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October 2018
™
contents on the cover:
Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr. Southern Baptist Church
1701 N. Chester Street Baltimore, MD 21217 410-732-8566 www.southernbaptistchurch.org
Special Feature
pgs 8-11 -Bishop Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr., a newly consecrated Bishop in the Global United Fellowship! Bishop Hickman is also celebrating 16 years as pastor of Southern Baptist Church! Bishop Hickman talks about how this appointment to Bishop will affect his life, his family, and the Southern Baptist Church. He talks candidly about the misconceptions that surround the Office of a Bishop. He also gives us a look into the exciting plans for the East Baltimore development project.
Feature Articles 12 BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Life After Breast Cancer
14 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH 9 Tips on How to Help a Victim of Domestic Violence
www.verywellmind.com
Healthy Soul 22 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE
26 LADY C SPEAKS
28 TRINKETS TO TRIUMPH
Tiffany Bethea
Min. Carenda McCray
Tracey George
Fall Is Upon Us
Monthly Manna
The Blessings of Benjamin
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Healthy Mind
In Every Issue Scripture Page........................................ 6 Contributors............................................ 6
20 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
Dr. Carla J. Debnam, (Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center)
New Season
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/ Jackie Epps EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL
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Dr. Carla J. Debnam Tiffany Bethea
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Romans 10:8-9, 13-15 (NIV) 8
But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,”and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,you will be saved. 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 9
14
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
15
And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
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Editor
From the
God's Annointed
October is National Clergy Appreciation Month. Pastor Appreciation Day began with the establishment of Clergy Appreciation Month. In 1Timothy 5:17, Paul began the concept of clergy appreciation when he stated that the elders of the church are worthy of a double honor. He reiterated this idea in 1Thessalonians 5:12-13, when he stated that those who work hard among you should be held in the highest regard for their work. This idea became Clergy Appreciation Month in 1992, established by pastors and religious workers. 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
Jackie Epps Editor-in-Chief
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 off-duty 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. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 7
Q&A
I N T E R V I E W WITH
Bishop Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr.
G&G: Bishop Hickman, welcome back to Grace & Glory Magazine! I am so excited and happy for you and what is going on in your life. First and foremost congratulations are in order for you . . . just recently you were elevated and consecrated as Bishop and you are now Bishop Donte’ L. Hickman. My first question is what does it feel like to be you right now?
Bishop Hickman: Thank you so much for the commendation. We are always praying and praising God for Grace & Glory and your commitment to enlightening and empowering the community through the kingdom of God. Having been consecrated as a Bishop in the Lord’s Church has been so overwhelming, thought provoking, humbling and sobering to have others recognize my heart and work in the church and deem me worthy to be entrusted with this mantle of authority and integrity. I never sought to be a Bishop. I was perfectly fine having earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree and to be called the Pastor of The
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Southern Baptist Church. Yet, I am also honored by the leadership and wisdom of my episcopal father and Presiding Prelate of The Global United Fellowship, Bishop Neil C. Ellis, for identifying and investing in my gifts and graces to serve not only as a Bishop, but also as the Bishop of Pastors in the Fellowship of over 1200 Pastors. G&G: Bishop Hickman, with all the different seasons you have already experienced in your life and the different levels you have already reached, have you stopped to ask yourself the question, “How did I get here?” Bishop Hickman: I ask myself that question all the time. There were only a few things I thought to imagine in my life and career as a minister. Of course, when God called me to preach I didn’t know what preaching was. And as I was drawn into ministry God connected me with and exposed me to the right ministers and ministries that inspired me to dream, overcome and achieve. I remember saying to Bishop Walter Thomas as it relates to community development that I never saw that as a part of my ministry, but the vision grabbed me. And he replied to me that I grabbed it right back and held onto it. He said a lot of people don’t hold onto vision through the seasons and stages of struggle and difficulty. Subsequently, as a result I know that wherever I go and whoever I become is by the grace of God and the determination I have to follow Christ by faith. G&G: Bishop Hickman, we would love to hear about your elevation as a Bishop in the Global
United Fellowship. Please share with us how this all came about?
and role of a Bishop as it relates to your elevation? Is the office different depending on denominations, doctrines, beliefs, etc.?
Bishop Hickman: I have known Bishop Neil Ellis for over 20 years. He has always been a prophetic voice in my life. I Bishop Hickman: The Office of Bishop is an office of government remember when Pastor Jamal in the Lord’s Church. A Bishop is an overseer and Bryant and I had dinner with influencer of a Christ-centered ministry. Through him after he preached at the the Office of Bishop we are called to maintain the Mt. Olive Freewill Baptist faith “as once delivered”. As a Bishop we contend Church when it was on for the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. We maintain Fremont and Saratoga and the standards and the doctrines of the Church. We he prophesied the direction of exemplify the service, solemnity and sacrifice of Christ our ministries while we were to the Church. And as a Bishop I am consecrated to yet associate ministers. At that be an ensample to the Church of the life, leadership time we were on far different and legacy of Christ. There are Bishops that oversee tracks than where we are today. 2018 Global United Fellowship Newly consecrated in both connectional and autonomous bodies of We gave him all the money we Bishops believers as a Bishop is an overseer whether of a had in our pockets that evening. church, a diocese or a denomination. And no matter It is hilarious to this day. Bishop Ellis remained close to me the denomination the Bishop is a minister and martyr for Christ. and my ministry and upon joining the Global United Fellowship he asked me to give leadership in community G&G: Bishop Hickman, do development and then to become the Dean of Pastors. you believe or would you say And just last year he asked if I would pray about being there are any misconceptions consecrated as a Bishop to become Bishop of the Pastor’s about Bishops? What does it Division. I must say that in my heart I felt for many years mean to be a Bishop in the that I was doing the work of a Bishop overseeing and Global United Fellowship? influencing multiple entities and ministries across the Are there specific duties state. And when Bishop Ellis came to me with a word assigned to you? and invitation it was confirmation to what God had spoken in my spirit. So I embraced it by faith beyond Bishop Hickman: I do Dr. Jamal H. Bryant, Bishop Hickman & Pastor my own musings about the diluted significance of the believe that there are Delman Coates office as so many people were taking on the title as well misconceptions about as the opinions of my peers and colleagues. I accepted to be Bishops, because so many of us don’t take the time to study the consecrated to the Office of Bishop because I wanted to serve word of God to see the origin and cultivation of our faith. We God and His Church at another level globally that required have either trivialized the formation and order of the Church another level of Consecration. This is yet another walk of faith. and our faith or we have traditionalized its historical origins and determined the lack of resonance and relevance. G&G: Bishop But the church must have order and must maintain its Hickman, connection to Christ, doctrine and relevant tradition. there are many We cannot divorce ourselves from the fundamental truths questions and and practices of our faith. And in a world where new, explanations contemporary and practical are held in high regard that surround we must see and honor Christ as the creator, center the office of a and circumference of it all. As Bishops we are called Bishop; would not merely as traditionalists, but as transformational you explain to us the office Continued on page 10
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Q&A
Continued from page 9
operatives. My role in the Global United Fellowship is to provide leadership and resources to over 1200 Pastors worldwide. And as such we share what we have gleaned and grown in ministry to help pastors to be equipped, encouraged and effective in the context of their life, faith and ministry.
dimensions will become available to and bestowed upon us. G&G: Bishop Hickman, what does this elevation mean to you personally and to your family? Will there be any notable changes in your life?
Bishop Hickman: It was a great experience during the Presiding Prelate & Executive Council week of my Consecration, of Bishops laying hands on Bishop especially to have Danielle Hickman and my sons Donte’, Jr. and Dawson with me. Danielle and I have been together for over 20 years and married for 17 years. And God has blessed us with two beautiful, brilliant G&G: Bishop Hickman, many people struggle with knowing and bold boys. This time of Consecration has drawn us closer what their mission or purpose is for their life, at this together with a clear focus on point did you know that your mission or purpose for our example as a family to other your life included becoming a Bishop? young families striving toward the abundant life of Christ. Bishop Hickman: I had no idea I would become a This elevation has made me more Bishop. And at certain times in my ministry career I sensitive about my attitude and had a disdain for the title because it appeared that behavioral norms. I really want people were becoming Bishops to have a greater to live my life in such a way that sense of significance. I didn’t like all of the pomp not only people can see Christ in and circumstance nor the garments that the Bishop me, but that I see him and know wore primarily because I didn’t understand their him in me. Hopefully, people spiritual significance. To know me is to know that will see a greater commitment my life’s goal is to know who I am and what God in my service, spirituality and The First Family of Southern Baptist Church has created and called me to do. I have discovered commitment to the ordinances that contentment in life is only found in authenticity and (sacraments) of the church. God has given me influence in this integrity between self and the Spirit of God. And I can honestly city and state that he is cultivating for global impact. And I say that I have found life and want to be diligent and faithful not to merely rise higher the abundance of living in the but to be more helpful to others who are struggling and presence and the purpose of God striving. for my life as I live it in service to others. I have learned that G&G: Bishop Hickman, how will this elevation as we shouldn’t strive for positions Bishop affect the Southern Baptist Church? Will there and titles, rather for passion and be any significant changes as it relates to your role as spiritual transformation. When pastor? we passionately serve where we are with who we are and what we Bishop Hickman: I will continue to pastor at Southern have then new doors and higher for the life of my ministry or until death do us part. The Dawson and Donte Jr.
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people of Southern really love me and my family. Over 200 members went to Greensboro, North Carolina for my Consecration; and then packed the church for my Affirmation Lady Hickman, Bishop Hickman, Mr. Eric Booker service. Southern has accepted the and Mayor Catherine Pugh responsibilities of being the Church of a Bishop. And Southern is gaining a more determined, dedicated and dutiful pastor that will seek to restore people as we rebuild properties in East Baltimore as well as transform the church and the community into the Kingdom of God. G&G: Bishop Hickman, as a newly appointed Bishop what do you think should be the church’s focus in today’s society; I see that you are involved in some major community projects in East Baltimore. Please share with us what is going on.
Southern Views as well as a 112,000 square foot Health and Wellness Center called Southern Streams Health and Wellness Center. These projects along with new streetscapes, green infrastructure, and more high density housing, mixed use development, workforce development, education and public safety will enable us to revitalize one of Baltimore’s most neglected communities. And seeing what God has enabled us to do through sheer tenacity, grit and desire to make a difference, I believe every church in Baltimore and urban centers across the country and world can impact and restore the communities where they are the formidable anchor institutions. And I want to share what I have learned so that the church can reflect the transformative witness of Christ to the glory of God. G&G: Bishop Hickman, lastly I also understand you are celebrating your 16th Pastoral Anniversary at Southern Baptist Church. You have experienced and witnessed God do great things in your life and the life of the Southern Baptist Church. Is there still more that you are looking forward to and expecting?
Overflow parking-future site of Southern Streams Health & Wellness Center
Bishop Hickman: Our mantra continues to be restoring people as we rebuild properties in East Baltimore. We have recently completed the East Baltimore Revitalization Plan that is a Master Plan designed and developed by the voices of the community and the vision of church anchors in the community. We are excited at Southern through our Mary Harvin Transformation Center Community Development Corporation to be breaking ground in the spring of 2019 on an 88 unit multifamily Housing Former Bugle Building-new site of Southern project called Streams Health & Wellness Center
Bishop Hickman: I am grateful to God that he has allowed me to pastor now for more than 16 years at Southern Baptist Church. He has entrusted to me a people that follow my leadership and trust me to lead them in the paths of righteousness. And I am amazed at the abundance of vision that God has given me for our church, community and city and beyond. I remember the words of my predecessor, Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Ariel view of 2.5 acres to be transformed into Higgs, “When Southern Village-a multi-family housing & retail you cease to have community vision for the church get somebody else to take your place and you retire and get out of God’s way”. I see the work that is before me and will endeavor to fulfill it by faith through God’s amazing grace.
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Life AFTER
BREAST CANCER The moment a person receives a breast cancer diagnosis, his or her life changes immeasurably. The roller coaster of emotions begins, and suddenly this person is thrust into a schedule of doctor’s appointments, treatments and visits from friends and family. The World Cancer Research Fund International says breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women and men and is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in 140 of 184 countries worldwide. Despite that prevalence, the five-year relative survival rate for women diagnosed with localized breast cancer (cancer that has not spread to the lymph nodes or outside the breast) is 98.5 percent, says the American Cancer Society. Survival odds increase as more is learned about breast cancer and more people take preventative measures, including routine screenings. Today, there are nearly three million breast cancer survivors living in the United States. Breast cancer treatments may last 12 October 2018 | Grace&Glory
anywhere from six months to a year. Adjusting after treatment may not come so easily at first. But adjustments are easier with time, and many cancer survivors continue to live life to the fullest in much the same way they did prior to their diagnosis. When treatment ends, patients often still have fears about the cancer, wondering if all of the cancerous cells have been destroyed and worrying about recurrence. But focusing on the present and all of the things you now can do with health on your side is a great way to put your fears behind you. Many cancer survivors must still visit their doctors after treatments end. Doctors still want to monitor patients closely, so be sure to go to all follow-up appointments and discuss any symptoms or feelings you may be having. Side effects may continue long after radiation or chemotherapy has ended. Your doctor may have suggestions for coping with certain side effects or will be able to prescribe
medications to offset these effects. Follow-up appointments should gradually decrease the longer you have been cancer-free. It’s not uncommon to feel differently after cancer treatment, as your body has been through quite a lot. Many women still experience fatigue, and sleep or normal rest doesn’t seem to make it abate. Realize this is normal, and how long it will last differs from person to person. It can take months or years for you to experience your “new normal.” Things do not happen overnight. While your hair may grow back quickly, it may take some time for you to feel like yourself again. Exercise routines or other lifestyle changes may help you overcome fatigue or make it more manageable. Speaking with others who have survived breast cancer can help. Join a support group or reach out to others through social media. Getting a firsthand account of what can be expected the first year after treatment can assuage anxiety.
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9 Tips on How to Help a Victim of Domestic Violence Listening to victims and not judging them is key
By Buddy T | Reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD
If you know or suspect that someone is a victim of domestic violence, you might feel clueless about the best way to help. Don't let fear of saying the wrong thing prevent you from reaching out. Waiting for the perfect words could keep you from seizing the opportunity to change a life. The world for many domestic abuse victims can be lonely, isolated, and filled with fear. Sometimes reaching out and letting them know that you are there for them can provide tremendous relief. Use the nine tips that follow to help you support someone in this vulnerable situation. Make Time for the Domestic Violence Victim If you decide to reach out to an abuse victim, do so during a time of calm. Getting involved when tempers are flaring can put you in danger. Also, make sure to set aside plenty of time in case the victim decides to open up. If the person decides to disclose years of pent-up fear and frustration, you will not want to end the conversation because you have another commitment. Starting the Conversation You can bring up the subject of domestic violence by saying that you have noticed some changes that concern you. Maybe you've seen the person wearing clothing to cover up bruises or noticed that the person has suddenly become unusually quiet and withdrawn. Both can be signs of abuse. Let the person know that you will keep any information disclosed quiet. Do not try to force the person to open up; let the conversation unfold at a comfortable pace. Take it slow and easy. Just let the person know that you are available and offering a sympathetic ear. Listen Without Judgment If the person does decide to talk, listen to the story without being judgmental, offering advice, or suggesting solutions. Chances are if you actively listen, the person will tell you exactly 14 October October 2018 | Grace&Glory 14 2018 | Grace&Glory
what they need. Just give the person the full opportunity to talk. You can ask clarifying questions, but mainly just let the person vent their feelings and fears. You may be the first person in which the victim has confided. Believe the Victim Because domestic violence is more about control than anger, often the victim is the only one who sees the dark side of the perpetrator. Many times, others are shocked to learn that a person they know could commit violence. Consequently, victims often feel that no one would believe them if they told people about the violence. Believe the victim's story and say so. For a victim, finally having someone who knows the truth about their struggles can bring a sense of hope and relief. Offer the victim these assurances: • I believe you • This is not your fault • You don't deserve this. Validate the Victim's Feelings It's not unusual for victims to express conflicting feelings about their partner and their situation. These feelings can range from: • Guilt and anger • Hope and despair • Love and fear If you want to help, it is important that you validate her feelings by letting her know that having these conflicting thoughts is normal. But it is also important that you confirm that violence is not okay, and it isn't normal to live in fear of being physically attacked. Some victims may not realize that their situation is abnormal because they have no other models for relationships and have gradually become accustomed to the cycle of violence. Tell the victim that violence and abuse aren't part of healthy relationships. Without judging, confirm to her that her situation is dangerous, and you are concerned for her safety. Offer Specific Help Help the victim find support and resources. Look up telephone numbers for shelters, social services, attorneys, counselors, or support groups. If available, offer brochures or pamphlets about domestic violence. If the victim asks you to do something specific and you are willing to do it, don't hesitate to help. If you are unable to, try to find other ways her need can be met. Identify her strengths and assets, and help her build and expand upon them, so she finds the motivation to help herself. The important thing is to let her know that you are there for her, available at any time. Just let her know how to reach you if she needs you.
Help Form a Safety Plan Help the victim create a safety plan that can be put into action if violence occurs again or if she decides to leave the situation. Just the exercise of making a plan can help her visualize which steps she needs to take and prepare her psychologically to do so. Because victims who leave their abusive partners are at a 75 percent greater risk of being killed by their abuser than those who stay, it is extremely important for a victim to have a personalized safety plan before a crisis occurs or before they decide to leave. Ask her what she would do, where she would go. Ask her if she has thought about the steps she would take if she decides to leave. Help the victim think through each step of the safety plan, weighing the risks and benefits of each option and ways to reduce the risks. How dangerous is the situation? Take the Danger Assessment Quiz to find out. What Not to Do or Say Although there is no right or wrong way to help a victim of domestic violence, you want to avoid doing anything that will make the situation worse. Here are some "don'ts" the experts suggest you avoid: • Avoid bashing the abuser. Focus on the behavior, not the personality. • Never blame the victim. That's what the abuser does. • Don't underestimate the potential danger for the victim and yourself. • Don't promise any help that you can't follow through with. • Don't give conditional support. • Don't do anything that might provoke the abuser. • Don't pressure the victim. • Don't give up. If she is not willing to open up at first, be patient. • Don't do anything to make it more difficult for the victim. Call the Police If you know that violence is actively occurring, call 9-1-1 immediately. If you hear or see physical abuse taking place, call the police. The police are the most effective way to remove the immediate danger to the victim and her children. There are no situations in which children should be left in a violent situation. Do whatever is necessary to ensure their safety, even if it means going against the wishes of your victim friend or the wishes of the abuser. In actively violent situations, calling child protective services is not the problem, it's part of the solution. www.verywellmind.com
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to your good health
NEW SEASON A new season is thrust upon us with the change in weather, decrease in daylight hours, additional activities and the increased pace of life. We need to be open to what this new season has to offer us. Embracing change and transition can be difficult because it requires us to recalibrate our choices and expectations. We are creatures of habit and assessing our lives and making changes move us out of our comfort zone. Moving from one season to another chronologically seems like a natural process because we know its coming. We know that seasons change and as a result adjustments will need to be made. Maybe you need to change your attire, the time you leave for work, your workout schedule or the children’s bedtime. You get the idea. Changing seasons in a relationship, our spiritual life, our health and our work life can be difficult to navigate. Every now and then you and I get the opportunity to prepare for these transitions but often we are taken by surprise and have to come up with a plan on the spot. This is a challenge for the Type A personality because they like to be on top of the events and responsibilities of life. These sudden course
changes also rattle the more laid back person and the stress begins to mount up. Jesus advises us to not worry about tomorrow but to focus on the events happening now. He does not want us to worry but he does want us to be prepared by trusting in his ability to keep us through our storms, our issues and our heartaches. James 4 further supports this, “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Depending on the Lord will get you through every season of life - through grief, through divorce, through unemployment, through sickness, through promotions, through parenting, through caregiving and more. No matter what phase of life you are in remember to trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean on him for guidance and support. A new season does not have to leave you stressed or depressed when you rely on the God of all seasons to navigate you from one Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, season to the next. Renaissance Christian Counseling Center
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woman’s perspective
A Time For Renewal and Transition Fall is upon us. The leaves are turning colors and falling to the ground. The air is a bit cooler and transition is in the air. I don’t know about you my sister but I love this time of year. The crispness of the air, the beauty of the colorful leaves and pulling out my favorite fall fashion. But I think there is a more profound observance that we can take from this time of year. This is a time of renewal and preparation in nature. All of the beauty we see is the earth preparing for her next season- winter. It has been said that during this season Mother Nature is showing us by example how to let dead things go. When you think about it, even with the unmatched beauty, the leaves falling to the ground are the trees’ way to get rid of the excess. It is a way to get rid of something that was appropriate for the previous season but will not be a good fit for the next season. It has me thinking. Is it time for renewal and
transition in your life my sister? Are there any dead things that need to be let go? “Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:1. We focus a lot of attention on making sure that we rid our lives of sin and believe me I think that is imperative. But I wish we would also focus as much attention on getting rid of weights that hold us back as well. Nature is showing us the simplicity of the fact that seasons change and when seasons change adjustments must be made. In the summer, it is appropriate to wear shorts and tank tops but when there is a shift and temperatures get cooler, it is no longer appropriate or wise. How often does the same principle apply in our lives? We grow and mature and shift in our character but we still attempt to carry people, places, things and habits that were only appropriate in the last season. I don’t know about you but I try to clean out my refrigerator at least once a week. It’s amazing how fast food that was healthy and even nutritious can quickly become toxic and October 12-13 damaging if we ingest it. Relationships, habits, and mindsets can be the same way. In one The #1 mastermind experience for Christian authors, speakers, season, they can serve us and be good for us pastors and entrepreneurs. and if we aren’t careful, we miss the expiration Join us where faith & business collide! date. All of a sudden, they are not healthy and nourishing to our souls, but rather they become toxic and need to be released. Do you recognize when it is time to release and renew? Do you recognize when you are in transition and entering a new season? My sister, I encourage you to take a note from nature and embrace shift and newness. Let’s recognize when renewal is in the air and truly prepare for the new season which we are entering into. We must release toxic and unhealthy people, places, things, habits and mindsets that no longer serve us. We Jamal Miller Tiffany Bethea Pastor Toure Roberts must have faith in God that He will not Keynote Speaker Event Host Keynote Speaker require us to release something without having a replacement. Let’s walk boldly REGISTER AT into the new Tiffany Bethea place that God is WWW.KINGDOMBOSS.COM She-EO Life Mentor calling us into. www.Tiffanybethea.com
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UNITY:
Are You Ready To Answer the Call? We live in a society where the strength of the church is diminished or weakened by individual personal gain. It’s a Me, myself and I mentality. The church is at HER best when the people of God come together as one body in Christ for the sole purpose of the Kingdom Agenda. Our society today eliminates the need to have long lasting relationships. Although, in God’s Kingdom His citizenship differs because the Bible tells us that one citizen has dominion over a thousand but two together gives authority over 10k! God multiplies our talents when we come together on one accord; and that places FEAR in the enemy’s camp. Satan’s political move in God’s physical house is to DIVIDE and to Conquer. 1. Satan doesn’t want the people of God to operate in oneness. 2. Satan doesn’t want the Body of Christ to agree. 3. Satan doesn’t want togetherness in the same place. Let’s Start Being REAL WITH GOD and ourselves! Beloved you will find that today will BEGIN to be the BEST DAYS of your LIFE WHEN YOU SAY YES TO GOD!
Evangelist LaRondi Nicole Flowers 1ST NEW LIFE BAPTIST CHURCH 3215 W. Belvedere Ave. • Baltimore, MD 21215 410.419.8841 Rev. Washington M. Flowers, Pastor & Founder UMUSTBREAL@GMAIL.COM “A Small Family Environment Where We Say Yes To God!” (Worship begins at 11:00 am in the lower level of Brown’s Memorial Baptist Church-Denmore Avenue Entrance) 24 October October2018 2018| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 24
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Lady C Speaks
Monthly Manna
What a blessing it is to greet you in the name that is above every name; the name of Jesus! Can you believe the month of September has come to an end? We have crossed over into a new month! Make sure in this month of October, you have a spirit of celebration! Just take time and lift your hands before the King of Kings and say, “Lord, I will not allow my hands to cover my face this month, but they will remain lifted in praise unto you.” There will be NO SHAME for you in this month of October! Last month I went to Patient First because I wasn’t feeling well. After getting some blood work done I received a diagnosis on what was going on. The next day, I didn’t allow my hands to cover my face with tears or disappointment, but I had them lifted thanking God that His blood is sufficient for me! I spoke with authority believing that the blood of Jesus was shed for every single infirmity, sickness, affliction, sin and disease. So instead of being sad, I got glad. Instead of being ignorant of the situation, I educated myself. The bible tells us in ALL thy getting, get understanding! (Proverbs 4:7) Why do we as Christians relate suffering to helplessness? Just because you might be going through a period of suffering doesn’t mean all hope is gone. It doesn’t mean all is lost! It doesn’t mean you’re stuck in a rut. In ALL thy getting, get understanding. I am bold enough to believe some things we
don’t have to suffer with, if we chose to ask for wisdom! When is the last time you asked the Lord for wisdom to be your fatten portion? When is the last time you said to the Lord, “I don’t want to be ignorant concerning the things of my life, Lord teach me, give me understanding that surpasses my flesh and penetrates my spirit?” As you prepare, by God’s grace, to walk in this new month, I pray you are soaked and running over in wisdom and understanding. Stop letting frustration blind you. Don’t give suffering a foothold to keep you in bondage! I am not making light of what you may be going through. I know that when we suffer it can hurt and it can make you feel confused and isolated. Suffering can make you angry too if you’re not careful. What I am saying is STOP using suffering as an excuse to give up. The same energy that you exert to complain, gossip and murmur about your period of suffering; that same energy can be used to pray, praise and get understanding about it also. I am challenging you to see your moments and seasons of suffering from a different mindset; especially when we know ALL things are working together for your good! Therefore, because ALL things are working together for your good, why do you give suffering a promotion it doesn’t deserve? Why do you allow suffering to take center stage before the audience of God? Therefore beloved, lift up your heads oh ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. (Psalm 24: 7-8) In this month of October get understanding, even in your seasons of suffering! There will be NO SHAME for you or your household In Jesus Name!
Min. Carenda D. McCray (Lady C) I would love to hear from you!
26 October 2018 | Grace&Glory
www.farenterprises.biz info@farenterprsies.biz 888-473-2221 Facebook: (far enterprises, caranda mccray) Twitter @cdpgem Text Lady C to 22828 for your weekly encouraging word
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trinkets to triumph
Blessed like Benjamin is a mindset and movement for this new season to catapult the body of Christ to a new level of conduct and confidence. Your current state could be rough or regal but being a part of God’s royal family has benefits that you need to confidently use to your advantage. Confidence will come easy for Christians when you know you are a part of God’s royal family. You never try to “keep up with the Joneses” or struggle with competing and comparing yourself to others because you are blessed like Benjamin. The Tribe of Benjamin descended from Jacob’s youngest son Benjamin. He was the son of his father’s beloved wife Rachel who gave birth to him moments before she died. Rachel named this baby boy, Benoni, “son of my pain.” His father knew the importance and significance of someone’s name and changed his name immediately to Benjamin, “son of my right hand” (Genesis 35:18). His life started out rough and, on the run, but because of his father naming him Benjamin, he was destined to experience good fortune. When God accepts you into his family, you are a part of a chosen generation, royal priesthood, and holy nation (I Peter 2:9). He changes your name from basic to believer and gives you access to all of His benefits to live your best life. Benjamin was one of his father’s beloved sons along with Joseph. When you are blessed like Benjamin, you are able to live a life knowing you have the Father’s favor and are the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8).
Benjamin was given five times more gifts than his other brothers from their brother Joseph during the time of famine (Genesis 43:34). Blessed like Benjamin means you always have God’s grace and are blessed with more than enough. Saul, the first king of Israel, was a descendant of this small but mighty Tribe of Benjamin (I Samuel 9:15-27). Blessed like Benjamin gives you access to the first and the last King of Kings, Jesus Christ, who rests, rules, and abides in us. The great Apostle Paul was a descendant of the Tribe of Benjamin (Romans 11:1) and had the opportunity to have an encounter with the Most High God that changed his name from Saul to Paul. Blessed like Benjamin is the ability to transform any situation to work out for your good. After his encounter with the Most High God, he went from being a bully to blessed, anointed and appointed. Mordecai, the uncle of Queen Esther, was a descendant of the Tribe of Benjamin (Esther 2:5-7). Mordecai and Queen Esther were able to save their entire race from death. Blessed like Benjamin is living for such a time as this to sit in heavenly places with your King and experience His goodness. The Tribe of Benjamin was not perfect and didn’t let past mistakes keep them from living their lives but used their experiences to propel them forward to their purpose. You are blessed like Benjamin and can do the same.
Tracey Nicole George
www.traceystrinketstotriumph.com
28 October 2018 | Grace&Glory
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30 October 2018 | Grace&Glory
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32 October 2018 | Grace&Glory