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Then David asked the LORD, "Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?" And the LORD told him, "Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!" I Samuel 30:8
There is something about human nature that makes us want to believe that every story will have a happy ending. Somehow we keep looking for the Cinderella closing "and they all lived happily ever after." In reality I have found that there are times of great distress and very real loss. That is not to say that God abandons us, but every story doesn't end like we want it to. In this verse David finds himself in a predicament; his city has been raided and burned, his wives and children have been taken along with the families of his soldiers, the men are so upset that they are ready to stone David to death. What we have here is a situation! But in the face of all that had gone wrong, David "strengthened himself in the Lord." He did not know how God was going to resolve the problem, but he released His faith in the God that had never failed, he began to move in the confidence that he had in God, trusting Him rather than what he saw, how he felt or what anyone else had to say. He asked the Lord two questions, shall I pursue these raiders?, and will I overtake them? God answered both questions - He said, pursue; which answers the first question; for thou shall surely overtake them; which is an answer to the second question. But then He gives David a bonus and said "and without fail recover all."
God wants you to know that recovery is available to you. Satan is a thief, but our God is a restorer. The first step in recovery is to ask God for instructions, secondly for permission and finally for authority to act. Once you know the will of the Father in your situation and purpose in your heart to do it, He will give you total victory. You can have your joy and peace back. Even though you may have been hurt by rejection, betrayal &/or divorce, you can love again. Family members may have died, but you can be fulfilled again through Christ, you may have lost your career, but God still has a calling on your life. Everything that really matters in this life now and for eternity to come is in Christ Jesus It's all in Him. It's time now to stop mourning what or who you don't have and begin to strengthen yourself in God, trusting His good plan for your life, knowing that He will bring it to pass.
Make up your mind right now that you will not allow yourself to be deprived of anything that God says that you can have. I want it all back and by God's grace restoration and recovery are mine. I will not be denied! Will you join me?
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You remember our good friend Pastor Gayle Gilmore of Grace Entwined Ministries in Chesapeake, Virginia. She was our featured financial contributor for over a year until she and her husband, Sr. Pastor James Gilmore launched their church. Pastors Gilmore and their ministry are inviting you to join them on the Oprah Winfrey Network.
 | | Sr. Pastor James & Co-Pastor Gayle Gilmore |
Mark your calendars and tune in to the OWN Network on June 26th at 10:00pm. Grace Entwined Ministries, Past0rs James and Gayle Gilmore and Kimberly Sparrow will be featured on "Our America with Lisa Ling."
This is a documentary dealing with the issue of the HIV epidemic in the African American Community. This disease has not gone away!
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Eat Well | With Celebrity Chef
Elliott Farmer
Eating healthy foods will help increase long life. Not only that, but our bodies were originally designed to eat healthy foods. Healthy foods are your "everyday" foods. Foods like fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, lean meats, fish, olive oil, fresh herbs and spices. These are familiar to most people.
Our bodies are majority water. So it important to give our bodies what it is made of. It is recommended to consume a minimum of 8 8oz glasses of water daily. This along with healthy eating and consistently exercising will equal a long healthy lifestyle. Here is a healthy recipe for you to prepare and share.
Athenian Orzo Recipe |
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
- 1 tablespoon drained capers
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Pinch of crushed red pepper
- 1 pound medium shrimp, (30-40 per pound), peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch (or other 3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray. Put a large pot of lightly salted water on to boil.
- Heat oil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add wine and cook for about 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, 1 1/2 tablespoons parsley, capers, oregano, basil, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper; cook for 5 minutes. Drop in shrimp and cook, stirring, until barely pink, about 2 1/2 minutes.
- Cook orzo in the boiling water until tender but still firm, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to the prepared baking dish. Toss with the tomato-shrimp sauce. Sprinkle with feta and the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons parsley.
Bake, uncovered, until the feta is bubbly, about 10 minutes
397 calories per serving
Purchase your copy of his new cookbook "Chef Elliott's Soulstice Recipes: Gourmet Entertaining Solutions" at www.chefelliott.com.
Tune into Chef Elliott's "Entertaining Solutions" Radio Show at www.ChefElliottEntSol.info every Thursday between 7 PM - 8 PM. Or call 347.989.8385 to listen on mobile. Follow Chef Elliott at: FB/Chef-Elliott-Farmer, @ChefElliott, http://chefelliott.wordpress.com and Instagram: chefelliottfarmer.
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A few years ago we participated with Glory Unlimited Ministries, International in an outreach/evangelism initiative here in Florida. One of the needs that the community that we were serving identified was that the children in the area needed shoes. We provided shoes for dozens of children, and that is how the Traveling Shoes outreach was birthed. We have continued to supply new shoes and now also socks to needy children all over the country. Through the generosity of our supporters, we are able to make a difference.
If there are children in your community, church, school or your family who need new shoes, we want to help. There are no forms to fill out or proof of anything necessary, simply make the request. All we need is the age, gender, size and mailing address of the child.
We continue to be grateful for the numerous people who donate so that children all over America can have decent shoes on their feet. We are at 200+ and counting.
If you have questions or would like to request shoes, email us at victoriousmin@att.net or call (888) 479-1113.
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Help A Child Succeed!
I think that it is safe to say that children are the most important people in our lives. As parents/grandparents, God has given you the unique gift of being in position to impact the lives of your children. You shape their views about the value of learning, their ability to contribute in the world, and so much more. In this segment, we will share ideas on what you can do to help your child succeed in school. Since kids are out of school now for the summer, this is the time to begin preparing them for school in the fall. The suggestions that you will see here are found on a website entitled Reading Is Fundamental and focuses on the home to school connection. They suggest the following:
1. Put specific times on your calendar each week when you will spend time with your children. During that time, focus your love and attention on your child.
2. Use car time to talk with your children. There's no phone or television to interfere. No one can get up and leave. And kids know they really have your ear.
3. Plan to eat at least one meal together as a family each day.
4. Look for things to do together as a family. Get everyone involved in choosing how to spend your time together.
5. Try giving children television tickets. Each week, each child gets 20 tickets. Each ticket can be used for 30 minutes of TV time. Any tickets remaining at the end of the week can be cashed in for 25 cents each. Parents can still veto a certain program, of course.
In the coming weeks, we will share more on this topic. You can also visit their website at:
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Lend A Hand
We need your help to continue making life better for others. When you give to Victorious Life Ministries, countless people are reached with the Gospel and lives are impacted with the love of Christ. Can we count on you to help us, help other?
Help us reach others with the Gospel. Be our friend!
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Know Your Bible
Last week's quiz question was:
Three of David's mighty men risked their lives against the Philistines to get him a drink of water from where?
The correct response found in II Samuel 23:15-16 and in
I Chronicles 11:15-18 - a well of Bethlehem.
Applause goes to this week's scholars:
South Carolina:
Mrs. Myra Tucker
New Jersey:
Mrs. Sandra Brown
Delaware:
Minister Barbara McCamie
Florida:
Mrs. Gloria Benjamin
Mrs. Pat Brown
Mr. Anthony Martin
Rev. E.J. Parker III
Ms. Mattie DeVore
Ms. Marion Shelby
Mrs Carolyn Coleman
Mrs. Gloria Singleton
Mrs. Loretta Pete
Ms. Francine Boykin
Congratulations to these Word readers!
Your quiz for today - June 13th:
At which battle were the Israelites defeated because Joshua attacked without seeking God's guidance first?
A correct response must also include the scripture reference!
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 The Empowered Speaker
 | | Christy Demetrakis |
Keep It Moving
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A few weeks ago I was traveling to Tampa, FL for a meeting. I connected through the Charlotte, NC airport. I love this airport because there is a Carolina BBQ restaurant that I always look forward to visiting during layovers. Eating the pork barbecue sandwich with fried okra always reminds me of home, as I am originally from North Carolina.
Over 41 million people travel through the Charlotte airport every year. This is a large and busy airport. Because the airport is so large, there are a number of moving sidewalks to expedite the movement of people from one terminal to another. Usually when I see a moving sidewalk, I hop on and immediately begin speed walking on the left hand side. The rules of the moving sidewalk tell you to "stand to the right" and "pass on the left." Moving sidewalks allow you to walk faster than you would otherwise. For someone always on the go and ready, ready, ready to get to the next thing, a moving sidewalk is perfect. If people get in the way, you can say "excuse me" and they will shift to the right to let you pass. You temporarily avoid the congestion of other pedestrians. In other words, a moving sidewalk is great! However, for once in my life, I did something contrary to my nature.
During this particular layover, I decided to hop on the moving sidewalk, but I stood to the right. I just stood and let the sidewalk do the work. If you've never just stood on a moving sidewalk, you don't realize how slow it moves when you're not walking along with it. I made a conscious decision to just enjoy the ride for a change. I have to admit, a couple of times I thought " I need to start moving. This is taking too long." But a still small voice said "No, stay in the moment."
Think about it. I can speed walk to the left of life, get to a destination much quicker but still have to wait. Did I miss it or am I just too early? Alternatively, I can stand to the right of life's sidewalk, move at life's pace and hope I've been moving in the right direction. Which is right?
Although it's been a few weeks since the sidewalk, I knew then without the time to reflect on it that "stay in the moment" was a profound message for my life and my future. I've spent so much time busy moving towards the future that I have missed the important "now moments." The future is bright and ever present, but every now and then, you have to take the time to enjoy the present. Take the time to learn the lessons of the present to help better plan the future. Which is right? I believe it's a healthy combination of the two. Move forward with purpose but don't lose sight of the present day moments and lessons.
To learn more about Christy, her book and training services go to:
www.empoweredspeaker.com
You may also hear Christy and her guests who share communication tips, tools and motivation to help entrepreneurs and busy professionals sell their message to any audience on her Sell Your Message radio show.
click here
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Prayer Matters
Our prayer focus for today is to pray for people who are under spiritual attack. People are dealing with situations where things are just going wrong, they are dejected, frustrated and can't seem to get their bearings. If that describes you, we are praying for you today. We believe God on your behalf, and are trusting Him that this season in your life will not defeat you. God will use even this to make you stronger in Him.
If you have never joined us for one of our Victory in Prayer calls you are missing out on a powerful time on intercession. Join us on Monday evenings from 7:00 to 7:30pm est or on Wednesday mornings from 6:30 to 7:00am. You will be strengthened, encouraged and blessed! Call 712 432 3066, code 930692. If you are unable to join us, but would like for us to pray for you, call (888) 479 1113 or email us at victoriousmin@att.net or leave your prayer request on our website at www.vl-ministries.org. Remember, prayer changes everything!
Have you received Christ as your personal Savior? If not, today is a great day to be saved. Pray this prayer -
Dear Lord Jesus,
I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In your name, amen.
If you prayed this prayer in faith, you have passed from death to life, from darkness to light. Heaven is rejoicing over you.
Call or email is and let us know that you accepted Christ today. We will add you to our prayer list and we will pray for you daily.
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Every Tuesday morning from 10:00 to 10:30 am EST join me, Faye Dadzie, for the Victorious Living Broadcast. There are times when I will teach the Word of God, other times we have wonderful guests. Either way, you are invited and we hope that you accept the invitation. If you are unable to listen live, you can access our broadcasts on demand and also on our website. click here for this past Tuesday's show.
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Bishop Derek T. Triplett
Change Agent
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Join Bishop Triplett this morning and every Friday morning from 10:00 to 10:30 am EST for his show, Making Changes. He will challenge your thinking and in the process, equip you to live a more productive life. This is not church. Don't miss his show. Click here for today's broadcast:
"When Is It Time To Get Some Help?"
Learn more about Bishop, his ministry and where you can hear him by visiting his website: www.derektriplett.com
Learn for Life Blog Talk Radio, touching lives around the world!
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