Eif Magazine Summer 2007 - Faithdome.org

EVERINCREASINGFAITH SUMMER 2007 VOL. III N0. 3

THE POWER OF FAITH TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE !

MAGAZINE

a message from dr. price

Part of living in the real world is being cognizant of the fact that all of us – ministers and laypeople alike – are supposed to be examples to the world on how to live. We are supposed to let our light shine before men (Matthew 5:16). The Body of Christ is a model for how our individual families should operate. The Christian family should set the standard for families in general. The lifestyle of our families should not mimic the world, but rather the Family of God. Likewise, no book other than the Bible can adequately instruct man or woman how to be a good spouse or a good parent. For the most part, people are just jumping “Let your light so shine into life not knowing if they will sink or swim. Unfortunately, too before men, that they many people sink! But Christians, you do not have to sink! may see your good Christians, you do not have to folworks and glorify your low the ways of the world because we have the Word of God! Father in heaven.” In this issue which focuses on virtuous women, my wife, Dr. Betty Price, offers some gems of —Matthew 5:16 wisdom in the feature story. (New King James Version) Women are faced with so many challenges today, but all it takes is some time in the Word and other older, virtuous women who can show you that living victoriously can be done. Brenda Daniel, who heads up our Missions Department at Crenshaw Christian Center recently wrote a book called Three Women and You about women in the Bible, whose lives can be examples to today’s women on how to live upright before God. This book and her impetus behind writing the book are highlighted in this issue. Also, be sure to check out my teaching on submission and what it truly means for wives today. I’m sure you’ll be very enlightened! Satan is devouring many women! But you don’t have to be one of them. Apply the Word of God to your life and watch how God moves.

invitation to salvation

If you are not a Christian and would like to become one, pray the following prayer:

Dear GOD in Heaven, Thank you for sending Your Son JESUS CHRIST to destroy the power of Satan over my life. I accept Jesus now as my personal SAVIOR and LORD, and I choose to turn away from the sins of my past to a renewed Life in Jesus. You said that if I would confess with my mouth the LORD JESUS and believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead, that I would be saved. I believe JESUS died for my sins and that You raised Him from the dead for my benefit. HEAVENLY FATHER, I thank you for the gift of salvation and for accepting me now as Your child. In JESUS’ name, Amen.

If you have prayed this prayer, please let us know by writing to us at: Crenshaw Christian Center P.O.Box 90000 Los Angeles, CA 90009 Attn: Administration Office

EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

3

CONTENTS

SUMMER 2007

Ever Increasing Faith Magazine Summer 2007 Vol. III, No. 3

Editor Antracia Moorings Publications Coordinator Michelle McIntosh Columnists Pastor Frederick K. Price Jr. Dr. LaVerne Tolbert Contributing Writers Dr. Alfred D. Harvey, Jr. Myrtis Tracy Kerri Webb

6

10

12

Art Design Lorena Iñiguez EIF Graphics Designer Ardena Brooks Photographer Harry Langdon Proofer Charles Rideaux Make Up Adrian M. Evans

Editorial Offices 7901 South Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.faithdome.or g To order from or to subscribe to this magazine: Call 1-800-927-3436 Ever Increasing Faith Magazine is published by Crenshaw Christian Center, a recognized nonprofit corporation. 2007 Crenshaw Christian Center. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Ever Increasing Faith and the logo on the back page are registered trademarks of Crenshaw Christian Center, Inc. in the United States and other countries where Ever Increasing Faith Magazine circulates. Ever Increasing Faith Magazine has no subscription or newsstand price and is supported through contributions. All gifts to this ministry are tax-deductible. Printed in the United States of America.

16

6

22 has written her first book, “Three Women and You: A Guide to Conquering the Adverse Seasons of Your Life.” In this book, she explores the various trials and challenges that are faced by Christian women and men by examining three specific biblical women and their lives.

FEATURE ARTICLE

Wisdom From Above By Dr. Betty R. Price

This is a multitude of wisdom in the Bible. In this article, Dr. Betty offers answers for many of life’s most perplexing questions.

12

YOU ARE HELPING TO MAKE IT HAPPEN

Three Women And You Take On The World

16

By Kerri Webb

3 5

DEPARTMENTS

A Message from Dr. Price On the Calendar Contributors FICWFM Focus

EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

Health Statistics, 30% of U.S. adults 20 years of age and older account for over 60 million people who are obese. But those statistics can be changed through eating a healthier diet.

18

Prospering In Your Health Through Healthy Eating

15

The Power of Faith Testimonies On the Air Q&A: Straight Talk with Drs. Fred & Betty Price

Be Submissive To Your Own Husband

In this teaching, Dr. Price takes on the controversial subject of submission and outlines just how Christian wives should approach the topic.

According to the latest data from the National Center for

14

THE WORD OF FAITH

By Dr. Frederick K.C. Price

HEALTH & HEALING

By Myrtis Tracy, MS, RD

Minister Brenda Daniel, CCC’s Missions Director,

10 4

18

21 22

Parenting Matters The Bizness

on the itinerary

2007

CALENDAR

August 2 Dr. Frederick K.C. Price Crenshaw Christian Center East 1 West 96th Street New York, NY 10025 (212) 749-9323

August 4 Dr. Betty R. Price Women’s Conference & Dinner Overcoming Faith Christian Center Pastor Sue Lingerfelt Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, AZ (817) 561-3400 Reservation Required

August 5 Dr. Frederick K.C. Price Crenshaw Christian Center East 1 West 96th Street New York, NY 10025 (212) 749-9323

August 8-11 Dr. Betty R. Price CCC Women’s Retreat 2007 Newport Beach Marriott Hotel Resort & Spa Newport Beach, CA (323) 758-3777 ext. 4297 Reservation Required

August 23-24 Drs. Fred & Betty Price St. Matthew Tabernacle of Praise Pastor C. Barry Greene, Sr. Embassy Suites Resort & Conference Center La Quinta, CA (888) 640-7867

August 31 – September 1 Drs. Fred & Betty Price Harvest House Christian Center Drs. Jerome & Barbie Parker 3067 W. Market St., Suite #6 Center Fairlawn, OH 44333 (330) 253-1118 September 4-5 Dr. Frederick K.C. Price World of Life Christian Center Pastor Art Sepulveda 550 Queen Street Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 528-4044 7:00 PM

September 13, 16 Dr. Frederick K.C. Price Crenshaw Christian Center East 1 West 96th Street New York, NY 10025 (212) 749-9323 September 14 Dr. Frederick K.C. Price Living Word Christian Center Pastor Bill Winston 7600 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130 (708) 697-5000

September 15 Dr. Betty R. Price Wisdom From Above Luncheon Crenshaw Christian Center East 1 West 96th Street New York, NY 10025 (212) 749-9323

September 21 Dr. Betty R. Price Oasis Christian Center Mrs. Holly Wagner 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 480 Los Angeles, CA 90036 10:00 AM September 28 Drs. Fred & Betty Price Detroit Crusade (323) 758-3777

October 11-12 Drs. Fred & Betty Price FICWFM Region 5 Conference The Upper-room Bible Church New Orleans, LA 7:30 PM October 20 Dr. Betty R. Price Wisdom From Above Luncheon Los Angeles, CA (323) 758-3777

October 25-26 Dr. Frederick K.C. Price Chesapeake Christian Center Pastor Marvin Duke 300 Liberty Street Chesapeake, VA 23324 (757) 494-1000 7:00 PM

October 28 Dr. Frederick K.C. Price Crenshaw Christian Center East 1 West 96th Street New York, NY 10025 (212) 749-9323 November 3 Dr. Frederick K.C. Price Pastor’s Breakfast Los Angeles, CA (323) 758-3777

November 8-10 Drs. Fred & Betty Price Living by the Word Family Church

670 N. Arizona Avenue, Suite 12 Chandler, AZ 85225

November 13 Dr. Frederick K.C. Price “2007 GPC Empowerment Conference” GPC Networks Dr. Gene Johnson 1135 E. Janis Street Carson, CA 90746 (310) 632-5584 7:00 PM November 16 Dr. Frederick K.C. Price Antelope Valley Christian Center Pastor Tom Pickens 304 West Lancaster Boulevard Lancaster, CA 93534 (661) 949-7200 7:00 PM

New York Los Angeles

contributors

Dr. Alfred D. Harvey, Jr., founded St. Louis Christian Center (SLCC) on January 7, 1994. He was given the vision for the church on August 14, 1983, while flying from Los Angeles to New York to assist with Dr. Frederick K.C. Price’s Ever Increasing Faith Ministries crusade. While high over the city of St. Louis, Dr. Harvey heard God speak these words to his spirit: “You will have a large church in St. Louis.” He arrived in the St. Louis area in December 1993, and has yet to look back. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Harvey received his spiritual training from Dr. Price, founder and pastor of

Crenshaw Christian Center (CCC). As a member of CCC for more than 16 years, Dr. Harvey served faithfully.

Myrtis Tracy, MS, RD, is a Nutrition Consultant. She has over 15 years of experience as a public health nutritionist with the Los Angeles County Department of Health ServicesPublic Health. She is a registered dietician with more than 25 years of experience working in the community. Ms. Tracy has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition and Master of Science in Health Care Management from California State University at Los Angeles. She is the president of the Los

Angeles Blacks in Nutrition and Dietetics Organization. She is a counselor at Crenshaw Christian Center and has been a member since 1977.

Kerri Webb, the former Senior Writer for Ever Increasing Faith Magazine, has been a member of Crenshaw Christian Center for 28 years. A graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, she is currently the media spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, and is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and the National Association of Black Journalists.

EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

5

feature article

By Dr. Betty R. Price

A

nswering the Call to Holiness

Q

I have been a Christian for about 6-months and have heard my pastor say that we must live a holy life. Prior to my salvation I was living with a man, drinking and practicing other vices. I don’t know if I can live a perfect (holy) life now. What does it mean to be holy? Holiness is the very essence of who God is. Our lives should always exemplify what Jesus’ life was like when He lived on earth, because He exemplified what God’s life is – a life of holiness.

6

EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

It may seem difficult, but you can be holy, just as God the Father and Jesus are holy. It will take effort because it does not come overnight, nor is it automatic. You have to train yourself and remove yourself from unholy people, places, things and actions. You have to will yourself to do it. You have to go in the opposite direction of where your flesh or your mind sometimes wants to take you. You must remember that God cannot be involved in any kind of sin or immorality. When you get into sin or immorality, you park His power at the door and enter at your own risk. Christians should desire to be pleasing to God instead of lowering or compromising their standards or morals to please others. They must tell themselves, “I can abstain from fornication; I will not commit adultery; I will not worry; I will not overeat; I will not be jealous; I will not be envious; I will not be full of strife; I will not lie; I will not do anything that Jesus wouldn’t do because I am holy.” To be victorious in living a life of holiness, you need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Many Christians have shunned the Holy Spirit and even reject what God has to say about Him. But

you need the Holy Spirit, the power of God, to help you because Satan will oppose you when you commit to obeying the Word of God. The act of holiness is not an impossible task. God would never tell us to do something or be something that is impossible to accomplish. You can be holy; you can count yourself as dead to sin; you can overcome those temptations just as Jesus did because God has already made a way of escape. So, whatever challenge you’re faced with, don’t give up. It’s a fight all your life. Don’t ever give up because you can win. It doesn’t matter how many times you fall; get up because one of these times, you’re going to get the victory over that temptation and live the life of holiness as you were called to do.

Freedom From Bondage Is Your Choice!

Q

I was told that when I received Jesus as my Savior I became a new creature and free from sin. However, I don’t know how this can help me to follow the commandments of the Lord. Please share how this freedom works for the Christian. God gives us free will. It is our choice to follow God’s commandments, and when we do, we prosper and live under God’s protection. Just the same, it is our own choice to follow Satan, who tempts us with evil, then rewards us by killing, stealing from and destroying us. While our spirit man has become a new creature in Christ Jesus, it is only the correct choices of our soul that keep us from sinning and displeasing God. When Paul speaks of all things having become new, he is talking about the spirit man, not the natural man or the physical body. If in the natural you wore a size 8 shoe the day before you accepted Christ, you will wear a size 8 shoe after you are in Christ.

If your eyes were blue before you came to Christ, they will be blue after you have come to Him. So you really become a new creation only in the spirit man, which tells us that we have to allow the spirit of God and the Word of God to rule our bodies because our bodies are not redeemed and cannot be trusted. The flesh is ruled by the soul — our intellect, our mind. The flesh will do anything we allow it to do because it has not been changed. There can be outward changes in physical habits when we accept Christ as Lord — people do stop drinking, cursing, smoking, chasing women or men, and lying — but only the inner man takes on the Christ nature by being born again. We can only be transformed from the sin nature by the renewing of our minds. Renewing our minds come by hearing the Word of God, practicing the Word of God, memorizing the Word of God and speaking the Word of God. Understanding the makeup of man may better help us understand the part man’s will plays in freeing him from Satan’s bondage. Once we see ourselves according to God’s Word, Satan can no longer whip us, or defeat us. But even when we are speaking the Word, we have to keep our eyes on the flesh. The choice of receiving God’s good or Satan’s evil is ours alone.

How I Overcame Cancer

Q I come from a long line of family members who have bat-

tled breast cancer throughout the years. I am fearful of being a future cancer patient. I am a Christian and have read in the Bible that healing is one of our covenant rights. Because of this family medical history and my age I have made it my business to have regular medical exams. In addition to the physical precautions, what can I do spiritually to keep cancer out of my life in the future? Philippians 4:6 tells us: “Be anxious for nothing….” EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

7

feature article

I love that verse. When the Bible says to be anxious for nothing that means to not worry or be anxious to the point of distraction for anything. The verse continues “but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” And if you do that, Philippians 4:7 says: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” So if you cast your care on the Lord and trust Him to take care of the situation, you will sense peace. That is when you know whether you have cast that care on the Lord – when you are not worried about anything. You have to train yourself to do this, especially if you have a tendency to worry. I came from a family of worriers, but I have trained myself not to worry. When you train yourself not to worry, and let the Lord handle that care, the benefits are great. When I went into the hospital, I did not have any worries. I experienced the peace of God. The people who were there knew I was at peace at all times, and I was at peace because I believed what the Lord said. Psalm 23:1-4 reads: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will [it is an act of your will] fear no evil; for You are with me…. Why should you not fear? Because God is with you. That is why you do not need to fear evil – but not fearing is an act of your will. You may feel afraid, but you have to make up in your mind that you will not be afraid. You have to think, “I will not be afraid, for God is with me.” That is how real God is.

Q

Maintaining Divine Health

Dr. Betty, I recently received as a gift your book, “Through the Water & Through the Water.” It was a wonderful testimony and I was truly encouraged. Can you please tell me how you are doing today and what are you doing to keep yourself healthy? To maintain my health in the spirit realm, I continue to confess every day that God restores health to me and heals me of all my wounds (Jeremiah 30:17). I continue to say that whatever things I ask when I pray, I believe that I receive them, and I shall have them (Mark 11:24). I declare daily that every cell in my body is normal and that every organ is functioning properly. And I continue to praise and thank the Lord for it all. I exercise three times a week. After stretching (and you always should do some stretching exercises before you work out so you don’t hurt yourself by pulling any muscles), I do 175 sit-up crunches, 50 side kicks and 50 back kicks for each leg, and a total of 90 arm

8

EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

raises with five-pound weights. Some people like going to the gym or the fitness club because there they can use weight machines, exercise bikes and things like that. Others, like myself, are more comfortable exercising at home. No matter what you do, though, you should consult a doctor before starting an exercise program so he can help you decide what is best for you and what things you may need to avoid doing. Along with exercising, you have to watch what you eat. This is where I have made the most changes. Before the cancer attack, I seldom ate live fruits and vegetables. Now I make sure to do so every day—fruit in the morning, a salad at lunch and vegetables with my meal at night. I also used to drink nine cups of coffee a day and I would not drink water because I did not like the taste of water. But we all need to drink water so we can flush the toxins out of our system. If we don’t, those toxins can build up and cause all sorts of problems later on in life. Now I have only two cups of coffee a day and drink plenty of water every day. Not long ago, I went to the doctor for a minor aliment. Upon a thorough examination the doctor said that I was in the best of health and that everything looked normal. Praise God that He says that with long life He will satisfy me (Psalm 91:16), and that He always honors His Word for those who will stand on it.

Q

Power Over Satan and His Strategies

I have been watching Dr. Price on TV and keep hearing him say that we Christians have power over Satan and his evil doings. However, I don’t feel like a victor. I am having marriage problems, financial problems and issues at work. When does this “power” kick in and how do I use it in my life? We need to understand that the Holy Spirit in us is greater than the enemy who is in the world. So whatever challenges you face, you can overcome if you will take the time to build yourself up in the Word of God and pray daily in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20 and I Corinthians 14:4). To stand against Satan’s strategies, we have to have strong personal faith and an aggressive prayer life that assails demonic strongholds. To achieve this goal, you must spend time in the Word and pray. When thoughts (that is usually where sin begins in our thought life), come that you know are not from God (and evil thoughts come to everyone) you have to cast those thoughts out of your mind (II Corinthians 10:5). By dwelling on them will lead you into trouble. First Timothy 6:12 says: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. —EIF

FICWFM focus

The Mandate to Go! By Dr. Alfred D. Harvey, Jr.

G

od has given me a message that is pertinent for the Body of Christ in this hour. Its simple title can be found in Mark 16:15, in which Jesus said, . . . GO ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Go! It is a command to every Believer. It’s not just, “Come and sit,” but, “Go! Go and preach the Gospel.” Christians have been attending church and receiving from the ministry gifts that God has set in the Church, but they have not been going out and proclaiming the Gospel to a lost and dying world. They have been coming, but they haven’t been going! This is not a popular message, but it is a vital —Mark 16:15 message, one that will hopefully pierce your heart. The Body of Christ at large has been playing church for so long that they’ve forgotten what God wants to do in the earth realm. They’ve forgotten His purpose. Many Christians have been rejoicing in the Lord while having a good time in church, shouting, singing, and dancing, but when they leave the four walls of their local church, they are doing little to affect the Kingdom of God. Luke 12:48 says, . . . For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required . . . . Once you read this article, from that day forward, you will be required to live your life for God’s purpose. Of course, you have a choice whether or not to do it. However, God is not asking you to do a whole lot; He is simply asking you to prepare yourself with enough information about the truth so that you can share the message of Christ with every person you possibly can. That’s all He’s asking you to do! And it’s not just a responsibility; it is a privilege. As shocking as it seems, right now there are many more people on their way to hell than there are in churches. Many of your own relatives are probably not even saved. Maybe you’re saved and your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Maybe you’re filled with the Holy Spirit and are excited about the things of God. That’s good and right, but not if that is your whole focus, while your relatives are on their way to hell. Do you care about them? Of course, you do. Are you excited about seeing them get saved? I hope so. What about others, such as the people with whom you work? Just because you may not like some of them doesn’t mean you’re not

“GO ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature”

supposed to pray for them! There are people around each of us who are on a freeway to hell, and the only Jesus they will ever see or hear is the Jesus in us. Most people in the world are not concerned about others; they are primarily concerned about themselves, even many Christians. In John 10:10, Jesus said, . . . I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. The prosperity message is for every Believer because God does want us to prosper, to have good marriages, to be good parents, to grow up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, to act right, and to be happy. Yet we have to understand the balance between the blessing and the purpose. Yes, prosperity belongs to us, and God does want to bless us. But we must never forget His ultimate purpose. God wants to bless us to make us a blessing! What God blesses you with is in line with His purpose for your life. But if you don’t line up with the purpose, then you can forget about the blessing. That’s why many Christians don’t receive anything from the Lord. They have forgotten why He wants to bless them. God’s plan and purpose never change. God said in Malachi 3:6, For I am the Lord, I change not . . . . He started off seeking and saving the lost, calling sinners to repentance. That’s what He started off doing, and—guess what? That is still what He’s doing today! And He wants to do it through us. If anything is going to happen here in the earth realm, it’s going to be done through the Church. People want to see change, but change comes to the Church first. Even judgment begins at the house of God (11 Peter 4:17). There are countless people who are going to go to hell because Christians aren’t doing what they’re supposed to do. This is examination time; God wants us each to examine our heart, because He wants to motivate us to do what we’re supposed to do. It’s time for the Church to “go.” We’ve been coming, we’ve been sitting, we’ve been receiving, and we’ve been rejoicing. Now it’s time for us to “go”! We each have a tremendous responsibility as a part of the Body of Christ. We may have blown it in the past, but from this day forward, we have no excuse! This message should indelibly imprint on your heart and mind God’s ultimate purpose in the earth. And God’s purpose isn’t going to go away; it isn’t going to change. You will be confronted with it again in Glory. When you stand before God, He’ll play this message on the “big screen” of your life and say, “Remember the day you read about My purpose in the earth? Then He’s going to ask you what you did with what you read. —EIF

This article was excerpted from Dr. Harvey’s book, Ready, Set, Go! Copies may be purchased from St. Louis Christian Center by calling 877-3197470. Books are $10 each plus $3 shipping and handling. St. Louis Christian Center 870 Pershall Road St. Louis, MO 63137 (314) 867-1894 www.slcc.org

10

EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

you are helping to make it happen

Three Women & You

Take On the World By Kerri Webb

A

t Crenshaw Christian Center (CCC), all you have to do is mention the word “missions” and Minister Brenda Daniel’s name immediately follows. That’s because as CCC’s Missions Director, she’s the local expert when it come to spreading the Gospel overseas. The statuesque and poised wife and mother of two adult children can be seen dressed in African garb during the annual Global Summit conferences at CCC where missionaries from around the world celebrate, uplift, support and share what their ministries have done on the front lines. It’s during these conferences when she shines the brightest. As CCC’s missions director, Brenda is the gatekeeper to the world as she has traveled to five of the seven continents visiting nearly 20 countries. Each year, she leads mission trips to Brazil, Mexico, the Caribbean and several countries in Africa. While every mission abroad is precious to Brenda, it’s perhaps the ones to Africa that are closest to her heart. It was while ministering to women in the southwestern African country of Namibia (where CCC has a missions base

12

EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

The common thread among us all, is that no matter where or who we are, we face the same “stuff” of life.

and school) where the received her latest assignment from the Holy Spirit. In her first book, “Three Women and You: A Guide to Conquering the Adverse Seasons of Your Life” (Inspired Living Publications), Brenda explores the various trials and challenges that are faced by Christian women and men by examining three specific biblical women and their lives.

“I have been blessed to travel to many different countries around the world, and have talked to women young and old from various cultures and backgrounds. The common thread among us all, is that no matter where or who we are, we face the same “stuff” of life. I also found that being the unique creatures we are, and unlike our male counterparts, we are more prone to get stuck in the devastations and pains that life sometimes present.” In “Three Women and You”, Brenda takes a closer look at the lives of Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist; the Samaritan Woman at the Well; and Abigail, the woman with the foolish husband. She creatively addresses the issues of these women and their significance during the biblical times in which they live, while also relating how their struggles and victories are shared by women today. She says that the inspiration for the book came out of her ministering to women in Africa. “While on an assignment in Namibia, I asked the Lord to give me something that would help women in general through the “process” of difficult seasons each of us face at some point,” she says. “As I began to study the lives of these three women, (Elizabeth, the Samaritan Woman, and Abigail) I discovered how their individual plights directly addressed the three basic reasons why we find ourselves in the arena of adversity and

who are trapped in social, governmental, or religious how we can come out victorious every time.” It’s a unique but systems, and ungodly and inhuman decisions and What makes her book even more powerful is the way it is written. It gives each a biblical account of woman’s way of allow- choices are being made about them,” she explains. “As you will see with Abigail, God’s arm was not short that life; it presents each woman’s life events in “her own words,” and then how each woman’s story relates to the ing the reader He could not supernaturally deliver her and bless her for her faithfulness.” reader. It’s a unique way of allowing the reader to not to not only Brenda says that it’s her primary desire for the lives of only relate to the women, but to also recognize the the women in her book to reach out and educate women woman as an individual and not just another “Bible relate to the today by applying the principles that are identified in story.” “The concept of telling the stories of each woman in women, but to each account. Soon to accompany this book is a workbook, named “The Process Journal” and a workshop that the first person was an all inspired Holy Spirit idea, and I loved it,” explains Brenda. “It really makes the stories also recognize will provide even deeper studies and application. Also, the works is a stage production of the book in the near come alive for us today.” the woman as infuture. While obviously, Brenda used some creative licensing to tell the women’s life story in their own voice; their an individual “Remember, this is not just a book with information messages come across very clear. It’s almost as if you can about some Bible women. You are being invited to take and not just hear each woman telling her chronicle in her own voice. a journey, and on this journey through the lives of these “The Holy Spirit helped me to get into character for women, you will work through your own process. A another “Bible each of those women; what they must have thought, ‘process’ can take some time and discipline. I felt there what they felt,” Brenda explains. “Then as I wrote the story.” needed to be practical applications of the principles outbook, I found my own personal life being touched in lined in the book.”—EIF some similar aspects so there was a lot of emotion and Fifty percent of all profits on the book will go towards global mispassion.” sions to continue reaching women around the world. Copies of the As a graduate of CCC’s Ministry Training Institute and in her book can be purchased at the CCC bookstore, and cyber bookstore at more than 20 years at CCC, Brenda has worn many hats. However, www.faithdome.org; and at various venues throughout Los Angeles. it’s perhaps her latest work with global missions that she sees how Minister Daniel can be reached at (323) 758-3777. many women can relate to Abigail. “I’ve seen women who are not necessarily trapped in bad marriages,

EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

13

letters & feedback

POWEROFFAITH

TESTIMONIES

Powerful Influence

Twenty-five years ago, I had the great honor to meet Dr. Price. Little did I know when meeting him in February 1980 that my life would be changed. One month after meeting Dr. Price, we started Calvary Christian Center. We had 16 committed people and after teaching my first message on the seven Greek words for praise, I lost two-thirds of my congregation. I was determined to stand my ground on teaching the Word of Faith. Through Dr. Price’s counsel and wisdom, God has done exceedingly, abundantly above I could ever imagine in the ministry that He called me to, my marriage and my children’s lives. I love you Dr. Price and thank you so much for being there and being such a great example! Dr. Price’s influence has caused this hick town, as he calls it, to take notice of our over $64 million worth of properties which includes eight or more city blocks, 10 years on nationwide television and seven years worldwide television. We are ministering to 12,000 members. Following Dr. Price’s example, we have a Christian school, pre-school and infanttoddler care. We have housed hundreds of men and women for 12 years in our Overcomers Discipleship Program to free them from alcohol and/or drug addictions. We have a Bible school called Faith Alive Bible Training Center. We own a restaurant called “Frenchies” and the list goes on and on. Dr. Price has been my spiritual father; he has lead me through his diligence and steadfastness. God showed me His favor when He brought Dr. Price in my life and I cannot thank him enough.

—Dr. Philip G. Goudeaux (Pastor of Calvary Christian Center, Sacramento, California)

A Blessing In Giving

It was offering time and I had $12 to my name. My next paycheck was not due for another eight days, so I put $2 in the offer-

14

EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

ing envelope. Then Dr. Price said, “If you really believe God, you will pay your tithe.” I’m thinking, “I’m broke, I don’t have enough to last until payday, and my car is on empty.” The Holy Spirit said, “You said you’re a Believer, you need to pay your tithe.” At that time my tithe was $10 a week. So I took the $2 out of the envelope and put in the $10. When I dropped that envelope in the offering, I heard Satan say, “You fool, now what will you do? You don’t have gas or enough money to make it through the week.” I said, “Oh well, it’s on God now.” The next day at work, I’m looking at folks to see if they would hand me some money. It was getting close to quitting time and still no money, so I decided to borrow some money. The Holy Spirit said, “If you borrow, it won’t be from God.” So I decided to stay home on Tuesday and work something out. Well, Jesus certainly worked it out; when I got home I had a check for $55 from an apartment manager who sent my deposit back to me. I had no idea I was going to receive it. Your teaching and example of living by faith has been multiplied in so many families throughout the world. Thank you Drs. Fred and Betty for caring enough to share with us what God has shared with you! —Leslie Adams (Compton, California)

God Answers Prayers

When Dr. Price started the series on prayer my wife said to me, ‘I don’t think our prayers had reached the ceiling of our house.’ Anyway, last summer we decided to buy a house. But since we don’t have any savings to put for the deposit we’ve thought that was impossible. So I began to receive letters in the mail saying that they can help me to get a house if I want to. Finally I started to contact the bank and some other financial institutions to try to get the approval. Then came the interesting part in the lesson “ the Prayer of

Faith.” After I heard Dr. Price on that teaching we prayed about the house. Now, we found the house, however, the financial Institution that I was working with had turned me down just 5 days prior to closing. The realtor that I was working with told me to go to another bank and gave some contact names. She told me that I can be confident with these people because they will tell me up front if I can make it. So finally on the 17th of November we closed on the house. I thank God I am a home owner with no money down. Thanks God for the teaching of Dr. Price because he taught me how to develop my FAITH IN THE WORD during that series.. I pray daily for this minister and for Dr. Price’s family for God to continue blessing them in Jesus. —Maxwell Mendes

We Want To

Hear From You! Write to us at:

Ever Increasing Faith Magazine, P.O. Box 44185 Los Angeles, CA 90009-4871 or e-mail your letters, feedback or testimonies to

[email protected]

Include your name, address and phone number. Letters chosen for publication may be edited for length and clarity. All submissions become the property of Ever Increasing Faith Magazine.

straight talk

Q&A with Drs. Fred and Betty Price My question is: as Mary watched her Son beaten and crucified was it her will or God’s will? I find in the Book of Solomon, who had the wisdom of God, that he took a sword to divide a baby to see who loved him. He knew through the wisdom of God, that the mother that would lie and say that the child was not hers, to save him, was the one he belonged to. Solomon knew then who to give the child to the one that would give him up so the child could live. Would Mary have received the Son of God back if, she had said, He was not the Son of God, to save Him? Was she in line with God’s will by not doing so? Had Mary received from God for free His Son and gave Him up for riches and glory from men? Was she willing to sell what God had gave her because the riches meant more to her than God’s Son? The will of God was for His Son Jesus to physically die. However the physical death took place, it was a means to an end. Now we see in scripture that the selection of physical expiration was death on the cross, but we must understand that as important as the cross was, some in the Church have given it too much importance over what’s really of greater value. God’s will wasn’t necessarily the methodologies in which Christ died but rather that He died. At the time Jesus lived the Romans were a super-power in the earth. Crucifixion was a Roman

method and practice, and this sentence was for the worst of criminals. Based on the false charges, Jesus was looked upon as the worst of the worst. According to Matthew 27:16-23, a notorious criminal, murderer, and rapist named Barabbas was released instead of Jesus by order of Pilate and by the request of the Jewish crowd, therefore, the result of that decision was the Roman form of capital punishment – crucifixion. In order for Jesus to pay for mankind’s sin, He had to first die spiritually, which took place in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-45, Matthew 26:36-39). His spiritual death allowed Him to physically die, whereupon, He was able to descend into the heart of the earth (Matthew 12:38-40). A spiritually dead man cannot inhabit Heaven, however

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations mentioned above are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.

on the air

because sin was placed upon Him and He Himself never sinned, then the bowels of hell could not legally hold Jesus. I conclude that Mary’s will was in line with God’s will the moment she heard the word from the Spirit and she said, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:35-38). As painful as it was for a mother to watch her Son go through that much pain and punishment leading to death, physically desiring to stop it in any way she could, she knew it was the will of God for her Son Jesus to be a sacrifice for the sins of mankind. Whatever Mary was willing to do to thwart God’s will for her own selfish desires, she clearly put that on the shelf for all of us that can stand throughout life and say Jesus is my Lord.

Do you have a question on your mind? Write to us at: Ever Increasing Faith Magazine, P.O. Box 44185, Los Angeles, CA 90009 or e-mail [email protected].

Ever Increasing Faith Ministries’

Broadcast Schedule Sunday

4:00am PDT

LIfetime (DirecTV subscribers, Channel 252)

7:00am EDT/PDT

LIfetime (Cable subscribers check local listings)

8:00am PDT

The Church Channel (TCC) (Cable & Dish Network check local listings) (DirecTV subscribers, Channel 371)

8:00am PDT

The Word Network (Cable subscribers check local listings) (DirecTV subscribers, Channel 373)

9:00am PDT

Crenshaw Christian Center Live (faithdome.org & StreamingFaith.com)

3:00pm PDT

Mon – Fri 6:30pm EDT Tuesday

7:30pm PDT

Friday

6:30pm PDT

Daystar (DirecTV, Channel 369 or check local listings)

Chicago TV 62 – NEW Listing! (Channel WJYS)

Crenshaw Christian Center Live Bible Study (at faithdome.org & StreamingFaith.com)

Everyday 24 hours

TBN Ever Increasing Faith Network (at faithdome.org & StreamingFaith.com)

EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

15

health & healing

PROSPERING IN YOUR

HEALTH THROUGH

T

By Myrtis Tracy, MS, RD

here is a saying that some people live to eat and others eat to live, so which one applies to you? Americans spend a lot of time and money on food whether it is dining out at restaurants or eating at fast food places. In many cases, this has resulted in over consumption of foods high in fat, sugar, salt and calories which have contributed to an increase in chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers, overweight, high blood pressure, and diabetes which are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Chronic diseases account for 70% of all deaths in the United States and more than 90 million Americans live with chronic illnesses. The medical costs to take care of people with chronic diseases account for more than 75% of the nation’s $1.4 trillion medical care costs. According to the latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics, 30% of U.S. adults 20 years of age and older account for over 60 million people who are obese. Moreover, the epidemic is not limited to adults. Among children and adolescents aged 6-19 years, 16% which account for over 9 million young people are considered overweight. People who are obese are at increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis-related disabilities, and certain cancers. The estimated annual cost of obesity in the United States in 2000 was about $117 billion. Although chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems, they are also among the most preventable. Most people select and eat foods they like based on their taste preference and not on the health benefits. For some reason there is a misconception that healthy foods are not tasty, which is not necessarily true. There are a variety of ways to prepare tasty healthy foods that can satisfy the most sensitive taste palate. When we eat the right food we give our bodies energy and nutrition for good health.

16

EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

The ABC for Good Health Aim for a healthy weight

So if you need to eliminate some of those extra pounds try the Stop and Go method Stop…. Fried foods, sodas/ sweet beverages, sweets such as candy, cookies, pies, cookies, ice cream and doughnuts Go Grilled, baked, barbecue, broiled and boiled foods, water, 100 % fruit juices, fresh fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy products and whole grain products

Being physically active will also reduce your risk of heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and type II diabetes

Choose Sensibly

Select foods low in saturated fat, trans fat , cholesterol and total fat Limit intake of foods that contain sugar and high fructose corn syrup Limit intake of salt and high sodium foods ( smoked , cured , processed and canned )

Consume 5 or more servings of colorful fruits and vegetables everyday

Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants which promote health and reduce risk of chronic diseases Dark green vegetables such as: broccoli, dark green leafy lettuce, kale, spinach and greens (collards, mustard & turnip) Orange fruits & vegetables such as: apricots, cantaloupe, mangoes, carrots, pumpkin and sweet potatoes. Adopting healthy behaviors such as eating nutritious foods and being physically active can prevent or control the devastating effects of chronic diseases.

Be physically active To shed those extra pounds you need to participate in some type of physical activity for 60 minutes at least 5 days a week. Activities can include walking, jogging, dancing, exercising, playing sport and others

Remember that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, therefore it is our responsibility to take care of them so we can experience 3 John 2 “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”—EIF

WHAT’S IN YOUR FAST FOODS? FAST FOOD CALORIES Western Bacon Cheeseburger 650 French fries 290 Soda (12oz) 160 Total 1100 Fried chicken ( thigh & wing) 440 Biscuits (1) 180 Mashed potatoes with gravy( ? c) 120 Coleslaw (1/2c) 190 Total 930 Pepperoni Pizza (deep dish- 1 slice) 278

FAT 30 gm 14 gm 0 44 gm 28 gm 10gm 6gm 14gm 58 gm 14 gm

CHOLESTEROL 80 mg 0 0 80 mg 155 mg 0 1mg 8 mg 164 mg 22 mg

By Dr. Betty R. Price

Newly designed for your library is Dr. Betty’s most recent Wisdom From Above teachings. These six teachings specifically speak to the issues that plague so many Christian women and how to overcome the issues of life through God’s Word. THIS WEALTH OF WISDOM CD-SET INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING TEACHINGS:

2001 – What’s on Your Mind? 2002 – Experiencing Peace in an Unpeaceful Environment 2003 – Making Wise Choices 2004 – Possess Your Soul 2005 – How to Deal with Your Issues 2006 – Fear: A Virus To Faith

BPT 8D (6-CD) $29.95

(Each CD may also be purchased separately.)

CALL TODAY! (800) 927-3436 www.faithdome.org

EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

17

word of faith

Be Submissive to Your Own Husband By Dr. Frederick K.C. Price

L

et us look at the word “submissive” from the view point of God’s Word. First Peter 3:1-8 says: DA

I Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,

II when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. III Do not let your adornment be merely outward; arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel;

IV rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. V For in this manner, in former times, the holy women

who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,

VI as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. VII Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with under-

standing, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

VIII Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 18

EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

The first verse of this passage is often used as a “proof text” to show how a Christian wife should handle herself in order to win a non-Christian husband to God. However, I submit to you that the Bible is not written to non-Christians. It is written to Christians. It is a book for God’s people. It is His directive as to how we should conduct our lives in order to experience the greatest degree of happiness, pleasure, and fulfillment. However, we cannot and will not have that unless we play the game by His rules. Only a very few things in the Word relate to unbelievers: such as how to get saved and what their destination is if they are not adopted into the family of God. A non-Christian would not be reading the Bible anyway and certainly not seeking to obey it. The very fact that Peter wrote even if some do not obey the Word shows us that he was talking to Christians, not about unsaved husbands. These verses apply to husbands who are born again but not yet walking in the Word and there are many like this. They are saved and even filled with the Holy Spirit, but they never read the Bible, go to church, pay tithes, offerings, and so forth. These husbands are saved, but they are not doing anything with their salvation. They are not being examples or letting their lights shine. Therefore, Peter is saying that the way to get a husband like this on course is not to nag him, hound him, or bug him, but to live according to the Word. Another clue to the fact that Peter was writing about saved husbands is that he told the women to “submit,” and there is no way God is going to tell His children to knuckle under to a spouse whose father is Satan. The only person you are to be in submission to is a child of God. The Apostle Peter was telling the wives in verse one how to win their husbands to being doers of the Word and not hearers only.

The word “conduct” covers the entire lifestyle including the words of your mouth. Peter was telling the wives to shape up their own lifestyles and let their lights shine so their husbands would be made jealous for the Word. Every time your husband sees you singing praises to God, every time he sees you praying, every time he sees you studying the Bible, it will bring conviction to his heart. It will bring more conviction than if you nag him. If you realize that you have a responsibility before God to live your life in the Word whether you are married or single, or whether your husband does or not, it will make your choices easier. In other words, deal with your own life in the Lord, not your husband’s.

Whether your husband is saved or unsaved, until he comes in line with Jesus, why not take this position: “I am going to fulfill my obligation as a Christian first, then as a wife, second. So that whatever this man does or does not do he will never be able to point a finger of accusation at me and say, “Well, I would have become a Christian, but my wife was so wishy-washy, sometimes up and sometimes down, so inconsistent in her Christian life that I did not want to be like her.” Even if you got a divorce, sooner or later, you would probably marry again, and the devil will always have that divorce to condemn you with: You bailed out of that other relationship. You did not have victory. You did not succeed. Then you start to think, “Maybe I could have a better wife.” I often see guilt played out at funerals. The casket is sitting up at the front, and people come up, look in, and cry out of condemnation. Inside, something is telling them, “You didn’t do all you could

have. You weren’t the best parent you could have been. You weren’t the best husband. You weren’t the best wife.” Then the person ends up spending $50,000 for an expensive coffin to put in the ground out of guilt, when that money could have been spent on a lot of other things to greater benefit. A husband may not have bought his wife any flowers while she was alive. Now that she is dead and cannot smell them, he buys all those expensive flowers to sit by the coffin. He is trying to make up for his shortcomings, but it is too late. The smartest thing is to do the right thing now. Verse two talks about your chaste conduct, your modest lifestyle. The old adage, “Actions speak louder than words,” is very true. That is why Jesus said in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Some Christians have taken that third verse of 1 Peter 3 and made a sort of unwritten spiritual law that women are not supposed to get their hair done or wear jewelry and cosmetics. But the subject under discussion is not the outward appearance of women. The subject under discussion is conduct, or “lifestyle.” All Peter was saying is not to spend all of your time fixing up the outward woman to the neglect of the inner person. Let the light that is in the interior shine out so that your husband will be drawn to Christ.—EIF This devotional was excerpted from Dr. Price’s book, “The Christian Family: Practical Insight for Family Living.” To obtain his complete product list, please contact our Customer Service Department at (800) 9273436 or visit our website: www.faithdome.org.

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. — II Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

If you are missing the supernatural power of God in your life you need to invest in these teachings by Dr. Price.

These verse by verse commentaries on the Book of Acts and Book of Romans will provide you insight on the Spirit of Truth you are missing. Grow from faith to faith and be all that God has called you to be!

Book of Acts ND 44 (66-CD)

$396.00 $296.00

Book of Romans ND 45 (55-CD)

$330.00 $230.00

(800) 927-3436

www.faithdome.org EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

19

parenting matters

Keeping Your Kids Sexually Pure By La Verne Tolbert, Ph.D.

IMPORTANCE OF PARENTAL INFLUENCE Researchers have long been aware of the importance of parental influence on their children’s behavior. One study evaluated the importance of parental influence on adolescent risk behaviors of alcohol and tobacco use. Was peer group more influential than parents? “There is reason to believe that the prevention field may have unwittingly overstated peer and understated parental influence,” say the researchers. In effect, it’s parents’ behavior, what they model to their children, and whether or not parents discuss their feelings about these behaviors that have the most influence. Parents also exert influence on adolescent smoking and drinking decisions through the messages they send about these behaviors, both explicitly, through their discussions and admonitions regarding substance abuse, and implicitly, through their silence about these issues and their children’s behavior. When parents talk with their children about the dangers of alcohol and tobacco, they are not only offering information, they are also providing a clear statement of their opposition to their children’s use of substances and of the significance the parents attach to this behavior. Conversely, when parents fail to talk with their children, the child may view the absence of discussion as an indication that experimentation with alcohol and tobacco is not that important to their parents. Indeed, adolescents who expect that their parents will be unhappy if they use alcohol and tobacco appear less likely to do so. The authors cite research suggesting that a “no-nonsense” style of parenting among African-American families is responsible for low rates of youthful substance abuse. “Parents are more likely to abstain from using alcohol themselves, as well as more likely to instruct children to abstain.”

20

EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

Kids who experiment with drinking and drugs are more likely to engage in other risky behaviors, such as non-marital sexual activity. Parents’ influence does not diminish as their children get older. The authors conclude that with family influence so vital in adolescent decision making, school-based prevention programs may have been oversold. That is good news. Children select peer groups that are

more likely to engage in the same behaviors they choose for themselves. In other words, birds of a feather choose to flock together. And wrong peer groups equals wrong behaviors. Kids who experiment with drinking and drugs are more likely to engage in other risky behaviors, such as non-marital sexual activity. With dulled senses, guards are down and judgment is flawed. Parents who understand the value of helping their children stay sober should feel more empowered to do so. And if staying sober is modeled, it is more likely to be followed. This same advice is feasible to help kids avoid non-marital sexual activity. The two issues—parents’ modeling in the home and talking about their values—are equally effective here. TESTING THE LIMITS After teaching a seminar at a local church this fall, I was stopped in the aisle by a European woman who was visibly distraught. “Please, I don’t know what to do about my daughter,” she said. “Adrienne is fifteen years

old, and until a few weeks ago she was an agreeable child. We had a very good relationship. Adrienne used to prefer staying at home practicing her harp, but everything changed when she made a new friend at school named Pauline.” This mother explained how drastically Adrienne’s habits had changed. She preferred hanging out at Pauline’s house rather than coming home from school. With every new limit her parents set, she disobeyed and pushed harder, threatening to run away if she didn’t get her way. Her parents didn’t like the lifestyle of Pauline’s family, and they worried that Adrienne might be picking up bad habits. The night that Adrienne’s father refused to let her go out, Adrienne shouted her intentions to leave the house permanently. The tactic worked, and her parents backed off, afraid of losing their daughter forever. After that, Adrienne set the rules. She decided where she would go and when she would return home. Dutifully, her mother would drive to pick her up whenever she called. “I know how painful it is to be at odds with your child,” I said to her. “It feels as if your heart is breaking, and it’s a very, very difficult place to be. But you are the mother, and she is the child. God intended that there would be a generation gap for a purpose, and that’s because adults are aware of dangers that children can’t perceive.”

I explained that it was a mother’s responsibility to protect her child, and she could only do that by establishing boundaries. “Make rules, and stick to them. Adrienne is the child. She is living under your roof, and you are paying for her food, clothing, and medical care. She is to be subject to you.” After a forty-five-minute encouragement session, I offered some specific instructions. “Go and get your child now. Tell her that you are the parent, and these are the rules. Don’t worry about being her friend. And don’t worry if she doesn’t like you. She may not like you, but she must respect you. Rather than reacting to what your daughter does, I suggest that you take back the reins. Stop feeling powerless.” I also suggested that she speak with more authority. “Why is your voice so soft? Why do you sound so weak?” I asked. I taught her the teacher technique of speaking from the diaphragm so that she could project her voice. She practiced, and we prayed. I telephoned for an update. “Your prayer and godly advice strengthened me, and God gave me wisdom through you,” said a strong voice on the other end of the phone. “I did what you suggested. After I left the church I went to get my daughter. I told her that I was the parent and she was the child, and that she had to obey me. “It was terrible! She told me that she

hated me and that I was the worst This article is excerpted from mother in the Dr. Tolbert’s’ book, “Keeping whole world. She Your Kids Sexually Pure: A screamed that she How to Guide for Parents, was never going to Pastors, Youth Workers and forgive me and Teachers” (xlibris.com). Dr. never going to talk Tolbert is also author of to me. It was a “Teaching Life Jesus: A most difficult time, Practical Guide to Christian but I didn’t back Education in Your Church down. Things got (Zondervan). She serves as worse before they Director of Christian got better. Education Ministries at CCC, “After about where she oversees ministry two weeks, she to children, teens and young started to talk to adults. me little by little, and she started telling me things. It has been a couple of months, and now she says that I’m the best mom in the whole world. She wants to hug me and walk arm in arm when we go to the mall! I’m so happy God sent you into my life.” Often, the key to turning behavior around is catching it early. It is more difficult to reverse a pattern that has become a habit. There is no simple way, no easy answer, when kids want to take control. Praying for wisdom and being one step ahead of your child are two suggestions. —EIF

EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

21

the bizness

W

A Woman IS WORTH FAR MORE THAN PRECIOUS STONES

e’ve returned for another installment of the “Bizness,” but what is really discussed in these articles is the truth. Since the truth is timeless and general, that means any topic is up for discussion. Therefore I’ve decided to deal with something that is dear to my heart—the female gender. Specifically, I want to focus on the value of women in the eyes of the Lord. I believe that if women key on their value then they won’t settle for less than. When they know their worth, getting involved in certain activities won’t be worth it. The Greek word for wisdom is “sophia,” and it is often referred to in Scripture in the feminine gender. I’m convinced there’s a purpose as to why God not only refers to wisdom in the feminine gender, but He also puts a great deal of value on wisdom. Job 28:12- 19 says the following, “But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. The deep says, ‘It is not in me’; And the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’ It cannot be purchased for gold, nor can silver be weighed for its price. It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. Neither gold nor crystal can equal it, Nor can it be exchanged for jewelry of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral or quartz, For the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, Nor can it be valued in pure gold.” This is incredible! God’s Word tells us unequivocally, without a shadow of a doubt, that wisdom can’t be purchased with some of the earth’s most precious, expensive metals. Not only that, but those metals aren’t equal to wisdom. On top of all that, the Word says man doesn’t know its value and that its price is far above rubies. I wonder if that sounds familiar. I’ll assume you’re thinking what I’m thinking and go ahead and mention that Proverbs 31:10 says,

22

EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Summer 2007

By Pastor Frederick K. Price, Jr.

“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.” God says the same thing about a wife that He says about wisdom. The worth of both is far above rubies, and a wife is a woman, so if that’s the case then I must ask the question, how can something worth so much treat herself like she’s worth so little? How could she allow some man to talk her into giving up something worth so much, her innocence, her virginity? If a woman doesn’t know what she’s worth then someone else will place that value on her themselves. You wonder how pimps have survived this long in business. You would think some woman would have challenged them by now, inspired others to do the same, and ended the world’s oldest profession. This and other wrongdoings haven’t happened though, because minds haven’t been renewed. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 says, “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” It sounds to me that since man doesn’t know the value of rubies; it took God and His unlimited finances to purchase the product. You see when you don’t know the value of something you’re going to do one of two things— trash it or treasure it. When a young lady knows her worth, a young man will come to the conclusion he needs to bring more to the table to make that purchase. Remember ladies you’re apart of the body of Christ. Wherever you go, He goes, and wherever you are, He is also. Keep this knowledge and truth before you and you can truly live life like the woman God has called you to be.—EIF

(800) 927-3436

www.faithdome.org

EVERINCREASINGFAITH

MINISTRIES CRENSHAW CHRISTIAN CENTER

P.O. Box 90000 Los Angeles, Ca 90009 (323) 758-3777 www.faithdome.org

MINISTER THE LOVE OF JESUS

The 2005 hurricanes left thousands in great need. If you would like to be a direct blessing to the families affected by the catastrophes, please use the envelope insert inside this issue to make contributions. Thank you in advance for ministering the love of Jesus.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Crenshaw Christian Center