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OCTOBER 2016
™
contents on the cover:
Dr. Donté L. Hickman, Sr. Southern Baptist Church 1701 N. Chester Street Baltimore, MD 21213 410-732-8566 www.southernbaptistchurch.org
Special Features pgs 8-11
- October is National Clergy Appreciation Month and this month our cover feature is Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, pastor of the Southern Baptist Church. Dr. Hickman is no stranger to us so we jumped right in talking with him about one of his passions finally coming to fruition, the state of the community in which Southern Baptist Church resides and his trip to Israel.
Feature Articles 32 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE Tiffany Bethea
Beautiful, Accepted, Appreciated
38 NUTRITION & YOU
Herline A. Knights, RD, LD
October Calendar for Family Health
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34 SINGLE LIFE
46 MAN TALK
Tyneice Pack
Dr. Charles Barrett
Are you Prepared For The Journey?
Can I Trust You?
Healthy Body
Entertainment
Healthy Mind 30 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
Carla J. Debnam, (Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center)
Avoiding Burn Out
Healthy Soul
44 GOSPEL INDUSTRY NEWS
Ericka Johnson
In Every Issue Contributors............................................ 6
36 WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Donna Williams-Ross
In Trust Ministries dwilliamsross@aol.com nistries
In The Process of God’s Time
Scripture Page...................................... 12 From the Editor....................................... 7
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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
PUBLISHER/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL Herline A. Knights Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Carla J. Debnam Donna Williams-Ross Ericka Johnson
Jackie Epps
Advisory Board Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. Vaughn Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD
Vice-Chairman — Dr. Frank M. Reid III Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Sr. Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, MD Rev. Tim Tooten Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr., U.S. Ambassador Brandie Manigault President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta, GA Tiffany Bethea Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences Dr. Charles Barrett Dr. Timothy Boddie Cassandra Vaughn/Media Executive Tyniece Pack Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr. Bishop John R. Bryant GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne-Nalley Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District www.JandCDesigns.com Pastor Timothy V. Manigault Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. Healing Voices Ministries WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD www.artsperiod.com Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. Ambassador PRINTING Roebuck & Son Printing Pastor, Dream Life Worship Center www.hgroebuck.com Dr. WIlliam H. Curtis Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr. Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD a Baltimore based, independent publisher. Bishop Ralph L. Dennis Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Sr. Pastor, Kingdom Worship Center, MD Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.
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6 October 2016 | Grace&Glory
from the editor
od's G
Annointed
October is National Clergy Appreciation Month. This month congregations all over the nation will take time out to honor their Pastors. It is Biblical for a church to recognize and honor the men and women of God who serve faithfully the flock of God. Paul wrote the following words to the church at Thessalonica, “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work . . .” (I Thessalonians 5:12-13) It is clear from scripture that the faithful and dedicated Pastors of our churches are worthy of appreciation and honor. Clergy Appreciation Day provides an excellent opportunity for our churches to affirm their love and appreciation for those who are called by God and who lead their congregations in fulfilling the Great Commission. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do His work and build up the church, the Body of Christ. “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15) Pastors and other ministers work tirelessly caring for their flock. A minister's work day is rarely a "9-5" job, and they cannot go home at the "end" of the day and just leave all the occupational problems at the office. A Pastor is never offduty and he is always on call. If we stop for a moment and think about all he does we would be more sensitive to our
Pastor’s needs. We should always lift our Pastors in prayer and ask the Lord to surround them with loving care, to give them strength and walk with them, and to help them with the burdens that they must bear. Many of us have been members of our churches for many years. If you look back over the years, I believe that you would agree that our pastors have played major roles in the fabric of our lives. They have prayed for us, taught us, corrected us and guided us. Our pastors have celebrated and laughed with us in the good times, cried with us in times of sorrow and loved us when we weren’t so lovable. As we celebrate Clergy Appreciation Month, remember to thank God for the precious gifts He has bestowed upon us, His anointed men and women of God, our beloved Pastors! And He gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-12) Jackie Epps Editor-in-Chief
◆◆◆ Reverend Errol D. Gilliard, Sr.
This Clergy Appreciation Month we honor the life of Rev. Errol D. Gilliard, Sr., who passed from labor to reward last month. We dedicate this month’s issue to his memory as we the Grace & Glory Family bow our heads in humble submission to God as we mourn his passing; though we are saddened by his passing, we celebrate this great man of God. Rev. Errol Gilliard was featured on the cover of the second issue of Grace & Glory Magazine when it first began in 2006 and he continued to be a regular supporter. As a good friend we will miss him, but I know as believers we will see him again one day.
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Q&A Interview
Pastor Donté L. Hickman, Sr. Southern Baptist Church Baltimore, MD G&G: Dr. Hickman, it’s always a pleasure to talk with you and catch up on what’s going on with you and the Southern Baptist Church. First and foremost this year marks your 14th Pastoral Anniversary. How are you feeling about this? Dr. Hickman: I feel inspired to continue loving and leading our congregation and community in transformative ministry that restores lives. This has been an incredible journey for me of learning what it takes to be an effective pastor with a heart for restoring people and rebuilding properties in East Baltimore and beyond. It's hard to believe that 14 years have passed so quickly. And I thank God for enabling us to accomplish so much in that span of time. And I'm confident that the next 14 will be equally as amazing as the vision continues to be crystallized and come into fruition. G&G: Dr. Hickman, it’s been a year since we last talked with you, so we are going to play catch up. We have talked many times about you pastoring one church in multiple locations. How long has it been now, how are things going? Dr. Hickman: It has been a very rewarding experience to engage people from urban and suburban
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The Mary Harvin Transformation Center
communities with the Word of God and Southern's hospitality and to be received in such a warm and welcoming way. We have now been established in Harford County for over six years. And we have been able to acquire a five acre swim club property in Joppatowne, MD to develop a church there. And we just celebrated this past Easter Sunday one year of worshipping in Howard County with a group that is solidly and swiftly growing in our fellowship. For me, preaching five times every Sunday is very exciting and challenging because it has developed my mentality and messaging to impact people from differing backgrounds and has shown us the blessing of blending cultures. G&G: Dr. Hickman, let’s talk about the Mary Harvin Transformation Center. This has been a project of passion for you designed to uplift the
The Mary Harvin Transformation Center
Q&A surrounding Baltimore community. Would you bring us up to date on this project, is it fully functioning? I heard about a Johns Hopkins partnership, tell us about it. Dr. Hickman: We praise God that the Mary Harvin Center that was senselessly burned down during the riots last April was reconstructed and had its ribbon cutting on the anniversary of the fire. And on the day of the ribbon cutting all 61 apartments were completely leased up. We have since partnered with Johns Hopkins Medical Bayview to provide community health services, screenings, ask the doctor sessions, vaccinations and a plethora of services to begin the process of restoring people as we rebuild properties. And we have also partnered with Resurgence Mental Health Services to provide behavioral counseling and life coaching services to the community. We are providing services to over 200 seniors living within our two senior center developments as well as the church and the community at large. This has really been a catalyst for change in Broadway East.
disinvestment to name a few. Yet, despite these major setbacks there continues to be a remnant of residents who have not lost hope and vision for what the beloved community can become again. And that is why churches like Southern and Israel and countless others have remained as a resource and partner within the community to revitalize it without gentrifying it.
G&G: Dr. Hickman, what are some of the characteristics of the surrounding community in which this center resides, how would you sum up the spiritual health of the community? Do you see God at work in this community? Dr. Hickman: The Broadway East community is a microcosm of all of Baltimore that has its challenges with people who have suffered vacated homes and abandoned properties, lack of services and amenities, health disparities, joblessness and
G&G: Dr. Hickman, what is your biggest dream for the Southern Baptist Church and its community? Dr. Hickman: My biggest dream for our church and community is that we will continue to be transformed into the kingdom of God. God's kingdom is reflected in order, prosperity, good health and love for one another despite our differences. I see a church and community that restores the bridge post-integration
G&G: Dr. Hickman, if Southern Baptist church would disappear tomorrow from this community what would they miss/lose? Do you think this community will be successful over time, what do you believe this community will look like in 5 years? Dr. Hickman: If Southern Baptist Church would disappear tomorrow from this community they would lose an aggressive advocate for reinvestment and redevelopment without displacement. Southern has lived within this community for over 86 years. And I am proud to say that when our members did a door to door and corner to corner G&G: Have there been any major campaign inviting the barriers to this project, what has community to not only been the community’s response to worship with us but help this project? us to develop a master Dr. Hickman: When we first began plan for redevelopment this project it started as an outreach that they knew the church concept of services to be housed in and what we stand for one of the row houses that we owned. and demonstrate. In the But because we were met with some Dr. Donte' Hickman, Sr., Lady Danielle Hickman, and sons Donte', Jr. & Dawson early 2000's the Baltimore community opposition about the types of services we would offer within the proximity of their Sun had an article about this community that was entitled, residences, it forced us to look to develop a larger facility on “A Neighborhood Without Hope”. I never agreed with that some commercial properties we owned and had to acquire. And conclusion. If anything it was a neighborhood without help; then the project evolved into developing another senior housing and to this day the fire within this community burns towards facility with a myriad of community health services. Since the revitalization. And I believe within five years we will see fire, the community has embraced the community development all of the dilapidated houses razed and replaced with a new efforts of the church. And other partners have brought their stock of affordable homes, commercial and retail services, resources to help us to further develop the community. The workforce development training, community health services, a opposition and the fire really spurred the attention this family life center, and other amenities that preserve a thriving underserved community needed to be revitalized. And I can community. And the church will continue to be at the center of this community. truly say all things work together for the good.
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Q&A Continued from page 9
that separated so much of our population by educational and economic status. My vision is that the prayer for unity that our Lord Jesus Christ prayed would become our heart's desire. G&G: Dr. Hickman, October is Clergy Appreciation month, and it appears the role of a pastor has been reshaped and expanded over the years; there is so much more than just preaching sermons, and performing wedding ceremonies and funerals. How would you describe the role of a pastor in today’s society? Dr. Hickman: I believe that it takes a diversity of pastoral philosophies to meet the constant and growing needs of our churches and communities. I have a heart for spiritual health and transformation, community development, and social justice. I believe that Jesus defined that effective ministry is not merely ceremonial but life changing. And I just believe that as pastors we have to remain available and sensitive to the heart of God for His people. I used to have a very myopic view of my role as pastor until I became discontent with the inequities, inadequacies and injustices exacted upon the human community. Therefore, it becomes our burden to affect change through engaging the political and policy making process, be an advocate for equality and economic parity and empower people spiritually and socially. Jesus didn't need a title or a position to serve and help people to achieve their fullest potential. And I contend that, that is still the model for effective pastoring in today's society. G&G: Dr. Hickman, this is and has been a very important election year, with its share of drama. What does the current political climate represent for us spiritually? What is the responsibility of the church in social issues or politics? Dr. Hickman: This political climate represents for us a challenge toward our higher selves. We cannot afford to go back to the wilderness after having overcome so many obstacles and opposition towards manifesting our promise and prosperity. The church now more than ever must take a stand and ensure that people vote against politicians and policies that perpetuate police brutality, economic disparities, genocide and racism. We were never created to sit in the seat of the scornful, but to be salt and light and an agent for healing and liberation. G&G: Dr. Hickman, I understand you traveled to Israel this year. Would you tell us about the purpose of this trip and all that transpired while you were there? Dr. Hickman: I was fortunate enough to be invited by AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) to go
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on an immersion experience to Israel to learn about their culture, economy, conflict, geography, politics, military operations and general ethos. It was ten days of the best days of my life where I was able to walk where Jesus walked and see so many of the places where the biblical narrative took place. We traveled to Jerusalem, Rammallah, the Gaza Strip and West Bank, Tel Aviv, the Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, the Dead Sea, the Masada, the Lebanon and Syrian borders and Galilee where we actually sailed on the Sea of Galilee. It was a life changing experience. And I will never be the same. We must pray for the State of Israel and all the countries that surround them that they may live together in peace and prosperity in the midst of diversity. G&G: Dr. Hickman, is there anything else going on since we last talked that you would like to share with us? Dr. Hickman: After the riots in Baltimore surrounding the disputed death of Freddie Gray I began to write opinion editorials for the Baltimore Sun, first on my own and then they contracted me to do so. One of my articles drew the attention of Ron Daniels, the President of Johns Hopkins University. It caused him to reach out to me for a meeting that eventually led to a community walk and talk together. Since then, Ron and I and our wives have become friends. President Daniels as a result of touring our east Baltimore neighborhood said I needed a Master Plan to continue our redevelopment efforts and introduced me to Ayers Saint Gross who committed to helping us along with the other church urchins and community collaborations within the development footprint to develop the Master Plan. And now we are moving full steam ahead toward realizing partnerships, restoring people and redeveloping properties in East Baltimore that can be a model for urban centers across America. G&G: Dr. Hickman, what is the most helpful book you have read in the past year? Dr. Hickman: The most helpful book has been, The Creature From Jekyll Island, a book that traces the history of the Federal Reserve, revealing how the American government has used the Reserve as a way to deceive taxpayers and control the global economy. It has been a fascinating and eye opening read. G&G: Dr. Hickman, lastly after pastoring for 14 years, what does following Jesus mean to you today at this time in your life? Dr. Hickman: Following Jesus means being willing to engage, endure and embrace the will of God no matter where it takes you knowing that it will grow you and get you to where God wants you to be.
Dr. Donté Hickman's Trip to Israel
Welcome to Israel
Temple Mount
Mt. of Olives and Garden of Gethsemane
City of David
Synagogue of Jesus
Sea of Galilee and Capernaum
Wailing Wall
Masada Desert Fortress of Herod
Sepulchre
Jordan River
Pastor Donté Hickman, Sr. at Wailing Wall
Pastor Donte' Hickman, Sr. at Garden Tomb
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scripture
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But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
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That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
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For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
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For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
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And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
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The purpose of the Flying with One Wing Mental Health Awareness Seminar is to help lessen the Stigma of mental illness in the church by bringing together the church and mental health communities to provide awareness and education that promotes mental health, hope, and encouragement within the congregation.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Rev. Pamula Yerby-Hammack
Reverend Pamula D. Yerby-Hammack is the Visionary and Founder of Wind of Change Ministries, Inc., a God-owned and operated 501(c)3 ministry: by women, to women, for women. SPEAKERS:
TESTIMONIES:
Rev. Lisa Bryson, Founder & CEO Praising Through Recovery Haryean Lambert
Providers: • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Baltimore • Baltimore Crisis Response, INC. • Baltimore County Crisis Response • Dr. Crystal Willoughby
Dr. Martha Denckla, MD, Director, Developmental Cognitive Neurology, Kennedy Krieger Institute CONTACT INFORMATION: Dr. Crystal Willoughby, PsyD, Licensed psychologist & Rev. Pamula Yerby-Hammack psychological evaluator Rev. Maxine Reed-Vance, RN, Baltimore Healthy Start www.preacherpam.com • preacherpam@gmail.com (Postpartum Depression) The seminar is FREE to the public but RSVP required.
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to your good health
Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPC Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center There are a lot of people who are trying to do it all and have it all and are finding they are not managing to keep it all together. Everyone has limits and the sooner you become acquainted with your limitations the better. Being a people pleaser, co-dependent and enmeshed in the lives of others can lead you and I to experience the phenomenon of ‘running on empty’ or ‘burn out’. This can happen to the stay at home parent, the business executive, the pastor, the student, the church administrator, the domestic worker, nurse practitioner and the fast food manager. Everyone can become victim to the increased demands of work and life and be overwhelmed by their circumstances. This even happened to those in the Bible. Persons were often pushed to their limits yet it was in those times they would cry out to God for relief and guidance and find comfort or a resolution to their problem. In times like these we need to reconnect to God and begin to set priorities, boundaries and to let people know where we stand. We need to do what we can to avoid burnout. There are benefits to waking up before burn out arrives in your life. Most of us can sense when we are moving toward a dry place or a place where we will be stressed and strained. This is the time to turn around and make changes in your prayer life, connect with friends, begin studying God’s word and attending 30 October 2016 | Grace&Glory
worship regularly. A dry season can sneak up on you and it is better to be alert and aware than to be ambushed by the issues of life. Taking care of yourself by resting, relaxing and relying on God will help decrease those days, months and sometimes years when we feel our soul is dry and there is no longer passion in our daily living. We can be lead into a desert season by the Holy Spirit like Jesus or we can choose our desert season by our decisions, desires and deceitful hearts. Jesus modeled the method for handling the tests of life by using God’s word to overcome what could have been an overwhelming situation. No matter the path to burn out, the solution is the same, reliance on God’s word and staying hopeful no matter what life brings your way. Life can drain you but God can restore you. Problems may perplex you but God promises to keep you. The world may seem like it has come against you but if God is for you who can be against you. The psalmist found relief in God, “In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.” (Psalm 34:6) We can find relief, results and refreshing from God so we can avoid the burnout that some of our family and friends have succumbed to. Don’t let the cares of life burn you out but live it abundantly through Christ who did not come to steal, kill or destroy but to give you life.
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woman’s perspective
Beautiful, Accepted, Appreciated If we turn on the television and watch just one hour of programming, by the end of it as women we will have been bombarded with tons of messages. Most of them will be subtle yet powerful. They will tell us how we need to dress and behave to be beautiful, accepted, appreciated and wanted at every age. Regardless of our age there will be some message that tells us we aren’t good enough and need to alter ourselves. If we are not careful as women of God we buy into those messages and conform to the secular standard of worth. However, we must recognize as Godly women our value and worth is innately connected to our father and His likeness in us. No matter our age, we are beautiful, accepted, appreciated and wanted because of the grace of God. Though our focus, desires, skills, abilities and goals may change over the years, regardless of our age we shine like the crowns we are because of the Spirit of God on the inside of us. There are three phases that we will pass through and at each phase we are to be a reflection of Him. 1. PREPARING – Ecclesiastes 2:1 tells us, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come…” There is an absolute beauty and grace to serving God while you are still young. Most of us if we are honest can look back at decisions made in our youth and see their major impact on our adulthood. What a blessing it is to discover a relationship with God while you are young and allowing God to shape your youth. This passage says to serve him “before the difficult days come.” This is hard to comprehend as a youth but as an adult it is easy to grasp. There are many of us who would love to trade places even just for a day with our younger selves and return to days where bills, relationships, children, careers, et cetera were not on our minds. For all of my little sisters out there I urge you to take heed to this passage. Remembering God in your youth will preserve you for the rest of your life. It will keep you! And you can have fun in God, it will not be boring, however it will be the kind of fun that you can have and still be able to look in the mirror without shame. It pays to serve God while you are young! 2. POSITIONING – As you come of age and continue to walk with God He brings you to a place of positioning. After you have been reared and been impacted by the legacies before you comes the time when you must begin to create your own. Proverbs 31:16-17 in The Living Bible says, “She goes out to inspect a field and buys it; with her own hands she plants a vineyard. She is energetic, a hard worker…” It is God’s desire that we allow Him to lead every area of our lives and reflect Him and His glory. As godly women we don’t have to focus solely on our exterior. If we fully surrender and allow God to position us in the center of His purpose, the glory that will shine in us will attract all that we need in our lives and more. We must be diligent about seeking God’s purpose 32 32 October October 2016 2016 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory
• Preparing • Positioning • Pouring
for us and allow Him to establish us spiritually, mentally, emotionally, financially, and socially. This will give us the greatest sense of worth, validation, and significance. 3. POURING – Proverbs 31 describes to us the ideal woman as God describes her. Verse 25 says something very powerful. The Living Bible tells us, “…she has no fear of old age.” One of the messages most targeted to women is that youth is beautiful and older age isn’t as beautiful. We go through great lengths to appear forever young instead of embracing the beauty and season of older age. Titus 2:3-4 gives us the perfect illustration of the grace that we need from older women. There is nothing more beautiful and graceful than experience. Younger women today are especially in need of valuable lessons from the seniors among us. As women we can’t be afraid of aging for fear that we aren’t as attractive and needed. The longer we live, in essence, perhaps the more we are truly stunning from the inside out. Ladies we must reflect God’s glory and virtue at every age. We have to redefine the secular standard of beauty, value and Tiffany Bethea significance and let the glory of God She-EO Life Mentor inside of us to cause us to truly stand www.Tiffanybethea.com out from youth to maturing.
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single life
Are You Prepared For the Journey?
Marriage is a lifelong journey of learning to love like Christ! Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” If you do not have a plan for the marriage you would like to have and are not honest about those plans with your significant other, you are setting yourself up for your marriage to fail. Talk is so cheap that everybody can afford it! We hear a lot of people talking about wanting to be married but what we don't see is a lot of people making the preparations and sacrifices to be married. Marriage does not start the moment you say I do it starts while you are single. We get together with our friends and talk about what we think the other person needs to bring to the table to be in a relationship with us but we fail to be honest with ourselves about if we are bringing those same qualities to the table for the other person. Sometimes people are living in a dream of who they really are. They don’t have a person of truth in their life because they are not ready to deal with who they really are. I think it is so important for people to seek counseling before they get married in order to make sure that they have dealt with past hurts and unforgiveness. It is unfair to expect someone else to do the work for issues that you have not identified or acknowledged. I really wish that people would understand that going to counseling is the sign of someone who is strong instead of someone being weak. It takes courage and strength to deal with your past and receive healing for it. There are a lot of questions that we really need to ask ourselves before you even entertain the thought of being married. Some of the preparation questions are: 1. What are some of the key components to a lasting and fruitful marriage? 2. Why do I want to get married? 3. What is the significance of marriage for me? 34 October 2016 | Grace&Glory
4. Do you know of a happily married couple who can serve as an accountability couple for you? 5. Am I better or am I still bitter about past relationships. 6. Is your way the right way because it's your way? 7. Am I ready and able to apologize even when I am not wrong to make peace in my home? 8. What example(s) of marriage did I have growing up? It is important to work through your past issues so that you are entering into a marriage healed and whole instead of being broken. My pastor, Apostle Dr. Karen Bethea, says all the time that we want the blessings of God but we don't want to do the work to receive them. Marriage is a blessing from God. We pray to God to be married but then don’t want to live by the standards that God set. People want to act any way that want to and think that God is supposed to bless their union. Well if you don’t know, let me be the first to tell you that God will not bless your union if you are not in sync with His standards. There is a difference between how we view marriage and how God views marriage. Baker’s Evangelical dictionary defines marriage as an intimate and complementing union between a man and a woman in which the two become one physically. A simplified definition of marriage is the sacred and lifelong union of a man and a woman giving themselves to each other in love and trust. Ask yourself if your view of marriage lines up with the views of God. If they don’t line up with God’s view I urge you to take the time to read and research to become knowledgeable so that you can make a wise decision about marriage and receive the blessings of God. The Bible tells us in James 1:5 (AMP) that if any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. Tyniece Pack
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word of encouragement
So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” – [Genesis 3:14-15] “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.” – [Isaiah 42:1] Everything happens in the process of time. After God spoke the world into existence, created birds, animals and every living thing, He then created Adam and his helpmeet Eve. In Genesis 3 after the devil deceived Eve into believing that once she ate the fruit she would be like God, Eve ate the fruit and gave some to Adam. God then had to deal with the sin that would propel the whole earth in chaos. God then issues consequences for Adam, Eve and the serpent. In Genesis 3:1415, the consequences were laid out to the serpent; God told the serpent that he will be cursed above all the animals. God also let the serpent know that the offspring [Jesus] will crush its head and the serpent would strike its heel. For a fact, in the process of time, God, true to His word about the serpent sent Jesus into the earth realm. Genesis 3:15 is the very first indication that Jesus would become the seed of a woman and enter the earth. He would die a horrible death on Calvary’s cross, be resurrected and sit on the right hand of the Father, forever making intercession for the Body of Christ. One would think that after God spoke to the serpent about the consequence He handed down that Jesus would appear in the earth soon after God spoke those words. The process of time began when God spoke to the serpent: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” [Genesis 3:15]. In one instance, Jesus took on the role of a servant – “Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles.” [Matthew 12:18]. Another reason why Jesus came in the flesh was because mankind failed. In other words, mankind messed up. God now had to send Jesus -- the last Adam – “So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.” [1 Corinthians 15:45]. The Bible would go through the rest of the Old Testament, from Genesis 4 to Matthew in the New Testament before Jesus would make His appearance on the earth. I am sure that everyone was wondering when the Redeemer would come. Again, in the process of time, God sent Jesus into the earth realm to save the lost mankind and call them to repentance: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” [Luke 19:10]. There are so many things that have happened in the Bible in the process of time. 36 October 2016 | Grace&Glory
What are you still waiting for from God? Is it the manifestation of members of your family that are not saved yet? Notice I said “yet” because God promised to save you and your household. Is it the manifestation of your purpose on planet earth? Is it your healing? Your deliverance from that addiction? Do you think He will not give to you what He promised you or what you are believing Him for? He did for Abraham – but it took a process of time. Remember what Abraham allowed Sarah to talk him into when she couldn’t wait on the process of God’s time. Do you understand that God works all things together for our good and His glory? It was in God’s timing that He allowed Isaac to be born to come into alignment with every other plan and purpose that He had for such a time as that. Stand firm, knowing that in the process of time, God will bring to pass that which He promised in His word. I am still waiting on some of the promises for things I believed God for some thirty years ago. Did I try to make them happen on my own? I sure did, but they have all failed, because as the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” I want everything I do for God to be made beautiful in His time. So like you, I must wait for the process of time. I encourage you to wait on the Lord and be of good cheer. He has not forgotten or forsaken you. I encourage you to stand even in the face of apparent defeat. Pray with me: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the reminder that in the process of time, all things are working together for my good. I purpose in my heart to trust You in spite of. [Excerpt from my upcoming book “In The Process of Time”]
Donna Royalty Ross In Trust Ministries dwilliamsross@aol.com
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nutrition & you
October 1 Enjoy bowling night with your family! October 2 Try a tasty green fruit! Kiwi is in season! October 3 Get the whole family in shape with some home exercise videos! Try the Wii Fit™ or Dance Dance Revolution®. October 4 Invent a game that involves yard work for you and your kids! October 5 Buy some chicory today. It is an overlooked bitter green that is delicious in salads. Try it tonight! October 6 Store whole citrus fruit, hard-rind squash, eggplant, and root veggies in a cool, dry place. Store onions away from other vegetables that might absorb their odor. October 7 Visit the library to find books on birds, plants, and insects that live in your neighborhood. Then visit a park, garden,
OCTOBER CALENDAR FOR FAMILY HEALTH or other natural habitat to look for what you learned about. October 8 Serve roasted parsnips and Brussels sprouts with dinner. They make a delicious side to any dinner. October 9 Sweeten your morning oatmeal today with fruit instead of sugar or artificial sweeteners. October 10 Use the stairs at work today instead of the elevator. Tell your kids to do the same! October 11 Make roasted beets tonight. Look for the golden ones at the grocery store to make your dish extra special. October 12 Create a fun lunch for your child by cutting sandwiches into fun shapes and putting foods in colorful containers. October 13 Designate today as “no remote” day. If your kids need to change the channel, they will need to get up to do it! October 14 Purchase chalk so
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that your kids can create “sidewalk” art in the driveway or on the sidewalk outside of your house. They can also create a hopscotch board.
October 20 Replace your spaghetti with spaghetti squash tonight. Top with your favorite low-salt, lowsugar tomato sauce.
October 15 Make healthy brownies as a treat. Do not eat the uncooked batter, because it contains raw eggs.
October 21 Do your cereals and other dry goods line your counters? Make sure to store them out of direct sunlight, so that they remain safe and fresh.
October 16 Play a game of laser tag with the family! October 17 Add bok choy to your salad or a healthy stir-fry. Bok choy is making its seasonal appearance right now. October 18 Take the kids on a nature walk and collect colorful leaves. Take them home, wash, and dry carefully, and then let your kids create a fall collage. October 19 Eat leftovers for dinner tonight. It is best to eat leftovers a few days after they were made, unless you freeze them. Do not keep leftovers in your refrigerator for more than 2 or 3 days.
October 22 Create a healthy marinade for your lean meat tonight. Make sure to marinate in the refrigerator, not on the counter or in the sink.
neighborhood kids together for an organized game of basketball or baseball. October 27 Pack your lunch for work today to save money and calories. October 28 Clean out your closets and donate clothes to a worthy cause for some truly feel-good exercise! October 29 Sign your family up for a Family Fun Run.
October 23 Is it a windy day? If so, find a grassy field or the nearest beach and fly a kite.
October 30 Buy frozen vegetables at the store, if fresh ones are too expensive. Frozen vegetables retain almost all of their nutritional value and are available year-round.
October 24 Is your refrigerator 40° or lower? Use an appliance thermometer to double check.
October 31 Trick or treat! Halloween is a day for treats, but limit the kids to just a few pieces of candy.
October 25 Make an easy three-bean salad by mixing three cans of different beans and a low-fat, low-sugar salad dressing. October 26 Bring the
By Herline A. Knights, RD, LD
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gospel industry news
• G O S P E L I N D U S T RY N E W S • with Miss Ericka J. Bishop T.D. Jakes
Charles Jenkins
Bishop Jakes has launched his very own syndicated talk show. One of the networks it will air on is Oprah Winfrey’s, OWN Network. In addition it is set to air in 50 additional markets, and has cleared 40% of the country in its test run. It will air weekdays, check your local listings.
Congrats and shout out to Charles Jenkins on his third Number 1 Album!! The project is titled "Think About These Things" and is produced by Warryn Campbell. Grab yourself a copy!
John Gray
Singer, comedian, and Associate Pastor at the Lakewood Church under Pastor Joel Osteen, as well as one of the hosts of daytime talk show "Preachers", has landed an 8 episode series titled "The Book of John". It's a documentary series that will air weekly, following the life of John Gray. It will air on Oprah Winfrey's Network, OWN, in the spring of 2017.
Hillsong
The Walls Group
They are locked and loaded working on their third project, their ammunition on this project is they have joined forces with super producer, Warryn Campbell (husband of Erica Campbell). Word is, they are going for a more crossover approach with this project giving diversity for everyone to enjoy, maybe even a taste of some country western and CCM. This project we will get a chance to hear more of the writing done by The Walls Group. I have been enjoying this group since their "You Tube Days", and I’m anticipating their new release. I will keep you posted! 44 October 2016 | Grace&Glory
Hillsong released a movie a few weeks back titled, "Let Hope Rise". They categorized it as being a theatrical worship film/documentary. They stated they want you to feel like you're right there in the venue, sharing in the worship experience with them. "Audiences will be mesmerized long after the closing credits," quotes Hillsong. If you haven't checked it out, I admonish you to do so, it's important we support kingdom building and faith based endeavors.
Royce Lovette He is Motown Gospel's latest artist on the rise releasing new music. The EP is titled "Love Win" and the single "That's Dat Jesus" is the current single, check it out, he's definitely buzzing in the industry right now, and guess what? He will be here this month performing at the East Coast Gospel Music Summit.
gospel industry news
Israel Houghton In case you haven't heard by now, Israel Houghton is officially engaged to talk show panelists/host Adrienne Baillon. Adrienne is an actress and ex-member of the “Cheetah Girls". He took a hiatus from his position at the Lakewood Church (Pastor Joel Osteen), after the announcement of his divorce from his wife of 20 years. He recently visited the Lakewood church and is still on leave indefinitely. The church released a statement reassuring there were no fallouts or animosity regarding him stepping down, he was not 'fired' and he is in good standing at his church and with his pastor. Israel is currently on tour with the Fred Hammond’s "Festival of Praise Tour" and they will be here in the DMV next month.
Kirk Franklin
Kirk Franklin has teamed up with rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer Pharrell. They collaborated to remix one of his many #1's titled "1, 2, 3, Victory" this song debuted at #1 in digital sales and is currently available exclusively on Apple Music.
East Coast Gospel Music Summit
For the last four years, there has been an awesome 3 Day Event taking place in gospel music the last weekend in October, known as the East Coast Gospel Music Summit founded by multi-award winner Lee Michaels, program director of Heaven 600 at IHeart Radio. The weekend is planned to help educate, empower, and showcase the various talents, up and coming in the music industry; giving various platforms to established artists and gospel music industry's key players space and opportunity to make a deposit and present opportunities. The summit will have representation from record labels, radio, music law, marketing, film, stage plays, production, authors, music distribution, live performances, artist showcases, awards shows, and more‼ October 28-30 the Sheraton Hotel BWI is where you want to be‼ This year’s summit will feature JJ Hairston, VaShawn Mitchell, Ted Winn, Lowell Pye, Jermaine Dolly, Phil Bryant, Stanley Brown, Joe "Flip" Wilson, Kefia Rollerson, Klarkent, Myron Butler, Deon Kipping, Eric Waddell, Charles Butler, Neicy Tribbett, Bishop Andrew Ford, Estee Bullock, and MANY OTHERS for more info www.eastcoastgospelmusicsummit.com. It's officially fall, it's harvest time, God is about to do some amazing things in the lives of his people‼ Get ready, it's getting ready to happen‼ What was "bitter" for you is about to get "better"‼ Til next month, you can catch me every weekend Friday-Sunday, "In With Miss Ericka J" at 5:30 pm on IHeart radio, Heaven 600 and 102.7hd2. Til next month, www.facebook.com/ErickaJohnson, like my fan page on Facebook “Miss Ericka J”
#1 Charles Jenkins TOP 5 Albums #1 Think About These Things Charles Jenkins #2 The Journey Donnie McClurkin #3 Better Azusa: Next Generation #4 You Shall Live - Marvin Sapp #5 Grace - Grace
Top 5 Gospel Songs #1 "Made A Way" - Travis Greene #2 "Put A Praise On It" - Tasha Cobbs feat. Kierra Sheard #3 "You're Bigger" - Jekalyn Carr #4 "Better" - Hezekiah Walker #5 "1, 2, 3 Victory” - Kirk Franklin featuring Pharrell
Ericka J.
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man talk
It’s always exciting to hear children talk about what they want to be when they grow up. While some aspire to become firemen or police officers, others hope to be doctors, lawyers, or world famous athletes. When asked why they have such goals for their lives as grown-ups, children’s responses are likely based on superficialities such as having fun, making a lot of money, or being adored by millions of fans. Although these ideas are developmentally appropriate, and perhaps even expected, as we mature into adulthood, we must put away our egocentric ways of thinking and relating to the world around us (I Corinthians 13:11).
to use his gift of interpreting dreams, even when he was unfairly jailed, was instrumental in Egypt’s sustenance when other nations were victims of a great famine. Moreover, David and Joseph show that regardless of our present circumstances, and when others might not recognize our gifts, in the fullness of time, God will orchestrate a divine opportunity so that we can use our gifts, not for our own benefit, but to encourage others.
POINT ONE: CAN I TRUST YOU WITH THIS GIFT? Fundamentally, everyone has a gift—the supernatural ability to do something well, without significant stress or undue effort. For some it might be painting. For others it might be excelling in various academic subjects or sporting events. As adults, one of our greatest responsibilities is to help young people identify and fully develop their God-given talents. Importantly, after children recognize the areas in which they have been gifted, they can take advantage of opportunities that are aligned with these abilities rather than pursuing paths that are incompatible with how they have been uniquely created. In other words, the nexus of a person’s gift with a chance to use it is not only the place of divine purpose, but also true happiness and fulfillment beyond the temporary trappings of success. Looking closer this month, let’s consider two central questions. First, what gift has God given me? Next, what does He want me to do with it? POINT TWO: GIFTED FOR A PURPOSE: LESSONS FROM DAVID AND JOSEPH In Proverbs 18:16 we read that a man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men. Said another way, the gift that God has given you, and me, will open doors of tremendous opportunity. When David was asked to play his harp, which soothed Saul’s tormented spirit (I Samuel 16:14-23), the young shepherd-boy musician went from the obscurity of tending his father’s sheep to the king’s palace—not because he presented himself, but rather his gift made room for him. Having been favored by his father and because he was a dreamer, Joseph was hated by his brothers who also plotted to kill him (Genesis 37:3-4; 18-21). After being sold into Egyptian slavery, Joseph found himself in Potiphar’s house (Genesis 39:12). Although Potiphar liked Joseph and placed him in charge of his affairs, Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him. Despite Joseph maintaining his integrity and refusing her advances, she lied about him to her husband, which led to his unjust imprisonment. But while he was in prison, Joseph interpreted a series of dreams that no one—not even the wise men and magicians—could discern (Genesis 40:12-13; Genesis 41:8, 39-44). As a result, he was placed in a position of prominence; and when a great famine occurred, the Egyptians had enough to eat. Brothers, what is the common thread between David and Joseph? First, more than being gifted young men, they recognized that their gifts were not for themselves but rather should be used to help someone else. David, through his musical giftedness, effectively ministered to Saul. And Joseph, because he continued 46 October 2016 | Grace&Glory
POINT THREE: TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, EVEN MORE IS REQUIRED In recent weeks, several popular figures have modeled what it means to use what God has given them in order to influence necessary and meaningful change on behalf of others. Most notably, as summer was winding down but the NFL season was only just beginning, our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds were likely filled with stories about Colin Kaepernick, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback who refused to stand during the national anthem. But in addition to taking a knee during this song, Mr. Kaepernick has pledged $1M of his earnings to support community organizations and contributed towards $60K worth of backpacks for children returning to school in New York City. Regardless of anyone’s opinion of Mr. Kaepernick’s stance on the national anthem, the significance of a mainstream celebrity raising awareness about racebased injustice is nonetheless important. Like David and Joseph, Mr. Kaepernick is acutely aware that because he has been given something special—a unique ability to play exceptionally well as an athlete—he also has a moral imperative to use his name, money, fame, and influence for the betterment of all people. POINT FOUR: THE CHANCE OF A LIFETIME Brothers, because we are no longer children, now what? To borrow a metaphor from the current political season, what is your platform? Having been afforded positions of prominence and influence, what do you want to accomplish for others by using the gifts that God has given you? Jesus says these words in Matthew 5:13-16: You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? ...You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. As Christ challenged the religious and social order of the day, especially by being a champion for the least of these (Matthew 25:40), we too, must be change agents. Our homes, families, communities, churches, workplaces, and schools should be noticeably better because of our presence. Like David and Joseph were inextricably connected to improving the quality of life for those in their respective spheres of influence, brothers, it’s our time to use what God has given us to do the same. Because it only takes one to start a movement, can I trust you? Dr. Charles Barrett
Dr. Charles Barrett is a school psychologist with Loudoun County Public Schools and Associate Professor of Psychology at Northern Virginia Community College.
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