APRIL 2018
Christian Magazine
6 TYPES OF
EATERS
MINISTER MOSLEY
BRIANNA TRIPLETT SEASONS
CHANGE THE PERFECT PLACE TO HIDE A KINGDOM
JOHNNIE DENT
YOUR SINGLE IS SHOWING MARRIAGE MATTERS
ELDER RD
ANDERSON-BAILEY
The Founders
Pastors Greg & Sharina George
“If God said it, I believe it”
CONTENTS ISSUE 28
APRIL 2018
ZION PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
16
4 YOU ARE HEAVILY DEFENDED! Donna Renay Patrick 6 FOUNDERS PAGE Pastors Greg & Sharina George 8 YOUR SINGLE IS SHOWING Elder RD Anderson-Bailey
COVER STORY
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10 INVESTING IN YOURSELF Leslie Elia, Financial Article 12 IDENTIFYING A COUNTERFEIT Alia Worthy, Single & Saved 14 6 TYPES OF EATERS Angela Mosley, Physical Health
16 COVER STORY
Sr. Pastor Greg George Pastor Sharina George
20 TIME TO DECLUTTER Evang. Carmella Hill, Mental Health
Minister Donna Renay Patrick
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22 THE PERFECT PLACE TO HIDE A KINGDOM Johnnie Dent, Feet to Faith 24 SEASONS CHANGE Brianna Triplett, Precious Oill
LESLIE ELIA
20
26 GOD Ruth C. Dept, Poetry Corner 28 TEEN CORNER Taylor Hauser & Archi Alexander
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EVANGELIST HILL
KingdomChristianMagazine
Minister Donna Renay Patrick
YOU ARE Heavily DEFENDED!
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:114
W as 2017 a challenging year for you? It certainly was for me. It was the year
you relate? I can. Life itself can be scary. Often, the answers to our questions just I said goodbye to my comfort zone. aren’t readily available, and we feel left to Actually, leaving my comfort zone started fend for ourselves in finding them. What well prior to that, but this past year it do you do when you have gathered the became abundantly clear that God was courage to step out on nothing but your trying to get a message to me. I wasn’t faith, yet you feel afraid? The God-given ready and my flesh fought my spirit every vision is always bigger than you and your step of the way (Galatians 5:17). Last year available resources, so a certain level of was one of revelation, renewed purpose, anxiety is to be expected. If you wrestle saying goodbye to fear and embracing the with fear, uncertainty, and just being process. It was the year I got comfortable generally uncomfortable with what’s with the uncomfortable. So when January going on in your life, or the world around 1, 2018 arrived, I had a new attitude! And you, please allow me to encourage you. for that I am so grateful. At various places in biblical history, A former pastor of mine often said, God has provided protection and safety “There are days when you feel like you’re for His people; not only in battle, but in on top of the world and other days you other scenarios when personal danger feel like the world is on top of you!” Can was imminent. In Second Chronicles Chapter 20, King Jehoshaphat and the nation of Judah faced a situation where battle seemed sure. But God intervened on their behalf and they didn’t have to engage in that particular battle. When Nehemiah felt compelled to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall, not only did King Artaxerxes approve his trip, he sent a military escort to ensure Nehemiah and his traveling companions’ safe passage (Nehemiah 2:9). If you are facing what appears to be a battle or a task that you know is bigger than you can handle on your own, please consider these assurances from God’s Word:
Psalm 91:1-4 - He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 3:3 - But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. Psalm 18:2 - The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 32:7 - You are my hiding place. You shall preserve me from trouble. You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.
Isaiah 54:17 - “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD. Whatever the challenge, you must know that you are HEAVILY defended! Is God moving you from your comfort zone of stable, predictable, and easy to a place that is unstable, uncertain, and uneasy? His Word is the foundation that will place you on the path to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. It’s called The Process.
Donna Renay Patrick is a transformational speaker, award-winning author, musician/choir director, and worship leader. She has authored two devotionals focused on making worship a lifestyle, At All Times, and It’s In Your Praise. Recently, she co-authored a devotional for women in the workplace entitled, Be Refreshed. She often teaches in three areas where she is most passionate: The priority of worship, knowing your purpose, and effective leadership. Visit her website at https://donnarenaypatrick.com. Follow her on social media: Facebook: Donna Renay Patrick, Author Twitter: @DonnaRPatrick Instagram: Donnarenaypatrick LinkedIn: Donna Renay Patrick, M.A.
CEO
Jesus
THE FOUNDERS
Publisher
Xcellence Publications
Founders
Pastor Greg George Pastor Sharina George
Chief Editor
Sharina George
Editor
Angela Wachsman
Graphic Designer Xcellence Marketing
www.xcellmarketing.com
Cover Photo Jeff Lawson
Contributing Writers
Donna R. Patrick RD Anderson-Bailey Leslie Elia Alia Worthy Angela Mosley Johnnie Dent Carmella Hill Clarence Pope Brianna Triplett Taylor Hauser Archi Alexander Ruth C. Dept
Genesis 1:28
Praise the Lord faithful readers, As we begin this beautiful Spring season we are reminded that dead thing live again. The flowers bloom the leaves shine bright and the sun heats up the day. As you enjoy this season don’t forget to put God first in all that you say and do. If we seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness all other things will be added to us according to Matthew 6:33. I believe this is going to be an amazing season of new ideas, new locations, and new motivation to ignite your praise and worship for God. God bless you, Pastors Greg & Sharina George All rights are reserved and no part of this publication can be copied or reproduced without permission from Xcellence Publications LLC.
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Exhortation & Intercessory
Prayer
218-486-2948 Access code: 82310# Email requests: Sanctifiedbychristministry@gmail.com www.sanctifiedbyChristministry.com
1 Thess 5:17 Pray without ceasing
MARRIAGE MATTERS
YOUR SINGLE IS SHOWING Elder RD Anderson-Bailey, MFT
In a conversation with my husband during our first days as man and wife, my husband came home with some treats for himself. This was not a common thing for him since he rarely ate sweets when we were dating. However, upon entering with his goodies, I asked him if he brought anything for me. To my dismay, he said “No. I got my protein cookies and bars.” He knows that I don’t like the way those things taste, so he knew I wouldn’t ask for them. But out of that experience, my response to him was, “Husband, your single is showing.” Even though we chuckled and exchanged a few jokes in between, my husband left our home and returned with my favorite candy, Swedish Fish. This phrase has become a staple for us when we feel as if we are not being considerate of one another. The phrase is a signal that we need to adjust our approach in our interactions or communication. The phrase initiated by me during a lighthearted moment with my husband actually is derived from a much earlier phrase that the seasoned church mothers of yesteryear used to say to younger women: “Your slip is showing.” It was a corrective nudge that urged you to check yourself immediately. Inasmuch as I consider the correction of the older generation, I urge you to consider this article to be a reflective nudge for your own marriage or relationship. Ask yourself “Is my single showing?” In order to answer this, you will have to engage in honest, no-holds-barred discussions with your spouse or fiancé. If we were all to be honest for a moment, we have at one time or another chose our own wills or well-being over our mates. It’s natural and it isn’t always catastrophic. However, I want you to take a moment and reflect on your relationship. Consider how often you choose your mate’s happiness, well-being, emotional and spiritual health over your own. If you were to ask them, would they say you choose them over you? Do you know what it looks like when your single is showing? Allow me to help you increase your self-awareness a bit. Your single man doesn’t die when you decide to marry.
That only happens through conscious deliberate actions. Actions such as, asking how can you serve one another better, asking each other what do you need from me today, is there anything I can do for you, do you want to (fill in the blank with their favorite things to do) or simply taking it upon yourself to show kindness and love to one another. These, of course, are not the only ways to crucify your single man. You can also pick up tasks that are usually left for the other person or send them away to have a day of self-care (no this is not just a woman thing). You can also pray for or with them in their presence. The truth is, if you cover your spouse (fiancé) and they cover you, then you are both always going to be covered and the single man will die a little more each day. Kill the “single” man a little more this month by going out of your way to serve one another. Remember to have open dialogue about those moments that make you want to say “Your Single is Showing,” and most of all, do it in love.
Your Singe is Showing By Eld. R. D. Anderson-Bailey, MFT
@RelationshipDecoder
@TheRelationshipDecoder
www.RelationshipDecoder.com
Leslie Elia Life Leadership
More on Investing in Yourself I know I have mentioned investing in yourself in earlier issues of this magazine, but some may be asking what that really means. We have previously established that this first and foremost means pay yourself first, and save. But this month let’s take it a step further. Ask yourself what you think a financially fit person is. Financially fit people are avid readers. Financially fit people invest in themselves (not their fancy cell phones, cars and clothing) by educating themselves in finances and leadership. Leadership? Yes! You see, we are all being called to be leaders at some time in our lives. If you are a parent, you are leading the next generation in the ways children will think, pray, treat people and respect each other. If you are a manager of a company, you are the biggest influencer of your team and how well they will perform. You are to step in front and lead the way instead of delegating from the rear. Even if you are just an ordinary person in the center of a group of ladies or gentlemen gossiping about someone, you lead by shutting the gossip down.
Financial Article April 2018
The Magic Green Box Here are five ways you can begin immediately to invest in yourself and your leadership skills: 1) Purchase the Green Box and begin working through the audios, workbook and hardback book. 2) Become the testimonial you will share with your friends and family as you step to the front and show them your progress. 3) Read, read, read and attend seminars on subjects that will move you forward. 4) Apply your experience and knowledge to help others. 5) Create value for yourself by adopting an entrepreneurial mindset instead of an employee mindset. This creates an environment where you add value to yourself and it will show in your work and behavior.
As I agreed to in last month’s article, I would like to share my time for free and will help your church group, book club, career center or youth group start a Master Class for Financial Fitness. Please contact Leslie at ironleslie@sbcglobal.net or if you would just like to purchase the materials, please contact Leslie
3 Ways of Identifying A
r
Relationships tend to be one of the most prevalent ways the Lord does things in the world. Relationships have the power to dictate a person’s future, catapult a person in purpose, but also hinder a person. Through relationships healing, restoration, breakthrough, and deliverance can take place. In today’s society, especially as a saved person who desires to please the Lord, those you are in relationship with are vital. Discerning a potential mate or relationship comes with being able to first identify a counterfeit. As defined, a counterfeit is “made in exact imitation of something valuable or important with the intention to deceive or defraud.” A counterfeit looks like the real thing; however, is often not. The whole point of a counterfeit is to make us believe the lies and have us deceived. The Lord blesses us through relationships, but Satan’s main agenda is to kill and steal our joy and peace and distract and destroy us through certain relationships. One of the easiest ways for Satan to devour a person is through relationships because it can hinder us in future relationships and ultimately our relationship with God. Here are three ways to identify a counterfeit.
1.Counterfeits will always distract you and pull you away from God. Proverbs 5:3-4 states, “For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.” Truth is, a counterfeit will lure you in with their words; however, will ultimately lead to destruction and disappointment. If a person is able to pull you away from serving, and even being devoted in your personal relationship with God, they are a counterfeit. 2.Counterfeits will always drain you. Proverbs 27:17 states, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” The reality is, God’s goal in friendship and relationship
Alia Worthy
Counterfeit! Alia Worthy is for both members to sharpen each other in way in which leads us to be more like Christ. As Christians, we should be able to use the word to give wisdom, edify, and encourage those who we are in relationship with. Counterfeits will utilize their time constantly requiring you to sharpen them without giving anything in return. In 1Corinthians 15:33, Paul states, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” Who are you connected to? Are they draining or empowering you? 3. Counterfeits may not align with your purpose or the specific path God has for you. It’s always easy to identify a counterfeit when they aren’t living a lifestyle pleasing to God. On the other hand however, there are some counterfeits who love the Lord, are walking in Holiness, and may also bear good fruit; however, they may not be good for you. Sometimes it’s not that a person isn’t good, they may not be good or the right one God has for you. There’s always a purpose for God establishing covenant. Some questions to consider may be: Do we both share the same values and morals? Does our purposes align? Do we share the same beliefs about family, God, and the world?
I pray that as we continue to pursue God and build valuable relationships that we would be spirit led and have sobriety in discerning if they are for us or not. 1 Peter 5:8 says, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” I pray that with every connection comes wisdom, insight, and sobriety.
there are 6 types of eaters Which One Are You?
By Minister Angela Mosley
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It is important to know what kind of eater you are. When it comes to reaching your weight loss goals, it can make a tremendous difference on the scale. Emotional eaters tend to lose the least amount of weight and have the hardest time keeping it off. Even though weight loss is one of the top resolutions made every year, 80% of the people do not achieve successful weight-loss and maintenance. So, without further or due here are the 6 types of eaters: I will give you the name, the problem and the solution.
THE NIBBLER: You snack throughout the day whether you are hungry or not. You reject formal diet plans because you think your way of eating is better, but never seem to lose weight. Problem: You are constantly thinking about the next snack. You are in danger of eating too much, too often. Solution: Stick to three meals a day plus two healthy snacks (such as fruit, carrot sticks or oat cakes with humus) and eat nothing else in between.
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THE GORGER: Though you want to lose weight, you find yourself consuming large amounts of junk food or ready-to-eat meals. Problem: This pattern is driven by emotional triggers – you gorge if you feel lonely, anxious or annoyed. But by giving in to them, you’ll only perpetuate self-loathing. Solution: Exercise to boost your selfesteem. Use mindfulness skills to regard food as sustenance, not a reward.
THE DIET JUNKIE: No matter what type of diet there is, you will try it. Not bothered by the nutritional content, you view food (or the lack of it) as the only vehicle to weight loss so you’re constantly diet-hopping. Problem: The lack of nutrients in your diet puts your body in “Protective mode,” holding on to every last ounce of fat, leaving you feeling dissatisfied and guilty. Solution: Stop thinking extreme dieting will help you achieve physical perfection. Switch to a balanced diet and eat smaller portions.
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It is important to know what kind of eater you are. When it comes to reaching your weight loss goals, it can make a tremendous difference on the scale.
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THE BINGER: You have high willpower and eat healthy food 90% of the time, but can swing from extreme control to a moment of madness with high-sugar binges. Problem: Binges derail all your good intentions and can have an addictive effect. This style of eating comes with emotional baggage, often including strong feelings of guilt and shame. Solution: Relax your strict rules and allow yourself regular treats of “forbidden” foods to stop the desire for massive binges.
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THE ZOMBIE: You eat out of habit and routine, barely conscious of what you eat. Your diet is likely to be monotonous. Problem: You’re likely to eat highly processed, refined foods that lack nutritional value but are a quick fix. Solution: Stop eating in front of the TV or at your desk. Eat good food and savour every mouthful.
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THE COMFORT EATER: You eat for emotional reasons, using food to fill a void or distract yourself from painful feelings. Problem: You are out of touch with your hunger signals. You deny yourself good, healthy balanced meals at the expense of processed and caloric foods. Solution: Mindfulness exercises (such as pausing for 10 seconds before you eat anything) will help you to curb the habit of overeating. Hosea 4:6a says, “My People are destroyed for lack of knowledge……”. Let me encourage you to take this knowledge and let it become embedded deeply in your hearts. So, you can become mindful and improve on what kind of eater you are.
April 2018 Cover Story
if god said it, i believe it Sr. Pastor Greg George Jr. Pastor Sharina George
There a song pattern called “call and response.” This pattern is conducted by the praise leader singing lyrics and the audience repeat what was said. We are seeing the blueprint of how we ought to conduct ourselves when God say’s something. It should immediately invoke a response on the part of the hearer. As a part of this, it tells God how much faith you have in His Word by how you respond and how quickly you act on what you’ve heard. Take note that sometimes what you heard is contradictory to what you see, so it cannot be externally perceived but spiritually discerned. We must ensure that our relationship with God is secure enough that we hear what God is saying and be sensitive to His movement which will allow us as believers to be fully persuaded in God’s ability to fulfill what He said. The Bible say in Jeremiah 1:12 “Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.” As you read this article, you may be faced with a situation that seems impossible to be solved, but take courage that God is on your side and if God be for you He is more than the World against you. Sometimes the wall of opposition is not finances, people or things but your own “Vision.” Don’t allow what you see to make you doubt what He said. Take him at His word. In Jesus name!
Photo Credit: Jeff Lawson
About KBI Kingdom Builders International Ministries is church that has a four-corner ministry focus. Prayer, outreach, self-study and worship are very vital components of the vision of KBI. The Bible says in Matthew 4:23 “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” We have been given the vision to continual the gospel of the Kingdom. The gospel of the Kingdom tells us that Jesus wants to save anyone who is lost. We feed the needy, clothe the naked, minister sight to the blind and deliver those who are oppressed and depressed. We execute the vision by hosting quarterly giveaways, hosting weekly services that are life changing and have recently formed our non-profit, “Kingdom Global Mission.” We plan to provide temporary emergency housing for those who are in need, food for anyone who is needy, and mentoring serves for the youth in our community. If you are currently seeking an active mission driven church, then we welcome you come and visit one of our weekly serves. On behalf of our Sr. Pastor Greg George and his wife Pastor Sharina George, we welcome you to come fellowship.
Sr. Pastor Greg George & Pastor Sharina George
Your Invited To Come Worship With Us! Kingdom Builders International 6410 St. Clair Ave. Cleveland, OH 44103 (216) 526-1571
www.kbiministries.com https://www.facebook.com/kindombuildersinternational/
Mental Health CORNER Time to Declutter:
Creating Mental and Emotional Space Ahhh, it’s Spring time! We all know what that means…time for some SPRING CLEANING! As the winter season ends and we transition into spring, something amazing happens - we get rid of the old and welcome the new! The winter wardrobe consisting of darker, heavier clothing is exchanged for the spring wardrobe consisting of brighter, lighter clothing. It seems like clockwork for us to make the transition. If you experience “winter blues,” then you cannot wait for spring to occur. Anything that represents winter is packed up or tossed. Well, let’s do the same with our mental and emotional “wardrobe” – exchange the old for the new! Declutter the Mind It is time to take inventory and identify the mindsets we possess that require an upgrade! Negative thoughts are not only destructive to our overall well-being but our environments are impacted as well. One may think that the way he/she thinks does not impact others, but, on the contrary, negative mindsets can be disruptive to our relationships. When we allow our minds to constantly ruminate or meditate on negative things, we will inevitably start to experience negative emotions and will likely demonstrate negative behaviors. It is a vicious cycle that we must try to break and destroy in order to embrace new things. A familiar scripture in Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to “lay aside every weight.” Negativity is dead weight to our mental and emotional well-being. How much “weight” do you want to lose when it comes to your mind? Old, unproductive mindsets are detrimental to our progress in life. A motivator for change in our mindsets is wanting greater; this requires change! Are you ready for greater? Then, it is time for change!
Declutter the Heart What’s the state of our emotions? Do we express and project feelings of anger, disappointment, doubt, worry and the like? Are we cluttering our mental health with negative emotions that only result in a pileup of unwanted and unhealthy ways of feeling? One might say feelings cannot be controlled. This might be valid to some degree. However, a lot of the feelings we have result from the mindset we possess. The mind and emotional connection is strong! In times where we are void of emotions, if the mind is triggered, an emotional response will likely follow. In Psalm 139:23-24, it offers a simple prayer request of the Lord to search our hearts and thoughts. Also, in Psalm 51:10, another simple prayer request of the Lord to create in us a clean heart and to renew us. In essence, get rid of the old and give us something new!
Evangelist Carmella Hill
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with supervising credentials (P.C.C.-S). & Founder of Empower to H.O.P.E. Services, LLC.
Create Space for Greater As we engage in spring cleaning, we identify what needs to be removed, thrown out, and/or stored away. Through this cleaning process, we inevitably create space for new things. Now the question arises, “What do we put in the created space?” Like in our natural spaces, we may put a few new pieces that will transform the space into a fresh, new look. Well, emotionally and mentally, implement a few new ways of thinking and feeling and watch your psychological space transform. Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. If we want something new and different, transformation is needed!
Mental Health Tips: • Get rid of unhealthy ways of thinking and feeling! Journaling or writing down things is a great way to explore our ‘stinkin’ thinkin’ ways. Write down alternative ways to think and feel. Make a commitment to identify at least one way to demonstrate the alternative thought or feeling. • Prioritize what is important! Assess what things deserve or need to be in our mental and emotional space. This is usually determined by what we value and our goals. • Reflect, Meditate, and Pray! As mentioned previously, the mind and emotional connection is strong. Well, that bond is even stronger with the spiritual component. We cannot get away from being mentally and emotionally healthy without being spiritually healthy.
The conclusion of the matter As we declutter our physical spaces in this spring season, take time to declutter our mental and emotional spaces as well. Old, unhealthy, and unproductive mindsets and emotions will only hinder us from embracing new things. SELAH
feet to your faith
the perfect PLACE TO HIDE A
KINGDOM R
ecently, I had the privilege of meeting a person who expressed being in a backslidden state and who used to be a leader in a church with a great calling. This person quoted scripture after scripture, yet they could not seem to get back to the state God originally had them in. By admission, this leader had been listed amongst the fallen for seven years. That’s quite a long period of time to be inactive and outside of the Father’s Business. This person not only talked about not feeling the presence of God, but how people ridiculed their fall, and how they just could not get it going again because of the shame. Self-shaming is a much stronger weight even by God’s standards. Selfshaming is a mental recording
Johnnie Dent of unworthiness that can paralyze a person who is destined to make a significant contribution the testament that is being recorded even now. It can cause a person to be in a state similar to Ichabod long after a reasonable amount of time to be penalized. Some of these people lie under bridges, have insomnia at night, or wander during the day, questioning the existence of God. Some commit suicide, continue to have patterns of brokenness in their relationships, or suffer under the disease of addiction. Why would God present the gifts and calling to someone who would ultimately fail? Why is it that once they fall, God never takes what He has given away from them (Rom 11:29)?
Our faith rests on a story of death,
burial, and resurrection which is buried within the DNA of the believer. People
knew the story of Moses the murderer, Samson the covenant breaker, Rahab the prostitute, and David the adulterer and yet God presented a way for them all to be redeemed. Built within you is a way to rewrite the narrative no matter what you have done. Any person can be out of the Will of God, but never is anyone ever out of the reach of God and this is where we must draw a distinction, rather than a conclusion. The world appears to have an edge in this battle versus the people of faith as a person can go from occupation to occupation failing and faltering while they build a good resume. The person’s skillset learned from a former employer are seen as assets to a prospective business. The new employer then accepts the skillset of this person based on a compilation of skills and hires this person with the belief that this fortifies its workforce. If we of faith disciplined the infraction within a reasonable time frame and allowed the person a pathway to return, perhaps the gift and callings could be utilized in another capacity within ministry. The Church needs to incorporate a similar philosophy by taking the same word and instead of building a resume, simply allow people to resume their place in the house. The kingdom of God is within us, so it is vital that we do some inner workings. To crush the enemy of self-shaming, perhaps the ranking clergy can do what Jesus did and simply send a message, “Go tell my disciples and Peter (Mark 16:7) …” All Peter got was a message from the Resurrection to resume; a message of inclusion rather than distinction. What a message! As you reflect on the Resurrection of Christ, remember others who were in the fight with you that may have strayed away. Do not just pray for them… call them. You may find that after all, it is the perfect place to find the Kingdom.
PRECIOUS OIL Seasons Change Brianna Triplett
I
t’s spring again! The snow is melting, the sun is shining, trees that lost their leaves
during the fall and winter are beginning to grow new leaves, the temperature is warming, the hours of daylight are increasing, plants are now in the perfect position to grow, receiving the water, light, and warmth they so desperately need. The return of spring reminds me that “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV). There is “a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance...” (Ecclesiastes 3:2-4). And even though we may not always know exactly when our personal season is getting ready to change, because according to Jesus “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority,” (Acts 1:7 ESV) we do know that seasons exist, that they do change, and that
there is a time for EVERYTHING. Even though seasons change, it is important to remember that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 ESV.) And the character of God does not change like our circumstances. God is always faithful, always a way maker, a healer, teacher, wonderful counselor, our King of kings, a protector, defender, and so much more, and he is worthy of all our praise and adoration, forever! Sometimes people get so comfortable in their seasons they don’t realize that they change. Some people in a “spring season” may not even know how to empathize and minister to someone in a “winter season,” because they forget what it feels like when their bills were not paid, when they couldn’t find peace at night or joy to give them the strength to make it through the day, when they were having relational issues, when they felt like God did not hear their prayers, or simply did
not care enough to answer. People in a “winter season” may forget that trouble does not last always, but that “after you have suffered a little while, [Christ] will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10 NIV) that “...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”(Psalm 30:5 KJV.) There are some people right now that are looking around at everyone’s lives and wondering when is my season coming? When is my season for healing or ministry, marriage, financial breakthrough, deliverance, transformation or restoration coming? I honestly do not know, but I know that there is a time for EVERYTHING, and I believe that healing and breakthrough is coming for some who have been waiting for what seems like a long time, even though our suffering has only lasted “a little while” (1 Peter 5:10). I also know that God is with you in whatever season you are in, he will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6), and he is good all the time. “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV.) If you are going through a difficult time, say it with me, “Seasons Change,” and believe it!
PRECIOUS OIL About Brianna Brianna Triplett currently resides in Lockport NY. Brianna has a master’s degree in Psychology and works as a Children’s Care Manager at Salvation Army. Brianna is a spoken word artist who is a part of Crossover Ministries and is a writer for Kingdom Christian Magazine and an active member of the Chapel at Crosspoint, a nondenominational church in Getzville, NY.
PoetryCORNER GOD When I think of you, I remember when I was blue. You took my hand softly, spoke the words I needed to hear. Your lifestyle I wanted to follow, the days ever so short. Never enough time, your dreams fell through. I saw the tears you tried to hide. So many things we would miss. But, Dad, the greatest thing you had to give was the trust and love throughout the years.
RUTH C. DEPT
T EEN
KEEPING YOURSELF!
CORNER I’m pretty sure that most of us could say that at some point we’ve all either said or thought something about ourselves that was negative. Even if it was just one small thing like the size of your forehead. You feel like it’s too big. Well, a wise woman (my mom) once told me that feelings can lie to us. She also said that the Lord doesn’t make any mistakes when creating us. I’m not going to lie to you; it’s easier to not like something about yourself than it is to learn to love it again. Another wise person in my life, my former youth pastor, Pastor Adam, once told me that God is hurt when we say and/or think things about ourselves that are negative. He created us. So, therefore,
Taylor Hauser
we should love ourselves. After you learn to love yourself, it will be easier to keep yourself and wait for someone who loves you like God loves you. Just as God has plans for us, there is a husband or wife for a lot of us that is a part of that plan. That means you should save yourself for your future husband or wife. Keeping yourself for marriage is a very important thing because if you don’t, you will have a soul tie with everyone you’ve given your body to. That means you relate to them and everyone else they’ve given their body to as well. Breaking a soul tie can be very difficult. It requires getting delivered, prayer, fasting, being disconnected from the person, and not giving into temptation to connect with them. Even when you do all these things, it doesn’t just go away within a couple days. Breaking a soul tie can take years. That person may have said they loved you, but it wasn’t true because if they did, they would wait till marriage to be intimate. Maybe you are the one who wants to be intimate, but remember, you two could break up at any given moment and you don’t want either of you to be stuck with a soul tie. 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NLT) says: “Don’t you realize that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?” To me, this verse means you shouldn’t let anyone into your temple unless they are worthy and have proven their worthiness with honor, respect, and marriage.
TAYLOR HAUSER
TEEN POWER! Before you continue to read, ask yourself one thing: “Do I have the heart to help others?” By having a heart to help others, I am referring to your willingness to do so. All over, there are people seeking help and assistance. They are in a state of downfall and need someone to lift them up. It’s your helping hand that could potentially do just that. When you help others, it does something good to the heart. When you have a helping heart, it doesn’t take much for you to step in and put your hands to the plow, or, in other words, take care of the things that are needed to be done. When asked to do something, because of the eagerness you possess, you have no problem with helping. You may now be wondering,”
Heart of help Where is he going with this?” Well, I’m glad you asked. When you selflessly do things for others, God recognizes your acts of kindness. It is important to have God recognize the good things you do because later, he will bless. To obtain the things you’ve been wanting, you must first put others in front of you. Try going to God on someone else’s behalf and touching and agreeing that what they want, or need, they will receive. I promise you, once you put others before you and create a selfless mindset, everything will start to fall into place for you. Helping others, whether it be financially, giving advice, or doing them a favor, all equate to the recognition of God. He will reward you for it. Even in your lowest times, when you feel as low as the curb, you still ought to be there for someone else. That’s where the real reward comes in. If you manage to lift someone else up in your season of downturn, you truly have the heart of help. That is exactly what God is looking for. We are reminded to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves…” Philippians 2:3 NIV. As you go on with your everyday life, be aware of the actions you’re making or could be making. Be watchful and make sure that those in your surroundings are in high spirits and aren’t in need of anything. That is how I get by in life. I constantly try to be a blessing to anyone I come in contact with. Most importantly, I do it willingly and eagerly, as should you. Be Blessed.
ARCHI ALEXANDER