Contents When Was the Last Time You Blessed the Lord? - Pastor H. Al Sims, Jr.
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Interview With Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon
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Spiritual Beauty - Athena Morrison
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Being A Good Neighbor - Sharon Weeks-Alleyne
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It’s In The Word! Baby Mama Drama! - Allison A.
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Contributors Allison A. Athena Morrison Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon
Pastor H. Al Sims, Jr. Sharon Weekes-Alleyne
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From the Desk of the Editor-in-Chief
Donna Royalty Ross How did we get to November? Seems to me the year just started, and we are now in November. My, how time is flying. So many things have changed in the last year, the last six weeks, the last six months. We continue to see the world become what 2 Timothy 3:1-5 says: But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear]. For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, [and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them. Do not let this Thanksgiving be only about food and family getting together. That is all good. But let us be purposeful in what we say as we sit down to eat this Thanksgiving. As we thank God with grateful hearts, He will hear our prayers on behalf of others. We can give thanks to Father God this Thanksgiving 2021 by praying in four ways. Let us remember everyone in prayer on this special day as we sit down to eat.
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PRAY AND INTERCEDE FOR LOST SOULS – IN YOUR HOME
Father, in the name of Jesus, we pray for our homes. We thank You that our homes are covered in the blood of the Lamb. We thank You no weapon formed against our families and homes can prosper. We thank You, Father, in the name of Jesus, that as for me and my house, we will serve You, Father. We come against sicknesses and diseases that would try to manifest themselves in our homes. We thank You that because we are living epistles read of men, we show forth a godly example of who we are in and through Christ Jesus.
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PRAY AND INTERCEDE FOR LOST SOULS – IN YOUR CITY AND STATE
Father, in the name of Jesus, we lift up our cities and states [whichever state and city you are living in] and ask that Your grace will continue to be manifested in them. We lift up those in our cities and states who rule over us, and we thank You our government officials will listen to You for godly directions. In the name of Jesus. We pray that our cities and states will adhere to Your rules and regulations and the godly shall live in peace and unity.
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PRAY AND INTERCEDE FOR LOST SOULS – IN YOUR COUNTRY
Father, in the name of Jesus, we pray for our countries [whichever country you are living in]. Heal our land. Father, we come against the insidious lies the Enemy continues to feed us that cause division in Your body. We thank You that Your blessings spiritually, mentally, and financially are in Your hand and You are with those who have chosen to call upon Your name. In the name of Jesus. Change our hearts and guide us to recognize where there is unity, You command blessings in that place. We thank You that we understand the effective, fervent prayer of the righteous avails much. We thank You that even though famines and pestilences shall come, in the name of Jesus, we can continue to put our confident expectations in You that the righteous will not be forsaken and their seed will not beg for bread.
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PRAY AND INTERCEDE FOR LOST SOULS – IN THE SEVEN CONTINENTS
Father, in the name of Your precious Son Jesus, we pray for the nations. We know many are being persecuted for the Word’s sake. They are not allowed to openly worship You. As we pray, we thank You for keeping them from dangers seen and unseen. Keep them in sound minds as only You can do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Father, we thank You that in the midst of those dying of Covid-19, there are many more living. Even though the numbers are not at the lowest point, we are still grateful for those You have allowed to remain on the earth.
Donna Royalty Ross
Walking in God’s Scandalous Grace
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From the Pastor’s Desk:
Pastor H. Al Sims, Jr. SENIOR PASTOR OF BETHESDA CHURCH OF GOD, SUMTER, SC
When Was the Last Time You Blessed the Lord? No, you didn’t misread the title. The question is thought-provoking and really deep. We have been programmed in the church to gather together and ask God for blessings on ourselves and others. Think about it; many prayers go something like this: “Dear God, bless my family; bless my finances; bless me with a new house or car.” This blessings list goes on and on. After our laundry list of blessing requests, we may conclude with a quick thank You or in Jesus’ name amen. Just so you understand, I am not writing this as a self-righteous pastor who has always done things the right way. I am writing this because I realized that along with many others, I had become a bless me, bless me person, instead of a bless the Lord person. Please understand I am not saying asking the Lord for various petitions and blessings is wrong. I just want us to be more aware it is a two-way street with blessings. The word “blessing” in the Bible means, to praise, to kneel down, congratulate, salute, or thank. You and I were given minds to think, mouths to speak, and bodies to kneel or salute. We were given abilities no other creature has. We have the ability to bless our Creator and bring Him joy. 5
The Bible says in Psalm 103:1, “Bless the LORD, O my soul and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Then the psalmist goes on to list reasons to bless the Lord. In verse 2, he says bless God for all His benefits. In verse 3, he tells us to bless God for forgiving all our iniquities and healing all our diseases. In verse 4, he says bless God for redeeming us from destruction and crowning us with lovingkindness and tender mercies. In verse 5, he says to bless God for satisfying us with good things and renewing our youthfulness. In verse 22, we are told to bless God in all places. Think about it; when we open our mouths to praise God or lift our hands in adoration, God gets a blessing. Did you catch that? God gets a blessing. Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching and so, for most people, it will be a day when we pause to give thanks. If we are truthful with each other, we will admit very little thanks come out of our mouths compared to all God gives us. Thanks is a wonderful way to bless the Lord. Singing a song to God is a beautiful way to bless Him. King David blessed the Lord by dancing before Him. The psalmist said in Psalm 92:2-3, to bless the Lord by singing, telling of His salvation, declaring His glory among the nations, and His marvelous works among all the people. So now is a good time to get started with the practice of blessing the Lord. Mark the time and day on your calendar that you start and then watch how God will show you that you cannot out bless Him.
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Interview with
Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon T4RM: Doris, You were interviewed a few months ago but because of your care for all those children and the love and attention you have for them, I am interviewing you again. Basically, I want our readers to see what you do for the less fortunate children of Guyana in the form of a Christmas party. I want to tell our readers how I connected with you. I have never seen you, but I diligently look forward to helping you as much as I can. I first saw Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon on a Facebook page almost 8 years ago. She had posted what looked to me like an event— perhaps a wedding or some other event. It was done so nicely I was immediately impressed. I went to her page and saw her there with many children. I watched her for about three to six months without her even knowing. I saw her feeding these children, teaching them to make tie-dye clothes, and even how to farm. I was impressed; I really was. Here was this woman doing something I was eager to sow into. Finally, I connected with her via messenger, and the rest is history. Eventually, I want to build two orphanages in Guyana in honor of my mother and father who himself was an abandoned or orphaned child. -- I would be delighted to have Doris on board with me to accomplish this endeavor because she has personally proven herself to me. Stay tuned to hear about those orphanages as I wait for God to provide the finances for me to move forward. Laugh at me if you want to—but the vision is yet for an appointed time and then it will speak and not lie. T4RM: I know you have a heart for these kids. What did you see as a child growing up that led you to even desire to do what you do? DASM: Personally, the decision to pursue humanitarian and charitable efforts was ordained by the Supreme Being many moons ago. Frequent visions and dreams about doing the Lord’s work reaffirmed the desire to take care of people. Generally, we all have missions in this walk of life, and this is my path. We should all walk in our respective pathways under the guidance of the Lord and ensure it is a walk to remember. T4RM: When I experience people who walk the extra mile with others as you do, I immediately get the impression they saw their parents give and it is just in their hearts to do the same. Was that the case with you? 7
DASM: Undoubtedly, my parents, both of whom are no longer with us, were role models in this regard. Giving to the less fortunate and making provisions for children in need were all regular activities I observed growing up. This was definitely the catalyst that gave rise to the path I am currently pursuing. The act of sharing was also observed in each and every one of my siblings. And I intend to pass the baton to my children, so this effort could be felt by many generations to come. Sharing and providing for the less fortunate bring about a feeling of accomplishment. It’s a marvelous emotion.
people there?
T4RM: Are any of your siblings doing the same things— feeding the children, going to the Psalms to minister to the
DASM: As mentioned above, the humanitarian acts passed down from my parents fell on the shoulders of each and every one of my siblings. Other than pursuing their respective activities in whichever part of the world they reside, they are regular supporters of my agenda. T4RM: know you have at least one of your sons helping you tremendously. Tell our readers about him. DASM: Generally, support for the affairs of the Sophia Sparkle Youth Group comes from each and every one of my children: Michael, Godfrey, Matthew, and Dameion. My late son Peter was also very instrumental in supporting the affairs of the group. T4RM: You have another group. Tell us about that. DASM: The Mother’s Action Group on Social Issues was the first organization I founded that was registered under the Friendly Society Act. This group was formed primarily to bring awareness to mothers about their roles in society, inclusive of their mandate in shaping the community in which they reside. It advocated for the return of agriculture, promoted academics, parental priorities, and life skills, along with sound and civic consciousness. The group also focused on linking minds to tackle sexual abuse, which is highly prevalent in impoverished communities. T4RM: What made you start that second group or was that your first group? DASM: It must be noted my role in addressing poverty in my little way and dealing with children dates back to more than two decades. However, the official registration of the youth group came after that of the mother’s group. In the initial stage, the members were mostly children of those mothers. Now, we have children enrolled from all over the country. T4RM: In speaking with someone, I was told there is no need for me to send a barrel of clothes to Guyana because the people in Guyana do not want clothes, they just want money. Can you address that issue? DASM: Indeed, that may be the perception of some persons. But in giving, while money can be donated in cases where it is sufficient, all useful items can make very beautiful gifts for the needy. Clothing, foodstuff, equipment, and whatever might mitigate the current hardship faced by the less fortunate are welcome. Persons should not be discouraged from giving because of the lack of money. Unwanted items can put smiles on the faces of the needy. 8
T4RM: I know you are preparing for the Christmas party. I also know the Christmas party is very dear to your heart. Tell our readers what and why the Christmas party is so important. DASM: The laughter, glow, glee, and the joy the Christmas party and gift distribution have brought to the faces of the little Sparklettes over the years are personal accomplishments. Evidently, the COVID-19 pandemic has dampened the massive celebrations, but I will not allow it to stop my work for the Lord. The group’s Christmas event has decreased from a full-fledged party, pageant, and dancing to gifts, food hampers, and snack distribution. Sparklettes now present themselves to the Friendly Space and are serenaded with Christmas renditions while they collect their goodies. T4RM: I know June A. Matthews and Lloyd Phillips encourage the Guyanese on Facebook to sow into this Christmas party. Are Guyanese forthcoming globally in their financial giving for this party? DASM: Honestly, our desire is for more people to come on board, but we have a small number of people in the diaspora who are committed to the agenda of the group at the Christmas celebrations. The efforts of June Matthews to garner contributions for the group, especially during the Christmas season must be emphasized. We are grateful for the few who are a part of the activities. While there is room for more people to come on board, the group continues to ask the Creator to touch every hand, including the ones on board, to support the group’s agenda. T4RM: I know you have people who give yearly. I don’t want to talk about those people. I am interviewing you in November because I want people to give to your Christmas vision. So, tell our readers how they can help in any small way to put a smile on the less fortunate in our place of birth. The Sophia Sparkle Youth Group is always open to donations of any kind. These donations, either financial or items, are all channeled to the less fortunate throughout the year, especially at the group’s annual Christmas party. We always post our events live so you, the donors, can see the impact of your donations. It is important to stop and reflect on the joy and blessings in your own life, while also being aware that not everyone is so fortunate. An act of kindness can have a huge benefit to your own happiness, health, and sense of well-being, as well as those of the people you help. No matter what you do, volunteering is a selfless act that can help transform the lives 9
of many people over the season and into the New Year. With your help and involvement, we can ensure a successful 2021 Holiday Giving Project. The group can be contacted via these Facebook pages: • Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon – Visionary • Colette A Medas Benettie • Judy Leu Harrison • Lynette Shelto Johnson • June A. Matthews • Donna Royalty Ross Any person who wishes to support the upcoming event can contact the aforementioned Facebook contacts. Any contribution despite the amount will be highly appreciated. Doris: I thank you for allowing me to interview you in preparation for your Christmas party. I hope this interview will bring more exposure to the cause you are fighting for in the battlefield. Be blessed because you are a blessing.
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SPIRITUAL BEAUTY Living with joy, grace, gentleness, and unselfishness are qualities that express the beauty God has created. Beauty should not come from outward appearances, but rather from our inner selves. There is natural beauty in a quiet, gentle spirit. In today’s world, there is a sense that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. However, this may be an individual life experience that has shaped our opinions of what beauty is. Physical beauty is not lasting. It will fade
Athena Morrison over time.
As Christians, we should be aware this (physical beauty) is not what beauty is all about. In 1 Samuel 16:7, it states: “But the Lord said to Samuel, do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (NKJV). This tells us our thoughts of what is beautiful are not what God expects us to look for in our fellow men. It is possible for us to live more beautiful, spirit-filled lives if we can just tap into the Holy Spirit within us for guidance in finding that spiritual beauty. Unfortunately, as humans, we tend to see ourselves through the eyes of others. There is danger in this because it is nearly impossible to know what others actually think about us. Their views of us may be based on their individual life experiences of what represents true beauty. Inner beauty involves the recognition of a feeling, sense, or belief that there is something greater than self. This comes from God who has created us in His image. “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created them” (Genesis 1:26-27, NKJV). Because we are created in the image of God, we should know whether we are male, female or of a different color, we are all of the human race and beautiful in the sight of God. If there is any way we can see through this facade of physical beauty and concentrate on the heart where spiritual beauty begins, we may live in harmony for the glory of God. 12
Being A Good Neighbor Sharon Weeks-Alleyne
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’m going to look at the Samaritan’s story from a different angle, one we don’t like to
deal with. It is a perspective we sweep under the rug or bury our heads in the sand about or just say “not my circus, not my monkeys.” We get tone-deaf (pun intended). And we all do it, whether black, brown, crème, or white. We forget everyone is precious in the good Lord’s sight. Now, back to the story in Luke 10:25-37. A lawyer posed this question to Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” To answer, Jesus told a parable of a good neighbor, an impartial neighbor, a neighbor who wasn’t biased, racist, or indifferent. He spoke of a neighbor who should have and could have crossed the road and walked away because he was not beloved by the wounded man’s community. Anyone seeing him stooping over that
man could have thought he was the perpetrator. Why? Because as a Samaritan, he was seen as someone from the hood, the place where all the gangsters were, where those in poverty live, those not of the victim’s caliber, yes, those we judge and think have nothing or know nothing, the doctor we perceive is a nurse, the homeowner in the posh neighborhood we think is the gardener, the mixed-race child whose mother we think is the maid. Yes, this is us, and Jesus is saying stop. You think a good neighbor is the pious priest who prays for one president and not the other or the holy usher who takes the well-dressed to the front of the church but puts the not-so-well-clad in the back seat. Being a good neighbor is being like Jesus, meeting His creation at the point of their needs (like the woman at the well). Jesus had to let His disciples leave so their impartiality wouldn’t get in the way when He spoke to the woman. I saw a short documentary of a man in the USA who left his high-paying job to live in a cave out in the desert. He would ride his bicycle into town to get necessities because he didn’t want to deal with people, especially his dad who was a pastor. This all happened because when he told his 13
father he was gay, his dad told him, “We know people like you in this town.” Yes, that came out of the mouth of an evangelical pastor! “I want no part of this!” His dad included himself in that way of dealing with his son, instead of lovingly caring for him, binding up his wounds and ensuring he was well taken care of. Now, his son has told that story to the world, which his dad didn’t deny. His father could have given him a different story to share about God’s children. Jesus’ story was about church folk not being good neighbors. The racially profiled Samaritan was not a man of the cloth, but he had a good heart. He didn’t allow it to be hardened by how his community was being treated by others. He wasn’t fearful of what others would say. He saw a need and he met it. So, to those who are downtrodden, don’t allow what others have done to make you hard-hearted. And to those like the one who posed the question to Jesus, He is saying be a good neighbor; see everyone through God’s eyes; bind up the wounds of all and sundry and nurse them back to health. Pray for every leader, whether black or white. Pray for Haiti as if you are praying for Texas. You see, as Christians, we don’t feel we should be called out when we do wrong. We turn to the Scripture and say, “Touch not the Lord’s anointed,” but if we’re followers of Jesus and believe the Bible, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit always speak to us. The Bible says where sin abounds, grace abounds more. We’re to treat sinners with grace as Jesus did (the woman at the well), but Jesus always expected believers to be better, to do better, to set the bar high. He expects us to live up to a higher standard, but we do the opposite. We are very harsh and critical of the sinner, and we treat church folks with kid’s gloves. We cover up indiscretions. The big tithers commit adultery and we turn a blind eye. However, we preach against adultery to the sinner. Saints, we need to follow Jesus if we want to be a part of the glorious church without spot or wrinkle. Our nations will never be healed if the saints are humbly proud and we refuse to turn from our wicked ways, not because of sinners. We need the love of God to be shed abroad in our hearts. Let there be love on the earth and let it begin with each and every one of us individually and collectively. Like a good neighbor, let the church be there. Jesus did it; let’s do likewise.
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IT’S IN THE WORD! BABY MAMA DRAMA! By Allison A.
We learned in the book of Genesis God called Abram and told him to leave everything and everyone behind. He did. Then God promised him a child in his old age and changed his name and that of his wife to reflect what He was going to do in their lives. Abram asked the question. How will I bear a child in my old age? God reassured him He would do it. Abram believed but Sarah, now Sarai, wasn’t easily convinced. As time passed, she made what she probably thought was a very wise decision—she got a surrogate! And hubby Abe did not back down from this proposition; it sounded good; it was pleasing to his flesh, and it all seemed good and well, just as it felt to Adam and Eve. But the conjunction came into play because when her maid Hagar conceived by her sugar daddy Abe, she started throwing shades at Sarai. Sarai got up enough courage to kick her to the curb. Abe was okay with that, but God in His mercy told Hagar to return and humble herself. Then Sarai got pregnant, and she started throwing Hagar shades. Now she had the original, the duplicate had to go! Abe loved his wife and wanted to please her but on the other hand, Ishmael was his firstborn and a son he had bonded with as time passed. He could give up the mother, but he wanted the child. Anyway, the queen ruled, and the maid had to leave with the child. This time, God allowed it and promised Hagar He would provide for her. The drama would have been too much had they continued living in the same space. Sounds familiar in this day and age, yes. And what’s sad is it is frequent amongst believers, pastors, worship leaders, and deacons, even though we are saved, sanctified blood-washed and have the Word to live by. Oh, but we’re so hard on the sinner with the sugar daddies, sugar mammies, baby mamas, and all the drama! Brothers and sisters, let us be examples to the unbelievers. The world reflects the church. It seems to be normal for a pastor to have a baby mama, along with his wife. He’s immediately forgiven, no more stepping down or getting your house in order, no. I personally heard a pastor say these things are happening because the congregation is not praying for their pastors. We should not be shocked at how the world has become. We have to look within and be transformed. Many of us are saved for years, preaching, teaching, etc., but we’ve stopped at salvation. It seems we’ve forgotten we need to move on to transformation in the journey we’re on. So... •
LET’S EXAMINE OURSELVES!
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CHECK THE LUST OF THE FLESH.
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CHECK THE LUST OF THE EYES.
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CHECK THE PRIDE OF LIFE.
Let’s get the drama out of our lives and church and lift God up. He said if He’s lifted up, He will draw all men unto Him. Let’s be a part of God’s goal! Let’s see all receive salvation and none perish.
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