Issue #6 July 18, 2013

News You Can Use

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Restoring A Vision Evangelizing Nations

Issue #6 July 18, 2013

Restoring A Vision Evangelizing Nations

The Courageous Run

Do you not know that in a race all of the runners compete, but (only) one receives the prize? So run (your race) that you may lay hold (of the prize) and make it yours! 1 Corinthians 9:24

The Fear Factor

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No fearonly FAITH!

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The Sermon You Preach

"What is the secret to great living? Entire separation to Christ and devotion to Him. Thus speaks every man and woman whose life has made more than a passing flicker in the spiritual realm. It is the life that has no time for trifling that counts." Amy Carmicheal "You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own." Leviticus 20:26 NLT
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Raven S. Jackson R.A.V.E.N

Issue #6 July 18, 2013

Restoring A Vision Evangelizing Nations

The Courageous Run

"I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all." Ecclesiastes 9:11

If you have ever been to a track meet or race you have seen that sometimes the competitor that is expected to win or is ahead in the beginning does not always win or finish the race. Sometimes the individual who continues to run despite what it looks and feels like and is focused on the finish line and prize wins! In fact, the most successful people are those who have the ability to perceive what is possible, even when it looks impossible! Winners look beyond the obstacle blocking their success and they recognize, through perseverance and faith in what God has said in His Word will result in them ultimately being victorious! What is your dream/desire? What have you been believing God for? Its time for you with Godly confidence and faith to finish your race. It may seem that everyone else is ahead of you! It may seem that everyone else is more qualified then you! Matter of fact, you may not be qualified at all.but God does not always call those that are qualifiedHe qualifies those who He calls! Friend, if you are born again, YOU ARE NOT POWERLESS! You have the ability to overcome everything Satan launches against you, finish your race, and win! Dont compare your life to others! God has chosen you! YOU never have to contend, compete, or compromise! God has appointed and anointed YOU for the particular purpose He has for you! Remember, what God has for YOU is for YOU! No other person can wear your crown, anointing, or fulfill your purpose! So run your racedont compare yourself to others, dont let what is a temporary hindrance or obstacle deter you from the journey, destiny, and prize that God has for you! Today, know that all you need has already been deposited into you by God! Use your faith and make a withdrawal! God has commissioned you to obtain your prize and win! There is nothing wrong with HeadquartersHeaven! There is nothing wrong with our Commander in ChiefJesus! Feed your faith and let your fears starve to death! Fear brings Satan on the scene, faith brings God on the scene! Take courage and finish your race! You have been commanded to win! Be encouraged!
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Issue #6 July 18, 2013

Restoring A Vision Evangelizing Nations

The Sermon You Preach

I knew you before I formed you in your mothers womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 NLT

As I sit here preparing to speak on this Sunday, I ran across this quote and was immediately about to share it on Facebook, but then I thoughtwhy not write about it. The life you live is the sermon you preach. Many times we look at our Pastors, or the Evangelists, Missionaries, Elders,.etc. at our church as the only ones who have a sermon to preach. Maybe it is from the pulpit on a Sunday morning, or maybe it is by traveling around the world sharing the Gospel, or maybe it's through teaching Bible study or Sunday school.but whatever it is we never think about the sermon that we preach as we live. Each and every person that is in Christ has a ministry. YesYOU have a ministry. You may not have been called to "preach" per se from a pulpit on Sunday morning, but best believe that in many ways you may be the only Bible that some people are reading. In fact, God commands us to go into all the world and make disciples in His name. (Matthew 28:19-20) That is your ministry. That is my ministry. That is everyone's ministry who is in Christ. Jeremiah 1:5 NLT says that God knew you before he formed you in your mothers womb. Before you were born He set you apart and appointed you as His prophet to the nations. Three things we can take away from this scripture: 1) God knew you before you were even formed. 2) You are set apart. 3) You have been appointed. Today, we will focus on 2 and 3.

You ain't livin' until you livin' for His Name!

Are you blending in with this world? Do you live like, walk like, talk like, or admire the world? Have you bought the lie that you have to be of the world in order to reach it? Maybe you believe that somehow the more like the world you are, the more influence you will have upon it. Friend, it's time that we live set apart lives for Christ! Leviticus 20:26 NLT says "You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own." God's Word is even more clear in 2 Corinthians 6:17. It says: Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord... "Many of us try to explain away the holy calling upon our lives rather than unapologetically embracing it." (Leslie Ludy) But it's time friend, that we embrace the holy calling upon our lives and walk in it! Truth is, your walking is a whole lot louder than your talking! In other words.....your life preaches louder than your lips. Anyone can say that they are a Christian. Anyone can say that they love Jesus. Anyone can live a morally correct life based on the 10 commandments. BUT as you know religion and relationship are two completely different things.
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Issue #6 July 18, 2013

Restoring A Vision Evangelizing Nations

You call it religion. I call it relationship! "There's a difference between doing church on Sundays and being the church 24/7!" (Christine Caine) Friend, truth is you were not called to just say this or say that, or tweet this or instagram that or to facebook this....YOU were called to live it! Real talk: YOU cannot be in a relationship with Christ if you are still seeing the world! It's not about a bunch of dos and donts.....it's about a relationship with Christ....one of which you don't cheat on Him with the world on the weekends and occasionally throughout the week! It is not about the outward appearance; it is about the life which flows out of intimacy with the King! The sermon that you preach is not about YOU.....it's about Jesus! It's time that we once and for all exchange a self-focused life for a Christ-focused one! You, my friend have been chosen and called to be set apart! You were called to walk different, talk different, and LIVE DIFFERENT! Not so that you can be "all that," but so that God can get the glory! When you look like the world (live, talk, walk) you preach the sermon that says, "Nobody can truly live for Christ in this world. And noboby can truly live a holy and set apart life." BUT the devil is a liar. If you are reading this, I believe that God has chosen you to set the standard. He has chosen you to showcase His glory. He has chosen you to show this world that those who are in Christ are new creations and that He has created in you a clean heart and renewed a right spirit on the inside of you, and that you do not have to conform to this world just because everyone else is doing it! YOU don't have to act like, date like, live like, talk like, or walk like everyone else. Your role model, example, and leader is God! You emulate Him. You live like Him. You talk like

Him.You are a God chaser. You are a King's kid. YOU are royalty......start living like it!

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Issue #6 July 18, 2013

Restoring A Vision Evangelizing Nations

The Fear Factor

"Instantly Jesus reached out His hand and caught and held him, saying to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" ~Matthew 14:25-31~

One question.what is it that you desire to do, but fear has been hindering you? Write it down on a sheet of paper and we will deal with that later. First things first, let's talk about Peter. God told Peter to do something that was impossible for him to do in his own strength and abilityHe told him to walk on water! But before Jesus told Peter to come to Him by walking on the water He said, Take courage! I Am! Stop being afraid (Matthew 14:27). This is important.because my friend, if fear is not dealt with, it will keep you from doing what God has called you to do. Fear is the result of you putting all your trust in your own strength and ability! Note that before Peter even stepped out of the boat, God was saying to him to take courage and not be afraid because He is! The Word tells us that Greater is He that is in us (1 John 4:4) and that We can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). Both of these scriptures show us that God in us is greater and that we can

can do all things through Himnot in our own strength and ability.BUT IT IS THROUGH GODS STRENGTH AND ABILITY THAT WE DO ALL THINGSEVEN THE IMPOSSIBLE! So Peter stepped out of the boat; he stepped out of his comfort zone, out of his ability and strength and did what God told him to do. One thing that you must know is that when you step out on faith, God will see and meet your faith as long as you keep your eyes on Him! It is also important that you dismiss your strength and ability and put all your trust in God's ability and strength! That's the key to overcoming fear and walking in victory! Continue reading at www.newsyoucanusersj.weebly.com

Issue #6 July 18, 2013

Restoring A Vision Evangelizing Nations

Book of the Month: "When God Writes Your Love Story" By: Eric and Leslie Ludy

Music of the Month: "Remember Who You Are" By: Crystal Lewis

Music of the Month: "Not for a Moment (After All)" By: Meredith Andrews

Joke of the Month: I have never said that I had too many clothes...... NEVER!