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"So Boaz said to Ruth, "My daughter, listen to me. Don't go and glean in another field and don't go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. 9 Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled." Ruth 2:8-9
The story of Ruth and Boaz is one of my absolute favorite stories in the Bible. Boaz has just returned from a business trip and makes inquiries about this strange woman who is working in his field. He is told about the sacrifices that she has made for her mother-in-law as well as how she has conducted herself while gleaning there among the other workers. It was Ruth's character that manifested in her conduct that brought her to the attention of Boaz. As Boaz observed her work ethic, and her humility, he was drawn to her.
Single ladies you must choose how you will present yourselves every where you go. Do not allow loneliness and the desire for attention to dictate your conduct, causing you to behave in ways that show a lack of respect for yourself and most of all dishonors God. To a man of God there is nothing more attractive and appealing than Godly character and dignified conduct. This does not mean that you can't have fun, but fun for the believer should not be those behaviors that are sinful. If you are lonely now, you will still be lonely after you attach yourself to the wrong mate. Let me give you three points as food for thought:
First of all there is the Fantasy - This is usually the early stages of a relationship when people don't really know each other. This is utopia where everything is perfect and the person is the most exciting, sexy, smartest, funniest, considerate person in the world. This is the stuff that Hollywood movies are made of. But trust this, the only one who ever lived happily ever after was Cinderella and she is not real. Real people have real faults and real shortcomings; yours and his will show up Running willy nilly into sex with someone during the fantasy stage only clouds your ability to see their true character. Lack of prayer, lack of self-control, lack of trusting God to meet your needs can and does frequently lead to the next stage, which is the Fling. This is not a criticism or an accusation, but simply a statement of fact, that many men have the ability of separate love and sex. If you are looking for a meaningful relationship, sex is not your "get out of jail free card." Flings are about having fun, feeling good, going out, dressing up, turning each other on, but flings don't last either. By their very nature, they are usually short lived. They burn hot, but they also burn fast. But then there is the Family relationship. This is what we see with Boaz and Ruth. They were not married yet, they had actually just met, but the character of the man and the woman put them on a track that honored God and each other. Boaz became protector, provider, pursuer and priest. That is family. If you want to be more than a fantasy or a fling, trust God to lead you through the murky waters that exist today in dating and choosing a mate. The boundaries that God established in His Word to protect you have been trampled by society. Many believe that they must settle because the supply is so limited and the demand is so great. But if you truly believe that God's plan for your life will come to pass, then relax and enjoy the journey.
Beyonce was onto something when she said, "put a ring on it!"
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The Bible Quiz has folks scrambling to get their answers in correctly and on time. It is a great thing when people anxiously await the arrival of their newsletter so that they can complete their quiz. You guys rock! Last week's question was - In John's first epistle which three things are said to testify and agree about Jesus?
Answer - I John 5:8 - the spirit, the water,
and the blood.
Congratulations to the scholars of the week:
Delaware:
Minister Iris Waters
Ms. Elaine Camper
Minister Barbara McCamie
New Jersey:
Mrs. Sandra Brown
Ohio:
Mother Helen Davenport
Florida:
Mrs. Gloria Benjamin
Ms. Nellie Davis
Mrs. Carolyn Coleman
Mrs. Pat Brown
Mrs. Loretta Pete
Ms. Francine Boykin
Honorable Mention for effort:
Mrs. Doris Wise and Ms. Marion Shelby - Florida
Bible Quiz for 8/15/14:
What is the message of the parable that Jesus told Simon the Pharisee?
Happy study time!
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Are You Writing A Book?
Traditional and Hybrid Publishing
Do you have a message to share? We're a Christian publishing company that works with authors one-on-one. The personal touch results in an enjoyable and mission-accomplishing experience. As a Christian publisher, we're in the business of sharing the gospel via great books, and that goal changes how we do everything. Our vision is to see lives changed by God through the message of your book. A combination of print and ebooks broadens our reach, and imprints including traditional, hybrid, and self publishing ensure we can help you reach your goal. We partner with missionaries and authors to prepare, publish, distribute, and market your book.Publishing well includes: - Editing, proofreading, and cover design with a Christian team
- Worldwide distribution
- Paper and electronic books
- Warehousing and shipping as needed during furlough
- Marketing (helping people find books of interest and need)
If this is of any interest to you, visit us on our website, or give us a call. We'd love to partner with you, knowing you are out in the field doing all you can for Christ. Helping you publish well is an honor for us. 715-223-3013 www.lifesentencepublishing.com
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Benefits of Reading - #2
Stress ReductionNo matter how much stress you have at work, in your personal relationships, or countless other issues faced in daily life, it all just slips away when you lose yourself in a great story. A well-written novel can transport you to other realms, while an engaging article will distract you and keep you in the present moment, letting tensions drain away and allowing you to relax. Our recommended book this week is easy reading.
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Social Butterflies by
Alicia Shine
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I finished it in a day. It is only about 100 pages and presents the reader with some characters that you will love to love and a few that you will love to hate. I will tell you this much, the ending will leave you waiting for the sequel. To get your copy and show some support for this first time author go to: amazon.com or barnes & noble website: www.aliciashine.com
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I spent the better part of 30 years working in various capacities in the financial services industry. Many years ago I was a collector in the consumer credit department of the bank that I worked for at the time. That is where I first became of aware of the Consumer Credit Counseling Agency. They have been around for years, and offer quality services to people who find themselves struggling with debt.
Consumers who call a CCCS office are given access to a confidential, non-judgmental consultation with a certified counselor. This counseling session takes 45 to 90 minutes, and involves a comprehensive review of one's debt and personal finances. The counselor offers expert advice along with a workable budget based on the client's unique financial situation. By tailoring our advice to the client's circumstances, we can offer a realistic plan for paying down debt, increasing savings, and improving the client's financial situation. Because the counseling session is free of charge and carries no obligation, we urge any consumer with financial concerns or mounting debt to take advantage of this nonprofit community service. For more information call 1 800 431 8157 or visit their website at http://credit.org/cccs/#1
Remember their counselors are certified, their services are confidential and credit counseling is
FREE
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Christian Connections 
The Christian Connections initiative is designed to accomplish a couple of things. First of all, we actively support other believers who are in ministry &/or business. The way that we do that is to include them on our website so that all the members of our network as well as the thousands of people who visit our site each year have the opportunity to learn about who they are and what they do. Secondly, we encourage networking. If someone is interested in learning about a particular ministry focus or a business venture, we provide a detailed description and contact information or all Christian Connection participants.
Take a moment and visit the website and view the vast array of listings. Remember them when you are in need of a preacher/speaker or when you need to purchase certain products or services.
Today's featured connection is Dr. Sarita Lyons.
 | Dr. Sarita Lyons
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Dr. Lyons has been a keynote, retreat, and conference speaker, and has conducted workshops for politicians, corporations, colleges, community centers, churches, hospitals, and high schools on a wide range of topics. She is passionate about her call to counsel and minister to women. She desires to help people grow emotionally and spiritually, and to build their faith through the word of God. Dr. Lyons spreads the Gospel and the message that no matter who you are, or where you've been, or what you've been through you can change and become who God called you to be. Dr. Lyons is the Founder and CEO of Uplifting People, LLC whose mission is to equip, empower, and encourage people to "grow and go higher in life.Dr. Lyons can be contacted at (302) 377-5004. You may also visit her website at: www.drsaritalyons.com
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Prayer Matters 
Are you committed to prayer?
Are you willing to spend time praying not just for yourself, but for the needs of others? Any person can pray, but not all praying people are intercessors. In order to be an effective intercessor one must possess the following qualities:
- Compassionate heart that places the needs of others above their own
- Praying spirit that is willing to pray without ceasing
- Humble, repentant, forgiving nature that seeks to be in right standing with God and others
- Great faith that expects God to move in response to your petitions
If you meet the criteria and want to get involved in the work God is doing as a result of our prayers, we invite you to join the Victorious Life Ministries prayer team. Please contact me by email to LisaIvy@hotmail.com to express your interest and understand the commitment required. Join us in praying today for the family of young Michael Brown as well as all of the people of Ferguson, Missouri. Pray also for our prayer assignment for today from our Prayer Calendar - people addicted to alcohol. If the Lord were to come back today, do you know where you would spend eternity? If you are not sure, you can be. Pray this prayer and release your faith -
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. If you received Christ today email us so that we can add you to our prayer list.
Submit your prayer requests today: email - victoriousmin@att.netwebsite: www.vl-ministries.orgphone - (888) 479 1113
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Faye's Itinerary 
If you are in the area where I will be ministering, I would love to meet you there. Hope to see you:
Sunday, August 17, 2014 New Mt. Moriah Christian Ministry 676 Christopher St. St. Augustine, Fl. 4:00pm Rev. Ronald Stafford, Pastor
Sunday, August 24, 2014 Rue Chapel AME Church 11:00am 709 Oaks St. New Bern, North Carolina Rev. Joan Hopton, Pastor
Listen to the Victorious Living Blog Talk Radio Program Tuesdays from 10:00 to 10:30am
click here
Saturday, November 8, 2014 Victorious Life Ministries 1-day Conference
Theme: Living God's Purpose On Purpose Tickets $40.00 (includes breakfast, lunch and all sessions)
Special Guest Speaker - Evangelist Vanessa Palmer
Vineland, New Jersey
Tickets are available nowCall (386) 871-7192 to get yours, space is limited!
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Partner With Us
We are literally a few days ways from our mission trip to New Bern, North Carolina. It is not too late for you to help us make life better for others. We still need school supplies, toiletries, shoes and socks for the families that we are going to serve. We are planning a community wide cook out and food still has to be purchased.
You can go to our website at www.vl-ministries.org and make a one time contribution of any amount. Thank you in advance for your prayers and financial support!
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Sister 2 Sister
Tomorrow, August 16th we begin our work to deal with our pasts and embrace our futures. Are you carrying emotional baggage from past hurts? Is there any lingering unforgiveness or bitterness in your heart? Are you struggling to develop and maintain healthy relationships? Could it be due to you? If you answered yes or even maybe to these questions, we need to talk. All of us have been through rough times, and most if not all have had our hearts crushed. The scars are not visible to the naked eye but we are still impacted by those invisible wounds.
We will talk about core values, handling rejection, what forgiveness is and what it is not, low self-esteem and how to overcome it, body image, setting healthy boundaries and much more.
If you are ready to deal with your own "stuff" email me today for the access information. This is a closed group and only those who register will be able to participate.
Email me at victoriousmin@att.net
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