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5 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. Revelation 3:15-17
Revelation 3:14 begins the letter addressed to the church at Laodicea. Hierapolis, a nearby city was famous for its hot springs, and Colosse for its cold refreshing mountain stream. But Laodicea had dirty tepid water that flowed for miles through an underground aqueduct. Visitors unaccustomed to it, immediately spat it out. The church at Laodicea was neither cold, openly rejecting Christ, not hot, filled with spiritual zeal.
I believe that each of us has the opportunity, and the responsibility to examine our own temperature. Here are some questions that we may ask to challenge ourselves. What am I willing to do for the Kingdom of God? What have I started or stopped doing to please the Lord? When I give my word that I will serve, am I serious and follow through even though it may be inconvenient? Do I look for or shun opportunities to be of service to others? Do I constantly make excuses that I call explanations for why I don't do more? Do I seek to learn the Word of God for myself? How often do I pick up my Bible in the course of a week? Do I spend time in prayer for others as well as myself? Do I care about the poor? If so what initiatives/efforts do I support with my time and money?
Honest answers to these questions will give each of us a clearer picture of where we stand. Is our relationship with Jesus Christ a matter of personal convenience or are we walking in sacrificial love, that prompts us to run hard after the things of God?
Hot, cold or lukewarm?
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It is really easy to be selfish. It doesn't require a whole lot of effort, just always look out for #1. But truthfully with minimal effort, it is just as easy to be thoughtful and helpful. Deciding which you want to be is up to you. In this segment we want to give you some ideas for how easy it is to make a difference in the world. None of us can do everything, but all of us can do something.
Paying it forward is about compassion, love and faith. It is about caring enough about other human beings, to take the time to be kind. That's it. So here
are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Be a courteous driver. Let people merge in front of you.
- Send a nice email or handwritten card to someone you know, unexpectedly.
- Redirect gifts. Instead of having people give you birthday and holiday gifts, ask them to donate gifts or money to a good cause.
- Give words of encouragement to someone about their dreams, no matter how big or small they are.
- Hold the door open for the person behind you.
These are some simple things, yet will put a smile on someone's face, will cost very little and have the capacity to change the course of a person's day.
Let's make the world a little bit brighter!
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The Reading Room 
The Reading Room options continue to grow because of the vast amount of talent available for Christians who read. Today we are excited to introduce a new addition to our cast of accomplished authors.
Melinda Michelle
Gwendolyn Melinda Michelle Evans is an author of five published works. She is also the founder and owner of Global Multi Media Enterprises (GMME), a publishing company that has published seven books with a number of new books in the works. She writes Christian Fiction in the genres of Romance and Suspense.Surviving Sunday is Book #1 in a series entitled "The Chronicles of Warfare." Storyline-
Meet Seth, he's part of a soul winning ministry. He has a beautiful wife, Sheridan, and his gift is about to make a name for him in the earth. Everything seems fine until he is accused of fathering a child outside his marriage. To see the entire body of her work, to learn more about this author and to order your books go to : www.melindamichell21.com
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It's happening this weekend
Woman, Arise In Strength Empowerment Summit September 25th - 29th The Purpose Center 210 Old Kings Rd, Suite 800 Flagler Beach, Florida Anointed guest speakers Workshops Prayer breakfast Live taping talk show....... You still have time to make it there! www.thepurposecenter.org
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Taking It To The Streets
We are still hard at work preparing for our 2015 mission trip. We are totally amazed and blessed by the generosity of people. We have received responses from as far away as California, offering help to the needy people that we serve.
We need your help! We provide the following:
- Book bags
- School supplies
- Toiletries
- Shoes & socks & clothes
- Bras
- Food
Can we count on you? To get more information please feel free to call (888) 479- 1113.
For $96.00 we can purchase 24 book bags, $108.00 will buy 24 10 piece back to school supply kits (240 pieces) or $60.00 will buy 5 pairs of kids sneakers.
Make a donation today and make life better for someone else.
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One of these days very soon your Bible quiz will need its own newsletter. Just kidding! But the level of participation is very exciting!
Last week's quiz question -
Which book of the Bible comments that "dead flies cause the ointment of the
apothecary to send forth a stinking savor?"
The correct response is Ecclesiastes 10:1.
Congratulations to the following Word lovers:
Florida: Mrs. Gloria Benjamin
Mrs. Doris Wise
Ms. Nellie Davis
Mrs. Pat Brown
Mrs. Carolyn Coleman
Ms. Marion Shelby
Ms. Mattie DeVore
Mrs. Loretta Pete
Mrs. Ruby Wyche
Mrs. Gloria Singleton
Apostle Michelle Toussaint
Ms. Francine Boykin
New Jersey: Mrs. Sandra Brown
Delaware: Ms. Mary Pugh
Ms. Elaine Camper
Minister Barbara McCamie
Illinois: Mrs. Lena Whitaker
Bible quiz 9/26/14:
How were the Thessalonians told
to "keep their own bodies"?
If you have never participated, join us in our quest to know more of the Word!
Note: Responses must be received not later than 3:00pm on Thursday to be included in Friday's newsletter.
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Prayer Matters
We are almost at the end of another month. Our October prayer calendar is complete and ready to be sent out. If you are not currently receiving our monthly calendar, but would like to, email us at victoriousmin@att.net to be added to the distribution list.
If you need prayer, our team of Intercessors are dedicated to praying for you. You may submit your request via email, through the website at www.vl-ministries.org or by calling (888) 479-1113. If you would like to have someone pray with you, please include your telephone number with your prayer request.
Join our weekly prayer calls on Mondays from 7:00 to 7:30pm est or Wednesday mornings from 6:30 to 7:00am est. Call (712) 432-3066, conference code 930692.
Remember, prayer changes everything!
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Sister 2 Sister 
The Women Who Read, reading group is well on its way to being a fresh and exciting new thing that you will want to be a part of. Here is how it works:
- We will select books by authors that are listed in The Reading Room
- We will read the book
- We will participate in a facilitated discussion
- Each book that we read, the author will participate in the discussion
This promises to be a great time to meet interesting and diverse people, learn from one another and draw from each other's experiences and view points, expand the vocabulary and sharpen the mind, all from the comfort of your own home.
Women from New Jersey, Delaware, South Carolina, Virginia, Illinois and Florida are already committed. It's not too late yet for you to join. Email us today to add your name to this exciting and enriching undertaking.
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Dr. Nina Says......
Dr. Nina Cherie Franklin
Besides being a rich source of potassium, vitamin C and dietary fiber, cherries are an excellent source of flavonoid antioxidants shown to boost immunity, reduce inflammation and decrease the risk of certain chronic diseases.
Cherries are relatively low in calories (about 52 calories in 1/2 cup) sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol but high in sugar so moderation is key.
You can reap the health benefits of cherries by consuming them in whole or juiced form. In juiced form, cherries pair well with apples, pears, peaches and/or pineapple. Add sparkling mineral water and you've got yourself a tasty soda.
To get Dr. Nina's Book, Leave Your Fat Behind and to learn more great health and nutrition information, visit her website at :
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In Closing
Success for many is an elusive thing. Many work and strive all their lives to attain the "thing", whatever it is that means success to them. In the process, Christ is often not a part of the equation. You can have the biggest house, grandest car, most gorgeous spouse, most high profile job, and more money than can be spent in a thousand lifetimes. But in reality, you will leave it all here. The Bible challenges us with this simple question, " For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul?
38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:36-38.
Are you ready to pass from death to life? from darkness to light? Call us today and give us the opportunity to share Jesus with you!
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