Recently at a used bookstore, I found an interesting graphic (comic style) novel about the Constitution of the United States of America.  I purchased it thinking, "I'll read this quickly and keep it for children to read or donate it to the church library."  As I am still reading the book, I see it is not a lighthearted book written for children, but a deep history of the founding of our great nation and the establishing of a Constitution by which to govern ourselves. 
 
I love history and am a patriotic person, but was surprised at my limited knowledge of the struggles endured by those who founded this country. Their sacrifice, to have a life free of bondage for themselves, their children and future generations, is amazing.  Because they cared, we live in liberty today! Many have died defending our liberty.
 
What about my spiritual liberty?  What sacrifices were made for me to receive Liberty from a life of sin?  First, Jesus died on the cross; next came the generations who held Truth sacred and strong through extreme adversity.  These, like the founders of our country, suffered rejection from family and friends, and many lost their lives.  Hebrews 11:32-40, tells of those who endured great danger to see Truth preserved for me! I am so blessed to enjoy easy spiritual Independence from sin, because those who brought Truth to me spent hours in prayer, fasted for days, and did without some physical comforts.
 
Am I willing to do the same for the generations who follow me? Am I willing to suffer possible danger to see Truth preserved? God never promised the continued road of spiritual freedom would be easy!  But, He did promise He would be there with us! His word does not change, His spirit does not change, but more importantly, His love does not change! The result of the sacrifices for our country's Liberty has been a free nation.  The result of sacrifice of our spiritual Liberty has been countless souls saved from the bondage of sin and death!  We have a great heritage and a great challenge.  I want to do my part to see that those who follow me can live in Liberty!

 

Leah Seagraves carries a hanky on the 4^th of July and uses it! She enjoys the parades, the picnics and the fireworks in celebrating our nation's freedom and liberty! She loves patriotic songs, no matter what time of year. Her husband, Steven Seagraves, Pastor of Christian Life Center in SeaTac, WA, is even willing to dress in red, white and blue (with limitations) for the 4^th!  She also serves as LM President for Washington District. She is a calligrapher, singer, DOZ supporter, and what ever else needs to be done for the kingdom of God.

 

 

 

As we have just celebrated Mother's Day, I'm reminded of the gift that God gave to women.  In the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam authority and he gave Eve influence. When the devil tempted Eve to eat the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil, Eve turned to Adam who was with her and offered him the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. Instead of Adam taking responsibility and refusing to disobey God, he allowed Eve to influence him for evil. The question is: "Who had the most power?"
 
The answer is, "Eve!"  Eve used her power of influence to convince Adam to sin against God!
 
 There's a truth here that needs to be addressed.  Adam abdicated his God-given authority and caved in to Eve's temptation.  God created Adam after His image and likeness and even with all the beautiful and bountiful creation that God put at Adam's disposal, Adam, without hesitation, surrendered to Eve's power of influence. This is the cause for all the evil, sickness and death that is in the world today.
 
 The gift of influence is still with women today.  As wives, mothers, sisters and friends we have the power of influence.  I take this as a serious challenge before God.  I refuse to follow in the footsteps of Eve.  I refuse to listen to the temptation of evil. I want my every word and action to be acceptable to God.  I want to use my power of influence to be a strong force in the lives of people that I touch beginning in my home.
 
 As Mothers, we are teachers.  I bought a decorative pillow that says; "To teach is to touch a life forever."  We are the teachers of our children. Will we use our power of influence for evil or for good? Our choice of influence will decide our destiny in eternity!

 
Carol Clemans is a certified pastoral counselor and seminar teacher.  She provides nationwide phone & web cam counseling - www.carolclemans.org

 

 

 

 

 

My life is spent at my church. I love my church. One thing I love about my church is my youth group. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I go to three services on Sunday, one on Tuesday, choir practice on Wednesday and Friday I go to youth service. I love that most of my nights take place at church. I couldn't imagine them anywhere else.
           

My family is extremely important to me. I love my mom and dad even if they drive me crazy sometimes. My brother and sister crack me up and I love them to death. 
           

My life is based on only these few things. Church, family, and last but not least my friends. My friends are so important to me because they are the people that you know you can lean on and they will be there with open arms. I love my friends, especially my church friends. I am truly grateful to have them as a part of my life.

 

My life is not that complicated. Quite simple actually, but if you lived in it one day you would see it's not as average as it may appear. I'm ok with that though. I love that and I love my life.

 

 

 Exercise daily --stomp the devil and walk with the Lord!

 

When you're having tough times...Stop, take a deep breath, and "Count Your Blessings".

It will change your attitude about whatever is bothering you!

 

Fiji   Just wanted to say how blessed the Ladies' Ministries in Fiji is because of the DOZ and the TCG programmes. We have also introduced the Golden Agers programme for the older women and it is amazing to see what the Lord is doing., here in Fiji. We've just come back from the Mother & Daughter Camp in Savusavu, a town in the other island and it was awesome. Regards and may God continuously bless your ministry. -Asinate Savu Koroi, Bula from Fiji

 

  

California   Praise the Lord, I am over joyed to recieve my DOZ newsletter. I am a Pastor's Wife and each time I read the articles I am blessed. May this ministry keep pressing forward and count on prayers in Fresno California!  -C. Guzman

 

 

Hello DOZ Ladies  I was wondering if there was a way to access past issues of the DOZ Newsletter. My Pastor's wife asked me to lead our local DOZ prayer meeting. I found them a great treasure of ideas and inspiration. God Bless, -Ronalie
 

 

Arizona Praise report! Happy, happy! What a joy it is to share that my five-year-old grandson, Jonathan, received the Holy Ghost!  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children (and grand children) walk in truth. III John 1:4  -Debbie Akers

 

 

Republic of Vanuatu Hello and praise the Lord. Thank you for sending me the DOZ newsletter. I live in Vanuatu under the ministry of Rev Lee Roy Sherry and his good wife, Sister Becky Sherry. I am very thankful to God that I am able to know what is happening outside of Vanuatu.  God bless and kind regards, -Rachael Kong (UPCI Vanuatu).

 

 What we usually pray to God is not that His will be done, but that He approve ours. 

-Helga Bergold Gross

 

  Who rises from prayer a better man, his prayer is answered. 

-George Meredith

Ruth Harvey

DOZ Director

Debbie Akers DOZ Coordinator/ Editor

Pledge Box for Girls or Boys
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