MOUNTAIN VIEW CHRISTIAN CENTER APR/MAY - 2011

AGN

IN THIS ISSUEBreakthrough and Discover

Tiffany James

The Spirit is Willing but the Mind Says NO!Dr. Lakita Long

AGN BREAKTHROUGH?

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The School of Theology is a comprehensive 22 course program that enables students to start and pursue a Biblical education based on a foundation of Biblical studies. Students will have the opportunity to graduate from the School of

Theology and then continue their education towards a Bachelor of Biblical Studies Degree. The goal of the School of Theology is to equip men and women of God to develop and use their spiritual gifts for the

work of the ministry in the Body of Christ.

School of Theology PresidentPastor Tyrone Holmes

2 Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,

a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

OPEN ENROLLMENT POLICY CONTACT: PASTOR TYRONE HOLMES

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GET YOUR DEGREE NOW!CALL 925-625-9570

It’s here... Why wait any longer?

AGN - Pg. 3

Seek and you will find...

ften times when we think of breakthrough, we think of overcoming obstacles or victory in warfare. We can even visualize walls around us tumbling down so we can grab hold of what we’vebeenfightingtoobtain.Thisbreakthroughisverycommonandmuchneeded.

Yet,thereisanotherbreakthroughoftenoverlooked.It’sthebreakthroughdefinedasadiscovery -- a major achievement or success that permits further progress. It’s almost like having an AH HA moment. We can get a breakthrough from something we’ve been battling or we can overcome an obstacle that has been standing in our way. If we don’t have that breakthrough (discovery)ofwhatisorhasbeenstandinginourway,thenwecanoftenfindourselvesbackbehind those same walls we seen come down asking how did these walls get rebuilt again.

There comes a time in our lives when we must notice and research the pattern that is forming in our day-to-day lives that keeps us from obtaining success. Scientists often have historical breakthrough in science because they are dedicated to the assignment at hand. They put forth relentless efforts to discover something new and extraordinary they believe to exist. They take time to observe every angle down to the core of that research because they know with time comes more understanding. They are willing to learn from their mistakes by re-examining choices they’ve made along the way. They believe in discovering and uncovering the impossible and they know they can’t do it without the right team.

We have to be the researchers of our destiny. We have to do all of the above in order to have a breakthrough in life!!! There is something new to discover about yourself so start your research anduncoveryourfindings.Ipromiseyouwillbeamazedattheextraordinarygiftsyoupossess,the potential that has been buried within for so long, and the knowledge and wisdom that you gained from your dedication.

You will also be able to uncover that maybe there is pain and bitterness that remains unhealed. Maybe un-forgiveness has taken up residence within. Perhaps even fear trapped you or you were living in the valley of regrets and confusion. You may even realize your very own hands built the walls around you and now this time when they come down because the faulty foundation has been discovered, uncovered, and removed they can never be built up again. Wherever you findyourselfinlife,donotcontinuetolooktootherstodotheresearchbutbecomethescientistof your life and have a breakthrough discovery of who and why you were created to be.

Psalms 24:6-8 This is the generation [description] of those who seek Him [who inquire of and for Him and of necessity require Him], who seek Your face, [O God of] Jacob. Selah [pause, and think of that]! Lift up your heads, O you gates; and be lifted up, you age-abiding doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. (Amplifi ed Version)

Breakthrough and Discover

by Tiffany Jameso

CONTENTS

SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY - PASTOR TYRONE H. PG. 3 /GINA DACUS - PG. 8 / WOMAN TO WOMAN PG. 10 / EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA - PG. 15 / DR. LAKITA LONG - PG.17 /

Publisher - Pastors Hanoum / Dellinger

Editor-In-Chief - Will Byrns

Managing Editor - Gina Dacus

Copy Editor - Cathy Huffman

Reporters/ColumnistsSusan Holmes, Austin Miles

Priscilla Stanley, Gina Dacus, Don Huntington,

Ramiro Amador &Don Kwong

Solano Dist. - Jeanne Byrns

Graphics - Will Byrns

5000 Amaryllis Street Oakley CA 94561

ofc: (925) 625-9570fax: 625-9003

Email: wbyrns@americasgoodnews.com Send releases, letters and reprint requests to the

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Good News America covers local, national and world news headlines and stories. The views and opinions

expressed in this literature do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of America’s Good News.

Good NewsPublishing USA

Photography - Tim & Jane Vaughn

Tiffany JamesBreakthrough and Discover Author Gina DacusAffirmations & Poetry

Pastor Susan HolmesWoman 2 Woman

Rev. Austin Miles How Jesus Might Look Back at the CrossAuthor Gina DacusWomen of Worth

SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY - PASTOR TYRONE H. PG. 3 /GINA DACUS - PG. 8 / WOMAN TO WOMAN PG. 10 /

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8

10

12

14

Breakthrough

EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA - PG. 15 / DR. LAKITA LONG - PG.17 /

Dr. Lakita LongThe Spirit Is Willing

17

World News21

Pastor Will ByrnsWe All Need a Breakthrough

22

MVCC ChaplainsAward of Distinction

23

AGN - Pg. 8

Author Gina Dacus

THE POWER OF BREAKTHROUGH

By Gina Dacus

When you feel as if there is no release in sightWhen you start to feel worn from everyday life

At the critical pointAt the 12th hour

God will SHOW up.

As simple as tap on your shoulderHe comes in and

Pulls back darkness Only to reveal His marvelous light.

Breakthrough has a way of SUDDENLY,Completely,

Relieving you fromWhat may have

seemed the worst timeIn your life.

When breakthrough Shows up – it makes

That issue or concernSeem as if it wasn’t

That bad at all.

Because breakthrough exceedsYour worst fear

Your biggest lossAnd

Your greatest sadness.

Breakthrough comesWith an abundance

That pushes backThe enemy in a

Way that he has nogrip.

Nowhere to

Plant his feet

Nowhere to sinkHis teeth.

Breakthrough is invincible.Breakthrough is immeasurable.

Breakthrough is undeniable.Breakthrough is powerful.Breakthrough is from God. AGN - Pg. 9

“Woman To Woman”

By Susan Holmes

As we look at the current situations that are taking place in our world, it is very obvious to see that the Earth and all the inhabitants who dwell on it is in desperate need of a breakthrough from Almighty God! All of God’s creation is crying out for deliverance that can only come by the Merciful hand of God Himself. Whether the need is the result of a major catastrophe such as in Japan, the effects of war, the economic collapse, relationship problems, family crisis, personal battles, the consequences of sin, or anything beyond our control -- one thing is for sure all need a loving touch from God. We need God to step in and burst open the windows of Heaven and pour down rivers of His mercy, grace and loving kindness for it is the only thing that will last forever!

In 1 Chronicles 14 and 2 Samuel 5 there is written testimony of an account of David being in need of deliverance from his enemy the Philistines. David was accustomed to crying out to God in prayer for help, which was a part of his personal relationship with God. He had learned that he must live in total dependence on God and do things God’s way not his own. God came to his aid and delivered him from his enemies. 1 Chronicles verse 11 says, “So Israel came up to Baal-perazim, and David smote the Philistines there. Then David said, God has broken my enemies by my hand, like the bursting forth of waters. Therefore they called the name of that place Baal-perazim” (Hebrew meaning The Lord Of The Breakthrough!)

Davidwassaying,“Goddidit!”HeusedDavidtoburstthroughhisenemieslikearagingflood.BecauseDavidsoughtGod’sdirectionfirst,heknewitwasGod’svictory.DavidacknowledgedGodastheOnewhobroughtabouthis victory. He said, “I couldn’t have done it if God had not gone before me”. God is the Master of the breach, and thebattleisnotyours,butHis.AlwaysputGodfirstandallowHimtobringtheneededvictoryineverysituation.

Notice how David likened God’s power to the bursting forth of waters. In other words, he described it as a flood.HewassayingthatwhentheGodofthebreakthroughshowsupandreleasesHispower,itwillbelikeafloodofHisgoodness,afloodofHisfavor,afloodofhealing,andafloodofnewopportunity.

Think about how powerful water is. Three or four inches of water can pick up a huge car that weighs thousandsofpoundsandmoveitallaround.We’veseenonthenewswholehousesfloatingdowntheriverinbigfloods.Nothingcanstoptheforceofthatwater!Anythingthat’sinitswayismoved!

Today,youmayhavedifficultiesthatlookextremelylarge,obstaclesthatlookimpossible,dreamsthatlookunobtainable.Butknowthis:whentheGodofthebreakthroughreleasesafloodofHispower,nothingcanstopit.Youneedtogetreadynotforatrickle,notforastream,notforariver.GetreadyforafloodofGod’sfavor,atidalwave of His goodness, a tsunami of His increase! Dare to believe that God is going to overwhelm you with victory in everyareaofyourlifetoday!Isaiah59:19Bsays,“Whentheenemyshallcomeinlikeaflood,theSpiritoftheLordwillliftupastandardagainsthimandputhimtoflight(forHewillcomelikearushingstreamwhichthebreathoftheLord drives)”. Amplified Version

We need to position ourselves for the breakthrough that we’re trusting in God for. Then we will see His results in every area of our lives. Every promise is available to us!

Invite the Lord Of the Breakthrough to take over every area of your life; your thoughts, attitude, body and situation. HE will Flood you with His healing, favor, and strength as you surrender your entire being to Him. His wave of Love will surround you forever

Psalm29:10-11TheLordrulesoverthefloodwaters.TheLordreignsaskingforever.TheLordgiveshispeoplestrength. The Lord blesses them with peace. (NLT)

AGN - Pg. 11

“When the God of the breakthrough releases his power, nothing can stop it”

Reverend Austin Miles

The world today is in chaos. There are no restraints in human conduct. Absolute values have long been abolished. Good is considered evil, and evil is considered good. And never has The Cross been more offensive to society than it is today. Sin abounds. Any mention of the name Jesus Christ brings contempt and ridicule. His name is blasphemed and many public displays of Christianity have been declared illegal, while at the same time, pagan religions are readily endorsed and encouraged. Seeing all of this, would Jesus have second thoughts about Calvary? How would He look back on hissacrificetoday?Thinkaboutit.

Prayerfully pondering these questions, this writer speculates what Jesus might say to us today as He looks back to the Cross:

... But beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Our time reference is much different in Heaven than it is on earth. If you were to be with us in Heaven, you would see an entire life spin out from birth to death in a matter of seconds.

This is why coming to earth to face Calvary’s Cross was the greatest challenge I have had to face during my existence. First I had to come under the earth’s time system of seconds, minutes, hours, weeks, months and years.

Even more challenging was agreeing to inhabit an earthly human body with its inherited sinful nature. A body that would feel the driftings and currents of the world as well as the pain. And it may surprise you to learn that I had to exercise extreme faith to go through with this.

Remember,Ibeganmysacrificiallifeonearthasababy...anewbirthonearth.AsababyIhadtobefed,bathed,anddiaperedlikeanyotherbaby.Ihadtolearntotakemyfirststeps,learntounderstand and speak words, and, experience the growing pains of adolescence.

The time passes slowly for young people and soon there was such a feeling of distance between where I was at that time, and my time in Heaven with my Father, that it almost seemed a memory that may or may not have actually been.

And while instinctively I wanted to be about my Father’s business, the Jews in the synagogues would curtly ask, ‘Who is this boy who asks such questions? Isn’t this Joseph the carpenter’s son?’

I eventually faced the appointed day... a day where I would take on all the sins of mankind, a day where I would (in a human body) die a disgraceful, excruciatingly painful death while the Roman soldiers ridiculed me and religious leaders mocked in the distance. and yet, this was the only way that mankind could be redeemed, saved by Grace, and reconciled to God. Without this sacrifi ce, all would perish, which had been Satan’s plan since the Garden of Eden.

My human body was capable of the same temptations and stress as yours. This is why that in the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing what I faced the next day, I sweated great drops of blood. And yes, at one point (giving into the body I inhabited), I cried out: ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take this cup from me...nevertheless, not what I will, but what Thou wilt.’

The reality of what I faced was now before me. The unspeakable pain. Having to endure all the sins of mankind in my body... having to be taken to hell and back, to be ridiculed and to have one of my own disciples betray me... for money.

How Jesus Might Look Back at the Cross

AGN - Pg. 13

I had to call on every ounce of faith I possessed to go through with this. But I had no choice. The world itself was at stake. And my love of mankind was such that I would have none perish.

As my Father promised me, and, as explicitly detailed throughout the prophecies, the entire event went exactly as foretold, ending in great victory. Lucifer suffered his greatest defeat as the keys of death were snatched from his hands.

Death was conquered, giving instead, to all who believe in Me, everlasting life with me in Paradise.

Lookingattheworldtoday...aworldfilledwithviolence,chaos,sin,unspeakablecrimesagainsthumanity... and even seeing those who call themselves My servants cutting down each other and distorting my Word, one could well ask, ‘Was it all worth it? If you could go back, would you go throughthecrucifixionagain?’

Yes I would. I would go through the whole thing for any ONE of you here. That is how much I love you.

When you join me in Heaven, you will understand why I would want to share this Paradise with you.Heaven(youwillsee)isfilledwithexquisitepeaceandjoy,andaplacewhereyouwillinhabitperfect heavenly bodies... bodies free from aches, pains and disease.

On second thought, let me clarify something. There will be one imperfect body in Heaven. And every time you see the nail holes in my hands and feet, and the scar in my side, you will be constantly reminded of how much I love you. And let me add, it was all worth it.

So come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you,andlearnofme;forIammeekandlowlyinheart;andyeshallfindrestuntoyoursouls.Formyyoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Amen.

Rev. Austin Miles, a pastor and interdenominational chaplain based in Northern California, is an award-winning writer and author. He was a writer, researcher and technical consultant for the multi-award winning TV series, Ancient Secrets of The Bible, which originally aired on CBS TV. Visit his website at: www.revaustinmiles.com

(Editor’s Note: This Special Feature, considered an Easter Classic, is republished annually throughout the world. It has inspired several TV and radio programs and is widely quoted by pastors of all denominations.)

How Jesus Might Look Back at the Cross

AGN - Pg. 14

By Gina Dacus

WomenofWorthmeetthefirstMondayofeverymonthforanawesometimeintheLord.Womenofdifferentages, cities, and churches come together in unity for a night of good food, fellowship, worship and an incredible word of God from Pastor Kim Moreno and at times guest speakers.

February’s word focused on elevated worship and challenged the women to get out of their comfort zones and the norm so that they would be prepared to meet God in a whole new way. Pastor Kim began by declaring that “God is releasing a sound of worship and praise in the atmosphere. When you come to know the Lord, you become an atmosphere changer. There is a sound that is being released that will bring about revival”.

As Pastor Kim shared, worship comes in many forms and is not limited to one place. Unlike popular belief, worship is not limited to the building where you worship or is the worship team at your church responsible for initiating your personal worship. Worship is not limited to your Sunday morning service or right before your bible study. The kind of worship that she talked about transitions the believer to a new level in God where worship is ongoing. When the believer truly worships God in this way, Pastor Kim shared, that this type of worship will be a lifestyle. She challenged those about the appearance of worship and warned that God knows the difference.

Worship brings about change in your atmosphere and situation. Pastor Kim shared how Paul and Silas experienced a breakthrough and release based on the worship they gave God in their desperate situation. They were locked in jail and needed a release. Instead of complaining about their circumstance, they began to give God worship that stirred up a revival and ushered in the presence of God.

Are you experiencing a situation that requires a release? If you are stuck, it may be time to examine your worship. It may be time to transition the focus off the problem and zoom in on how great your God is so that you willexperiencetherealnessofhimbeingtheauthorandfinisherofyourfaith.ItmaybetimetoworshipGoduntil you experience a release from your situation. It may be time for you to get out of yourself and get into God completely. As Pastor Kim shared, you have to get out of rituals, legalisms, pride, and routine. There is no room for pride in worship. You can’t worry about who is looking at you or what they might say. Remember, you are seeking an release, a change,and a miracle from God; he needs all of your attention an focus. Even in the midst of your storm, change can occur. As Pastor Kim declared, “You are the atmosphere changer.”

Some may be questioning if a change in atmosphere is really necessary when they are going through a storm. Some may not believe that their worship matters. As Pastor Kim so profoundly shared, “You have to change your atmosphere to think straight and alter things in the midst of the storm”. It is not dependent upon the music, the praise team, or the Pastor. So the question remains --What do you personally bring to worship? Are you pressing in to worship God or are you a spectator on the perimeters of your storm? As Pastor Kim stated, “We have to be intimate to bring worship –that is the spirit of truth”.

So take time right now and transition to your new kind of atmosphere by giving God praise. Even if you feel as if everything is going well, just begin by thanking God for everything that he is doing in your life. Even thank him for the situation that he is using to bless your life. Thank him for the things that he has done in the past and what he is going to do for your right now situation.

And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation] (2 Corinthians 9:8 Amplified)

WOMEN OF WORTH SHARES:

A New Kind of Atmosphere

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)

AGN - Pg. 17

How JesThe Spirit is Willing but The Mind Says -- No!By Lakita D. Long, MS, MFTI, Ph.D

Growing up I use to hear the Pastor of my church in my hometown of Long Beach, CA say “The spirit is willing, butthefleshisweak”.ThisscripturewhichisfoundinMatthew26:41says“Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”. Mark 14:38 says, “watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready , but the flesh is weak.” These pages, have always been very interesting,andalsoIfoundthemtobeverytrue.Myspiritwantstoberight,butboythisfleshdoesnot.Suchis true with your mind.

While your spirit indeed may want to serve God through your life experiences, abilities, skills and knowledge, the mind still at times has a primitive hold on it, and needs constant reminding that it is not the one in control. When you desire a breakthrough, sometimes, people want it in one area of their life, the one that is impacting them negatively. What I would like to quickly share is the power of breaking through mentally.

The mind is something that is fueled by our spirit and our soul with the content shaped by what it is that we bring into two these areas. The mind is very powerful and holds various memories of life and if not correctly interpreted, and/or corrected, can be a great hinderance to real spiritual and personal growth. So taking this into consideration, just for a few moments, I want you to consider where you are, and what has been the ruling reason why: YOUR MIND.

Recently, I heard Pastor Glenn Burris, Jr, speak at an event and one of the many things that he said that I have thought long and hard about, which was, if you are stuck in your past, it is because your mind is still holding on to some shame, and if there are issues in the present, then you have become overwhelmed, and feel that there is no hope of doing something else. As I thought more intensely about this, I realized that the common denominator in both instances, it is your mind!! How you think changes everything!

Here are a few things you can do to ensure that your mind is ready to make the jump that your spirit is so indeed wanting to do:

Keep your focus on what’s your priority-1. don’t allow too much room for unnecessary distractions. Even those things that seem good, could really be bad when you are trying to move, and make something happen.

Watch what you let enter into your mind2. - in times like these we must be ever so careful in what we choose to allow to be in our mind and thoughts. You are the only person that has control over this.

What you think is how you believe3. -whenyouthinkthatyoucan’tfly,thenyouwillbelievethatyoucan’t and you will not even try because of your belief. I found that whatever it was that I thought, or allowed my mind to think, be, or do, that is what I was.

Change Your Life Moment: Everyday gives you the rare opportunity to allow your spirit to be indeed willing and to have your mind to follow. It is your choice!!

AGN - Pg. 18

Consider this...what if you were a child who needed a foster home and Agape Villages was called to help? Yes, you would hope a family would care. This is, in effect, what we deal with almost every day. There remains a tremendous need in our

state for more foster homes for children of all ages, especially children 8 years and older and sibling groups.

Agape seeks strong Christian families to partner with us to meet this need. For more information on foster parenting, call Isaura Roots at the Agape Villages office, 800-566-2225.

Foster Parents Needed

Will you be part of the next wonderful “Agape”

story?

We enjoy sharing stories of “our” children and their wonderful foster parents. These are an encouragement to us all! Here are two recent stories:

Mary is a 14 month old girl placed with an Agape family. Mary was placed in foster care because of her biological mother’s use of illegal substances and verbal abuse. WhenMaryfirstcametoourAgapehome,sheshowednoemotionandwouldnotplay with toys. Mary has made large strides in her development and is blossoming. Her biological mom has seen the difference in Mary. Mary's mother is working hard to getMarybackand,ifMaryisreunifiedwithhermother,shehasaskedourfosterpar-ents to be Mary's grandparents and always be in Mary’s life. We are thankful for the blessing that our foster parents are in Mary’s life and her mother’s life.

Daniel is 11 years old. He calls himself a “nomad” because he has been in so many foster homes. He loves his current foster home – they love him and accept him. He wants to stay where he is, and is asking to have another boy his age placed in the home so he can have a “brother.” His foster parents agree and we are working on that!PraythatwewillfindjusttherightlittleboytobeDaniel’sbrother.

For more information about being a foster parent or to make a tax-deductible gift, please contact

Agape Villages Foster Family Agencywww.agapevillages.org

3160CrowCanyonPl.Ste120San Ramon, CA 94583

866-922-4273

James 21:7 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

AGN - Pg. 20

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

WORLD NEWS

CHURCHES HELPING CHURCHES IN JAPAN

Russ JonesOne News NowIn the wake of Japan’s devastating tsunami and earthquake, efforts are under way to rebuild Japanese churches. As less than one percent of Japan’s population claims the Christian faith, the nation is one of the least-Christian countries in the developed world, which means each church is critically important.

Churches Helping Churches is a fellowship of congregations that assists churches in recover-ing from natural disasters. According to Tom Kim, the group’s executive director, a team from his organization witnessed total destruction when they arrived at the region hit hardest by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

“The entire town has been wiped off the grid,” he laments. “People are scattered, and there are churches that have been hit. Buildings are completely destroyed, pastors...are MIA [miss-ing in action] and we’re trying to identify them and restore some normalcy to the church so that they can continue their ministry in a community.”

Kim goes on to report that Churches Helping Churches is helping facilitate conversations with pastors and their congregations, as they often employ a more reserved form of personal inter-action. His group is also looking to provide aid as churches reconstruct their buildings.

“It’s not because we place a symbolic or spiri-tual value to the buildings. The church of Christ is the people; it’s not a building,” the executive director explains. “But the building provides a very practical way for the churches to function and to be a light and a source of help to their community.”

He adds that a team will return to Japan in a few weeks to begin long-term church rehabilitation efforts by providing intensive, gospel-centered counseling and training for pastors.

A WATERPROOF BIBLE FOR THE HOMELESS

Russ JonesOne News Now

A college student has been inspired with a unique way to help the homeless receive the Word. Ivy Tech Community College student Kristin Scott recently visited a number of homeless shelters in Indianapolis with her church’s youth group, which led her to contemplate ways she could bless the homeless beyond the gifts of food, clothing, and housing many of them already receive.

“I was eating my oatmeal in my living room, and I felt like the Lord just dropped an idea in me to raise money for waterproof Bibles for the home-less in Indianapolis,” she shares. “I immediately got online...looked at the prices, and I emailed the publisher, Bardin & Marsee Publishing, and I asked if there was a bulk discount on the Bible. And that very day, they were actually putting them on discount for ministries -- a 70-percent discount.”

Statistics show that roughly 15,000 people in In-dianapolis become homeless each year. But while the600waterproofBiblesthatwillbeprovidedwiththe help of Bardin & Marsee Publishing’s “GIVE” initiative is not enough to reach all the homeless, Scott says that number is much larger than she initially expected.

“I’m going to connect with different homeless min-istries in Indianapolis and give them the Bibles to distribute to the homeless,” she explains.

The young college student has given herself until March 4 to raise the necessary funds. More infor-mation about her efforts is availabale at Water-proofBibles.com.

By Pastor Will Byrns

AccordingtotheMerriamWebsterdictionarythedefinitionofaBreakthroughis…

1: an off ensive thrust that penetrates and carries beyond a defensive line in warfare

2: an act or instance of breaking through an obstacle <a breakthrough agreement>

3a : a sudden advance especially in knowledge or technique <a medical breakthrough> b : a person’s fi rst notable success <a breakthrough novel>

Over the years, I have come to know in my walk as a Christian the word breakthrough is used quite often. In my earlier daysasabelieverIwouldsometimescontemplatewhatthetermactuallymeans.Isitafinancialbreakthrough,aspiritualbreakthrough, a physical breakthrough, or some other type of breakthrough that is helping us advance in our lives as we overcome obstacles in this world.

IbelieveIamfinallygettingtounderstandinmyhearthowtheterm“Breakthrough”isreallyappliedtomypersonallife.Everyone’s situation in life is different and others may have a different opinion about their understanding of breakthrough which isfinebyme,butIwanttosharewhatGodhasbeenbringingforthinmycircumstances.

Breakthrough is not about us, or our personal wants or desires. It’s not about us achieving anything that we have been striving for in a physical way or overcoming struggles in our day to day life. Here’s the key: A real “Breakthrough” is breaking down or breaking through any barrier that separates us from being truly intimate with God. When we come to the place that we can hear His voice and know the perfect plan and purpose that He has for our life; that is a “Breakthrough”. When our every step is guided by Him and our relationship with Him feels closer than it has ever been before: that is a “Breakthrough”. WhenwesacrificeallelsetowalkwithHimandtrusthimwithourverylifeineveryway;thatisa“Breakthrough”.AtrueBreakthrough is about God’s will being done in our lives, and not our will. As I said before, it’s not about us; it’s all about the Lord.

If we surrender ourselves each day to the Lord and pray for Him to use us to make an impact for Christ in the lives of others:thatisa“Breakthrough”.InRomans12:1itstatesthatwearetobealivingsacrifice.“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to off er your bodies as a living sacrifi ce, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

When you are experiencing the power of God working in your life daily in all you do, you are living the breakthrough life. You arelivingthenumberonedefinitionoftheMerriamWebsterdictionary,butnotinaphysicalway;youarelivingitinaspiritualsense.Inourlivesasbelieverswearefightingourenemiesdailyinspiritualwarfare.Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against fl esh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authoriti es, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Even according to the world and Merriam Webster; if we are not walking in the breakthrough experience daily, we are on thedefense.TodayprayandpetitiontheLordforHis“Breakthrough”power.Don’tjustdothebestyoucantodeflecttheattacksand use all your energy to just make it through the day. Take ground – Not in your power, but by the power of God. Zechariah 4:6 ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.

Do you need a “Breakthrough” today? There is only one source, so lay it down at His feet and put all your trust in Him because He knows the plans He has for you. He is your rock, your Savior, your strength, your wisdom, your power and your Breakthrough!

Psalm 63:3-4 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. (KJV)

We ALL Need a

Breakthrough

3a : a sudden advance especially in knowledge or technique <a medical breakthrough> b : a person’s fi rst notable success <a breakthrough

Over the years, I have come to know in my walk as a Christian the word breakthrough is used quite often. In my earlier daysasabelieverIwouldsometimescontemplatewhatthetermactuallymeans.Isitafinancialbreakthrough,aspiritualbreakthrough, a physical breakthrough, or some other type of breakthrough that is helping us advance in our lives as we

IbelieveIamfinallygettingtounderstandinmyhearthowtheterm“Breakthrough”isreallyappliedtomypersonallife.Everyone’s situation in life is different and others may have a different opinion about their understanding of breakthrough which

Breakthrough is not about us, or our personal wants or desires. It’s not about us achieving anything that we have been A real “Breakthrough” is breaking

down or breaking through any barrier that separates us from being truly intimate with God. When we come to the place that we can hear His voice and know the perfect plan and purpose that He has for our life; that is a “Breakthrough”. When our every step is guided by Him and our relationship with Him feels closer than it has ever been before: that is a “Breakthrough”. WhenwesacrificeallelsetowalkwithHimandtrusthimwithourverylifeineveryway;thatisa“Breakthrough”.AtrueBreakthrough is about God’s will being done in our lives, and not our will. As I said before, it’s not about us; it’s all about the

If we surrender ourselves each day to the Lord and pray for Him to use us to make an impact for Christ in the lives of Therefore, I urge you, brothers and

sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to off er your bodies as a living sacrifi ce, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

When you are experiencing the power of God working in your life daily in all you do, you are living the breakthrough life. You arelivingthenumberonedefinitionoftheMerriamWebsterdictionary,butnotinaphysicalway;youarelivingitinaspiritual

Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against fl esh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authoriti es, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual

Even according to the world and Merriam Webster; if we are not walking in the breakthrough experience daily, we are on thedefense.TodayprayandpetitiontheLordforHis“Breakthrough”power.Don’tjustdothebestyoucantodeflecttheattacksand use all your energy to just make it through the day. Take ground – Not in your power, but by the power of God. Zechariah

Do you need a “Breakthrough” today? There is only one source, so lay it down at His feet and put all your trust in Him because He knows the plans He has for you. He is your rock, your Savior, your strength, your wisdom, your power and your

Psalm 63:3-4 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I

We ALL Need a

Breakthrough

MVCC Chaplain Presented

Award of Distinction

Timothy Vaughn of Brentwood, who was sworn in as a military chap-lain with the rank of Major by General Dan Helix US.-V, was pre-sented a Commendation Medal and Award of Distinction on October 15, 2010, "for his action and achievments during the Oct. 12, 2010 Dixon, California Stand -Down." Military Stand-downs, staged in various locations, reach out to homeless veterans in an army camp setting where they receive food, clothing, medical, dental care and counseling. The recognition-award was "Authorized and Approved by General Ted Blocker, Commanding) General of United States Volunteers."Afterin-classandfieldworktraining,atMountainViewChristian Center, Vaughn, a Vietnam War Veteran was commis-sionedasanMVCCCertifiedChaplainonSeptember12,2010,thenadvanced to military chaplaincy.

Just for

laughs

AGN - Pg. 23

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Your Latest News From A Christi an Perspecti ve Whether it’s a story about prayer in public schools, workplace restricti ons on Christi ans or batt les for biblical truth within our denominati ons, the American Family News Network (AFN) is here to tell you what the newsmakers are saying.

AFN is a Christi an news service - with more than 1200 broadcast, print and online affi liates in 45 states and 11 foreign countries - that exists to present the day’s stories from a biblical perspecti ve. We not only feature the latest breaking stories from across the United States and around the world, but also news of the challenges facing Christi ans in today’s society.

At OneNewsNow.com, you will get your news from reporters you can trust to give the latest news without the liberal bias that characterizes so much of the “mainstream” media.

For a refreshing and informati ve change in where you get your news, log on to OneNewsNow.com.

FOSTER PARENTS NEEDEDEvery child deserves a home. Unfortunately, the sad reality is that there are just not enough to go around.

There remains a tremendous need in our state for more foster homes for children of all ages, especially children eight years and older and sibling groups.

Agape seeks strong families to partner with us to meet this need. For more information on foster parenting, call Isaura Roots at the Agape Villages offi ce, 800-566-2225. On the web - www.agapevillages.org

Share your love with a child.

AGN-Pg.26

Romans 12:2Do not conform to the pat-tern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Corinthians 13:5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?

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