Guard Your Heart Magazine January 2021

GUARD YOUR HEART MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2021 ISSUE 1

MONEY BUDGETS GENERATIONAL WEALTH

SUCCEED IN SILENCE THE GOD WHO HEALS HIV

GYHM.ORG

THE POWER OF FAITH

SPRING TRENDS

Copyright Š 2021 Guard Your Heart Magazine.

Guard Your Heart Magazine is a subsidiary company of Guard Your Heart Ministries and Jovenise Benjamin LLC. In no way shape or form can the stories and content in this magazine be reproduced, printed or distributed without the consent of Guard Your Heart Magazine and its founder Jovenise Benjamin.

All rights reserved.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

05

08

The birth of Guard Your Heart Ministries

Jovenise Benjamin

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29

The God who heals HIV

Faith

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45

Testimonies

Money Matters

52

56

Teen Corner

Independence Soup

January 2021 gyhm.org

THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT Guard Your Heart Ministries or GYHM was founded on December 2017 by Jovenise Benjamin. This ministry was first launched as a Facebook page and since then has expanded. GYHM has members all around the world. Besides our main page we have two private Facebook groups: Guard Your Heart Ministries (ladies) and Guard Your Heart Ministries (gentleman). On the main page as well as the private pages we post daily devotionals, advice, quotes and scriptures to inspire others.

As of 2020, GYHM has a website, gyhm.org and has also launched a clothing store on teespring.com.

In 2020, the Lord begun to speak to our founder about launching a magazine, which has been a childhood dream of hers. The purpose of Guard Your Heart Magazine is to empower and inspire others to dream big and pursue their God given dreams. We hope that each story shared will inspire you to overcome the hurdles in your life and pursue what God has laid out in your heart to do.

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SHOP.

T-SHIRTS. https://teespring.com/stores/guard-your-heart? aid=marketplace&tsmac=marketplace&tsmic=campaign

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BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN YOUR COMMUNITY. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

JOVENISE BENJAMIN

Why was Guard Your Heart Ministries Birth?

Guard Your Heart Ministries or GYHM was birth on December 27, 2017. But long before that it was already on my heart. Since my teenage years I’ve always felt drawn to women ministry and received numerous prophetic words that one day I would launch a ministry for women and men. Growing up I was the person that others came to for advice. Thus, I’ve always been drawn to becoming a motivational speaker, coach and advocate for women.

In 2012, I joined Facebook and joined a Christian group for women. It was during that time that I felt a heaviness to launch Guard Your Heart Ministries. But, in the moment I felt I was already involved in too many things to add a ministry to my agenda. Not only that I wanted to make sure that everything related to this ministry was clean, organized and perfect. I wanted to have a logo, I wanted to create and share my own graphics for the ministry and not just what I found online.

Obedience to God produces success.

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18 Thus, I kept putting starting GYHM off until I felt the conditions were right. But, God had other plans. Each day that I went on social media and saw what these women were posting in this Christian group my heart broke. Sometimes I would respond to the questions or posts in the group but I still felt in my heart that it was not enough.

Getting Started When GYHM was launched in 2017, it did not have a logo yet and many of our picture posts were from online. Yes, I wanted to be perfect and create a solid brand, but I knew lives were at sake and the Holy Spirit kept telling me to just start and worry about the details later. Even though GYHM did not have a logo yet, I diligently worked on making it happened. I created many prototypes myself but did not like them in the moment. But, eventually in 2018, I chose the current logo as the logo for the ministry.

In the beginning of GYHM, for a very long time GYHM only had thirty-four likes and followers. It was a little discouraging to put in so much work into something and not see it grow. But, the Holy Spirit rebuked me for focusing on numbers and told me, “if you put in the work, post, share and do all I ask of you I will do the rest.” Sure, enough as I obeyed the Holy Spirit, GYHM ministry begun to experience huge amounts of growth.

There were months that the ministry grew by over a thousand likes. As of today, the ministry has over 16,000 members and reaches men and women in over 45 Nations.

As I reflect back on how far this ministry has come, I am reminded of how important obedience is. The Bible says in 1 Samuel 15:22, that God loves obedience better than sacrifice. Yes, I wanted things to be perfect, but, perfection is overrated in comparison to the amount of lives this ministry has touched. Ministry should never be about numbers and waiting for the right time, but, acting in the now as lead by the Holy Spirit because ministry is about saving and improving lives. Thus, GYHM exists for the following reasons: • Reveal God's divine design for your life.

• Help you walk in victory.

• Help you live to your full potential through Christ.

• Help you establish a strong Prayer life.

• If you are single, help you prepare for a victorious and joyous marriage.

• If you are married, help you to fulfill the divine purpose God intended for marriage.

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Who is Jovenise Benjamin?

While I have many titles and roles the most important thing is, I am a child of Yahweh. I love God with all of my heart and have a heart for doing the work of the Lord. I come from a family of Christians who are prayer warriors, prophetic, evangelists, leaders, pastors, missionaries, etc. Our legacy in the Lord goes back to the 1800s when my ancestors accepted Christ and committed their lives to serving God in ministry. I love reading the Bible and teaching it. As a child I made a commitment that I would love God with all of my heart and serve God with all of my heart. My determination in serving God led to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon me and manifesting through my gifts of discernment, wisdom and prophecy. I’ve been blessed with parents who saw the gifts and talents the Lord gave to me and helped me developed it. At the age of 10, I took it upon myself to start doing street evangelism in my community and to motivate other Christians to do the same, at 13 I begun to lead worship and begun to preach the gospel at 17.

To some people I am an introvert. But to others I am very bold and fierce. I believe in empowering other introverts to step outside their comfort zone. Many of the things I have been blessed to accomplish in my life I would not have been able to, if I did not take steps of faith.

I have an educational background in many areas ranging from business, science/medicine and theology. I am a minister, entrepreneur, life coach, relationship coach and financial and wealth advisor. Just to name a few of the positions of authority the Lord has blessed me with.

I love people and helping them out in various ways. I love giving back in my local community and overseas. I am on the leadership team of an international organization that provides water to those in need, education to students from pre-K to University, healthcare and many other things. Honestly, these positions of authority that I hold at a very young age would only be possible with Yahweh and obeying His instructions and taking many leaps of faith.

While I have had many successes in life, I’ve also had many setbacks and challenges.

Many of these challenges have come as a result of people being jealous of me and doing everything, they can to sabotage me.

Even turning to witchcraft to release word curses upon me and going to workers of divination to attempt to curse and ruin my life and future.

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Succeed in Silence My maternal grandfather always warns his descendants about the dangers of having too many friends and keeping our success to ourselves. As a child his words of wisdom were held near and dear to me. Thus, growing up I’ve always been mindful of the friendships I had. But, my caution is selecting my friends carefully did not prevent betrayal.

God has always blessed me with a spirit of excellence and success. In my academic career since grade school, God has blessed me to excel. I grew up being that person who got straight A’s and received many awards.

My academic success led to me being featured on numerous newspapers and also winning some very prestigious national awards. In high school I was in the honors program and took college (university) level courses. In the United States the grading system for high school students is from 0-4.0 and the Lord blessed me to surpass it. Thus, I graduated high school with higher than a 4.0 G.P.A. (Grade Point Average) and was blessed with many scholarships to attend university.

While I was succeeding academically, I did not brag or tell my peers. But, there were others like my teachers who bragged and this caused my peers to envy me.

Since my school also published the names of their straight A students in newspapers and held public award ceremonies (within the school) for their high achieving students, my silence in not telling my peers my success was not enough to hide it.

My senior year of high school when the school, I attended held their annual ceremony to announce the names of the students who had won scholarships this caused even more jealousy. Not only that seeing the new car that my parents purchased for me as an early graduation gift only stirred more jealousy.

Though I distanced myself from those who bluntly cursed me and tried to sabotage me. Those whom I thought were not a threat were the biggest threats to me. Before me they celebrated me and even when I got a Facebook account, they were often the first to like and comment on my posts but behind the facade were evil plots against me. While pretending to be my friend they were also friends with those who openly and secretly hated me and together they sought to do evil. They sought to sabotage me in my academics, finances, relationships, and other areas of my life.

It was not like I was telling any of these people my business and was careful about what I shared on social media. But, they would see me out and about driving a nice car, wearing the logo of the companies that I worked for or having lunch or dinner with a male friend and they would get jealous. They went behind my back and told lies to sabotage and end my relationships and they spread rumors that I was a witch because for the longest time their witchcraft was not working on me.

They saw my success and knew I was a Christian, but they did not see my prayer life. They did not see that I grew up climbing mountains to seek God and that is something I still do. They did not see the countless hours I spend reading the Bible, fasting and praying. Now, God did warn me numerous times who was truly for me and against me. But, I did not want to accuse anyone. But, tried to stay away from them. But, since they knew I was a religious person, they would call me to pray for them and from there they would crawl back into my life. Each time they came back into my life, it was by means of a mutual friend whom I thought was innocent and by using my faith to manipulate me to forgiving them. Two of them, whom I attended the same church with at the time even set up a meeting with our pastor and came back into my life that way.

My freshman year of University one of them even stole my textbook. After my senior year of high school, I moved hundreds of miles away from the town I grew up in to attend university. But, I was not free from these fake friends. It just so happened that several people from my hometown were also attending this school. One of which was related to these fake friends who sought to ruin my life.

While I did not have any classes with this relative of these fake friends, she had a roommate who was the teacher’s assistant to one of my biology professors. In that class we had weekly assignments to turn in by means of our biology workbook, a book that costed over $300. The teacher’s assistant would take home the workbooks on the weekend to grade them and return them by Monday. Well, on one particular Monday I did not get my book back.

Thus, I went to my professor and complained.

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After hearing what I had to say this professor found another book from a student who had dropped out of the course and handled it to me, so I wouldn’t have to go and buy a new book and would still be able to do my assignments. I passed that course with an A and life kept moving. But, God kept on telling me that certain individuals were trying to curse my academic life. God also sent some prophets to tell me the same thing. So, I prayed and left it at that. When my Junior year of University came these evil girls came at me with a vengeance. Fall semester of my Junior year I was taking seven classes and doing well. Usually, college students take up to four classes each semester.

But, it was not unusual for me to take five and even six and do well. Thus, my school did not deny my request to take seven classes. After the thanksgiving holiday one of the friends (who was studying science like me) and roommate of the teachers assistant who never returned my textbook and roommates with the girl who was a relative of my enemies (a girl whose mother hated my family) came and presented me with a book.

I look at the book and heard in my spirit “do not take it.” The Holy Spirit reminded me of a warning that my grandfather always gave His children and grandchildren about taking missing books or items back.

I looked at the book again and knew that it was mines.

It was my missing book from three years earlier. For a few minutes I refused to take the book. These girls had move to various apartments numerous times in the last three years and figured they would have known my book was with them while unpacking their boxes and there was no way they could have mistaken it as theirs because I made clear markings on my book to made sure no one took it as theirs.

This book is still worth something, I thought and since I did not write on all of the pages I can resale it and make some cash. I was thinking that way because months prior I sold some of my books that were not essential to what I was studying and made a significant amount of money. “Do not take it.” I heard the Holy Spirit say again but I disobeyed and took it.

After that day something came over me that totally sought to turn my life upside down. I started to get depressed and even had a hard time concentrating on my schoolwork. Sometimes I would go to class and a few minutes before lecture was to start, I would walk out. My desire to study and even go to class was almost nonexistent. Some of my professors and peers noticed my absences and reached out to me through text and emails, but I ignored them. As important exams came, I did not go. That semester I failed four out of the seven classed I was taking. The three classes that I did pass was a miracle of God because I should have failed them as well.

When winter break came, I packed all my things and moved home. I had no desire to go back to school. But, I stayed in prayer because I felt like I was being tormented and controlled. While on break I prayed and fasted and repented of my disobedience and heard God tell me to return to school. But, where was I going to stay since I gave up my living arrangements to move in with my parents and were things going to be different or would I fail again?

A week prior to the start of the semester I called my school and asked them for assistance in finding a place to live and signing up for classes. God moved in a miraculous way for me and made a way for me to find an apartment and blessed me to excel in my classes that semester.

But, satan and his evil agents did not stop plotting.

When classes ended, I once again decided to go back home. While home I was contacted by a fake friend who told me she heard I was in town and wanted to catch up. I was reluctant but after some months agreed to have lunch with her. Less than two weeks later this girl asked me to come over to my parents’ house to use the Wi-Fi. I didn’t want to say yes and asked my father and he didn’t mind her coming over. A few days prior to coming over this girl called me and gave me a sob story about how she needed $20 to pay a bill. She said she was going through some financial hardships, but I did not want to believe her. She had a sister, parents and other friends who could help her. But, I wanted to give her the benefit of a doubt and help her out.

She was a childhood friend and didn’t think she would hurt me. But, I always had dreams in which I saw this girl turn to a snake or her hair would turn to snakes. But, I wanted to give her the benefit of a doubt and brushed off those dreams. After all, she was a very sweet person and everyone liked her because she was so loving and likeable.

“Do not give her any money. She plans on giving it to X to take it to a witchdoctor to curse you.” I heard the Holy Spirit tell me. I was not going to give her the money but then started thinking to myself. What if I was able to use my own money as a point of contact for vindication and to return the curses already spoken over me and they were about to speak back to them. I went to the bank and withdrew $10, smeared some communion on it, place it in an envelope and spent half a day fasting and praying over it. When she came over that night, I gave her the money and told her that I could only gave her $10. She took it and left after she was done using the Wi-Fi. Did the Holy Spirit agree with my plans?

Did God vindicate me?

That is something that you will have to read in my newest book “Unmasking the Frenemy” coming out February 2021.

Through my journey I’ve learned the importance of moving in silence and letting my success speak for itself. But, I’ve also come to understand that when success comes it also attracts jealousy and that is why it is so important to pray. Prayer builds our faith, creates a shield around us and helps us overcome the enemy. Prayer should never be a last resort but a first priority.

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BOOK e s a e l e R W W W . J O V E N I S E B E N J A M I N . C O M

M A R C H

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BOOK e s a e l e R W W W . J O V E N I S E B E N J A M I N . C O M

Unmasking the frEnemy F E B R U A R Y

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BOOK e s a e l e R W W W . J O V E N I S E B E N J A M I N . C O M

JOvenise Benjamin F E B R U A R Y

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Road Map to Success

01

Make God first in everything that you do.

God is willing to help you. He is omniscient and knows more about the future than we do. Thus, it is wise to seek Him first in all matters.

02

Make prayer your lifestyle.

03

Have a plan.

04

Execute the plan and do not be afraid of change.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 the Bible says, to pray without ceasing. David who was a man after God's own heart, earned that title not just because of his repentant heart, but, his willingness to make God a priority and seek God on all matters. In everything you do make prayer a first priority and not a last.

Habakkuk 2:2 says to write the vision down and make it plain. I have learned that when I plan things out I am more prepared to succeed. A plan should include a mission, vision, goals, alternative or plan B and opportunities for personal growth.

It's useless to have a plan if we do not carry it out. Thus, it's important that we stick things out and see it through the end. It's also important to be flexible with change and plan accordingly.

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THE GOD WHO

Heals HIV Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. Jeremiah 17:14

Barbara Garcia is the epitome of strength, courage, faith and resilience. I met Barbara as a tween many years ago. I truly believe that meeting Barbara was a divine setup by God. I met Barbara through the church that I was attending in my tween and teenage years.

Back then attending church was not my favorite thing to do because I felt it was boring and what was being preached was not adding to my spiritual growth. Especially since I came from a background with several generations of pastors and grew up studying the Bible. At the time I was hungry for the true meat of God and was crying out to God for such. But, even then the devil was looking to steal, kill and destroy and was putting negative influences on my path to get me off course. Through the wise words that Barbara spoke into my life I was able to remain steadfast in my faith, purity, convictions, values and life.

MEETING BARBARA

By Jovenise Benjamin

My friendship with Barbara begun the day my than pastor called me out in the middle of church service to go and sit by Barbara to translate for her. At the time Barbara was attending a Haitian church which held services in HaitianCreole and French. Two languages that Barbara did not speak. After that day, no one needed to ask me to translate for her. If she was in church service I would sit next to her and translate.

Later I found out that Barbara lived in the same apartment complex as my paternal grandfather whom I visited on the weekends.

Thus, whenever I visited my grandfather I made sure to stop by her place to say hello.

When Barbara begun to attend the church I was attending so many people wondered why a Caucasian woman would choose to attend church with a group of people who were not the same skin color as her or held services in English. But, God had other plans. God not only placed her in that church to be a mentor to me but to also be a mentor to the teens and children whose primary language was English and felt out of tune with God because they barely understood the languages service was held. Not only did Barbara take charge of the children’s and youth ministry she inspired me to do the same later on.

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Barbara Garcia, is one of the inspirations behind Guard Your Heart Ministries and has spoken prophetically concerning this ministry in ways that in the moment she did not even realized.

Barbara has a beautiful voice and has used it to sing for the Lord. She is an ordained minister and street evangelist and has done much for the Lord. But, her life has also come with much hardships.

Hardships from poor decisions she made in her youth and the failed relationship that almost destroyed her life and took so many precious things from her. Many years ago prior to giving her life fully to Christ, Barbara was diagnosed with HIV. This is her testimony of how God gave her a second chance and brought healing to her in the midst of a terrible diagnosis.

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Barbara Garcia INTERVIEWER: HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW CHRIST, WHAT WAS YOUR EARLY CHILDHOOD LIKE? My goodness, when I was growing up I was raised Pentecostal, loved the Lord with all of my heart but, unfortunately when I married, he was not a Christian and I drifted away from God. But, God had a plan and He does for everyone like it says in Jeremiah 29, I have good plans for you and no plans to harm you. I will give you hope and a good future.

I was very young and very innocent and the devil had me bound with a drug abuse for over twenty years and he thought he was going to destroy me. But, through a diagnosis in 1999, God showed me that I needed to come to Him. That I did not have to despair. There was hope.

Our hope comes from the Lord Jesus Christ, when you have a diagnosis or any bad news, if you are very broken [through] a marriage or children [there is hope in God]. God wants to heal the broken hearted and set the captives free. I was a prisoner of the drugs but he set me free from drugs and He let me know the reason I come to walk to Immokalee was to walk the streets for Him. I did that for fifteen years.

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Through this diagnosis, not aids but HIV infection from my lifestyle, my life was over through this diagnosis, But with God it just begun. I love Him so much, I am an ordained minister and no one needs a title, we all have a ministry. To anyone listening to this story, I’m here to tell you that He can heal that broken heart. He can set the captives free of the drug abuse. We are worthy of forgiveness. The enemy might try to say you’ve gone too far and God will never accept you. But, I thank Him and I glorify Him He is no respecter of persons.

INTERVIEWER: WHEN YOU GOT THE CALL TO BE IN MINISTRY, TO DO STREET MINISTRY HOW DID YOU FEEL AND WERE YOU FEARFUL THAT WHEN PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT THE HIV THEY WOULD REJECT YOU? When God calls you first of all, He’s going to give you the tools. So, He will equip you, I was called in an area that had heavy drinkers, drug abusers, sometimes they didn’t have a shower but God would let me humble myself. He called me because He knew that I would not be proud and haughty just because I was no longer that person I used to be. He called me to help the lost, help the hurting so it was nothing for me to sit on a cot saturated with urine with no thought about it.

Many women would not have been willing to do that but God enabled me to reach out, to embrace the lost and hurting. This is my mission. All He wants, whoever is listening, all He wants is a willing heart and He will do the rest if we stay humble and be willing to be used by Him. 21 | Guard Your Heart Magazine

It doesn’t matter, they talked about Jesus, if they talk about you remember what Jesus went through on that cross. He was given something very strong to drink stripped naked, He bore it all for our sins. To heal our sickness, how can we not love a person, like Jesus Christ who gave His life all and all. He redeemed us so that we can have that peace and joy. I can tell you from experience this world has nothing to offer but pain and suffering.

INTERVIEWER: I AM SO GLAD THAT EVEN IN THE MIDST OF THE PAIN AND THE SUFFERING YOU HAVE ALLOWED GOD TO USE YOU TO MAKE BEAUTY OUT OF ASHES. You know we go through the hurting to strengthen us. We go through pain, we go through that brokenness, that discouragement and He will let us jump that hurdle so that we can be there for someone else. We cannot get on that pity pot and say ‘poor me, there’s no hope.’ God showed me very clearly that it doesn’t matter what age you are when He gets ready to use you there’s no limit to what He can do in your life from a child. I am 78 years old and to tell you the truth, my testimony, he (devil) should have taken me out many, many years ago because of the drug abuse.

My face from smoking crack cocaine, [lead to an experience when] I was literary caught on life. I was violated in the orange groves, I’ve had horrible, horrible things done to me. But, God spared me for a purpose. My purpose is to reach out to the lost and hurting and let everyone know that there is hope in Jesus Christ.

There is peace.

There is joy because He is the one that will never leave us nor forsake us. His word says your best friend that you shared a meal with will turn up against you. But, aren’t we thankful that God is not like that. His love is certainly unconditional. He doesn’t put a sign, taking a break or out to lunch, He is [always] available. If we are sick and can’t even talk all we have to do is raise our hands to Jesus. He knows our very soul. We can’t hide anything from Him. But, most of all I’m here to tell you that you can only run for so long until you get tired of running. Actually in 1999, he put me at my very lowest, He allowed this because of my worldliness. This diagnosis was allowed to happen so I could be there for others. It has been a blessing to my life, with the different opportunities that God has opened up for me. No matter what disease we go through God is in control.

When we wake up in the morning we need to thank Him for another breath of life.

INTERVIEWER: I DO NOT WANT TO GET AHEAD OF YOU, BUT YOU WERE DIAGNOSIS WITH HIV AND DEALT WITH THAT FOR HOW LONG? I was diagnosis in 1999 and came back to the Lord in 2000. So it was a process. I was at the clinic and there was a Christian there. I had a Jesus brooch and she invited me to church and that night I was ready to give my all to the Lord and He gave me peace through this. It’s not easy, that was a hard pill to swallow but the Lord let me know that I can get through it and He was going to rise me up in spite of. I love those three words, In spite of.

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In spite of your heartache.

In spite of your sickness, they say is incurable He will raise you up to shine for His honor and glory alone.

He has called me to sing.

IINTERVIEWER: LATER ON, IN YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH YOUR FAITH PROCESS AND DISCOVERING MORE ABOUT GOD, WERE YOU HOPEFUL THAT GOD WOULD HEAL YOU? WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH YOUR MIND WHEN YOU HAD THE HIV? It was very difficult for me to process. I was very fearful that I was going to pass [away].

But, the Lord showed me that it’s not my time and I can have peace in spite of. For years I have been undetectable. My blood count is amazing, my immune system is amazing. I only take one pill. Many that have been diagnosis feel there is no hope. There is no reason to go on, so they continue to live the worldliness. Drinking and doing drugs. But, when God frees you, you are free indeed.

SINTERVIEWER: WHAT KIND OF ENCOURAGEMENT WOULD YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG LADIES WHO ARE GOING THROUGH THAT LIFESTYLE OF SLEEPING AROUND OR THEIR PARTNER IS LIVING PROMISCUOUS AND THEY HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSIS WITH HIV AND THEY FEEL HOPELESS. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TELL THOSE WOMEN? My first advice is that so many do not want to even take the medication.

They might think what’s the use but its very important to keep on your meds. It’s very important that you take care of your body eat well, exercise and if you have the Lord Jesus Christ, He will give you the peace in spite of your situation [and] make everyday count for something.

INTERVIEWER: I KNOW THAT GROWING UP GOD BROUGHT YOU INTO MY LIFE AT A VERY YOUNG AGE WHEN I WAS IN MY EARLY TEENS AND YOU INSPIRED ME A LOT. WE USED TO TALK ABOUT PURITY AND SAVING MYSELF FOR MARRIAGE, BELIEVING GOD FOR A SPOUSE AND PRAYING FOR THAT SPOUSE AS WELL. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR THESE LADIES AND MEN AS WELL WHO ARE TRUSTING GOD FOR A SPOUSE? WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH THEM ABOUT PURITY? It is not God’s will that we live together without marriage. There is so much of that, even [amongst] Christians. Unless God speaks to them, they may go for years living together and that is not of God. His word says we are to leave our mother and father [for marriage] if it’s His will and He will give us someone who will be like our soulmate for life. So that when we are older we will have someone to give us a drink of water. If it’s not His will like in my case, although I have been married, the Lord will give you peace.

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Faith Faith produce hope Faith abides Faith protects Faith comes from God's word Faith produce miracles Faith arise from grace Faith depends on God Faith believes in the impossible Faith without works is dead Faith rejects fear Faith rejects doubt Faith produce endurance Faith produce victory Faith is a shield Faith produce strength Faith produce healing Faith to faith the righteous live Faith does not give ups Faith is perfected by Christ Faith believes in God Faith activates the prophetic Faith produce sonship in Christ

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Hebrews 11:1 1 Corinthians 13:13 1 Thessalonians 5:8 Romans 10:17 Mark 11:22-24 Ephesians 2:8-9 1 Corinthians 2:5 Hebrews 11:1-13:25 James 2:14-26 James 1:5-8 James 1:5-8 2 Timothy 4:7 1 John 5:4 Ephesians 6:16 1 Corinthians 16:13 Mark 10:52 Romans 1:17 1 Timothy 6:12 Hebrews 12:2 Mark 11:22 Hebrews 11:11 Galatians 3:26

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Hope Hope is found in Christ Hope relies on God Hope believes in the future Hope brings honor Hope in God brings guidance Hope in God produce joy Hope in God produce peace Hope produce patience Hope builds faith Hope abides Hope does not bring shame Hope produce a future Hope produce trust in God Hope strengthens faith Hope believes God's promises Hope brings comfort Hope produce eternal life Hope is steadfast Hope trust God's word Hope deferred is bad Hope does not give up Hope rises from character

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Psalm 39:7 Psalm 147:11 Proverbs 23:18 Psalm 25:3 Psalm 25:5 Romans 15:13 Romans 15:13 Romans 12:12 Romans 8:24 1 Corinthians 13:13 Romans 5:5 Proverbs 23:18 Psalm 71:5 1 Peter 3:15 Hebrews 6:1 Lamentations 3:24 Titus 3:7 Hebrews 10:23 Psalm 119:114 Proverbs 13:12 Psalm 71:14 Romans 5:3-4

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Love Love covers a multitude of sin Love never ends Love is everlasting Love is selfless Love is patient Love is kind Love does not boast Love is not envious Love is not arrogant Love is not rude Love does not force Love is not irritable Love is not resentful Love rejects wrong doing Love bears all things Love supports Love is hopeful Love endures Love never ends Love is not secretive Love practice self-control Love is spelled G.O.D.

GUARD YOUR HEART MAGAZINE

1 Peter 4:8 1 Corinthians 13:8 Jeremiah 31:3 Philippians 2:3 1 Corinthians 13:4 1 Corinthians 13:4 1 Corinthians 13:4 1 Corinthians 13:4 1 Corinthians 13:4 1 Corinthians 13:5 1 Corinthians 13:5 1 Corinthians 13:5 1 Corinthians 13:5 1 Corinthians 13:5 1 Corinthians 13:7 1 Corinthians 13:7 1 Corinthians 13:7 1 Corinthians 13:7 1 Corinthians 13:8 Proverbs 27:5-6 2 Timothy 1:7 1 John 4:8

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HEBREWS 11:1

NOW FAITH IS CONFIDENCE IN WHAT WE HOPE FOR AND ASSURANCE ABOUT WHAT WE DO NOT SEE.

NOW FAITH IS CONFIDENCE IN WHAT WE HOPE FOR AND ASSURANCE ABOUT WHAT WE DO NOT SEE.

NELLY

OMWANDO 1. Tell us about yourself and your journey with Yahweh?.

My name is Nelly Omwando. I am a bornagain and Christ is my personal savior. I am Kenyan and I come from a family of 2. I am currently working as a consultant. Basically, I offer technical assistance to organizations in matters concerning development, research and advocacy.

Well, my journey with Yahweh starts way back, when I was a teenager. My parents separated when I was very young. I saw my father walk out on us, just like that I was brought up by a single mom, who taught us the love of God and how to pray. I have gone through a painful past, and as I a child I still saw my mum praying and trusting in God. I believe, I am a prayer answered by God to her. You see, I was a sickly child, my mum spent lots of money to have me treated in hospitals but they couldn’t find any cure. However, through my mum’s faith and resilience God healed me. It is from this particular time, I begun to witness the wonders that God can do if one believes in Him.

I sought to know who this God is and why He has decided to give me a second chance in life. At the age of 18 I got born- again.

Since then my life has never been the same again. I learnt that even though my biological father rejected me, God’s loving and caring arms are still open for me.

His love is so intense it leaves me in awe! I have never lacked, every time I call unto God He answers. I have learnt to anchor my hope and Faith in God alone, since He rescued me from the enemy’s snares. Everything I have hoped in the Lord for He has answered and at the same time protected me from what I thought would not harm me. We serve a big God.

2.W hat does faith mean to you?

Faith to me means trusting a process even when you can’t see the whole result. It is fully trusting God that everything will work well even though the present doesn’t look like it. Surrendering your total belief in God’s hands and choosing to go about your life knowing that God has you in His hands.

Just because there is a turn on the road, it doesn’t mean it is the end of the road. Take that turn! Keep going and it will take you to amazing sceneries and encounters you never imagined.

I say this because, as earlier mentioned, I have found myself in situations where I almost gave up, but there was that strong voice from above that kept on telling me that I shall overcome.

Well, sounds unbelievable, huh? I am a child that many never believed I would live to testify what God has done. I have gone through storms that God Himself saved me from. In fact, looking back I cannot even begin to imagine how I would have done it with my own strength.

It was God. I decided to believe and trust that I will be healed from vitiligo. A skin condition that many believed that the condition was incurable. Well, I am here to testify that God healed me! I have no traces of vitiligo on my skin. Faith! I again repeat Faith. Faith kept my mother going, she believed her child would be healed. She backed it up with prayers and behold I am here to testify that God healed me.

I can relate her faith with the woman who bled for 12 years in the Bible. Luke 8:48, “And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made the whole; go in peace.”

I have so many experiences to share, however one that stands out until this moment is my Faith to join university.

Like I have mentioned before, my mum struggled to make ends meet. I watched her cry as we would be evicted from house to house because we couldn’t afford to pay rent. Growing up in the slums of Nairobi was not easy, we lived in a dilapidated iron sheet house that used to leak every time it rained. Life was not smooth as we had expected. We went for days without clean water and electricity. The love of God kept us together. He provided in ways we never imagined, He brought along helpers who helped us.

Yet, the love of God brought us together. There are moments that we thought we would sleep hungry, yet God provided in mysterious ways. I wanted to study so that I would help mum and my sister. Mum did menial jobs to ensure that we were fed and we had education. Sometimes my friends wondered. After high school my mother couldn’t afford to take me to college. I tried to reach out to my father to offer help bit all I received were insults and rejection. I remember I made a prayer to God and asked Him to make my dream come true.

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I watched while my friends graduated, I celebrated with them. I knew that one day God will make my dream come true. I wrote down my vison, prayed about it and kept my FAITH in God alive. I thanked God for my graduation in advance, for my schooling in advance. Well, to cut the long story short, I managed to join the best university in Kenya after waiting for 7 years! Guess what! I didn’t pay a dime, God brought along a divine destiny helper who awarded me with a full scholarship for my education. I graduated last year December (2019), with a degree in International Relations. God is a promise keeper! What He says He does!

The power of Faith! Believing and choosing to trust the process, persevering and knowing that God has you no matter what!

Sticking on the promise He gave you. That’s what FAITH is!

3. What verse of the Bible builds your faith?

There are many verses in the Bible that give me hope.

One of them is Jeremiah 29:11. It says, “For I know the Plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future” This verse always assures me that God is constantly thinking about me, His plans in my life are good and geared towards great hope and a great future.

Another one is the prayer of Jabez in the book of 1 chronicles. Jabez, did not relent, even though his name and life was that of pain, he looked up and prayed to God and God answered his prayers. 1 Chronicles 4:10 “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”

Also, Luke 4:48 The story of the woman with the issue of blood. She waited on God for 12 years and God healed her!

4.What has challenged your faith the most?

Ever since I chose to trust in God, I realized that I had to let go of certain attributes that would impede God’s manifestations in my life. One of the challenges I faced is fear of the unknown. You see, it takes strength and perseverance to let go of everything you thought you would do and letting Jesus take the wheel. Total surrender!

Be ready to lose friends who do not believe in your dreams. Be ready to lose things that weigh you down, because when God wants to work on you, He chooses only YOU. Elevation requires Separation. As you keep on praying, God will remove the enemy [in the form] of doubt, lies, fear, and unbelief from you in order to put you in His shelter.

King David clearly outlined in the book of Psalms 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me!”

Wow! See that? That’s the kind of FAITH I am talking about! David trusted in God even when he walked through the valley of the shadow of death! Yet, he declared he feared not for he knew the great presence of YAHWEH! Praise God! Fear often times tend to affect me, however with prayer I have managed to let go of my fears and doubts and trusted in God. Fear and doubt are the greatest enemy towards Faith in God. However as Christ taught us how to pray in Matthew 6:9-13. I have learnt to be still and know that He shall finish what He started concerning my life.

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5.What roles does prayer play in your faith?

Prayer is the key to heaven, FAITH unlocks the door. In many instances we see Jesus leaving his disciples behind to go and talk to His Father (GOD). Prayer moves mountains, when we come into the presence of God through prayers with a sincere heart, God is able to listen to us.

Jesus taught us how to pray through the book of Matthew 6:9-13.

Every time, I humbled myself in prayer, I feel closer to God, I am able to be vulnerable in His presence. I am always at peace knowing that He is working behind the scenes. I already understand that He knows my intentions before I present them to Him. God is indeed faithful and omnipresent, He says come the way you are. Confess your sins through prayers and thanks giving.

In Matthew 18:18-20, Jesus tells us about the power of prayer when he said, “Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” The miracles performed in the Bible were done through prayers. Prayer is the greatest weapon we have as Christians against the enemy's plans. God is always inviting us to talk to Him, He listens and answers through signs and wonders.

When we pray God looks into our desires, it’s all about our open hearts that are filled with the awe of who God is and what He is capable of doing. For it is written, nothing is impossible with God. He who made Heaven and Earth through words and His might is surely able to fulfill His promises concerning your life.

6.H ow does faith help you respond to your trials?

As a Christian, I have seen God intervening in situations that left me in awe! There are moments I went through difficult times and God pulled me through them unaffected.

All along, God wanted to build my confidence fully into Him as I passed through storms. I became stronger and was able to encourage people going through a similar path. When their prayers were answered we would spread the good news to others in order to build their hope and Faith in God. Faith moves mountains. I remember when I was a teenager, I longed to see my earthly father once again. I remember praying and declaring that one day I will be re-united with him. Even though he rejected me, God answered my prayers. We met in person yet again but he didn’t want anything to do with me. As a child, I was hurt, I was pained and I couldn’t understand why a parent would hate their child that much. That being said, I decided to anchor my trust and hope in God. I cannot explain the immense love I receive from God. His presence is always with me, I have never felt fatherless. His love has engulfed me, I even forgot about my biological father. God has always provided for me, still loves me unconditionally and is always cheering me on when I am fulfilling God’s desires in the life of His people.

Praise God!! As for my biological father, I pray that one day, He will receive Christ and he chooses to heal from his past traumas. I forgave him a long time ago and this was the beginning of greater things that came to manifest in my life.

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7. Wow do you guard your faith from negative influence?

I guard my faith by inviting the Holy Spirit to be my friend and my guide. I pray to God to give me the gift of discernment to enable me to walk away from things that threaten my faith in God. Just like, 1 Timothy 6;20-21 says “Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.”

Here, Paul delivers a strong, unmistakable mandate to Timothy: maintain your testimony, maintain your faith, fight for what is true and right. As a church leader, Timothy's primary weapons against false doctrine and sin are keeping himself on God's path and refusing to waver in his instructions to fellow church members. At the same time, Paul warns Timothy not to be distracted by the pseudo-intellectual debates in which some false teachers engage.

8.Do you believe as Christians what we entertain like the shows we watch or books we read influence our faith?

Yes, they influence our faith. If a Christian decides to watch movies and show that help build their faith, then well and good.

However, we should be cautious on the lies and schemes the enemy uses through certain programs. Such programs invite fear and doubt on the existence of God. They influence ones thoughts and sets the enemy's camp in the mind. This ends up draining their lives and drifting their faith from God. Therefore, as Paul wrote to Timothy we need to depart from such teachings that destroy our relationship with God. It begins by refusing to put ourselves in the polluted streams of entertainment and acclimating and habituating our minds to righteousness through God’s word and the echoes of his stories we find in other stories. We know when to destroy the strongholds of wrong thinking when we’ve tasted what right thinking tastes like, when we’ve fed on it, when it’s nourished our thoughts and imaginations.

9.H ow can Christians increase their faith?

How can you strengthen your faith? Hebrews 10:17 says faith becomes stronger by “hearing the Word of God” Two blind men came to Jesus looking for healing (see Matthew 9:27–30). Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can do this?”

“Yes, Lord,” they replied. Jesus then touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith it will be done to you,” and their sight was restored.

Therefore, Christians need to; 1. Trust in God. I mean learning to surrender to the Will of God and having full confidence in Him alone.

2. Read Scriptures and mediate on them. Make the word of God final authority.

3. Learn how to pray and applying it in their daily lives.

4. Act on God’s word 5. Pray in the Spirit 6. Continue giving God praises. He rejoices in a grateful heart.

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10.Is there anything you would like to add?

Faith, according to the Bible, “shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1).

The Bible also tells us that every person is dealt a “measure of faith” at the point of salvation (Romans 12:3), but it is up to each of us to develop and strengthen that faith.

We need to realize that agreeing with God and trusting Him fully is what makes things work. We need to rely on Him and let Him do the work. Ours is to believe and pray in the spirit believing that it is already done! God bless you even as you anchor your tut in Him! He has never disappointed!

J

Matthew 21:21-22 esus replied, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done.

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

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Biography

N

elly Omwando is a spirit filled, born-again believer in Jesus Christ. She is a daughter, sister, aunt, consultant, friend and lover of Yahweh. She is full of faith and a mighty prayer warrior. She is a beautiful person both inside and out and has a passion for helping others. She currently resides in Kenya and has also traveled to various countries following her passion for helping the youth.

She currently is working as a consultant and provides services in proof reading, editing, development, research, advocacy and empowerment. She offers her services worldwide. If you are looking to publish a book and need editorial services or any other services listed above you can contact her at nellyomwando@gmail.com.

GUARD YOUR HEART MINISTRIES

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Testimonies

EBONY DE'QUASIA STEELE

THE 90 DAY PRAYER FOR YOUR SPOUSE WAS FULL OF WISDOM AND GEMS FOR US TO LOOK AT AND EVALUATE.

INTERVIEW

GUARD YOUR HEART MINISTRIES

90 DAYS PRAYER CHALLENGE EBONY DE'QUASIA STEELE

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is WAITING

3. How has Guard your heart Ministries (GYHM)

and patiently waiting on God to do what he

impacted your life?

said he was going to do.

GYHM appeared when I was at my lowest in life. It helped me turn around my life by reading my word and praying specifically for certain things.

1.Tell us about yourself?

My name is Ebony and I’m from a small town in Louisiana.

I’m 29 years old and a mother of a 2 year old son. I teach special Education and will soon branch out as an entrepreneur.

2. How would you describe your walk with Yahweh? What is your testimony?

My walk with God started in 2014 as the result of a broken heart. God had never spoken to me and one night at church he did and the rest is history. My present walk could be stronger but I get in my own way.

4. How has the 90 Days prayer challenge for future and current spouses impacted your life?

The 90 day prayer for your spouse was full of wisdom and gems for us to look at and evaluate. It showed me the beauty in waiting and how God doesn’t leave us but prepares us for what he wants us to have.

5. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned during the 90 Days challenge?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is WAITING and patiently waiting on God to do what he said he was going to do.

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INTERVIEW

GUARD YOUR HEART MINISTRIES

6. What changes have you noticed in your life as a result of the 90 Days Challenge?

The changes I’ve noticed is how to wait on God with just me and him and not to rush out of desperation or loneliness.

7. What has stood out to you the most about the prayers during the 90 Days challenge?

What stood out the most was how Ms. Benjamin was so accurate in prayer and scriptures. She touched every place that I needed to be healed and she did a great job of ministering to us.

8. Are these the type of prayers you would normally pray for your future or current spouse?

These are prayers that I’m praying for my future spouse. I’ve been praying for him even more so this year.

9. What advice do you have for those trusting God for a

Wait on God and do not rush into a relationship out of desperation.

spouse?

Continue to trust God with everything you have left. He’s going to send you a man after his own heart and that will love you unconditionally 10. Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would love to call in and pray for spouses next time for the challenge.

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"Pray as much as you can for you and your future spouse so your coming together can be a blessing for both of you and for others."

MARISABEL REYES

PAGE 42 GYHM.ORG | 2021

INTERVIEW

GUARD YOUR HEART MINISTRIES

90 DAYS PRAYER CHALLENGE MARISABEL REYES

My bond with the Lord has been going

I went to a Non-Christian College and I started to

stronger the past three years. I am learning a

question my Christian beliefs, but it was in that place

lot about Him, living for Him, and discovering

I met a Spirit Filled Christian that introduce me an

Him in new ways that have made me fall in

Assembly of God Church where I learned more

love with Him in a greater way than before.

about God, grace and the Holy Spirit. (My previous church didn’t believe in the move of the Holy Spirit, let alone His gifts). My bond with the Lord has been

1.Tell us about yourself?

I am believer in Jesus Christ that lives in Peru. I attend a Spirit Filled Church in my country and I serve as an Usher. I love to serve and help others. I work in Human Resources for more than ten years now. I am single too.

2. How would you describe your walk with Yahweh? What is your testimony?

I was born into a family of non-believers. But God was gracious enough for my parents to choose a Christian School for me, among other things, because it will teach me values. I met the Lord in that school and I gave my life to Him when I was twelve.

going stronger the past three years. I am learning a lot about Him, living for Him, and discovering Him in new ways that have made me fall in love with Him in a greater way than before.

3. How has Guard your heart Ministries (GYHM) impacted your life?

Guard your heart ministry has been a blessing to me.

There is no single ministry in my church. In fact, almost everyone is married by now, except for the younger ones, so it has been good to have the company of fellow single believers and the good leadership that help us focus on the Lord in this time of waiting.

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INTERVIEW

GUARD YOUR HEART MINISTRIES

4. How has the 90 Days prayer challenge for future and

Bible says that “Seek first his kingdom and his

current spouses impacted your life?

righteousness, and all these things will be given to you

It has helped me focus to pray about things I haven’t

as well.” In addition “Delight yourself in the Lord, and

considered before about me and my future spouse.

he will give you the desires of your heart.” These verses are important to me.

5. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned during the 90 Days challenge?

10. Is there anything else you would like to add?

That prayer is powerful but more so prayer with a focus

No, I learned a lot seeing your prayers

and a structure to be effective not only for me but for my future spouse.

6. What changes have you noticed in your life as a result of the 90 Days Challenge?

I feel more at peace, knowing that this period of my life is one of preparation, not one to be focusing on what I lack at the moment. My relationship with God has been strengthen.

7. What has stood out to you the most about the prayers during the 90 Days challenge?

That they were very focused and they include things I have not thought about praying before, like praying against bulling and laziness in both of us.

8. Are these the type of prayers you would normally pray for your future or current spouse?

No, I learned a lot seeing your prayers 9. What advice do you have for those trusting God for a spouse?

My advice would be not to focus on what you don’t have at the moment, but focus on Jesus. Enjoy Him, talk to Him and make your relationship with Him as stronger as possible. Pray as much as you can for you and your future spouse so your coming together can be a blessing for both of you and for others. Use this time to heal and develop your character for having a family.

My advice would be not to focus on what you don’t have at the moment, but focus on Jesus. Enjoy Him, talk to Him and make your relationship with Him as stronger as possible.

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MONEY MATTERS

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1

Business: Having a business is a good way to generate income. A business allows you to work for yourself, set your own goals, and your own hours. With a business you can sell a physical product, digital product or a provide a service.

2 3

You can make declarations all you want.

But, if you do not put in the work wealth is not going to come to you. To build wealth there are three areas you need to focus on. You need to focus on educating yourself and creating sources of income through business and investments.

Investments: Investments are a good way to make your money work for you instead of working for it.

Investments can be real estates, stocks and money you lend with interest.

Educate yourself: You can desire wealth. But, unless you put in the work chances are low of it manifesting. When it comes to wealth building it is important that you invest in yourself by gaining knowledge that will enable you to make wise decisions and generate more wealth.

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7Streams

of income

Streams of Income Successful people who are millionaires and billionaires have at least seven sources of income. Building various sources of income is a process and doable with planning and strategy.

Below are some areas that you can use to generate income.

Employer

Seling digital products

Business

Virtual Assitant

Stocks

Creating and selling online courses

Real Estates

Complete online surveys

Social Media: Blog, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, etc

Participate in market research

Baking and cooking

Selling T-shirts

Airbnb

Drive for a company like Uber

PROVERBS 13:11

DISHONEST MONEY DWINDLES AWAY, BUT WHOEVER GATHERS MONEY LITTLE BY LITTLE MAKES IT GROW.

2021

Write the Vision

jovenisebenjamin.com Reflecting on the past year and having a plan for the new year is very important. If you want to maximize your time, resources and success in 2021, purchase this 2021 "Write the Vision" digital planner.

Building Generational Wealth:

by Jovenise Benjamin

Generational wealth is financial wealth that is passed down from one generation to another.

To build generational wealth, generally, you need to have an income or assets. While most people think that generational wealth requires being a millionaire or billionaire so you can pass a large sum of money to the next generational, that is not the case. It is very possible to leave generational wealth by accumulating wealth and assets little by little. The thing with wealth is that if you do not need to hit the jackpot by become an overnight millionaire to obtain it. You can still accumulate it little by little by being discipline and making financially strategic moves.

For instance, If you decide to save $100 month for your child, by the time they are 18 years old that money will be $21,6000 and that does not even include interest if you place that money in the right interesting yielding bank account or investment portfolio.

If you live outside the United States, you may not have access to financial organizations that will help you build wealth by investing it for you, but there are other ways you can generate income and use that income to build wealth and leave wealth for the next generation. For instance, you can buy a piece of land and rent it out to farmers, the government or other institutions or individuals. With the money you make, invest it by buying more land to generate more money. You can also start a credit business by loaning money to those who want to start a business or expand a business and charge interest on that money you loan. If your family has a house that is not being used or some rooms not being used, you can rent it out. You can also start a business.

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Even if you are unable to do any of the things that

If you live in the United States, I encourage you to look

I’ve mention, there are still other ways to generate

into investing in a Roth IRA, often times your employer

income. Since we live in the digital age ecommerce

will even match your contribution to the Roth IRA, so if

has been growing and often the products that are

you invest $200 a month, they will also add an additional

being sold are not physical products but digital

$200 each month. There are thousands of people who

products. Like e-book, e-courses, and digital drawings

have used Roth IRAs to become multi-millionaires and so

that can be downloaded. Even if you do not have a

can you. Now, if you are really serious about securing

website you can sell your products on global platforms

the financial future of your descendants you can even

like Etsy and Amazon. You can even start selling

enroll them in a 529 College Savings Plan and custodial

t-shirts and other products on platforms like

Roth IRA.

Teespring, Sellfy, Redbubble, Zazzle and Merch by Amazon that allows you to upload or create a design

Regardless of what country you live in there are ways to

and place that design on a product like a t-shirt or

generate and build wealth, you just have to be

mug. There is even an added bonus to these sites,

resourceful in educating yourself about the various

many of them will ship your product for you to various

opportunities out there. Now, in your journey to building

countries without any hassle to you.

wealth never forget to build treasure for yourself in Heaven and to build EDUCATIONAL wealth for yourself

The bottom line is not everyone is going to become an

and your children, because it would be a shame for you

overnight millionaire because of money they received

to work so hard to break the cycle of poverty off you

by winning the lottery, becoming an athlete or finding

family and for the next generation to throw it all away

someone who was generous enough to donate a large

because they lacked financial education and financial

sum of money to them. But, with determination,

wisdom.

discipline and the right strategy you can generate wealth and pass it down from generation to Generation.

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Monthly

BUDGET ITEM

Month:

BUDGET

SPENT

PLAN

REMAINS

BUDGET

SPENT

PLAN

REMAINS

BUDGET

SPENT

PLAN

REMAINS

TOTAL: ITEM

TOTAL:

ITEM

TOTAL:

TEEN

CORNER

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"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."

E. E. CUMMINGS

TEENAGE YEARS Being a teenager can be hard. Being a Christian teenager can be challenging.

Some of the challenges you may face or are facing are finding your identity, finding where you fit, peer pressure, developing a strong relationship with God and figuring out what your next move is towards your future. While this might be a period of uncertainty for you, know that God cares about you and wants to lead you. Here are somethings you can do to help you cope, grow closer to God and discover who you are.

1. Read the Bible as much as you can. To silence the negative voices both external and internal you need to have a good foundation in the word of God. While you are reading the Bible ask God to reveal Himself to you, help you understand what you are reading and help you to apply it to your life.

2. Listen to worship music and refrain from watching and listening to anything or anyone that could jeopardize your faith and beliefs.

3. Surround yourself with Godly Friends. It is important to have like-minded people around you who will build you up and help you in your Christian journey.

4. Participate in extracurricular activities. This might be sports, a club, band, choir or volunteering. Extracurricular activities will help you understand more about your likes and dislikes, help you be more discipline and figure out what you may want to do with your life.

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INDEPENDENCE SOUP

SOUP JOUMOU WRITTEN BY JOVENISE BENJAMIN

On January 1, 1804 Haiti known as Ayiti or Kiskeya to the natives became the first free black nation.

Free from colonization and free from slavery. To celebrate their new independence the people living on the Island who were descendants of Africans got together and decided to do what they had been banned from doing before, which was to eat squash because it was considered a food for the elite French, who had colonized the country.

Since then each year in celebration

of this soup which would be shared

of Haiti’s independence, Haitians

with her nine children, in-laws,

around the world celebrate the

grandchildren, neighbors, as well

new year with a bowl of soup

as the church family where she and

joumou. Joumou is the Haitian

my grandfather served as pastors

Creole world for squash. Soup

and missionaries. My grandmother

joumou is unlike any other squash

passed away when I was ten years

or pumpkin soup on Earth. This

old but the recipes that she taught

delicacy is rich with history and

me still live in my heart, mind and

rich with flavor. The soup consists

spirit. Since I was a teenager, I’ve

of various vegetables like

taken it upon myself to carry on

potatoes, carrots, cabbage and

the tradition of making soup

malanga. Along with vermicelli

joumou for my family. In

noodles, herbs, spices and beef. As

celebration of my Haitian heritage

a little girl I remember helping my

and the new year (2021), I’ve

grandmother make this soup.

decided to share my recipe for

Every year on December 31st, she

soup joumou in this issue of Guard

would make several large pots

Your Heart Magazine.

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Soup Joumou Recipe  Epis Epis a a seasoning blend that Haitians use to season food.

It can be used to season meat, rice, beans, soups and many other dishes.

Ingredients 7 scallions 1 small yellow onion 2 thyme Sprigs 2 bell peppers (green, red or both) 5 garlic gloves ½ cup lemon, lime, sour orange juice or vinegar 1 habanero pepper (Do not use if you do not like spicy food) 2 teaspoon salt or 2 Bouillon cubes Directions Place ingredients in a blender and blend. A portion of the epis will be used to marinate the meat and flavor the soup and the rest can be stored in a container.

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Soup Joumou Recipe Serves 10–12 ACTIVE TIME: 1 hour TOTAL TIME: 4-5 hours

Ingredients

DIRECTIONS

2 pounds butternut squash, peeled,

Place meat in a bowl and pour lime juice on it

seeded and cut into halves

to clean it. Boil two cups of water and pour it

2 pound stew beef (preferably chuck)

on the meat. Drain water and add 1 cup epis to

cut into 1" cubes

the meat and let marinate for an hour.

1 cup Epis Seasoning Base 2 tbsp. olive oil

Place the meat and marinade in a large pot.

1/2 cup lime juice

Add 2 tbsp. of olive oil and brown the meat for

15 cups water

five minutes on medium heat. Add 1 cup of

2 small sprigs thyme

water, cover and bring to a simmer over

1/2 tbsp. Salt, to taste

medium to high heat. Reduce the heat and

1 small habanero pepper (optional)

simmer, stir occasionally and adjust the heat

3 cabbage leaves, cut each leave into 3-5

as needed, until the meat is tender but not

pieces

falling apart, about 45 minutes.

2 Carrots, cut into small pieces 3-4 Potatoes cut into medium size

Tip: It's best to let the meat cook in it's own

chucks

juice. If the water get low before the meat is

6 ounces penne pasta

cooked, add 1/2 t0 1 cup water.

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PREPARATION

Place squash in a large pot and add 5 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the squash is fork tender.

Scoop out the squash with a spoon and transfer to a blender. Make sure the liquid is cool and add ½ cup of the cooking liquid to the blender and blend until smooth and set aside. Do not throw away the remaining liquid in the pot.

Add 4 cups of water to the pot with the meat and bring it to a low boil over medium heat. Then add 1/4 cup of epis, thyme, habanero pepper and 1/2 tbsp. salt. Next, add the potatoes, cabbage leaves and carrots. After 15 minutes add the blended squash and stir. The consistency of the soup should not be thick or watery. Measure the remaining water from the pot that you boiled the squash in and add (1- 2 cups) to the pot with the meat and vegetables. Then, add an additional 1 cup of water. Let it cook for 10 minutes and check the consistency of the soup.

Add penne pasta and cook until tender. With a fork check the vegetables to ensure they are tender and taste for salt. Let the soup cool down and serve.

Tip: Do not get salt happy. It's always best to add more salt after cooking and/or allow your guests to add their desired amount of salt to their portion. Adding too much salt to stews and soups at the beginning of cooking can cause it to be salty when the final product is done cooking because as the stew or soup cooks it will absorb the flavors.

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Bright Neon Colors Exaggerated shoulders Maxi Dresses

COURTESY OF PRESS OFFICE

SPRING TRENDS

2021 Jumpsuits Chunky heels Ballet Flats Sneakers

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ENIZAGAM

Guard Your Heart If you would like to share a testimony or write an article to be published in Guard Your Heart Magazine contact us at gyhmmagazine@gmail.com

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BIBLEFACTS

INTERESTING FACTS

01 FEAR NOT There are 31,173 verses total in the Bible (depending on the translation). There is a total of 365 verses that tell us to fear not.

02 AMEN The word Amen means "so be it" and appears throughout the Bible. It's is the last word of the book of revelation.

03 THE BIBLE As of 2019, the full Bible has been translated into 698 different languages and just the New Testament into 1,548 languages.

AND WHATEVER YOU ASK IN PRAYER, YOU WILL RECEIVE, IF YOU HAVE FAITH. MATTHEW 21:22

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Living a Healthy Lifestyle Good nutrition and physical activity are important parts of leading a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet can help you to reach and maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and promote your overall health.

EXERCISE REGULARLY

DRINK LOTS OF WATER

EAT NUTRIENTRICH FOOD

REST AND REFRESH

Regular physical activity helps keep your brain healthy, helps you manage your weight, reduces disease, strengthens bones and muscles, and more. Getting at 30 minutes of exercise for 5 days a week can really boost your system.

Adults and children need to consume water everyday as it benefits overall health. With zero calories, it lubricates joints, helps get rid of waste, protects thhe spinal cord, and prevents dehydration.

A healthy diet not only helps you manage your weight, but also builds and strengthens your body. Focus on adding fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Getting enough sleep and rechargnig your mind is also a good way to stay healthy.

Meditation, breathing techniques, and a soothing sleep environment can add balance to your mental well-being and restore your body for another day.

2021 DECLARATIONS No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.

Isaiah 54:17

In the mighty name of Jesus, I declare this is my year to shine. This is the year for me to access the blessings of God. This is the year for the enemy to release my blessings and return all he has stolen. I declare no weapon formed against me or my family will prosper. I declare the angels of the Lord are ordering my steps and making my path straight. I declare peace, joy, clarity, discernment, wisdom, humility and success are my portion. I declare my family members and I will have a sound mind in 2021. By the blood of Christ, I rebuke depression, anxiety and all manners of emotional instability from me and my family. Â I declare blessings upon blessing upon me and my loved ones this year. I declare in the city and the countryside we will be blessed. We declare the favor of God is with us and we have favor with men.

By the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit I command and release angels to fight the devil and his agents on my behalf and my loved ones. I employ the angel of God to destroy every plan of the enemy concerning my life and the lives of my family members. I declare we are sealed and protected by the blood of Jesus Christ, who is the author and finisher of our faith. By the blood of Christ, we are covered from untimely death. By the blood of Christ, we are protected from every device and weapon of the enemy and his agents. By the blood of Christ my family and I are protected from witchcraft and workers of divination. I declare my family will serve the Lord and are moving from glory to glory. I declare my family is whole and prosperous. By the blood of Christ no one and nothing can stop our progress. In Jesus name. Amen!

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