Visit us online at www.crossroadsforlife.com L L 2 L Schedule of Services Wednesday, October 1st 7:00pm Pastor Alvin Edwards, Believers in the Word, Savannah, GA Thursday, October 2nd 7:00pm Pastor James Chandler, Marvelous Light Christian Ministries, Lithia Springs, GA Friday, October 3rd 7:00pm Bishop Steve O. Bulloch, Grace Full Gospel Church, Savannah, GA Sunday October 5th 10:30am Pastor Marsha Buford, House of Favor Full Gospel Ministry, Savannah, GA Sunday October 5th 6:00pm Pastor Marland Montgomery, Seed Planters Community Church, Forest Park, GA 3 4 www.edwinfordministries.org Like Edwin Ford on I have set before thee life and death, blessings and curses: therefore choose life that both thou and thy seed may live. Deuteronomy 30:19 FOUNDER……………………..… Rev. Dr. Edwin E. Ford EDITORIAL Columnists……………………….. Pastor Edwin E Ford Elect Lady Tracy Ford Editor in Chief …………………... Ronaye K Horton Proof Editors …………………….. Salena Epps-Jackson ART Layout …………………………… StudioV33, Inc Graphic Designer ………………... Rhonda McGhee MARKETING Social Marketing ……………….. StudioV33, Inc Putting Lives Back on Track! Advertise in The Conductor write to: theconductormag@live.com Three Months FREE with purchase of six months K The Conductor Magazine, your monthly WORD publication is brought to you by Crossroads for Life Ministries. JOIN this exciting move of God! Become a financial seed partner today! CONTACT Crossroads for Life Ministries Team Conductor . P.O. Box 845 Hiram . GA . 30141 Email: theconductormag@live.com eep Speaking the WORD! Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. [Deuteronomy 11:18] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, [Philippians 3:13] 5 For more information on all events Contact CFLM at 678.715.1677 or visit us online: www.crossroadsforlife.com Remember Church, Choose Life! September2 0 1 4 Sundays 14 12:00pm 7 CFLM EAST Morning Worship 8:00am Celebrate Recovery Ministry 7:00pm CFLM Morning Worship 10:30am 16 Power Lunch Bible Study 12:00pm Evening Worship 6:00pm 14 CFLM EAST Morning Worship 8:00am CFLM Morning Worship 10:30am 21 CFLM EAST Morning Worship 8:00am CFLM Morning Worship 10:30am East Evening Worship 5:00pm 28 CFLM EAST Morning Worship 8:00am CFLM Morning Worship 10:30am Tuesdays 2 Power Lunch Bible Study 12:00pm Celebrate Recovery Ministry 7:00pm 9 Power Lunch Bible Study Celebrate Recovery Ministry 7:00pm 23 Power Lunch Bible Study 12:00pm Celebrate Recovery Ministry 7:00pm 25 CFLM Bible Study 7:00pm Saturdays 6 CFLM Women’s Ministry Fellowship 12:00 Noon 13 CFLM Men’s Fellowship 8:30am 20 CFLM youth SWAGG 3:00-6:00pm 27 CFLM Soul winning 10:00 am 30 Power Lunch Bible Study 12:00pm Celebrate Recovery Ministry 7:00pm Thursdays 4 CFLM Bible Study 7:00pm 11 CFLM Bible Study 7:00pm 18 CFLM Bible Study 7:00pm It’s An Open Way 2009 Ronaye K Horton6 GOLD NUGGETS Put yourself in a place needing a miracle from God. -Dr. Ford Letter from the Editor C o n t e n t s Stay on Board! 3 Keep Speaking the Word Philippians 3:13 4 Calendar of Events 12 Heart Food It’s Not Too Late for You Elect Lady Tracy Ford 18 Conductor’s Column Breaking the Chains Part II It’s All About the Mind Reverend Dr. Edwin E. Ford 26 The Preacher’s Corner Bonds of Fellowship Colossians 2:1-2 Reverend Dr. Edwin E. Ford In Every Issue Calendar of Events Conductor’s Column Heart Food The Preacher’s Corner Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath He set a tabernacle for the sun, [Psalm 19:4] O ne of the major challenges of our earthly existence is to not allow our circumstances to define who we are or what we become. [Breaking the Chains Part II p18] This is true, when people tell you how unreal you are, concentrate on the word that tells you: For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. [2 Corinthians 5:21] When the blessing God has commanded is continually withheld, concentrate on the word that says: And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. [2 Corinthians 9:8] God is faithful and will perform his word. Continue breaking the chains by speaking the word people of God! The Conductor is here to help guide you to a life grounded in Jesus Christ. Are you on board? Write to us, we want to hear from you. Let us know that the God’s anointing has broken the chains in your life. 7 -With Love Take a Break In the Word 12:00noon Learn how to win in life! 8 9 Call to order!!! 404.895.5399 Recovery Tuesday Evenings 7:00pm Putting Lives Back on Track Celebrate Recovery Ministry is a ministry of help to individuals and families recovering from Drug and Alcohol Abuse; Physical, Emotional and Sexual Abuse. 6976 Bankhead Hwy . Douglasville, GA 30134 For further information contact: 678.715.1677 10 6976 Bankhead Hwy Douglasville, GA 30134 678.715.1677 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; [Mark 16:17] GOLD NUGGETS 11 Heart Food Elect Lady Tracy Ford It’s Not Too Late for You Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, [Philippians 3:13] H ave you ever heard the saying, “You can’t unscramble those eggs?” And this is true, once it’s been done you cannot change it. You have a few choices: eat them, throw them away or get some new eggs and start over. We have all done things in our lives we wish we could change but can’t. But it’s not the end of the world, pick up the pieces, if they are reusable or start afresh. Sometimes things are better the second time around anyway. The good news is that nothing we did caught God by surprise. It did not change His mind about us. As a matter of fact, He already knew we would do it before we did it. There is a movie called, “I Know What You Did Last Night” and the enemy uses this same strategy to keep God’s people bound. Shame and embarrassment of your past. It’s hard for some people to bounce back and let go of their past but until we let the past go, we will not move forward. We must let our new mind in Christ replace those old thoughts and memories. Being pulled in two directions will take us nowhere, we have got to let go of something. Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth to what lays ahead should be our new mindset. Anything new does not have a past. As new creatures in Christ, we have never been this way before so we can not compare new with anything. Just follow the leader. [2 Corinthians 5:7, Philippians 3:13] imprison them to Jerusalem. But God had another plan; while he was on the way, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him and he fell to the ground. He heard a voice saying, “ Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” And Saul answered, “Who are you, Lord?” the Lord replied “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” The men traveling with Saul heard the voice but didn’t see anyone. They led him to Damascus because when he got up off the ground he could not see anything for three days. Meanwhile God was dealing with one of His disciples in a vision named Ananias about going to find Saul and placing his hands on him to restore his sight. Ananias reminded God what kind of man Saul was from the reports that he had heard. (Did God not know!) But the Lord told him, “Saul is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles,12 As new creatures in Christ, we have never been this way before so we can not compare new with anything. Just follow the leader. Acts Chapter 9 tells us about Saul’s conversion, his turn around experience. Saul had a plan to go to the synagogues in Damascus to find those belonging to the Way and Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD [Isaiah 54:1] Do not despise where you are in life. (Continued from page 12) their kings and the people of Israel.” As Ananias obeyed the Lord, scales fell from Saul’s eyes and he received his sight again and was filled with the Holy Spirit. After many days Saul started preaching that Jesus is the Son of God, but all who heard him did not receive from him. They remembered his past and some planned to kill him. any man, not for their approval or input. He knew God had called him and he did not allow the opinion of men to stop him from obeying God. Even though everybody might not receive from you because of what they know about your past. Keep obeying God. In due season they will listen to you. Just know that you have been called by God and your mission is to please Him, not man. Do not despise where you are in life. To you it may seem that you are so far off track but with God you can be right on schedule. God can truly take a mess and turn it into a message. God needs witnesses everywhere, He wants His glory to fill this earth. People everywhere need to hear the Gospel. Your sphere of influence may not be mine and vice versa but the goal is the same, souls. God needs witnesses in your school, in your class, on your job, in the suburbs, and in the ghetto. Can He use you where you are? Instead of seeing our position as a bad thing because it’s uncomfortable, why not see your position as an honor representing Christ. You may be in jail or prison, and of course no one would on purpose put themselves behind bars, but if you are there will you be a mouth piece for Him? That is your pulpit to proclaim the Gospel. The bible says at Saul’s conversion, he did not consult In Galatians Chapter 1 Paul is sharing his testimony, he is an apostle sent not from men but by Jesus Christ and God the Father. Paul had a past, as we all do, a life in Judaism. He intensely persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. He was so good that he was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of his age and he was extremely zealous for the tradition of his fathers. In other words, Saul was very good at killing God’s people. You may ask, Is this the same Paul who wrote most of the New Testament? You got it!!! That same Paul. He was passionate about killing God’s people, but God has now called him to preach to those he was killing. I know that is hard for some to believe but true. So be encouraged, it does not matter what you have done, it’s not too late for you. If God can take a Saul, a murderer, and turn him into a Paul, can He use you too? We all know somebody who we GOLD NUGGETS do not see serving God. They seem to be so adamant about what they are doing and what they believe; seemingly a lost and hopeless case. BUT GOD takes what seems impossible and does the possible. As with Saul, his life went from one extreme to another. God took someone who was a murderer of His people, to now love on His people by preaching Christ. AMAZING!!!!! God knows the material that He is working with in all of us, that is what makes the finished product so wonderful. Jeremiah 18:1-6 The potter took a vessel already made and perfected it. The vessel he was shaping was marred in his hands and he remade it into another vessel to his liking. Pottery can be used for different reasons. Carrying, storing, serving, or if painted, used for decorations, what can God use you for? A real potter kneads clay to remove impurities and air bubbles. God, our potter also removes impurities to make us useful for His service. While we are on the wheel having impurities removed it may not feel good but it’s necessary, God knows what He is doing. He’s turning us into another man, meet for the master’s use. God Bless, 13 GOLD NUGGETS peaking the WORD? Running over with blessings Take Financial Authority God wants me wealthy with a reason I’ll speak this word until I’m running over with blessings I’m on my way to a wealthy place. God wants me to have money with a plan I’ll speak this word until I’m running over with blessings! Thou has caused men to ride over our heads, We went through the fire, we went through the water, but thou brought us out into a wealthy place. There’s money in my mouth. I’ll speak it out of my mouth. I believe that I receive, Double, Double, in every area of my life this year. I call my house and all my assets paid for, I believe that I receive super natural provision today. I command the blessings of God and the favor of God to over take my life and my family’s life. Send now prosperity. Thank you Lord for meeting all my financial needs so that I have more than enough to give into the Kingdom of God. Ford I believe that I receive, Double... S God never wants you to live within the limitations. – Dr. 14 15 16 www.edwinfordministries.org Like Edwin Ford on Facebook The Practicality of Faith: A Lifestyle Not a Science Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour [1 Peter 5:8] A ll God needs for you to do is make up in your mind that you will not be a victim anymore. With victory begins a quality decision. To receive any promise of God it requires a step of faith. Since Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, we must begin by seeking him for the answer. In the natural world, when you are doing business, the more you know about a product or services the less likely you will be taken advantage of. The same is true about your adversary, the more you know about him, the devil, the less he will be able to get over on you. Our text says he prowls around like a roaring lion looking for a victim. First, let us define a victim: someone who has suffered loss by being swindled or duped by some act, condition or circumstance. Therefore, Satan is searching for individuals who appear deceivable, and easy to take advantage of. Notice the text gives you some insight on the devil’s limited power, because if he has to look for someone, then it means he cannot destroy everyone. The victims of his sinister plans will be those who do not possess a solid understanding of the word God. The Bible says my people are not destroyed because we have a mean devil, but because of a lack of knowledge. spouse. He is not a flesh and blood individual, though he may manifest himself through various people, but he is a cruel maniacal, spiritual force that operates through the force of fear to steal, kill, and destroy. He has so shrewdly wrapped himself up in this world’s system that most people do not even believe he still exists. The world has embraced Satan today as if he is not the Prince of Darkness. This cycle of victimization can be destroyed, but it begins by receiving the anointing that comes through God’s word. This cycle of victimization can be destroyed, but it begins by receiving the anointing that comes through God’s word. We must possess a practical understanding of who the enemy is and how he operates. No better way to do that then to first establish who he is not. He is not some fictitious red man with horns and a long tail, he is not a race of people, and he is not even your Fear, as we noted, has suddenly become a very marketable commodity. Its lineage has marred societies, separated races, divided kingdoms and terrorized communities. Fear is a ruthless and savage foe that only seeks to paralyze and destroy its opponents. You wonder how something that is so hideous can be embraced and accepted by our society. Well, I will tell you how- by making it an acceptable way of life. Satan does that by disguising fear in a package that would ap17 C Reverend Dr. Edwin E. Ford Sr. onductor Breaking the Chains Part II It’s All About the Mind And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. [Romans 12:2] O ne of the major challenges of our earthly existence is to not allow our circumstances to define who we are or what we become. Be not conformed, means to not move in the same dimensions anymore. It is not always in it or even on the steps, but through mere association your life is still being conformed by what the world is doing. Now if you are not careful the way of the worlds’ (cosmos) thinking is perpetually shaping the way we think, it’s the order of things. Don’t be caught in conformity of the thought patterns of your day and allow them to dictate who you are or how you behave. The question we need to ask ourselves as Christians is are we going to allow this world define what the Bible is to us, or are we going to let the Bible define what our culture should be like. It’s disheartening to know that Congress is now redefining what a marriage is in our society when the Bible already defined marriage. The world thinks on a different level than the church, the world revolves every four years compared to the church which revolves approximately every twenty years. It is belief that dictates behavior therefore if we believe wrong we will behave wrong. Thus if you don’t believe that praise and worship would make any difference, then all you do is watch the praise leaders and sing songs. If you don’t believe the clapping of hands does something spiritual, all you will be doing is keeping the beat to the music. The bible teaches, when you clap your hands, it signifies you are in agreement. [Psalm 47:1] When you clap your hands when someone speaks a word of faith, you clap to connect that word to your spirit to manifest it in your life. If you don’t believe that works, then you will not do it to bring manifestation in your life; you behave what you believe. Often in church we have tried behavior modifications. We thought if we could change what the people wear, change what they do, or change their language we could somehow make them Christians; substituting salvation by transformation with behavior modification produces an even more carnal Christian at best. [Matthew 23:15] Jesus said when you try to reach a man to do something that is not in him, you make him twice the son of the devil he was before he started. That18 is why we end up with church It’s one thing to have enough for the people, but do you have enough for the forces you have to deal with? You need more than you think you need. –Dr. Ford (Continued from page 18) folks who are meaner than folks on the streets. Religious behavior outside of the revelation on why I should behave in that manner leaves people more educated, but frustratingly unable to experience the life of God. Why, because modifying their behavior will never make them a Christian. That is why you cannot legislate morality. Ideally changes do not come from outside a man, but inside of man. Solomon said as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. [Proverbs 23:7] think naturally, this makes it impossible to get kingdom things. If you are not born again, the way you think naturally will lockup what you are receiving from the spirit and word of God. Here is why. How you perceive a situation is more real than what is actually going on. Literally you do not see with your eyes, the truth is you see through your eyes. If all your life you have been told a color was one way and one thousand other people tell you that it was really another color, your eyes will still see the way GOLD NUGGETS new thinking, when favor comes they will dismiss it saying it was too easy - it must not be God based on the perception. False religious teaching has programmed the majority of the church for little. That is why statistically the average church in America runs two hundred seventy eight people. The thing that is holding up revival is not the ungodly evil world. That is what we have been told; but it is church people, carnal thinking Christians. People who judge God by their own experience, and not based on his Word. What do you mean? I have never seen that, so I do not know if that can happen or not. Solomon said as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. [Proverbs 23:7] If it is in his heart not to lust, he is going to tip around looking at everything that he should not look at. If it is in his heart to be greedy, he is going to hold on to everything he can. Why, because it is his heart that dictates his life. Proverbs 4:23 says the force of my life are tied to what happens in my heart, and I paraphrase. [John 3:3] Jesus answered and said to him, most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. The reason Jesus admonishes that a man is to be born again, is so he can see (perceive) the ways of the kingdom. You cannot receive spiritually and still they have been trained to perceive. So if you have the wrong perception, you will have the wrong thinking. If you have wrong thinking, you will never be able to manifest what has been promised from the truth of God’s word. The body of Christ has been the biggest victim of this missed information. The church for the most part has been programmed for lack. Traditional and religious thinking has programmed the church for struggle. They have been taught if it ain’t hard, it ain’t God. We must also be taught that sometimes God will move in our favor. If the believer fails to renew their mind to We must make a decision that we are going to break the chains that bind our soul. Prosperity is a secondary consequence of a soul that is free. If I believe it is in his word, I am not judging God by what I believe; my belief is based on the report of the Lord. Isaiah 55:8 reminds us if you do not think like God thinks; your ways and results will not be like His. It takes the church to deceive a believer; the world cannot do it. Jesus said your traditions have made the word 19 (Continued on page 22) www.edwinfordministries.org Like Edwin Ford on Facebook Visit us online for ministry products! Order your Books, CD’s, DVD’s, and more! MP3 Downloads Now Available www.edwinfordministries.org Like Edwin Ford on 20Facebook Win Souls Calling All Soul Winners Join in the E-Campaign to spread the WORD of God! What Can You Do? Provide email addresses! The Conductor Magazine, your monthly WORD publication, is brought to you by: Crossroads for Life Ministries. JOIN this Exciting move of God! Become a financial seed partner today! Visit www.crossroadsforlife.com Win Souls for Christ Winning Souls Day by Day! God Needs You! 21 (Continued from page 19) of God of none effect. The world does not have a problem with mega, thinking big and the next millionaire. It is only the church of Jesus Christ. Billy Sunday, one of the generals of the Christian faith once said, “I want to be a giant for God.” It is only when we break the unrighteous chains that bind our mind, will and emotions (soul) that we will be like Nicodemus and see the abundant kingdom of God; a kingdom that stays in the more than enough zone. But you as believers will never know until you break every chain: spiritual, physical and soul. Dare to believe, if God says yes, nobody can say no. 22 23 24 If you don’t have anything that is a burden or yoke, the anointing is not qualified to act on it. -Dr. Ford GOLD NUGGETS 25 ecclesia Preacher’s Corner The Practical Ministerial Insights Bonds of Fellowship Colossians 2:1-2 26 Bonds of Fellowship Colossians 2:1-2 The Preacher’s Corner: Practical Ministerial Insights Summary Continuing our study on the Fellowship with God, we move to Bonds of Fellowship. Our study this month discusses how our fellowship with God holds us together. As the body of Christ we share the same savior, One who has shared in all of our infirmities. He knows the hurts and fears we keep silent, our shared savior knows the cares and concerns of each and every part of his body. Our shared savior offers salvation daily. The day you walked away defeated, our shared savior speaks to you before you even get home, try again! As we studied last month in Fellowship with God, the nature and need of man require fellowship with God for newness of life, which means bounds, fastens, and confines are necessary. Continue in the your outline for more Bonds of Fellowship: salvation, spirit, scriptures, and service. When we choose to remain in fellowship with God, we receive the blessings of fellowship, such as salvation, joy, and peace. Otherwise, we choose to allow barriers to overcome our thoughts causing us to speak ungodly disassociating with God. We must keep in mind to remain in fellowship with God, this is also our fellowship with the body of Christ. This month we thought it appropriate to suggest the following song to accompany your message: Bless be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love. I. We have the same Savior A. Compassionate 1. Touched with our infirmities [Hebrews 4:15] B. Caring 1. Allows us to cast all our cares upon him C. Cleansing 1. Offers Salvation - Daily D. Calling 1. Calls us to go after the call to salvation II. The Same Salvation A. Easy—Who-so-ever (Available to all) B. Everlasting C. Enjoying III. The Same Spirit A. Convicting 1. Reproves of sin 2. Judgment 3. Righteousness B. Controlling 1. Teaches, Guides, Influences 2. Thinking and Speaking 3. Attitude and Motive IV. The Same Scriptures A. God’s Word -Confusion among Christians is lack of Bible knowledge B. Show God’s will 1. All men to be saved—then follow him C. Teaches God’s Way 1. Truth, Mercy, Love V. The Same Service—Win the Lost A. The Master—He is the Potter. We are the clay B. The Motive 1. Love for him Sow to Grow! Educate Feed Empower your congregation. Make A Difference. Contribute Now!!! Crossroads For Life Ministries . The Conductor Magazine . P.O. 845 Hiram, GA 30141 27 Poetry for All Occasions {Weddings, Graduations, Anniversary, Retirement} Your Dream in our hands… 404-626-9963 towanda.cofield@yahoo.com 28 29 30 31 32 Click to Browse then Call to order!!! 404.895.5399 33 34 35 If you ever want to see God, stretch the limits. –Dr. Ford GOLD NUGGETS 36 GOLD NUGGETS God starts where you end. When was the last time you had a miracle? –Dr. Ford 37 38 39 40 41