CHANGE

Dear Readers:

Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I trust that you all had a blessed and merry Christmas...spending time with your families, friends, and love ones...giving, sharing, and worshipping our Lord. I was and am truly blessed to witness this wonderful season.

As we embark upon the new year, I am looking forward to and have decided that I need "Change;" I desire "Change," and will have "Change." I will contend for the faith and anointing that breaks the yoke of bondage. I desire that my life will reflect the love of God among His people; that I will walk in the Spirit, that as I cross the path of those who are in need of and are seeking for joy, peace, contentment and compassion, that I will be sensitive to that need or needs and that I will hear from God to be of service for [Him] in meeting the need or needs of His people.

I am convinced that we (born-again, Spirit-filled Christians) are left on earth to serve our fellowman. Yes, to serve. We are servants of God. To serve God, we serve His people. Because of love we serve one another. This pleases God.

The Holy Spirit has provided instructions (the Holy Bible) for us to follow. If we love God we will obey His instructions. When we really know Jesus we will want others to know Him.

In effort to serve, we must live it...our strongest testimony is our daily life. In order to serve, we must love people...not pretend to love. The other person knows our motive immediately.

My "Change" is spending more time studying God's Word, obeying God's Word and truly loving God's people. I praise God for His unconditional love and for planting concerned born-again, Spirit-filled people in my path over 40 years ago. These people of God were responsible for planting seeds of love into my life that led me to Jesus, and I have not regretted one second of this new life. Praise the Lord for them and their obedience to His voice.

God loves the soul more than all creation. He fashioned it after His own image and made it like unto Himself. Every soul has departed from God and gone astray, and God has bought every soul back again with a price. That price was in, and through, and by Jesus Christ. God loves every soul with an everlasting love.

As born-again, Spirit-filled Christians, let's make it our "Change" to remember our responsibility to pray for all men, and especially for those who are in leadership roles; home, family, local assemblies, churches, and synagogues; leaders in County, State and Federal government. We must pray without ceasing. We cannot forget that our warfare is not physical...but spiritual, and that our Spiritual weapons; the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit must be in our arsenal for Spiritual warfare.

Jesus said to His Disciples, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet."

My "Change", When people observe my life, I want them to see the love of Christ.

SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: John 13:14, Acts 2:28; 20:19, Romans 7:6; 8:28, Galatians 5:13, Ephesians 6:14-18, II Timothy 2:15; 3:15-16, and James 5:16.

HOLY BIBLE

Holiness is the only way,
That we'll meet the Lord in peace someday;
Holding up the blood stained banner,
And living in a holy manner;


Only in the Word of God,
We'll find rest for our soul, and peace for our heart;
Obeying His ev'ry command,
As He gives strength and knowledge to understand,


Standing against the wiles of Satan,
Not yielding to sin and temptation;
Loving thy neighbor as thyself,
Sharing and giving till nothing is left;


With gladness within the heart,
Knowing this is the will of God;
Yes, life is sweet and filled with joy,
As we climb higher in the Lord;


Climbing a ladder invisible to man,
Holding on to God's unchanging hand;
Believing with all thy heart,
There's only one true living God;


Lord of Lords is He,
None other power can set man free;
Included in the Word of God,
Is nothing unseemly and nothing hard;


The way of eternal life is written therein,
As promised to all holy men;
Because of God's love for man,
He sent His Son and salvation plan;


That through His holy name,
Eternal life is there to gain;
Love this great came from above,
In the beauty and likeness of a dove;


If all to Him we freely give,
His Word says we shall surely live;
Ev'ry Christian should take a part,
In leading lost souls to God;


This is a small price to pay,
For eternal life someday;
A life we're striving to receive,
And will, if we read, accept, and believe.

Submitted from: Complete Bits and Pieces

THIS SEASON
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus."

************************************

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his His shoulders, and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

This is a time when we can lean on the goodness of God and rejoice in Christ's birth.

In the midst of activities; shopping, cooking, wrapping gifts, going to parties, programs and much more---let us remember who that Baby was and share the story with those in our life. Let us not miss out on the genuine worship of Jesus. Let us take time to go before Him in prayer and worship singing songs of praise.

Jesus came to save us from our sins and to give us eternal life--this is the reason to give Him the worship He deserves!

So let us give glory to Jesus for being our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

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Supporting Scriptures: Mark 10:45; Luke 1:28-31; Isaiah 9:6

Excerpts from: Daily Living for Seniors

DREAMS OF MY MIND

by Christina Ogunmusesan

To the skies my mind flies

And glides with winds of rage

To the beds of the Earth I fall,

Through the burning clouds of plaques

Barefoot in the forest of greens,

Glimmering in the dress of Springs

Along the river of things

Things of treasures and all what pleasure,

I dance along the bend

Glistening in the crystal lights of the moon
Flowing on the waves of the sea
Then into the air, I fly

Asleep I presume

And sinking into the depths of my mind

Soon my eyes flashed wide

Awake hanging off my window.

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MY ROSE

by Christina Ogunmusesan

Every day, as time rushes through me,

I wonder who I am,

As I spend time alone with myself, I also see that I am always in the mood of

angriness and seem to be violent; what's

bordering deep inside?

I wish to have the Love to tender my heart

that was ragingly shattered.

Love so precious, that it mends the broken

pieces of my heart,

and to regain the tears that didn't deserve

to drop.

However, I still remain scared, afraid for

someone else to vandalize me, and remain

protective of myself.

My heart is a Rose, and the petals are

constantly being ripped apart.

"Why did my Rose have to be unraveled?"

This poem was written by my oldest granddaughter,

Christina Ogunmusesan.

Christina's parents: Ebenezer and Karen Ogunmusesan

Faith

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him,who have been

called according to His purpose."

As born-again Spirit-filled Christians we must stand firm in times of uncertainty; lack of employment, loss of income, home foreclosures, greed, lust and all types of addictions that're destroying the fabric of communities, families and self-respect. During these times of Christian challenges, we are to live by 'faith', continually choosing to trust God and not to believe the enemy's lies...we must know and use God's Word.

We must keep in mind that God is our loving Father who tenderly guides His children through the difficult places. When our Father takes us through times of leaness, we will know that He is the restorer of that which the locusts have eaten. We must wait patiently for Him to bring this about in our life. He will do it.

Supporting Scriptures: Romans 8:28; Joel 2:23-27; Ephesians 6:14-18.

YOU ARE THE ONE

You make me happy even tho you're not here,

Just to think of how you're sweet, tender, and dear;

How you cause my heart to be filled with joy,

And my mind the thoughts of you employ;

You are the one I will live with forever,

And depart from you...never, never, never;

The thought of it is so far away,

For our love will grow stronger day by day;

I know what I want,

I know what I need,

"To be with you"

Will be heavenly, indeed;

To hold you and to love you,

Will be my goal,

And to be with you til we both grow old;

Age will have no depth, length, or width,

Our love will just continue to exist;

We'll reminisce all the happiness we have

and laughter we shared,

Not a dull moment and never lonely or sad;

For you are the one who has captured my heart,

And my love for you will never depart.

Revised selection from Complete Bits and Pieces.

God's Love and Ours

Greetings to all in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As I was reading my Bible this morning, the Holy Spirit impressed upon me to share this message with all of you. Every time I read from the Word of God, I am blessed and refreshed. We know that "love" is an action word. It has arms and reaches out to share and to nurture others. We have learned to not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. Praise God for the following message; we all can appreciate a reminder from our Father who is full of compassion and who loves us unconditionally.

The Word of God says, "Let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.

He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Supporting Scriptures: I John 3:18;4:17-21

Compassion puts love into action.

Making Our Calling and Election Sure

Our Lord's divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them we may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if we possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if any of us do not have them, we are nearsighted and blind, and have forgotten that we have been cleansed from our past sins.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, let's be all the more eager to make our calling and election sure. For if we do these things, we will never fall, and will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Supporting Scriptures: 2 Peter 1: 3-11

Living For God While Suffering For Being A Christian

Dear Readers: Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Praise God that all is well with you and yours. This is to encourage and to remind you that to live for God is impossible without the Holy Spirit. We know that the Holy Spirit is one of the three persons of God. In the Old Testament we see the Holy Spirit active in the creation of the world. The Spirit also filled certain people with power at special times. It is the Holy Spirit who worked through men to produce the Scriptures. Because Jesus died and rose to a new life, the Holy Spirit now lives in all God's people. He is the One who makes us new; teaches us and gives us freedom for a new life.

Since Christ suffered in His body, we should arm ourselves with the same attitude, because if we suffer in our body, we're done with sin. As a result, we do not live the rest of our earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. We spent enough time in the past doing what we chose to do---living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, wild parties, carousing and detestable idolatry.

Now that we're living for God; we must be clear minded, and self-controlled so that we can pray. Above all, let's love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Let's offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. We should use whatever gift we have received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. When speaking, we should do it as speaking the very words of God; when serving, serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

If we're insulted because of the name of Christ, we are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on us. We must not be ashamed, but praise God that we bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, if it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? So then, we who suffer according to God's will should commit ourselves to our Creator and continue to do good.

Supporting Scriptures: Genesis 1:1-2; Psalm 104:30; Numbers 11:16-17, 24-30; Judges 14:1-6; 2 Peter 1:19-21; John 14:15-31; Acts 2:1-21; Romans 8:1-27; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; Galatians 5:16-26; 1 Peter 4:1-19.

Spiritual Blessings in Christ

Greetings to my dear sisters and brothers in Christ and to all who may read this article. The Holy Spirit has impressed upon me to share this message with you. Be assured that your reading this message is not by chance---but by the leading of the Holy Spirit. All the glory belongs to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who is the 'only' true sacrifice of redemption. Read, believe and be blessed.

LIVING AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ to be put into effect when the times would have reached their fulfillment---to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.*

We were dead in our trangressions and sins, in which we used to live when we followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in trangression---it is by grace we have been saved through faith---and this not from ourselves, it is the gift of God---not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.**

We must no longer live in the futility of our thinking. We were darkened in our understanding and separated from the life of God because of ignorance that was in us due to the hardening of our hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, we gave ourselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

We were taught, with regard to our former way of life, to put off our old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of our minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, each of us must put off falsehood and speak truthfully of our neighbor, for we are all members of one body. We should not sin in anger and not let the sun go down while we are still angry, and DO NOT give the devil a foothold.

We should not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

We must not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom we were sealed for the day of redemption. Let's get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Let's endeavor to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave us. We should be imitators of God, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Let's rid ourselves of sexual immorality, of any kind of impurity, or greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.

We must live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and seek for what pleases the Lord.***
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Supporting Scriptures: *Ephesians 1:7-10; ** Ephesians 2:1-5; 8-10; ***Ephesians 4:17-32;
5:1-14.

Christ the Wisdom and Power of God

Paul wrote to all those who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; exhorting and reminding them of God's grace through Jesus Christ. Paul expounded on the life style for the local church at Corinth. He speaks against divisions and uses Israel as a warning example.

The concerns that Paul had for the followers of Christ are real concerns in our Christian society today. We have firm believers of the Word of God, and not so firm believers. We have those who deligently follow Christ daily, and those who follow afar off. We have believers who testify of the goodness of God regardless to the outcome of choices they made, and those who blame God for results of their own bad choices. We have those believers who spend timeless hours trying to discredit the knowledge of God and replace it with philosophy of men.

Paul reminded the followers of Chirst how the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved this message is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."

Christ is the power and wisdom of God. The foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; the weak things of the world to shame the strong. Paul wrote, " our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert. Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did." Paul admonished them; "do not be idolaters, as some of them were;" as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry." He wrote that we should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did----and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test the Lord, as some of them did----and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did----and were killed by the destroying angel.

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you're standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man: And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: I Corinthinans 1:18; 10:1-13

His eye our secret thoughts behold,
His mercies all our lives enfold,
He knows our purposes untold,
You cannot hide from God! __Ackley

Standing Firm

Jesus loves us
this we know,
He gave His life
to show us so,
He kept His word
to set us free,
came out of the tomb
so we could see,
He's the only Savior
who lives today,
whom we can reach
when we choose to pray;
More than a cloud
of false accusation,
can weaken our faith
and dedication,
We'll live, honor, trust
and obey,
For we know He's coming back
one day,
We're looking up for His return,
Worshiping, praising and standing firm.
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Read: II Thessalonians, Chapter 2
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Who Is the Holy Spirit?

The purpose of this article is to encourage, enlighten and to share the wonderful promises for God's people.

Several years past, I made the decision to choose 'life'. I wanted to be born again. In so doing, I learned that I needed the infilling of the Holy Spirit to bring rebirth to my spirit; the immaterial invisible part of me where my perceptions, feelings,desires and reflections are housed. I made a public confession that I believed that Jesus was born of a virgin, that He was crucified, was buried and arose on the third day as the Holy Scriptures said. He is the "only" Savior who was crucified, buried,arose from the grave, walked among men, and was watched by His followers as He ascended into Heaven. My spirit was reborn by the power of the Holy Spirit. I became a 'new creation'--old things passed away.

Who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Godhead. He is the divine Gift for service; He indwells every believer.

We may be immature, weak and imperfect, but if we have been 'born again' of the Spirit (John 3:3-7), He dwells in us (I Cor.6:19-20; Rom.8:9). It is one thing to have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, but does the Holy Spirit have us that He may fill us with the abundant life? The abundant life is not found in enviroment or circumstances, or in things we may possess. It is found in the infilling of the Holy Spirit. "Be filled with the Holy Spirit " is a command (Eph.5:18). To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be Spirit-possessed, Spirit empowered, Spirit-led and Spirit.-controlled (Acts 8:26-40).

Six reasons why we are filled with the Spirit:
1) That we might have joy (Eph. 5:19-20);
2) For service (Acts 6:3; 11:22-24);
3) For power to witness (Acts 1:8; 2:4-7);
4) For the hour of persecution (Acts 7: 54-60);
5) That we may "walk in the Spirit" (Gal. 5:16-26);
6) That we may be led by the Spirit (Rom. 8:14).

To be filled with the Holy Spirit:
First, we must desire Him to fill us;
Second, we must ask Him to fill us;
Third, we must believe that He does fill us (John 4:14; 7:37-38).

The Holy Spirit is our life changer.

Supporting Scriptures: John 3:5-8; 16:8; IThes.1:5; Titus 3:5; Eph. 5:18.
I Cor. 6:19; II Cor 5:17;Rom.6:10-13; 8:9;

Word Power

"It is essential that we use our words with great wisdom and care. Consider carefully the words we choose. Will they be seasoned with the balm of grace or with the poison of anger?"(Bill Crowder).

Communication is an act or instance of transmitting; a verbal or written message; a process by which meanings are exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols; a technique for expressing ideas effectively(as in speech), and the technology of transmission of information.(Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary).

I have observed that one of the most problematic hurdles for mankind is verbal communication. Do we always mean what we say? Do we always say what we mean? In either situation, are we truly understood? Do we or should we really care? I'm convinced that we should care and realize that communication is the catalyst for human development as well as survival. Even when/if we're alone; we internalize, we reminiscence, we entertain the past and often make decisions based on what we've been told(personally) or heard someone say. Communication is an essential commodity. A gift from God.

It has been established there're many types of communication. However,at this time, I will briefly discuss two types; visual and verbal, in effort to shorten my observation and limit research on this topic.

Visual communicators often consist of our fashions, fads, hair styles, what we drive, where we live, where we shop and who our social associates may be. Also where we work, what we earn and what position we hold. We chose to select whatever means of expression that will make for our approval within an environment, a relationship, and society as a whole. We have desires for acceptance, so we strive to relate through the use of external/visual communicators. We want to look the part. We wear many faces to appear to have arrived. We can choose to change whenever the trend changes and we're hardly noticed.

Verbal communicators consist of two or more people who simultaneously use words to express their thoughts, interests, feelings, desires, opinions, and ideas. These are orally expressed. We talk about what lies within the heart. Unlike visual communicators; words have a lasting affect that sets standards, limits, and boundaries. This type of communication takes precedence over all. Verbal communication is a flow of words that're propelled by the tongue through the mouth from the heart and reaches the soul of man. Once words leave the mouth they establish an affect. Therefore, it is essential that we choose to use our words with wisdom and care.

"If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts." (James 3:2,5).

Words carry with them the power of healing or a destructive capacity. Whatever we say makes a lasting impression. Let's be careful about what we say and how we say it. We must use God given wisdom when speaking to His people. "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him." (Matthew 12:35). "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."(James 3:6). "Men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:36-37).

Before we say it; let's examine to see if it will edify, if it's true and if it's necessary---if not all three---let's not say it.

It's better to bite your tongue than to let your tongue bite someone else. (Our Daily Bread, July,2008).

A careless word may kindle strife,

A cruel word may wreck a life,

A timely word may lessen stress,

A loving word may heal and bless.(Anon)

Man's Purpose In The World

This being a subject that initiates different opinions and possibly acted upon according to varying statues of different states,within our union,other countries and cultures of this earth; we would not be able to touch on any basic points without referring to the law of all laws, our Holy Bible, from which our union was formed and laws were established upon.

In the Holy Bible the scriptures tell us about the first man on earth,how and why he existed then, and the plan for man as a whole. In remembering man's beginning, we must think of his purpose at that time. Man was made because he was part of God's master plan,(Gen.1:26-5:5)shows us the natural man in his original and intended glory, in the extremity of his fall, and in the possibilities which yet remain to him as man. Man as a whole today is not Adam, but the facts of his obedient expectations are yet remaining. Man was the crown of God's Creations; his obedience, was and is one of his most important duties.

OBEDIENCE: Man is first to be obedient to the Word of God,this is his first duty, because God is Master of him and soul. Man is to be obedient to his elders, this pleases God. Man is to obey the laws of the land, because they were established by the Word of God, and man makes the laws, so then he is expected to obey them. He is to be obedient to his superiors on a given duty, task, job,etc., that he has been assigned to, because this duty, task, job or whatever has been entrusted to him to carry out by the orders of his superior in being obedient to him. Man is to be obedient to his leaders in the knowledge of God and His will for him because first of all the leaders were set up in the church in order for man to be taught of God's master plan for his existance and the way he can obtain spiritual guidance.

PROVIDER: Man being entrusted with the power of choosing a companion, he is to remember the laws of God, in so doing, and the laws of the land in which he expects to live and provide for his companion. It is his duty to provide for his own companion and family. He was not only given the opportunity to choose his companion but he made vows that he would be a provider for her. In providing for his family, man is to be honest. There are ways of providing that pleases God and will cause no trouble to man, then there are ways man may consider as survival that can gender strife, hatred, and even cause death. Man is constantly searching for how, why, what, when and where, concerning the aspects of this earth. This too is man's duty which falls under the category of survival. Man has to be able to produce in order to survive. Man was destined to have dominion over things of the earth; he had dominion over the earth, it was left to man to obey, replinish, multiply and enjoy what was set before him.

LEADERSHIP: Man has been given the laws of God and told of his expectations for happiness now and in the world to come. Man was instructed to get knowledge, understanding and to use wisdom; these facts will prepare him for leadership. In order for man to be a good leader he has to first be a good follower. In being a good follower, he learns what leadership is all about. If he obeys his leaders, then he will be justified to expect his followers to obey him. In order for man to be a good leader he has to be a partaker of his own teachings and be an example to his followers. He should be able to master leadership in his home first, in the church, at school, in civic affairs and on the job that he has been entrusted to take this position.

HUMBLE/FAITHFUL: Out of all the expectations of man, both naturally and spiritually;man has to be humble, and faithful. He is to suffer humility because his Master suffered for his sake, being an example to him. In so doing, man has to be faithful, he has to believe in himself before expecting someone else to do so. This belief is shown through faith. Man is to give orders, and to discipline considering himself.

RESPECTFULNESS: Man is to first respect himself in order to obtain respect. He must respect his elders, leaders, family, superiors, and all mankind for who they are.

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth (Gen. 1:26).

Broken Heart

Once again
rejected by man,
left alone
as he departs,
leaving me
with a broken heart;
It's not the first time
this happened to me,
giving in and
setting one free,
Another who
had to quench his thirst,
my heart will heal
I'll get over the hurt,
I must hold on,
and walk by faith,
keep on believing
love paves the way;
my broken heart
is not here to stay,
I'll occupy till the
epiphany comes
I'll celebrate
the stressful wait;
I've done my part,
I'll receive healing
for my broken heart.
From: "Pieces of My Heart."

"I know that in ALL things God works for my good because I love Him and has been called according to His purpose. I cast All my care upon Him; for He cares for me. I am blessed because I make the Lord my trust."
Supporting Scripture: Romans 8:28.

I Can Only Imagine

I can only imagine what magnificent hues scroll into your
Thoughts, and appear within your mind,
What engaging tints,textures,types and kinds;
I can only imagine if the flashing scenes that quickly
Roll past,
Leave warm impressions within your heart that's deep
Enough to last;
I can only imagine how colors of reds,yellows,greens,whites,
Purples,browns,and blues,
Reflect gratifying messages of me to you;
Expressions of care,concern,and sacrifice,
Enchanting sights and love of life;
I can only imagine portraits of honesty,sincerity,
And loyalty,
Foundations of peace,faith,strength,and stability;
What you may feel,witness or see as colors reflect your
Thoughts,
Whenever you're thinking of me;
I can only imagine what an awesome experience
For you this must be.
From "Pieces of My Heart". Written for a dear friend.

Today

From the rising of the sun this day begun;
Life once again scrolled back the curtains of time;
An angelic whisper touched my human mind;
Speaking softly, and said "rise, again today."
My body turning from side to side, I rolled the covers away;
Opening my eyes---yawning, and stretching my arms above my head,
I pondered and graciously praised God,
"Thank you Lord for blessing me to see another day."
"Praise you Lord," I continued to say.
I will walk circumspectly with my Lord in each and every way;
I will keep my heart open so that I may hear my Lord say,
"Rise again, Today!"

Problems

Problems are here for us all,

Some stand and some may fall;

Life with it's beauty and joy sublime,

Presents us with problems of ev'ry kind;

We should remember we don't stand alone,

Working together, problems will soon be gone;

Reaching out and getting involved,

Will help many brothers their problems to solve;

Being concerned is the number one thing,

Then the problems won't seem so mean;

To worry and travel to and fro,

Will not help our problems to go;

We must stand still and think things through,

Before deciding what we'll do;

Hasty decisions sounds good and fast,

But the best solutions are those that last;

Tho' problems seem many and out of sight,

Let's stay strong and ready to fight;

No problems are greater than from the source they come,

So let's hold firm till the battles are won.

Poetry Is

Poetry is - words that flow from inside,

Where feelings are kept and memories hide;

Line after line that sometime rhyme,

Yet not so for ev'ry kind;

Points to ponder,

Reasons and wonder;

Facts to grasp,

Thoughts to last;

No matter what the taste is like,

Poetry is - for ev'ry type.

My Roots Run Deep

My Roots Run Deep

I am me, one-of-a-kind,

No one will upset me nor

Confuse my mind;

I am me, one and only

And I refuse to sit idle, to

Be sad, or to feel lonely,

What you touch and your eyes see,

Is just the outside image of me;

I am a precious evergreen, and I am standing tall,

When storms of disgust are raging

And the winds of adversity blowing,

I will gracefully lean, but I will not fall;

My roots run deep,

Knitting themselves together,

Sprouting along the way,

They're bound tighter each and ev'ry day;

There's no need to worry nor to fret,

For my roots run deep and l o n g

And I am not tired yet;

I am valuable and I have class,

I am LOVE and known to last,

There is no time for me to stop,

I'm climbing above the mountain top;

I'm smoothing ev'ry lump and ev'ry bump,

I am paving the way,

For you to walk someday.