I S S U E O N E \ M E 2 M A G A Z I N E P E O P L E W E M E E T:P U L E N G M A M A B O L OP O W E R N O T E F R O M E D N AB E T H E C H A N G EW O M E N W H O I N S P I R EM O M ’ S T H E W O R DE AT + W E A R M E 2 G I R L SG E T T I N G O U T T H E R EC R E AT I V E C O L L E C T I V E

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Thirty one: It’s is not an age, it is a stage... Not only in your life but it also signifies a platform that God has prepared for you, to play out your story! Single or married, young or old- A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman - who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. She girds herself with strength spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task and makes her arms strong and firm. (Proverbs 31:10;17 AMP)

Let’s admit it! We love to hate the Proverbs 31 woman, as she is too perfect, too together and raises the bar way too high. An unobtainable standard? No way! God says,

There’s no stereotype, but there is a blueprint that God wants us to declare about ourselves: I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works... ( Psalm 139:14a AMP)

The very CREATOR of the universe lives within you and me! The very SOURCE of creativity is your indwelling resident! There is nothing small and insignificant about Him, so don’t you dare to live in opposition to that!!

So let’s celebrate LIFE and our CREATOR. Thirty One: the next verses are now being written...

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contentsP O W E R N OT E F R O M E D N A 2 W O M E N W H O I N S P I R E 4P E O P L E W E M E E T 5B E T H E C H A N G E 9E AT A N D W E A R 1 1W H AT D O Y O U W A N T TO B E 1 3H E A LT H A N D B E A U T Y 1 5M O M ’ S T H E W O R D 1 7M E 2 G I R L S 1 9G E T T I N G O U T T H E R E 2 0C R E AT I V E C O L L E C T I V E 2 1M AY / J U N E R E S O U R C E 2 4

© T h i s p u b l i c a t i o n i s p r o d u c e d b y V i c t o r y M e d i a f o r

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b y m e m b e r s o f V i c t o r y C h u r c h u n l e s s o t h e r w i s e s t a t e d .

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C O V E R P H OTO G R A P H Y: I M PA C T P H OTO G R A P H Y. C O. Z A

Pu l e n g ’s m a k e u p : M o n a W i l l i s

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WELCOME TO THE F IRST EDIT ION OF OUR ME2 MAGAZINE, NAMED THIRT Y ONE!

From the moment that Lizette shared the vision for a me2 digital magazine with me - I was hooked! A quick coffee was organized with Anne and the girls so they too could get inspired. This is the result of our collaboration - A magazine where we can celebrate our Father and His girls! He is indeed at work in us.

I love to see God at work! His fingerprints on our lives affecting not only our lives, but bringing about change all round. I am yet to meet a woman who doesn’t enjoy a good make over. I love ‘interior decorating’, as in renovating homes and even more so beautifying hearts! Telling the stories of our own transformed women, and focusing on the realms where they are bringing about change is utterly fascinating and intriguing!

God delights in using ordinary women (is there such a thing?) who are in the ‘make-over’ process to look a bit more like Him, at the end of the day. Out of experience we know that there is a whole messy renovation process, between taking the BEFORE and AFTER pictures !!

So my friend, if you are experiencing pressure, “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and

challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” (James 1:2-4 MSG)

It’s so easy to be Godly in isolation! Real relationships are intense at times and ‘push our buttons’, so that which is hidden, the good, the bad and the ugly...pops out! Issues come from the heart my friend, (Proverbs 4:23) let’s deal with it, so that our lives can count for more than a ‘ survival camp’. Real change is a messy process not an event! Retreating into isolation to be the guest of honor at our own pity party, is no longer an option. Offense is a luxury that we as Godly women can no longer afford!

Relationships that are authentic, heart to heart and connected to the SOURCE are priceless and so worth it! We need a will to war so that real peace can reign in our hearts. Dealing with the enemy (our issues) within; gives us authority to deal with the enemy without!

So- savour this moment with me- THIRTY ONE we welcome you! Make sure you have a cup of tea, a chocolate and switch your phone on silent...

Enjoy! Love Eds xx

> > P O W E R N O T E < <

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L I SA BEVERE How did you come to think of yourself as a leader? Did you realize you were already leading?

The realization that I was leading came to me out of the blue. For years I tried to avoid the judgment and responsibility that I knew would follow a woman in church leadership by minimizing my involvement. I imagined that by avoiding the assignment of an official title such as pastor, elder, or deacon, I could fly under the radar. When I read the following quote I realized there could be no more hiding:

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, let more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams

My pattern of accidental leadership was haphazard and self-serving at best. From that point forward I decided to lead intentionally. This context of inspiration makes it clear that every season of life comes with the capacity to lead at some level. Whether we own it or not, we each play the role of leader to someone. It may begin with your friends and family, but it rarely stays there. Someone is watching for a leader like you. Believe me, it is better to lead by example than as an object lesson. I have done both! But remember, more often than not, people are watching for you to succeed rather than for you to fail.

Extract from Propel Woman Magazinewww.propelwomen.org

^ W O M E N W H O I N S P I R E ^

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P E O P L E I M E E T> > T H I S I S P U L E N G M A M A B O L O < <

L O V E S : W A R M W E AT H E R& B E I N G PA M P E R E D

H AT E S : B A D C O M M U N I C AT I O N

F E A T U R E

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WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I grew up in the beautiful, mountain kingdom of Lesotho. My genealogy goes as far back to the time my country was founded! So I was born, raised and educated ‘til the age of 24 in Lesotho. Both my parents came from the village, so our first home was in the same village that my maternal and paternal grandparents come from, but when I was six years old we moved to our second home in the small town of Maputsoe which had a better infrastructure. My beloved country is tiny and literally surrounded by South Africa! The town we stayed in was so close to one of the South African borders that we did most of our shopping just across the border. I had a fairly good upbringing but definitely had my share of troubles as a teenager - poor choices, peer pressure, and identity issues all made my teenage years more dramatic.

HOW DID YOU END UP IN JEFFREYS BAY? In 2009, I was desperately trusting God for a breakthrough in understanding His plan, purpose, and destiny for my life; God answered my prayer by putting

George Mwanza across my path. He is the director of the discipleship program known as LXP (The Leadership Experience) in Jeffreys Bay, SA. In 2010 I miraculously joined the program and finished it in December. That same year, I got married to my South African fiancé whom I met in 2009 in Lesotho, and after our wedding we moved to North West, South Africa. Both my husband and I felt led to serve in ministry on a full-time basis so in 2012 we came down to Jeffreys Bay to join LXP as staff.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. I am married to my lovely, God-fearing and adventurous husband Ontlhabanetse Mamabolo; we have been married for almost four years and six months. We work at Victory Church as staff members under Pastors Louis and Edna, and we run programs at the Centre of Excellence in Humansdorp. Our passion is for community

“I was desperately trusting God for a breakthrough in understanding His plan, purpose, and destiny for my life”

F E A T U R E

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transformation and waking up every morning to see the community positively evolve and grow by sharing wisdom and the Good News in the midst of every challenge is indeed fulfilling. We have no children as yet, but we are trusting God for those precious gifts, and we would love to have twins as our firstborns. I am the fourth born of seven precious siblings; both my parents are still alive and recently retired from being teachers for more than thirty years. I am forever thankful and honour my dad and mom for being very supportive of me on life’s journey. My in-laws have been yet another great blessing to me, so when it comes to family, I am so blessed and cannot express enough how much they mean to me, every single one of them!

IF MONEY WASN’T AN ISSUE WHAT ARE 3 THINGS YOU WOULD DO/BUY AND WHY? Oh my word! Firstly a house, I would love to have somewhere I can call home. I think owning a house gives a sense of stability and I value that. Secondly, a car; my life would be much easier and effective. Thirdly, I value education, so I would definitely

further my education and study Psychology as well as invest in helping the next generation in their education.

WHERE IS SOMEWHERE YOU’VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF GOING? Growing up, I always dreamed of living in Canada so I would love to travel there. I am not very sure about living there though because I do not appreciate the cold - blame it on my Lesotho weather!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST AND LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT PEOPLE? My favorite thing about people is the privilege of observing them become who God has created them to be. Seeing them flourish in their God-given purpose and destiny - I always stay amazed at God’s transforming power in people. My least favorite thing is lack of communication; I see the frustration I cause or experience when communication is unclear, inconsiderate or disrespectful.

Photography by Impact Photographic and Design Studiowww.impactphotography.co.za

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PRAY FOR THE D I FFERENT ASPECTS OF THE ORGANISAT ION , S IGN UP TO VOLUNTEER OR DONATE AND PAR TNER F INANCIALLY.

ASTR ID VOS // V ICTORY4ALL

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So often people say: ‘I wish a little piece of paper fell from Heaven’. Looking back on the last 12 years in which our lives went through a total change concerning life, work and faith, I can say; I am glad I never knew what was lying ahead of us.

If God would have stuck a sticky-note on my fridge which said: My plan for you is to move to South Africa and in a few years time you will be leading a team of 65 staff members and 10 international volunteers and you will establish three different schools with 600 children and eight foster homes with 45 children and a bakery and vegetable gardens... All of this is for little ones who don’t stand a chance to have a bright future without that. And let me not forget: hundreds of short-term volunteers, teams and visitors will come over the years. And yes, you and your husband are going to start from scratch in a country you don’t know anything about and you will learn two new languages. Your young children (5,7 and 10

then) will be put in a school without understanding one word of English and you will give birth to your fourth child in this strange country, far away from your family and friends.

I would have taken this paper, laughed about it and torn it into 100 pieces. That could not have been a message for me! I loved my comfortable life in a beautiful home in The Netherlands (Holland) close to the ones I love. How would I ever be able to get everything on that list done? I wasn’t trained for that, moving to South Africa wasn’t on my bucket list and I didn’t see myself as a leader of any kind.

And if I really had understood that the note was for me, I would have run away from all of that. That was too big a thing to handle and definitely not my plan! I still had to learn a lot about God leading me and believing in me!

It’s so good that God will tell us exactly what we can handle at that moment; just enough to take the next step in faith. That is the biggest lesson I learnt over the past 12 years and I am so thankful and grateful for that. God took us by the hand and amazed us in what He wants for the vulnerable children of South Africa. We don’t have to be able to do anything. Our availability is all He asks for, so that He can use us as a channel to perform His miracles.

Luckily God believed in me more than I did! Belonging to a wonderful church gave us the support we needed to keep on going after every letdown or mistake. We have been so blessed over the past years. I would never have wanted to miss all of these experiences.

What God’s plans for the future are? I don’t know. I just checked my fridge but there was no note. I guess staying close to God is the best place to be and He will unfold His plan step by step!

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I N G R E D I E N T S :6 x 200g Chicken Breast fillets, skin on & trimmed3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive OilSea salt and Cracked Black Pepper2 tablespoons Lemon Zest2 Cloves Garlic, Sliced5 Sprigs Oregano3 Small Courgettes, Sliced400g Cherry Tomatoes1 1/2 cup Quinoa1/4 cup Store Bought Pesto

Preheat oven to 220*C Place the chicken, half the oil, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Place the chicken skin-side up, in a large oven tray and roast for 10 minutes. While the chicken is roasting, place the remaining oil, lemon zest, garlic, oregano and courgettes in a medium bowl and toss to combine. Turn the chicken and add the courgette mixture to the tray and roast for 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and roast for 5 further 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Place quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and run it under cold water for a few seconds. Place in a pot with 3 cups boiling water and cook for 10-15 minutes until al dente. Add the pesto and roasted courgettes, and toss to combine. Serve with chicken and tomatoes. Serves 6.

EATC R I S P Y - S K I N N E D L E M O N C H I C K E N , W I T H Q U I N O A ,

R O A S T E D T O M A T O & C O U R G E T T E S .

B Y C A R M E N B U R G E R

NOTE: Quinoa is a non-GMO and gluten free seed and not a grain. It is a high fibre, high protein food with 9 essential amino acids in the right proportions for easy absorption. It contains large amounts of flavonoids which are potent plant anti oxidants with numerous health benefits. Quinoa can be bought at Dischem, Woolworths and most Healthshops.

“I still think that one of the pleasantest of all emotions is to know that I, I with my brain and my hands, have nourished my beloved few, that I have concocted a stew or a story, a rarity or a plain

dish, to sustain them truly against the hungers of the world.” - M. F. K. FISHER

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W E A RC E L E B R A T I N G

S I M P L I C I T Y W I T HW E A R E J O N A

T O P 3 W I N T E R T R E N D S 1. The Oversized Coat Our personal favourite of the season: the

oversized coat. Get your hands on one this winter. Perfect for layering and offering plenty of room to move, the oversized coat screams comfort and class.

2. The Trainer There is still no getting away from the sneaker

trend. Whether you’re feeling brave and opt for a bold and colorful combo or keeping it safe with a classic design - your choice of trainers will keep you up-to-date with the latest trends in the fashion scene.

3. Textured Knits We’re seeing a lot of beautifully textured knits.

Go for a chunky piece as a statement or embrace the season with a knit dress or cowl neck top. Don’t be afraid of mixing.

Photography: Pinterest

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L I F E

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Back in 2002, with my braces off and on the verge of finishing high school, my friend and I wrote down a list of things we wanted to do with our lives. I have copied this list word for word, so I will let my 18 year old former self answer this question.

To Do List:1. Go on overseas exchange2. Graduate with a uni degree3. Finishing school in Switzerland4. Open a Swiss bank account5. Sponsor a child (South Africa)6. Appear on Oprah 7. Learn spanish/french 8. Write a book9. Build our own island10. Card company - greeting cards for people

who have enemies (when we retire)

Looking back at this forgotten list, I was pleasantly surprised at the things I could actually cross off. I’m not doing too badly considering no.10 is only for when we retire and no.3&4 were written because we had a brief fascination with all things Swiss.

I wonder how many of us sit with dreams and desires in our hearts that will never be fulfilled. My idea of life has changed dramatically since the days of school uniforms, celebrity adorned text books and packed lunches. I have come to realise that it’s not the “things” that I do that make up my life, it is the people I encounter and the God that I follow. Although whatever I do, I want to do it for more than myself, I want to love God and love people, I want to see lives transformed and most of all I want to leave a legacy of faith, compassion and love.

That being said, according to the above list, all I have to do is write a book and build an island and all of my life’s ambitions are completed... hmmm maybe it’s time to write a new list and see what I can do in the next ten years.

By Anne Huang

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HE A

LTH

AN

D B

EAUTY

Our skin changes as the seasons do and due to the change in weather conditions our skin is constantly under assault.

Cold winds and low temperatures can dry skin out, contributing to sensitivity and premature ageing. In the same manner forced air heating dries the skin as the warm, dry air acts like a sponge, soaking up moisture from the skin.

A lack of moisture (water) can cause the skin to become dehydrated, this means that even oily skin can suffer from dehydration. Due to extreme weather conditions vital lipids get stripped away, leaving dangerous gaps in the skin’s natural defensive barrier.

You can help reduce dehydration by applying a skin hydrating masque two to three times a week. Power boost your skin from the inside out by drinking at least 8 glasses of plain, filtered water per day.

To help your skin stay healthy through the seasons, speak to your skin care therapist about modifying your skin care regimen accordingly. Quick Tips:• Toner can be spritzed onto skin throughout the

day to increase hydration and reduce tightness• For dry hands and feet, opt for a paraffin dip

with your next Mani or Pedi to lock in moisture

Lorinda from Aqua Spawww.aquaspa.co.za

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T I P S A N D T H O U G H T S O N M OT H E R H O O D

‘ S TA R T W I T H T H E E N D I N M I N D ’

{ m o m ’ s t h e w o r d }

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I am a mother of one with one on the way and I guess I am barely out of the starting gate when it comes to the marathon that is parenting. Often I wonder as I browse books, magazines, blogs and Pinterest if I am the only one who feels bombarded with lists of what to buy, what not to buy, 10 tips on organising your hospital bag, nursery must haves, sleep training techniques - the list is endless, expensive and ever growing! And at times the longer the list gets the more I feel tempted to buckle under the crippling pressure to be the ‘Alpha Mom’ with the ‘Perfect Child’. You know the Alpha Mom right? She has got the Pinterest lists checked, her hair and make up is always perfect, she fits back into her jeans ten minutes after birth not to mention she has got the Proverbs 31 woman thing down pat. Alpha Mom is parent to the perfect child and owner of the perfect life.

There is a lot of information out there which is great, but what I have noticed is that so much of it revolved around managing our homes, schedules and children so that we have the satisfaction of just about making it. Too often I have fallen into the trap of running that gauntlet and it has left me... unfulfilled.

As one quite new to the parenting world the best tip I ever received was from someone better than Alpha Mom, she’s a Kingdom Woman - Dee

Harris. Dee told me this - “Start with the end in mind because babies and children aren’t just things to manage, they are Kingdom men and women in the making. Start with the end in mind.” Meaning let your values determine your parenting principles, not Pinterest.

Sometimes I sit back at the end of a long day and my mind is bombarded with the many ways in which I have probably failed as a Mom that day and then a still small voice reminds me of my son saying “Bless you Mama” when I sneezed. Or hearing him lift his hands and say “praise Jesus” as he jumps on the couch to Matt Redman, or when he asks me for something he follows his request with “please Mama”. And then a voice says “that’s it, that’s advancing the Kingdom” one tiny seed, one value at a time.

So, I’m nowhere near the finishing line, but I’m starting with the end in mind, not aiming for Alpha Mom with her perfect kids; but Kingdom family, totally flawed, but redeemed by Majesty and carrying the values of the King. And as I watch the women who have gone before me and followed this advice, unlike the Alpha Mom they don’t intimidate me, they champion me on with hope and inspiration. They’re lives saying “If I can do it, you can too”.

By Kara NothnagelPhotography: Heidi Knowles

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Q U E S T I O N : W H A T D O I D O W H E N M Y F R I E N D G O S S I P S T O M E A B O U T A N O T H E R F R I E N D ?Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships. Proverbs 16:8

A place to start when this happens is to check your own heart first. Are you enjoying this piece of gossip or are you actually bored or frustrated by it.

Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly? Proverbs 18:8

I think it’s natural for us as girls to want to share life with each other, but what becomes dangerous is when this “sharing” becomes a judgement on others. When our sharing becomes critical or a way of bringing someone down, then this is gossip.

The best thing to do in this situation is to gently steer the conversation to another more positive topic. If it persists then sit with your friend and tell her that you do not want to hear bad things about your other friend. Stand for what you believe in. Remember if someone gossips to you about someone else it’s more than likely they are gossiping about you as well.

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G I N A S M I T HMy name is Gina Ella Smith. I am 19. I am a surfer, a writer, a student, and thinker by profession.

With surfing I’ve always loved it and pursue competitions. Just through that God’s really opened my eyes to a whole different world and cultures that inspire me in my other passions like writing and connecting with people. So my favourite thing is to just see God’s hand in the world He creates and how He forms us for His purpose

The biggest struggle for me personally has always been my mind. Surfing competitions are a huge mental game; I try not to get overwhelmed and fall short of God’s calling by listening to the enemy’s lies about me. Even with my writing, not getting distracted by thoughts that aren’t from God, to not think less of myself or get caught up in an identity crisis but just to be confident in who I am and what He has called me to do is a challenge

My biggest achievements would be winning the SA champs title twice, I’ve represented South Africa twice and I’ve won quite a few National events.

I have travelled to Peru, Nicaragua, Portugal, Spain and Bali. Along the way I have encountered the most phenomenal and hilarious characters, from the ancient seaweed pickers in Bali, with missing teeth and wrinkled wrinkled skin who didn’t even smile, to the most flamboyant people on the streets of Europe with massive hats and the most ridiculous fashion trends.

Getting out there I think is the best thing I’ve ever done, there’s nothing better than stepping out of your comfort zone and really getting out in the world. The world doesn’t have to be far, it can be down the road and it’s those things that can really change your life and perspective. There’s nothing better than seeing its beauty and creation to really solidify your faith. When you go out and you encounter people of different cultures to yours , you really stop having an inward focus and start focusing on the people around you.

In my comfort zone I relied on the things that made me comfortable, whereas when I am out there alone, often in a new environment I really just call on God to help and it’s just amazing to see how He answers and how real He is.

G E T T I N G O U T T H E R E

Photography: Iris Dorine / Greg Chapman

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The problem with creativity is that we tend to become familiar with the new and we begin to lose our sense of adventure. Creativity is about doing new things, or old things in new ways.Many think creativity is only for the talented few for the rule breakers. Others say that the gift is overrated and creativity is about discipline. But actually creativity is a combination of perspiration and inspiration, it’s about both skill and effort, talent and task.

Here are some ways to look at creativity that will help us be consistently creative.

1. Creativity is worship : each one of us is made in the image of God to bring glory to God - this is our worship. Since only God can create something out of nothings, we are actually makers and not creators. Everything we make must glorify God in its excellence.

2. Creativity is endless : God started the eternal story of which we are a part. He is the source of all our stories and all our ideas.

3. Creativity is empowered : the spirit of God hovered over all creation, his breath hovers over our creativity. If as Ken Robinson suggests “creativity is applied imagination” and God can do more than we can imagine, we need God’s help.

4. Creativity is Word based : Creation and God’s word went hand in hand in Genesis.

5. Creativity is ordered : when God created the world , he created order out of chaos. But it is not necessarily the order we expect. He created light before the sun and places evening before morning.

6. Creativity is creative : God created seed bearing plants. He created a world that could make itself. He started the process that gives life to (fathers) a process. E.g.. Designers give life to other designers.

7. Creativity is surprising : God made a giraffe. Visit an art gallery or a zoo.

8. Creativity is easy : God created humanity on day six. Their first day was day 7. Their first action was rest. They worked from a position of rest. Easy.

To be truly creative, you must start things that might fail. Every idea has merit, it’s what you discard and what you keep that makes all the difference.

Extracts from Robert Fergusonwww.hillsong.com/collected

22Pen on paper drawing and Photography : Anne Huang

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Dear FriendsWe must ask ourselves: “Who can stand at God’s High Vantage Point? “

In Psalm 24:3-4 AMP the Word says: “who shall go up into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His Holy Place? [4] He who has CLEAN HANDS and a PURE HEART, who has not lifted himself up to falsehood or to what is false, nor sworn deceitfully.”

We live busy lives, filled with responsibility and doing exploits for God and our families. In our busyness we neglect to monitor and keep track of our hearts’ condition.

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else guard thy HEART with all diligence for out of it flows the issues of life. (Jubilee Bible 2000) *Guard / Protect / Control/ Take precautions against damage.Obadiah 1:3 NKJV [3] The pride of your heart has deceived you, An unguarded heart leads to self-deception!

Proverbs 16:2 AMP [2] All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart (the thoughts and intents of the heart).

Proverbs 24:12 AMP[12] If you profess ignorance and say, Behold, we did not know this, does not He Who weighs and ponders the heart perceive and consider it? And He Who guards your life, does not He know it? And shall not He render to you and every man according to his works?

Over the years we have seen many successful and prominent leaders in the Church, business, sport and political world rise to great heights, only to fall unexpectedly and spectacularly! Shocked we ask: “Where did this come from? “It came from WITHIN!

Since childhood we were rewarded for good behaviour, regardless of the condition of our hearts. We learned to work hard on our public performance, but were never taught to MONITOR the condition of our hearts. This sets us up for disaster as our outward lives become far removed from what is really in our hearts.

We need to examine our hearts.Cardiologists use a procedure called an ANTERIOGRAM to examine the heart by injecting a dye into the arteries to observe where the blockages are, symptoms can be medicated, but this often delays treating the cause and makes the condition worse! Like the dye in an arteriogram, God’s truth helps us pinpoint the blockages in our spiritual condition.

APRIL RESOURCE

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Matthew 15:8-9,11,18-20 AMP[8] These people draw near Me with their mouths and honour Me with their lips, but their hearts hold off and are far away from Me. [9] Uselessly do they worship Me, for they teach as doctrines the commands of men. 18 But whatever comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this is what makes a man unclean and defiles [him].19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts (reasonings and disputings and designs) such as murder, adultery, sexual vice, theft, false witnessing, slander, and irreverent speech.20 These are what make a man unclean and defile [him]; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him unclean or defile [him].

Their behaviour is fine, but they neglected to check their HEARTS! EVENTUALLY WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART WILL MANIFEST IN YOUR BEHAVIOUR. YOUR BEHAVIOUR WILL CATCH UP WITH YOUR HEART.There are four primary blockages that can obstruct our hearts: Guilt, Anger, Greed and Jealousy. This month we will examine our hearts for the first two of these conditions. By doing this we can find forgiveness through repentance and freedom to choose a better way!

1. GUILTGuilt says: “I OWE YOU”Unresolved guilt will affect all areas of your life. You will experience relational tension, find yourself lying and trying to cover up, especially hidden secrets, in fear of what others may think. Guilt makes you fearful of being known for who you really are and of losing respect. It makes you fear rejection so that you build walls around your heart to keep your secrets safe. Guilt makes it difficult to trust others, because you feel unworthy

How do you know when you are carrying guilt?• Do you sometimes feel you have done something that needs to be kept secret because you fear

people’s response should they find out?• Is there a debt you owe and that you feel unable to repay? How do you deal with it?

CONFESS and RECEIVE FORGIVENESS. A simple, but NOT easy solution!Find someone you trust, a safe place, where you can unload and unpack this burden. CONFESSION breaks the power of sin and guilt! Receive God’s FORGIVENESS and read the WORD to renew your mind. James 5:16 (AMP) Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored (to a spiritual tone of mind and heart). The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]1 John 1:9 (NKJV) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

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2. ANGERAnger says: “YOU OWE ME”

We get angry when we don’t get what we want. What we want may include that which we feel we ‘deserve.’ Anger reveals a hurt. “Someone took something from me, and they owe me” Hurt and injured people hurt and injure others, especially those close to them. It creates an environment of PAYBACK and suspicion.

Anger manifests in two ways: - Exploding outwardly- Imploding inwardly (passive aggressive anger)To implode means to collapse inward violently. The pressure will eventually build up and cause damage to yourself and others.

How do you know when you are holding on to anger?1. How do you express your anger?2. Do you know what the source of it is and then: How do you deal with the source of it? 3. Who do you feel took/stole something from you?4. Who do you need to forgive?

How do you deal with it?FORGIVENESS must be GIVENMatthew 18:21-22 (NKJV) Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.”• Recognize that something has been taken from you.• Decide that he / she do not OWE you anything anymore.• Say: “Your debt has been cancelled, you don’t owe me anything! I forgive you.” How wonderful to know that Jesus has made provision for the full payment of every debt owed. His blood has paid the full ransom and your only debt is to Him. You are not your own! You have been bought with a price, the precious blood of Jesus!!May Holy Spirit lead, guide and empower you to grab hold of His liberating Truth.

Much love and grace

Love Edna and team * Bibliography – Enemies of the Heart ( Andy Stanley)

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Dear Friend,

There is an urgency in the spirit for us to stand at God’s vantage point so that we can receive His strategy for our lives, the lives of our families and for a desperate world in need of a Saviour!

Last month we asked: “Who can stand at the High Vantage Point of God? “Psalm 24:3-4 : “Who shall go up into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His Holy Place? [4] He who has CLEAN HANDS and a PURE HEART, who has not lifted himself up to falsehood or to what is false, nor sworn deceitfully.” (AMP)

We reflected on the deceitfulness of our hearts and the importance of monitoring the health of our hearts by shining God’s truth onto it to pinpoint the blockages in our spiritual condition. We focussed on Guilt and Anger as two of the four major enemies of our hearts.This month we will examine our hearts for Greed and Jealousy.

3. GREEDGreed says: “I OWE ME”Greed says, “ What is mine is mine, because I earned it! I worked for it, so it’s mine, I deserve it!” Greed is hard to recognize, because it disguises itself. We often don’t think of ourselves as greedy, but as careful, good stewards that plan ahead. Greed says: “STUFF = LIFE!”

Luke 12:15-21 [15] And He said to them, Guard yourselves and keep free from all covetousness (the immoderate desire for wealth, the greedy longing to have more); for a man’s life does not consist in and is not derived from possessing [a]overflowing abundance or that which is [b]over and above his needs. [16] Then He told them a parable, saying, The land of a rich man was fertile and yielded plentifully. [17] And he considered and debated within himself, what shall I do? I have no place in which to gather together my harvest. [18] And he said I will do this: I will pull down my storehouses and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain or produce and my goods. [19] And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many good things laid up,[enough] for many years. Take your ease; eat, drink and enjoy yourself merrily. [20] But God said to him, You fool! This very night they [the messengers of God] will demand your soul of you; and all things that you have prepared, whose will they be? [21] So it is with the one who continues to lay up and hoard possessions for himself and is not RICH [in his relation] to God [this is how he fares]. (AMP)

We can call Greed the BBS - BIGGER BARN SYNDROME! Fear is at the root; fear of not getting your fair share. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy and you will not get it! It is a Poverty mentality, which means you cannot trust God to provide and make a way for you. GREED IS AN APPETITE THAT CAN NEVER BE SATISFIED!

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How will you know you are greedy?• When you always feel that you are not getting your fair share and never have enough.• When you take EXCLUSIVE ownership of things. • When you have an unwillingness to share your money, things, vision, ministry, talents and abilities

(that are used for God), and YOU NEED to get the RECOGNITION, FAME and GLORY (Because it is all about you) be honest and ask yourself: “WHO really gets the Glory in my life?”

How do you deal with greed? GENEROSITY AS A HABIT BREAKS THE POWER OF GREEDWe do this through INTENTIONAL GENEROSITY- push your generosity PAST THE PAIN THRESHOLD; it is the ONLY WAY to CONFRONT it; and ultimately overcome it. We overcome by keeping OTHERS in the spotlight, by acknowledging others, by writing thank you notes, by writing the biggest cheques and by blessing others.

1 Timothy 6:17-18 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share (NASB)Luke 3:10-11 And the crowds asked him, (John the Baptist) “What then shall we do?” And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” (ESV)

Luke 21:1-4 Jesus[a] looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.[b] 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (ESV)

In what area is God challenging you to push your generosity past the pain threshold? Where you are uncomfortable to give?…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

4. JEALOUSYJealousy says: “GOD OWES ME”Jealousy betrays the condition of our hearts more than anything else. It says: “I want what you have” and “if GOD really LOVES me and He has the ability to give me ANYTHING...WHY does He bless YOU instead of ME!” It leaves you feeling that God skipped you. “I deserve more and I deserve what they have!” Jealousy is UGLY.

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1Corinthians 13:4 - Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud. (NLT)James 3:14-16 - But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. (ESV)Proverbs 14:30 - A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. (ESV)

How will you know you are jealous?• When you are jealous you cannot rejoice when others get blessed.• You are quick to point out the faults and failures of others.• You measure your success in terms of other people’s failures.• You feel threatened by the success of others.

How do you deal with Jealousy?You need to make a HABIT of INTENTIONALLY CELEBRATING THE SUCCESS OF OTHERS!Even when you DON’T FEEL like it - do it!! OVER CELEBRATE and your heart will change.PUBLICLY CELEBRATE the things that THREATEN YOU PRIVATELY!SHARE THE CREDIT WITH OTHERS that are involved and ACKNOWLEDGE GOD. involved and acknowledge God.

1. How do you respond to the success and blessings of others? Do you rejoice or feel threatened?………………………………………………………………………………………….….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………2. How do you respond to your own success and blessings? ………………………………………………………………………………………….….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3. Are you intentional in celebrating and giving credit to others and God?………………………………………………………………………………………….….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Proverbs 4:23 23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. (NKJV)Ask the Spirit of God to help you to identify the enemy (issues/blockages) within.It is only when we have victory over the enemy within, that we can overcome the enemy out there and live a victorious life!

Love Edna and team * Bibliography – Enemies of the Heart (Andy Stanley)

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