Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING TRIPS FOR 2004
Coming along on one of our upcoming events Heavenly Tours will be sponsoring in 2004 as we go back to some
of the old favorites & some new hot spots. We will sponsor several recreational Christian activities for you to
enjoy & fellowship with other saints throughout the year. Trips will be leaving from the Washington, Metropolitan
area. *Cost for all trips include: transportation, event, meal, prize drawings, gift bags & most important, fellow-
ship. Contact us for more information at 301/602-7536 or visit our website at www.heavenlytours.us. *Cost for
some trips will be determined by November 2004.
9 PRAY F
PRAY OR Y
FOR OUR FI-
YOUR 36 IN THE GARDEN
NANCES Surrounded by fragrant flowers, ancient
Money matters concern us even as olive trees, and lush green grass, I was VISIONARY
VISIONARY
Christians, yet we seldom spend the pondering on the anguish that Jesus
amount of time necessary to pray Christ surely felt in this same place two
thousand years ago ago...
LEADERS 2004
and meditate about our financial
concerns.... by Linda Ryzenga
by Mary Grate-Pyos
42 Apostle Betty PP.. PPeebles
eebles
eebles,,
40 TAKE UP YOUR CR
YOUR OSS
CROSS Dr
Dr.. Myles Munr
Munroeoe
oe,, Jo
Joyyce
14 ARE YOU BLESSED?
YOU AND F OLL
FOLL
OLLOOW HIM Me
Mey y er
er,, Past
Past or Har
astor old E.
Harold
My question to you would be, if you The cross is symbolic of our trials Tr ammel, Bishop C.L. LLong, ong,
are blessed, what did you do to and tribulations... Past
astoror Sheritha Bo wman,
Bowman,
obtain favor from the Lord and b y L.C. Tar
Tar dy
ardy Apostle Shirley Holloway
finally, what have you done to show Johnson, & Apostle Nike
the Lord how much you appreciate COLUMN/SERIES Daramy
His blessings? ... 16 CAN YOU HANDLE THE
YOU
b y Deacon Curtis O
O.. Gill TRUTH
TRUTH
25 FROM BECOMING
FROM O, the tongue, the tongue, the tongue. Upcoming Events...(inside
INTO BEING
INTO So much we say and shouldn’t. So much cover)
At some point in all of our lives, we should say and don’t...
whether saved or unsaved, we all by Past
Past or Sheritha Bo
astor wman
Bowman
come to a place where we are 54 SUBSCRIPTION ORDER...
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www.visionschristianmagazine.com e-mail: advertise@visionschristianmagazine.com
Visions Christian Magazine
L.C. Tar
Tardy Publisher
ardy Publisherss
President/CEO is available through
subscription.
Executive Editors
Penelope White
Please give us a call at
Columnist
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astor wman
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Chicago G. Long VCM is also available online at
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Copyright 2003-2004 Visions Christian Magazine, Inc
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Te s t i m o n i a l s
Tanya Specktorov
Miracles Can Come in Beautiful Packages
I grew up in Siberia, but that’s not actually where my family started out. Dad lived with his uncle and worked
for him on the far eastern border of Russia in the city of Vladivostock. His uncle owned a precious stones and
metals factory where they fashioned jewels and articles of gold and silver. In fact, my Jewish family has a
history of working in this trade for the emperors of Russia, until the 1917 revolution, when the last emperor was
assassinated and the Bolsheviks took over.
When my father, whose name was Ascolt, was 15, the Communists came to their home and killed his uncle and
every single member of his family except my dad; the neighbors had warned him not to go home that day. His
uncle’s business was nationalized by the Communist bosses.
Ascolt found out that the authorities were aware he had survived and were looking for him. When they did
catch him, instead of killing him, they sent him to a place called Yakutsk, a town in a vast, wild plain far north of
China, on latitude with Alaska. And there he lived some years in wretched poverty. The cold and misery were
beyond description. There was no running water then, no cars or other means of transportation. The only
contact with the outside world would be when planes could land in the warmer months.
The fact was that there were a lot of rich Jews living there - or more accurately, formerly rich Jews. They now
had nothing. Or almost nothing. Incredibly, there were still people who wanted jewelry made or repaired, so Dad
would go to work at 4:00 a.m., doing the only thing he knew how to do - create jewelry and repair watches.
My parents left Yakutsk for a little town near Irkutsk, Siberia when I
was five - a far more progressive area, and there were many Jews
living there. The Siberian climate there was much better than
Yakutsk’s and the Jews prospered among the large number of
universities and cultural institutions.
I was a sickly child, diagnosed with a heart disorder and was in and
out of hospitals and children’s recuperation centers. I remember
praying as a child, “God, if you know I exist, please let me be well.”
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Te s t i m o n i a l s
However, my father was known as a very straight and honest man, and people who had jewels hidden from the
Communists would need their expensive things fixed from time to time. They entrusted their jewels to my father
who, behind closed doors, continued to repair and create specialorder pieces for his clients. Whenever I was
able, I would go to my father’s shop and help him repair watches and even build them from scratch.
Slowly my health improved and I began to feel better. My mother was the director of all the beauty salons near
Irkutsk (remember, that’s the way they did it under Communism.) After graduating from high school, I went to
work in one of those salons, but my passion was my classical piano, which I studied for 15 years.
My father was, by now, retired with a very low pension. He learned that if he would return to Yakutzk where
they paid four times as much and work there for another three years, his pension would be much higher. So my
mother and father left for Yakutsk, and I found myself left alone at 19. At times, I would talk to God. When I
heard about Yeshua for the first time, I didn’t cast him away. Once, I came across a book about Yeshua who
lived in the land of Israel. There was nothing in me that was against Him.
My parents returned from Yakutsk after three years; my father was very sick - obviously from the ruthless
temperatures and brutal conditions. He came back only to spend a year in
the hospital and then died.
I MARRY A HYPNOTIST
I fell in love with someone by whom I had a child - my daughter, Nikol. However, the two of us soon parted
ways. I then met another man, Vadim, twenty-four years older than I, who asked me to marry him. He was
good to me and loved my daughter. Vadim
was a hypnotist and although it was illegal for
him to do so, he found plenty of people who
were ready to have him hypnotize them in the
hope of receiving healing. We traveled from
city to city applying his techniques, and I
learned his expertise and worked alongside
him for six years. However, I began to have
serious attacks from some kind of nerve
disease
where my body would become frozen - the
muscles of my entire body constricted with
panic attacks. For four years I was afraid to
be left alone for a moment.
I went to the authorities to seek permission to leave for Lithuania (in those days, one could not travel from city
to city without permission from the Soviet authorities.) Then one day when my husband was out, I grabbed
Nikol and ran for my life. At 29, I started life over again in Lithuania. I was able to secure an office job as a
secretary in a large television factory, because even though Lithuanians have their own language, all official
documents had to be in Russian.
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A NEW LIFE IN ISRAEL many years. My face no longer looks like a face of
Eleven long years I worked in Lithuania and then in death. God has brought me to the land of Israel and
1994 Nikol and I were able to immigrate to Israel. I here I have found. Him!
think that the Lithuanian authorities thought that I was
going to Israel to die. I was 5’7" and 90 pounds. I had I can hardly fathom that I have received help from
no appetite and struggled to live through the day. A istandwithisrael.com to start my own business and have
Lithuanian doctor had just looked at me and said, “You been given the opportunity to once again create
have thyroid cancer.” That was his diagnosis with no beautiful jewelry. And to know that with every piece I
examination whatsoever. create, I am helping to fund the future coffee house
ministry for our congregation! God has given me more
I said to myself, “I don’t have cancer!” I would talk to than I could ask or think! VCM
God, and I felt I would find help in Israel. Actually, my
dream had been to come to Israel since I was 15
years old.
Melissa Speight’s
I read books about Israel and longed to come back to
my ancestral home. And now, we were here! I
quickly landed a job in a Tel Aviv jewelry factory
Testimony
where I worked for six and a half years, producing
My name is Melissa Speight I am 37 years old, I
beautiful jewelry.
have two teenage girls who are 14 & 17 years old
Valencia & Tameka. When I came to the House of
But as the economic situation in Israel plunged, I was Help program I had low self-esteem, no relationship
laid off of my job and unable to find work. I was at with my children, didn’t trust people, and didn’t know
the end of myself, with no hope and no future. My how to cope with everyday situations.
appetite disappeared completely and I continued to go
downhill until I weighed 85 pounds. I was in deep I thank GOD for the House of Help City of Hope
depression and had lost the desire to live. The Israeli program and the Holy Ministries Church of Christ; I
doctors tried to regulate my thyroid, but nothing thank GOD for Pastor Shirley Johnson and First
seemed to help. At one point I actually felt I saw my Brian Johnson for allowing GOD to use them as a
spirit floating outside my body. tool for getting me on the right path.
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God’s Divine Purpose for Our Lives
od’s Divine Purpose For Our to do. Child of God, you must understand
G Lives is critical because without that you do not even become a real threat to
it you are slowly progressing to the devil until you are walking in this calling.
an inescapable death. Wow! It is this calling that He has anointed and
How can I start an article with such a appointed you to. It is this calling that He
harsh prediction? Because I’ve learned by Rickey E. Macklin equipped you from glory to handle. It is this
that the discovering of your purpose is what calling that makes the devil tremble and
gives you passion to live. It is the appre- demons fall to their knees. How do I know
hension of it that becomes the fuel in your tank – your this? Because the plans and purposes of God cannot
drive – your passion – your ambition – and your reason be subverted. God’s will can’t be changed by mortal
for living. men or any other created thing. God never purposes a
thing that doesn’t come to be. In the book of Genesis,
David’s purpose was sealed long before he slew God’s purpose was to fellowship with mankind and to
Goliath. Read Psalms 139 verses 14–18. Jeremiah’s shower him with love, affection and attention. His
was sealed before he entered his mother’s womb. desire was that we would lack nothing! What happen?
Read Jeremiah 1:4-8. And just in case you’re wonder- Sin entered the scene and the devil thought that he had
ing, yours is sealed, too! In John 15 verse 16 Jesus spoiled the plan of God. But little did the devil know
confirms this calling by stating “Ye have not chosen me, that God had a plan that preceded his. God will never
but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should be caught by surprise. Jesus came and settled the sin
go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should issue once and for all. Now, even though a lot tran-
remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in spired between the books of Exodus to Jude, if you
my name, he may give it you. Please note that your take a real good look at the book of Revelation, you will
calling is not your decision but it can be your discovery. discover that what God purposed from the beginning
finally comes to pass in the New Jerusalem (chapter
Paul said, “Not as though I had already attained, 21-22). The bottom line is when you walk in what God
either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that has called you to do you are literally unstoppable. This
I may apprehend that for which also I am appre- is why we can read Romans 8:28 with confidence.
hended of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12) My God!
I know I haven’t arrived at my final destination, but I’m “And we know that all things work
headed in the right direction. My desire is to appre- together for good to them that love God,
hend. I’ve got to catch up with Christ. I must detain to them who are the called according to
Him for a moment. I need to take Him into question his purpose.”
because there are some things I need to know. Why
am I here? What is it that you want me to do? Where Yes, we know that mankind’s primary purpose is to
do you want me to go? How long do you want me to bring God glory, but this will best be demonstrated by
be there? Only God Himself can answer these types finding out our individual purposes He assigned to us
of question. Essentially, knowing the answers becomes long before we were released from His assembly line.
the key to fulfillment. VCM
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by L.C. Tardy
Cover Story
“Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not
lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
Habakkuk 2:2-3
For the earnest expectation of the creature Eve; that subject was based on something that we all
waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. need to examine within ourselves. “Rediscovering the
Romans 8:18-19. human Mandate.”
T
he Lord calls his sons and daughters to be
stewards over the great gifts and talents that through the body of Christ like a bolt of lighting; his
He had birthed in us before the world began. words were, “Any attempt to control another
We are called according to God’s purpose. So we human spirit is “witch craft,” it is not natural, it is
begin this journey by building the foundation for our unnatural.” “Dr. Myles further explained that,
foreordained purpose or “The original purpose & plan of God was the
vision. Dr. Myles extension of His heavenly
Munroe, a multi-gifted Kingdom on earth.” When
Leader/Visionary, these words were spoken by
Motivational speaker/ Dr. Myles there was a strong
Educator/Lecturer/best sense of joy and freedom that
selling Author and moved throughout the entire
business consultant was congregation. Most importantly
called by God to teach the replied Dr. Myles, “God
sons of God that their created man as a spirit
natural born position is to species to manage His
be leaders, and not administration on earth,” we
followers, to understand are earthly administrators,
who you are in Christ, and humanity carries out the dictates
what your foreordained of God.”
purpose and vision is in
life. Respectfully admiring the
obedience of Dr. Myles to
I had the pleasure of carryout the dictates of God, the
fellowshipping with Dr. crowd jumped for joy, running
Myles Munroe at my throughout the church, praising
church home, Jericho City God on their knees, speaking in
of Praise, Landover, tongues; his message to the
Maryland. A crowd of people was powerful and life
over 10,000 people filled Dr. Myles Munroe sustaining. Dr. Myles
the seats, awaiting the continued to enlighten the crowd
presence of a great brother and son of God. There by addressing “Kingdom living,” he further explained
was a spirit present on this day, a spirit of unity, the that, “God created one to be a king over the
body of Christ was thirsty, hungry for finding our earth.” We were created to have “dominion,” over
purpose, and knowing who we are in Christ. Dr. the earth, and that a Kingdom is simply a king
Myles’s motivating anointed-spirit was filled with a dominating, replied Dr. Myles. He explained that we
great word from the Lord. As Dr. Myles arrived the were not built for sin, and that we have our Fathers
entire congregation stood up and clapped, genetics. Therefore, mankind means, “sons of God.”
acknowledging the great calling on Dr. Myles’s life. (females-sons of God) generically speaking. “ If we
Dr. Myles was led by the Lord to speak on a subject are sons of God, we` are given “dominion” which
that has plagued our nation from the time of Adam and
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Sight is a function of the eyes, but vision is a function
of the heart.” You need to understand why vision is
essential to your success, and make your dreams and
hopes a living reality, states Dr. Myles Munroe. I
believe this is something that we all should keep in
mind, as we venture through this journey: “Where
there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs
29:18 (KJV) and God created you to be king
over the earth.
Dr. Myles Munroe is a great man of God. It is truly an
honor and blessing to have learned from such a great
Dr. Myles Munroe in Russia son of God, and all praises to our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. Dr. Myles has proven to the world how
means to rule, govern, manage, lead, to have a spirit to carry out the greatest responsibility of all mankind:
of control.” “ Matthews 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach
Our responsibility is to restore government all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
administration on earth, this is the reason Jesus came, Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
replied Dr. Myles.” We are citizens in the Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I
kingdom of God, and in the Kingdom, a kings have commanded you: lo, I am with you always,
reputation is based on the standards of the people even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(citizen), says Dr. Myles Munroe. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things shall be added
Dr. Myles Munroe activates the leader in you. unto you.”
“Within each of us lies the potential to be an effective Matthew 6:33. VCM
leader, says Dr. Myles. He also states that, “Eyes Linda C. Tardy is a Freelance Writer/Author. She is the
that look are common, but eyes that see are rare,” Publisher of this magazine, Visions Christian Magazine.
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often hear people proclaiming that they are turned your TV or stereo to a gospel station? When is
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instructed us on what we are required do to receive the Bible, you will find that those who are chosen,
his blessings. When you consult God’s word, you find called or chastened by God are blessed. Those who
that we are to . . . first seek the kingdom of God, and trust, fear and delight in the Lord are blessed. Those
his righteousness; and all these things shall be added who hear and obey the voice of the Lord are blessed.
unto you. (Matthew 6:33) Those who know, believe in and suffer for Christ are
blessed. There are also those who received special
Let us come together with an understanding of what blessings. I ask you again, “Are you blessed or have
the word “Blessed” means. Blessed is a word used you been given a chance to be blessed?”
in the Bible 302 times and with many different
meanings. The most important of these meanings is: Please review some of the examples of those who
to set apart and hallow, or make holy; to confer were blessed during biblical times. We know there are
happiness upon; to bestow good or grant favor to; to other examples, but these will allow you to evaluate
express a wish for happiness for some other person; yourself in light of God’s Blessings. Who is blessed?
to invoke special attributes upon; and to praise or Those who are chosen called or chastened by God.
glorify. Can we all agree on this as a definition for God’s word tells us that, Blessed is the man whom
blessed? Which element of this definition covers or thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that
describes you as recipient of God’s Grace, Mercy and he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with
Generosity toward you? the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Let us examine the definition of chance: Chance is a Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in
14th century word and is defined as something that heavenly places in Christ: Accordingly, as he hath
happens unpredictably without discernible human chosen us in him before the foundation of the world,
intention or observable cause. The assumed that we should be holy and without blame before him in
impersonal purposeless determiner of unaccountable love: Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah
happenings the fortuitous or incalculable element in that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him,
existence. A situation favoring some purpose: the and increased him. Blessed are they, which are called
possibility of a particular outcome in an uncertain unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith
situation; or the degree of likelihood of such an unto me, these are the true sayings of God. Blessed is
outcome. Chance is found in the Bible only 6 times. the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest
My favorite scripture in the Bible which chance him out of thy law; (Psalm 65: 4) (Ephesians 1:3-4)
appears is, “I returned, and saw under the sun, that (Isaiah 51:2)(Revelation 19:9), (Psalm 94:12)
the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong,
neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of There are others who will find favor and receive
understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time blessings from the Lord. They are those who trust, fear
and chance happeneth to them all. (Ecclesiastes 9:10- and delight in the Lord. The Bible gives us examples in
12) the following passages: Blessed are all they that put
their trust in him. Taste and see that the LORD is good:
After examining the meaning of blessed and chance, blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Blessed is that
I again ask you, are you blessed or have you been man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth
given an opportunity to be blessed? You alone can not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Blessed
answer that question. You know within your heart are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still
what you are all about and what your relationship with praising thee. Blessed is the man whose strength is in
God is and no one else. “ . . . For the LORD seeth not thee; in whose heart are the ways of them . . . .
as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward Blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. Behold, that
appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
Samuel 16:7) What does God see, when he looks at ...Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that
your heart? Is the reason you are doing so bad or delighteth greatly in his commandments. Blessed is the
achieving so little because God knows your heart and man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the
have seen you differently than man does? LORD is. My question to you is, do you trust, fear and
delight in the Lord? Be honest with yourself, for the
Let us look now at some of the qualifications for Lord our God knows your heart and He knows the
being blessed. Who is blessed? When you examine (continued on p. 21)
21)
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Columns
PASTOR SHERITHA BOWMAN’S COLUMN
O, the tongue, the tongue, the tongue. Some people will forever walk in bondage because they
just.....don’t.....know. Nobody ever told them. Some people
So much we say and shouldn’t. So much we should say and don’t even realize that their actions hurt people. Some of
don’t. them don’t even care. However, voicing the truth will
undoubtedly prick their hearts causing them to think,
I grew up in a family where a child wasn’t supposed to utter reconsider and who knows, eventually they may be moved
the word, “lie or lying.” My grandmother and my great aunts to change their ways.
interpreted it as being too mature a word for a youngster.
You were trying to be “grown” if you used the word “lie.” It So much we should say and don’t.
was almost as if it were a profane word. It was alright to say
that a person was, “telling a story” which wasn’t what the There are people who have hurt you and will never know
person was doing at all. They were telling a boldfaced “lie.” unless you tell them. There are people who make the same
But God forbid you speak the word. mistakes over and over while you watch on the sidelines
shaking your head with your arms folded.
So years later when my own children would say, “You’re
lying!” I would shudder from the flashbacks of my elders There are people in various positions who promote
telling me to watch my mouth. Nevertheless, I let my falsehoods and cause discord. Living lives far from the roles
children’s words fall where they may. Because they were that they have been entrusted. But we dare speak up. Afraid
speaking proper English. They were speaking truth. of confrontation. Afraid we’ll be called the trouble maker.
That we’ll be accused of troubling waters. When in fact all
Speaking truth. Though it stings the ears and causes we’re doing is speaking the truth.
shivers up and down the spine, the truth must be spoken.
Lord, help us.
The truth spoken might ruffle feathers, break hearts and
sever relationships, but the truth must be told. Jesus tells When God lays something upon your heart to share with
us in John 8:32, “that you shall know the truth, and the someone. Be obedient. Don’t second guess God’s timing. Don’t
truth shall make you free.” worry yourself about the aftershock. Tell the truth.
When the truth is spoken it not only sets the hearer free, but You can give the truth hard and fast or you can give it nice
it sets the speaker free. and easy. Allow the Holy Spirit to give counsel concerning
the delivery, yet be obedient to give the truth, the whole
Many of us walk around with much unspoken. Things that truth, and nothing but the truth so help us God.
have been on our hearts for weeks. Months. Years. We hold
it in. Thus creating within us stress, high blood pressure, Jack Nicholson said in one of his movies, “YOU CAN’T
anxiety attacks and worst of all, pent up bitterness and HANDLE THE TRUTH!” Maybe they can’t. But one thing for
deceit. sure, when it’s all said and done, you my beloved will have
“found favor and good understanding in the sight of God
We’ll tell everybody else other than the person who needs and man.” (Prov 3.)
to hear it. And what started out as a truth that could have
set a captive free, ends up being gossip. The truth is “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of
silver.” (Proverbs 25:11) VCM
“Can You Handle the Truth?” is an excerpt from the book, “Emails for the Christian Soul: 102 Messages of Praise, Hope and Revelation” by
Sheritha Bowman. Pastor Bowman is a wife, homebuilder, author and senior pastor of Soul Inspiration Church Ministries in Germantown,
Maryland. To order the book, please contact www.iuniverse.com.
To learn more about the ministry, please visit www.soulinspirationchurchministries.com or call 301.353.0602.
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special series/column
THE EFFECTS OF FEAR
by Athena Thomas Part Three
The Showdown
As you travel through this journey to overcome the fear
that has been holding you hostage, you begin to realize
have felt like those huge walls of water would come crashing
down on them at any moment. But when you look up and
that the road is rather rough. When we first started, you see that pillar of fire and cloud, you begin to feel an inner
were energized and felt a sense of power. Now, as you peace and know that those walls will hold up.
come closer to the actual showdown you are beginning to
feel the added pressure. The second event is told in Genesis 22:1-19 but I would like
to focus on it’s meaning as described in Hebrews 11:17-19.
During this phase you are beginning to question yourself Abraham has been called and God has promised him a son.
as to why you decided to take this road. Can you turn Abraham moved into his calling and after some time God
back? Is it really worth it? Where is that rock you used to fulfilled the promise with the birth of Isaac. Later God tested
hide under? You have probably realized that in order for Abraham by telling him to offer his only son as a burnt
you to conquer this fear and move into the calling God has offering unto him. Abraham obediently followed God’s word
for you, you will have to make certain sacrifices and be and proceeded to do as he said. But before he could carry
willing to walk blindly by faith. out the act, God stopped him.
For our discussion this month, I would like to reference two “By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac
important events from the Old Testament. The first is found as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about
in Exodus 14 (entire chapter) where the Israelites were to sacrifice his one and only son, even thought God had said
scared because Pharaoh was pursuing them and they had to him, ‘It is through Isaac that your offspring will be
reached what they thought to be a dead end, the Red Sea. reckoned.’ Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead,
Even though God was with them on this journey the people and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from
were still scared and did not trust in his word to deliver death.” (Holy Bible, NIV Hebrews 11:17-19)
them to the Promised Land. When they were facing the sea
they began to wonder why God had led them this far only This journey will bring you to your showdown with fear.
to let them die in the wilderness. As you proceed through You will have to make a decision to stand or go back under
your journey now, you may be starting to ask yourself the rock. Sometimes it may mean you will be tested, as
similar questions. Things are looking rather hopeless and Abraham was. But you have to be willing to go if God tells
your enemy is closing in on you. What do you do? you to go. This test is of your faith not your weakness. It
may seem like the hardest thing you will ever face in your
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the life. But if you have focused on the promises that God has
deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians fulfilled in your life, are obedient and have faith you will
[whatever is causing your fear] you see today you will never move even when it doesn’t seem to make logical sense.
see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be
still.” (Holy Bible, NIV Exodus 14:13-14) So, is it over now? No, and the fear is not gone. But you
have been delivered from the bondage of that specific fear.
As you move closer to the showdown with your fear It is still there. If you have chosen the way of the Lord, now
remember that the Lord is with you as a “pillar of fire and you can STAND, look it in the eyes and know by faith that it
cloud” ready to take on your enemy. When he shows you cannot control you anymore. Your path is clear now. VCM
the road toward your freedom you will still feel quite
overwhelmed. This journey is much like the one the Athena Thomas is a writer currently working on her first book.
She is also the owner of Host U 4 Less, a web hosting
Israelites made as they traveled through the floor of the Red
company in Maryland. She can be reached at
Sea. It was a long journey and at times I know they may aptenterprise@yahoo.com
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Columns
he Lord is the portion of mine inheritance
T FOCUS
and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot.
This is the day that you have made oh
Lord and I will rejoice and be exceedingly Brother Chicago G. Long
glad in it. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy
presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there
are pleasures forever more. Thou wilt perfect that
While Walking the Straight and Narrow
which concerns me. Blessed be the name of the Words of Exhortation
Lord. (Hallelujah!) In him I live, move and have my
weapons of our warfare to maintain, take by force or
being. Who shall say amongst the saints and before
even so possess those things which are do to us. When
a dying world these words? I have set the Lord
the children of Israel finally came out of the wilder-
always before me: because he is at my right hand, I
ness, into the land that God had promised to their
shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad and
fathers, there was a report that giants were dwelling
my glory rejoiceth. The word of God says that “A
there; but God still told Joshua to go in and possess the
man’s heart deviseth his own way: But the Lord
land. Likewise we to in this day and time will some-
directeth his steps.” Yes, this means that the steps of
times have to move ahead with no delay; fighting this
a good man are ordered by the Lord. Having said
great fight of faith and standing on God’s word alone.
that I must ask you, “Are you focused? and what or
Because if he said it, that finishes it. He’s omnipotent,
who is your focus set on?” “Are you walking with
omniscient and well able to bring what he said to pass.
God, behind God or ahead of God?” (Yes! It’s very
The word of God also says in 2 Chronicles 16:9 “For
possible.) Do you find yourself more submissive to
the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to
your flesh or the voice of God. Lastly, do you feel
strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed
“W
“We ocused on God and be about our FFather’
e must be ffocused ather’
ather’ss business
business,, just like
like
Christ Jesus our Lord and great example setter…He always prayed, wor-
shipped, taught, walked in love toward others, and always went about
doing great works.”
to him.”
the connection to the flowing firepower of the Holy
Spirit of our Almighty, holy and righteous God?
We must be focused on God and be about our Father’s
business, just like Christ Jesus our Lord and great
Saints of God there is a place where the devil ceases
example setter…He always prayed, worshipped,
to trouble you. When we begin to seek the face of
taught, walked in love toward others, and always went
God, not just his hand of provision, but I’m talking
about doing great works. He always said, “I speak
about the face of God. When I can see eye to eye
not of myself but of him who sent me.” He also said,
with God, and know that He sees me in secret, and
“When you see me you see the Father, he and I are
hears my cry in His ears, He can smell the sweet
one.” (Did you hear that!) Jesus was one with his
savor of my praise in His nostrils, I can hear the plans
Father; they were synonymous…Jesus said that he
and the answers that he has for my life from his lips
would make his abode in us; him and the Father would
(not anyone elses) all within a one on one encounter in
become one with us, if we receive them. (Glory!) God
his presence, and in his Holy Word. You have got to
wants us to walk that straight and narrow path to life,
know how to stroke God with your worship, invoke his
lo he’s with us always, and he will never leave us or
presence, command your angels to go into warfare on
forsake us. It takes focus on God, commitment to him
your behalf. It should be your desire to have the
and his way, and faith in his Word to receive a vision
closest walk with God. While walking this blind walk of
and to know your true purpose. Once you’re at this
faith you must stay in tune with the Holy Spirit who is
point you must not look to the left or the right. Just stay
to lead and guide you unto all truth. The bible says:
up in God’s face looking to be changed, filled and
“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us
empowered by him. He shall supply all your need.
watch and be sober (pray).” We must utilize the
Also, while on this path its imperative that you first
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come under a ministry and grab hold of the vision and you fill like you’re ready to go to another level let God
run with it, with faithfulness. Submit yourself under the move you. Less the Lord build the house, man buildeth
authority of the leaders and learn how to be a servant it in vain. Stick to these two scriptures: Matthew 6:33
of God first in the household of faith amongst the “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness
brethren. The bible says to wait on the Lord and be of and all these things shall be added unto you.” 2 Timo-
good cheer. Amen! thy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
You will find out that the method never changes to dividing the word of truth.” Use these frequently and
staying focused, moving forward and going higher in you should be fine.
God. Just stay in his face…Keep talking, keep listen-
ing, keep being obedient in all things, by all means, Remember, stay focused on God, and he will make
keep praising him, and worshipping him individually, provision for the vision, so rest in him and with prayer
and corporately in humility, and with fear and trem- and supplication and thanks giving make your request
bling. Only the pure in heart shall see God. We must known unto him. So I say to you now the race is not
worship him in spirit and in truth. The bible says that given to the swift but to those who endure even in the
God seeketh after worshippers. Glory! You hear that? hardships. Finally saints be strong in the Lord and in the
Yes Sir! God seeketh after worshippers. You want God power of his might.
to begin to chase you. Just become consistent in your God bless
worship. He inhabits the praises of his people. When Forever yours in Christ Jesus VCM
Chicago Garfield Long born and raised in N.E. Washington, DC. He was lead back to the Lord in November of 1997, being
delivered from eight years of drug and alcohol abuse along with stress, oppression and …even jail time. He has steadfastly
completed a four-year Christian Discipleship program at the Jericho Christian Training College. He is diligently working as a
Teacher in the Children’s Church Ministry. He was recently married over the summer of 2003 to the beautiful and anointed Mrs.
Michelle Long whom he met at Jericho College and she’s mother of two sons and a daughter. He also brings a son to the mar-
riage, making him a proud father and step daddy of four beautiful children…He enjoys spending time with his family and
spreading the gospel through evangelizing, and his written work. His goal is to bring God glory in all that he says and does here
on earth.
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Poetry Corner
“A Christian Vision” words by Joe Floyd “The Peace of God” words by L.C. T
words ar
Tardy
ardy
Each individual must connect with God Dear Lord,
Building a relationship with a strong foundation
Fortified with strength, trust and love Thank you for being God. I can’t touch you or see you,
Working towards eternal salvation. but I know that you are there. I know this now because
I prayed, and you answered me. I asked you to send
The connect with others with strength through unity your angels out from the archives of Heaven, to protect
Supporting and encouraging each other my family, and heal my friends, and myself, and you
Work in small groups to reinforce the message answered. I know now that you are real. Today I
Jesus’ teachings instruct us to love our brother. realized that more than ever.
Contribute your talent to one of the ministries
Someone prayed for me, and I prayed for someone
God has given each of us a special skill
Donate time, knowledge and dedication else, and ministered to a friend today, and shortly after,
To collectively fulfill God’s will. the attacks came from satan. But I remembered that
you taught me to pray, and how to protect myself, by
Collectively the ministries strengthen the Church wearing my armor, and covering myself with the blood
The key mission is too reach lost souls of Jesus. I remembered the things that you taught me
All ministries working a common process Father, and I used them to fight today.
The ministries are striving to reach Church goals.
I remembered that you told me that you didn’t give me
The goals of the Church is a Christian Vision the spirit of fear, but love, power and a sound mind, to
Transforming the community towards Christian life girt my loins with truth, wearing the breastplate of
The road map for this process is found in the Word
righteousness, to have my feet shod with the preparation
And in the teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ. VCM
of the gospel of peace, to take with me the shield of
“Don’t Quit” words by Unknown Author faith, wear the helmet of salvation, and carry with me at
all times the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in
When the road you’re trudging seems all-uphill the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance
When the funds are low, and the debts are high and supplication for all saints. (Ephesians 6:14-18)
And when you want to smile, but you have to sigh
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Father God, I used that armor today, and you
answered my prayer. As I watched the things that
Life is queer with it’s twists and turns satan tried to destroy be restored in my life, I jumped
As everyone of us sometimes learns for joy, spoke in tongues, and cried non-stop. I am
And many a failure turns about still crying Father, but these are tears of joy, because
When he might have won had he stuck it out now, I know that you are real.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow
You may succeed with another blow. I am protected wherever I go, whatever I do, no matter
what the circumstance, you will always dwell in me. You
Success is failure turned inside out are my light in darkness, my pillow, when I need to be
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
comforted, you open my eyes in the morning to witness
And you never can tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems so far
and hear the birds sing. I know now, that you Father
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit God, is real, and you will love me through all eternity. I
It’s when things seem worse have a peace and love in my life now that surpasses all
That you must not quit. understanding. Thank you Lord, for being God.
Praise God! VCM To God be the glory! Bless His Holy Name! VCM
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(Are Y
(Are ou Blessed...continued fr
You om p. 15)
from Blessing. Have you carried yourself in a way that the
truth. If not, make a change today; tomorrow might be Lord, our God, have found you favorable? If not,
too late. Your blessings depend on you. (Psalm 2:12), what are you going to do about it? You know what is
Psalm 34:8O, Psalm 40:4, (Psalm 84: 4, 5, 12), (Psalm required of you, so don’t stand in the way of your
128:4), (Psalm 112:1) blessings that the Lord is waiting to Bless you with!
There are many who think that because they cry Lord
Lastly, we have those who hear and obey the voice Lord, they are going to receive a blessing or they are
of the Lord being blessed! When you explore God’s being blessed. My Bible tells me, that, “Not everyone
Holy and Righteous words, you see that, blessed are that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my
LORD. Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your Father which is in heaven.
ears, for they hear. ; But he said, . . . blessed are
they that hear the word of God, and keep it. ; But Are you doing the will of my Father or are you doing
whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and your own will? (Matt 7:21 KJV) Are you blessed? If
continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but you died today, would you be found favorable with the
a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his Lord? Would you enter the kingdom of heaven of
deed. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear pass through the gates of hell? If you know that your
the words of this prophecy, and keep those things lifestyle will keep you from entering the Kingdom of
which are written therein: for the time is at hand. Heaven, what are you going to do about it? You must
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they decide today for tomorrow may be too late. The Bible
may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in tells us that we should always be ready: for in such an
through the gates into the city. Psalm 119:1, Matthew: hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
16, Luke 11:28, James 1:25, Revelation 1:3, Revelation (Paraphrased Matthew 24:44) We must be prepared
22:4. to meet when He comes! Remember, in hell, there is
no way out!
I ask you today, do you hear and obey the voice of
the Lord? What is he saying to you? If you are doing THE END
wrong knowingly — then you are not listening to the DEACON CURTIS O. GILL
Voice of the Lord. The Lord will never tell you to do EDITED BY
something harmful to yourself or others. God is Love BROTHER ROBERT CHILDRESS VCM
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From Becoming Into Being
by Nikki Jones
t some point in all of our lives, whether real devotional time in the word of God, the living word
** I was talking with a man once Who was looking for In searching to find God’s purpose for my own life, God
his purpose. During our conversation, he very proudly began to deal with me in the area of my devotional
told me that he was a member of a very large, prominent time. I would get up and read for 20 minutes or so and
church in Houston, Texas. So I asked him what was he that would be the summation of my personal devotion
contributing to the ministry; what was his role in this for the day. But one morning, as I awoke, and began to
large ministry read John 1, I
full of vision, paused and
that he has “ Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. began to ask
been a member And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the God what would
of for well over Lamb of God.”The two disciples heard him speak, and He have me to
a year now. His gain from this
response, “I am
they followed Jesus. (John 1:35-37) One of the two who time of
waiting on my heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon devotion. Right
call from the Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and in the midst of
Lord. I am he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, my prayer, the
waiting for God Lord began to
to tell me what He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be deal with me
He wants me to called Cephas.” (John 1:40-42)“ about the
do.” How many of you have difference
this same testimony? The testimony of waiting for your between just reading His word and studying His word.
call or your purpose to be revealed to you, before you In order to make His word the lifestyle by which I live,
begin to do the work that God had called all of us to, the I cannot continue to simply read; I must thrust myself
work of an evangelist, which is to go out spreading the into the commitment of study, which allows me to go
good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and making into a deeper level of understanding and revelation.
disciples.
Reading gives you the ability to understand at a certain
*** Too often as Christians, we go out searching for “surface” level contextually. Studying, however, is a
our purpose in secular places. We find purpose in our state of mental absorption. Studying allows you to apply
careers, our financial status, and our education, rather your mind purposefully to the acquisition of knowledge
than in the word of God. So how is it that so many of or understanding. It allows you to go deep. So I said all
us get caught up in cross-dressing our God given of this to show you how God gave me a lesson on how
purpose with our own selfish and self-fulfilling to find His will and purpose for my life, by truly getting
purposes? One reason that I have found is the lack of into His word and seeking His will, rather than seeking
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how to rearrange His will to fit how I thought my life labor and slave all day for the world while people are
should be. walking around spiritually dead and never coming into
the knowledge of Christ. If we want purpose then we
On my journey towards finding purpose, the Lord led must allow God to make us fishers of men.
me to look at Peter and his brother Andrew. There
were two things God showed me in looking at this Being who God says you are going to be does not
passage of scripture in the first chapter of John. First, happen overnight. In order to move into that new
He needed to point out to me, so that I would character, with new properties and qualities, we have
understand that His purpose for my life had nothing to to become Kingdom minded people. Kingdom-minded
do with my current status. I was reading an analysis people understand that our purpose is to be
of the character of Peter, and it began by stating that soulwinners; to fulfill The Great Commission by going
the author of 1st and 2nd Peter, was not the “original” out and making disciples. When we begin to do that
Simon Peter. At first glance, I was like not the original we will see our divine purpose for our individual lives
Peter! What does this mean? Was there another being fulfilled also.
Peter? God quickly gave me clarity; this was a
“before walking with Jesus and after walking with We must try and remember that when we decided to
Jesus” picture of Peter. give our lives to Christ that was just the beginning of
our journey from becoming into being. We are all on a
When Andrew first brought Peter to Jesus, Peter journey to becoming what God designed us to be. I
was “impulsive and full of weakness”, but it was at am sure that Andrew had no clue of the greatness
that same point, Jesus said to Peter that he would be that Peter had assigned to his life, and think of the
called Cephas, which translated means a stone or tragedy it would have been for him to not witness to
rock. This was Jesus prophesying about what Peter Peter and allow him the opportunity to walk with
would become; not what he currently was, and to Jesus also. Peter would have not come into his
“become” is to grow or come to be; to pass from one purpose had he too, not met Jesus. We never know
state to another, receiving new properties or qualities what kind of greatness we pass by on the street and
or a new character. So it was when Peter gave his in the grocery stores. So on our personal journey to
life to Christ that his journey towards becoming divine purpose, let us remember our Kingdom
began. It was a character reshaping process that purpose. NOW GO GET A FISH! VCM
most definitely involved many trials, tribulations and
sufferings.
Matthew 9:37 says, “the harvest is truly plentiful, but O Israel, put your hope in the LORD ,
the laborers are few.” Our purpose is to be laborers for with the LORD is unfailing love
of the harvest. Before we can even begin to think of
our own personal lives, we must think of the call that and with him is full redemption.
we all have to go out and make disciples. Many of us
cannot find purpose because we are sitting around
God Bless
waiting for it to manifest out of our secular work. We
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Vision-Sight of the Heart
by Dr. Myles Munroe
ision is the source and hope of life. The greatest gift ever given to mankind is not the gift of sight, but
V the gift of vision. Sight is a function of the eyes; vision is a function of the heart. “Eyes that look are
common, but eyes that see are rare.” Nothing noble or noteworthy on earth was ever done without
vision. No invention, development, or great feat was ever accomplished without the inspiring power of
this mysterious source called vision.
Civilizations were born and developed through the driving power of a visionary leader. The canvas of history is
painted with evidence of the creative, tradition-defying force of vision. Social, economic, architectural, medical,
scientific, and political achievement and advancements owe their conception and birthing to the power of vision.
Any civilization that is trapped in a time warp of the past, suffocated by the traditions of past experiences and
buried in the grave of the glories of past successes, is doomed to die. Vision is the key to unlocking the gates of
what was and what is, to propel us into the land of what could be, and has not yet been. Vision sets you free from
the limitations of what the eyes can see and allows you to enter into the liberty of what the heart can feel. It is
vision that makes the unseen visible and the unknown possible.
Vision also makes suffering and disappointment bearable. Vision generates hope in the midst of despair and
provides endurance in tribulation. Vision inspires the depressed and motivates the discouraged. Without vision, life
would be a study in cyclic frustration within a whirlwind of despair. Vision is the foundation of courage and the fuel
of persistence.
It was the vision of flight that inspired the Wright brothers to invent the airplane. It was the vision of light that
possessed Thomas Edison to invent the light bulb. It was the vision of a desk-sized computer that motivated
Stephen Jobs to invent the desktop computer. It was the vision of giving every person access to people-friendly
software that inspired Bill Gates to develop and invent the Microsoft global empire. Vision is the energy of
progress.
You were born to achieve something significant, and destined to make a difference in your generation. This
personal purpose is the source of your vision and gives meaning to your life. I, therefore, encourage you to
believe in your daydreams and to reconnect with your passion; your vision awaits your action. Your future is not
ahead of you–it lies within you. See beyond your eyes and live for the unseen. Your vision determines your
destiny.
Recognized not only for his dynamic speaking, Dr. Munroe is also a widely acclaimed author of
our time with a number of best selling books which are sought after for their crisp simplicity and
practical principles. His books include: In Pur suit o
Pursuit off Purpose; Maximizing Y our P
Your otential; Becoming
Potential
a LLeader
eader; The Bur den o
Burden off FFrreedom; Under
Underst anding the Purpose and P
standing
st ower o
Po off Woman; Under
Woman Underststanding
standing
the Purpose and P ower o
Po off Man, Under st
Underst anding LLo
standing ove – Marriage Still a Good Idea, The Purpose and
the P ower o
Po off Prayer
Pra er,, and his latest release, The Principles and P ower o
Po off Vision.
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