, please show me and give me the strength to walk
rituals and the oaths that are taken, which the Bible explicitly speaks against. I became torn hearing about the reverence of the founding members. One was referred to as the ‘guiding light,’ I thought, “This is in direct opposition to God as there is only one light of the world—Jesus Christ.” Minister G. Craig Lewis, of EX Ministries, began to pray over tattoos during a Truth Behind Hip Hop service, but I felt the unction to have him pray with me and my need to walk away from the sorority. I walked down as he and Apostle Murray stood at the altar, and I said, “I’m in a sorority, and I can’t get out.” I began to weep because I knew it was a stronghold. I was unsure how many portals I opened myself to, but I knew what God had revealed to me, and I knew that I needed to be obedientIMMEDIATELY (Isaiah 1:19--If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.) God delivered me that day! I threw away all my paraphernalia, totaling thousands of dollars, as a proclamation that “God, I choose you, today and forever.” I felt so light and free. After I shared my decision with the chapter, I was shunned and ridiculed by every Greek on campus. People would go the other way or pass by me as if I were invisible. Others who knew me and my love for the Lord (as well as my devotion to the sorority) would say, “She must really love the Lord to walk away from AKA.”. In those times when I felt burdened and even mocked, I reminded myself that if I can’t suffer with God, I surely can’t reign with Him. God proved to be my sufficiency, and I saw others thank me for my courage, and they, too, chose God over the world.
yet recognize God’s sovereignty, I decided to take my hands off and allow God to lead, guide, and teach me. Through it all, I held onto God, and He held onto me. Despite the issues encountered in life, I still choose Jesus! God began to open door after door, and I saw God’s favor flood my life.
It started with a new job, working for a company I was adamant about joining. I will be celebrating a 10th milestone anniversary later this year. I am blessed to have had several careers within the same company, and I’ve truly seen some of my best days. I’ve been the recipient of God’s unmerited favor. He has created positions for me, and I’ve been given promotion after promotion. Recently, God moved me into a leadership position. I know that by His design, I’m in His perfect will to exhibit Christian servanthood.
Most recently, through my job’s tuition benefit, God allowed me to complete a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Development with a 4.0 GPA and two certifications. I also finished in the top 10% of my class. My life has been enriched, and my dreams and desires are being fulfilled through Christ. He NEVER fails!
I remember the Lord began to open my eyes to many of the secret
In this world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33). A couple of years later, I lost my job, car, and apartment. For about three years, I endured a lack of stability, and I lived with family and then in a hotel. Struggling to stay afloat
In hindsight, I thank God for every “No,” every tear, and every moment I was pushed to the edge of my strength. I learned obedience through the things that I suffered, and I know God in a more excellent way (Hebrews 5:8). Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;). God has given me everything that I lost and multiplied it exponentially. I encourage you to consult God about EVERYTHING. Acknowledge him in all your ways. (Proverbs 3:6). Learn to trust God’s plan for your life, and you’ll see your life blossom.
A native of Louisiana, Donald Armstrong, recalls the life scenario that was his entry point into the dark side of life as a known, young gang member and drug dealer.
I was pretty much fed up with not having any clothes or shoes for school and was borrowing clothes from one of my homeboys. This plan that didn’t last long before a socalled friend introduced me to “the game”
Already involved in gang activities and drinking alcohol, I was introduced to selling drugs by my friends who gave me my first “rock” (crack cocaine) to sell.There were many nights I had to fight grown men for trying to run off with my drugs. I always knew if someone took from me and word got out that I was weak, I wouldn’t last.
So, I began to mind the rules of the streets and beat grown men with iron pipes just to even the odds. Many nights we would drink and smoke premoes (weed laced with cocaine).
When I started selling drugs, I felt invincible and no one could tell me anything anymore because I was now providing for myself. Soon, I went from bad to worse and my grandmother became scared of me, and sadly, for me.
Once word hit the streets that there was a warrant being issued for my arrest for selling drugs, I moved to California. Once I made it to California, I was living fine for several months until I ran out of money. That’s when I started mugging women and soon after that, I got involved in robbing convenience stores. It got to the point where my conscience started convicting me. I knew what I was doing was wrong and I was tired of that lifestyle. My heart had convicted me so much that I knew I was going to Hell. I wasn’t raised in church, but I still knew that I wasn’t going to Heaven
due to my lifestyle. It got to the point where I was waking up every day wondering if I was going to be dead or in prison soon. Finally, that day came. We robbed a store that we went to everyday with no masks on. The store clerk was screaming, “ I know you. You are my friends; why do you do this to me?!” That was the one that sent me to prison.
I remember asking the Lord to forgive me for my past because I knew what I was doing was wrong. I actually was sorry in my heart and the Lord knew it. I started reading my Bible and praying in secret to the Lord. When I tell you I never knew how real GOD was until I went to prison. Oh, my Lord. People wouldn’t believe the prison testimonies of how the Lord revealed himself to me unless they were a fly on the wall. The Lord walked with me and showed me favor in prison. The Lord also put on my heart (IF YOU COME BACK YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN). Just like the Lord blessed me to go to prison , he brought me out of prison. Once I got home from prison I was still hanging out in the drug houses. That’s where I felt comfortable. All of my friends were drug dealers and gangsters. I drank liquor, beer, and smoked weed and Sherm (PCP) daily.
I had many near-death experiences. I remember one particular incident, my friends and I were at the club one night. And I got into an altercation with some guys from the other side of town and as I advanced towards one of the guys I was shot in the stomach. After hearing the shots, I tried to run but I fell to the ground. When I was laying on the ground, I never thought of repenting or asking God to forgive
me of my sins. If it wasn’t for the grace and mercy of God, I would have died and went to Hell. I knew I needed true deliverance from the streets.
I knew I had to go back to the Lord Jesus that delivered me out of prison. I always tell people that I met the Lord in prison. I say that because there were many times I had to call on the Lord when I was in prison and He showed up every time, because I was seeking Him, praying and reading my Bible. I remember one particular incident while I was locked up. One of the gang leaders told me what they had planned for me and it wasn’t good. As God as my witness, while this guy was hitting me with his finger on my chest and talking and cursing me out, he said “it’s something about you and I don’t know what it is.” He kept saying for some reason that he couldn’t touch me.
Not only couldn’t they do any harm to me, the Lord God made it to where this same guy had to watch over me until I left that particular prison yard.
When I think about the goodness of the Lord, my mind always takes me back to when I was in prison and how I was delivered out of many situations. That’s what keeps me in check: my personal experiences with the Lord.
On January 13, 2013 the LORD saved me and delivered me from sin. I tell people all the time I’m so clean that I can pass a drug test. I haven’t been this clean since the 6th grade. LET NO ONE TELL YOU THAT THIS SAVED LIFESTYLE IS NOT POSSIBLE BECAUSE I FOUND IT TO BE TRUE !! YES JESUS SAVES !!!
Aleech is an aquatic or terrestrial annelid (segmented) worm with suckers at both ends. Many species are bloodsucking parasites, especially vertebrates, while others are predators. (Webster Dictionary). My experience as a pet store associate showed me how difficult it is to spot leeches. When I first noticed the leech, I thought it was a baby turtle. I realized the turtles were in danger when the “baby turtle” stretched into a very thin line to move to a new host. The leech seemed to have been in the habitat for quite some time. The leech had eaten through one of the turtle’s shells, resulting in an emergency vet visit. There were various injuries in the tank, some more severe than others. The less severe were treated with special ointments in the sick room, which is a place where injured or sick animals are taken for treatment.
By Tiara Holland
While I am slightly relieved to have caught the leech before it attached to more turtles, I was disappointed to know that something so small caused so much damage. This could’ve been prevented if special chemicals had been added to the water. Sometimes, once a leech is spotted, a turtle will instantly eat it for nutrients and protection. While a leech is a physical parasite, in the spiritual realm, a spiritual leech is any negative influence that prevents us from living according to God’s will. Before salvation, weights prevented and separated us from God, but now we can gain access by following Christ. According to Hebrews 12:1 (KJV), we must “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,.”
There is so much misinformation, misunderstanding, and lies about living for Christ. The adversary uses tactics to distract, drain, and influence people out of the will of God. They are determined to stop those that God is calling out of sin, and if not careful, will try to get those who are saved to go back into a life of sin. Observing videos that go against God’s standards is common when visiting popular social media platforms. For example, a video showed someone using the Bible in a live witchcraft ritual. Other videos showed the opposite of Christian-like behavior. These videos had thousands of views and followers.
The adversary is creating spiritual leeches and placing them wherever he can, but through Christ, we can live the life God calls us to live. Christ is the ultimate treatment for the removal of spiritual leeches. He is called the Good Shepherd, who protects, shaves, and feeds His sheep. If there is not a shepherd there, the sheep will scatter and become bait for predators. A wild or lost sheep can overgrow their coat which can collect debris from the environment, eventually leading the sheep to topple over.
A good shepherd is needed to guide the flock to suitable locations for food so that they may be in good health. It is important to have a shepherd to tend to the sheep. Christ is our spiritual shepherd and overseer that ensures that there are no attachments, or spiritual leeches, that hinder our relationship with God. Although I was the caretaker of the turtles, nothing can compare to Christ as the Good Shepherd. He ensures that no worldly attachments or spiritual leeches will stop Christians from being like Christ. Only through Christ can spiritual leeches be avoided and then destroyed.
As a result of this, less than 1% of 18–23-year-old Christians have a biblical worldview.
Parents are having a hard time competing with the world for the minds of the youth. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now the number one instrument used to indoctrinate the youth. ChatGPT is the hottest thing going. This is very concerning because this new technology talks, listens, learns, and instructs: It also writes, searches the internet, and answers questions. It is not always accurate, its sources are not fact-checked, and it relies on human feedback to improve its accuracy. The human feedback is not coming from Christians, but Christian youth rely on it.
Yes, Christians in many instances have dropped the ball, but it’s not too late to pick the ball up and get back in the game. It is imperative that we do so. As soon as the child is teachable, the ways of God, the sacrifice of Jesus, and biblical principles should be constantly put before their eyes. By the time they go to school, they should have a foundation of core values that cannot be shaken by the world. How can we as Christians regain the ground that has been lost and bring the heart of our youth back to God? How do we make our youth fit for the kingdom? Sagacity is how.
What is Sagacity?
According to Merriam-Webster.com, Sagacity is the quality of being sagacious. Being sagacious consist of these attributes:
• Quickness of perception
• Soundness in judgment
• Foresight into a situation
• Operating in astuteness and sharpness
• Having insight, wisdom, profoundness, thoughtfulness
• Discernment of what is going on around oneself and others
• Skilled at discovering truths, especially with regard to human nature
God has a plan and a strategy. We are his soldiers. As Christians, we should strive for Sagacity. We must pray to be sagacious. Sagacity is the only way we as Christians can effectively push back against the wickedness that has overtaken our country and the world. Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Christians must pray that God will awaken us, His church, and deliver us from worldly distractions: Teach us to be strong and of good courage, to dread not, nor be dismayed: To be mighty men and women of valor. Make us sagacious. We must pray for the wherewithal to go into spiritual warfare and battle for the hearts and minds of our youth, that we might stay the hand of the enemy. Pray for the spirit of wisdom. Lord, grant us the fighting spirit of Benaiah and the Gadites and the sagaciousness of the Children of Issachar, who understood the times and what Israel should do.
Citations:
https://www.advocate.com/business/2021/2/24/study-half-gen-z-believes-gender-binary-outdated https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/gender-science/201701/three-gender-myths-almost-everyonebelieves-shouldn-t
1 Peter 5:8
Colossians 2:8
https://www.barna.com/research/barna-survey-examines-changes-in-worldview-among-christians-over-the-past13-years/
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sagacious
1 Chronicles 22:13
1 Chronicles 11:22
1 Chronicles 12:8
Amindset governed by self-will is death, but one governed by the Spirit of God is joy, peace, and everlasting life. One with carnal desires will always be in a stance of hostility towards God and resist submitting to His law, thus unable to please Him. Carnality is the challenge, but spirituality wins the championship! Are you selfishly listening to your mind or actively listening to the Spirit of God?
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:6-8 KJV)
I encourage you to ask yourself, “Am I carnal or spiritually minded?” This read intends to either change or enhance your perspective and provide a fresh understanding from a biblical standpoint.
Although they may refer to the body instead of the spirit, carnal desires pertain to sensual, fleshly, or worldly attractions and temptations. When you’re carnally minded, your focus becomes satisfying the flesh, and your heart will explore things that worldly lust can’t fulfill.
Seeking and submitting to God’s will grant us life to walk in the impartation of the Holy Spirit and maintain a thought process faithful to the things of God. Life in the Spirit enables us to live consciously in the presence of God, trusting Him to provide the support we need to fulfill His will and purpose for our lives.
The attitude of the carnal believer differs significantly from the fruit produced by and the character of the spiritual believer. In Christ, carnality profits you nothing. It is impossible to live a fulfilled, good life and exist as God’s enemy. A contrary mindset believes you can live according to fleshly desires and please God! As believers, if we resort to carnal living, our lives will reap corruption. In contrast, the mind of the Christian believer is renewed and can receive the blessing of God’s revelations. Pursuing sanctification causes us to avoid the destruction of emotional bribery and abide in the safety of Spirit-led emotion.
Know this! The state of your mind has all to do with whom you choose to follow and the way of life you choose to live. A great deal of maturity has to do with submitting your thoughts to the will of God. Kingdom mentality is a structured framework viewed with a GOD-inspired orientation. The key to having a kingdom mindset is preserving a thought process that recognizes the power of God working in your life!
“When you’re carnally minded, your focus becomes satisfying the flesh, and your heart will explore things that worldly lust can’t fulfill.”
By Aaronda Smith
As you enter the parking lot, you hesitate. You check your clothes and make sure that everything is perfect. You are ready. You grab your things and head to the building. Excitement fills your heart as you anticipate what awaits you beyond the doors. You grab the door and swing it wide. It hits you. The sound of a voice singing engulfs the atmosphere as harmonies blend and instruments unite to usher in the presence of God. You head to your seat with a smile on your face, ready to worship.
When it comes to entering “His gates with thanksgiving” and “His courts with praise,” music is often the conduit (a channel through which something is conveyed) that brings on God’s presence. Music has become an integral component and a major part of the church; and, because of this, music’s influence in the church has grown exponentially. Often embedded throughout the service, music sets the tone and prepares the atmosphere for worship. When the atmosphere is right, the anointing of God is free to flow, and “the yoke is destroyed because of the anointing.” (Isaiah 10:27) What is played, how it is played, and who is playing it are all factors to consider when it comes to music in the church. Therefore, the church sound must be distinct from the world’s sound, which is not always the case. Worldly nuances have infiltrated the church changing the pureness of the sound into “sounding brass and tinkling cymbals.” Basically, there is no anointing and no move of God. The sound of the church must be the sound of the kingdom, and the kingdom sound must remain holy, pure, and sanctified. While many are adapting it to a secular sound, some are still committed to protecting the kingdom sound.
If you recall, music started in Heaven and continued throughout the Bible in the form of praise and worship. After the crossing of the Red Sea, Miriam struck up a song of praise to commemorate the victory God provided Israel. In conquering Jericho, trumpets sounded, and the walls fell down flat to allow the victory. Hannah’s answered prayer resulted in a song of praise to express her gratitude to God. But no musician is as noteworthy as the psalmist King David. As a shepherd boy, who was also a great musician (a harpist), David would often utilize his musical talents to calm the sheep. He never considered that gift would bring him before the first King of Israel, King Saul.
Rejected by God, King Saul was tormented by an evil spirit. David was summoned to come and play his harp for King Saul, which resulted in the evil spirit departing from the King. Thus, David gained favor with Saul and became Saul’s personal musician. This is one of the first instances of the influential power of music on the psyche of man. In today’s society, musicians like David are needed in the kingdom to both represent and maintain this sound.
Dr. Tony Wade, a nationally renowned recording artist and minister of music at Full Gospel Holy Temple Church in Dallas, Texas, began singing at the age of nine and has served at the same church his entire 52 years of music ministry. His musical background brought him before many greats, including the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, who took the young man under her wings and mentored him. From there, he traveled the country with his leaders singing as a soloist, directing the choir, and finally, becoming the minister of music for his church. As time progressed, he received several opportunities to venture out into the music world; he chose to remain faithful to God and his church, working diligently to maintain the kingdom sound. He says, “You never want to be out of the will of God when ministering.”
The kingdom is different from the world; so is its sound. Music in the world entertains to make you feel good, while music in the church is to promote the flow of the anointing in order to destroy yokes. When defining the kingdom sound, Dr. Tony Wade referenced a conversation he often has with his Pastor, Apostle Herman Murray Jr.. “Apostle and I often use this phrase: ‘The Sound of the Church.’ That is the kingdom sound. It brings about change.” The kingdom sound cannot be “manufactured,” for it ushers in the presence of God and makes the atmosphere “just right” for Him to move. The sound should never be altered by worldly influences. Dr. Tony Wade says it like this, “It is like soul food compared to junk food”. Traditional gospel feeds the soul, but the contemporary gospel still has its place. But if it is supposed to be a gospel song, Jesus should be mentioned in the song since it is His gospel.” Musicians must be careful not to fuse music together which could result in a conflict within the people. Secular music, when integrated with the kingdom sound, can affect how people receive you. You can sing a song that has the same sound as a worldly song, and instead of drawing the people to Christ, you draw them back into their past. The sound must remain pure and holy; there must be a difference between clean and unclean, holy and unholy (Leviticus 10:10), even in the kingdom sound.
When the Israelites had no king and prepared to fight their first battle after the death of Joshua, they asked the Lord who shall go forth first to battle. The Lord said, send the tribe of Judah first into war. It is no coincidence that the name Judah means “praise” because the victory was assured and praise was in order. Whenever the Israelites would move, Judah was often sent first. Praise was sent to lead the way. You have to understand your role as a worshiper. Your job is to usher in the presence of God. As such, it is imperative that you keep both yourself and the sound clean. Dr. Tony Wade further cautions musicians or stewards of the kingdom to not pollute the sound. “When the Levites came into the presence of God, they would follow strict guidelines. As a worshiper, you should clean up when you come into the presence of God. You have to be consecrated to His purpose. You have to have a pure heart in order to serve purely. ”Some feel that they have to compromise their beliefs to be a part of the music world, but Dr. Tony Wade said you have to have a conviction. “When you have a conviction, it is not difficult to keep yourself pure. That means if you have been taught something and you believe it wholeheartedly, you can go anywhere and still stay saved and filled with the Holy Ghost. I never let go of my standards to be popular, and those who are in the music world respect me for it. I am not shunned by any of them.”
Praise and worship are often confused as being the same, but they are not. Praise is a form of expressing gratitude, while worship expresses adoration for and devotion to God. Praising God shows jubilation, but when you worship God, you show reverence. Anyone can give God praise, but only someone connected to Him can give Him true worship. Therefore, those entrusted to carry or bear the kingdom sound must be responsible for maintaining it as well. Worship is a lifestyle. Dr. Tony Wade poses a question, “How do you sing Christian songs and not sing about Christ? If worship is about Christ, then kingdom music should literally be about Christ! In church, you should be singing songs that keep the people’s minds on Jesus.” Worshippers are vessels set apart for the Master’s use, and the anointing is the distinguishing difference between a kingdom musician and a secular musician. The kingdom musician’s job should be to fulfill John 4:23. “...now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth…” In order to be kingdom worthy, a worshipper must consecrate themselves to God. “People have to be able to feel that you are genuinely ministering to their needs and that you are genuine as well.” Dr. Tony Wade expressed. “It is still the anointing that destroys the yokes. Yes, He inhabits the praises of His people, but with worship you have to make sure you are presenting a worthy sacrifice.” God still assigns and anoints ministers to carry His sound because the sound does not carry itself. It still needs a vessel. You must be conscientious to carry the kingdom sound as a kingdom worthy vessel, worshipping “in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24) Those who have been honored to be the vessels through which God conveys His sound must also be guardians of its purity. Lucifer covets those who have been charged with worshipping God in music and seeks to pervert the kingdom sound. So, we must be aware of his devices and protect the sound at all costs. To quote Dr. Wade, “This is business… God’s business.” Therefore, it must be done reverently and genuinely. As we enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise, make sure your worship is true.
1. Get saved and filled with the Holy Ghost. How can you be God’s musician if you do not abide in Him? Only having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5) will get you nowhere and is the equivalent of doing work at a firm without actually being hired.
2. Perfect your gift so you can give God your all Work on being the best and most skillful musician for Christ that you can possibly be. Apostle Paul encourages Timothy to stir up his gift from God and not let it sit idle. (2 Timothy 1:6) Give it your all or not at all because God deserves the best from you and will not accept any and everything. Take the story of Cain and Abel where Abel offered the first of his flock to God while Cain simply brought regular old fruit from the ground. (Genesis 4:1-7) God respected Abel’s sacrifice but did not respect Cains. Only the best is an acceptable offering to God, so don’t just give Him anything.
3. Play for Christ, not for man. When you are doing a work for Christ, no flesh should be glorified, and the end goal should be to honor God with your service and not to mankind nor to edify your own flesh. (1 Corinthians 1:29 & Ephesians 6:5-7) This of course goes for musicians as it is very easy to get carried away and become prideful of your skill level. However, the flesh must be crucified so God can get the glory that He deserves. You may play your instrument with the skill and anointing equivalent to David’s anointing. But do not let it get to your head, and remember who gave you the gift in the first place.
4. Stand out and don’t mix/conform. God said to put a difference between holy and unholy; clean and unclean. (Leviticus 10:10) The music you play for God should be easily identifiable as holy and not secular. Mixing of the two causes confusion because it further blurs the line between the world and the church. The kingdom sound has its own identity with the purpose of bringing its listeners to the knowledge of Christ.
By Kadeem Jimmerson
“Winners of souls must first be weepers of souls”. (Spurgeon) It is projected that the world population will reach 8 billion people this year. To put that in perspective, humans on average do not reach one billion seconds of life until the age of 31 years old. However, even with a population of so many people, over 60 million people die each year.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” How frightening these scriptures should be to all believers. Apostle Paul’s says to the Church at Corinth, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” Unfortunately, believers have become less concerned with winning lost souls for Christ.
“95% of all Christians have never won a soul to Christ. 80% of all Christians do not consistently witness for Christ. Less than 2% are involved in the ministry of evangelism. 71% do not give toward the financing of the great Commission.” (Street Level Evangelism, Where is the Space for the Local Evangelist).
The problem with over 60 million people dying every year is that most people are dying without knowing Jesus in the pardon of their sins. Over 100 people die per minute which means by the time you are done reading this article, at least 200 people have died. Not only have people died, according to Jesus, most people die without being on a path that leads to Heaven. This information alone should be enough to break the heart of every believer.
By virtue of the fact that so many people die without Jesus, we need for believers to stand up and let a dying world know that Jesus saves! I do not mean that we should grab a microphone and verbally beat sinners on the head, but we must tell this lost and dying world about the love of Christ. Jesus says in Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” “The future belongs to those who know how to adapt.” (Apostle Herman Murray) Times have changed and although the message is the same, in order for street ministry to be effective in this generation, we have to know what actually draws people to Christ.
Jeremiah 31:3 reads “The Lord hath appeared of old
unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” For this generation, historical styles of street preaching has become less effective. All they see is someone ‘yelling’ in the microphone and people making some kind of noise that they do not understand (speaking in tongues). Street preachers must understand that when we are on the streets, we are no longer in our territory. It is wonderful for believers to assemble at church and shout, dance, speak in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. We understand each other inside of the church. But if we are going to win souls through street ministry and get that person to our church, we cannot scare them off, all because we did not use wisdom in the process. Jesus spoke as one having authority…. Preach and sing on the streets with authority. I am not telling anyone to preach some watered-down gospel nor to stay away from controversial topics. “If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost!” But preach to give people an understanding that Jesus loves them so much that He laid down His life for them. Different environments require different approaches. It is important that we learn to be versatile so that we can move with the Spirit of God. For street ministry to have a lasting effect in this generation, it’s imperative that we put emphasis on the love of Jesus and how He died for the sins of the world. The message is still the same, preach the cross and the ugliness, yet the beauty of it. Tell this dying world that Jesus got up from the grave on the third day and now He wants to live in us. Lastly, a forgotten step of street ministry is building a relationship with those who we encountered while presenting the gospel. People do not care about how much you know until they know how much you care.
Street ministry does not end when we turn off the microphone. In order to really see the fruits of our labor, we must stay in contact with the new converts, and keep them encouraged to hold on to God’s unchanging hand. Research and studies will never show us the effects of street preaching. We will never know who heard the gospel through our ministry and went on to make other disciples of men. We will never know how many churches may have been started because we cried aloud and spared not. It is not for us to know. One thing is for certain, Jesus is soon to come and if there were ever a time for believers all around this world to evangelize, the time is now! It is time to weep for souls like never before!
Arbesman, S. (2013, August 15). One Billion Seconds. Wired. https://www.wired.com/2013/08/one-billion-seconds/ Evangelism, “Street Level. (n.d.). Evangelism statistics. Evangelism Statistics | Bible.org. https://bible.org/illustration/evangelism-statistic
How many people die and how many are born each year?. Big Think. (2023, April 18). https://bigthink. com/the-present/births-and-deaths-per-year/#:~:text=There%20were%2067.1%20million%20deaths%20 in%202022.
World death clock. Medindia. (n.d.). https://www.medindia.net/patients/calculators/world-death-clock.asp World population 1950-2023. MacroTrends. (n.d.). https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/WLD/world/ population
It has often been said that we are what we eat. To be fit, we must provide our bodies with nutrients that will allow us to be healthy and avoid those elements that cause disease or illness. The Western or U.S. diet is typically high in cholesterol levels, especially LDL or bad cholesterol. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., mainly due to the saturated fat in animal meats. For those reasons, it is essential to consider a diet with a decreased level of harmful saturated fat.
A plant-based diet focuses on foods from plants. This group includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, oils, and meat substitutes such as soy products, legumes, and beans. Plant-based diets, except coconut and palm kernels, are free of saturated fats.
Four types of plant-based diets vary based on the animal products they include. Flexitarian or semivegetarian dieters have small amounts of animal products such as meat or fish but focus mainly on vegetarian foods. The plant-based diet that eliminates meat but includes fish is the Pescatarian diet. The Vegetarian diet eliminates meat and fish but still includes dairy and eggs. And finally, the
By: Alfreda Lockett Evans
diet called Vegan excludes any animal-derived products, including dairy, eggs, honey, and gelatin.
The advantages of a plant-based diet are that it may lower the body mass index (BMI), meaning that we are less fat. It provides a lower cholesterol level, reducing the incidence of chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease. It also protects against some cancers, such as prostate and breast cancer. This type of diet is only successful when the quality and nutritional adequacy of the diet are appropriate. Sugary beverages and confectionery such as cakes and pies must be avoided. Foods high in white carbohydrates, highly processed foods stripped of much of their nutrient value, should be eliminated and replaced with foods from whole grains. The sodium content must be kept in control as well.
Those who choose the plantbased diet should be aware of the key nutrients that are difficult to obtain, which may be considered a disadvantage to this diet. They are protein, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, and the essential omega-3 fatty acids.
Protein. Protein is made from twenty-plus basic building blocks called amino acids. The body needs these amino acids to perform its building and
maintenance activities. Since the body does not supply nine of these, they must be brought into the body as food. Otherwise, other vegetables provide only some of the nine essentials. Meats contain the nine essentials, but only soybeans and quinoa are complete in the vegetable kingdom. Beans and rice/quinoa or corn and beans create a nearcomplete combination for nonmeat eaters.
According to Harvard T.H. Chan (hsph.harvard.edu), we need just over seven grams of protein for every 20 lbs. of body weight. For a 200 lb. person, that means 70 grams per day. Those who eat meat, dairy, or eggs usually get enough protein from one serving to last the entire day. However, it is very important to consider the whole “protein package” or what comes with meat and animal products. For example, a fourounce broiled steak provides 33 grams of protein, but it also has 5 grams of saturated fat. A fourounce ham steak with 22 grams of protein only has 1.6 grams of saturated fat but a whopping 1500 milligrams of salt! Vegans (those who eat no animal products) who eat plenty of mixed vegetables in variety are likely getting all the protein they need.
Fruits and vegetables that are high in protein are:
1. Legumes
2. Almost all peas, nuts, and beans are high in protein. For example, a cup of cooked lentils provides 18 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber, with virtually no saturated fat or sodium.
3. Spinach
4. Asparagus
5. Broccoli
6. Cauliflower
7. Potatoes (with skins)
8. Apricots
9. Prunes
10. Cherries
Vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, and the essential omega-3 fatty acids. Some plant-based kinds of milk and cereals may help to meet those needs. Reading the label of products should provide the needed information. Supplementation may also be required in the form of vitamins and minerals. It is highly
recommended that each person consults their health care provider when making diet changes and supplementation decisions. The Plant-based Diet could be the answer to being nutritionally fit.
11. Bananas/Avocados
Beforethere were cruise ships, before there were zoos, before there were housepets, there was Noah’s Ark. This biblical phenomenon was the largest man-made structure ever built at that time, and, to this day, is the largest of its kind. If you have ever wondered what it would have been like to experience this marvel of the ancient world, one city now holds the key to satisfying your curiosity; Williamstown, Kentucky.
Genesis 6 bears the record of the building of the Ark and this was utilized to assist those tasked with creating the replica of Noah’s Ark, who were keen on being true to the original arks’ dimensions. Sitting at a whopping 300 cubits long (450 feet), 50 cubits wide (75 feet), and 30 cubits high (45 feet high), the original ark was longer than, a little less than half as wide as a football field, and three stories tall. Australian Ken Ham, the CEO of Answers in Genesis, a group that also operates the Creation Museum in Petersburg Kentucky, created The Ark Encounter, so that visitors can experience it the way Noah and his family did.
Many attending The Ark Encounter are unknowledgeable of Noah or the Great Flood, but by the time they journey through the museum, they are well informed. The experience incorporates sound, eye-catching visuals, and high tech props that draw you into the story. Once inside the Ark, visitors explore three decks of exhibits. You are able to see and hear the animals as they were during the time of the Flood. The history of the ark comes to life as you learn more about Noah and his family’s life on the boat. Outside the ark, you can visit Ararat Ridge Zoo; home to animals big and small. There is also a zipline course and an in-house restaurant called Emzara’s Kitchen. The new virtual reality experience, “Truth Traveler,” allows ark goers to time travel back to Noah’s day, complete with headsets containing studio quality headphones and seats that move. If you want a truly immersive experience you can book an overnight stay for a group and also, arrange group tours. There is literally something for everyone. Described as absolutely breathtaking by some visitors, this modern engineered structure is the largest timber frame model in the world and a sight to behold.
If you have ever wondered how big the ark would look in person, or wondered how Noah fit all of those animals into the ark, wonder no more. Williamstown, Kentucky holds the key to both the answers to your question and an unforgettable encounter that your family will cherish. Bon voyage!
Book Now: 859-727-2222 | info@ArkEncounter.com
Future readiness is not coincidental, it is strategic, intentional and continuous. Though as Christian stewards, we are not of this world, the truth remains that as breath flows through our lungs, we are in this world and are to occupy until our Redeemer comes for us. So, let the old teach the young to prepare to meet their God and to continue progress in his perfect will and may all seek to grow and achieve on Earth to their highest levels. Iron Sharpeneth Iron!
Dear friend,
Did you know that God loves you? He truly does and wants you to be with Him forever. I know sometimes we feel all alone and wonder if He really cares because of the things going on in our lives, but I assure you He is watching and waiting for you to talk to Him. In Hebrews 4:16 the Bible says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”. He cannot abide your sins, but he is merciful and will forgive you of them if you ask. You do not have to keep living in sin because His love is forgiving, and His grace covers a multitude of sin. Perhaps this is the kind of love you have been looking for but just looking in the wrong places. If this is you, here is a prayer you can pray, and we guarantee that God will hear you.
Prayer:
Lord, I am sorry for all the wrongs I have done. Forgive me of all my sins and come into my life and save me. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I might live for you forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen. That is all it takes, and he will come in and help you find the joy and love you have been missing.
