A MAGAZINE WHERE INANIMATE OBJECTS DESCRIBE BIBLICAL EVENTS

READ ABOUT BIBLICAL EVENTS AS TOLD BY THESE OBJECTS

The Red Sea (E XODUS 14:21)

The net used in the miracle of the fishes (LUKE 5:4-9)
The Sea of Galilee (JOHN 6:18 )

CP ~ April
April2010
2010

Welcome to the April 2010 issue of
About the Magazine
ISSN: 1920-4205
Frequency: Biyearly
Founding editor: Monique Berry
Design and layout: Monique Berry
Contact Info
Website: http://1perspectives.webs.com
Email: perspectivesmagazine@gmail.com
Fax: 1-905-549-5021
Photo Credits
All photos were created by Brian Cobbledick.
Contents & Contributors
From the Editors Desk
Monique Berry
The Red Sea Gets a Faith Lift
Mary Belardi Erickson
Netting a Miracle
Rebecca Rose Taylor
When Jesus Walked on Me
2
This is where biblical objects and
animals describe their experiences with
the Trinity, the heavenly dimension,
and the natural world.
The Background
For the benefit of new readers, the idea
for the magazine came when I was
reviewing back issues of Perspectives,
which deals with inanimate objects
describing real-life events. I noticed
that three contributors submitted
entries pertaining to biblical objects
and animals. The seed was planted.
Eventually, the possibility of devoting
p3 an entire magazine just for objects
mentioned in the Bible grew. Months
later, I was reading a devotional and
p4 the scripture for the daily reading was
Joshua 24:27. I searched the Bible for
similar scriptures. To my delight, I
p6 read many references where objects
like the sun, the moon, the mountains,
and other inanimate objects „voiced‟
p7 their praise to God.
CP ~ April 2010
 3

And Joshua said to all the people,

Behold, this stone...has heard
all the sayings of Jehovah
which he has spoken with us.
Joshua 24:27

From the Editor‟s Desk

Welcome to the second edition of Christian Perspectives Magazine.

One morning I took out my devotional and read the scripture for the
day: “Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil
from thy flesh,” (Ecclesiastes 11:10). Then I started revising some
submissions for this issue. A few days later Psalm 51:10 captured me,
“Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.”

After I thought about it, I was able to connect my editing process

with my spiritual life. Jesus is the author, and editor, of my faith. If I
allow His red ink (scripture) to edit the unclear thoughts (doubts),
the verbose speech (words), and run on sentences (reasons for
unforgiveness), my living story will be much cleaner and easier to
understand God and others.

If you read any scripture that may apply to the ideas mentioned
above, please email me.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of

CP ~ April 2010
Red Sea—Exodus 14:21,22 4

The Red Sea Gets

a Faith Lift
~ Monique Berry ~

What a privilege it is to be included with the other objects and tell my story! I look forward to
revealing a spiritual mystery related to the Israelite’s miraculous deliverance. Even though it was
a shorter route, I’m so glad Jehovah did not lead His people to the Promised Land through the
country. If He did, I would never have received my ‘faith lift.’
Before the Israelites escaped, they saw me in front of them, they saw Pharaoh’s army behind them,
and they saw no way out. But Moses knew God—I knew God. I knew that He would deliver His
people because I saw the spiritual mysteries.
You see, we live in a world of atoms and molecules where things are materialized. But another
dimension—a spiritual dimension—runs parallel to this one. It’s real; it’s just not made of
molecular things. Storehouses exist in the other realm. Treasuries full of answers to prayers—
healings, miraculous and natural supplies, and more—wait to be opened. The key that unlocks the
doors is faith.
When the man of God raised his staff, I heard an angel say, “Moses has been obedient! Open the
door to the weather storehouse. Unleash the east wind.”
My mouth opened and His people began their walk to the Promised Land on dry ground. That’s
when I experienced a sensory smorgasbord. My face lit up from the combined glory of thousands
of angels hovering over me. I saw their footprints of fire walk across my face. I heard the sweet
music of believing hearts, the whir of the angels’ wings, and the rumbling wheels of Pharaoh’s
army. I smelled the sweet scent of obedience and the pungent odor of doubt. I tasted the steel, the
brass, and the rancid pride of Pharaoh.
My stomach had been churning from swallowing 600 chariots, coats of armor, leather, and human
and animal flesh all night. So after the last Israelite passed safely to the other side, I couldn’t hold
them anymore. I threw up Pharaoh and his army; I wanted no part of them. In the morning, the
Israelites saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. I joined in the praises of His people by
waving and clapping my hands to glorify the only God who always makes a way when there seems
to be no way.
Even though the event happened thousands of years ago, His Word still makes a way through the
stormy seas of life. Learn from Moses. Lift your hands, believe with your heart, and pray. Unlock
your treasuries reserved in heavenly places for you. Speak His promises and feel the wind of His
word brush past your lips. I’m sure you will experience the same glorious ‘faith lift’ as I did.
Monique Berry is the founder of Perspectives and Christian Perspectives. Her stories and poems are
published in several magazines and anthologies. She is currently working on a novel and hopes to have it
published this year. Contact her at perspectivesmagazine@gmail.com
CP ~ April 2010
 5

Free Advertising
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Be the first to respond
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and get a free spot Books
Counseling
Gifts
in the September issue Ministries
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Contact Monique at

Act Now perspective.ads@gmail.com

F: 1-905-549-5021

CP ~ April 2010
Net used in the miracle of fishes—Luke 5:4-9 6

Netting a Miracle
~ Mary Belardi Erickson ~

I am a fishing net--pattern of holes,

handmade weave of strong fibers.
When a flattened heap, I long
to again swallow water’s depth,
prove myself a useful tool.
But when I’m dropped over and over
and bring up no fish,
those in the empty boat curse me
though it’s not my fault.

Now Jesus boarded Simon’s boat

so that a gathering crowd
could observe and hear him.
Having had no luck fishing, Simon’s partners
despaired, rough handling me.
Jesus knew they needed faith--
pointed where to let net:

Then, I felt a strength I’d never known.

Into my opening folds, schools of fish swam.
I yielded and stretched,
holding more and more fishes--
fins flapping and fish heads smacking air.

Sweaty arms and backs labored,

hands pulling and lifting.
My steadfastness did not unravel
until the catch over-spilled two creaking boats,
almost sinking.
Wonder in their eyes, toiling fishermen
praised Jesus for his miraculous multitude
of fishes from a humble net.

Not having a soul, still my rope feels blessed by Jesus.

Water drips from me like drops of joyful tears.

Mary Belardi Erickson originated from Passaic, New Jersey but experienced a rural upbringing
in Minnesota. Her poems have been published internationally, online and in print, most
recently or forthcoming in Flutter, Numinous, Avocet, The Aurorean, Perspectives, as well as
others. Contact her at cattailcreekfarm@hotmail.com

CP ~ April 2010
Sea of Galilee—John 6:18 7

I am the water that Jesus set foot on over a

thousand years ago. Something special about
the air that day felt different as it breathed
on my face.
The disciples were out in the boat when a
storm suddenly erupted in my waters,
rocking the small craft and I back and forth When Jesus Walked
violently. I was afraid, just like the disciples. I on Me
have felt the turbulence of the sea many
~ Rebecca R. Taylor ~
times before but this time the winds
whipped through me and around the boat
where the men struggled with their paddles
to remain upright. Suddenly, we saw a man
coming toward us on the surface. He did not
slip through me like those who had ever
visited me. He was perfectly balanced on the
waves. At first, I did not see who it was; I was
even more frightened because as far as I was
concerned, it was impossible to walk on
water.
I asked the waves, “Do you see that?”
“Yes,” they answered. “Who is it? How can he
do that?”
“I don’t know,” I replied, my voice shaking. Then I saw His face. “It’s Jesus!”
I reported to my friends as we watched in anticipation. My heart raced as I saw the
disciples trembling in the boat, feeling uncertainty until He spoke saying, “It is I, do not be
afraid.”
His voice was so calm and reassuring—I felt safe with him near. The disciples let Jesus
into the boat and immediately the storm ceased. I became calm again and was able to float
gently to the other side. Jesus had removed the trepidation from my heart and the hearts
of His disciples. Now, whenever I am afraid I remember that day and I feel at ease,
knowing that I am never alone.
Jesus touched me in so many ways. Feeling His feet on me produced an amazing sensation
but it goes beyond that. This experience has given me a new outlook on life. I am now a
believer in a higher power; before this, I was a skeptic. I know that even when things in
my life seem impossible, divine intervention may take hold. As long as I flow, I will not
forget the day that Jesus Christ set foot on me. Now, whenever the weather has me
rushing and I’m scared of what might happen, I remember that moment and feel less
angst. This event truly was a miracle.

Rebecca lives along the St. Francis River in St. Felix-de-Kingsey, Quebec. She hopes to be a full-
time writer someday. Her recent publications have been included in Bread n‟ Molasses , Grainews,
and Perspectives Magazine . Contact her at rebecca_taylor2@hotmail.com.
CP ~ April 2010
Where biblical objects have their say

All things were created by Him, and for Him.

To God be the glory.