Shepherds without borders lighthouse bugle global outreach jan feb

Page 1

SHEPHERDS WITHOUT BORDERS LIGHTHOUSE BUGLE GLOBAL OUTREACH 2014

“AND HE SAID UNTO THEM; CAST THE NET ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SHIP AND YE SHALL FIND.” 2014 YEAR OF LAUNCHING OUT INTO THE DEEP!

WRITER OF THE MONTH OF FEBUARY 2014 : FOCUS ON KATHI MACIAS

C RITICAL ANALYSIS OF POPE FRANCIS DOGMA ABOUT THE EVOLUTION OF GOD, HELL IS UNREAL , PARTS OF THE BIBLE ARE FABLES AND ALL RELIGIONS INCLUDING SATANIC RELIGIONS ARE TRUE !!!!!!! BY BISHOP STEVEN LIBERTY SR. CEO SHEPHERDS WITHOUT BORDERS LIGHOUSE BUGLE GLOBAL OUTREACH & AFRICAN VOICE IN THE WILGERNESS INTERNATIONAL


TABLE OF CONTENT

Letter from the Editor…. ADVERTISEMENT PAGE ……

"WHAT SEASON OF LIFE ARE YOU IN?"

by PROPHETESS SISTER MARY BOLDEN

GRATITUDE: BY CATHERIN SKINNER…….

ADVERTISEMENT PAGE ……

Kathi Macias Devotional…….

WHY MINISTERS & BEIEVERS SUFFER PART 1…….

Wimpy: By Jeff Godsown…….

NO ONE CAN SERVE LIGHT & DARKNESS AT THE SAME TIME !!!!!!!

POSITION STATEMENT TO ROME/ POPE FRANCIS …….

I DARE TO DREAM------By APOSTLE JESSIE STRIGGLES

2


INSPRATION, EDUCATION AND WISDOM FROM BABSIE ANNA VAN DER BERG

REVEATION CAPTER 12 BY KENNET WHITE

Merry Christmas From Women of Worth International

When God Gives Our Destiny Perspective By: Delia Thumbadoo

ADVERTISEMENT PAGE ……

"Until

God

Opens

the

Next

Door,

Praise

HIM

In

the

Hallway!"

3


Dear Brothers& Sisters in Christ, It has been quite some time since we were last able to publish the Shepherds Magazine. It was due to some serious problems beyond our control; but as God is faithful we are back online with food for education, entertainment and inspiration. By the grace of the Almighty we will always try to bring you highlights from the vineyard which is fast been overrun by weeds and need to be till. We will continue to bring this magazine to you free of charge as we promised; but we need your assistance to assist us do this. Advertise your programs; books etc with us. For now there will be no fixed fee for advertisement but a donation as you can afford. This will afford us the opportunity to pay our bills and your product or program to be read by our audience in seventy two countries world wide. Who are we and who is qualified to publish in this magazine? Our vision remains the same as always to refute false doctrines and uphold the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ without fear or favor. We believe in giving everyone claiming to be preaching the Gospel truth from every denomination of this world ; a chance to defend what you preach and allow our audience to critique it for themselves. We are seeking prayerfully sponsors and volunteers to help us publish and share this magazine in every language of the world. Your contribution could save lives, exposed the lies and false doctrines spreading rapidly across the world and keep the truth word of god burning like a touch in the darkness and serving as a

4


lighthouse for strangled sailors trying to find their way to land amidst the dangerous doctrines being spew out from the very

pits of hell through those vessels appointed to guide the flocks but have been compromised for one reason or the other. We are looking forward to working with you as we are certainly going to be launching our nets on the right side in order to bring in a harvest of souls for the King. The Shepherds Bugle is the voice of Shepherds Without Borders Lighthouse Ministries Global Outreach; which comes out once monthly to highlight messages, news, visions, projects, strength & weakness of the United Body of the Kingdom of God. Inspired Shepherds come together monthly to write message etc for the community of God chosen. Every shepherd chosen, charged, and called by God (YHWH) to care for His flocks is officially welcome to partake in this noble cause free of charge. Shepherds serve as an ambassadors of the Kingdom of God , advocates for petitioning God for mankind, administrators for the handling and distributing the truth of God's Word and they need a watch tower on the hilltop to help them not to crash against the stones of temptations placed in their path by the Devil. This magazine is also the shepherds’ consultant for wisdom and direction when it comes to how the work of the Kingdom of God is being carried out in different places around the world. It is a confronter of the evil practices that are carried out in the name of the kingdom of God. It is no respecter of any particular doctrine, tradition, color, language, social status, or geographical locations. It is the voice for the united kingdom of God's body of workers in the vineyard here on earth.

5


This magazine is the discussion leader of any topic concerning the kingdom of God and the warfare of God's people. Here you will see and post the work you do for the kingdom; however it

should be clear that every work you see here is the responsibility/views of the writer who placed it there and not always necessarily the views of everyone. It is a medium to serve as an encourager for the shepherds around the world who are striving to get the truth of God's Word out even at a risk to their own families and lives. As a spotlight, we intend to also serve as a ground inspector of the work of every ministry we can and highlight their strengths and weaknesses. Shepherds, we say a big welcome to you and your flocks. Let this place be a companion and knowledge dispenser, a place where you can rest and discover your God given talents, your historian where you can view the past and log the present, the nurturer of your visions, your opportunities spotter, and critic. I know many times when you are in the wrong and we speak about it, you might be hurt, go home and pray about it, and please come for a second look. Partake and make this place a home away from home. Make this place a secret corner for airing your views and questions that have been bothering you for a long time. Please allow Shepherds Bugle to help you develop your ministries and broken lives. Yours in Christ; Evangelist Favor P. Liberty Editor in Chief

6


When her unwed medical student daughter discloses that she is pregnant, Dr. Laura Branson is torn between excitement and fear. Until now, her beliefs and stance on pro-life issues have been more theoretical than personal. When she receives a Christmas gift—a quilt that depicts the life of pioneer Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman doctor in America—she is forced to wrestle with her convictions and examine everything she stands for in light of her faith. About the Author Multiple award-winning author Kathi Macias’s nearly 35 books include this “Quilt” series, the award-winning “Freedom” series, and the “Extreme Devotion” novels for New Hope Publishers. Her devotionals reach hundreds of thousands—through the Christian Civic League, Black Christian News, Latino Christian News, Christians in Recovery, and crosswalk.com. The Excellence in Media Angel Award, San Diego Christian Writers Guild fiction awards, Golden Scroll Novel of the Year (Red Ink),

7


Carol Award finalist (Red Ink), 2011 Author of the Year for BooksandAuthors.net, and an international writing contest grand prize are some of her credits. A popular speaker for women’s retreats, conferences, churches, and TV and radio programs, Kathi also loves outreach to prison and homeless ministries, and praying for and aiding the persecuted church globally. A mother and grandmother, Kathi lives with husband, Al, in California.

"WHAT SEASON OF LIFE ARE YOU IN?" by PROPHETESS SISTER MARY BOLDEN

In Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 it declares that there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: and it goes on to list those different seasons and what could occur: There's a time to be born, as we all know. That's one thing we have in common and can say specifically when we were born. At least, most of us. I have met some people from Africa, however, who were abandoned as a child or their parents died when they were very young and they don't actually know their birth date. So, they don't really know how old they are, etc. They've never had a birthday party or any such thing that most Americans take for granted. And also, since they were so young when their father and/or mother died, they don't know much about their parents either. We Americans know, most of us, who our parents are. And if we happened to have been adopted, some eventually have made it their business to search for their parents and have found out some things about them. Now, we don't all know our whole family history. I don't

8


know but in part. We have a family reunion and it is read to us about our grandparents and we only know what is told to us. I did have the opportunity to meet my grandparents on my mother's side and on my father's side; I met only my grandmother, but my grandfather I never met. My grandmother had remarried, so I did meet my step-grandfather. But, some cannot even attest to that.

Ecclesiastes 3 goes on to say, there is a time to plant and a time to uproot that which is planted. Well, a farmer would certainly know all about that. Also, someone who deals with plants either as a hobby or a horticulturist (gardener) who works grows plants as a living. These people know just how and when to plant seeds, how deep in the ground; what are the plants for summer and the others for winter months. They know when it's time to uproot those plants when they are ripe and ready to be uprooted. They have a "green thumb" or a born talent for plants and flowers, etc. But, as Christians, we also have a time to plant seeds into the minds of persons who are in need of Salvation and/or deliverance. We should have the power of God's anointing to tell us when it is time to plant good seeds and on good soil. The good soil is one who is ready to receive the truth, which is the word of God. Also, one who is ready to be delivered from drugs and/or alcohol and will confess he is so. In other words, they realize that the drug is killing their body and it's also affecting his /her family who love him and want to see them delivered. That person must make a sincere confession and then, the Holy Spirit will use the minister who is willing to be used to pray for them and they will be saved and delivered. Now, the bible even mentions that there is a time to kill. Well, we all know that there wars and people are killed every day. Now the wars may be official wars between countries because of religious differences or political warfare Also, there are wars in the various states. Each state has people who are at war with one another because of problems on their jobs or in their communities or even in their families. People are becoming 9


more restless and impatient and have lack of communication skills exercised. It seems to be easier for them to just buy a gun and bullets and look to go out and kill someone. Lots of times there are innocent bystanders that are killed in the gun fire and even innocent children and babies killed or put in harms way because someone got angry enough to kill .

What about a time to heal Well, obviously when a loved one or friend is killed or dies from cancer or aids or heart attack or just from old age , which is considered "natural causes", those left behind are in need of a healing process. There are those who take a long time of grieving when someone very close to them dies such as their mother or father; husband or wife. But others seem to not take as long a time to heal because they have accepted the fact that their loved one had to leave this place and go into a better place called "heaven." Well, that's what they must believe in order that they release their loved one into eternity and out of this world. Healing is a process and it depends on the individual as to how long it takes. I've found that it's all about "accepting the will of God" and moving on with your own life remembering the good times you shared with that loved one while they were living that helps in the process of healing. Ecclesiastes goes on to say that there is a time for tearing down and a time to build. Yes, there are buildings made by man's hands that are being torn down and a new one in it's stead being built. Some people get so attached to a building that is a "landmark" and has special meaning to them, and they hate to see it being demolished. It could be that the mayor of that city approved of it being torn down so that a better building be built. Or it could have burned down with an unwanted, unexpected fire. It will have to be rebuilt eventually, but only if the owner chooses to do so. But, meanwhile the ashes that have piled up, have to be cleaned up and thrown away. A person has to accept that and move on to rebuild another building. 10


ECCLESIASTES DEALS WITH REAL LIFE PROBLEMS AND SITUATIONS. MOST ARE UNEXPLAINABLE TO MANKIND. WE ALL MUST JUST LEARN TO BE IN ACCEPTANCE OF GOD'S WILL AND PLAN FOR OUR LIVES. IT GOES ON TO SAY, THERE IS A TIME TO WEEP AND A TIME TO LAUGH. WELL, WE ALL HAVE HAD OUR TIMES OF WEEPING AND THERE WILL BE OTHER TIMES AS WELL.

WE NEVER LIKE TO THINK OF SAD TIMES IN OUR LIFE NOR THE FACT THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY DIE OR WORSE, BE KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT OF SOME KIND. SOME HAVE EVEN BEEN MURDERED AND THAT IS A REAL TRAGEDY WE WOULDN'T WANT TO THINK ABOUT OR EVEN HEAR ABOUT BUT, IT'S JUST A FACT OF LIFE THAT THESE THINGS DO OCCUR. IN ANOTHER PASSAGE OF SCRIPTURE (Rom. 12:15), IT TELLS US THAT WE SHOULD WEEP WITH THOSE WHO WEEP.AND REJOICE WITH THOSE WHO REJOICE. IN OTHER WORDS, WE SHOULD SHOW SYMPHATHY, COMPASSION AND UNDERSTANDING TO THOSE WHO HAVE JUST LOST A LOVED ONE OR HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR INCIDENT ON THEIR JOB, COMMUNITY OR FAMILY. WE SHOULD PLACE OURSELVES (IN OUR MINDS) IN THEIR SITUATION AND HOW WE MIGHT FEEL. IT'S ALWAYS GOOD TO HAVE SOMEONE HOLD YOUR HAND THROUGH A CRISIS SITUATION OR DEATH OF A CLOSE FRIEND OR LOVED ONE. IT'S GOOD ALSO TO JUST HAVE SOMEONE SIT BESIDE YOU AND SAY LITTLE BUT JUST BE THERE BECAUSE WORDS DON'T ALWAYS HELP WHEN A PERSON IS GRIEVING. THEY MUST GO THROUGH THEIR OWN PERSONAL TIME OF SUFFERING BEREAVEMENT AND GRIEF. THEY WILL APPRECIATE YOUR JUST BEING THERE, HOWEVER. LAUGHTER SERVES AS A MEDICINE, THE BIBLE SAYS. SO, WHEN A PERSON CAN LAUGH, YOU OUGHT TO BE ABLE TO JOIN IN WITH THEM. IT'S NOT DIFFICULT FOR ONE WHO HAS THE LOVE OF JESUS IN THEM TO LAUGH. AND THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH, SO IT 'S A GOOD THING TO TRY AND HELP STIR UP JOY IN AN INDIVIDUAL WHO MAY HAVE BEEN GOING THROUGH A LOT , BUT YOU COME ALONG TO CHANGE THINGS FOR THE BETTER. YOU DO SOMETHING THAT WILL HELP THEM THROUGH THEIR TOUGH TIMES SUCH AS TAKE FOOD FOR THEM IF THEY ARE HUNGRY; CLOTHES IF THEY ARE IN NEED; GIVE THEM MONEY TO HELP PAY A BILL, ETC. THAT HAS MORE POSITIVE AFFECT OTHER THAN JUST GIVING THEM

11


VERBALLY A WORD SUCH AS "WELL , GOD BLESS YOU. AND THEN WALK AWAY KNOWING THAT YOU COULD'VE DONE MORE. NOW, IF YOU DON'T HAVE MONEY AT THE TIME, YOU CAN AT LEAST PAUSE AND HAVE A WORD OF PRAYER WITH THAT INDIVIDUAL. DON'T JUST LEAVE THEM WITHOUT GIVING THEM A REASON OF HOPE FOR A BLESSING COMING THEIR WAY.

FINALLY, THERE IS A TIME TO DANCE, ESPECIALLY IF THAT PERSON HAS GONE THROUGH FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES AND THEY FINALLY RECIEVE A BLESSING LONG OVERDUE OR WHAT THEY MAY CALL A "BREAK THROUGH" FROM THE LORD JESUS, WHO HAD TO TEST THEIR FAITH AND OBEDIENCE BEFORE HE FINALLY REWARDED THEM OPENLY FOR KEEPING THEIR FAITH IN HIM. THEY CAN THEN SHOUT "HALLELUJAH

" AND THEY

WILL , LIKEWISE, FEEL LIKE DANCING INSTEAD OF BEING IN MOURNING OVER THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE, A JOB, A HOME THAT MAY HAVE BURNED TO THE GROUND FROM A FIRE, OR A STORM MAY HAVE COME AND BLOWN IT DOWN. SOMETIMES IT'S HARD TO TELL WHAT A PERSON ON YOUR JOB MAY BE GOING THROUGH AT HOME. WE ONLY KNOW FROM THEIR "'MOOD SWINGS" AND ATTITUDES OF NEGATIVITY. BUT, WE MUST LEARN TO INTERCEDE IN THEIR BEHALF AND TRY TO HAVE PATIENCE AND OVERLOOK THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARDS YOU UNWARRANTED. ALSO, IT MAY BE A NEIGHBOR THAT YOU CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT THEIR PROBLEM IS....JUST PRAY FOR THEM AND GOD WILL REVEAL WHAT IS NEEDFUL FOR YOU TO KNOW IF HE , INDEED, WANTS TO USE YOU IN SOME WAY TO HELP THEM. AND IT MAY BE THAT HE HAS YOU ONLY TO LIFT THEM UP IN PRAYER AND LEAVE THEM IN HIS HANDS BECAUSE THERE MAY BE NOTHING ELSE YOU CAN DO TO HELP THEM OR THEY MAY BE TOO PROUD TO ASK FOR YOUR HELP. THEN, AT LAST, ONE OR MORE FAMILY MEMBER MAY BE BURDENING YOUR HEART AND YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO PRAY FOR THEM OR WHAT TO SAY BECAUSE THEY DON'T SEEM TO WANT TO LISTEN TO WISE ADVICE. WELL, YOU JUST NEED TO INTERCEDE (STAND IN THE GAP) FOR THEM AND LEAVE THEM IN THE MASTER'S HANDS. AT LEAST YOU WILL KNOW WHEN THEY FINALLY COME OUT OF TROUBLES, HEARTACHE AND PAIN, YOU PRAYED FOR THEM AND GOD HEARD AND ANSWERED YOUR

12


PRAYERS. THEN YOU CAN SHOUT H A L L E L U J A H

THANK YOU JESUS

FOR HEARING AND ANSWERING MY PRAYERS. SO, CHILD OF GOD, HEED THE MESSAGE AT HAND BECAUSE THE LORD JESUS WANTS EACH OF US TO HAVE COMPASSION AND A PASSION FOR SOULS JUST LIKE HE DID FOR US ALL. AND HE WILL HOLD EACH ONE OF US ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT WE DO, SAY AND TRY TO DO TO HELP ANOTHER TO REALIZE WHAT SEASON IN LIFE THEY ARE IN. AND ALSO,

WE MUST RECOGNIZE AND ACKNOWLEDGE OPENLY AS TO WHAT SEASON WE ARE IN. AND THEN, BECOME DOERS OF THE WORD AND NOT HEARERS ONLY AS JAMES SAYS . THAT'S RIGHT , WE MUST PRACTICE WHAT WE PREACH AND LIVE THE LIFE WE TEACH AND WITNESS TO OTHERS ABOUT. MAY THE LORD GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALL IN HIS PERFECT WILL. IN JESUS' MIGHTY NAME. AMEN. PROPHETESS SISTER MARY

13


GRATITUDE: BY CATHERIN SKINNER 14


Have you ever asked God where am I? Does it seem like your life is in a holding pattern? Sometime I ask God am I mad at you? Why because I sometimes one finds myself outside of God! God can never get outside of Himself, only we leave that place of intimacy with God. When leaving that place of intimacy with God, I don’t know about you, but I find myself very distant and with wrong motives and actions where God is concern. “When you strike out, you always strike in. Any weapon you use to strike, - clenched hand, angry voice, closed heart withholding love, - is double-sided with one edge always cutting deep into yourself. Sometimes a weapon is necessary, but use it wisely, - and remember that the cost of using one are your own wounds.” (God wants you to know message) When we say we trust God, but yet still trying to control things, we are not allowing lest known trusting the One greater within us. Therefore God has to allow us to become uncomfortable in our circumstance. No matter what one tries it never mounts up to what one expects when we are not being intimate with God. Personally I find that the only true way I trust God is to be intimate with Him at all times. God, I trust you to use the circumstances of my life to bring glory to Your name! Keep me sensitive to Your Holy Spirit so that I may cooperate with what You are doing and not fight against it. Amen http://hub.am/1hKdgkp When we are about our Father’s business He will perfect all that which concerns us in His own time.

It doesn’t matter what the world has to offer God is still in control of all things. His will be done!! You are of God, you little ones, and thus you have conquered the false prophets. For there is One greater in you than there is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NAB) The Source of Love for He is LOVE. This was heavy within my heart for I see myself as a cell in the heart of God. Therefore when my heart is broken so is His, for I am forever in His hands. Sometimes it Hallelujah! 15


Sometimes it Praise the Lord! But, all the time is Glory is unto God for I am cleansed with His Blood. For I pray let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart find favor before you, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Ps. 19:15( NAB) Inspired God Shared by Catherin Skinner 01/22/2014

16


17


Kathi Macias Devotional “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matthew 6:31-32, NKJV). Since I was a little girl I’ve been what my mother used to refer to as a “worrywart.” I worried about everything. Somehow I managed to turn it into a virtue—at least, in my own mind. I told myself I cared about what might happen to others, what might happen to myself, what might happen to the world, so didn’t that prove I was a caring person? No, it didn’t. It proved I didn’t trust God or believe the many promises in His Word. That was understandable before I came to know Him personally, but what was my excuse after that? What is my excuse now, forty years after claiming to make Him my Savior and Lord? It’s still the same thing, isn’t it? Though I now know Jesus in a close, intimate way, I obviously still have a lot of faithgrowing to do. When problems crop up—and they always do—I want to be a person who drops to my knees first, not after I’ve exhausted all other avenues of action. I want to be like the three Hebrew slaves who faced being thrown into the fiery furnace if they didn’t disobey the true God to worship false ones. Their response? 18


If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver usfrom your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” “

Wow. Faced with an agonizing death, those three young men declared their complete confidence that God was able to deliver them from such a fate—but even if He chose not to, they would remain faithful anyway. That’s the sort of faith I want, don’t you? I want to be a prayer warrior, not a worrywart. And the only way to get there is to regularly choose to replace worry with prayer. Jesus points out in Matthew 6 that our heavenly Father already knows what we need, so what’s the sense of worrying? The only thing we accomplish by worrying is a defeated attitude. Corrie ten Boom said it this way: “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” Let’s make a daily commitment to pray and not worry, and then rejoice as we rise up in the strength of the Lord. Communicating the vision… (Hab.2:2) alandkathi@ca.rr.com www.kathimacias.com

19


WHY MINISTERS & BELIEVERS SUFFER Part 1 Pastor Wole Gbogboade

Text: 2 Tim. 2:8-12 The word “suffer� means to experience physical or mental pain according to Cambridge dictionary. When a Christian suffers, it has different connotation: Though, there could still be physical or mental pain, in addition, there can be spiritual, emotional or financial pain. But, the source and reason for suffering could also be just or unjust as a result of injustice against one just because of your faith:

1- Suffering therefore can come as a result of persecution which we experience because of our faith Acts 9:15-16, 1Pet. 4:12-19 2- There is also baptism of suffering or affliction. Phil. 3:10; 1Pet. 4:15; 2Cor.12:7-10, 1Pet. 3:18-22. 3- We also suffer hardship as Christian Soldiers in the course of training. 2Tim. 2:3, 2Tim.2:12.

20


This is meant to build us up and make us strong preparing us for maturity and vineyard work which always come with fatigue yet, His grace is sufficient. 4- Of course there can be suffering as a result of sin. 1Pet.3:17. What causes suffering for minister does not differ considerably from what causes suffering for Christians generally. How it affects Christians generally is the same way it affects Ministers. Sin is sin and it has negative effect on all. Let us remember that a Minister is primarily a believer. It then follows that certain principles need to be understood and adhere to in our walk with God. 1- Suffering as a result of persecution: The Lord specifically told the Disciples, “Remember

the word that I said unto you, the servant is not greater

than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” John 15:20. Persecution is unavoidable for Christians who hold on to their faith. It reminds us to fight the good fight of faith; it builds us in the faith. If our faith is not tested, how can we overcome? If we don’t contend for the faith, how can we ever triumph? 2Tim. 4:7-8, Jude 4. However, we are confident of the Lord’s promised reward when we overcome as Paul rightly said. Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; Rev. 3:5, 12, 21; Rev 21:7.

21


We face persecution as the Church or Body of Jesus Christ and as individual growing Christian who need to stand on their faith by following the word to be strong. “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2Tim. 3:12. Ref. Acts 8:1; Acts 11:19 & 13:50; Matt. 13:21. There is also a choice we have to make to be followers of Christ: Nothing should mean any thing to us other than Him. This is not an easy choice either. Jesus is our example: “Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” Luke 8:19-21 The Lord also has set this standard for His disciples and clearly spelt out the blessings of putting God first in our lives which comes hundred fold here on earth and in eternity. And Jesus answered and said, “Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.” Mark 10:29-30

22


He didn’t say we should avoid our relations instead; we should not be tied down from putting God first. We should obey God and serve Him; we should be willing to leave the comfort zone of our family to go serve God wherever He sends us whether they like it for us or not. Acts 5:29. This sometimes is not easy but His grace in our lives enables us to obey Him first and promptly irrespective of whose ox is gored. Peter in His first epistle encourages Christians to bear persecution as those who persecute us might through our godly virtues appreciate our lives and more so when they come to Christ hopefully. “I appeal to you, my friends, as strangers and refugees in this world! Do not give in to bodily passions, which are always at war against the soul. Your conduct among the heathen should be so good that when they accuse you of being evildoers, they will have to recognize your good deeds and so praise God on the Day of his coming.” 1Peter 2:1112 (GNB)

Paul came to a conclusion in the heat of his persecution when he said: “I rejoice because I eagerly expect and hope that I will have nothing to be ashamed of, because through my boldness the Messiah will be exalted through me, now as always, whether I live or die. For to me, to go on living is the Messiah, and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:20-21 Bible records this for the apostles: “They won the victory over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the truth which they proclaimed; and they were willing to give up their lives and die.” Rev. 12:11

23


2- Baptism of suffering: There are four types of baptisms believers must go through: 1- Water baptism (by immersion) Matt.3:7 2- Holy Ghost Baptism 3- Fire Baptism Matt. 3:11. 4- Baptism of suffering. Mark 10:38-39. Phil.3:10-11. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” Ps. 34:19

The Lord said, when you pass through fire I’ll be with you. Yes, He was with Shedrack, Meshach and Abednego in the furnace of fire. But, you will agree with me that fire is not a palatable experience. Yet, His grace will see us through. This could come in form of persecution or obnoxious laws aimed at punishing Believers because of their faith. It can also come as temptation or trial of faith. James 1:4-5. God allow it both to test our faithfulness and to strengthen us in our journey of faith. Some ministers/believers have died as martyrs of the faith; some were incarcerated but, thank God for those who never denied the faith despite harrowing death and other hash treatment meted to these heroes of faith. Heb.11:36-38; 2Cor. 6:3-10; 2Cor. 4:8-13; 1Cor. 15:30-32. 3- Christian Ministers also suffer hardship as Soldiers of Christ. 2Tim 2:3. The Lord said, “He that endures to the end, the same shall be saved.” Matt. 24:13, 2Pet. 2:19.

24


When we keep our conscience clear towards God and endure wrong done to us or grief caused us for the sake of our faith, it help us to develop fruit of the Spirit. Its part of the price we pay to be a Disciple of Christ. Bob Gass said, “God builds a solid foundation in our lives in order for us to be able to handle the pressure that accompany His blessings.” In other words, God prepares us for what He has already prepared for us through His word, prayer, chastisement, trials of faith or test of faith, hardship etc to make us of a sterner stuff unbeatable to the devil. Hence, we can go through the storm of life at home or in the field without being shaken. Phil. 4:12. Even with joy because the inner man is rejoicing that we are partakers of the fellowship of suffering. “As the apostles left the Council, they were happy, because God had considered them worthy to suffer disgrace for the sake of Jesus.” Acts 5:41

Paul said: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.” 1Thess.3:3-4. Acts 14:21-22.

However, God is always faithful to meet the needs of His servants. 25


Some say they suffer lack, I believe if we are doing what God asked us to do in the place He sent us and the way He asked us to do it, we will not lack. “I have been young, and now I’m old; yet have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging bread.” Ps. 37:25 Even in the wilderness, God was meeting the need of His people by His miraculous hands. God is ever so faithful. 4- Suffer for wrong doing: This is when a Christian Minister violates spiritual principle 2- disobey God’s word or God’s instruction 3- Carnality or faithlessness. When Jonah was sent to Nineveh but, in disobedience he went to Tarshish, he had to pay his fare. In addition, he almost suffered a ship wreck. Of course, his presence caused a lot of trouble for all the people in the ship. They had to lighten the ship by throwing their valuable goods into the Sea not to talk of the grief they suffered as a result of the storm. May you not sail with a Jonah in the same ship. Jehoshaphat nearly lost his life again when he went to the battle in the company of Ahab. 1King 22:29-33. God sank the ships of Tharshish Jehoshaphat made to sail to Orphir to bring gold. 1King 22:48-49.

26


It’s not just a good business but what is the motive? Even if the motive was right, is it God that asked him to do it? Again, what did he want to do with the proceeds? “Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!” Isa. 30:1-2

Apart from disobedience, wrong association can make Christian Ministers to suffer. When Jehoshaphat made alliance with Ahab who had positioned himself as enemy of God, he suffered. The same thing happened to his father Asa who made alliance with the king of Syria. 2Chro. 16:7. When he was sick, he sought not the Lord first but physician. 2Chro.16:12. Unholy alliance can cause a lot of damage to our relationship with God thereby bring suffering. “And

Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said

to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? Therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.”

2Chro. 19:2.

A Minister can position himself against God and lose credibility when he’s wrongly aligned and begin to consent to evil that men do because of their high 27


position in the society instead of speaking against it. 2Cor 6:14-7:1. Wrong association can be so dangerous you don’t want to underestimate its peril. Whatever the motive: whether for men’s recognition or help, it will not please God. James 2:9 “Woe

to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and

trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!” Isa. 31:1

Word: When a minister begin to live in sin, if he fails to repent, he will suffer spiritually and whatever success or money he thinks he has made will not last. It is still the blessings of the Lord that make rich and added no sorrow. When a Minister is fond of raising money and diverting it to other things instead of what he raised it, this also can make offering to drop and affect the minister because of lack of trust. Abuse of offerings and disobedience wipe out God’s priest Eli and his sons. We need to be careful how we handle offerings especially ministers. It is safe to be accountable to someone within and outside your ministry. Separate your money from Church offering. Set checks and balances in place to forestall abuse.

28


The Home: The home front is also very vital. The Bible clearly states that a man must rule over his household and his children in submission to him. Between you and your wife, there must be cordiality as becoming Christian couple and as joint heir. “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” 1Peter 3:7

Eli was a high priest who died with his children same day because he did not raise them properly in obedience to God’s commands. Its not just the calling that we have to face instead, the proof of our calling should start from our household. The Lord will help us. Instruction: If you are engage in Ministry work other than what the Lord asked you to do or where he sent you, you can suffer for it. Even if one is doing the right thing in the place where he/she is sent but not according to God’s pattern definitely, you may suffer for it. The summary of Saul’s tragic end is just because of his disobedience to God and His word. He would flout God’s instruction (rhema) and disobey the word of God from Samuel and the Torah at will. “So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it;

29


And enquired not of the LORD: therefore He slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.” 1Chro.10:13-14

Faithlessness: In addition to this, when you don’t work by faith in God’s vineyard. The Bible says, “The just shall live by faith” and “without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Heb. 11:6. The calling is first to minister to the Lord. Then, receive from the Lord to minister to the people. We should focus on what He calls us to do and constantly seek His face to do it the way He wants. A messenger has message from the One who sent him. Rom. 10:14-15. Lack of faith may lead to fleshly activities that some ministers engage in to manipulate the brethren. It also results in misuse of scriptures for merchandizing of congregants and for personal enrichment. Some ministers show favouritism to some affluent members whom they easily promote without preparing or processing simply to tie them down and take advantage of them for their money. Jesus said, “What can be compared with a man’s soul?” Word of Salvation Publication http://www.christfamilyevangelicalmission.com/ http://www.tyrannusschool.wordpress.com/ PO Box 7572, Ikeja (100001), Lagos. Nigeria. Tel: +2348033250375,

Jesus loves you and so do I. JESUS IS THE ANSWER!!

30


Wimpy: By Jeff Godsown Wimpy is a fictional character from the Popeye the sailor show and hehad a famous statement; “I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today. In this Popeye show, Popeye played the hero, constantly saving Olive Oil or one of his other friends and family, from evil attacks. Bluto also was part of the Popeye show and for the most part, he played the part of evil, who wars against good. Wimpy was rightly named as he basically did nothing except eat hamburgers, and borrow from people, offering to pay them later, Wimpy did NOTHING. Todays’ Christianity has placed God in the same limelight as Wimpy, making promises He can’t or won’t keep, primarily because the Apostles of old are dead. According to the description of way too many people, the verse “1Jn4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.“ has some sort of watered down, mealy mouthed, wimpified, sugar-coated cotton candy, creepy derivative, meaning to it A meaning that takes absolute authority away from God, because the love of God is according to man’s thinking and man’s understanding. For those of you who want to put God in that type of box, you seriously need to get a reality check, the best way to do that is go back to the original language and study from there. You also might want to get out from underneath the false teachings that have caused this idiocy. God is not, nor will He ever be wimpy, in fact; Jesus Himself said God is a hard master; Mat 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. Mat 25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Mat 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made the mother five talents. Mat 25:17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. Mat 25:18 Buthe that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

31


Mat 25:19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. Mat 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. Mat 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Mat 25:22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. Mat 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Mat 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: Mat 25:25 AndI was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. Mat 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewestthat I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Mat 25:27 Thououghtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine ownwith usury. Mat 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. Mat 25:29 Forunto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but fromhim that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. Mat 25:30 Andcast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Whether we choose to believe it or not, God isn’t playing, and though He loves us with an unending love, that doesn’t mean He won’t send us on our way when we fail to obey. Joh14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. Though Christ condensed the law down to two commandments, those same two commandments incorporate the whole law with the exception of the law of blood sacrifice or law of atonement ifyou prefer. Christ also made a point of wanting us to be careful as to what we believe; Mat15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Mat 15:10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: What Christ taught, must have been an important teaching, it was repeated by another Apostle; Mar 7:6 He answered and said unto them,

32


Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth mewith their lips, but their heart is farfrom me. Mar 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Mar 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, asthe washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. Mar 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. God is not mealy mouthed, He doesn’t speakwith a lisp that causes hearing misinterpretations, God not only is the standard, He set the standard, and though the bar may seem high, it’s not impossible. Christ came into this world as a baby, and grew up as a human, and if He was well pleasing to His Father in Heaven by His walk, then we also can do the same walk. Forsaking one’s salvation, rests totally in our hands, God will never forsake us, but that certainly doesn’t mean He won’t give us the circumstances we deserve if we don’t walk the walk. I’m borrowing from Paul Washer, when he said; Pastors are like doctors, and like doctors, for failing to do the right thing, “they ought to kick most Pastors out of their practice, because out of cowardess or self-preservation, they will not preach the gospel”! Little do we understand, the gospel is not a bunch of pretty words strung together to make a good feeling message, the gospel is the pure truth of God’s Word, and His intent! If God is not playing, then isn’t it time we stopped playing, church isn’t supposed to be the fill-up go juice for the week service station. Church is where we are supposed to go for fellowship among true believers, and the place where we can obtain a greater understanding of the scriptures, if we listen! It’s time, and time is short for us to repent of our foolishness, it’s time and time is short to get right with God, in every aspect. God is not wimpy and I hate to see those who choose to continue to think He’s a wimpy God, end up with Satan and his crew, for ETENITY!!!!!!!!!!!! Paul Washer, Leonard Raven hill, Bob Jones, are but a few of the preachers who sought out the truth, the God truth of God’s Word and gave us all fair warning from God, not only through His Word, but through Holy Spirit, so why aren’t we listening? Amen, why aren’t we repenting of doing things our way? If men continue on the path they’re walking, and that path leads man straight to hell and the lake of fire, I wonder if they will still try to blame that on God as well. Seek God, while He is still able to be found, amen!!!

33


NO ONE CAN SERVE LIGHT & DARKNESS AT THE SAME TIME

MANY RELIGIOUS LEADERS AROUND THE GLOBE TODAY FIND IT NECESSARY TO COMPROMISE THE SCRIPTURES TO FIX THEIR POLITICAL OR SOCIAL STATUS. A FEW WEEKS BACK THE POPE OF TE CATHOLIC CHURCH JOIN THIS GROUP WHEN HE STATED THAT THE PORTIONS OF THE BIBLE WERE LIES ; THE UNCHANGEABLE GOD CHANGE FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION AND ALL RELIGIONS ARE ONE. ONE CANNOT SERVE TWO ;ASTERS AT THE SAME TIME AND MY ADVICE TO THOSE ENGAGE IN SUCH PRACTICES INCLUDING POPE FRANCIS IS TO CHOOSE THIS DAY WHO TO SERVE ; EITHER GOD OR MAN FOR DEFINITELY THE TWO DO NOT MIX. THE SCRIPTURES SAY :" Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows."(Psalms 45:6-7) BECAUSE GOD LOVE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HATE WICKEDNESS THERE IS NO JUSTIFIABLE MEANS OR COMPROMISE IN THE NAME OF NEW WORLD ORDER. SO STOP FOOLING YOURSELF AND DECEIVING THE FLOCKS OF GOD; FOR THE SAKE OF VANITIES; EITHER SERVE GOD OR DEVIL FOR YOU CANNOT LOVE BOTH AT THE SAME TIME. YOU CANNOT NOT BE A DEFENDER FOR GOD’S ; ARMY AND SATAN GENERAL AT THE SAME TIME. LUKE 16:13 SAYS' No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon'. MATTHEW ALSO ECHOS IT 6:24 WHEN HE STATED "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." THEREFORE MY DEAR FRIENDS ; SHEPHERDS OF THE FLOCKS OF GO; WHATEVER YOUR GOAL IS < REMEMBER THAT GOD IS NOT MOCK; CHOOSE YE THIS DAY WHOSE SIDE TO DEFEND OR YOU MIGHT JUST BE CAUGHT IN CROSSFIRE !!!!!!!WE KNOW YOU BY WHAT COMES OUT OF YOUR BELLY AND NOT THE ROBE YOU WEAR OR THE TITLE YOU HOLD!!!!!!!

34


WORDS ARE AS FUEL TO A FOREST WILD FIRE; RELIGIOUS EADERS MUST BE CAREFU WHAT IS UTTERED TO TEIR FLOCKS LEST IT DESTROY THEM AND HAUNT YOUR INSTITUTION!!! MONTHS AGO THE CATHOLIC POPE ISSUE A CONTROVERST DOGMA WHICH EVEN THROUGH CONDEMN BY SOME FAITHFUL IN THE CONTINUE TO DRAW CONDEMNATION FROM AROUND THE WORLD! SEPHERDS WITHOUT BORDERS LIGHTHOUSE BUGLE GOBAL OUTREACH & AFRICAN VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS INTERNATIONAL CEO ISSUE A POSITION STATEMENT TO ROME PUBLISHED WORLDWIDE ON VARIOUS MEDIAS ON THE ISSUE: READERS CAN FIND THE FULL STATEMENT HERE : http://issuu.com/the2011bugle/docs/position_stateme

35


I DARE TO DREAM------By APOSTLE JESSIE STRIGGLES

Of no pain, no sorrow, no hurt, no lack, no misunderstanding, no disease, no death - when I dare to dream I can hear myself inside wanting to scream - can we, would be, will we ever know that to lean into the hope of daring to believe what we should come to a place in God; where your dreams becomes a reality. I dare to dream - let us come together in a UNITY of peace, agape love, sharing and caring truly for one another. I dare to dream - one day WE WILL ALL LIVE AS ONE. I dare to dream that we are of one body, coming to know that it is good to even scream - DREAM!!! SCREAM - DREAM WHY WON'T YOU????? If we have no dreams, no visions - we are walking dead. I dare to dream of a here and now getting it all together as if we knew tomorrow is our last day. My God when will we weep for the people, when will we help the helpless, when will we become selfless, when will we long to put a smile on a person's face. When will we allow the Holy Spirit to rise up in us that it doesn't matter if it is my last - I WILL GLADLY SHARE WITH YOU!!!! Jehovah Jireh is my provider so there is plenty more in store. I don't have to hoard anything; for Jesus keeps on providing for me. He hasn't fail me yet. I dare to dream of more than enough.

36


I dare to dream - I continue to believe in the hope of tomorrow will become a reality of today; so I continue to dare to dream. final word - DARE TO DREAM from the desk of AJS

40 Day Devotional Challenge – To Encourage Your Heart and Deepen Your Faith Need some encouragement? Who doesn’t, right? So why not get that encouragement while at the same time deepening your faith? The 40-Day Devotional Challenge by bestselling author Kathi Macias is designed to do just that.With forty undated “bite-sized” readings, each including a Scripture verse and a personal application section, The 40-Day Devotional Challenge…to Encourage Your Heart and Deepen Your Faith is designed in a way that can fit into anyone’s busy schedule—and we all have them. But isn’t it true that the faster we run, the farther behind we seem to get? We all know we need to slow down and reprioritize, but we just can’t seem to get off that treadmill long enough to do it—until now. Regardless of how long our to-do list, we all have ten minutes we can set aside daily—or even weekly—to reconnect with the things that really matter. Practical, pithy devotions that challenge us spiritually are just the answer. So why not accept The 40-Day Devotional Challenge—either individually or in a group—and let God encourage your heart and deepen your faith? You’ll be so glad you did. BUY THE BOOK AT DEEPER SHOPPING!

37


INSPRATION, EDUCATION AND WISDOM FROM BABSIE ANNA VAN DER BERG

:

THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE OF MEDITATION

TALKING TO GOD Thank God for the power of His Word. Ask Him to help you stay focused on His Word throughout the day so you can become more like Jesus. DIVING IN Put out a plate of snacks. Give everyone permission to dive in, provided they follow one important rule: Each bite of food must be chewed at least 20 times. After each person finishes one bite, invite him or her to describe in detail the different tastes and textures experienced. GOING DEEPER Sometimes people say, "I need to chew on that," meaning, "I need to think about that for a while." When we meditate on Scripture, we're taking time to think about it and "chew on it." If we ate our food without chewing it, we'd hardly be able to taste it. The more we chew, the more we enjoy the taste and gain strength. It's the same with God's Word. When we take time to think about what it means and how we can use it in our lives, we benefit much more than if we just read it and never think about it again. Romans 12:2 says that we change our lives by renewing our mind, or changing the way we think about things. We can learn to think like God by meditating on His Word. TALKING TO EACH OTHER - What things do you spend most of your time thinking about? - How might your life change if you spent more time thinking about God's Word?

38


- What's one passage of Scripture you would like to begin meditating on?

INSPRATION, EDUCATION AND WISDOM FROM BABSIE ANNA VAN DER BERG

*** Trials *** BY:Babsie Hannah Vd Berg No matter what trials come our way, God will see us through each day. If only we'll put our trust in Him, The light of His love will never dim. Don't ever think that He's forgotten you. It's just, sometimes, we need a test or two. For, we'll never be able to help our brother If we're not tested, one way or another. Never ask the Lord for an easy road, But only for strength to carry your load. For, through your sorrows, you will find The Lord is with you. He's loving and kind. And, when your trials have all gone away, 'I've been there, too,' is what you can say. For, there'll be times when someone you meet Will praise God to walk in the steps of your feet. HOPE : BY BABSIE VD BERG Hope is knowing that a positive outcome awaits. Hope is not only expecting a dream to come true, but having a deep assurance that it's within your reach.

39


Hope is saying you can.

INSPRATION, EDUCATION AND WISDOM FROM BABSIE ANNA VAN DER BERG

Hope is knowing that you can improve and that you always get better with practice. Hope is knowing that you can achieve your goals through hard work and persistence. Hope is looking to the future with joy and having an expectation of better things to come. Hope is the knowledge that life is everlasting, and that miracles happen every day. Hope is something that never abandons you. Even when your life is filled with sadness and disappointment, a spark remains inside to help you get through the rough times. “You will be confident, because there is hope. You will look carefully about and lie down in safety.” (Job 11:18) “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” (Romans 8:24-25) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

The 23rd Psalm BY BABSIE V BERG This is an eye opener...some probably never thought nor looked at this Psalm in this way, even though they say it over and over again. The Lord is my Shepherd * That's Relationship!

40


I shall not want * That's Supply!

INSPRATION, EDUCATION AND WISDOM FROM BABSIE ANNA VAN DER BERG

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures * That's Rest! He leadeth me beside the still waters * That's Refreshment! He restoreth my soul * That's Healing! He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness * * That's Guidance! For His name sake * That's Purpose! Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death * That's Testing! I will fear no evil * That's Protection! For Thou art with me * That's Faithfulness! Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me * That's Discipline! Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies * That's Hope! Thou annointest my head with oil * That's Consecration! 41


INSPRATION, EDUCATION AND WISDOM FROM BABSIE ANNA VAN DER BERG

My cup runneth over * That's Abundance! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life * That's Blessing! And I will dwell in the house of the Lord * That's Security! Forever ..***That's Eternity! Wow... Face it, the Lord is crazy about you!

42


REVEATION CAPTER 12 BY KENNET WHITE From Revelation, chapter 12, some comments from J. Preston Eby....... "In the literal and natural sense of the word the wilderness, or desert, is a place in the world, but not of the world. It may be right in the midst of the world, yet it is absolutely separated from the life of the world. I have been in stark deserts in Israel and Egypt, and elsewhere, where not a blade of grass grows, and no man lives. There are no houses, no cities, no oasis, no movement of any kind except for the howling

43


winds and blowing sands. It is a place in the midst of the world, yet separated from the world. If one is in the wilderness, he is separated from the life of the world. This bespeaks a people as described by our Lord who are “in the world, but not of the world.” A people separate in every respect from the life, nature, and ways of the world. They have nothing in common with the world’s spirit and institutions or with the religious activities and systems of man. These exist, indeed, in the world. They are neighbors, co-workers, relatives, and friends of those who daily function in the world-system, but they exist and function as a separate community from the world. They live right in the midst of the world, work on the same jobs, shop in the same stores, drive on the same streets, attend the same schools, yet they are spiritually separated from that life, and live their lives from the principles of the kingdom of God and the spirit of Christ. This virgin-church is a separate institution in the world. She has her own King. She does not recognize any other lordship. No institution of man has any power over her. She has her own laws, and they are the laws of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus. She does not mingle with the politics of the world. She has no armies.

She does not fight with the sword. She does not live by the world’s standards and values. She does not think like the world thinks, or act as the world acts. She lives in separation, in another world, in the very midst of the world! Even as the children of Israel in the desert lived in separation from the worldpower in Egypt and other nations round about, and even as they received their own laws from their own King in the wilderness, so also the woman-church is in the wilderness with regard to the world and its power and its life. She fights her own battles, which are spiritual battles, and does her own work, which is spiritual work. She lives her own lifestyle, which is a heavenly lifestyle, and walks her own walk in the kingdom of heaven. She is separate from the life of the world. She has received a Godprepared place in the wilderness! Oh, the wonder of it!"---Is this the church you belong to? Is this where you dwell? Think on

44


these comments and ask yourself these questions I just asked....KW

Emma Jean Reborn [Kindle Edition] Can a child raised by a Ku Klux Klan father find healing in an Africa-American church? Emma Jean is here and available now for only $4.99 Click here to buy at Amazon. We thank you for your support and purchase!

This article was send to us for publication in the December edition of the magazine; but due to circumstances beyond our control; we did not bring out that edition. However since for many of us Christmas is everyday and the story carries a great message ; we decided to share it in this edition. (Editor)

Merry Christmas From Women of Worth International

By: Marilyn Orton President I have a remarkable story I want to share with you! A number of years ago a Christmas card was published by the title, “If Christ 45


Had Not Come.” It was based on these words of Jesus, “If I had not come….” (John 15:22). The card pictured a minister falling asleep in his study on Christmas morning and then dreaming of a world into which Jesus had never come. In his dream, he saw himself walking through his house, but as he looked, he saw no Christmas decorations, no Christmas tree, no wreaths, no lights, no nativity figurines, no Christmas cards, and no Christ to comfort and gladden hearts or to save us. He then walked onto the street outside, but there was no church with its spire pointing toward heaven. And when he came back and sat down in his library, he realized that every book about our Savior had disappeared. There were no carols on the radio and no choirs or Christmas concerts on television. The minister dreamed that the doorbell rang and that a messenger asked him to visit a friend’s poor, dying mother. He reached her home, and as his friend sat and wept, he said, “I have something here that will comfort you.” He opened his Bible to look for a familiar promise, but it ended with Malachi.

There was no Christmas story, no angelic chorus, no shepherds or Wise Men, no Sermon on the Mount, no parables, no miracles, no “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” There was no Gospel, no light of the world, no “God so loved the world”, no Lord’s Prayer, and no promise of hope and salvation, and all he could do was bow his head and weep with his friend and his mother in bitter despair. Two days later he stood beside her coffin and conducted her funeral service, but there was no message of comfort, no words of a glorious resurrection, and no thought of a mansion awaiting her in heaven. There was only “dust to dust, and ashes to ashes,” and one long, eternal farewell. Finally he realized that Christ had not come, and burst into tears and wept bitterly in his sorrowful 46


dream. There would be no Easter, and no hope of the kingdom of heaven and an age to come. Then suddenly he awoke with a start, and a great shout of joy and praise burst from his lips as he heard his choir singing these words in his church nearby: “Joy to the World, the Lord has come!” When Christ was born the angel proclaimed “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” In many of the Muslim countries in which WOW operates the people know for sure that Mohammad has come, yet they have no knowledge that Christ has come and why. In addition to what is listed in the minister’s dream above, they stagger beneath the endless burden of our God who is unknown and sins unforgiven. For them, there are no tidings of comfort and joy. Their course in life is one long downward slide toward an eternal night of despair. Would anyone want to live in a world in which Christ did not come?

Praise God we don’t, and others don’t have to live in their world without Him either. Will you help us tell them “Joy to your World the Lord has come?” Thank you for caring and for sharing, Marilyn Orton Women of Worth International www.wowintl.net

47


My Son, John is now Available on Kindle!

BUY NOW AT AMAZON!

Murder. Could there be a more chilling word? Could it be any more horrible than to have a loved one killed, brutally and heartlessly, without obvious reason or motive? When Liz Peterson’s elderly mother is found viciously beaten to death in her home, Liz and her husband, Charles, along with their grown son, John, and teenage daughter, Sarah, are horrified beyond words. Their previously predictable, respectable lives seem to have vanished without a trace, as they struggle to make sense of a senseless act. And then a second blow—more devastating, if possible, than the first—rocks them to their core. John is arrested for his grandmother’s murder. As what’s left of the Peterson family begins to crumble under the weight of loss and accusation, the Petersons’ longstanding Christian faith is put to the test in a way they could never have imagined, and unconditional love is stretched to its limits. Will family ties and relationships withstand such a crushing blow, or will evil succeed in dividing and conquering this once close and inseparable family?

48


When God Gives Our Destiny Perspective By: Delia Thumbadoo One of my favourite things to do is to sit on my deck late at night reflecting on my day, giving thanks to the Lord for everything in it. Taking in the sights and sounds of the night invariably my eyes look up to the heavens. As always just gazing at the stars, the clouds and the moon move and overwhelms me - God's grandeur on display and a constant reminder of the awesome, majestic, Creator God I love and serve.

"He who made the Pleiades and Orion and changes deep darkness into morning, who also darkens day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out on the surface of the earth, the LORD is His Name" (Amos 5:8) How staggeringly

49


mind blowing! It wasn't until I placed my mobile against the skies via the Google Sky Map Application, was I able to see the constellations, the planets, galaxies and stars. Needless to say it was awe-inspiring! Just locking into this device via the satellite feed enabled me to see more than my natural eye was able to. I was reminded of Father Abraham. Genesis 15 chronicles the call on Abraham's life, the covenant that God made with Him. When God spoke to Abram in a vision, He told Him not to be afraid, that He would be His shield and very great reward, to which Abram replied, "Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?" "You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir." Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir." (Genesis 15:1-3) I can't imagine what Abram was feeling at that moment, clearly God was sensitive to the lament and regret in his words, "what can you give me since I remain childless" Abram had resigned himself to the fact that a servant of his household would be the heir to his estate. Little did he realise the plan that God had reserved for Him. God was setting him up to have a son, his own flesh and blood but even more than that to becoming the Father of many Nations a much larger grander plan that Abraham couldn't possibly have perceived. Sure enough even entertaining the idea of fatherhood at his very ripe old age of ninety-nine, was inconceivable enough. But this was a promise from God, and as with all Gods promises they are fulfilled when we rise to the challenge, when we exercise even a tiny little mustard seed faith, He credits it to us as righteousness!

God took Abraham outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count the stars-if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be" God gave Abraham a glimpse of

50


the scale of the covenant He was forging with Him. He had to take him 'outside' of the natural realm into the supernatural, where only Gods word, Gods promise, Gods orchestrating can supersede, overpower, overrule, anything remotely natural, perplexing and limiting to our thinking. Can you count the stars? Can you take the limits off God? Can you believe Him? Can you see His plan for your life through the lens of your faith rather than what you see in the natural? Do you look at your age, your barrenness, and your limited resources; do you live in regret as to what could have been? This is all it takes, believing and trusting God by faith! I encourage you to embrace the challenge of Gods Divine Plan for your life, no matter how impossible or utterly improbable, He will credit it to you as righteousness! By faith, just believe! Women of Worth International assist Pastors to start and maintain an effective Women's Ministry. Pastors in over 90 countries like the simple, free program because it gets many people involved, freeing up their time to do what only they can do. Women love it because it allows them to use their Spiritual Gifts within their church. Register to start a WOW chapter in your church at www.wowintl.net

51


MARILYN ORTON: If you are anywhere near General Santos City in the Philippines, don't miss this fantastic WOW event!

"Until God Opens the Next Door, Praise HIM In the Hallway!" 52


By Catherin Skinner

Count it all joy! “Until God Opens the Next Door, PRAISE HIM In the Hallway!” My brethren, count it all joy, when you fall into divers temptations. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing”. John 1:2-4 “Jesus said to him, if you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes”. So regardless to the problems in life, look to Jesus, and trust that He is able to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us”. This is why we are told what to think (Philippians 4:8-9) “finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things you have both learned and received and heard and seen in me, do and the God of peace shall be with you”.

I heard someone say “when problems and trouble come knocking on your door, send faith to answer it. Just as Jesus said “it is written” and defeated satan every time he tried to

53


tempt Him, we are to do likewise. Let us stop looking at the problems and look at how big our God is. Study by: Harriet Bond “ Until God Opens the Next Door, PRAISE HIM In the Hallway!" Shared by Catherin Skinner

54


55


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.