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Got Life A newsletter about spiritual enrichment for the Body of Christ
A Monthly Newsletter Knowing The Time
What’s Going On The monthly calendar, birthdays and anniversaries, and Daniel’s Fast resource information. Page 3
An address from the Senior Pastor. Page 2
Words From Our Ministries. Page 5
Having said that,when we look at the American church today, it often bares a very weak resemblance of the early church. I mean be honest, when was the last time you saw a book of Acts miracle? Now days we get excited just because a headache is miraculously gone. But the testimonies of divine miraculous healing of limbs being restored or straightened, cancerous tumors instantaneously dissolving, the lame walking, people who've been pronounced dead being February
Church Information NLTC ministry staff, service information and statement of faith. Page 8
The Lite Side
The Lite Side Christian principles with light touch Page 7
of an hour during the week for Him to prepare us to do in us what needs to be done so that He can do His thing on Sunday.
Changing the Rules...Back Before I begin this article, let me make a disclaimer: I’m so grateful to serve God in the 21st century! We have the ability to present the gospel in ways the apostles or even our 19th century fathers could not imagine.
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raised backed to life, seem so far and in between or fantasies. Are we ok with that? Do we really except that miracles no longer happen in America, because they are happing in other places? I think the answer lies in the way we “do church”. We do church as if it’s laundry, an exam, and for some getting our tooth pulled. It’s something he have to do, but we really don’t want to DO IT.
But here’s what needs to happen. First, we need to allow our minds to be renewed. Secondly, open ourselves up to Him so that He can restore the passion for Him (which encompasses everything). Thirdly, give ourselves as a sacrifice to Him, instead of complaining, and lying about how we are sacrificing for Him. You can’t sacrifice for God, but you can be a sacrifice unto Him. And when we have completely given Him full access, we become vessels meant for the Master’s use.
-Mel A. Perry. Somewhere over the 2000 plus years of existence of the church, the rules have Mel serves as Global Relations Director and changed. God has approximately two and Assistant Pastor of NLTC a half hours to do what needs to be done. And if He’s lucky, we will give an average 1
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Can you believe it is already February? Wow! It seems like it was just a couple of days ago we were talking about how quickly 2010 came and went. And now we are in the second month of 2011. Truly we must be wise with our days if we are to fulfill all that God has planned for us. And there is a great work for us to do! The harvest is plenteous...will you be one of the laborers who will go and work in the Father’s field? I want to take this brief moment to encourage each of us to put our hands to the plow and work the Lord’s harvest.
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Give Honor To Whom Honor Is Due By Bishop Brenda K. Perry
As we observe the month of February, we see there are a few things we can expound on, such as Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, as well as President’s Washington and Lincoln birthday. However, it is most important for me to give tribute to Black History.
For the African American, we salute the pass and present black You know each of us are expecting a great harvest in our life. But if we are not willing to American heros that have contribute first work our Father’s field, why should we to the betterment of all people. This expect Him to give us a personal harvest to celebration is done the whole month reap? of February recognizing and honoring the great and small, the known and Would God be wise in giving us a personal harvest to teal, while His is neglected? I mean unknown. When you study the history that is something to seriously think about. of the Black American you will find Should God bestow upon me a great harvest, we are inventors, whether medicinal which I will have to work in order to reap, if I or material, writers, artists, whatever will not willing work in His? any other nationality has done we I’m reminded of a song that says, “I come to have accomplished as well. you more than I give. Always with my hands out...” I bet that sounds like many Christians. We want God to flood our lives with overflowing blessings, but will yield little unto Him. So as we move swiftly through this new year, let us determine in our hearts and mind to give God our lives as tools and vessels to be used in His Kingdom. Let’s ask Him for less and give Him more...more of us.
Mel A. Perry, Editor In Chief
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There one thing I may be biases about. When it come to music, singing, and dancing whether in the Church or out, we are a people that loves its music. Yes, we have singers, musicians in all areas of music there can be. The history of Black music goes all the way back to slave ships of Africa. We understand during that time song was used for messages to one another; they were also songs of comfort, hope, strength and release from the burrow down soul. There is nothing that can lift the soul of mankind like singing the gospel. Mahalia Jackson was one of those great singers that traveled different parts of the world that could lift soul
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of men and women even if they couldn’t understand the words. Without music and singing in a Black Church is like a book without any writing in it. It has the title but no words. Many times in singing hymns, or songs, they expressed how they felt unto God. God blesses and refreshes the soul of man in praises to Him. I pray that our music would come back to its meaning; it should have a purpose and message in it, whether it is secular or Gospel. continue on page 4
Put Your Trust In the Lord Prov. 3:5-6 By Minister Isaac Bazile
Today, we are always looking for the place to get the right kind of advice. I noticed that on television they just had an unbelievable amount of advertisement for those who would give investment advice. They have the Physic Hotline for those seeking advice for their life. Then they have all kinds of shows that tell you how to garden, and how to sew, and how to cook, and how to do this and that and the other. People are looking for advice. With all of the economic instability in our nation, people are losing their jobs, homes, family, and financial well being, it is very hard to know who we can trust. If we look at our circumstance, it is even difficult to trust in the Lord. The scripture says to trust in the Lord with all your heart, and we should do exactly that. Yet the question remains are we trusting with our whole heart. The second part of the continue on page 4
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Looking Ahead Please mark your calendars for the upcoming events for February & March
FEBRUARY 2 Small group 8 Leadership Prayer 9 Small Group 12 Pastoral Care Nursing Home Visit 14 Valentine’s Day 19 Sunday School Seminar 23 Ministry Bible Study 26 Leadership Prayer & Meeting MARCH 1 - 20 Reliant Rodeo Fundraiser 8 Leadership Prayer 13 Church Anniversary Offering 23 Ministry Bible Study 26 Leadership Prayer & Meeting 27 Rodeo Sunday
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Birthdays & Anniversaries Monthly birthdays and anniversaries of NLTC members. If your birthday is not listed, email the church office.
Feb. 1! !
Brendolyn Adams
Feb. 6! !
Evan Bates
Feb. 7! !
Billy Williams
Feb. 7! !
Nicolette Davila
Feb. 14! !
Deidra Conner
Feb. 14 !!
Lonnie Cardwell
Feb. 20! !
David Bates
Feb. 21! !
Valicia Crayton
Feb. 22! !
Charles Ademolu
Feb. 24! !
Mother Ida Morgan
Feb. 26! !
LaRhonda Daniels
Feb. 28! !
Edna Johnson
Anniversaries Clayton & Denise Bates Feb. 18 Enillor & Esstine Padgitt Feb 28
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Upcoming Winter Events With winter trying to make up its mind, you may be tempted to stay in. But there are some great things happening that is fun and will keep you out of the cold. What a great way to get out and see what your city is all about. If you never get out, you will never know what makes Houston the city it is.
*Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Feb. 4 @ 8pm. South Africa’s premier acappella ensemble at Jones Hall. http:// www.spahouston.org *Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Healthy Heros, Feb. 10 @7pm Reliant Arena. www.ticketmaster.com * Madagascar Live!, Feb. 12- Feb. 13 Bring the family for some exciting family entertainment. Hobby Center http:// www.dancesalad.org * Youth Can Lead, Feb. 19 A spiritual revolution that every parent would want their youth to encounter. http:// wwwyouthcanlead.com or text “ican” to 41441 * Triumph International Women’s Convention - March 3 - March 5 at Triumph Church Sugarland (Stafford). For more information http:// www.triumphsugarland.com * The Tale of Two Brothers – March 18, A play produced by Channel Gilbert for Choose Life Productions, at the Humble Civic Center. For tickets visit http:// chooselifepublications.com/
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Honor from page 2
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be the next President of the United State, or the inventor that bring about a The Word of God commands us to cure for cancer, or receiving the Noble Peace Prize. sing praise unto our God; God truly inhabits the praise of His people. As we read in the last Psalms 150, “Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament!” Trust from page 2 And last verse of commands all, “Let scripture says “lean not to your everything that has breath praise the own understanding; acknowledge him, Lord. Praise the Lord!” It is stated that and he shall direct thy path. Many President Lincoln freed the slaves and times during our walk we face that partially true, yet their soul was situations and circumstances that we still bound by sins. But Jesus came to truly do not understand, but in our set us truly free of any and all slavery. spirit we know that the Lord is “Whom the son of man set free is free directing the whole plan. In our flesh we can’t make any sense of what is in deed.” So the song of voiced not happening, and we begin to doubt if only sorrow but of praise. When we lift up our voice to sing unto God they the Lord will help us. Even our currency says “In God We Trust”, but should be songs that will express do we really trust him? We are living thanksgiving, love, joy and peace in in a time when all the news magazines Him. Acknowledge the King of Kings and all the reporters have emphasized and Lord of Lords in worship and again and again that people in praises. America don't trust anybody anymore. Music can cross over every culture Even the most trusted people in America. The two most trusted and nationality barrier. Even when professions are pastors and you were not allow in the front door, pharmacists. But I want to tell you so how black music was still on their that you can't even trust them all the stages, performing. Black music has time. So, who can you trust? performed upon the greatest of stages, The first thing we must understand to the greatest of people. I thank God is that we must develop a trusting how our music and singing performing has help in opening doors nature. To develop a trusting nature of opportunities. The Bible state your is to cultivate sunshine. Trust is confidence in God's character. To gifts will have you stand before trust is to feed on God's faithfulness. meaningful people. May I say to our Elsewhere this same word is young African American people, stand translated "careless". Thus, "Be strong in the Lord, and uphold truth careless in the Lord." When we and righteousness. Acknowledge God become careless in the Lord we know in all your ways and He will direct that no matter what happens that the your past. You never know if you may Lord is faithful and he will direct your 4
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path. TRUST GOD! Just those two words, with a big exclamation point after them. Trust God! Trust God! Oh, wherever you are and whatever your condition, turn with all your heart's trust unto God and to His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Employees don't trust employers. Customers don't trust businesses. Nobody trusts the government anymore. People certainly don't trust lawyers. So who can you trust? Trust God to supply your physical needs. God knows our physical needs. Some people believe they ought not to ask God to give them food and clothing and shelter. But God's Word says, "My God shall supply all your needs." That includes physical needs as well as spiritual needs. Trust God to supply your financial needs. HE knows our financial needs also. Just as some people believe they ought not ask God to help them with their financial needs, we must remember it all belongs to him. He is trusting us to be good stewards of what he has allowed us to have. The best advice you can get is from the Word of God. Well, the writer of Proverbs tells us, and gives us advice, about where you can trust, one hundred percent of the time for one hundred percent of the needs in your life. Trust in the Lord.
Minister Isaac J. Bazile serves as Director of Men of the Tower at NLTC
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New Life Temple Ministries Words from our ministries
Outreach Ministry
his words (v. 27). It is no small matter when we open our mouth. When our words are right, they can be a powerful force for good. But when they are wrong, they work like deadly venom. Instead of being helpful, You Said What? they are destructive. Rather than building up "Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; cause me to understand wherein I have our friends, our words can tear them down. erred.” (Job 6:24) Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death Have you ever actually thought and life are in the power of the about the power of the words that tongue, and those who love it will we speak? Words have the eat its fruits. “ So we can see that the potential to kill relationships, Word of God is saying that our paralyze love, poison minds, speech is tremendously important, destroy faith, stain purity and powerful and significant. So much deface reputations. so that our words are a matter of life And once spoken, words are like and death. toothpaste. Once toothpaste is Words which are widely spoken out of the tube, there is can be a source of life, comfort, no return to the tube. and healing. These Proverbs Job recognized s d remind us of the power of the wor the capability of s d spoken word to do good or r Wo words to destroy s evil to others Word when he S D •The mouth of the R WO exclaimed to righteous is a fountain of his friends, life, but the mouth of the "How forceful are right wicked conceals violence words!" After bearing up (Proverbs 10:11). under the onslaught of Eliphaz the • With his mouth the godless Temanite (Job 4:1-5:27), he was man destroys his neighbor, but brought to the point of frustration. through knowledge the righteous Instead of helping, his well-meaning will be delivered (Proverbs 11:9). companion only • By the blessing of the upright a served to undermine his friend with city is exalted, but by the mouth of February
the wicked it is torn down (Proverbs 11:11). •There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18). •Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad (Proverbs 12:25). • A truthful witness saves lives, but he who speaks lies is treacherous (Proverbs 14:25). • A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but perversion in it crushes the spirit (Proverbs 15:4). The only sure way to accomplish this is to be sensitive to God's Spirit. Seek His guidance before you express yourself. Ask God to set a guard over your mouth to keep you from saying the wrong thing (Ps. 141:3). As the saying goes, “If you can’t say something good……….” We all know the rest. Elder Edna Johnson, Outreach Ministry
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STAY CONNECTED
It’s Time To Celebrate! New Life Temple Church
NLTC - For members NLTCNews - For non-members
NLTC Got Life
April 24 - May 1 Guest Speakers Include: The NLTC
Dr. Robbi Warren of Baltimore, MD Pastor Tanya Brown of Alton, IL And more
Guest Writers Wanted If you would like to share a thought or an article with our readers, we invite you to contact us at global_relations@newliftemplechurch.com or 713-991-5972 for more information.
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For more information visit: New Life Temple Church on Facebook or for picnic tickets go to http:// newlifetemplechurch.eventbrite.com
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When we got into my mum’s car, she asked how was I getting it home. My reply, “I’ll call Bobby.”
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left turn back onto Almeda Genoa from the side street. Once again jerking and rolling, jerking and stalling, jerking, jerking and more jerking. All the while my mum was saying, “Just take your time”. To myself I said, “I’m going to take my time, get out of this car, and let someone else drives back to the church! “
Yep, you guessed it! I couldn’t drive a stick. I had only driven one once in my live, and very successful I might add. So my confidence level was very high. But not high enough to let the dealership know I couldn’t drive the thing off the lot. We did manage to make it back to the Being a person who loves before dark. But it was an adventurous On the drive to the church office, Bobby to laugh, and it doesn’t take much, I ride, and not because of the terrain either. gave me all the rules and guidelines of found myself really laughing out loud. driving an SUV or tuck. “Dud, I used to I don’t recall if I or my mum drove the But I do that all the time...yea, I have drive a truck!” Jeep home that night. But the next moments all the time. I’ve learned that morning she drove it to the church laughter really is the best medicine and When we arrived at the church I was just because she wanted me to be on time for an aging cure. Shhh! Here’s a little secret. waiting to show off my new rugged ride. a funeral. We both knew I would not have I’ve awaken myself laughing. Yep, but Even though no one was sure I could made it on time. that’s between you and I. actually drive it, I was still proud. That night, however, I was on my own. And as I type this I’m about to laugh just I couldn’t wait until Bobby left so I could Being that it was fall the sky was very thinking about it. get in the Jeep and drive...around the dark. I don’t think I ever noticed how church’s parking lot. I mean I had to start dark Almeda Genoa is at night. I said a But as my Jeep climbed over the slow, right. overpass, I begin to think about when I quick prayer, put my feet to the clutch brought that little blue baby home. and gas respectively. Jerking and WRONG!!!! WOW! the memories. I wonder if I’ll even screeching, I went on my way. It was by get through this article without hitting My mum decided that everyone - her. Sis. no means a smooth ride, but eventually I the floor thinking about it. Chambers and myself- needed made it home. to take a ride. NO! NO! Its starts like this. I’ve loved You know, many of our lives resemble my NO! Jeeps since forever. And when experience. You see, I saw something I my mum made me get a new I tried to get out of it, too wanted. Because I could have it, I got it. car...yep I said made her no avail. Of course Sis. But I was not prepared for it. So once I grown daughter get rid of a Chambers was no help. got it, I really didn’t know what to do gas saver, I said I want a with it. With other people’s lives in my With all smiles, oh that car that I really want. I’m hand I placed them in danger because of would soon change, she not my mother’s child...I don’t my lack of experience. I could have climbed in the back seat, need a new car until the old one breaks totally ruined my clutch. while my mum confidently got into the down, falls apart and the wheels roll front. If you want to learn how to drive, How many people “go” just because they down the street in separate directions. my mum is the best relaxed teacher there feel a call, but because they are ill So we went to several Jeep dealerships to is. But today I was not trying to learn. equipped, become a spiritual danger to find the right one. My goodness, no one Rather I was supposed to be showing off! others? How many Christians are pushed told me that a basic Jeep was so into areas of service, but lack the maturity expensive. I mean it’s only half a vehicle. I looked back at Sis. Chambers and to understand the gravity of the ministry suggested that she buckle up. Oh, yea it So to cut the cost, I decided to get a work? was about to be a bumpy ride. manual Jeep Wrangler, yea baby! How many youth are “sent out” into the Let’s just say it took me about 5 minutes So on that sunny October day, 2002, we world, but never really took the time to to pull out of the church’s driveway. And walked into the dealership to sign the know God, and know their lives are by now the smile was all gone from Sis. papers. I had done all the other stuff nothing more than a jerking Jeep trying to Chambers’ face. The new look was online and over the phone. The guy took get down the road? PRICELESS! me out to look at the Jeep, I said “yep”. Before you take the wheel, get into the We told them to add a few things and Once out of the driveway, the ride was book, spend time with the author and let told them we would be back on Monday pretty good until it was time make that Him teach you how to drive. to pick it up. y ing M “Jerk ” . Way..
February
The other day as I was driving into work I had a “moment”.
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The purpose of New Life Temple Church is to instill the faith of Jesus Christ into the lives of all people, bringing them into spiritual perfection with a spirit of excellence.
Weekly Service Schedule
NLTC Ministry Leaders
Bishop Brenda K. Perry, Senior Pastor pastor@newlifetemplechurch.com
Sunday Sunday School! !
Pastor Steve Stephens, Associate Pastor Sunday Worship ! sstep72508@sbcglobal.net
Pastor Elmer Powell, Associate Pastor elmerpowell@sbcglobal.net
Donna Ross-Powell, Administrator
Statement of Faith
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9:00am
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10:00am
Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study!
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7:30pm
Young People On Fire! !
7:30pm
donna.ross@newlifetemplechurch.com
Karen Watson, Financial Manager
Thursday
Mel A. Perry, Global Relations Director
Music Ministry! !
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7:30pm
global_relations@newlifetemplechurch.com
Deacons Roy & Veronica Seivwright, Head Deacons rs5587@att.com Pastor Elmer & Cathy Powell, Marriage Min. elmerpowell@sbcglobal.net Minister Isaac Bazile, Men of the Tower lawfalcon@aol.com
Saturday!
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Intercessory Prayer!
9:00am
*Senior Connection Monday - Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm for all seniors 60+
dmstep2003@yahoo.com
We believe in being born again of waterby immersion in the name of the Lord “Jesus� Christ for the remission of sins, and in Spirit baptism of the Holy Ghost speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
We believe in presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.
Pastor Raymond & Capricious Wright, Young People On Fire raymondwright24@yahoo.com
Elder Edna Johnson, Outreach ednajohn60@yahoo.com
We believe that - in Him (Jesus) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell.
We believe in divine healing, communion and foot washing.
Donna Stephens, Ladies of the Light
Towanna Thompson, Perfecting Light Ministry towanna10@sbcglobal.net
We believe this one true God, who revealed Himself as Father in Creation, as Son in redemption, and as Holy Ghost in regeneration.
We believe in the death, burial and resurrection.
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We believe in one eternal God; infinite in power, holy in nature, attributes and purpose, as well as omniscient and omnipresent.
New Life Temple Church 4828 Almeda Genoa Houston, TX 77048
We believe in expressions of praise with lifted hands, hand clapping, playing of musical instruments, voice of praise and dancing.
713.991.5972 www.newlifetemplechurch.com
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