CANCER WITH GRACE

Encouraging words for Cancer Victims, Survivors and their Loved Ones

 

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Born in White Plains, New York, I am the oldest of five children.  My early biblical training was obtained at Christ’s Temple under the leadership of her uncle, Bishop S. M. Tucker, Sr.  I accepted the Lord as my Savior at an early age, and during young adulthood, I was active in various areas of ministry at Christ’s Temple.

Upon marrying my “infanthood” sweetheart Barney, we relocated to San Jose, California. The Lord directed and planted the Murray’s in a new church home, the Eastside Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Elder Sherman Harris.  It was there that I accepted God’s call to “the work of the ministry” and continued to develop the gifts God has placed in me.  Throughout my 17 years at Eastside, I held various leadership positions including Minister of Music, choir president, Praise & Worship leader, Sunday school teacher, and licensed Evangelist Missionary. 

Until 2006, Barney and I were members of Maranatha Christian Center in San Jose where Pastor Tony Williams is the leader. Various areas of ministry work included – singing in the Hope of Glory Mass choir, women’s bible study facilitator, and mentor to other women, church announcement clerk, Praise & Worship leader, and Married Couples’ Ministry leader. 

Currently, we reside in Tucson, Arizona and are members of the Faith on Fire Church in Goodyear, under the leadership of Apostle Rodney Pearson. I am the Church Administrator, a member of the Executive Leadership Team, assisting in women’s ministry and also continues to mentor women.  Outside of the local church, I have served on the Board of Directors of Daughters of Zion, a non-profit organization which ministers to women in California.

I’ve played many roles in my life; but cancer patient was one I was not prepared for. What I believed to be an ear infection in May 2007 was later diagnosed in October as Stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx. During those 6 months, it had progressed to the point of lock jaw, loss of hearing and even worse, not being able to sing. As a Christian, singing is not just something I enjoy, but a gift from God I believe that I must use in his service.

My husband, Barney and I sat in the exam room with Dr. Huerta, the ear, nose & throat doctor, bracing ourselves for the news.  Even Dr. Huerta seemed a little uneasy.  His words: “The news is bad.”   My thoughts: “Not an ear infection.  Not a sinus infection.  Not allergies.  Not dental problems.”  His words: “SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE NASOPHARYNX – A MALIGNANT TUMOR – CANCER!!!” Calmly and matter-of-factly, I said, “Okay,” as though I were a three year old who had just been scolded.  In my mind, I was thinking, “Are you kidding me?!”  I felt as though I hadn’t really heard what he had said.

Barney and I went back to the Waiting Room while Dr. Huerta called to set up an appointment with the oncologist. A treatment schedule needed to be developed immediately.

I wasn’t “acting” like I’d been told I had cancer.  I didn’t have a breakdown, no tears, no screaming, no asking God, “why me?” Somehow I had a peace that everything was going to be okay.  It was then that I began to realize that the journey I had unknowingly started, was not going to be about me at all, but about the testimony that would come out of it.  God must get the glory…

 I now had the task of telling our daughters, other family members and friends.  There were specific people that I wanted to hear the news from me, personally. Others would have to get an email. Having to send an email was just a reminder of how many wonderful people were in my life that loved and cared about me. There were just too many to tell individually.

As my family and friends joined me in prayer, I believed that I would come out of this test just fine. Treatments were going to be aggressive and the best the medical field had to offer.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy took their toll. My physical body was sick and made weak from the process. My faith only grew stronger as the result. Today I am four years cancer-free, healed and back singing in church!

Medical advances in cancer treatment when combined with faith, and family support, make for a miraculous force in the healing process.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart.” Jeremiah 1:15

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Since her miraculous healing, Jacki is committed to sharing her story to encourage and restore hope to those who are affected by cancer. Through articles, personal appearances and a book planned in the near future, Jacki will be busy telling the story of the importance of faith, family and medical advances as part of the cancer experience.

Jacki and Barney will soon celebrate 32 years of marriage, and have two adult daughters, Aja and Aryn. The couple has been blessed with six grandchildren – Lauren (age 12), Aren (age 5), Arilàn (age 5), Alijah (age 3), Ajani (age 3), and Asé (age 1).

Website/Blog: http://cancerwithgrace.wordpress.com/

Facebook: Like my page

Are the answers for life’s problems in the Bible?

Everything that has happened to us prior to this moment, good or bad, truth or lie, right or wrong, contributed to the person we are at this moment. Everything that happens to us from this moment forward will contribute to the person we are becoming.

With this perspective about who we are read 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

            2 Timothy 3:16-17

            16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for          correction, for training in righteousness;

            17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. NASB

Ask our self this question about this passage.

Do I believe that ALL Scripture is inspired by God?

This would mean that everything from Genesis to Revelation is truth that God has communicated to the authors of the Bible for the benefit of mankind. We must take the complete works as coming from God and if the word is from God, then none of the word is to be dismissed. We can not be a salad bar reader and accept some passages and dismiss others. We will not understand all passages but that does not make them incorrect or not worthy to consider. Sometimes there are other things we need to learn before a passage can be understood.

Now if we believe that all Scripture is inspired by God, now we can consider how to use Scripture. The passage list 4 ways to use Scripture. First, for teaching or doctrine, what I should know. Second, for reproof, what I should stop. Third, for correction, what should I change and last, for training or instruction, what should I start doing. To summarize Scripture is to enlighten me as to what I should know, stop, change or start.

Notice that we are to receive training in righteousness. We become a righteous person when we are saved. However, we must peruse righteous behavior. We need to be trained in what is righteous by God’s definition, not by men.

Why should we consider these four reasons for reading and studying the Scriptures?

            17 So that the man of God may be adequate or complete, equipped for every good           work. NASB

We have things to do within the kingdom for God. While we are here on planet earth, God is working in the lives of His children. He wants our help and as a believer we have a responsibility to live our life as an Ambassador for Christ. God has plans to use us as the kingdom grows. When we become a believer we are changed spiritually but the old habits and old beliefs that we have embraced need to be corrected.

Power of Scripture God’s word is a mirror that reveals sinful thoughts, ideas and habits.

Look up these verses and reflect on the use of Scripture for your life.

Matthew 7:24, John 8:31, Hebrew 4:12, James 1:22-24

Questions to consider:

What is my opinion of Scripture?

Do I believe that I have habits or beliefs that need correction?

Do I believe that the answer to my problems can be found in the Scriptures?

 

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Pam Hayes

I lived in Alabama from birth until 1980. In 1980 I came to Tucson to take a job as a test engineer with IBM. In 2008 I retired and took a position at The Oasis Church as the Director of Ministry. I immediately started a ladies morning Bible study. To prepare for and lead this class is the highlight of my life. I take great pleasure influencing others to dig deep into the word of God. I enjoy quilting to relax.

Some information from the Lord concerning the condition of the “church”; the “church” of today, is as Israel during its rebellion, AND its rebuke.

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During a prayer fellowship in central Phoenix on Thursday, January 26, 2012, the Lord provided the following information:

 

This is a CRITICAL time for the "Church".

The "Church" has reached a tipping point.

The "church"; as is distinguished from the "Church".

A GREAT separation is underway; the "church", from the "Church".

 

Afterwards, the Lord asked me to publish and distribute the information below that I received of Him one year ago.

At the time that I received the information below, I knew that it was very serious, and that it needed to be published and distributed to as many as possible; due to any number of circumstances, it did not, until now.

It is my hope, as well as the pleasure of the Lord, that if both seamlessly connected pieces of information impacts you to the degree that it should, that you would seriously consider forwarding it to whomsoever it seems right.

NOTE:    “Logos” is a Greek term for the inspired, recorded, written, “canonized” Word of God; the scriptures.

                  “Rhema” is a Greek term for the inspired, spoken, Word of God; also now recorded, and written.

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Logos:            Vs. 1-3a

Rhema:     The Lord has said concerning the “church”, that your strength and security is taken away.

Logos:            Vs. 3b-6

Rhema:     The glory of the “church” shall be as the glory of the children of Israel in their rebellion, THIN and LEAN.

 

                   It is a season of reaping for the “church”, but when the “church” shall go to reap, it shall reap as a man with only one arm, hindered and unable, sustaining only what can be carried in THAT one arm.

Logos:            Vs. 6-7

Rhema:     The “church” will begin to wonder why nothing that it does is producing prosperity, IN Christ Jesus; why the health of the “church” is so poor.  In its wondering, the “church” will begin to look to the Lord and not to those things that they thought should have garnered and sustained His favor; many will not find Him. 

                   The altars, the “churches”, the religions, the ministries, the institutions of christendom, have become, for the “church”, as became the groves and images of a rebellious Israel. 

                   The “church” has set their eyes (affections) upon the works of their own hands, and has given respect to those things that their fingers have made, thinking that these things have been, and are, pleasing to the Lord. 

                   THESE THINGS HAVE BECOME AS IDOLATROUS TO THE “church”, EVEN AS THEY WERE TO A REBELLIOUS ISRAEL.

Logos:            Vs. 9

Rhema:     The “church” is entering into, and shall endure a period of desolation, and of seemingly being forsaken.

Logos:            Vs. 10-11

Rhema:     It is not the God of the “church’s” salvation that is of true interest.  Knowing the Lord, instead of just knowing of Him, is not the order of the day for the “church”.

 

                   The “church” REALLY does not care about the Lord.

 

                   What the “church” DOES care about is the usage of those things that pertain to the Lord, such as His name, His Word, His Blood, His Spirit; all for the purpose of provisioning the works of the hands, and those things that the fingers have made – this IS ALL the “church” has been, and is, interested in. 

 

                   The “church” is NOT interested in the Lord God simply for Himself, nor is the “church” interested in gaining, or retaining knowledge of Him that is designed to produce the pure worship, fellowship, and communion that He is seeking after.

 

Logos:            Vs. 12-13 

Rhema:     To the multitudes of many people, to the nations, that are proselytized, and run into the rebellious church, because of the absence of the Lord in their inner man, because of the absence of the mind and heart of Christ, their “praise and worship” is unto the Lord as the noise of the seas, and of rushing mighty waters; IT IS NOT PRAISE UNTO HIM, IT IS NOT WORSHIP UNTO HIM, IT IS AN IRRATATION, because they know not the Lord God of whom they ignorantly attempt to worship and praise

 

                   Those of the multitudes shall be rebuked by the Lord, and shall flee from before Him.

 

Logos:            Vs. 14

Rhema:     Because of the “church’s” slumber, it is being robbed and spoiled by the “priests and prophets” who knowingly turn the people of His heritage away from Him.

 

                   Unless the rebellious “church” awakens, and takes heed to the counsel given to the Laodicean church (Revelations 3:14-22), which it will not, there will continue to be trouble in the evening time, and in the morning; when the “church” should have found the (joy of) Lord, He will not be.

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Today, there are 38,000+ forms of christianity operative world-wide, which is the “church”, distributed under 10-11 major denominational categories, including catholicism.  Of these, there are NONE righteous, NO, NOT ONE.  As it pertains to the “rhema” above, none are exempt.

 

If you would, please take heed to the following found in 1 Peter 4:17 (KJV), “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”

 

It is our singular, then corporate responsibility, to know whether we are in THE FAITH, not just in A FAITH.  The Lord has judged, and IS judging, and many that are of the 38,000+, MANY, will find that His verdict DOES NOT favor them; but because of their arrogant presumption of righteousness, they will not “hear” the verdict NOW rendered, until it is finally rendered THEN - along with their sentence of condemnation.  Come out from among these, and be separate, says God. 

 

Please examine yourselves thoroughly against the entire scriptures, not just selectively convenient verses extracted from bible translations that support “your” faith; the mark IS truth, rightly divided, and properly applied.  This will be an extraordinarily difficult process for the “many”, as they have been attached to “their” faith for quite some time. 

 

If you would, please carefully note that the “severity” of God’s mercy, love, and patience, is on full display in this, and subsequent declarations, in that He is giving warning of His doings, and none shall escape, except they take heed, and repent.

 

P.S.  THERE IS MORE - ALREADY!!!  The Lord; He is kind.

Eld. Brian NICHOLS 

 

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Elder Brian L. Nichols is the founder of The Church International, Inc., and after 26+ years in ministry, has completed work on a curriculum developed for church, ministerial, and personal transformation, called THE NEW GENUS INITIATIVE.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Brian and his wife Leslie reside in Goodyear, AZ (in the west valley of metro-Phoenix).

Email: the_church_intl@q.com

Website: http://jicayr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.l.nichols

 

A Game Changer: New Estate and Gift Tax Laws

 

Many of us spent our childhood years playing sports and games. An important part of our development was learning the rules. Once we understood the rules, we could develop creative strategies for winning. When the rules changed, our strategies needed to adapt. Estate planning is no different. Late in 2010, President Obama signed into law changes to estate and gift tax rules. If you haven’t already, it’s important to review the new rules and make adjustments to existing estate planning and gifting strategies. Here are a few of the changes that may affect your plans: 

 

·        Estate Taxes Reinstated

In 2010, for a single year, there was no estate tax. During 2011 and 2012, the top estate tax rate will be 35%, and the estate tax exemption amount will be $5 million, as shown in the table below. In 2013, these temporary changes will end, and we may see a return to higher estate tax rates and lower exemption amounts.

 

	Estate Tax Exemption Amount	Is Exemption Portable?	Top Estate Tax Rate	GST Tax Exemption Amount
2010	N/A	N/A	0%	N/A
2011-12	$5 million	Yes	35%	$5 million
2013	$1 million	No	55%	$1 million

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

·         Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Repealed

Generation-Skipping Transfers (GST) allow one person to reassign ownership of assets to another person who is two or more generations younger. For example, a grandparent might transfer ownership of property, by gift or at death, to a grandchild. Historically, GSTs have been taxed at the highest estate tax rate. However, for 2010, the GST tax was temporarily repealed. As a result, gifts made to grandchildren during 2010 were assessed gift tax and not GST tax.

 

The GST tax returned in 2011 with the top rate at 35%. Executors of estates for those who died during 2010 chose between the estate tax rules for 2010 and those for 2011 by filing an estate tax return within nine months of the new law’s enactment.

 

·        Gift Tax Exemption Increased

The new law temporarily increases the lifetime gift tax exemption from $1 million to $5 million. For example, with proper planning, a married couple can gift up to $10 million to future generations completely free of gift, GST, or estate taxes through 2012. This creates an opportunity for tax-free transfers of wealth that has not existed before.

 

·        Estate Tax Exemptions Become Portable

In the past, estate tax exemptions that were not used were lost. The new law makes the $5 million exemption portable through 2012. In other words, an executor can preserve any portion of unused estate tax exemptions for the surviving spouse by filing an estate tax return. As the law is currently written, portability will disappear in 2013.

 

The new and temporary estate tax laws provide an opportunity to develop new plays for the 2011 and 2012 estate planning playbooks. If you would like to explore these opportunities, please call us at 520-299-7172. We will be happy to work with you and your estate planning attorney.

 

The above material was prepared by Peak Advisor Alliance.

 

“Wise men store up knowledge….”   -- Proverbs 10:14

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Drew Blease, RFC®, CFS, is the President/Founder of Blease Financial Services, a full service comprehensive wealth management firm.  Blease Financial Services specializes in helping pre-retirees and retirees build, protect and preserve their wealth.

Along with his wife and three children, Drew attends Vision, a non-denominational bible-based church. 

For more information please visit www.bleasefinancial.com or call (520) 299-7172.  Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.

 

 

Financial professionals often follow two rules of thumb when providing clients with financial advice. First, they suggest clients save as much as possible in qualified retirement plan accounts, such as 401(k) plans and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Contributions to these plans generally are made with pre-tax dollars, and they have the opportunity to grow tax-deferred. Second, they advise that retirees delay taking distributions from qualified accounts for as long as possible because no taxes are owed on qualified accounts until distributions are taken.

 

As with many rules of thumb, these principles are not accurate or reliable in every situation. Consequently, it is important to work with an advisor to evaluate your specific circumstances and determine the best course of action. Here are some of the issues that should be considered:

 

·        Should I save for retirement in taxable or tax-deferred accounts? From a financial planning perspective, it is beneficial to have a blend of qualified and non-qualified assets. This provides more opportunity to balance and potentially minimize income tax liability over time.

 

·        Do you receive company matching contributions? If your company’s 401(k) plan offers matching contributions, it is providing an automatic return on your investment. A company match of 50 cents on the dollar represents a 50 percent return on investment from day one, assuming you are 100 percent vested in the plan. When a matching contribution is available, it may be a good idea to contribute enough to the plan to receive the maximum match every year.

 

·        Should more qualified plan savings be set aside by an older spouse or a younger spouse? The answer to this question depends on the couples’ goals and expectations. In general, an older spouse will be able to access qualified plan savings sooner than a younger spouse; however, a younger spouse will have more years to invest tax-deferred, which may mean that he or she accumulates more savings. If the younger spouse saves and accumulates more, his or her Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) may be greater at age 70½. Since RMDs are taxed at ordinary tax rates, the long-term tax consequences should be considered.

 

·        Should I draw assets from a taxable or tax-deferred account first? Many people assume it is best to let qualified plan accounts grow tax-deferred for as long as possible; however, when you take a distribution from a qualified account, it will be taxed at your ordinary income tax rate. It may be advantageous to use a combination of non-qualified and qualified account assets to moderate taxable income over time. In addition, higher qualified plan distributions may affect the taxability of your Social Security benefits.

 

There are many considerations when structuring retirement savings and retirement income plans. When combined, Federal and State income tax rates often total 30 to 45 percent. It is essential to plan carefully and understand the tax implications of your decisions.

 

The above material was prepared by Peak Advisor Alliance.

 

…the borrower is the servant of the lender.  – Proverbs 22:7

 

Drew Blease, RFC®, CFS, is the President/Founder of Blease Financial Services, a full service comprehensive wealth management firm. Blease Financial Services specializes in helping pre-retirees and retirees build, protect and preserve their wealth.

Along with his wife and three children, Drew attends Vision, a non-denominational bible-based church. 

For more information please visit www.bleasefinancial.com or call (520) 299-7172.  Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Greetings to all and welcome to “A Word In Season” a devotional publication of New  Dimension Ministries.  Have you ever found yourself driving down the rode only to find your pace suddenly changed by someone driving slow in the fast lane.  They refuse to move over to allow you to pass and now you are trapped because there is a car in the next lane over that is moving slow as well.  Deep from within you are now ready to explode with the words “Get Out Of The Way”. 

In a similar fashion many of us refuse to get out of the way of Lord purpose being fulfilled in us.  We want to be in control and keep him out of the drivers seat of our lives.  Do you realize that John the baptist was declaring those same sentiments in John 3:30 when he said He must increase, but I must decrease. John was realizing that God was looking to do a great work and he had to move for it to come to pass. 

Do you know that God is looking to do a great in you as well.  John was peaking in his ministry and many people were following him as he preached in Judea.  Being an anointed man God he was able to recognize that it was time for him to step aside to allow Jesus ministry to move forward.  Jesus ministry was just starting and multitudes were beginning to follow him.  John understood his Kingdom position so much so that he said concerning Jesus “Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world”.  John made the connection that it was Jesus time to increase and his time to decrease and as a result, he stepped aside. 

When one uses drugs and smoke weed they get in their own way and end up with addictions and trouble with the law.  People who cheat on their spouses or in a relationship get in their own way and cause nothing but pain.  People who are lazy, slackers, shiftless, and slothful get in their own way and cause disappointment and heartache.  These people need to make the connection with Jesus and “Step Aside”.

Jesus came to this earth to set the captive free, heal the brokenhearted and give us abundant life.  His purpose cannot be fulfilled if we do not humble ourselves. This is why James 4:10 tells us to humble ourselves.  When we step aside and decrease then the Spirit of God can increase in us.  When the Spirit increases in us there is only one direction that we can go.  That’s right “Up!” You need to realize that this is the beginning of a good work in you for which Philippians 1:6 says that the Spirit of God will complete. 

In Numbers 12 you will find recorded that Miriam and Aaron rebelled against God by speaking against Moses.  They became a little too high minded and said in the presence of the congregation of the people “has the Lord spoken only to Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” They did not humble themselves and got in the way of Gods purpose for Israel.  But the bigger problem for them was that God heard their rebellion.  As soon as they spoke these words an upset God summons all three to the tabernacle door and tells Miriam and Aaron to step forward.  God now declares I speak through vision and dream to my prophets.  In other words if I wanted to speak through you this is the way it would be done.  However I speak to Moses my faithful servant face to face.  In other words he is special and favored he is my voice on this earth.  When you spoke against him you spoke against me.   

The Lord anger was kindled and caused Miriam skin to turn white as snow and she became a lepers.  Turn to your neighbor and tell them “I told you to leave me alone”.  Moses pleaded for her and God rescinded after she spent seven days isolated outside the camp.  The people of God could not continue their journey until she returned to the camp.  Miriam had so gotten in the way of Gods purpose for Israel that she was severely punished with the deadly disease of her day.  Her actions slowed the people of God from moving forward.  Conflict comes when you don’t Step Aside and humble yourself.  So Get Out of the Way and allow Jesus life to increase in you.  See you in church this Sunday. 
 

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William F Dixon is the Sr Pastor of New Dimension Ministries. New Dimension holds its service to the Continental Ranch Community Center. 8881 Coachline Blvd Rd, 520-256-5434 Service starts at 9:30 AM. www.newdimensionministries.org email GraceBun2u@q.com

 

Ensure that you understand your insurance.

Flooding damages a lot of homes every year, so many learn something about their insurance coverage – for better or worse. Usually the surprise comes from not having looked at the policy for years. The fact is everyone needs to review their insurance policies periodically and make changes when appropriate.

Whatever type of insurance you own or are considering, having a better understanding of the questions to ask, issues to watch out for, and options that may be available are all very important. When you need the insurance pay-out the most, you may not have it.  

Life insurance is a perfect example.

“Although a rigorous financial plan will likely evaluate any current life insurance protection needs, and recommend and implement new life insurance coverages as required, the ongoing review process for existing life insurance policies often receives far less attention,” says Michael E. Kitces, CFP, CLU. 

Term insurance is certainly the most straight-forward form of life insurance available. The proposition is simple: Each year you pay the cost of the life insurance and, in exchange, you receive one year of coverage.

Kitces notes that given how common it is to find term policies today that are designed to last for a certain number of years (e.g., “10-year term” or “30-year term”), understanding what happens to the policies beyond the time period is important. 

• Does the coverage automatically lapse or can it be continued at a new premium schedule based on the insured’s age at that time and what are those premiums scheduled to be? 

• Can the insurance company require the insured to provide new evidence of insurability (i.e., go through the underwriting process again) if coverage is continued past the guaranteed period? 

• Does the policy offer an option to convert the coverage to a permanent life insurance policy without evidence of insurability? 

• Does the conversion option last the entire duration of the policy or is it for a limited time period? 

There are several reasons to reconsider your existing term coverage today, including lower costs due to improved health status. Term replacement is also a strong option to consider if there has been a change in the original time horizon needed for coverage. For instance, if a 45-year-old person is five years into a 20-year term policy that has limited extension or conversion options, and believes they will need coverage until age 65 rather than 60, replacing that policy with a new 20-year term policy that will last until age 65 may be more effective.

It’s important to know what decisions will or will not be needed at the “end” of a term insurance policy, so at least a plan can be in place should circumstances change. Will it ever be possible to extend the term insurance policy further?  Will conversion always be an option?

Ensure that you understand your insurance.

The above material was prepared by Peak Advisor Alliance.

…let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance…. Proverbs1:5

 

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Drew Blease, RFC®,CFS, is the President/Founder of Blease Financial Services, a full service comprehensive wealth management firm. Blease Financial Services specializes in helping pre-retirees and retirees build, protect and preserve their wealth.

Along with his wife and three children, Drew attends Vision, a non-denominational bible-based church.

For more information please visit www.bleasefinancial.com or call (520) 299-7172. Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.

 

Recently, Father allowed me to understand a practice of sin that is grievously, and abusively, prevalent amongst ministers in “christianity”, amongst “christianity”. It is not adultery, fornication, stealing, etc., those "popular" sins that do so permeate the culture of “christianity”; no, it is one, perhaps, of greater impact, and consequence, in comparison to all of those, and the such like.

It is the sin of omission; the sin of omitting TRUTH.

The word omission means something neglected, or left undone; apathy toward, or neglect of duty; the act of omitting. To omit means to leave out, or leave unmentioned; to leave undone; to fail, or disregard.

TRUTH is defined as fidelity, constancy; sincerity in action, character, and utterance; the state of being the case – fact; the body of real things, events, and facts – actuality; a judgment, proposition, of idea that is true or accepted as true; the body of true statements and propositions; the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact, or reality; fidelity to an original, or to a standard; in accordance with fact – actually.

TRUTH points to, is driven to, the singular reality of the singular God.

TRUTH cannot be added to, or subtracted from.

TRUTH is comprised of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding; the three intellectual capacities of God.

TRUTH sanctifies.

TRUTH advances to light, which reveals Godly deeds.

TRUTH cannot produce lies.

TRUTH, and the hearing of TRUTH, produces faith.

TRUTH, and in spirit, is the only way to correctly worship the Father; He seeks after such.

TRUTH, and the knowledge of TRUTH, shall make you free.

TRUTH promotes the capacity to hear the Lord’s voice.

TRUTH is Spirit.

TRUTH is singular in existence and function.

TRUTH is entire and complete.

TRUTH is revealed, “line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little”.

TRUTH is the singular objective of the Holy Ghost, as it pertains to the sons of God.

TRUTH is to be loved.

TRUTH is to be diligently sought after.

TRUTH is to be rejoiced in.

TRUTH is to be spoken.

TRUTH is to be heard.

TRUTH is to be believed.

TRUTH is to be known.

TRUTH is to be acknowledged.

TRUTH is to be rightly divided.

TRUTH is to be obeyed.

TRUTH is to be manifested.

TRUTH is to be lived.

TRUTH is to be in you.

TRUTH is to be done.

TRUTH is to be both possessed, and occupied.

TRUTH is the fabric of the Gospel.

TRUTH is a fruit of the spirit.

TRUTH is of the armor of God.

TRUTH is to be held in righteousness, NOT unrighteousness.

TRUTH is NOT to be resisted.

TRUTH is NOT to be lied against.

TRUTH is past, present, and future, and agrees in all.

TRUTH is God’s Word.

TRUTH is in Jesus Christ.

TRUTH is Jesus Christ.

Though TRUTH is entire and complete, acquiring the knowledge of TRUTH is in part, and advances in revelation as you go on to perfection, adulthood, in Christ Jesus.

Though TRUTH is entire and complete, there are past, present, and future TRUTHS which are to be added to one another to insure the acquisition of full, and complete TRUTH.

Though TRUTH is entire and complete, the acquisition of TRUTH is evolutionary.

Because TRUTH is evolutionary, there are timelines for “certain” TRUTHS to be both revealed, and acted upon, as predestined by the Lord. Once the fulness of the timeline of that certain TRUTH has run its course, there is another TRUTH, again predestined by the Lord, which is readied to advance the former TRUTH, while remaining in perfect harmony and synchronization with that former TRUTH. These evolutionary TRUTHS also aid in insuring the capacity to comprehend, and correctly act upon - again in perfect harmony and synchronization, those certain TRUTHS that remain singularly constant throughout the entire advance towards perfection in Christ Jesus. These TRUTHS are revealed systematically, and methodically, by the Lord, and are designed to facilitate the living of successful lives by His sons and daughters, during any respective time leading to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

If I, as a son of God, and a minister of the Gospel, know these TRUTHS, and withhold them from God's people, OMIT them, I sin against His people, and against Him, by not properly preparing His people for the times they are in, and are yet to be in.

If God's people are inadequately prepared, still functioning on antiquated, past TRUTHS, they will not be able to properly endure the advanced challenges of the times yet to come, and will fail, will fall away, will sin.

My sin of omission, omitting the TRUTH, will be at fault, and their blood will be upon MY HEAD.

 

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Elder Brian L. Nichols is the founder of The Church International, Inc., and after 26+ years in ministry, has completed work on a curriculum developed for church, ministerial, and personal transformation, called THE NEW GENUS INITIATIVE.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Brian and his wife Leslie reside in Goodyear, AZ (in the west valley of metro-Phoenix).

 

The United States is in crisis. We are witnessing unprecedented events that may seem a little surreal to most of the people in America. Our national problems are so big and have happened so quickly that most people cannot even get their minds around the problems, much less contemplate viable solutions.

We are at a crossroads in this country. The stakes are high; the battle lines are clearly drawn. The very soul of our nation hangs in the balance. The kind of nation we will pass on to our children is at stake. What choice will the people of the United States make?  

It is my personal opinion that we are to the point where we have two options available to us. Let’s start with the first option - a revolution.  Revolution comes from a Latin word, revlutio which means: a turn around. A revolution is a fundamental change in power or organizational structures that takes place in a relatively short period of time.  In a political context, a revolution may take the form of a modified constitution or a complete change from one constitution to another through a variety of means.

The second option is a Christian revival. A revival is best described as a Christian spiritual renewal that causes a fundamental transformation of the individual lives of people within a given society. That individual transformation, in turn, fundamentally changes society as a whole for years as people adjust their lives to the principles taught in the Bible. In fact, America was founded on those biblical principles and our constitution was designed to govern a people who lived by them.

Therein lays the problem. The more we reject God as a nation and the less we trust the Bible for guidance in our moral lives, the less our constitution is able to adequately govern us as a people.

John Adams said, “Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

Recently Al Sharpton interviewed Harrison Schultz, the organizer of the “Occupy Wall Street” protests who said, “I think this is the beginning of a revolution in this country.”  Schultz, a professional sociologist, went on to say, “Part of the problem, part of the issue is that I think that a lot of the people that are here are in fact anarchists, are in fact revolutionaries. And putting a revolution, putting a revolutionary change into political terms is very difficult to do. Because we're trying to get away from all the problems. Again, we don't really want to fix them: it's revolution, not reform."

The outcome from revolutions are well documented throughout history. Let’s limit our observations to modern history.

 Let’s start with the Bolshevik’s October Revolution. Change came to Russia. Joseph Stalin’s reign alone from 1941 to 1953 led to the execution of more than 20 million people in just twelve years. Stalin consolidated his power through the Great Purge that attempted to expel those who disagreed with him in any way.

Moa Zedong, the Chinese Communist revolutionary, held authoritarian control over the People’s Republic of China until his death in 1976.  During his rule from 1949 to 1976 he is believed to have killed between 40 and 70 million people.

Change came to Bosnia from 1992-1995. The change manifested itself through an ethnic cleansing campaign that included unlawful confinement, murder, rape, sexual assault, torture, beating, robbery and inhumane treatment, unlawful deportation and transfer of citizens. There was also unlawful appropriation and plunder of real and personal property; the destruction of homes and businesses; and the destruction of places of worship. By 1995, over 100,000 people had been killed.

There are too many examples to list of what happens when revolution comes to any country.  It may sound benign and innocent at first, but it always ends the same.

Some might rightfully ask, “But wasn’t America birthed out of a revolution, too?”  Our Founding Fathers didn’t kill off huge numbers of dissenters as was done in the other revolutions.  So what was the difference that made the American Revolution unique among history’s many other revolutions?  It might be helpful to contrast the American Revolution with the French Revolution that occurred within the same relative time frame. 

For the Colonists, individual freedom controlled by morality and religion was the guiding force of the American Revolution. The guiding force in the French Revolution, as is the case in most all revolutions, was to achieve social justice through government.

The result of the American Revolution was clearly exceptional because the underlying principles that directed it were distinctively Christian, which brings us to the second option.

Revival also brings societal change, but the process and the outcome are radically different. The First Great Awakening during the 1730’s and 40’s left a permanent impact on the early American colonies, resulting in the revelation of each person’s need of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Great Awakening made Christianity very personal to the colonialists, encouraging introspection and a commitment to a new standard of personal morality and ethics.  The spiritual impact was crucial to the founding documents of our new nation.

A Second Great Awakening began in earnest around 1820 and lasted 50 years. The emphasis was to remedy the evils of society before the second coming of Jesus Christ. Many of America’s great institutions were formed during this period.

Will there be a Third Great Awakening in America or will we descend into the dark pits of revolution?

We have the self-proclaimed revolutionaries taking to the streets, demanding change because we have not been able to self-govern our excesses. So, where are the preachers preaching the other alternative - revival?  Who is calling for a moral change that only comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a commitment to live by the principles taught in the Bible?

We as Americans must decide if we will humble ourselves before God and align society to the standards of honesty, integrity, morality, and ethics taught in the Bible or allow ruthless people to rule over us because we are not capable of self-governance.

I encourage Christians to clean up your personal lives. Take the initiative to align your lives with godly principles taught in the Bible and take a stand for righteousness in your community before the majority of Americans believe that revolution is the best answer.

 

Imagine the impact that Americans of faith could have on the future of our nation, the character of its leadership, and the moral health of its people if we all applied biblical principles to every aspect of our lives — including our participation in the democratic process.

Honor, Privilege, Duty
Americans are blessed to have a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” When you vote, you help determine who will lead our nation, make our laws and protect our liberties. More than a right, voting is a privilege that millions of people in other parts of the world can only dream about. Still, many Americans choose not to vote. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as many as 35 percent of eligible Americans are not registered to vote – that’s 45 to 65 million people! Less than half of the voting-age population actually votes in any given election.

What’s worse, Christians often vote at an alarmingly low rate. For example, in 2002, only 43 percent of evangelical Christians actually bothered to vote. When people of faith fail to vote, is it any wonder that policies are enacted that are contrary to believers’ core values?

The Influence of Faith
Our faith in God should influence our values in life, and this includes the political arena. We shouldn’t be bashful about injecting notions of right and wrong into public debates. These ideas come from moral standards, which help prevent a free society such as ours from sliding into social chaos. People of faith, grounded in moral truth, must be prepared to discern those candidates best able to uphold moral values. As Christ’s representatives on earth, we are under a mandate to be “salt and light” in our culture (Matthew 5:13-16). Dr. James Dobson has said, “We live in a representative form of government where we are its leaders. It means that every citizen has a responsibility to participate in the decisions that are made, and that includes people of faith using their influence for what is moral and just.”

Voting Your Values
Here’s more sobering news: many believers fail to consider their biblical values when voting, often choosing candidates whose positions are at odds with their own beliefs, convictions, and values. A study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life shows that nearly two-thirds of Americans say their faith has little to do with their voting decisions.

The Ministry of Voting
That’s right. Your vote can be a form of ministry. After all, when you vote, you are directly and indirectly impacting people’s lives. By the people you select and the ballot measures you support, you are making a practical difference – for good and bad – in the lives of:

• unborn children (abortion policy)
• impressionable youth (pornography laws & education policy)
• husbands and wives (marriage & divorce laws)
• hurting souls (religious freedom laws)

And that’s only the beginning. So in the coming election, prayerfully resolve to:

• Be registered
• Be informed
• Vote your values