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Your season of double
Jasmin Dareus
The Bible says that Job was the richest man in the Eastern part of the world. It went on to explain that he was perfect and upright and held fast to his integrity. He was a leader that gave instruction to many and strengthened the hands of the weak. In spite of all Job had amassed in his lifetime and as much as he truly loved and lived for God, his time of trial and testing came. In one day job fell from the height of prosperity to the valley of poverty. He lost his house, his children, his business, his friends and even his wife. The only thing Job maintained after all his God given gifts were done away with, was his relationship with the Father. The Bible says that after the messengers came and told of his grave misfortune, Job "fell down upon the ground and worshiped." Job declared out of his lips but from his spirit "the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21 Full Story
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Designer Original
One of the greatest fashion horrors any woman dreads is experiencing the unexpected duplication of a prized outfit on another woman at the same place and time. To be honest with you, at first, I really could not see what all the drama was regarding this whole scenario, until it happened to me... not once, but twice. Years ago I bought a beautiful shimmering pearl colored dress that had a raised cascading design off the left shoulder. The very name of the store indicated that the outfits sold there were 'one of a kind' so I was assured that no-one else would have this dress. However, that same weekend when I wore my dress to church, sure enough there was another lady wearing the exact same dress. My 'one of a kind.'
Recently, I was also at a wedding and I thought to myself, surely the same thing could not happen to again. But there it was across the aisle from me, my beautiful rust skirt suit looking back at me as if saying, 'Hello, I see you over there.' It was not a 'one of a kind.'
Thank God you are not like those dresses...duplicates. When God made you, there were no duplicate or copy, you are one of a kind; a designer original. Psalm 139:14 says, "... I am fearfully and wonderfully made...." (read entire chapter online at www.biblestudytools.com). For this reason, you are not to try to be like anyone else. God specifically created you the way you are, unlike anyone else in any form or fashion. Full Story
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Change Ministries International moving beyond the four walls
A church in Abaco has moved beyond the comfort of the four walls and is engaged in a number of projects in their communities that are making a noticeable difference in people's lives.
Change Ministries International in Murphy Town has designated the month of May as "40 Days of Community Service" and Senior Pastor and Visionary Samuel Cornish says people who are in need, from Crown Haven in the North to Sandy Point in the South, are being helped.
"It's one of the mandates God has placed on my life - making a change by executing projects that will enhance the lives of the people in our communities," Pastor Cornish explained. Full Story
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God is still in control
REV. SAMUEL BOODLE
Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad." Full Story
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With new eyes
Margaret C. Mullings
A young girl at 15 years of age finds herself struggling to see the black-board at school and requests of her teachers to allow her to sit at the front of the class. Gradually her sight begins to deteriorate even further to the point of not being able to bear being in the sunlight with water draining from her eyes. Her mother takes her to the Ophthalmologist who subscribes a prescription for a pair of very strong glasses. The glasses are very helpful, but unfortunately the young girl is unable to see anything without the glasses as everything is a blur. At night time, the young girl would find herself sleeping with her glasses on. Full Story
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Follow Me: The call to authentic discipleship
Pastor Wilbur Outten
This month at Freeport Bible Church (FBC), emphasis is being placed on what it really means to follow Christ. In the various small groups, they were studying the book Fan or Follower, where members were encouraged to do an honest self-evaluation determining whether they were simply fans or true followers of Christ. Full Story
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Encourage someone today
Margaritta Munroe
The following devotional is one of my all time favorites, because it gives a charge to all of us to do something good for someone else. It is asking us to make a special effort to be an encourager. The Bible, in the book of Acts, speaks of Barnabas, whose name actually means "son of encouragement," who was known for encouraging the brethren. There is so much devastation and destruction that many face on a daily basis on the global front and also within our nation. Let us be our neighbor's and our brother's keeper. Many are deprived of the very basic necessities of life. Look around, look for an opportunity to be a blessing and encourage someone today. Full Story
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Chosen
In life you maybe at the bottom right now and feeling like there is no way out. Yet I submit to you there is hope and a bright future for you! Be blessed and encouraged as you read this story you will discover that you have such great potential - You are chosen by God to do great things for the Kingdom of God! Full Story
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Take it by force
Evelyn Williams
As I sat meditating one morning between the hours of 3:00 a.m and 5:00 a.m. a holy anger rose up in me as I began to view the present state of God's people. Full Story
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Celebration
By Ian Clark
The word celebrate is one that is commonly used as we endeavor to speak concerning a festivity or otherwise to a time of complete happiness. When I celebrate i'm happy because of some great accomplishment or reason, and it is something that is something more of merry-making with food drinks etc a true time of having fun. Well, you may ask, why did I chose this topic because to me as believers in christ we could easily be sidetracked by the vicissitudes of life that we forget that we are called upon to rejoice and be glad for great is our reward in heaven (paraphrased) so let's be encouraged and celebrate God. Full Story
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Cling to God's unchanging Word
Participants in the Jesus Christ Centered Ministries International's 2013 Word Immersion Conference were admonished to embrace spirituality by clinging to God's unchanging Word.
Conference host Bishop Sheldon Newton and Pastor Stephen Gilbert both stressed the need for Christians to progress in their spiritual walk through the knowledge and application of biblical principles.
Both ministers expounded on the purpose and role of the five-fold ministry — the apostle, prophet, teacher, pastor and evangelist – with Pastor Gilbert saying that since everyone needs somebody, that nobody within the Body of Christ should think of themselves more highly than they are. Full Story
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Setbacks create great comebacks
By PASTOR PETER AND EVANGELIST SHANTELL EVANS
The word setback, by its very own nature is designed to keep one from moving forward. The dictionary defines setback as - an unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating; an unanticipated or sudden check in progress; a change from better to worse. Full Story
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THE HAMMER
By Margaret C. Mullings
From a very young age it was just so fascinating for me to watch a carpenter use the hammer. Then at every opportunity I would attempt to use the hammer that only to experience the pain of bruising my fingers with it. Yet I had a special love for the hammer remained with me so much so that when ever I wanted to decorate the walls in my home, I would run with excitement to get the hammer and as I would use the hammer to drive the nail in the wall to hang a beautiful picture or an ornament, these words rang out from my husband, "Margaret, what are you doing?" My reply, "I'm putting another picture on the wall." He interjected and demonstrated to me how to effectively use the hammer by measuring 16 inches across to find a beam and then use the hammer to securely fasten the nail into it thus it would remain. This revelation reminded me of how one day while doing some work in the front of my yard when suddenly a rock opened up and from behind it came a large animal walking on his hind feet, he was very angry at me but it seemed that he was being restrained and all he could do is look at me – immediately though my attention was more focused on what was inside of what looked like a cave and in it were many more larger animals than he who opened the entrance to this place – suddenly I threw what I had been working with into the cave, it was a hammer! I awakened it was a dream that left me puzzled – the Word spoke to me from Jeremiah 23:29 NKJ "Is not My Word like a fire?" Says the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" Full Story
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Methodist Minister earns Ph.D.
The Rev. Livingstone R. Malcolm graduated, April 20, 2013, from the South Africa Theological Seminary with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in theology, New Testament.
The focus of his research was the Gospel of Matthew. The topic of the research was, "Reading the Matthean M From A Diaspora Sanctuary Perspective."
Dr. David Kuck, United Theological College of the West Indies, commended Dr. Malcolm when he wrote that, "Your thesis revolving around the migration of the Matthean community and its creation of sanctuary is bold and potentially very fruitful for the Caribbean." Full Story
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Gospel artist captures
Mr. Bahamas United Nations title
Popular Bahamian gospel recording artist Jonathan Farrington has done it again. He has added to his list of accomplishments by clinching the national title of Mr. Bahamas United Nations.
The win has earned the 24-year-old the right to represent The Bahamas at The United Nations Pageant and a chance at winning a $10,000 prize and travel opportunities to conduct charity work.
The United Nations Pageant's principal objective is to identify and showcase the world's best tourism cause ambassadors; those who have the skills, talents and personalities best-suited to promote their respective countries to further tourism, international goodwill and cultural harmony. Full Story
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Do not be displaced
Margaret C. Mullings
What a horrible feeling being displaced, recalling the night that I woud prove to God that my eyesight was healed and that I would conqueror my fear of driving at night by going to a friend's house to pick up a package. Taking one of my sons with me only to find that I turned through the wrong corner, and could not find my way back! what a horrible feeling, and not having a cellphone then to call anyone. What was even worse my son began to cry! Full Story
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The woman of praise
Evelyn Williams
In Proverbs 31 the question is asked "Who can find a virtuous woman?" for her price is far above rubies. But I look around today and I wonder. Where is the woman of honor, the woman of righteousness. Where is the woman who dares to be respected in her home town? In the city and in her home. Where is the woman that is concerned about her reputation? Where is she? As we look around in our society today, we can see that time has changed tremendously. The grandmother, the mother and the daughter all are comparing themselves to each other. You could hardly tell the difference. All of them are wearing miniskirts, all of them are trying to outdo each in hair style, in nail style and what's worse Grammy is cutting up with granddaughter's boyfriend. Well what is this world coming to? There was a time when and if a boy wants to see you and only in terms of getting married, mummy and daddy would sit in the chair over across from you, not beside you, but they would sit in the chair facing you so that they can see how you are going to act while the boy is talking to you and God help you don't smile too wide because he would not be coming there the next day. Full Story
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What about your mother?
Margaret C. Mullings
Most of us, if not all of us would not allow the thought of losing a mother, or a loved one for that matter to ever come to mind – well, one day while doing some household chores, I found a picture of my mother hidden in an arrangement of flowers, picking it up - this question rang out "What about your mother?" Full Story
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The wonder of a mother
Margaritta Munroe
"Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her. Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all" (Proverbs 31: 28,29). Full Story
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Embrace spiritual maturity
A good dose of God's Word would positively change the lives of people, and that is exactly what Jesus Christ Centered Ministries International (JCCMI) pastor Bishop Sheldon Newton will give out when he hosts his Word Immersion Conference.
Under the theme "Embracing Spiritual Maturity," JCCMI will stage its first Nassau Word Immersion Conference May 2 to 4 at the church in the Old Dad Plaza on Carmichael Road.
After overseeing a powerful Word immersion experience last year in North Andros, Newton, the conference host, said that one of his main goals was to ensure that those who attend the conference leave with more knowledge and a greater hunger for God's Word. Full Story
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Anglican Provincial statement on same-sex unions
The House of Bishops and Standing Committee of the Church in the Province of the West Indies meeting at Bamford House in Barbados extend greetings to the faithful of the province and the leaders of our nations charged with responsibility for governance.
In the course of our deliberations we have taken note of the fact that our nations are facing serious economic and social challenges which are currently taxing the human and material resourcefulness of our people, a situation complicated by developments in the global economy.
We have taken note also of trends within countries of the developed world and international forums, and in which these countries exercise a controlling interest, in which matters related to human sexuality have been elevated to the level of human rights and are being promulgated as positions which must be accepted globally. Frequently, failure to conform by developing nations like our own, results in the threat of various sanctions, including the withholding of economic aid. Full Story
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People will know that you are Christians by your love
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. – John 13:34-35
It is said that one of the early church writers and defenders of the faith, Tertullian of Carthage, declared that the one thing that converted him to Christianity was not the arguments they gave him because he could find a counterpoint for every argument they would present. G. Curtis Jones wrote, "But they demonstrated something I didn't have. The thing that converted me to Christianity was the way they loved each other."
In the above text, Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another. This command also includes us in the Christian church today. Love is important to Christians because love is the nature of God. The Apostle John tells us in I John 4:16, "God is love." Full Story
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Have the courage to fail
D. PAUL REILLY
I've noted in several other articles recently, the tremendous success of Mark Burnett, of Mark Burnett Productions who presently has some five top rated productions airing on TV around the world, "Celebrity Apprentice," "The Voice," "The Boss," "Survivor" and "Shark Tank", and they're also working on their first non-reality show based on the Bible. In an interview on the program "Mansbridge One on One" on CBC with host Peter Mansbridge, Peter asked him the following question, he said to Mark Burnett "All of your previous shows have been reality shows, are you at all nervous about doing a drama, a scripted show like The Bible?" Mark said he wasn't, as the story and the script were so great, and he had this strong inner urge to produce the series. He also added, to succeed in life you've got to have the courage to fail — yes indeed, you must! Full Story
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Freeport Bible Church ministers at Circle Mall
As a part of its Evangelism month under the theme, "I am a witness," Freeport Bible Church (FBC) took church to the mall on Saturday, April 27, 2013.
The church's evangelism team, led by Associate Pastor, Karol Roache, organized a day of Evangelism and Entertainment at the Circle Mall, Freeport.
Store Merchants and shoppers at the mall were entertained with songs of praise, dance, poetry and drama. Full Story
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The Devil's Child
Pastor Peter/Evangelist Shantell Evan
Too many people are playing Russian roulette with their lives. They go to bed with Satan and expect to awake with Christ. What is so unfortunate about such behavior is that many are reproducing Satan's offspring. Because these are intimately involved with the devil on a regular basis, they are continually being impregnated with his seed. Full Story
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Fix your eyes on God
Evelyn Williams
There was a story told of two men crossing a rugged mountain range on horseback. As they came to a large and swift-flowing river, the older and more experienced man said to the younger, "As we get to the deepest and swiftest part, be sure not to look down and from side to side at the swirling water around you, it will only make you dizzy." "Listen to me," the older man continued sternly, "see that big rock on the other side? Keep your eyes focused on that rock!" "OK" said the younger man. Full Story
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Anglican men gathered for 40th Conference
The Anglican Church Men Council hosted its 40th Conference in New Providence April 10 – 14, 2013. Men assembled in the All Saints Community Centre from across The Bahamas and The Turks & Caicos Islands to develop practical ways to becoming a more effective ministry in these two countries. The A.C.M. started in 1972 and has become a vibrant organization for men.
This 40th Conference, held under the theme: "Actioning Christ's Mandate; Guided by The Light," called delegates to re-examine the past and move resolutely to chart the way forward, being current and meaningful. The Vision presented for the A.C.M. 2013 and beyond, is 'Mentorship.' It is widely agreed that there is dire need for men to aid in the guidance and rearing of our youth. However, we must have our 'acts together' if positive results are to be garnered. Men are required to be leaders, as ordained by God: in homes, church, places of work and elsewhere.
This posture in steadily regaining, we see men more and more recommitting themselves to God and His Church. While we are not satisfied with the level of manhood experienced presently, many more are transforming into genuine examples of men. Full Story
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The sound of victory
Pastor Peter and Evangelist Shantel Evans
For every believer who has ever felt like giving up or throwing in the towel, this is a word of encouragement to you. For every tear you have cried, every sweat you have dripped and pain you have borne, God is getting ready to reward you just for hanging in there. Hush, dry the tears, wipe the sweat, forget the pain and listen. Can't you hear the applause and cheers of the crowd? Increase your spiritual hearing aide; the heavenly hosts of angels are applauding your resilience. They are celebrating your success because you have endured. Yes, you have successfully persevered the worst. Now home stretch bound are you. Full Story
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Fasten your seat belt
When our seat belt law was enforced recently, it obviously was not readily received by everyone right away. It was seen as an obstacle to mash up our perfectly ironed church or work clothes, so we refused to comply with this new regulation. On the other hand, many of us have no problem adhering to this law of the land whenever we travel to the United States where this regulation is ardently enforced. The seat belt is designed for our safety and protection. We will see in the following devotional, the connotation surrounding the whole aspect of the seat belt and how it is relayed regarding our own responses and reactions to everyday, life situations.
The following devotional, "Fasten Your Seat Belt," in my opinion, will be an enormous source of encouragement and inspiration to you. The life examples depicted by the author, paints such true-to-life, simplistic pictures, that anyone can understand the simple message in the message. The author's concentration is based on a passage of scripture from Matthew 21:42, which reminds us that, at times when situations occur, it could be that it is "the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes." (Read the full story of the wicked vinedressers in Matthew 21:33-46 @ www.biblestudytools.com). Here is our devotion:
"Normally, any time there is a collision, there is damage – either to persons or to things. If one vehicle collides with another, everything associated with both vehicles may be affected. In the same way, when a relationship crashes – whether it is in a corporate office, a ministry, or a family – it impacts everyone involved. The jarring and jolting will do varying degrees of damage, depending upon the nature of the relationship. Full Story
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Turn to God when you seek peace
Rev. Samuel M. Boodle
Now when He saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them, saying "... Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. . . . Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." — Matthew 5:1-2, 4, 9. Full Story
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Women with Issues 2013 Conference Review Part I
Our God is awesome and he can certainly move mountains, and hide us from the rain. The Women with Issues 2013 Conference kicked off with a grand stance at Lighthouse International. Thank God He always has a Ram in the ticket. After our opening night speaker cancelled, the day before the engagement, yours truly (Evangelist Evans) had to deliver the word.
Although I had to cut the word short, I'm certain that everyone got the message. In order to rise out of our ashes, we must set our minds on higher thoughts. To accomplish this, we must firstly take control of our thinking, because the mind controls the body. It has the power to create an atmosphere that is positive or negative. The atmosphere becomes positive when we learn to think on positive things. It becomes negative, when we dwell on negative things.
People today, are struggling with sickness, depression and other issues because they dwell too much on the hurts and pains of the past. Nevertheless, now is the hour to rise up out of the hurt and pain, by allowing yourself to think happy thoughts. Begin seeing yourself healed and you will be. Picture yourself owning that business or getting that husband and you will. As long as you dwell and the failures and setbacks, it will keep you discouraged, depressed and defeated. Time to rise out of your ashes! You know better than anyone, the ashes of ruin you are in. Acknowledge your ruin and then you will begin to see yourself rising out of it. Full Story
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Cross your jordan to possess all God has for you
Margaret C. Mullings
Friend, isn't it something how God will take you to some places that you really do not want to go, and He will open doors for you, yet often times for whatever reason, you may refuse to walk through the door. Do you realize this could be the day He is calling you to cross over your Jordan to posses all that He has promised you? Full Story
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Love yourself first
Evelyn Williams
One thing I have learned over the years is that you must love and appreciate yourself first before others can love and appreciate you. You must love and appreciate the gifts that God has placed within you, before someone else can love and appreciate the gifts that is within you. We spend so much of our time waiting to be loved, hoping love will find us, searching, yearning for that special love and feeling empty and lost without it. Full Story
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A reminder - on the front lines
Margaret C. Mullings
There are unknown soldiers, who have fought numerous battles for the freedom of so many even though their lives were at stake. So it is in our walk with God, we are in a spiritual battle and satan is the real enemy. The good news is God, our Abba Father, is taking care of all of us! Be encouraged as you read. Full Story
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An Everlasting Love
Margaritta Munroe
During these times when there is much unrest in parts of the world and threats of wars, it almost seems as if a grey blanket of foggy gloom hovers above us. With that comes a sense of disenchantment, disillusionment and uncertainty in the air. But in the midst of all of the gloom and despair, there is one thing that is certain; God loves you with an everlasting love. Full Story
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A new wave of glory at BTMB
Previously known as Bible Teachers International Ministries, has become a brand-new church by the intervention and inspiration of almighty God.
During the years 2009-2011, the church had its share of turmoil, persecutions and divisions but God who has always been the 'Captain of this ship,' told me "I am going to give you a new church." It was like He was determined to clean out this 'Ship.' So I stood still, while watching and encouraged myself.
I did not know how He was going to do this thing, but He gave me instructions to follow and a new anointing to accompany my directions. Suddenly, (A NEW WAVE OF GLORY) appeared followed by two distinctive gifts, the Prophetic gift and the gift of discernment of Spirits. With these two gifts operating I in particular, was able to inform the old church of what was going to take place; subsequently, it came to pass just as was said, in some cases, verbatim and individually. Full Story
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The Passover Portal
Jasmin Dareus
The Jews celebrate the Pas-sover Feast every year to commemorate the Exodus from Egypt and their departure and release from slavery to Freedom. There is a seder meal eaten with the family and four questions asked and answered so generations past, present and to come never forget the faithfulness and power of God who delivered them from bondage to be a soveriegn, set apart nation unto Himself. Full Story
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Women with Issues 2013:
Rising Out of the Ashes
Paster Peter/Evangelist Shantell Evans
Women today have come a mighty long way. Traveling through the halls of discrimination, brokenness abuse, depression and the list goes on. Presently there is hope for the woman who desires to rise out of the ashes of her hurt, pain and disdain. Our heavenly Father sends us a word of healing and liberation through the words of Isaiah 61:3, "To console those who mourn in Zion, To give the beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." Full Story
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My Angel
Margaret C. Mullings
During the wee hours of the morning there he was crouched just outside of my bedroom door in the corner of the hallway – I was not afraid of him even though he was so big, and as he smiled at me in an admiring way –My Spirit spoke to his and said, "I am going to seek the Lord, you stay right there!" Full Story
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What time is it?
Evelyn Williams
In Psalm 102:13 David made a prophetic statement during his prayer that one day God will arise and have mercy upon Zion for the time to favor her, yes the set time has come. Zion here refers to the church or the body of Christ and the phrase "set time" is referring to an actual chronological moment in history when something will occur. Full Story
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