Revelation 21:1-7
A New Heaven and a New Earth
1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.
2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.
7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
Happy New Year 2025
Pgs 8-10
Cover Story January 2025
Happy New Year! This year we are admonishing you to Keep Moving Forward!
This year we want you to make Taking Care of Yourself a priority. This year we pray you make this Your Year to Surrender All. This year we hope you have Resolved to make this your best year ever!
18 MONTHLY MANNA
Min. Carenda Deonne Beamon 2025-Your Year to Surrender
22 A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE
Pastor Rhoda Turner Resolved
24 FROM THE PULPIT
Pastor John Saulsbury
The Seed of the Righteous Shall Be Delivered - PT 2
20 LIVING MY BLESSED LIFE
Pastor Melvin Taylor Three Score and Ten… with Reasonable Strength
26 NEW DAY FRESH START Brandie Manigault Daily Devotions
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:11
Contributors
DR. CARLA DEBNAM
Dr. Carla J. Debnam is the wife of Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam and an associate minister of Morning Star Baptist Church, Woodlawn, MD. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American Association of Christian Counselors and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Debnam has contributed to two books, Those Sisters Can Preach: 22 Pearls of Wisdom, Virtue & Hope, and 7 Ingredients To An Effective Prayer Life Series, Vol.3-5.
Jackie Epps
EDITORIAL
Dr. Carla J. Debnam
Min. Carenda Deonne
Brandie Manigault
Dr. Denyce Daniels
Rhoda Turner
Siobhan Saulsbury
Ericka J.
GRAPHIC ARTIST
Claire Lesesne
www.JandCDesigns.com
BRANDIE MANIGAULT
Brandie Manigault is the Co-founder of Healing Voice Ministries, Co-pastor of Ecos Church, and the author of New Day Fresh Start. Of all of the titles she has and hats she wears; her favorite is wife and mother. She is a firm believer that love wins and is passionate about the health of the soul.
MIN. CARENDA DEONNE
Min. Carenda is an Author, Speaker, Workshop Facilitator, Certified Life Coach, and TV Personality. Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, she received her BA degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and her M.A. in Law Degree (Mediation and Dispute Resolution) from Regent University. Min. Carenda helps individuals and professionals rise above their circumstances by detoxing emotionally. Carenda believes Emotional Management Equals Life Management. Her new book, 12 Rounds...How to Detox Emotionally and Win, is scheduled to launch 2024.
DR. DENYCE WATTIES-DANIELS
Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels has over 25 years of experience as a clinician and nurse educator. Her areas of expertise include critical care nursing, pathophysiology, pharmacology and the use of technology in the classroom. She currently serves as faculty and the Director of the Simulation and Learning Resource Centers of the College of Health Professions at Coppin State University.
Grace & Glory Magazine is the ideal publication for Encouragement, Empowerment and Inspiration.
For advertising and more information contact 410-370-2636 chosenmedia126@comcast.net
Follow us on:
& Glory Magazine @gracenglorymag GraceandGlorymag
Check out our website at: www.gracenglorymagazine.org
PASTOR RHODA TURNER
Rhoda possesses a spirit of humility. Her ministry style is graceful, her message is powerful and her presence is comforting. Being the 9th of 10 children, Rhoda has a deep passion for family and the wholistic development of children. She is considered by many as a mentor and mother figure.
Rhoda and her husband Pastor Jason Turner, serve as senior pastors of Christian Faith Fellowship Church in Chandler, AZ.
ERICKA J.
Ericka J. is a Baltimore Native Radio and TV Personality Media Mogul. Ericka J. is a community activist who is very passionate about carrying on the legacy of her mother the late Rev. Sandi Johnson. Ericka J. is also a sought-after hair stylist and fashion icon.
Siobhan Saulsbury
Siobhan Saulsbury is a financial ally. She inspires believers to transform their financial legacy for the benefit of future generations. She teaches on God's guidelines to financial success and health in a relatable and tangible way. Her signature phrase is "Make Good Choices"!
Hope and Believe
What resonates in my spirit at the end of every year? Just one thing Hope. “Keep Hope Alive!” was a slogan made popular by the Rev. Jesse Jackson and is one of my favorites. I’m sure there may have been many things, events, and circumstances that happened last year that may have tried to kill your hope; but without hope we have nothing. A life without hope can be most miserable. There is also a saying that goes, “If you keep hope alive, it will keep you alive.”
At the start of every New Year, we look back and reflect upon what did or did not happen. Sometimes we look back with regret and sometimes we look back with thanksgiving. Nevertheless, there isn’t much left to do about 2024 but let it go and keep moving forward. There is always hope for the future.
It is now a brand-new year and many of us are looking toward this New Year with a fresh new hope! The modern idea of hope is “to wish for, to expect, but without certainty of the fulfillment; to desire very much, but with no real assurance of getting your desire.” In Scripture, hope is “an indication of certainty, a strong and confident expectation.” There’s a lot that can be said about hope. There is always room for hope in everything we do in life. With all
who live there is hope. In fact, one of the constant messages in the word of God is the message of hope. “Anyone who is among the living has hope.”
Ecclesiastes 9:4a
God is called “the God of Hope.” This means He is the source of all real hope. If we are going to have hope (confident expectation), it must come from Him for He alone has the power to give it. Hope gives us power to live courageously, to be all God has called us to be in Christ.
Believe for it! Despite all that you did or did not accomplish last year and despite what God did or did not do in your life last year, still believe for it. Believe ‘what’ you may be asking? Believe that we serve an ‘in spite of’ God. In spite of everything, still believe that God is on your side. In spite of what it may look like or how it may feel and in spite of all that is going on in the world today, still believe God is in control. In spite of shortcomings and missing the mark, still believe God loves you unconditionally. And in spite of fear, little faith, and lack of trust, believe God is still God.
EPPSJackie
Year. I look at each New Year as evidence of new hope and evidence that God is still right here with us.
This New Year my prayer is that you will never lose your hope for the future. That Hope that depends on the Word of God. That Hope that depends on knowing and resting in God’s grace. In order to embrace all that is new for this New Year, we have to hope and believe for it!
Every New Year should lend some anticipation and excitement, if for no other reason than God has been gracious to allow you to see a New
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
Happy New Year!
Keep Moving Forward2025 Mandate for Grace & Glory Magazine
In order to move forward there has to be a place to move from. Grace & Glory Magazine has been a vibrant informative and inspirational publication for 18 years. Grace & Glory Magazine was created in 2006 as a spin-off of the television gospel program Grace & Glory that was created earlier in 2001 broadcasting on WMAR-TV.
I believe that Grace & Glory Magazine was put in my hands for a purpose. I also believe our lives are designed to be purpose driven and we are always living in God’s purpose. God works all things, including our lives, according to His purposes, and He knows the plans He has for our lives. I can tell you none of this was my plan, but I stepped out on faith and took over the magazine independently, while still producing the Grace & Glory television program. Despite the fact that I had no formal training in the magazine business, it has been my persistent faith in God that He would always equip me with the tools, knowledge and grace that I would need to run the magazine.
And so, the concept of a faith-based magazine patterned after the Grace & Glory program came to fruition and printed its first issue September 2006. Archbishop Ralph Dennis and Lady Deborah Dennis graced the cover of the premiere issue and was our first cover story. Since that premiere issue there have been more than 216 covers and cover stories. These stories have been the very foundation of the Grace & Glory Magazine covering Pastor’s anniversaries and retirements; Clergy appointments and elevations;
the birth of new ministries; annual conferences; Gospel industry news; authors; entrepreneurs and social interest stories. It is with persistent faith that we look forward to continuing to cover all of these stories and so much more as we move forward.
Grace & Glory Magazine has been blessed to have a steady flow of talented contributors throughout these 18 years who have shared their gifts with our audience faithfully each month. Many of our contributors have been with the magazine for multiple years. Our contributors are licensed health professionals, educators, financial advisors, life coaches, fitness experts and bloggers. Their columns have encouraged, educated, and empowered our readers with the focus on health and wellness physically, mentally, and spiritually. Moving forward the door is always open to new writers and bloggers.
Transition Forward
Regardless of what is going on around us, we have always looked to God for the answer to, “What next?” We believe the answer to this question is simply, “Next is now.” Whatever you are doing now is next. Next for the Grace & Glory Magazine in 2020, was to embrace the new now, which was to transition to an online digital publication; God said I am doing a new thing and now is the appointed time. Now next for the magazine is to keep transitioning smart. Transitioning smart is
Continued on page 10
what moving forward looks like for Grace & Glory Magazine as we expand our digital footprint.
Many unprecedented things and events have occurred this year; and it all had some kind of impact on every person, family, industry, and market in the whole world. There is nothing that has happened or will happen that God is not aware of. As believers we live by God’s assurance that He is and will always be in control. No matter what is happening or even what it looks like, stay in the flow with God. God will always lead and guide you to transition with Him and keep moving forward.
Maximize Forward
Grace & Glory Magazine will maximize our platform forward. Maximize means to make the best use of, expand, and make as large or great as possible. A platform is the combined resources you have at your disposal. For the magazine it means making the best use of our resources and maximizing our platform to inspire, educate, and motivate people by reaching them using all forms of social media. Grace & Glory magazine will utilize the platform it has established over the last 18 years and continue building on that foundation as we move forward as an online digital publication.
There are many platforms out in the world today being used for many things; most platforms are used for some kind of social awareness and change. A platform came be beneficial and life-changing to those that are within its realm of influence and our goal and mission is to reach outside of the realm of influence to help others live their best life. Grace & Glory magazine will always use its platform to shine a light in dark places as long as God continues to lead and guide us forward.
Chosen To Be a Door
Chosen to be a door may not sound all that exciting. I believe Grace & Glory Magazine was chosen to be a door 18 years ago; a door was opened for Grace & Glory Magazine to exist. A door opened for Grace & Glory Magazine to ultimately become a door itself. Metaphorically a door can be seen as an opportunity, or as a connecting link between people, places, things, etc. I heard the concept of a ‘door opening to a door’ explained by Bishop T.D. Jakes, who went on to say, “YOU are a door.” Everyone is given the ability to be a door of opportunity that opens for someone, and that person then becomes a door of opportunity to do the same.
We are in total awe of what God has done for Grace & Glory Magazine as a door and what He will do to fulfill His purpose. Publishing this magazine has given us the opportunity to be a door for Pastors, churches and ministries; for artists and authors; for health professionals and educators; for business leaders and entrepreneurs; and for contributing writers. I believe that it was no accident this magazine landed in my hands, though quite frankly I have often wondered why I was chosen to be that door, there were certainly those who were more qualified. Matthew 22:14 tell us that, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” We often fall prey to the illusion that our lives don’t matter, and we have no connection or impact on the world around us. But it is God who qualifies us and makes us fit for His purpose, for that reason alone we accept His mandate for our lives for 2025.
Before the foundation of the world, God knew the plans He had for our lives, and He is always working His plan. Keep Moving Forward!
DEBNAM Dr. Carla
Taking Care of Yourself
We have all been encouraged to take care of ourselves, especially the past few years as stress and anxiety has taken its toll. The term self-care has taken on a life of its own with so many options for making sure we are good. Not that we have been putting ourselves on the back burner but the need to take care of ourselves has taken on a new meaning. Our parents and grandparents modeled the work ethic but did not model for us the need to rest, recuperate and rejuvenate ourselves. We often saw them unwind with social groups, church attendance and community service but never on a more personalized level.
This lack of role models in some ways has become detrimental to our mental, physical, and emotional health. We live to please others more than we live to please ourselves or God. Some of us have been
neglectful to the point where we have failed to keep up with regular health screening, vaccines or other preventative methods of care. On the other end are those who have become self-indulgent to the point that they block out anything or anyone which sometimes affects their relationships.
The key to healthy selfcare is to find what works for you alone and with others. We are called to be in community so being with others is beneficial.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us that, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” (NIV). We are also encouraged to spend time alone meditating on the word of God, in prayer and in silence. These spiritual disciplines are self-care for the soul.
Part of self-care is reminding yourself of all you have already accomplished. Begin this month with a gratitude list. You can begin by thinking of the successes you had last year like exercising more, eating healthy, making up your bed or keeping up with your chores. Your list does not have to be deep or work related. Then add to your list any ways you were able to help others. Starting the year with gratitude and encouragement is good for your mental and emotional health. Being thankful and helpful is something we can all add to our list of things to do! Overall, taking care of yourself blesses you and everyone connected to you. You will be your best self and be able to give to others out of your overflow and not when you are depleted and exhausted. Taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give not only to others but to God.
Signs of Sleep Deprivation, Oversleeping, and Tips for Better Sleep - Part 2
Some signs you are sleep-deprived include:
• You may doze off while:
• Sitting and reading or watching TV
• Sitting still in a public place (e.g., movie theater, meeting, classroom)
• Riding in a car for an hour without stopping
• Sitting and talking to someone
• Sitting quietly after lunch
• Sitting in traffic for a few minutes
• Daytime fatigue
• Mood changes
On the flip side, there is such a thing as getting too much sleep, and it can be problematic. How do you know if you’re getting too much sleep? Ask yourself:
• Do you sleep more than nine hours a night for weeks at a time and still wake up tired?
• Do you sometimes wake up combative?
• Do you feel as if you are in a brain fog, less aware of your surroundings?
• Do you find yourself needing to nap throughout the day despite getting enough sleep?
According to Johns Hopkins, oversleeping is associated with many health problems, including:
• Type 2 Diabetes: Due to hormonal changes and improper diet, oversleeping can cause blood sugar levels to rise higher than they should.
• Heart Disease: Although the correlation is not fully understood, sleeping more than seven hours per night can put the body into a state of stress, raising levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker linked to heart disease.
• Obesity: Oversleeping can contribute to weight gain since you’re more sedentary and your body’s energy conversion is disrupted.
• Worsening Depression Symptoms: Oversleeping can exacerbate feelings of depression.
• Headaches: People who oversleep often experience headaches due to disturbances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, which helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
Balancing Your Sleep-Wake Cycle
Do you see any of these sleep patterns in your lifestyle? If so, how can you balance your sleep/wake cycle? First, build a routine:
• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends.
• Don’t eat close to bedtime. Many studies suggest waiting 2-3 hours before going to bed to give your body time to digest.
• Exercise regularly, but avoid exercising right before bed.
• Avoid stimulants (e.g., caffeine or drugs) 3 hours before bed.
• Make your bedroom a sleep-only zone—avoid watching TV in your room.
• Teach your brain to associate your bedroom with sleep.
• Listen to soft, soothing music or practice meditation before bed. If you often wake up in the middle of the night and struggle to get back to sleep, consider getting out of bed and doing something relaxing,
such as reading or journaling. You don’t have to be afraid of the dark—consider using nightlights if you need them. If you wake in the night for any reason, try not to turn on bright lights, as this can wake you up completely.
Lastly, put your phone away! Charge it in another room if possible. Bright screens teach your brain to stay awake, and getting lost in social media can have the same effect as taking a stimulant.
I hope you found some useful tips and learned something new this month! Remember to follow me on Facebook: Pleasantly Grounded LLC.
Latoya Holloman Certified Reiki Master pleasantlygrounded@gmail.com www.pleasantly-grounded.com
Deonne Min. Carenda
2025- Your Year to Surrender ALL!
Wow! What a blessing! God has crossed us over into a New Year. I would like to suggest that before you embark on anything new, exciting or challenging, first take some time to just lay before the Lord as an act of worship. Start your year in total surrender. Maybe there were some things that you did not totally surrender to the Lord in 2024, but it’s imperative that you do for 2025. Will you submit, in full, to the authority of the Lord? How long are you going to keep running and hiding? I believe with all my heart, if you surrender to the Lord, the things you had to contend with in 2024, you will not have to contend with in 2025.
Jesus teaches us about surrender. When He and his disciples reached the Garden to pray, the disciples could only go but so far. Jesus withdrew from them, knelt and began to pray. (Luke 22:4042). The first thing Jesus says in his prayer was, “Father, if you are willing take this cup away from me-nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.” There are so many things just in these two scriptures that I want you to remember about surrender.
1. No one can surrender on your behalf to the Lord, concerning His will for your life. Even the best intercessors might fall asleep. When you come to the place of surrender, it’s a walk with you and the Lord. It’s a personal encounter and commitment to Him.
2. The first thing you want to physically do is kneel and pray. Jesus teaches us Lordship and order. I agree with Dr. Charles Stanley when he says, “We are tallest on our knees.” When you surrender all, remember to kneel.
3. Your act of surrender should be in the form of prayer. The scripture teaches us that He knelt and began to pray. The Lord desires intimacy with us. Even when we surrender that is an intimate moment with the Lord. It should not be taking lightly. And when you
pray, seek to know if the Lord is willing. Jesus did. He said, “Father if you are willing take this cup away from me.” However, we can’t stop there. We must also continue as Jesus did by stating, “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.” Wow! Will you have a “nevertheless” spirit of surrender in 2022? Will you pull up, as my sister Bonnie would say, in your trust in God believing that His will is what’s best for you? When you go through things that you don’t understand, will you still say “nevertheless”? When you are dealing with grief, hurt and being misunderstood will you still kneel?
4. Surrender is a not so easy process. Do you know that Jesus prayed more than once in that Garden? My scripture tells me the second time he prayed it was more fervent. The bible says that His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. (Luke 22:44). The process of surrendering may not always feel good. You might feel that things are getting worse before they get better. You might get disappointed at people you thought you could depend on. You might feel that the enemy is pressing even harder against you and your family. However, I am here to tell you, through it all, hold on and hold out.
I pray that in this New Year 2025. Your intimacy with God will go to another level by surrendering. I hope that the revelation that He gives you, will scatter every evil assignment trying to discourage you by surrendering. I hope that after the kneeling, praying, and anguish you will say, “Nevertheless, your will Lord is what’s best for me.”
Happy New Year!
Min Carenda Deonne Author/Speaker/Life Coach
TAYLOR Apostle Melvin T.
THREE SCORE AND TEN
“Three score and Ten, with reasonable strength”Reinventing Your
Life
After 60 with all its challenges. A journey
from losses, change, loneliness, to transition, and rediscovery.
What happens when the life you’ve built for decades suddenly shifts in unexpected ways? For me life after 60 has been a season of endings and new beginnings.
We hear many times, mostly at funerals, where a person’s length of time described here on earth from the Bible text, “Three score and ten with reasonable strength.” So, the understanding is that 3 score meaning 60 and ten (70 years) represents the standard span of life. “With reasonable strength” which underlies the idea that human vitalityphysical, emotional, and spiritual is essential for enduring life’s trials and extending its purpose. With this interpretation it allows us to explore a deeper meditation on life’s brevity and the importance of cultivating inner and outer strength to navigate its challenges. It could also suggest that life’s value isn’t solely in its length but in how strength, both personal and communal, allows one to endure with dignity and leave a lasting impact.
I’m here to share my personal testimony about loss and gains, ups and downs, the emotional complexities of divorce after a long marriage, loss of hearing, diagnosis with cancer, the stepping away from pastoring, and the bravery it takes to uproot your life and start fresh in a new place, while rediscovering your next purpose.
My first challenge was the marriage, over thirty years with 5 children. There was the season of separation, trying to understand, trying to cope. Then there was the letting go, leading to divorce. We continued to lead the church for several years following the divorce, which was probably one of the most difficult things to endure. At this moment I was preaching hope while feeling hopeless, teaching love and feeling unloved, and counseling marriages while watching my marriage fall apart. Feeling angry at times and feeling abandoned by everyone close to me. Then being deaf but feeling like no one was trying to hear me.
Just as the decision for the divorce came, I heard God say let it go. Two years later the same voice spoke, let the church go, let that life you’re living go and trust me. Over 30 years of marriage, the difficulties in separating, and God said, “Let it go.” 25 years of pastoring and the church that I had founded, with sacrificing so much of my life doing it, and God said, “Let it go.”
Take a minute and think about it, letting go of your identity, a pastor, preacher, and community activist. Everyone knows
you, always being acknowledged on special occasions, then no more pastoral anniversaries, no more special events in your honor, no preaching engagements, no phone calls. No salary, no special offerings, not being asked to do eulogies, no weddings to be performed, and no requests for prayer; it’s as if you never existed. This is the time of self-reflection, a time to realize that life goes on with or without you. This is that moment in life, where you ask God, what kind of man am I for real. And God says let it go, let it all go, and find out for yourself.
I’m now living in a new place, and I’ve since remarried. In the beginning there were challenging moments, dealing with doubt, adjusting to new surroundings, a new relationship- at times feeling isolated, no friends, hearing loss etc. But now I’ve joined a gym where I go regularly, 6 days a week, meeting new people, I’ve taken up a hobby, welding, something I’ve aways wanted to do. I began writing, I have my first book sent to publishers. I’ve Joined a church fellowship while continuing my personal ministry. Yes, there’s more to live for after retiring, after suffering loss; life after 60 can be challenging and rewarding at the same time.
Lesson learned: The importance of embracing change, even when it’s hard. Learning to trust yourself to rebuild a meaningful life. Excepting new challenges, new mindset, new experiences.
Conclusion: “Life after 60 isn’t just an ending it’s an invitation to rediscover who you are, unburdened by the expectation and roles of the past.”
If this article interests you, follow me on this journey of rediscovery. Join me in this journey, make it your own. If you’re retired, single, divorced, with health issues, lonely or just bored, and you want to reboot, rebuild, or rediscover your true purpose, join in with us on this journey. Remember it’s not over until it’s over.
We will share one of our “Seven Guiding Principles” each month, join in with us as we rediscover, there’s still more left to do after sixty.
Pastor Melvin Taylor #3 score and ten
*melvintaylor380@gmail.com
*melvintaylor.com
*Text 410-459-1766
Resolved
Rhoda
TURNER
Happy New Year!
My mother used to tell my sisters and I. “Never take old weight into the New Year.” She lived by that motto. She would always share that with us when she thought we were gaining weight. She would say, “Baby you have to maintain your weight.”
When she shared those drops of wisdom, at that time I wasn’t thinking about my weight at all. I was trying to gain weight healthy. As I grew older, I understood even more what she was talking about. As an adult I realized some of the meaning to her drops of wisdom. Not only do I try hard to maintain my weight, I also try not to take
natural weight or physical weight into the New Year.
If you’ve read other articles that I’ve written, you ran across a couple of articles with me saying that I’m not a fan of new year resolutions in my mind of hopes and dreams. But what I will do is resolve things in my life that weighed me down in that year. If I can’t change within a year that year, it wasn’t meant for me to.
“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” Psalms 55:22 NLT
I evaluate things in my life that are weighing me down. I learn to control what I can and release what I can’t. See for so long I wanted to control everything. Not that I was a control freak, I needed to know that it was done. You know if I had a group project and if I wasn’t leading the project, I would make sure that my part was done way before the group leaders gave us the deadline, so that I’m not the one holding the project up. If I’m leading the project I give everyone an earlier deadline than when it’s due so that I can rest. If the other people in my group didn’t do their part by the deadline I would do it. Because I needed it done so that it wouldn’t weigh me down.
I had to learn the hard way to let go and give it to God. Every year I evaluate my life, I let go of burdens and weight and go into the New Year resolved with a fresh start.
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.”
1 Peter 5:7 NLT
Pastor Rhoda Turner Christian Faith Fellowship Church Chandler, AZ www.cffaz.org
H. Saulsbury, Jr. Pastor John
The Seed of the Righteous Shall be Delivered - PT 2
In ancient times, righteousness held immense importance in society. It was regarded not only as a moral virtue but also as a standard by which one’s life was measured. Therefore, this promise resonated deeply with individuals who sought righteousness, for it offered hope and assurance that their offspring would be protected and delivered from harm. Understanding the context of this promise allows us to appreciate its depth and apply its teachings to our lives today. Righteousness, a central concept in many religious and ethical systems, can be broadly defined as living in accordance with moral and spiritual principles. It encompasses both an individual’s actions and their character, reflecting a state of being that is virtuous, just, and upright. The righteous person seeks to do good not only for their own benefit but also for the betterment of others. They strive to uphold moral values and adhere to ethical standards.
Being delivered carries profound implications for those who believe in the promises of God. It signifies a break free from the chains of bondage and the liberation of the soul. When one is delivered, they are set free from the burdens that have held them captive, whether it be sin, addiction, or the challenges of life. The implication of being delivered is the restoration of hope, joy, and peace that comes from knowing that one is no longer chained by their past. Moreover, being delivered also implies a new beginning and a fresh start. It signifies the opportunity to leave behind the mistakes and failures of the past and to embrace a future filled with possibilities. When one is delivered, they are given the chance to live a life of purpose and fulfillment, walking in God’s plan for their lives. This implication of being delivered reminds us that no matter what circumstances we may face, there is always hope and redemption available to those who seek it.
The role of the seed in the promise of deliverance holds significant meaning in biblical context. Seed, in this context, represents the lineage and descendants of the righteous. It symbolizes the continuation of righteousness and the hope for a better future. The promise that “the seed of the righteous shall be delivered” carries with it a multitude of blessings. Firstly, it assures protection and rescue for the descendants of those who follow the path of righteousness. This promise provides a sense of security, knowing that God’s divine hand will shield and guide the future generations of the righteous. It also implies the inheritance of God’s favor and blessings, ensuring that the righteous seed will continue to experience His goodness and abundance.
Furthermore, this promise implies that the righteous seed will be delivered from various afflictions and trials that may come their way. Whether it be physical, emotional, or
spiritual challenges, God promises to make a way of escape for those who are faithful to Him. In times of trouble, the righteous seed can take solace in the knowledge that God will not abandon them but will deliver them from their sorrows and provide a path to victory. This deliverance brings with it a sense of hope and encouragement, acting as a source of strength in the midst of adversity. True faith in God always has an assurance of God’s promises with full conviction.
What does this mean for you and me? We trust in God’s character and His faithfulness to His people. Romans 4:21 says, “And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” Fully convinced leaves no room for doubt. We stand on the Word of God. Our faith is in the assurance that we know a God who promises unconditional GRACE to us. Do you believe God! Do you believe in the ability of God. God is faithful and trustworthy. His track record is perfect. All wins. No defeats. Hope is the Anchor upon which “Faith” stands. No room for Doubt and Unbelief. My linage shall be saved. My descendants shall be delivered. Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now unto him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
Sisters and Brothers, stay in a posture and position of prayer and praise. Keep on praying for your seed, men ought to always pray and not faint. And while you’re praying, while you’re trusting in God; Raise your Praise. Rejoice in the Lord, act like it is “Already Done.” Don’t wait to praise Him after you see it. Psalm 47:1, “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.” Jesus is a Promise Keeper. He keeps His promises. Numbers 23:19 tells us that, “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”
God promised His Son Jesus Christ to be the Savior of the world. Jesus Christ gave His life so that we who believe on Him and have eternal life. He is still extending the invitation to every man, all over the world. John 3:17, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” Have you accepted this open invitation? Today is the best day to accept Jesus Christ.
John H. Saulsbury, Jr. is the Lead Pastor at Overcomers in Christ Ministries in Columbia, SC. Initially answering the call to ministry in 1985, Pastor John has been preaching and teaching the Gospel in homes, churches, and Bible studies from Kentucky to Kuwait. In 2017, he and Patricia, his wife of over 40 years, founded their ministry on prayer and discipleship, sharing the fundamentals of living as “practicing” Believers.
ManigaultBrandie
Brandie
DAILY DEVOTIONS
(Excerpts from NEW DAY FRESH START- by Brandie Manigault)
DAY 1
Did you know that where we come from doesn’t matter to God? Our family history may contain drug addicts, prostitutes, felons, dogooders, overachievers, workaholics, Muslims, Jews, and Christians. Our family may look like a melting pot of all things, or we can come from a strong lineage of Jesus lovers, but none of those things matter. When the Lord of all creation chose us, He made a decision based on us individually. He did not qualify us based on what our family looked like or their history. He can and will use us individually in spite of all those things; the good and the bad.
Challenge: Today challenge yourself to stop disqualifying yourself based on how you look on paper. Be open and willing to be used by God and let that be the only thing on your resume.
Matthew 1:16 (NKJV)
And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.
DAY 2
What’s inside of you is so much more than you could have ever imagined. It’s easy to think that we are pregnant with a dream just to make us happy. We think that burning desire on the inside is just so we can prosper financially. We assume that we were pursuing a particular career path out of obedience to someone in authority. Boy are we wrong! We are pregnant with the possibility to change the world. It goes beyond us and our own houses. It reaches the nations. He has trusted us with a seed, a gift, a dream, and a passion so that His plan would be fulfilled in the earth. Our circumstances may not be ideal, but that should not discourage us. We cannot abort. We must carry until it’s time to push, push when we feel the contractions, and then deliver when the time is right.
Challenge: Today challenge yourself to be an agent of change. No matter what it looks like around you, know that you are making a difference.
Matthew 1:21 (NKJV)
And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save people from their sins.
DAY 3
So now what? We have stepped out in faith and in obedience to the Word of the Lord and have now given birth to our promise. So now what? We are holding in our arms a miracle. No one thought it was possible. We even had doubts of our own at times, but now it’s here… the business we’ve always wanted to start, the book we wanted to write, the degree we studied for. So now what? Now we wait for the supernatural provision of the Lord. He has announced the birth of our baby, and people are headed our way with the supplies needed to propel us forward. He knows that we cannot do it alone.
Challenge: Today challenge yourself to sit and be patient. Don’t try to make things happen on your own. Provision is coming. Just wait on it.
Matthew 2:11 (NKJV)
And when they had come into the house they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
DAY 4
There will always be something about you that makes you stand out in a crowd; your passion; your drive; your ability to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. When God’s hand is on you it will be hard to fit in, and because of that sometimes the Lord will have you in what seems like a foreign land so that you are protected until the appointed time of your reveal. Foreign places can often feel uncomfortable because they are different and unfamiliar, but don’t be discouraged if you feel like you are in a land not your home. You are just being hidden for your safety. The time will come for you to come out of “hiding”, and when it does, you will be in a place that welcomes you and receives you for who you are. Challenge: Today, challenge yourself to thank God for hiding you and keeping you safe. Only He really knows the heart of those who you are surrounded by.
Matthew 2:13,16, 22 (NIV)
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee.
DAY 5
Our outward expressions are a reflection of our inward transformation. When we commit to changing our lives, it has to be a complete package. We cannot just change our clothes and think we are new people. We must produce fruit that reflects the inward change. It doesn’t matter how many good things we do as an outward gesture of transformation if we still have a bad attitude, still curse people out or still judge them. Mentioning the name of someone who does good things will not help either. We cannot ride on the coattails of others who have a reputation of good fruit. It’s something we have to do and produce for ourselves.
Challenge: Today challenge yourself to keep a watchful eye on your fruit. Is it good fruit or is it rotten? And then adjust things accordingly.
Matthew 3:7-10 (MSG)
When John realized that a lot of Pharisees and Sadducees were showing up for a baptismal experience because it was becoming the popular thing to do, he exploded: “Brood of snakes! What do you think you’re doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to make any difference? It’s your life that must change, not your skin! And don’t think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as father. Being a descendant of Abraham is neither here nor there. Descendants of Abraham are a dime a dozen. What counts is your life. Is it green and flourishing? Because if it’s deadwood, it goes on the fire.
iambandaid
Brandie Manigault
Ericka J.
Gospel & Entertainment
Quincy Jones
The Legendary and Iconic, multitalented music mogul, who’s beyond stellar legacy ranged from producing Michael Jackson’s historic “Thriller” album to writing prize-winning film and television scores and collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and hundreds of other recording artists, transitioned last month at the age of 91. Jones changed his life majorly, from running with gangs on the South Side of Chicago to the very heights of show business, becoming one of the first Black executives to thrive in Hollywood and creating a massive music catalog, including some of the richest moments of American rhythm and song. To date, it’s highly unlikely to find a music lover who did not own at least one record with his name on it, or a leader in the entertainment industry and beyond who did not have some connection to him.
Jones kept company with presidents and foreign leaders, movie stars and musicians, philanthropists and business leaders. He toured with Count Basie and Lionel Hampton, arranged records for Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, composed the soundtracks for “Roots” and “In the Heat of the Night,” organized President Bill Clinton’s first inaugural celebration and oversaw the allstar recording of “We Are the World,” the 1985 charity record for famine relief in Africa, and notable one of my personal favorites “The Wiz”.
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington was baptized and accepted the call on his life to preach and was licensed to train to become a minister. Denzel at 79 years old stated “It took a while, but I’m here.” This is good kingdom news!
Bobby Jones
Dr. Bobby Jones will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Grammy Awards, a welldeserved and earned accomplishment! Dr. Bobby is truly a living legend!
JJ Hairston
JJ Hairston has officially signed and partnered with Motown Gospel. I am super happy for him and I’m excited about the great music that is to come from this already incredible artist.
Jamal Bryant
Ending the year in marital bliss, Dr. Jamal Bryant has jumped the broom with Dr. Karri, his new bride and LOVE looks good on you! These two put the “P” in POWERHOUSE! CONGRATS AND CHEERS TO BLACK LOVE!
Bri Babineaux & Da T.R.U.T.H
Love is in the air! Gospel Artist Bri Babineaux and Christian Hip Hop Artist “Da T.R.U.T.H, said their “I Do’s and tied the knot. I absolutely love this for them both, and wish them much love & happiness, and I can’t wait to hear this collab with the
News
2 of them. There has to be one coming at some point, they both are great artists in their genres, I believe they will make great music together in music and in love.
Rich Tolbert
The release of “The Call” has deposited a sound in the earth whose authenticity can’t be explained but felt, you can literally hear the heart of praise, worship, and gratitude to God that permeates you with every line. This needs to be in your library, playlists, wherever you listen to your music, beware though it will certainly take you to a place called “there”.
Josh Copeland
Josh Copeland has released a single “Nobody But Jesus” and in my eyes and ears Josh Copeland can do nothing wrong, he is an anointed POWERHOUSE, go grab his single! Enjoy!
RaSheem Shambry
RaSheem Shambry has been on this artist journey for quite some time now, however he’s quite the musician and his gift has certainly made room for him and bought him before great men. If you don’t already know this artist from up the street, right out of Philly, you’ve seen him on stage killing the key bass with Gospel Music’s Own Deitrick Haddon. Well, in addition to that he has released a single titled “Be Alright” and it’s a really good, feel good song. You definitely will bop to this one! Go grab it!
“Til next month, Be blessed, love real big, in real life!” Follow me: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @misserickaj Email iammisserickaj@gmail.com
JJ Hairston Jamal Bryant
Bri Babineaux & Da T.R.U.T.H
Rich Tolbert
Josh Copeland RaSheem Shambry
Quincy Jones Denzel Washington Bobby Jones
Saulsbury Siobhan
Tip 1
The beginning of a new year is a wonderful time to reconsider or even discover your core values. When you look back over the past 12 months, to what or where did most of your time go? Your money? Your attention or effort? Now think about what you want those answers to look like at the end of 2025. Instead of coming up with a random list of resolutions that will be forgotten in a few weeks, write down your core values and create some small habits you can put into place that will reflect those values. It may look like budgeting regular date nights, extra quality time with the kids, or boundaries with work. Since these new habits are generated from the things you hold dear, they won’t be easily tossed aside. The only person you need to be better than in 2025 is who you were in 2024. Put in the work and make these valuedriven goals happen!
Tip 2
Here’s the full NKJV verse, “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” Two things we can take away from this and shift in our thinking about money- 1) God gives us the power to get wealth, not the wealth. This means we have to do our part, sitting around waiting for God to drop riches in your lap won’t work. 2) God is ok with rich Christians. If being wealthy or attaining wealth was a sin, God wouldn’t give us the power to do so. Shift your mindset!
Tip 3
A 2007 Stanford University study revealed that mindsets can impact your outcomes by determining the way you think, feel, and even physiologically respond to some situations. If we’re going to change the financial future of generations to come, we first have to cultivate the proper atmosphere within our minds.
Coping with the “New Year Blues”
Happy New Year! Welcome to 2025. The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season are winding down. The New Year brings new beginnings. Regardless of one’s religious affiliation, the holiday season often inspires feelings of warmth, joy, and belonging. But for some people, this time of year can bring feelings of loneliness, stress, and anxiety. Many people experience feelings of stress and depression during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season that continue to be present in the New Year.
It’s important to recognize that if you’re not feeling joyful or happy during the holiday season, you’re not alone. The “New Year Blues” are real and much more common than you think. Try not to punish yourself for feeling unhappy as you anticipate the New Year.
Feelings of depression, loneliness, and stress tend to increase during the holidays due to increased demands on our time and on our money. Family issues may intensify. Unclear expectations of the New Year may evoke feelings of anxiety.
Social isolation can trigger feelings of depression. You may feel disconnected from family and friends and may avoid social gatherings at holiday time. Unfortunately, withdrawing from social events often heightens feelings of loneliness and symptoms of depression. You may feel that this sense of loneliness will continue through the next year.
Grieving over the loss of a loved one or a lost relationship is also common during the holiday. Grief can contribute to feelings of sadness and depression. You may miss your interaction with a person. You may regret that the relationship is over and grieve that you will not have the opportunity to be with that person in 2025.
The changing time and early darkness in the evenings can stimulate Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD causes depression-like symptoms during the fall and winter months. Physical changes that occur with SAD include sleeplessness, low energy levels, and irritability. These symptoms can magnify feelings of sadness and depression.
Some individuals keep a mental scorecard of the accomplishments of the past year. Unrealistic
expectations of the achievement goals can result in feelings of defeat and self-doubt. Resolutions for the coming year may be impossible to make if you feel unfulfilled in the prior year.
How can you get beyond the” New Year Blues “? What steps can you take to fortify yourself in hope for the New Year? As Christians, we must remember that prayer does change things. Identify a prayer partner that will support the overcoming of your depression. Meditate on scriptures that center on your situation. Engage in exercise. Regular exercise stimulates the secretion of endorphins- natural chemicals produced in our brains that help to decrease feelings of discomfort and that maximize feelings of pleasure. Engage in acts of kindness. Performing an act of kindness for somebody else distracts us from focusing on our own difficulties and results in us feeling better about ourselves. Get adequate amounts of sleep. Avoid the use of caffeine at bedtime or the overuse of energy drinks during the day. Set a goal to go to bed undistracted by the television. Resist the urge to check your cellphone throughout the evening and night. Seek professional help if necessary. A therapist will help to put your thoughts and feelings into perspective. Do not let the stigma of receiving mental health care prevent you from getting assistance from a professional.
The New Year brings a sense of new possibilities. Make a positive effort to re-set negative feelings. Work towards embracing the New Year without dread. Understand that it may take time to reprogram your thoughts. Embrace the promise of God that each day brings new mercies of hope. Open your heart to believing the New Year will be a great year for you and your family.
Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels Assistant Professor at Coppin State University
DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu healthytips025@gmail.com
