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Volume 13, Number 4 Changing Times www.changingtimes.info
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FROM THE EDITOR
Changing Times
Evangelism, it’s easier than you think! It is an elementary lesson in understanding the original languages to see that (Matthew 28:19) is not a command to "go" but to "make disciples of all the nations" as you are going." It was not Jesus' intent to say that the individual Christian must change locations in order to evangelize. But it is most certainly the whole church's responsibility to see to it that we make disciples where we are, now. Yet, nothing is more discouraging than evangelism. The mere mention of the word strikes fear in most people. If it is my goal when speaking in a church to make all the listeners uncomfortable and convicted, all I have to do is say, "evangelize" and the guilt quotient rises as fast as the heads drop. It is the great undone command, and none of us like to be reminded of it. In my view, much of our fear comes because we've made evangelism too difficult and confusing. Without a group of people enjoying and discussing the opportunities they have had, and without a leader among them who is active in this area, most of us will not find the ongoing stimulus to keep it up. However, when you find this happening, there is a built-in excitement about
evangelism. For some of you this might mean establishing a weekly small group meeting just to communicate to each other about what is going on in your evangelism. It might be as simple as coming together 30-40 minutes prior to a regular meeting of the church, or meeting with a team of motivated people for breakfast. This meeting should be about your encounters (even the little ones), your concerns, your creative ideas for reaching others, and specific prayers for those you have spoken to or will speak to. This provides a powerful motivation to do more. We have the mistaken notion that evangelism is a choreographed set of ideas well laid out, perfectly transitioned and flawlessly presented. Forget it. It's not this way. Many of us have tried this with frustration. It is much better to think of evangelism the way the Bible does—"sowing the seed" in any way you can. Any of us can do that. Ever seen a weed grow in an otherwise barren parking lot? Somehow the seed got there and flourished. The simple word in the right place, or a copy of Changing Times, well-placed might be the means God uses. If you raise your antenna as the
day begins and ask God to make you an instrument for divine encounters during the day, it will happen— almost every time. Christians living in anticipation of being used by God are like cats on the lookout for mice. They never lose their focus. They seem to sleep with their eyes and ears alert. When you stay ready, you are actually living by the faith you claim to exercise! If you put a true believer who has his lights on into a dark place, he or she will make a difference. For instance, you might make a regular stop at a coffee shop early in the morning. Get to know the workers and the regular customers by name. Then, at the appropriate times, insert a clear word about Christ or pass on a copy of Changing Times, or whatever gets the seed out. You might meet people at the gym, or walk regularly in a mall, or . . . you name it. You can bounce these ideas around in your seed-sowing group. Your regular places for seed sowing will help keep you alert for all the other unanticipated moments you might encounter. The next time that you pick up your copy of Changing Times, pick up a few more for evangelizing. God brought the gospel to us, not only in
The godly will possess the land and will live there forever. – Psalm 37:29
the person of Christ, but in words. The history of the use of words in evangelism is remarkable. You should always keep materials available in the car, book bag or brief case. Learning how to converse provides a wonderful meeting for the group also. My common way of evangelism is to ask questions. I just keep probing until I discover the person's philosophy concerning root issues. It doesn't take a lot of brains to ask the questions. I've learned to get into the thinking of the person. They appreciate that. I respect them as I converse, but I keep probing. Sometimes I say, "That's very different than my view, but please tell me more." I don't explain my view yet; I'm just salting the conversation. I don't mind asking personal questions either. In turn, they eventually ask, "So what is your view about this?" This provides an excellent way to present what I believe about the problem and the solution in Christ. There is nothing novel or exceptional about what I've said, I realize, but I believe these concepts offer some significant help to those who want to do their part in helping fulfill the “Great Commission” that Jesus expects from us all. Save the Nations Ministries >
Fall 2015
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From The Editor
Changing Times
A Prayer for Those Who Are Stressed Lord, I need your help. I am feeling the strain of stress. My body is agitated by worry and fear. I confess to you my inability to handle it alone. I surrender my mind to you. Take charge of the control center of my brain. Think your thoughts through me and send into my nervous system the pure signals of your peace, power and patience. I don't want to have a divided mind fragmented from your control. Forgive my angers rooted in ill-tempered self-will. Make me a channel, a riverbed of Your love to others suffering as much stress as I. Help me act on the inspiration, You gave me rather than stifling Your guidance. Take charge of my tongue so that it becomes an instrument of healing. Make me a communicator of love and forgiveness as I cheer others on to their best. I commit my New LocatioN
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schedule to you, Lord: help me to know and do your will. Guide me in doing your will on your timing so that I don't burn out doing the things I don't really want to do, or fearing to do what is your best for me. Set me free from the tyranny of materialism and the lust of seeking my security in things rather than in my relationship with you. I long to be the person you created me to be and not anyone else. Forgive me when I take my signals of success from others and not you. Most of all, Lord, help me to catch the drum-beat of your guidance and live by your timing. Here is my life - invade it, fill it, and transform it. And I thank you in advance for the healing of my life and for giving me strength to conquer the stress of daily life. Amen. Save the Nations Ministries >
Men
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Changing Times
Raising a Man in a Boy's World
A D V I C E
David Jeremiah When Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem in 605 BC, one of the young men who was taken back to Babylon was Daniel. The captives were soon fully indoctrinated into Babylonian culture and religion. In America today, our public schools are not so different. Every day our children are saturated with secular humanism. In school they are stripped of their spiritual heritage. Though only a teenager, Daniel became one of the finest examples of godly manhood. Through the example of his life, we can gain helpful leverage to counteract today's societal pull and grow strong men of the faith. Help your son decide his convictions before he faces the choices. When Daniel was faced with eating from the king's table, he "purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" (Daniel 1:8). The choice required courage, but it was not difficult, because it was a choice he had already made. Help your son decide what his convictions are before temptation grabs him. Many parents avoid discussing important issues because they are embarrassed or fear they might stimulate undue interest. Some question whether their preteen is mature enough. Ask the Holy Spirit to nudge you when the timing is right. He will! Then guide your son with Scripture toward establishing right convictions on his own. Teach your son never to underestimate the importance of his choices. Each choice your child makes is a step into his future—in one direction or the other. Don't let him underestimate the life-changing impact of each one. You can teach him this by discussing biblical examples (read about Joshua and Caleb, Abraham, David, Joseph, and Solomon). Or by offering clear examples from your own life of how one choice affected your future. And while older boys need the freedom to make some choices
independently, don't hesitate to step in and help. Train your son to determine the risk factor in every situation. The aggressive nature of boys explains, in part, their risk-taking behavior. Unfortunately, analyzing those risks is seldom part of a boy's thought process. And even accidents are not always deterrents. Here's the point: Train your son to understand that most situations involve risk. Determining the risk factor of every situation will help your son avoid trouble and become a man of godly character. Show your son how to depend upon God every day. Understanding God's omnipresence will give your son unmatched strength and courage (Joshua 1:9). Train your son to develop a personal quiet time with God. Teach him to be consistent even when he doesn't feel like it. Then, slowly remove yourself from the process over time. Also, model the importance of communicating with God through prayer. Finally, encourage your son to journal some of his own choices along with the outcomes. Motivate your son to declare his decisions with courage. Not once did Daniel compromise his convictions—but he did remain gracious to those around him—so much so that his captors called him "O Daniel, greatly beloved." Communicate this to your son by role playing potential scenarios involving peer pressure and decision making. Then help him formulate specific responses for saying no to bad situations. The goal should be to remain consistent, while influencing others in a positive way. Encourage your son to develop friends who will stand with him. Studies show that with just one person on your side, you are more likely to stand up for your convictions. As a parent, the most important thing you can do is pray about your child's friends. Then, as he chooses friendships, encourage him to look for the kinds of qualities God would admire. Loyalty, integ-
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rity, and high moral standards are a few that should make the list. Finally, the most effective way to raise a courageous son is to BE courageous yourself. We all know what we tell our sons has little impact when we ourselves live timidly for Christ. Being a parent is no easy task, but God is with you. Bow to Him in prayer and ask Him to make you the kind of Christ follower that compels your son to stand up for Christ. If you live your life boldly for God, your son will notice, he will remember, and with God's guidance, he will follow your example. This article was excerpted from Turning Points, Dr. David Jeremiah's Devotional Magazine. Call Turning Point at 1-800-947-1993 for your complimentary copy of Turning Points. >
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Ten Lessons I Learned from My Father by John Piper 1) When things don’t go the way they should, God always makes them turn for good. Romans 8:28 was as prominent as John 3:16 in our home. “God works all things together for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose.” 2) God can be trusted. He never murmured at the providence of God, not even when God took my mother at age 56. “In God I have put my trust, I will not be afraid, what can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:11). 3) People are lost and need to be saved through faith in Jesus. He was an evangelist. His absence from home two-thirds of my life meant one main thing. Hell is real and terrible and Jesus is a great Savior. 4) Life is precarious, and life is precious. Don’t presume that you will have it tomorrow and don’t waste it today. “It is appointed unto men once to die, after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). “Boast not yourself of tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1). 5) A merry heart does good like a medicine and Christ is the great heart-Satisfier. He is the happiest man I have ever known. In a sermon called “Saved, Safe and Satisfied,” he said, “He is God. When you fully trust Him you have all that God is and all that God has. You cannot be
otherwise than satisfied with the perfect fullness of Christ.” 6) A Christian is a great Doer not a great Don’ter. We were fundamentalists without the attitude. We had our lists of things. But that wasn’t the main thing. God was the main thing. And he was worth everything. 7) The Christian life is supernatural. Christian living is not possible without the Holy Sprit, and he comes in answer to prayer. There is not a night in my memory that our family did not pray together when I was growing up. 8) Bible doctrine is important, but don’t beat people up with it. He groaned over schools and grandmothers who split what the Bible holds together: “Speak the truth in love.” Truth and love. A good marriage. Keep it together, Son. 9) Respect your mother. If you wanted to see Daddy angry, let me sass my mother. “Honor her” is what God commands. And Daddy knew the price she paid to let him go away. 10) Be who God made you to be, and not somebody else. If you are short, form a ball team called “Small Potatoes But Hard to Peel.” He never pressured me to be a pastor. Seek the will of God above all, Son. And be what God made you to be. With deepest thanks, Johnny ©2015 Desiring God Foundation. Used by Permission.
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Beautiful In His Eyes by Jameria Davis I cannot remember a time in my past when I was consistently happy with the way I looked. As far back as elementary school I compared myself with other girls. I’ll never forget one particular girl; she was so pretty. She had long black hair that she wore parted down the middle in two pony tails. I remember wishing my hair would grow longer. I remember how her pony tails, clamped at the end with a colorful barrette, would rest on her shoulders. I’d go home, part my hair down the middle, make pony tails and measure the length. I could almost get my hair like hers, but I had alopecia ( hair loss) around my right temple. Pulling my hair into a pony tail on that side would reveal my “bald spot” and that would never do. Then there was another girl who was light-skinned and slightly plump with wavy hair. We called it “good hair” in those days. She also had “big legs” and that was a good thing back then. One particular summer I wrote in my diary that I planned to stay inside so my skin would lighten up and eat more so my legs would get bigger. I found that entry in my diary a few years later and erased it because just reading it embarrassed me. A few months ago, I found a short story I wrote when I was in the ninth grade. It’s called “School Term”. It’s about a girl (me) who experiences all kinds of new things in the high school marching band. One section tells about her relationship with the drum-major. He begins to persue her but neglects to tell her he has a girlfriend. My heart still sinks a little when I read the words I wrote: “Janeri looked into the mirror and saw her ruffled hair. She looked sort of like a muppet. She thought of Sedetra with her long, wavy hair, brown skin, white teeth and great body. Janeri took off her clothes and looked at herself naked. Her arms were long and skinny; she had fat thighs that looked out of propor-
tion to the rest of her. Her legs were shaped funny and her big knees didn’t help any. There was no way Eric would pick her over Sedetra... no way.” Those words summarize how I felt about my appearance most of my life. Not enough of this, too much of that. Never able to compete with the next girl. Failed relationships with boyfriends, one failed marriage and another rocky one seemed to validate that point. I don’t know why it mattered so much what I looked like as a child, but as a woman I thought if I looked better I’d find someone to love me and, just as importantly, stay with me. That was then. Over the years, as I’ve grown in my relationship with the Lord, the way I see myself has changed for the better. Though life always seems to offer me someone to compare myself with and someone to reject me, those instances, instead of pulling me down a spiral of insecurity, bring me back to the Lord again and again for reassurance. Each time, the darkness of my insecurities fades away in the light of His love. As I’ve grown, I’ve had to be more honest with God and take a cold, hard look at my actions, thoughts and feelings. I’ve had to acknowledge and repent of things that were hidden in my heart like jealousy and envy. I’ve had to take responsibility for the decisions I’ve made that perpetuated my problems. For example, I spent much of my time as a young adult hopping from relationship to relationship. I now know that I was sowing to my flesh and I’ve learned that when I do that, I reap corruption. Also, I’ve learned that comparing myself with others is unwise. When I do that I’m not thankful for who God made me to be. Perhaps the most life-changing thing I’ve done is accept the love of
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Beautiful Continued from Page 7 God as enough and not seek the approval or acceptance of man. I live to please God now, not others, not myself. I know God loves me and that frees me up be me without fear. I’m free to look like I look, talk like I talk, dress like I dress. Though I still care about my appearance, it’s no longer an obsession or measuring stick of my worth and value. I know that I am not the only woman who has struggled with her self-esteem. There are many who struggle with appearance and the larger issue, self-worth. My heart goes out to today’s young women. The world is selling what it calls beautiful. Just look at any teen magazine or music video. My heart goes out to women who’ve been beaten, abused and rejected, and left feeling ugly and worthless. My
heart goes out to wives who’ve had to deal with infidelity and the feelings of humiliation and inadequacy it causes. To each one I say, I have had the privilege of laying my self esteem at the feet of Jesus and experiencing God-confidence that grows as the years go by. No matter what happens, I walk with my head up knowing that He will never leave me and that I’m valuable to Him and beautiful in His eyes. FaithWriters.com. >
Changing Times Disclaimer
As editor of Changing Times, there are often concerns that both On Eagles Wings and Save the Nations Ministries share. Sometimes, there are articles or advertisements that do not exactly line up with the views of Changing Times. Changing Times continues to be published by advertisement and offerings of the readers. While Changing Times advertises businesses, videos, books, and articles, we attempt to do so without contradiction to scripture. We pray that these are used to build the Church and not lead it astray with doctrines that were not given to the Disciples (Galatians 1:8). It is almost an impossibility to research each advertisement or article to reveal error in enough time before publication. As humans we all make mistakes, but as Christians we must remember that error will always ride in on the back of truth. This is what makes it seem so good. It is with these statements, that we ask the following of our readers. The Bereans were recognized for being good stewards over the word of God (Acts 17:10-11). They studied and checked the things, which were taught to be sure they were true and lined up with the scripture. As such, we are no different. Each of us has the responsibility to do the same. This paper attempts to be conservative in belief and bring the gospel to the readers in a balanced fashion, as scripture demands. The Cross of Christ should always be the center of each and every Christians understanding of the gospel to include salvation, sanctification and glorification. Jesus the Christ is the source and the Cross, is the means. Due to reason of deception, many have begun falling away from the purity of that message. There is little said about sin, repentance, the saving Blood, the completed work of the Cross and the necessity of placing our faith in Jesus, and that completed sacrifice. We not only ask, but also beg our reading audience to also be good Bereans. If we find something we understand to be against scripture, we will remove it as we find it, but there are some things that get by us. The Bible speaks of a last day deception that if it were possible, would deceive the very elect of God (Matthew 24). Help us help you. Please, in these last days — Be good Bereans. We pray that each article and advertisement will serve to bless, encourage and increase knowledge and understanding of a relationship with the King of Kings. These are most assuredly troubling times — hold fast to that which is true. In His Service, Save the Nations Ministries
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Children
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Children TEENAGERS by: Scott A. Kelsey Are you having problems in your life? Do you have questions that no one can seem to answer? If you do, Jesus can change your life and give you the kind of happiness that you have never experienced before!!! In John 10:10 Jesus says, "... I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Are things such as drugs or sex taking control of your life? Are your friends pressuring you into doing things that you really don't want to do? Jesus Christ can help you conquer any problem that you may face in your life! The Bible says in Philippians, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." We are promised in (Romans 8:37), "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." Are you having problems dealing with family troubles such as divorce or separation? If so, Jesus can help you through the problem, and help you do something about it. Jesus knows there's going to be trouble in
your life and that is why in (Psalm 46:1) the Bible promises us that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." In (Philippians 4:6-7), it says, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Prayer is a very powerful tool if only you take advantage of it. There is no question of whether or not you need Jesus. But accepting Him is your choice. Jesus can change your life, and in every respect make it better. Jesus says in (Revelation 3:20), "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him." If you want to accept Jesus into your heart, and have Him become the master of your life, pray this prayer: "Jesus, I really need you in my life. I know that I've sinned against you, please forgive me. I know that
you died for me. I now dedicate the rest of my life to you. Jesus, I love you! Amen." Now that you have found true happiness in Jesus, won't you care enough to tell your friends how they, too, can find happiness in Jesus. Written by Scott A. Kelsey, February 1, 1986.
Scott Allen Kelsey was shot accidentally by his hunting companion on Sunday, February 9, 1986. He went to meet the Lord February 10, 1986. He was 17 years old and was a Senior at Independence Christian School in Independence, Missouri. See Teenagers on Page 33
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Children
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How do I witness to my children? By Charles Stanley
Dr. Stanley answers: As a pastor, I am thrilled to watch parents bring little ones up the aisle to tell me they have received Jesus and want to be baptized. They come wideeyed and trusting. We don’t have to wade through years of garbage that has accumulated in their lives. All we do is lead them to Jesus. They are so trusting that to them, it is the most natural thing in the world. Think of the years of heartache missed because they met Him as little children!
The best people to lead children to Christ are their parents. And the best time to begin handing down your faith to children is when they are young and in your home. Now, you cannot force faith upon them. Parents cannot make children believe what they believe, but explanation can lead to understanding. When my children were still small, I tried to figure out how to hand down my faith to them. After a lot of thought and prayer, I summarized my approach in six words. As you read them, I encourage you to think of ways you can apply these ideas in the life of your family. First of all, we hand down our faith by principle. By that I mean instructing our children in the ways of God. As you go about your daily routine, the teachings of the Word should direct your thought patterns and govern your actions. Try to weave the Word of God into your conversation about whatever subject happens to surface. Follow the
advice of Scripture to talk about the things of God when you are seated, when you stand, when you walk, when you arise, and when you lie down (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). You may protest, “I just don’t know how to start.” Here is the way: find out what your children are interested in, and then talk about those things in light of God’s truth. Show how it applies to real life situations. Second, we hand down our faith by pattern. Children probably learn more by watching what we do than by listening to what we say. What patterns are your children picking up from you? Have they heard you call their names out to God as you pray for them? Have you asked them to join you in prayer as you sought God’s guidance for a problem? We are not going to be perfect; our loved ones will see our successes and our failures. But you must try to provide the best pattern for your children because it will have a profound effect on them. There is nothing like a mother and a father living out biblical princi-
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ples. Third, we hand down our faith by persistence. We pass it on by doing what needs to be done whether or not it is convenient. Live out the pattern over and over. Think about how your behavior lines up with the Scriptural principles you have taught them. Are there inconsistencies? If we daily exemplify principles in keeping with God’s Word, we impress upon our children what they will carry into adulthood. Fourth, we hand down our faith by participation. Something positive happens when we get involved in what concerns or interests our children. We establish a caring relationship which makes communication and instruction easier. Be open enough to listen to their viewpoints, even when you disagree with them. Establish an atmosphere that is not threatening but is conducive to the sharing of ideas. We can only hand down our faith to
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Seniors God and Granny's Unconditional Love Sue Stidham She was born of German immigrants in the year 1900. My thoughts of her take me to her kitchen at the stove or seeing her seated at her quilting frame. She was short, round and with her hip-length hair neatly braided and wound into a small bun at the back of her heard, she spent many hours making the best meals of my childhood. Raised in a large family, who worked the earth, she had been taught never to waste anything – not even the collected plastic bags she skillfully turned into braided rugs. (These were very useful under my grandfather’s muddy boots.) Nor did she discard old newspapers and pieces of string that she used to wrap a jar of freshly made preserves she was sending home with me. She had so much to teach and I hung onto every word she said; even when I thought “I don’t need to know how to do that in this day and age.” My grandmother was the only person I knew who generously offered unconditional love, to everyone. She’s been gone more than fifteen years now but I still miss her dearly. However, I believe I am so blessed to have known her and have her as a major influence in my life. Allow me to tell you why. My happiest childhood memories take me to her house that was often filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread or that morning’s batch of bread and butter pickles. Other family often commented on how “old-fashioned” she was. “Why won’t she just keep up with the times?” was spoken frequently. I am so glad she didn’t; it just wasn’t who she was. Emma was a gentle-natured rock in a rapidly changing world. When the 1960s hit the country and things were shown on television that were alien to her, she shook her head and expressed solemn concern. I didn’t understand why, but I knew the
events were part of life she wanted no part in. She was happy to shut it all out and remain in her secluded and simplified world, her home. She spent her lifetime caring for others and being what she knew to be, taken from (Titus 2:3-5). “The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” At the age of 5, and the oldest of 12 children, her mother began training my grandmother for the life expected of a girl in those early days of the 1900s. Her mother set a dishpan of soapy water on a chair so she could reach and my grandmother washed the dishes. At the age of 12, she was hired out to live with a more well to do family, to care for their children and help with the household chores. She remained in their employ until her own marriage. Grandma made all the clothing for her own eight children, quilted, canned, feather stuffed mattresses, and made lye soap. (Which she even used for washing dishes) In addition, she had an unbelievable green thumb. She used, for most, an unnoticed patience to teach the grandkids how to do these things, when they were around and showed an interest. I always was and did, simply because it was her doing the teaching. More than any other lesson and by example, she taught me the importance of family, the Bible and unconditional love. Grandma was See Granny on Page 13
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Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord is coming, for it is at hand: - Joel 2:1
Fall 2015
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Seniors Spotlight
Changing Times
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WHAT IS A REVERSE MORTGAGE? A reverse mortgage, also called a home Equity Conversion Mort- What Can a Reverse Mortgage Be Used For? gage (HECM), is a way to turn the equity locked in your home into The proceeds from a reverse mortgage can be used for almost tax-free cash (consult your financial advisor) without having to anything: make any monthly mortgage payments. The funds you receive can be used for almost anything, including paying off your existing • Increase monthly cash flow mortgage (required as part of the loan), eliminating credit card debt, • Pay off an existing mortgage (required as part of the loan) medical and other bills, or simply improving your lifestyle. A reverse mortgage is a government-insured loan that enables you to gain financial independence from your everincreasing living expenses. The most important thing to remember is that the lender NEVER OWNS YOUR HOME. You continue to own your property and can live there as long as you wish. All you need to do is maintain the property and continue paying your home insurance and property taxes.
How Do I Qualify? It is simple and easy – qualification is based on these important factors: • You must be 62 years old or older, and • You must live in and own your home. (It must be your principal residence.) If the above qualifications apply to you, we then calculate the amount of money you are eligible to receive based on your age, the appraised value of your home and current interest rates.
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Fall 2015
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Seniors
Changing Times
Calling All Senior Baby Boomers - Are You Feeling Old Before Your Time By: Robert Funge Congratulations on reaching your half century. Turning 50 and beyond may just be the best thing that’s happened to you! Sure, you’ve probably got a few aches and pains but hey so does everyone. So I here you cry, what’s so great about turning 50 and beyond? Well for starters, your kids will have grown up and left home, so if you don’t enjoy the peace and quiet of a calm and tranquil house, surely taking back control of the TV remote or being able to get access to your bathroom is something to celebrate? Not only that you’re probably close to retirement (cause for celebration indeed) or maybe you’ve retired already? You’ve paid your mortgage off and for the first time since being a teenager you have some extra cash to play with. But perhaps the best thing about turning 50 is you should have more time to enjoy the things you like doing? So now is the perfect time to enjoy senior life and maybe start a new hobby or take that long vacation you’ve always promised yourself. You’ve worked hard all your life and now that you’re taking life at a more steady or predictable pace why not fill some of your spare time with the things you like
doing. However, this may not appear as easy as you first think. A lot of “Baby Boomers” find it difficult to adjust and have trouble filling their time. This needn’t be a problem though, especially with the ever expanding Internet. Did you know that there are literally millions of seniors all over the world using the Web as a way of life and these numbers are increasing year-on-year. Of course you did, but what you may not know is that there are Websites being created specifically for the Over 50’s community. These sites help advise on common problems that middle aged or seniors face and are a great way to meet new people your age who share your thoughts and interests. One such site is Life Over 50, there you’ll find helpful information relating to literally anything relating to Life Over 50 such as, Hobbies and interest, articles, chat and lots more besides. You can even submit your very own article, perhaps you’d like to share with the Over 50’s community your recent holiday vacation experience or perhaps you’ve recently solved a problem that other seniors might appreciate. It really doesn’t matter they happily post your thoughts. >
Granny Continued from Page 11
She had many home remedies (that actually worked) and always the best recipes. (Proverbs 31:10-31) describes the ideal woman. I don’t hesitate to say Grandma Emma lived up to those words. She was not a saint because I thought so, but because God did. She didn’t follow God’s Word to teach only me, but everyone she met. She was surrogate mom and grandma to the entire neighborhood and to many others. She never had unreasonable expectations or advised in a meddling way. She just loved – unconditionally. Jesus gives us this same unconditional love and beyond. (Ephesians 3) tells us that God’s love is total. It reaches every corner of our experience. It is ultimate in breadth, length, depth and height. We can be as totally secure in Him, as I felt in my grandmother’s lap. FaithWriters.com. > The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. – Joel 2:31
always there for me when I had a hurt, a question or wanted to sit on her lap. She unselfishly stopped whatever she was doing to accommodate without a word. After I entered my teen years and acquired my driver’s license, she would ask me to drive her. We would go to five or six little Mom and Pop stores all over town to find the right brand of canning lids or Castile Soap for her hair. She would only wash her ‘crown of glory’ in rainwater and Castile Soap. Occasionally, I would drive my grandparents upstate to my aunt’s house. Then there were the trips to the country to see the distant cousins at a family picnic. I never minded at all; I just enjoyed being with her. Later, though in adulthood, married and with two children of my own, I still relied on her words of wisdom.
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Changing Times
Seniors Spotlight
www.changingtimes.info
Preventing Senior Falls Starts in the Bathroom Who hasn’t heard the phrase from those television commercials, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”? Although it may have appeared humorous at the time, if you or a loved one has ever fallen, it can be a helpless, embarrassing feeling, and often times it can be quite dangerous, especially if you are alone. The truth is that one in three people over 65 fall each year, and 80% of these happen in the bathroom! More than just seniors, anyone who is impaired and unable to take care of themselves whether disabled, or recovering from surgery for an extended time, should consider affordable options to make their bathroom more accommodating. As you can imagine, a safer bathroom increases independence and comfort, and a local company like MaxHome can help you revitalize your bathroom while making safety a top priority. Just some of the bathroom safety features MaxHome can provide include: • Walk-in tubs – Open the door to a low threshold, eliminating the necessity of taking a high and dangerous step to enter or exit the bathtub • Walk-in showers – Eliminate the need to step up and over a partition to get into the shower • Grab bars – Increase your confidence with something sturdy and secure to hang onto, and take the pressure off your knees and back • Built-in seating – Instead of standing in a wet area for long periods of time, feel more steady and comfortable bathing while seated • Barrier-free showers – Reduce the risk of falling and have a much easier time getting in and out of the shower • Foot pedestals – Help keep your balance while shaving or drying off Many of MaxHome’s clients are usually looking to replace a tub with a shower without investing in a complete bathroom makeover. Besides being expensive, going for an extended period without access to a bathroom can be quite inconvenient. A tub to shower conversion is an ideal
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Fall 2015
option for these homeowners especially if they no longer need a bathtub in their homes, as well as for those who may have difficulty stepping over a bathtub partition and are looking for a safer alternative. MaxHome can use their expert knowledge to help clients decide if this option is right for their needs and budget, and will then oversee the project to be sure it produces optimal results. In addition to tub to shower conversions, they offer many other products for enhancing the bathroom, and can provide any combination of these products to help improve the appearance and functionality of what is often a tight space. MaxHome’s bathtub and shower options include: • • • • •
Spa bathtubs with soothing jets Acrylic tub liners Shower and tub enclosures Replacement shower pans Acrylic tub and shower wall surrounds
Along with offering a variety of bathroom improvement options, MaxHome is proud to offer dependable installation services. Whether a client chooses a bathtub to shower conversion, a bathtub liner, a new shower, or any other product, homeowners can feel confident knowing their remodeling project will be carried out by factory-trained and experienced professionals. In fact, MaxHome stands by the quality of their work with a fiveyear installation warranty, ensuring the client’s investment is protected. MaxHome’s products are designed to be especially durable, so they can look like new for years after it is installed. They can even enhance the appearance of a new shower or tub with an acrylic wall surround, which is available in countless color and pattern combinations, making it easy to choose a design that will beautifully complement the rest of the bathroom. They also offer tub and shower liners for homeowners interested in an especially quick and affordable bathroom upgrade.
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Seniors
The World’s Most Perfect Grandchildren by James Snyder
In a few months, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and Yours Truly will have our fifth grandchild. So far, they are all boys except for one girl. We're not sure what the fifth one will be but this one thing I do know - it will be "Perfect" like the rest of the grandchildren. For some reason God has blessed us with the world's most perfect grandchildren. And I have the pictures to prove it. I know some grandparents fallaciously brag about their grandchildren and how perfect and beautiful they are and bring out a wallet full of pictures to bore those of us who really do have perfect grandchildren. No brag here; just the facts, m’am. I must confess when our children were growing up they showed no indication whatsoever of producing the world's most perfect grandchildren. If the truth were known, several times during their life I did not think they would reach the grand old age of 20. Children have a way of pushing buttons. Not just buttons on appliances in the home, but my buttons, diving me absolutely crazy. One thing I would like to know, who issues all those licenses to children enabling them to drive their parents crazy? It's about time they retired that person to some lonely island somewhere. I well remember the day my wife and I brought our firstborn home from the hospital: a high watermark day in our life, I assure you. When children are first brought home, they are so adorable. Who knows what shenanigans lie hidden behind those beautiful eyes? Not new parents for sure. Somehow, and don't tell me how they do it, unborn children have developed an elaborate conspiracy against parents.
The conspiracy goes something like this. The first child born is always a great delight. They usually sleep well at night and brighten up the home so much that after a month or so the parents look at each other and say, "Wouldn't it be nice to have a second baby?" And this is exactly what children want parents to say. The second child is vastly different from the first child. This second child does not sleep at night. They have their days and nights mixed up, or so they would have us believe. The fact is, the two children have an arrangement where one sleeps while the other one cries. Then when the one is tired of crying it falls asleep only to awaken the first baby who resumes the job of crying. The whole plan is to deprive parents of as much sleep as possible. About this time the parents get adjusted to a certain degree, look at each other again, and say, "Wouldn't it be nice to have a third baby?" The first two children hear this and giggle, knowing their plan is working out quite nicely. When the third child comes home, the parents discover he or she is vastly different from the first two. Now, with three children in the home they worked in eight-hour shifts. Their purpose is to wear down those parents in preparation for the children's teenage years. Every child knows that unless a parent’s resistance is compromised in their infancy its teenage years will be difficult if not impossible. They will not be able to control those parents that brought them into the world as well as bringing them everything else. Bringing those adorable babies home from the hospital, parents have no idea that in 13 years their nerves will be so shot they may even despair of life itself. But then, miracle of miracles, the children, one by one get married and move out of the home. Some parents referred to this as the "empty-nest syndrome." At first, parents do not know what to do. They go to the refrigerator, expecting it to be empty, and to their surprise, it is just as it was when they looked the last time. Walking to the living room is a treat. No dirty socks hanging from a light shade, no shoes piled up in the middle of the room and
See Grandchildren on Page 17
Changing Times
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Fall 2015
by James Snyder Last week the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage left Yours Truly for another man. Actually, it was three little men … the grandsons. When it comes to grandsons, grandfathers haven’t a chance in the world. Grandmothers will drop everything, including grandfather (which is why many grandfathers limp a lot), and rush to the sides of the grandchildren for the flimsiest of reasons. At times, I have to remember that before I was a grandfather I was a father, and before that, I was a man. Therefore, I shouldered the whole situation like the man I am, or used to be. It was my responsibility and privilege to make the travel arrangements for my wife’s visit with the grandchildren. I’m still not sure how it all works out like this: I get to pay; she gets to play with the grandchildren. The original plan was for both of us to make the trip. Since the parsonage treasury had limited funds, the travel arrangements were limited as well. Limited, that is, to my wife. Someone had to sacrifice, and since I lost the arm wrestling contest, that someone was me. I made the arrangements, paid for said arrangements, drove my wife to the airport and saw her off. By the time I had done all that, I was thoroughly exhausted, not to mention broke. During the week, I wore out four pairs of sneakers trying to keep up with a household that insisted on running. I’m not sure which is more exhausting; packing up my wife for her vacation, or running the entire household for one week by myself. My biggest concern was that I would run the household into the ground. I discovered one big disadvantage with running the household by yourself, I cannot find anybody else to blame the mess on but me. And believe me, I have looked. Either I am the messiest man on planet Earth (which I find hard to believe) or I am the victim of a serial house invasion by the clumsiest criminal in the world. I’m thinking of filing a complaint with the messy house police. With my wife’s help, we laid plans to run the household while
she was away as efficiently as possible. This points out the great difference between husbands and wives when it comes to the term “efficient.” Wives believe that “efficient,” when applied to household chores means no messes, no time. Everything must be put away in its proper place every day. This includes dirty dishes that must be washed every day and returned to the cupboard. Husbands have a completely different idea about the term. When applied to the household chores, efficiency means that you don’t clean up the house until it reaches the ultimate of messiness. And believe me, it takes a big mess to really get my attention. For example, if my wife is away for a week and is expected to return on, say, Friday. There is no reason to expend the energy to keep the house clean until Friday morning. This may be the reason why many wives are so exhausted all the time. The husband-model of housecleaning does not demand the house be cleaned every day. Every husband is content to allow the mess to build up throughout the week. Sure, he could fritter his time away each day by cleaning things up and putting them away, but what would the point be? It is much easier to allow the mess to pile up and then take care of it once a week. What is the purpose of washing the dishes every day? I am a firm believer in recycling as well as water conservation. My motto is, “No dish should be washed before its grime has matured.” No real man is afraid of a little bit of grime. This brings up the whole idea of laundry. Wives have developed a very complicated plan of taking care of laundry. Dirty laundry goes into the laundry basket then gets transported to the laundry room, then it is sorted and finally put into the washing machine. That, however, is not the end of the story. Then comes the dryer and following that, folding the garments and putting them away. Just listing all of it makes me tired. This sounds like a lot of work to me. Too much work for someone who
See Best Laid Plans on Page 17
Seniors
www.changingtimes.info Grandchildren Continued from Page 15 no lights on when nobody is in the room. When the telephone rings, it is actually for them. This at first is a great shock to most parents and it takes about a year to adjust. Then, something happens changing the world for these parents making up for all those years of torture, torment and trepidation. The first child visits the "EmptyNesters" with their spouse and makes a formal announcement that will eventually change their world. "Mom, Dad, we’re expecting a baby." The months following drag on for an eternity, but finally the blessed event comes. Oh, what a day that is for all concerned. My one question is, how can children that have terrorized your life for 10 years produce the world's most perfect grandchildren?
Perhaps, and I'm only conjecturing here, the secret to the world's most perfect grandchildren lies with their grandparents. Be it far from me to take credit where credit is not due, but the facts are on my side. These wonderful grandchildren get their “perfect genes” somewhere and it is certain they don’t get them from their parents. The only logical conclusion for the thinking person is Grandparents. It is my personal conviction that God gives grandchildren as an apology for children. One grandchild can cause any grandparent to forget 100 years of torture. Even the Bible sings the praises of grandchildren. "Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers." (Proverbs 17:6 KJV) If perfection is in the eyes of the beholder, I can’t wait to hold her – or him. >
Changing Times
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Best Laid Plans Continued from Page 17 is trying to conserve energy, particularly his own energy. I have the idea that everybody is given a certain amount of energy and when that energy is expended, that’s it. I’m trying to save up energy for old age. It would be a tragedy to reach the point of “old age,” and have used up all of my energy. According to husbands, a garment is not a dirty until it fails the sniff test. Why, I ask you, should a perfectly good
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shirt that passes the sniff test be put in the laundry basket when you’ve only worn it one time? The Bible speaks a lot about plans and preparations. “The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue are from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.” (Proverbs 16:1-2 KJV.) Every plan comes under the scrutiny of the Lord even the house cleaning. >
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Marriage
Changing Times
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Marriage Takes a Giving and Forgiving Attitude by Angie Lewis I believe the whole idea of marriage is getting a bad rap these days, and it is because some people are just a bit too selfish for marriage. What do you think? You can’t be selfish in your marriage and then expect it to prosper, can you? Happiness is not found through the person you married? Not to say you can’t be happy with the person you married, but as we all know, happiness comes from within. But what happens when we don’t have anything “within us” to be happy about? Well, then you stop and look at your attitude. What are you bitter about? Why do you feel the need to control people and situations around you? Many things you are powerless too, and so you need to understand what those things are and let them go. For
instance, you cannot control another human being without them feeling resentful. You cannot stop an alcoholic from drinking anymore than you can expect your spouse to change to be what you want them to be. This is how a selfish person thinks. It is selfish to try and “make” someone do something just so you can “feel” better. This is not a giving or forgiving attitude but an attitude of bitterness and contempt. How can married people concentrate on the blessings they have and heal their marriage? How can a married selfish person discover the goodness in their spouse? By focusing on what brings true contentment and happiness in life. Stop and look at your attitude. What is your attitude telling you? Unfortunately, so many married people rely
on the sins of the world for pleasure and happiness only to bring garbage and negativity back into the marriage. Why focus on what’s out there when you can focus on what is in front of you and make it better? Jesus said, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:36-38) Why do you say, “I have a bad marriage?” Maybe what you should be saying is, “I am a bad marriage partner?” The reality is folks, marriage takes a giving and forgiving
attitude, and without that, what is left? You tell me what happens when you don’t forgive your spouse? Tell me how you feel when you hold in resentment about something your spouse did? What does it feel like to only see the negative stuff about your spouse? It feels like a bad marriage, doesn’t it? But who is doing this to you? Who is giving you that kind of attitude? You are doing it to yourself, and that is the real facts here. How come do I know this? Because I carried around that attitude myself! None of us are immune to behaving selfish but when a spouse refuses to forgive, or refuses to trust again, or to be accepting, or to come See Forgiving attitude on Page 41
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Marriage
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Changing Times
3 Ways Career Wives Are a Disadvantage to Marriage and Family by Angie Lewis In a marriage where the wife has breakdown makes both women and own home. She carries an indepenEssentially, it is in her attitude, a career it puts a lot of extra demands men vulnerable to attention and dence about her that literally keeps which makes her a feminist. She and strains on the marriage and flattery from the opposite sex. her emotionally detached from her See Career Wives family. This article speaks in generReality dictates that lust tempta- husband, whether she realizes this on Page 23 alities and is not intended to be a tions are higher among wives who or not. This is also a fact. Where a fact in all marriages. Not all career work outside the home, simply woman’s heart is, there you will wives cheat, nor do the husbands because she is working along side discover her priorities. A stay at that are married to them. other men who may flatter her and home wife is concerned with the 1. Working Wives Are More make sexual advances towards her things of the home and a career Focused On Their Careers to make her feel good about herself. woman is concerned with things of When a wife goes to work every I know for a fact this happens—it is her employment or business and day her focus is on her job tasks, part of working among unbelievers self. her friends, her co-workers, and on and people of weak faith. When a When a wife’s priorities are outthe money she is making. This does man flatters such a woman, who is side of the home it ultimately makes not leave very much focus left for not emotionally and or physically intimacy between husband and wife her husband and children. Many intimate with her husband, she is strained. A husband needs his wife wives who work outside the home more prone to give in to lust temp- emotionally and physically and all day do not have the energy or tations. spiritually and every which way. inclination to cook nutritious meals This is what happens in marriage Wives should not be neglecting for the family. She is too tired emo- where intimacy is gone and hus- their husband’s needs because of tionally and physically to be a help- band and wife do not share them- money. That would be foolish. meet to her husband and way too selves with each other emotionally, He that trusteth in his riches shall tired to make love with her hus- and meet each other’s needs. And fall; but the righteous shall flourish band. of course where faith is weak and as a branch. He that troubleth his When a wife is home taking care there is no conviction to stay faith- own house shall inherit the wind: of the things of the home and fam- ful. Now of course, this is not to and the fool shall be a servant to the ily she is involved with such details, say that all women with careers will wise at heart. (Proverbs 11:28-29) which makes her undeniably more cheat, but what it is saying is that Most career women behave bonded to her husband and family. women who work in environments bossy and demanding with their She wants to be intimate with her with other men, and who may be husbands just because of a feminishusband and do more family ori- having marriage problems such as tic attitude. Her demanding attitude ented activities with her husband described above, are more apt to be makes her become the head of the and children. The bottom line is the unfaithful. household. She micromanages her career woman’s priorities are not in 3. Career Women Have a More husband and makes the decisions in the home. And this goes against Independent Attitude with Hus- the home. Many husbands cower everything God designed for mar- band and cringe to their wives domineerriage. A woman with a career has a dif- ship because they don’t want to 2. Working Wives More Prone ferent attitude than a woman who cause any waves, or they don’t realto Unfaithfulness stays home to be industrious in her ize they have given up their headIf ever there were ship role to their wives. a study done on marriage and working wives, I would venture to say that in 2.13 tw marriages where the $13,900 2.28 tw $13,900 wife works outside of the home there is more adultery by the wife, and or, the 3.44 tw husband. This is $24,500 because without the 2.11 tw $14,900 emotional and intimate attachment of Under a Boudreaux Bow. husband and wife, what is holding the marriage together? Intimacy is the glue that keeps marriage together. The one flesh of marriage is the intimacy and p l a n t a t i o n P L A N T A T I O N commitment of a 504.245.8221 SouthernOaksPlantation.com Metairie • 701 Metairie Rd. • 504-831-2602 Mandeville • 4550 Hwy. 22 • 985-626-1666 504.245.8221 SouthernOaksPlantation.com husband and wife. Baton rouge • 7280 Corporate Blvd. • 225-928-6868 This emotional For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also Fall 2015 19 will the coming of the Son of Man be. – Matthew 24:27
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Education
Changing Times
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Education Leaving a Godly Legacy by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
A good workman knows that it takes time to build a home that will last for decades. He skillfully lays the groundwork and refuses to cut corners as he pieces together a solid frame. In the same way, we need to build a spiritual foundation in the next generation. In (Psalm 127), God's Word gives us three word pictures that help us know how to build families that have a heart for God. We are to be workmen, watchmen, and war-
riors. The goal of all three of these roles is that we will leave a legacy of godliness to our children, our grandchildren and generations to come. I once had the privilege of building a home. I knew nothing about building so I contracted a local builder. He came highly recommended, and he turned out to be a wonderful builder, a perfectionist who took everything seriously and saw with his experienced eyes things that I couldn't see. Some phases went by quickly, with progress almost hour-by-hour, and certainly day-by-day. More tedious parts of the process were much less exciting, but the builder knew that even these slow parts were important. It was exciting to stand back at the end of the process, to look at this beautiful home that God had provided with the help of so many capable workmen, and say, “Mission accomplished!” Now that home is a place where I can live, and where others can be ministered to and blessed. As we read (Psalm 127), we realize that the “workman” in view is not simply building a physical
house. He's building a home, a heritage—a godly family line that will take the heart and ways and faith of God into the next generation. That kind of building is more demanding, exacting and, sometimes, exasperating than building a physical house. There's so much more at stake, and we can't afford to not do well. We want to build lives, homes, churches, and a culture that will reflect God's glory long after we are gone. We want to leave behind a model of godliness that people will choose to embrace in the next generation. Watchmen and Warriors There's another word picture used in this passage--that of a watchman. The Scripture says, “Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (127:1). We have here a picture of a sentinel or guard, someone who's been assigned and has accepted the responsibility of standing guard over a city. He can't go to sleep on his shift; he's got to stay alert and awake. He needs discernment to recognize when an enemy is coming.
We have been given the assignment of being protectors, looking out over the city that God has entrusted to us. The third picture in this passage is of a warrior: “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth” (127:4). The picture here is of a battlefield, and our sons and daughters are ammunition. They are arrows in battle, and God intends that we release and send them out into the culture. Those arrows have to be prepared—carefully shaped and formed. They have to be shot in the right direction, toward the appropriate target. Our effectiveness as warriors, in many senses, determines the effectiveness of those arrows. If they're not shaped correctly, or if they're sent in the wrong direction, they're not going to fulfill their purpose. The psalmist tells us that there's a house to be built, a city to be guarded, and a battle to be fought. If the workman cuts corners, if the watchman falls asleep or gets distracted while he's on his shift, or if the warSee Godly Legacy on Page 43
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Education
Changing Times
Raising Young Champions by Dr. Adrian Rogers "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart form it" (Proverbs 22:6) Do you know what this Scripture is talking about? It's talking about champions. It's issuing a challenge. Mom and Dad, which of these do you want in your home - champions or prodigals? If you want champions, let's take a closer look at (Proverbs 22:6). Webster says to train means "to prepare for a contest; to instruct by exercise; to drill; to form to a proper shape; to discipline for use." Training is not the same thing as teaching. Training Commences With Childhood (Isaiah 28:9-10) asks, "Whom shall he teach knowledge" And whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little." In short, little babies, newly weaned are learners. The word way in (Proverbs 22:6) implies a bend in a branch, bow or river. You can bend a branch when it's tender and a bow when it's green. You can change the bend in 54296 Hwy. 445 • Loranger, LA 70446 • 985-748-6634 a river when it trickles into a stream. But when the branch is hard, the bow sturdy, and www.solomoncenter.org the river broad and raging, it's too late. Their shape and course are already set. Plan Your EvEnts with us! Training Communicates With Creativity Come and enjoy the beauty and serenity of one of the premier conference and retreat centers in The phrase train up implies, putting something in the mouth to be tasted. It means the U.S. Located 12 mi. north of Exit 47 (HWY 445 / Robert Exit) Interstate 12; Amenities include: literally, to touch the palate. Try touching your own palate now. It makes you swallow. Spacious and well equipped meeting space to fit different group sizes; Excellent home-style food; Chapel; Well maintained hiking/biking/running trails; Pool and Pavilion with picnic tables and volIn other word, parents need to create a hunger and thirst in their children for the things leyball / basketball; 12 acre lake (fishing permitted); Campfire pits; Large playing field for sports and of God. They cannot be force-fed the Word of God. recreation; Free Wi-Fi and much more! And as parents, we cannot put anything in our child's heart that is not first in our own, The ideal Visit our any more than we can come from where we've not been. setting for website (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) says, "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall for more finding be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk pictures, renewal, of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou information rejuvenation, liest down, and when thou risest up." and our and peace. Isn't that exactly what Jesus did? Walking along with His disciples, He would see semi-annual newsletter. someone planting a field, and He would say, "Behold, a sower went forth to sow his seed...." Or if He saw some beautiful flowers, He would say, "Consider the lilies of the Call for brochure or field, how they grow..." And in this way He would train His disciples. mention code “renew” for a complimentary lunch Training Corrects With Consistency with your scheduled tour. Now this subject can definitely be an inflammatory argument in today's world! Too 985-748-6634 many people have the idea that their little darlings don't need to be corrected. But the Bible disagrees and gives three reasons why children need discipline. First, it is proof of our love. "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes" (Proverbs 13:24). Second, it is the only way to set our children free from foolishness. (Proverbs 2:15 ) says foolishness is found in the heart of a child and is driven out with "the rod of correction," something that stings but does no damage, such as a switch. Brother Martin High School Third, correction helps keep our sons and daughters out of hell. (Proverbs 23:14) says, "Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell." Join us for In addition to giving chastisement when necessary, we need to set limits Open House for our children. Without them, children feel unloved and rejected. Thursday Finally we need to assign responsibility for our children and hold them November 5, 2015 accountable. 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Training Consummates With Conversation The ultimate purpose of training our children is to bring them to Jesus Christ. The moment your child can understand that sin is not just naughtiness but rebellion against God, he or she is ready to accept Christ. You need to lead your children to Christ as soon as possible. I often hear people say, "I just don't believe in childhood conversions." Fortunately, God does not agree. Three out of four Christians today were saved before they turned 14! It's also very important to remember that (Proverbs 22:6) is a principle, not a promise. A parent cannot override a child's will. You can do everything right, and your child can still rebel again God. But if you want to do everything right and give your child the best way, 504.283.1561 • www.brothermartin.com you have only to follow the clear plan God laid out for you in His Word. Brothers of the Sacred Heart – In New Orleans Since 1869 – Quality Catholic Education Copyright 2015 Love Worth Finding Ministries> Brother Martin High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies.
Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light;the starswill fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. - Matthew 24:29
Fall 2015
21
Health
Changing Times
www.changingtimes.info
Health Why diet alone is not enough by Dr. Don Colbert There is no doubt a healthy diet coupled with regular exercise is the foundation of health. But, as described in The Seven Pillars of Health, there are a few other critical pieces. People often consider supplemental vitamins and minerals as optional, or even harmful, but the research says otherwise. Consider a perfect world in which water and food was pure, clean and plentiful. In a perfect world, you would not need to treat or filter your water. You could drink it straight from the source and know it was safe and cleansing for your body. Likewise, in a perfect world, you could get all the vitamins and minerals you need from the food you eat, knowing it was clean, whole and rich in nutrients. Unfortunately, in today’s
world, just like you must filter your water, you must supplement your food with vitamins and minerals. Here’s why. Food does not have the nutritional quality it once had. Many diets consist heavily of processed foods that are stripped of nutritional value. You may have heard me say, “The more you eat white bread, the closer you are to dead.” White flour is a good example of how a once nutritious food (whole wheat) can be stripped of its nutrients, and then made extremely popular in the form of sandwich bread, pasta, hamburger buns, dinner rolls, donuts, cakes, tortillas and more. Processed foods like frozen dinners, meals-in-a-box and similar snacks make up a large majority of the supermarket, but they do not provide us with proper vitamins and minerals needed to live a long, healthy life. Stop for a minute and think about the amount of processed food you ate in the last 24 hours. It should alarm you. Now consider fruits and vegetables. If you are not eating organic, you aren’t protected from the hundreds of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers that are toxic to your body. Even if you are eating a primarily organic diet, most USDA Organic food is only 90% organic by law and could be crosscontaminated if shipped with non-organic food. Our methods of storing and cooking food also reduce its nutritional value. Food loses much of its value in the time between harvesting and when it reaches your plate. Fruits and vegetables are often harvested before they ripen in order to survive the long, cross-county shipment time. Not allowing the food to ripen robs it of its nutritional potential. On top of that, cooking it at high temperatures D D S further reduces the amount of nutrients available. If you are a meat eater, LLC think about the way most animals are raised. When cows are fed corn Steven E. Pfingsten D.D.S. instead of grass, their nutritional value changes. Grass-fed cows, for example, are richer in healthy omega 3 fatty acids than their heavily medicated Family Dentistry for All Ages and growth enhanced, corn-fed cousins. Further, the hormones and antibiotics fed to these animals are transferred to the meat we consume and are RestoRative, CRown & BRidge, dentuRes, PaRtials & whitening extremely detrimental to our health. Caring Christian Atmosphere • New Patients Welcome You Must Compensate for the Decrease in Nutrient Rich Soil. Much of our soil is now stripped of the rich nutrients it once had due to Saturday Appointments Available farming practices that are not sustainable. Minerals like magnesium and We Accept Medicaid & Most Insurances selenium are no longer found in the soil and therefore absent from the crops. Your Body Needs Help Fighting the Drastic Increase in Environmental 985-892-3250 Toxins. 71623 Hickory Street, Abita Springs, LA 70420 Now consider all the toxins in the air, water and home from car exhaust, (on the St. Tammany Trace in Historic Abita Springs) industrial plants, lawn products, pharmaceuticals, home-cleaning products and more. The daily exposure to these chemicals creates more battles for our body to fight. A body cannot fight appropriately if it is malnourished. In a 1101 Robert Blvd., Ste A perfect world, you could get all the vitaSlidell, La 70458 mins and minerals you need from the food you eat -- but in today’s world, our diets, our food and our environment make it impossible. Your first step should be to We help people move • places a high value on your oral health, eliminate as many toxins from your diet toward wellness. • believes that the health of the mouth is intimately related to and environment as you can. After that, it the health of the whole body, We are aggressively is wise to supplement your diet with high• is looking for a dental practice that listens to you without conservative and practice quality vitamins and minerals. For more minimally-invasive dentistry. judgment and will help you get what is important to you, on this topic, read Pillar Six in my book • understands that excellence is a choice that is made each day, The Seven Pillars of Health. Mike Robichaux, DDS Copyright © 2015 Divine Health Wellness >
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Health
Changing Times
Getting Enough Sleep? Try These 3 Tips by Dr. Don Colbert Adequate sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, and can benefit your heart, weight, mind and more. However, with so many factors that interfere with a good night's sleep - from pressure at work and family responsibilities to unexpected challenges, relationship issues or illnesses - it's no wonder that quality sleep is sometimes elusive. Although you may not be able to control everything that may interfere with your sleep, you can adopt habits that encourage better sleep. Start with these three simple tips. (1) Stretch and relax This easy-to-do, restorative yoga pose can help put your mind at ease, steady your breath, and reduce muscle tension without revving up your heart. It’s aptly known as the Reclining Butterfly pose. Lie on your back with the soles of your feet together and your knees bent and dropping toward the floor. Place your arms, palms up, by your sides, keeping your shoulders back
and your chest open. Close your eyes and inhale through your nose while slowly counting to four, then exhale while counting back down to one. Continue for ten minutes, or as long as it takes you to feel fully relaxed. (2) Set the mood Light inhibits the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that naturally promotes sleep. "Even if you doze off, light can be detected through your eyelids - and your brain won't produce melatonin if it's confused between night and day," says Joyce Walsleben, PhD, associate professor at the New York University School of Medicine. "You want as much darkness in your bedroom as you can handle without tripping over things." Keeping your room dark while you sleep is vital, but bringing the lights down before bed is just as important. Bright lights before bedtime can make it hard to fall asleep because diminishing levels of light naturally signal your
biological clock that it’s time to wind down, while bright light screams “daytime!” Swap out daylight bright bedroom bulbs for lowwattage bulbs, or install a dimmer switch. Like to read in bed? Do it with the lowest light that’s still comfortable. Your body is programmed to sleep when it's dark, so you can encourage that rhythm by easing into nighttime. (3) Stick to a schedule Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on weekends,
holidays and days off. This kind of consistency reinforces your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, and helps promote better sleep. However, there's a caveat: If you don't fall asleep within about 15 minutes, get up and do something relaxing, then go back to bed when you're tired. If you agonize over falling asleep, you might find it even tougher to nod off. This entry was posted in Health Tips by Dr. Don Colbert. Copyright © 2015 Divine Health Wellness > Your “ONE STOP SHOP” for all your Copying & Printing needs!
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Career Wives Continued from Page 19
may think she is not a feminist but her behavior and attitude says otherwise. God did not make man superior over the woman but to be her protector. God did not make women to be inferior to the man but to be his helpmeet. Neither sex is superior or inferior to the other. God created men and women different. Those differences compliment and support each other. God created man with strength and women with Current TABASCO Visitor Center Work is underway on a completely new TABASCO femininity; this is how they encourage one another in their God-given Still Open during Construction Visitors Center that will allow guests to follow the Monday-Sunday, 9am-4pm roles. creation of TABASCO Pepper Sauce from the harvest (Pepper Sauce Bottling on Mon.-Thurs. Only) A Different Perspective of the ripe red peppers to the shipment of finished sauce. Directions from New Iberia: LA Take US Hwy. 90 South. At LA 14, exit Many people may not see this perspective on this issue but all you have A new restaurant will serve offerings that will provide and turn left. At LA 329 junction, turn right. Stay on LA 329 until you guests with ideas for including TABASCO brand Pepper to do is read and study the bible to understand God’s perspective and reach Avery Island Sauce in every meal. design for marriage. When a woman strives to do a man’s job outside the For more info, call This new Visitors Center will provide a completely new 800.634.9599 home, no matter how much money she makes, it is a detriment to her marexperience for guests to see, smell and taste the entire or visit riage and to her family. There are far more disadvantages to a wife workprocess used in the making of TABASCO . TABASCO.com ing outside the home than there are advantages. In fact, TAB 2015-08-10 Visitor Center Changing Times Ad.indd 1 8/10/15 8:54 AM there are no advantages except for the money. But in most respects the money is a disadvantage becomes it takes a woman away from “seeing” God’s perspective and the money becomes more important to her than her husband and children. Having a happy marriage is all about getting our priorities right with God. Lastly, what happens next, because I’ve seen it over and over again is the husband, feeling emotionally and sexually removed from his marriage seeks his needs elsewhere. It is a vicious cycle. So to sum it all up the three main disadvantages of a career wife are that her priorities are out of line, and because of this, intimacy between her and husband is gone, and because of this unfaithfulness is more prone to happen. The song is true, “Money can’t buy you love”. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. (Psalm 25:10) Copyright © 2015 Heaven Ministries > And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of Fall 2015 23 nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; - Luke 21:25 ®
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7 good reasons for a mortgage refinance Does a new home loan make sense? Why refi? There are at least seven reasons to refinance a mortgage. You probably can think of the first one -to get a lower mortgage rate. The average interest rate on an outstanding mortgage at the beginning of 2010 was 5.979 percent, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. However, lenders today are offering rates well below that benchmark, making a refinance a no-brainer for many. But low rates are not the only motive for refinancing a home loan nowadays. The following are good reasons to consider a new home loan. Refi for a lower rate The No. 1 reason to refi is to get a
lower mortgage rate. Despite sinking rates, a lot of people haven't refinanced. Many homeowners would like to refinance but can't because they have little or no equity due to falling home values. Jim Sahnger, mortgage consultant for Palm Beach Financial Network in Stuart, Fla., says too many of his clients can't refi for this reason. "But there are people who can, and some people who get so into whatever they're doing that they don't pay attention to the news and don't pay attention to where rates are at," Sahnger says. So Sahnger will call to tell them
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that rates are near record lows. Convert an ARM Stability-hungry borrowers are ditching adjustable-rate mortgages and refinancing into fixed-rate loans. "Everybody's frightened about inflation, so if they have an adjustable loan, that's the No. 1 reason they're getting out of them," says Jeff Lazerson, president of Mortgage Grader, a lender based in Laguna Niguel, Calif. "It's not because you can get them at a better rate, but because you can get them at a stable rate." Other borrowers swing from one hybrid ARM to another, says Matt Hackett, underwriting manager for Equity Now, a direct mortgage lender based in New York City. "We've done a few of those for people who were in a five-year ARM that they originated four years ago, that was getting ready to adjust," Hackett says. Even though the rates were about to adjust downward, they got new 5/1 ARMs to extend low rates another five years. Get a mortgage on a paid-off house This isn't, technically, a refi, but it's close. Mortgage-free homeowners sometimes get mortgages to put cash in their pockets. "There's a lot of people who don't have a mortgage," Hackett says. "Maybe they want to go to Florida, buy a second home with cash. So they cash out their first home and take the cash and go down there and don't need a financing contingency, and they're in a better position to bargain." They could also take out a mortgage on a paid-off property to start a business or for other reasons. Cash out to consolidate debt When house prices were rising by 10 percent or more a year, millions of borrowers got cash-out refinances. They refinanced for more than they owed, got cash, and spent or invested it. The cash-out refi craze ended when the housing bust began. But there are still a few cash-out refis. "We're still in the business of cashing out people -- paying off credit cards, for example," says Michael
Moskowitz, president of Equity Now. Michael Becker, mortgage banker at Happy Mortgage in Lutherville, Md., says: "It's not like it was years ago, when people took cash out to buy things, like a pool, a car or an RV. It seems more to be paying down debt, lowering their debt service, trying to save money." Cash out to buy other property Lately, Lazerson has noticed an interesting refinancing trend. "One thing that's a trend now is that people are taking money out to purchase other properties," he says. Often, it's to buy investment properties. Refinancing to buy property can bring up unexpected tax and mortgage underwriting issues. A lot depends upon how the refinanced house and the new property will be used. For example, which property will be the primary residence? Will the other property be rented out? Those are issues for a financial adviser or tax professional to untangle. Consolidate two mortgages Some homeowners want to combine their first mortgage with the home equity line of credit. "I'm seeing a lot of people, even if their rates on their home equity line of credit is 3 percent, refinancing to get rid of them," Becker says. Why get rid of a loan with such a low rate? "Because they're worried if five years from now, what if that rate jumps up to 12 (percent), 11 (percent), 13 percent?" Becker says. Address family matters Divorces often lead to refis as a means of removing the absent former spouse from the note. "That has less to do with rates and is more about timing," Lazerson says. Moskowitz says he recently did a $110,000 cash-out refi from a woman who used the money to bail out a son facing foreclosure on his own house. That's not how Moskowitz would spend his money from a cash-out refi. But to anyone who agrees with him, he says, "You're clearly not a mother." >
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Making six figures and sure your husband is a great guy, ful financial life. Why would you and that he loves you very much. want to mess all that up with a lease broke! Dear Dave, My husband finished dental school three years ago. Recently, told me that he wants to go back to school to become a dental anesthesiologist. He makes $100,000 a year right now but says this will give him the potential to double his income. We’ve paid off five credit cards in the last year and a half, but we still have a $200,000 student loan. We also just found out that I’m pregnant. So, I’m feeling unsafe with this idea. What do you think? Shannon Dear Shannon, This is not a wise move. You’re $200,000 in debt, and he brings in dentist money. You guys need to clean up your debt. This starts by living on nothing for a while. If he makes $100,000, then you guys need to live on half that. We’re talking rice and beans and living on a VERY tight budget for a couple of years. Then, if he wants to go back to school after that – and save up money to pay for it – we can sit down and talk. You have every right to feel unsafe right now, Shannon. I’m
But this is a ridiculous idea. He needs to listen to his loving, pregnant wife. You’re right on this one, and he’s wrong. Period! - Dave
or payments? Here’s the deal. Consumer Reports AND my calculator both say that leasing a car is the most expensive way to operate a vehicle. It’s a rip off! Dealerships make Which is the best of the three? more money off leases than they do from the sale of cars. Dear Dave, I’m okay with you buying a car. I’m 61 and on disability. My home is paid for, and I have about a You’ve managed your money well, million dollars in assets. I try to and you’re in great shape finanspend no more than four percent of cially. But when it comes to the big the principal each year. My current shiny things, pay cash or don’t buy car needs repairs, but the cost would it! - Dave be more than the car is worth. I’m looking at getting another vehicle and was wondering, in my situa- Pick and choose your insurtion, if it would be better to lease, ance finance or pay cash. Dear Dave, Linda Does having supplemental insurance make good financial sense? Dear Linda, Anonymous I’m proud of the way you’ve handled your money. You’ve got Dear Anonymous, the right attitude about wealth Some of it does under the right building, but the wrong idea about circumstances. But you have to be car buying. very careful when choosing these There not a chance on the planet products, because there are lots of that I’ll tell you to go pick up a companies out there trying to sell “fleece” or payments on a car. you stuff that doesn’t make good You’ve got a great thing going for financial sense. you – a peaceful, calm and successOne example is short-term dis-
504-529-2221 1300 Baronne St. New Orleans, LA 70113 ability insurance. I would not do that. Another example is cancer insurance. I wouldn’t do that, either. But they also sell good stuff like long-term disability insurance. That’s something you really need! Beware of the little gimmick insurance plans, too. Those six dollar a month things are not a good idea! - Dave * For more financial advice plus special offers to our readers, please visit www.davesays.org or call 1-888-22-PEACE. >
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But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. – John 15:26
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Praying for Your Children's Welfare By William Scribner Do not consider only your children's salvation but pray also for your children's welfare because: 1. You may then expect, as a result of your prayers, that the power of God will counteract in some measure the evil you have done them. Even the best of parents sometimes do their children harm. This may be as a result of undue severity in discipline, partiality or injustice, but equally by misguided tenderness and lack of conscientious in exercising authority. Unceasing prayer will enable you to avoid these sins. Thoughtful love for them, and an earnest desire for their real good, would take replace mere fondness, and you would be led to avoid the extremes of harshness and hurtful indulgence. 2. There will be critical periods in their lives when without your incessant prayers, offered with reference to such times, they may be left to act most unwisely if not disastrously. Pray for them in the momentous decisions concerning matters such as their future career and possible
marriage. Do not put off praying over these because they might be in the distant future. Consider, you may not be alive when they face these decisions. 3. It will lead you to a better understanding of them. Fervent prayer, continuously offered for them, in which their special wants, as far as you know them, are spread before God, will be sure to lead to a greater watchfulness over them. It will lead to a closer study of their character and to more exact understanding of their traits and wants. You should know what motives most easily influence them and what temptations are most likely to lead them into wrongdoing. You should also be familiar with their sorrows and circumstances, knowing intimately each one's character. If you are praying for them you will be compelled to note these things. 4. It will increase your holy desires for them. If we cannot pray, even for strangers, without learning to love them, surely the more we commend our children to God, the stronger will our love for their souls become.
This steady increase of holy desires in your heart, with reference to you children, will prove an unspeakable blessing both to them and to you. 5. No other means will be so effectual in enabling you to overcome the difficulty you experience in talking with then on religious subjects. Out of the abundance of your heart your mouth will speak. We are often too reserved when it comes to speaking of spiritual matters with our children, despite the scriptural command (Deut. 6:7). Nothing is so suited to remove this as earnest, persistent prayer, in which your child's needs are spread before God and specific requests are offered in its behalf. 6. You will thereby secure for then God's aid in the efforts they my make to yield you their obedience God requires of children submission to the parent's will and implicit obedience. Children need more than mere human assistance, even though that assistance may come from wise and affectionate parents. They can no more perform their duties as children without such
help from God, than you, without such help, can perform your parental duties. You are solemnly bound to think of the dependence of your children on God's help, and earnestly to pray that that help may be given them in their endeavours to honour and obey you. 7. Other parents seeing your example, may be led to imitate you. Others may be challenged by your diligence and may be inspired to be more zealous in their parental duties. 8. They will often, should they continue in the world, have their times of need when the power of God alone can avail to help them. Disappointments, sickness, losses, cares, in short, adversity in various forms, will be sure to overtake them sooner or later, and well will it be for them if you have anticipated these times of need by much prayer offered on their behalf. There will be times of temptation when they will be in fearful danger. The See Children's welfare on Page 33
Can We Count on Your Support in Getting God's Word Circulated? Your Generosity Can Make A Difference! ❏ Yes, I will pledge my support for Changing Times by donating $ ________________. Make check payable to Save the Nations Ministries, Inc. [A 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization]. ❏ I prefer to pay by credit card. ❏ Visa ❏ MasterCard ❏ American Express Number __________________________ Exp. Date ___________ Name ______________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________ City _________________________ State _______ Zip _______ Phone (
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Comfort for Christian Parents of Unconverted Children by Jim Elliff All Christian parents wish that God would show us something to do that would secure our child's salvation, and then "we'll do it with all our might" because we love our child so much. Yet, God has not made salvation the effect of somebody else's faith; our son or daughter must come to Christ on his or her own. John shows us that all Christians are born into God's family "not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, [that is, somebody else's will] but of God." (John 1:13) Although salvation is the work of God and not something that we can do for our child, there is hope. Consider the following: 1. A true burden in prayer for your child is a gift from God. A persistent burden may indicate that God intends to give your child eternal life because authentic prayer always begins with God. Though we cannot be absolutely certain that we know all that God is doing, we should be optimistic if the burden continues. 2. The miracle of the new birth is no less possible to God if our child is attentive to Him or running away from Him. Our child is like all other children when it comes to God's grace. He is dead spiritually whether he is in church or not, whether he listened well to the truths we tried to teach him or did not, whether he has some interest in God now or has none at all. He may be converted in the pig pen or the pew and we do not know in this case what is preferred by God. 3. God does hear our prayers. Though God has taught us that He chooses all who are His before the foundation of the world, He also taught us that we should pray, and not only pray, but expect the answer to our prayers. It is true that God is sovereign and it is just as true that He answers prayer. In fact, He could not answer prayer if He were not in control of all things. 4. We may have hope because of God's election of those who will come to Him. Every child is on his way to hell unless God stops him. God's election is our friend. We would have no hope for our child's
salvation without it, because no child would turn to Christ if left in the state depravity (Romans 3:911). But given God's election of people for Himself, we can be encouraged. 5. Your child has some clear knowledge of what it means to be a true Christian. The Spirit certainly may bring this to bear at any time if this is His chosen method. Though it is no less a miracle for a knowledgeable child to be converted than a child with little knowledge; God always uses the gospel seed in every conversion. 6. Your own disobedience in the past will not ultimately keep your child from becoming a believer. It is pointless to berate yourself for any wrong behavior on your part as if it were the reason your child is without Christ. This does not mean that we as parents should not repent and do better, and even admit wrong to our children. But the reason your child is without Christ is related to his or her own sin. Every parent is sinful and inconsistent. This has never been a barrier to God if He desires to save your child. Illustrations abound of children who come from far less godly families who are nonetheless converted to Christ. In fact, this may have been the case in your own experience. 7. Some children may need the experience of being away from parental care in order to face up to their own need for Christ. The sense of need for many may be discovered only in the context of difficulties. We should not be surprised if it takes some solo flying before a child learns that he or she really needs another as his pilot. 8. Remember that there are lots of people who have come to appreciate their history prior to coming to Christ. I'm not saying that these people would not have wanted conversion earlier, but that the pain of the their pre-conversion history has left them with compassion, understanding, knowledge, testimony, and a burden that they would perhaps not have had any other way. They've
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See Comfort on Page 43 Deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 Corinthians 5:5
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Responding to His Call
10 Ways to Answered Prayer 1. Pray Sincerely to the True God It is absolutely vital that you pray to the very real God of the Bible if you expect genuine answers to your prayers. He reveals Himself to mankind in many ways—in creation, in the Bible, in His foretelling specific divine intervention in world affairs and in direct answers to those who seek and obey Him. If you surrender to Him, obey Him and serve Him, God will become your loving Father, your Protector, your Healer, the Giver of "every good and perfect gift" (James 1:17). 2. Study the Bible It naturally follows that praying to the true God involves believing what He says. And we find His words—instructing human beings how they should live—in the Holy
Bible. It reveals essential knowledge that we could not acquire in any other way. It is God's "Instruction Manual" for humanity. It tells us who God is, what He is like and how we ought to serve Him. In its pages we find God's own instructions as to how we ought to pray to Him. But you will not receive this full instruction by just "going to church" or by carelessly reading bits and pieces of the Bible for comfort or inspiration. God commands us in His Word, 'Earnestly study to show yourself approved to God, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). 3. Deeply Repent of Your Sins If you want real answers to your prayers, you need to repent of breaking the Ten Commandments—
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which is defined as sin (1 John 3:4). And you need to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior (Acts 2:38). Then—through the help of the promised Holy Spirit— you will need to surrender more and more each day to let Jesus Christ live His obedient life in you. Keep in mind what the Apostle Paul declared: 'I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). As you GROW in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18), He will live His life in you more and more fully over the course of your Christian life. 4. Forgive Others Another vital key to answered
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prayer is our willingness to truly forgive others. Frankly, our loving Father in heaven simply does not hear those who come to Him in a spirit of revenge, bitterness or hatred. Immediately after giving us the "Lord's Prayer"—the outline prayer describing the right general approach to talking with God— Jesus went on to instruct His followers: "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:1415). 5. Seek God's Will Remember this key phrase from the outline prayer in (Matthew 6): See Answered Prayer on Page 30
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15 Ways to Make Prayer a Natural Part of Your Everyday Family Life 1. Help your children to become aware of answered prayer. Tell them about the times in your life when God has answered your prayers. Encourage them to share when God answers their prayers-even if His answer isn’t what they wanted or expected. When you have other believersespecially missionaries and fulltime Christian workers-in your home, ask them to tell you about answered prayers they have experienced. Point out God’s answers to your children’s prayers, even the smallest requests. 2. Help your children to see the beauty of God’s creation and thank Him for it. Don’t miss opportunities to appreciate His handiwork around you. Take time to point out sunsets and beautiful flowers . . . and thank God for them right then. 3. Whenever you see or hear about someone in need, take time to pray about it with your children. It could be something on the news or in the paper, or something you come across during the course of your day. Teaching them to pray when they see an accident or when you pass a homeless person could have a lasting influence not only on your children, but on those who are prayed for. 4. Wrap family traditions or events in special times of prayer. For example, lay hands on the person with a birthday and bless him or her; thank the Lord for two things that you love about her, etc. At Thanksgiving, go around the table and have each family member pray about what he or she is most thankful for over the past year. 5. Pray blessings over your children. Lay hands on them at bedtime or at another time when they are hurting in some way, and pray scriptural blessings over them. (Numbers 6:24-26) is a good one to memorize: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” 6. Teach your children to prayerfully put on the armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18) at the beginning of each new day. Each of us needs to be aware that we are in a battle and that God has provided us
with some very important equipment with which to protect ourselves and fight. This can be done as a family, but don’t ritualize it or make it a legalistic thing. 7. Have family devotions and prayer time. While any time is good, early mornings before everyone goes separate ways is probably the best time. This will remind children that God will be with them throughout the day. 8. Put together a family prayer journal. Place each family member’s picture in it, as well as pictures of your pastor and his family, relatives, unsaved friends, and neighbors. Pray through the album together, and encourage one another to pray individually on a daily basis for those represented. 9. Teach children to keep a personal prayer journal. Here they can record personal prayer requests, praises, and answers to prayer. 10. Develop a missionary prayer notebook. Place prayer cards or pictures of missionaries your family and/or church supports in a three-ring binder with plastic page protectors, colorful paper, etc. Include pages with pockets for recent newsletters, prayer needs, e-mail messages, etc. Pray through the notebook on a regular basis. Help your children make the connection between prayer and saving the lost. Pray together that the Lord of the harvest (Mt. 9:38) would send workers into His harvest fields. 11. Adopt a people group to pray for- perhaps one of the unreached groups of the 10/40 Window. Pray for your people group daily, research its needs, and be open to what God will do through your family. To adopt a people group, contact Adopt-a-People Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 1795, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-1795. There is also a wonderful video that teaches children about the 10/40 Window called The 10/40 Window for Children. It is available from Joey and Fawn Parish, 6673 Sora Street, Ventura, CA 93003. 12. Develop a family prayer calendar each month. Take turns, See Family Life on Page 39
So that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. – 1 Thessalonians 3:13
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Answered Prayer Continued from Page 28 "YOUR WILL be done on earth as it is in heaven". We all need to focus on this as we pray. The Bible contains literally dozens of promises and/or direct indications of what God has done or will do in regard to answered prayer. bGod wants us to be persistent. He wants us to walk with Him, talk with Him and commune with Him continually—day after day in this age and ultimately throughout eternity! The Apostle Paul instructs us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). So learn to pray regularly to God—spending enough time in prayer to become genuinely "acquainted" with Him. For He is the One in whom "we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). According to the Scriptures, Jesus often rose early in the morning and spent long, uninterrupted time praying to His Father (Mark 1:35). The prophet Daniel rose to be one of the highest rulers of the greatest empire of his time—the Babylonian Empire. Nevertheless, he constantly took time to pray to God on his knees—three times each day (Daniel 6:10). King David also customarily prayed three times each day to his Creator: "As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice" (Psalm 55:16-17). 7. Pray Fervently Remember Jesus' example of getting up EARLY to pray to the Father! For prayer was vitally important to Christ. That is why He apparently put it first on His schedule—before anything else could interfere. And He probably came back to God repeatedly as the day progressed. It is good to go to a "private place" to pray as Jesus instructed in (Matthew 6). Alone, we can occasionally cry out to our Creator to help us, to chasten us, to deliver us from temptations or difficulties where only the help of God Himself can fully take care of the situation. Let us be passionate as we pour out our hearts to the awesome Person-
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ality who wants to be our real Father: "the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity" (Isaiah 57:15). 8. Ask God to Mold You This attitude of seeking God's will rather than our own—of total submission to our Heavenly Father—is viral to our prayer life, if we are to receive constant and powerful answers. Do you want to truly GROW spiritually? If so, you—like we all— need to spiritually "wrestle with God" in our prayers as Jacob literally wrestled with Him and prevailed (Genesis 32:24-32). We need to engage Him in long, thoughtful conversation about how we can more fully yield to Him, walk with Him and honor Him in our lives. We need to constantly ask God to help us fulfill the great purpose for which we were born. We must grasp that our past ideas and attitudes about God and religion in general need much improvement. God tells us through Isaiah: "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways. The Apostle Paul instructed: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5). Learn to walk with Him, talk with Him and quietly "commune" with Him off and on all day long. Sincerely ask Him to mold you into His own image. 9. Give Praise and Thanks to Almighty God Another of the qualities that made King David a man after "God's own heart" was the sincere love, worship and adoration that he continually expressed toward the great creator, who blessed him, sustained him and guided him. The entire book of Psalms is literally filled with David's prayers of worship and adoration. Why not worship our merciful and faithful High Priest (Hebrews 2:17-18), who willingly died for us on the cross? Why not worship Him? 10. Pray in the Name of Jesus Christ Through the "name"—the office and authority of Jesus Christ—we can directly approach God in prayer and worship. We do not need any human priest as a kind of intercessor. For we already have the greatest High Priest—Jesus Christ. And He taught His true followers: "Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name. Save the Nations Ministries >
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A Deeper Study Into The Word of God The Fullness of the Gospel James Smith and for your desires, however The gospel is the greatest bless- the family of God, and making him miseries, and more numerous than ing which God ever conferred upon a Son of God, and an heir of God. his needs. The fullness of the gos- vast. So that he rises from the dust and pel contains God's provision . . . If you are a Christian, this gloriour world. It . . . for all of his people, ous gospel furnishes you with . . . comprises God's loftiest thoughts, the dunghill--to sit with princes! for all times, and the most powerful motives to reveals God's deepest love, and And being washed, sanctified, and to meet all circumstances. holiness, sets forth in the simplest strains justified in the name of the Lord Let us then admire, adore, and the wisest rules for your conduct; God's richest provision for His Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God-he is made fit to be a partaker of make daily use of the fullness of the the choicest comforts for your creatures. trying days; and For whatever God may have pro- the inheritance of the saints in light. gospel. The gospel provides also for his Reader, the fullness of the gospel the richest supplies for life, and vided for the glorious inhabitants of another world, it will bear no com- desires. Here is the bread of life, is for you. For you as a sinner, it death, for time, and eternity! Let us then make use of the fullparison with what He has provided and here are the waters of salvation. provides . for your guilt, however great; ness of the gospel, by coming to it, for us. He had but one Son--and He Here is the robe of righteousness for your degradation, however receiving from it, and walking by it. gave that Son for us! He had but and here the garments of salvation. All we need is there. All we can one Spirit--and He gave that Spirit Here is peace for the conscience, deep; for your weakness, however wisely desire is there. More than we to us. O the riches of His grace! and joy for the heart. Here is in one Truly He has abounded towards us word, all that man, as a sinful, extreme; for your ignorance, however in all wisdom and prudence. Let us accountable, and immortal being-See Fullness stolid; for a few moments contemplate the can need, or wisely desire. on Page 33 Here the fullness of God is fullness of the gospel. That fullness is for man as a SIN- brought to supply man's emptiness; NER, and provides for his spiritual and the wealth of God--to meet man's poverty. The fullness of the needs. The gospel provides a glorious Gospel, displays the wondrous atonement for his guilt--which, the riches of his glorious grace. That fullness is for man as a moment he believes in Jesus, is removed from him completely, and SAINT--a believer in Jesus, a Chriseternally. So that he is as guiltless tian. The gospel furnishes him with before God, as if he had never sinned! The perfect work of Jesus, motives--and with motives suffiperfectly removes all guilt from the ciently pure and powerful, to lead Whether you are a New Believer, believer, and removes it forever. to the performance of the most A Mature Believer or Therefore we read that "by one painful duties, and to make the offering, He has perfected forever most costly sacrifices. Just a Christian that needs more of Godâ&#x20AC;Ś The gospel furnishes him with those who are sanctified." It provides for his weakness--in rules--rules to regulate his conduct the gift of the Holy and eternal towards himself and others; toward We have something for You! Spirit; which Spirit helps our infir- God and man; toward good men mities, quickens our graces, restores and bad men. Perfect, holy rules, Men * Women * Children * Seniors * Marriage our comforts, and prepares us to do so, that on this point, he has nothing and suffer all the righteous will of to desire. Education * Health * Finances * Personal Revival The gospel furnishes him with God. The Spirit of Christ is the The Christian Journey comforts--rich and costly comforts; strength of the believer. The gospel provides for his igno- comforts for dark nights and dreary Guiding Light * The Triumphant Christian rance--in the gift of His Word, days. Comforts for life and its triThe Transformed Life which Word contains all that is nec- als; comforts for death and its pains. essary for him to know--in refer- Comforts, which like cordials will Archives * Videos * Community Referrals ence to God, himself, the law, grace, revive, stimulate, and strengthen, and of course, our most recent edition of time, and eternity. It is sufficient to so that he shall conquer every foe, Changing Times! make him wise unto salvation, and and be more than a conqueror. The gospel furnishes him with to make him perfect in every good supplies; supplies for the intellect work. www.changingtimes.info The gospel provides for his deg- and the heart, supplies varied and radation--by introducing him into sufficient, supplies deeper than his For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 Thessalonians 4:15 Fall 2015 31
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There is no question that the Holy Spirit will not leave the earth, because people cannot be saved apart from the Holy Spirit. COMMANDS TO WATCH *** The watchman is to warn the people. Teachers of the Bible are watchmen. Ministers are watchmen. The saints are watchmen. A person watches for things they believe will happen. They believe these things will happen, because there is evidence of some kind. We watch, because the Bible tells us of certain events that will come to pass. It gives us certain things to watch for. We watch, because God commands us to do so. When certain events come to pass, we are to warn others of what is yet to come. We warn them to prepare themselves. We warn the people, so they may not perish. If they choose not to believe and heed the warning, their blood is upon themselves. But if we are unfaithful and do not warn the people, their blood is upon us as watchmen. Let’s see what the scriptures have to say about this subject: • (Ezek 3:17)-I HAVE MADE THEE A WATCHMAN. • (Ezek 33:7)-I HAVE SET THEE A WATCHMAN…WARN THEM • (Mt 24:42)-WATCH THEREFORE. • (Mt 26:41)-WATCH AND PRAY, THAT YE ENTER NOT INTO TEMPTATION. • (Mk 13:34)-A MAN...COMMANDED THE PORTER TO WATCH. • (Mk 13:37)-AND WHAT I SAY UNTO YOU I SAY UNTO ALL, WATCH. • (Lk 21:36)-WATCH YE THEREFORE, AND PRAY ALWAYS, THAT YE MAY BE ACCOUNT-
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ED WORTHY TO ESCAPE ALL THESE THINGS. • (1 Thes 5:6)-LET US NOT SLEEP, AS DO OTHERS; BUT LET US WATCH. • (Rev 3:3)-IF...THOU SHALT NOT WATCH, I WILL COME ON THEE AS A THIEF, AND THOU SHALT NOT KNOW WHAT HOUR I WILL COME UPON THEE. • (Mt 24:43)-IF THE GOODMAN...HAD KNOWN...HE WOULD HAVE WATCHED. • (Lk 12:37)-BLESSED ARE THOSE SERVANTS, WHOM THE LORD WHEN HE COMETH SHALL FIND WATCHING. • (Lk 12:40)-BE YE THEREFORE READY. • (Heb 9:28)-SO CHRIST WAS ONCE OFFERED TO BEAR THE SINS OF MANY; AND UNTO THEM THAT LOOK FOR HIM SHALL HE APPEAR THE SECOND TIME. Regarding the Rapture, it is written, (1 Thes 4:18)-WHEREFORE COMFORT ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS *** How can a person watch, if they cannot read and their minister does not tell them these things? Many fulfilled prophecies indicate the Tribulation is very close. The Tribulation is preceded by the Rapture. To that teacher of the Bible or saint that God has called to be a watchman, woe to him, if he does not warn the people. It is lastly noted that the birth of Christ was not first announced to the great men of the earth or to the religious leaders in Jerusalem, but to humble shepherds-ref (Lk 2:812). It is much the same today. The coming of Jesus to remove His people from the earth, before the Antichrist comes forth and the Tribulation begins, is not understood by what the world considers to be the great men or the so- called religious leaders of the earth, but to the humble people, the servants of God that have placed their faith and trust in the Jesus of the Bible as their only hope. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105) Save the Nations Ministries >
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Children's Welfare Continued from Page 26
evil one will seek to lay snares for them and at such times earthly by David Wilkerson friends will be of no help. Ask the Paul said, "In him we live, and move, Savior to defend them from the and have our being" (Acts 17:28). Men spite, power and wiles of evil spirand women of God live within this very its, the agents of Satan, who are small circle; their life, their every move, constantly around them. their very existence is wrapped up only in In closing, never approach the the interests of Christ. throne of grace with your own To know nothing but Christ, there must wants without remembering your be continual flow of revelation from the children who are no less helpless Holy Spirit. If the Holy Spirit knows the and needy than you. Let us resolve mind of God, if he searches the deep and that we will give ourselves more hidden things of the Father, and if he is to be a well of living water springing up, then that well of flowing water must be a continual, never-ending revelation of Christ. It awaits every servant of the Lord who is willing to wait on the Lord—quietly, in faith believing, trust- Teenagers Continued from Page 9 ing the Holy Spirit to manifest the mind of God. Today we need his infallible word—a true and living revelation. Samuel had that kind of word from God, and all Israel knew it. When Samuel He was an active member of his spoke, of all the voices in the land, his came through and not one word fell church youth group and was a blessing to everyone who knew to the ground. Today multitudes are trying to sift through all the voices to hear the him. The week before his death he clear word of God. Saints of God are getting weary of a barrage of voices, wrote this tract as an assignment for while finding only a few kernels of truth. Christ alone is the light! The his Bible class. This was his meswhole world lies in darkness, and light alone dispels that darkness. You may be in a dark place right now. Peter said, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place" (2 Peter 1:19). Paul said, "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6). John said, "His kingdom [Satan's] was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain" (Revelation 16:10). Your good works won't dispel that darkness and our preaching on social issues won't cut through it, either. All your personal experiences won't do it. I'll go a step further—even your binding the powers of darkness won't work without the light of Christ shining forth. All darkness vanishes in the light of God's glory reflected in the face of Jesus Christ! Let us study Christ alone in the secret closet. We serve the same God and are taught by the very same Holy Spirit as all others who have known Christ in fullness. Copyright © 2015 World Challenge. All Rights Reserved >
intently to the work of interceding for our children. Whether we pray for our offspring or not must decide what our distant decedents are to be, and what kind of influence they will exert. Surely our fervent prayers for God's blessing on our children would be offered without ceasing were we able to fully comprehend the far-reaching results of such prayers. Fire & Ice >
sage to all teenagers and adults alike. This tract is in memory of Scott A. Kelsey, in hope that is will help teenagers and adults to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. >
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How To Grow Into Christ-Like Maturity How to Study the Bible for Transformation By Sam O’Neal To help you toward that goal, here are 5 practical steps for reading the Bible with a focus on transformation. Step 1: Find the Right Location It may sound strange to worry about where you study the Bible, but this is an important step. If your goal is to have a significant encounter with God's Word, you need to concentrate. That means you need to be proactive about getting rid of distractions -- no smart-
phones beeping, no kids demanding food, no TV, no internet, and so on. Step 2: Prepare Your Heart Just like it's important to minimize external distractions when you study God's Word, you also need to prepare yourself internally. Reading the Bible for transformation is a spiritual experience. It involves your heart and emotions -- your inner self. Therefore, be sure to take a moment and prepare yourself for that level of experience. This kind of internal preparation means different things to different people at different times. For example, if you're buckling under the weight of stress or negative emotions, you may need to spend significant time in prayer before you even approach the Bible. Pray for peace. Pray for a
calm heart. Pray for release from stress and anxiety. You also may prefer to worship God in advance of studying His Word. Or, you may want to encounter the reality of God by getting into nature and immersing yourself in the beauty of His creation. Here's the point: before you even begin flipping pages in the Bible, spend a few moments in contemplation and self-evaluation in order to prepare yourself for a transformational experience. It's important. Step 3: Evaluate What the Text Says When you're ready to take the plunge and read through a passage of Scripture, commit to the experience. Read the full passage two or three times in order to immerse yourself in the themes and direction of the text. In other words, skimming the Bible won't lead to transformation. Instead, read as if your life depended on it.
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Your first goal in encountering a passage of Scripture is to determine what God has communicated through that passage. The first questions you should ask are: "What does the text say?" and "What does the text mean?" Notice the question is not, "What does the text mean to me?" The Bible isn't subjective -- it doesn't rely on us to come up with different meanings in different situations. Rather, the Bible is our main source of objective truth. In order to properly engage the Bible, we must recognize it as our primary source for truth and as a living document that is true and useful for everyday life (2 Tim. 3:16). So, as you read through a specific passage of Scripture, spend time identifying the truths contained within it. Sometimes this will mean studying the text in order to seek out information if the passage is confusing or complicated. Other times this will simply mean finding and noting the major themes and principles contained in the verses you read. Step 4: Determine the Implications for Your Life After you have a good understanding of what the text means, your next goal is to contemplate the implications of that text for your specific situation. Again, the goal of this step is not to shoe-horn the Bible so that it fits with your current goals and desires. You don't bend and twist the truths contained in Scripture to make them affirm whatever you want to do during a particular day or a particular season of life. Instead, the genuine way to study the Bible is to figure out how you need to bend and change in order to conform yourself to God's Word. Ask yourself this question: "If I really believe this passage of Scripture is true, how do I need to change in order to align myself with what it says?" After years of sometimes-frustrating experiences with reading the Bible, I've learned that prayer is a necessary step in this process. That's because we don't have what it takes to conform ourselves to the truths contained in the Bible. Sure, we can attempt to use our willpower to change certain behaviors, and we may even be successful -- for a
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Jesus’ Role in Sanctification “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, but You can. I cannot manipulate the springs of hand. I know that I can be difficult at times, who became to us wisdom from God, and righ- thought and will; but You can. Though I can insoluble to myself, but not to Thee. The more teousness and sanctification, and redemption”. indeed, with the powers You have given me as baffling the difficulty, the more chronic the (1 Cor. 1:30) man, do certain things in a course of action, I habit, the more I see Your skill in dealing with it. Have you ever thought about the character of still cannot break habits decisively and at their Please be magnified in my body and in my Christ where our Sanctification is concerned? root. But You can. You know all that besets me; spirit, which belongs to You. I yield myself to Sept 2013 Jesus is able to deal with us in our inmost self, You know my circumstances; You know where I You! and has announced His willingness to do it. dwell’ (Rev. 2:13); You are acquainted with Obviously, you can see the change just like I When I first started reflecting on what Sanc- every element in my character even my tempera- felt the change, and guess what? Others will tification was really all about, I suddenly had a ment toward things. And You still manage to notice the changes in you as well. Yes, our deepdeeper and keener sense than ever of self impo- keep things infinitely real and truly personal, est need, when the heart is alive with desire and tency. I thought “Are you not asking me to do and canA/SS/1/4 handle me in any situation. You have a conscious of impotence, is first to realize, and precisely what is impossible, that I may enter sincere and wonderful ways with a divine per- then to submit to Him that helps us to be sanctiupon a life of peace and spiritual power; to step sonal PLEASE CHECK YOURmakes it easy for me to fied in Christ Jesus. Amen influence, which AD CAREFULLY FOR for taking me by the on to this rock of strength, this lap of rest, submit to You. Thanks Save the Nations Ministries > SPELLING & GRAMMAR, AS across a gulf I cannot leap, and while I WELL AS ACCURACY OF ADhave no wings? Can I really deny self? DRESSES, PHONE NUMBERS & Can the center of my acts and thoughts OTHER VITAL INFORMATION. dislodge itself? Can I will that for School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine which I am unwilling? 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Contact the Lord Himself in His infinite and perour study coordinator for more information. sonal Being, outside of mine, yet He is After this deadline, must only meet thechanges following criteria: able to deal with me, to work in me and Eligible subjectsthe • Be at least 18 years of age. to work through me. thatonemay be made • Female has at least intact ovary. chronic diseases. Gather together such utterances as • No severe uncontrolled are to correct willing to attend the scheduled exam and to have these, and believe them as you read •aBe small amount ofPUBLISHER’S blood drawn. ERRORS. them: ‘He is able to do exceeding abun- • Body weight less than 300 lb. 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Living the Surrendered Life by Nancy Leigh DeMoss One of the most beloved hymns of the church reflects was penned in 1874 by a single woman named Frances Ridley Havergal. Written as a prayer, each line focuses on one dimension of what it means to be fully consecrated to Christ. The following questions are intended to help you personalize and apply this wonderful text. I would encourage you to set aside some time for thoughtful, prayerful reflection and response. My life Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee. • Have I made a volitional, unconditional, lifetime surrender of my life to Christ? • Am I seeking to live out that surrender on a daily basis? • Are there any “compartments” of my life over which I am reserving the right to exercise control? My time Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise. • Do I live with the conscious realization that all my time belongs to God, or have I merely reserved a portion of my time for the spiritual “category” of my life? • Do I set apart time each day for worship, prayer, and personal devotion? • Am I squandering time with meaningless, useless conversation or entertainment? • Do I become resentful or impatient when others interrupt my schedule or when I am faced with unplanned demands on my time? My body Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee. • Am I yielding the parts of my body to God as instruments of righteousness (Rom. 6:13)? • Do I use the parts of my body to express the kindness and love of Christ to others (e.g., using my hands for serving, for gentle touch)? • Are any of the members of my body—eyes, ears, hands, feet, mouth—being used to sin against God (e.g., stealing, lying, listening to or repeating gossip, inflicting physical harm on mate or children, listening to profanity, viewing pornography, sexual sin)? My tongue Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee. • Do the words that come out of my mouth reveal that my lips and tongue are fully surrendered to God? • Do I habitually verbalize the goodness and greatness of God? • Before I speak, do I ask the Lord what He wants me to say? My possessions Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold. • Do I treat any of my possessions as if they were mine rather than God’s? • Do I give generously, sacrificially, and gladly to the Lord’s work and to others in need? • Do I own anything that I would not be willing to part with if God were to take it from me or ask me to give it to another? My mind Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose. • Am I bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5 )? • Am I disciplining my mind to get to know God and His Word better? • Do I habitually think about things that are just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy (see Phil. 4:8 ), rather than things that are unwholesome, negative, impure, or vain?
My will Take my will and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine. • Do I consistently seek to know and to do the will of God in practical, daily matters? • When I read the Word of God, am I quick to say “Yes, Lord” and to do what it says? • Am I submissive to the human authorities God has placed over me (civil, church, home, work)? My affections Take my heart; it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne. • Am I allowing Christ to reign and rule over my affections, my emotions, and my responses? • Am I easily angered or provoked? • Are my desires, appetites, and longings under Christ’s control? My relationships Take my love; my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store. • Is it my desire and intent to love God with all my heart, above all earthly relationships? Do I enjoy and seek out the friendship of God as much as I do human friendships? • Do I love God more than I love myself? Do I seek His interests, His reputation, and His pleasure above my own? • Have I surrendered to God all my desires, rights, and expectations regarding my family? • Am I willing to sacrifice friendships, if necessary, in order to obey God and His call in my life? Myself Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee. • Have I surrendered all that I am and all that I have to God? • Is there any part of myself—my plans, relationships, possessions, emotions, career, future—that I am knowingly holding back from God? • Have I settled the issue that the ultimate purpose of my life is to please God and bring Him glory? You may have expressed your desire to be fully surrendered to God many times before. Or you may just now be recognizing what it means to be totally surrendered to Him. Regardless, would you stop— right now, if possible—and slip to your knees before the Lord and pray, “ Lord, I surrender every part of my being—all I am and all I have—to You”? As you pray these words, visualize the place where you are kneeling as an altar of sacrifice, and picture each part of yourself being offered up to God as a living sacrifice. © Moody Publishers. Used with permission. Excerpted from Surrender: The Heart God Controls by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. www.ReviveOurHearts.com >
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Getting Past Your Past – Part 3 Apologizing to Those That We’ve Hurt
By Pastor Eddie Swan of New Beginnings Church Today I am asking you the question, has anybody ever hurt somebody else? We all have, right? We’ve all hurt someone at some time or another. It’s easier somehow to be the victim as opposed to the one who is doing the hurting. Have you ever had an argument with your spouse? Don’t answer that! This is for the guys, because I can only relate to the guys. So, you had an argument with your spouse and you don’t think you did anything wrong, it’s just an argument and you get in bed that night and you’re ready to snuggle. Come here baby. And she’s like; you better back it up Jack! No we’re not snuggling, nothing is happening. Back it up, there’ll be no snuggling tonight until you say, you’re sorry. But I didn’t do anything. Well, we’ll have to talk about that. You don’t know what I’m talking about. And it’s kind of that way with God. He doesn’t want us to come snuggling up to Him until we make sure that our hearts are clean and right with Him. We need to go get these things straight. Make peace with people, and then come
to Him. (Matthew 5:9) states, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” The greatest friend of peacemaking is humility. (Proverbs 11:2) says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Pride says I’m not going to apologize. I didn’t do anything wrong. It’s not my fault. Most relationships with ongoing struggles consist of both parties having some part in the fault. I want to give you a couple of peacemaking points and then we’ll move on. The greatest enemy to peacemaking is pride. Pride says I’m the most important person in my life. I’m more concerned about me than everyone else. In the process of attempting to keep my peace, I’m really in turmoil and upheaval. Because pride says I’m more important than you. 1) Admit to specific actions and attitudes. Sincerely say things like: you know what; I shouldn’t have raised my voice. I’m sorry I didn’t call. I shouldn’t have assumed. I ignored your feelings. I wasn’t there for you, I should have protected you. I didn’t engage with you emotionally. Be willing to own your mistakes. Take responsibilities for your actions or lack thereof. 2) Don’t make excuses. Do your kids ever come to you and go, daddy you’re never home. You have a job where you’re home at 6:00pm
every evening and although you’re physically present, maybe you’re never really home because you’re just parked in front the TV. Maybe you need to spend some quality time with the children. 3) Accept the consequences when you’ve been wrong. If you’ve lost someone’s trust gain it back. Be willing to earn it back. Trust is not freely given. We have to earn trust with one another, right? 4) Change your behavior. Do you ever try to apologize to somebody and then you start yelling at them again? You apologize, you yell again, you’re cursing and you’re yelling. Change your behavior. If you need counseling, get counseling. You need to be accountable to somebody, find someone you trust you want to be accountable to. But be willing to change your behavior because if you don’t change your behavior, you’ll keep repeating your offense. 5) Ask for forgiveness. Don’t just say I’m sorry; you need to ask for their forgiveness. When I got saved, one day I guess I heard a message on forgiveness and I had gotten to work the next day and I was sitting there in my office thinking about my dad. I thought about how our relationship had not been that good when I was See Getting Past on Page 43
If you’re tired of church life being the same old mundane routine, then we’re the church for you! A place for a fresh start! Service times: Sunday 9AM and 10:30AM Student Service: Wednesday 7PM
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What Does "Dying To Self" Really Mean? by Cathy Deaton
There was a day when I died, utterly died — died to George Müller, his opinions, preferences, tastes, and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends — and since then I have only to show myself approved to God. George Muller (1805-1898) George Muller was used by God in a mighty way in England. There were many orphan children who roamed the streets causing trouble.
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They were hungry, dirty, and needed love and attention. God placed a burden on his heart to do something about this dire situation. A whole generation of children was being lost to Satan because they didn't have mentors to give them the right instruction. Instead of talking himself out of this momentous task by saying, "Somebody needs to do something about these children, but I don't have the learning or resources to make a difference," he responded to the calling of God and made the decision to START. He knew that God would have to intervene or it would be an "impossible" task. How could he possibly have cared for all these children on a long-term basis without God's help? God led him to open an orphanage, and he decided that if God had truly called him to do this impossible task, He could be depended upon to completely provide the finances to do it. WHAT A STEP OF FAITH!!! He knew that God would not only have to provide for his needs,
but for many hungry children who would be depending on him to provide for their needs. And God did supply the needs for not only 1 orphanage, but many of them as George Müller walked in obedience day after day. Over his lifetime he mentored thousands of orphan children and gave them a hope for a bright future. God used 1 man who would walk in obedience to change the future for thousands of children. And there is no doubt that the city and surrounding areas changed for the better as well. A whole generation of children now had hope for the future instead of growing up in a state of hopelessness. As I read this quote, it brought to memory how I had battled with this particular thing for several years. I used to think of "dying to self" and what it would mean in my life. I truly wanted God to have total control and walk in obedience to what He desired. But "dying to self" is something I tried to accomplish in my own power. Then when I messed up, I
would berate myself and think that I would never be able to do this thing that George Muller had done that so powerfully changed his life. I finally realized that "dying to self" means that you want God to have control over everything in your life more than you want to control it yourself. The first step is to learn to hear the Holy Spirit when He speaks and just be obedient to what He says. He will never lead you astray, and always desires the very best for your life. If you wake up each day and your main desire is to allow the Holy Spirit to work in the way God desires, you will be changed from the inside out. You are now allowing the Holy Spirit to change you instead of you trying to do it yourself. This means God will do some deep cleaning with the sole purpose of making your life one that reflects His. I have found that the Holy Spirit does an excellent job of See Dying to Self on Page 39
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Dying To Self Continued from Page 38
Witness Continued from Page 10
showing me things that need to change. Even though it usually feels terrible at the time, God is simply transforming your life into one that perfectly reflects His. When you can look at things in this way, you can also look at trials in a completely different way. Being "dead to self" is a life that reflects God, but it starts with learning to hear the Holy Spirit and choosing to walk in obedience to what He says. It's really that simple. You don't have to do it. You just allow the Holy Spirit to work through you to accomplish what God desires. I think George Muller had come to the point that being in the Will of God was the only thing that mattered. When he could do that day after day, he realized that he had become "dead to self." It was just the natural outcome of a life that walked in sync with God. Fear of man must die in our life. For if the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, the fear of man is the beginning of misery, compromise, and disappointment. >
children who are receptive to it. The fifth way is the best motivation for learning––praise. We all like and appreciate praise. We make time to tell our children what they have done wrong, but focusing on what they have done right may be even more important. Praise them for even the smallest things. If you think they could improve in some area, don’t shame them into doing better. Ask if they need help
Family Life Continued from Page 29 or do it together. Put each family event or activity on the calendar, so it can be prayed for. Wouldn’t it be great to have the entire family pray for a child to do his best at the track meet or that Mom would meet someone who needed to hear about Jesus at her meeting? 13. Go on a prayer walk in your neighborhood. Pray for all the families that live around you. For help on how to do this, obtain the book Prayerwalking by Steve
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and offer to help them. Rather than telling them what to do, go together to the Word of God to see what He has to say about a situation. When you see them applying what they have learned, praise them. The last idea is prayer (though ideally prayer should be a part of all six ideas). God answers the prayers of godly parents who want to raise godly children. Parents who spend time praying for and with their children demonstrate the importance of prayer. Jesus set the example by praying in all kinds of situations,
and we can do no less as examples for our children. Do you have a faith that is worth handing down? Think about the example you set and the legacy you are leaving. Have you loved God and practiced the principles of Scripture? Have you have loved your children and listened to them? Then you will leave them a faith to sustain them through every difficulty, every heartache, and every trial of life.
Hawthorne and Graham Kendrick (Creation House) or the video Prayerwalking for Kids, available from Joey and Fawn Parish (see address above). 14. Adopt a leader to pray for. The objective of this National Day of Prayer Task Force program is to have families adopt a local, state, or national political leader. The family commits to pray for and communicate with this leader for at least one year. Kits are available from NDOP at (800) 444-
8828. 15. Participate as a family in prayer events. Join with other believers for the National Day of Prayer (first Thursday in May), PrayUSA!, Praying Through the Window, March for Jesus, etc. Encourage your junior- or seniorhigh school children to take part in See You at the Pole.
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. – Revelation 22:13
Ochristian >
By Kim Butts Used by permission of the author. www.reviveourhearts.com >
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Prepare for Victory! His servants, the prophets, were men of prayer, full of the truth and the Holy Spirit. They were true shepherds - holy and fearless servants. The Bible says these men of God have stood in the counsel of the Lord. Over and over in the Bible, you'll find these traits in every man of God. Elijah stood before wicked Ahab and said, "I've come to you, king, because I have stood before the Lord!" The prophets heard counsel from God and they comprehended it and preached it! God says these kinds of servants "cause my people to hear my words... (turning) them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doing" (Jeremiah 23:22). They are
not afraid to expose sin in the house of God, no matter who gets convicted! Jeremiah himself was everything a hungry congregation could ask for in a shepherd. He was shut in with God; he couldn't be bought at any price; he wept over the sins of God's people. He was ready to lay down his life for the church - and indeed he was cast into jail and into a deadly mud pit for speaking the truth! Time after time, Scripture says Jeremiah waited in the Lord's presence until "the word of the Lord came to him." (This phrase appears over fifty times in the book of Jeremiah!) In those days, there was no shortage of
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a true word from God. Indeed, the Lord has always had His true prophets and pastors, even in times of compromise. Time after time, you read: "And the word of the Lord came to Isaiah... to Jeremiah... to Ezekiel..." It came to Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Jonah, Micah, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. And God's word was always a clear warning - full of judgment against sin, yet full of hope for the repentant. It was a call to separation from ungodliness - and to a continual life of holiness! Usually there were three kinds of responses to the word of truth. And you see these same three responses among Christians today. Many People Simply Do Not Want To Hear What God is saying! The Israelites had no intention of quitting their sinful ways. Instead, they wanted a soft, soothing word. The prophet Isaiah said of them: "This is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord. The Lord warns those who do not want to hear the true Word of God: "Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein; but have walked after the imagination of their own heart... therefore... I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink" (Jeremiah 9:13-15). God warns: "You can choose to sit under that kind of preaching - smooth, comforting, soft and easy. But it's poison! You're drinking in death!" Others Say Privately They Want To Hear What God Is Saying - But Their Pride Hinders Them From Hearing! King Zedekiah best illustrates this kind of person. He was a man of great power, influence and authority. His father, Josiah, was a godly man - so we know Zedekiah had a background in holiness and the things of God. Yet when this man inherited the throne, he had no time for the Lord - that is, until a crisis struck! Friends, there are many who say, "I want to hear the Word of God! I want it straight, uncompromising and pure." But you can rest assured: These will never receive what God says, because pride hinders them from hearing when the truth comes! Jeremiah told the king to surrender to the Chaldeans - and that he, his family and the people would live. Even the city would be spared. But if he didn't surrender, it would all be destroyed - and he would die! Zedekiah answered, "I can't do that - I'm afraid of the Jews that have already surrendered. They'll mock me, shame me - they'll tear me apart!" Sure enough, he rejected God's word to him. Even though everyone
was dying and the city was collapsing, his pride was still intact! Zedekiah ended up trying to escape in the middle of the night, but he was captured. His sons were killed before his eyes, his wives were ravaged, and his eyes were burned out in their sockets - all because of pride! Many Cry And Clamor For A Pure Word But It Is A Cover-Up For Long-Standing, Hidden Idolatry In Their Heart! There is a holy remnant that sighs and cries over the wickedness in the land. They yearn for the truth and will obey Me. Yet multitudes will not listen when the truth is brought forth! They will reject any message that touches their pet sins or idols!" How clearly this is illustrated in (Jeremiah 42)! Only a remnant was left, and Johanan was now the leader. They decided to run to Egypt - so they camped out at Bethlehem and called on Jeremiah to try to get a word from the Lord: So Jeremiah shut himself in with God for ten days. He must have prayed, "God, You heard how they cried out for a pure word. Give me a word from Your heart!" But the Lord answered him, "They're lying! They don't want My word. They're full of idolatry! They just say they want the truth - but they've already made up their minds to do their own thing!" Jeremiah came to them with God's word: "If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down... Be not afraid of the king of Babylon... for I am with you to save you from his hand.... "But if ye say, We will not dwell in this land... but we will go into the land of Egypt... then it shall come to pass, that the sword, which ye have feared, shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt... and there ye shall die" (Jeremiah 42:10-16). The leaders accused Jeremiah of speaking falsely - and, just as God had told Jeremiah, they decided to go their own way. The leaders of the remnant said, "It's too big of a struggle here. We're tired of hearing all the trumpets and the thunder!" So they went their own stubborn way - and they died by the sword, as God had said, except for a tiny number. This is a picture of many last-day Christians: tired of hearing prophetic trumpets announcing judgments to come, weary of spiritual warfare and life's struggles. They say, "Please, leave me alone! No more convicting meetings or sermons to upset me. I just want a nice, quiet, soothing place to worship." Are you tired of hearing it all? Have you become so weary that you think, "I just want some peace - I can't exist in this kind of tension!" Or do you really want to hear
See Victory on Page 41
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www.changingtimes.info Forgiving Attitude Continued from Page 18 out of their resentment, I believe there is a real lack of wisdom in that person’s life. Wisdom comes from God, but if we do not really know God or accept God into our lives we will not have godly wisdom within us. We will have an attitude filled with our own understanding. And what is that? If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5) So then what is the struggle in marriage? Is the struggle saying “no” to worldly pleasures and desires? Is the struggle not realizing the perfect blessings we have been given already from God? Could it be the struggle is that we have not asked For God’s loving guidance into our lives? Are we too proud to come to Christ and accept His love for us? If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives him-
self. (Galatians 6:3) Double check your attitude and see if it only needs adjusted a little bit. When our body gets too cold or too hot we adjust the thermostat in our homes, when our thinking becomes negative, we only need to adjust our attitude. Forgive others, be repentant, be forgiven, and love. …Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use it, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:37, 38) My Spouse is Having an Affair: What is God's Will For Me Now? http://youtu.be/VH5c4gtP2As Heaven Ministries ~ http://www. heavenministries.com Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com CHRISTIAN WRITERS >
Transformation Continued from Page 34 while. But ultimately God is the One who changes us from the inside out. God is the One who transforms us. Therefore, it's vital that we remain in communication with Him whenever we seek a transformational experience with His Word. Step 5: Determine How You Will Obey This final step of transformational Bible study is a step that many Christians forget to take (or are ignorant of altogether). To put it simply, it's not enough for us to understand the ways we need to change in order to be transformed -- in order to conform ourselves to the truths contained in the Bible. It's not enough for us to know
what we need to do. We need to actually do something. We need to obey what the Bible says through our daily actions and attitudes. That's the message of this powerful verse from the Book of James: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says (James 1:22) So, the final step in reading the Bible for transformation is to make a specific, concrete plan about how you will obey and apply the truths you discover. Again, because God is the One who ultimately changes you at the heart level, it's best to spend some time in prayer as you come up with this plan. That way you won't rely on your own strength of will to carry it out. >
Victory Continued from Page 40 the straight truth? Do you want a prophet of God to point a finger at your heart and say, "You are not diligent in seeking God - your heart is growing cold! And you won't be able to receive any word from him until you deal with your idolatry!" Friends, the Lord warns us to prepare us! You see, He is coming for a prepared Bride - and knowing that fire is about
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Getting Past Continued from Page 37 a teenager because of me, not because of him. And I thought, first of all I need to tell my dad that I forgive him of all these things that he had done and said to me over the years. Then I need to ask him to forgive me. So I just wrote him a letter. I sent it to him and it really healed our relationship. It changed. He picked up the phone and called me. I received your letter. Thank you for sending it. We were able to put those things away. So maybe sometimes it requires a letter. But I want to tell you, don’t send a text. Don’t ask for forgiveness in a text. Especially if you don’t know how to word things because texts can mess you up. You can be right back in the same boat that you were in. Listen if you want somebody to forgive you. How about this! I was wrong, will you please forgive me. There’s nothing more powerful than those humble words coming out of
your mouth. Let’s pray…God, I know today as we sat here listening to your words about leaving our gift at the altar and going to make our relationships right so that we can come back and worship you, we all learned something. God I know that there are faces that have popped up into our minds and people and instances and events in our life where we know that we hurt someone else. I pray God, today and the days to come, that people around us, our circles of friends and influence will be so affected by what we heard and experienced here today, God that a real peacemaking will happen in our lives. God, we will not be mere peacekeepers of peace, but God true peacemakers who have a heart for you and a heart for others. We give you honor today and praise you in Jesus’ name! >
Godly Legacy Continued from Page 20 rior fails to show up for battle, we're going to have problems. Lives can actually be endangered. These are strategic, vital roles. When you think about your family, it's not just a matter of “Will my kids make it?” or “Will we have a good family?” or “Will we have an intact home?” There's a much bigger picture here. Building His Kingdom God is building His kingdom, and we are workmen with Him; we are watchmen with Him; we are warriors with Him. The purpose of God for our families, homes, and relationships is that, through our little part of building, we are contributing to a much larger building of the kingdom of God. It's through this means that we leave a
legacy of godliness for the next generation. If you lose sight of that vision, you're going to get weary in welldoing. Lift your eyes upward and say, “What's the bigger picture here? What is God up to?” Our children are a sacred stewardship from the Lord. One day we will give account to God for the spiritual condition of the next generation. That does not diminish their responsibility, but we, as adult believers, will one day stand before God and give account for how we built, watched over the city, and fought the battle on behalf of the next generation. Copyright © 2015 Revive Our Hearts >
Comfort Continued from Page 27
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seen God's wisdom in the timing of their conversion. This may well be so with your child. Paul said that there was a reason he was chosen to be converted even though he was a murderer, blasphemer and violent aggressor—so that people will see and have hope that God can save anyone. 9. You cannot save your child yourself no matter how hard you try. You are in a position of trust alone. This is good because it is the only way to please God (Heb. 11:6). Your rest in God, while simultaneously praying to the God who answers prayer, will be
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. – Ephesians 5:22
14-30527 PNT UNITED MEDIA ( Jewish LIght and On Eagles Wings) 4.9” x 13” File built @ 100% 08/01/14
an encouragement to others in the same situation It will also help you respond to your child more positively, and will make your life far more joyful than your anxiety ever could. 10. Finally, remember that God has a purpose in all He does. We will one day rejoice that God has done a perfect job of ruling His universe. When we acknowledge this and put God even above our children, we will actually demonstrate to our child the way a Christian is to live. Copyright © 2015 Christian Communicators Worldwide>
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Changing Times
Christian Attorney Personal Injury Cases • Auto Accidents We Come To You Home Or Hospital Southshore, Northshore Prompt Personalized Attention Over 38 Yrs. Experience John Bono
Michael Bono
• Neck, Back & Head Injuries • Spinal Injuries • Disc/Nerve Damage • Wrongful Death • Amputations • Maritime • Offshore • Burns
• Scarring • Paraplegia • Slip & Fall • 18 Wheelers • Pedestrian/Auto • Children’s Injuries • Premises Liability • Uninsured Motorist
Also Offering Successions, Wills, Real Estate Transfers/Sales, Business Formation, and Contracts
Free Consultation - no recovery / no Fee
504-835-9909
3801 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 206, Metairie (1 Block From Causeway Bridge • Free Covered Parking)
Metairie and Mandeville Locations
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