Who Is an Overcomer? by Michael Warden

 “He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” —Revelation 3:21-22

The word translated as “overcome” in the passage above (and all similar passages in Revelation) is the Greek verb “nikao,” which means to conquer, to prevail, to gain the victory. 

Follow the link below to this encouraging article by Michael Warden on "Who Is an Overcomer?"

 http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/175632-michael-warden-who-is-an-overcomer.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=clnewsletter&utm_content=CL+Daily+20140809

The Power of Right Alignment and Association: by Edna Els

Edna (middle), pictured here with Tony and Marilyn Fitgerald.

Edna preached an encouraging word at Victory Christian Church on Sunday 27th July 2014 about the importance of right alignment and association as a believer.
Using Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the walls as the key scripture.

The audio message can be found by following THIS link (Audio for Power of Right Alignment) on the VCC website, it's well worth a listen and immensely encouraging.

Every Leader Needs to Take This Character Test by Carey Nieuwhof

So how are you really doing when it comes to your character development?

It can be a bit difficult to tell, can’t it?

Character, like so many things, seems hard to measure. It would be great if you could get a simple reading like you would for your cholesterol or blood pressure. Then you’d know.

Over my time in leadership, I’ve discovered a simple test that tells me more than anything where my character is.

And often, I’m not thrilled with the results.

It’s so simple you could do it in less than a minute.

Let me explain.

Don't let Pride Hide Offense by John Bevere

One way the enemy keeps a person in an offended state is to keep the offense

hidden, cloaked with pride. Pride will keep you from admitting your true

condition.

Once I was severely hurt by a couple of ministers. People would say, “I can’t

believe they did this to you. Aren’t you hurt?” I would quickly respond, “No, I am

fine. I’m not hurt.” I knew it was wrong to be offended, so I denied and

repressed it. I convinced myself I was not, but in reality I was. Pride masked the

true condition of my heart.

Pride keeps you from dealing with truth. It distorts your vision. You never

change when you think everything is fine. Pride hardens your heart and dims the

eyes of your understanding. It keeps you from the change of heart – repentance

– that will set you free (See 2 Timothy 2:21-25).

Pride causes you to view yourself as a victim. Your attitude becomes, “I was

mistreated and misjudged; therefore, I am justified in my behavior.” Because you

believe you are innocent and falsely accused, you hold back forgiveness.

Though your true heart condition is hidden from you, it is not hidden from God.

Just because you were mistreated, you do not have permission to hold on to an

offense. Two wrongs do not make a right!