Volume 3 March-April 2011
An Eagles Attitude
Lay Aside
Every Weight
Enduring
Hard Places
Destined to Fly
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FLIGHT CREW E. Claudette Freeman Roenilla Sermons
Lawanda Scott Deborah L. Jones
Arlice Larkin
Cheryl E. McKnight
Carol Williams
Craig Stafford
DESTINATION From the Publisher E. Claudette Freeman
9
Prayer
11
Destined to Fly
14
Dare to Believe
20
Lay Aside Every Weight
23
Enduring in Hard Places
26
An Eagles Attitude
29
Forum Success is Intentional not Incidental
33 36
LaWanda Scott, Editor-in-Chief E. Claudette Freeman LaWanda Scott Arlice Larkin
Carol Williams
Prophetess Roenilla Sermons
Craig Stafford
Flighty or Soaring
38
You are Fully Prepared
41
Let’s Talk…
44
Dr. Deborah L. Jones-Allen, PhD Cheryl E. Knight
SPIRIT RISING MAGAZINE is a bi-monthly publication designed to help readers live with strong and certain Biblical strategies as their guide. The magazine’s focus is to give very practical and applicable information on living in and through the Word of God. This is done through detailed per issue topic exploration. Topics relate to matters which directly affect a reader’s ability to live a fuller, more focused, more determined and purposed life. The subject matter discussed will be covered and explored through various angles.
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief LaWanda Scott Associate Editor Gloria Rodriguez Customer Service Brittney Smith Jean Washing
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Contributing Writers Arlice Larkin Carol Williams Roenilla Sermons Craig Stafford Deborah L. Jones-Allen PhD Cheryl E. Knight Creative Director E. Chantaye Watson Graphic Design Jenette Sityar Legal Counsel Vernita C. Williams, Esq. SPIRIT RISING MAGAZINE is published by Pecan Tree Publishing, www.pecantreepress.com, Hollywood, Fl 33020. Pecan Tree Publishing chose to present the publication in the online format to shatter the readership restrictions on some print publications. While there will be no subscription rate for the online edition, allowing free and continual access to issues; the publication may also be ordered in a print-on-demand basis for a nominal charge. For submission or editorial guidelines, as well as questions, comments or general feedback please email: spiritrisingmag@pecantreepress.com. For advertising inquiries, please email: solutions@ pecantreepress.com. Our office hours are Monday – Friday, 10a-2p. For inquiries not listed here, please call 877-207-2442.
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S P I R I T R I S I N G |7
8| SPIRIT RISING
From the Publisher
Well Hello‌. This is a wonderfully exciting time for me as the steward assigned to Pecan Tree Publishing. I am always invigorated when a new project takes flight, and as a publisher specifically working with authors who have decided to self-publish; I am blessed to see birth happen often. Perhaps the only thing that rivals that excitement for me is seeing another issue of one of our family of digital magazines unfold. Spirit Rising is approaching its one year anniversary and our growth has been more than I ever anticipated. Wonderfully, God has assigned two new powerful women in love with Him and determined to live according to His precepts to help mature this publication. Some of you met the new Editor-in-Chief, Lawanda Scott last issue as the face and voice of the opening prayer. Joining her in nurturing our middle child is Associate Editor, Gloria Rodriguez. I am honored to introduce them to you and I am honored that God would choose Spirit Rising Magazine to stretch them and challenge you. They are both doing, what I pray you will do after embracing this issue – taking flight and soaring! May the blessings of our Lord knock you down and take you over.
E. Claudette Freeman
Publisher
S P I R I T R I S I N G |9
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
10| SPIRIT RISING
Prayer Father we acknowledge you as the creator of all things knowing that when you created man, you placed in him Your very essence. We are thankful for the divinity you have imparted in us which prepares us for our destiny. Lord we pray for the wisdom and courage to work through our fears and walk in our purpose. Although we fall short and are distracted by our mistakes and our doubts, we are thankful that your grace gives opportunities to rise, take flight and soar. We recognize, seize and set in motion our God given strength and faith that propels us to pursue the dreams you’ve already placed in us.
Personal Lord today I recognize and believe you have fully equipped me with the ability to pursue my dreams. While I know there is no promise that the journey will be easy; You have promised a plan that leads to abundant life and your continued presence on my journey.
LaWanda Scott
Editor-in-Chief
S P I R I T R I S I N G |11
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1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV) However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived,� the things that God has prepared for those who love him.
S P I R I T R I S I N G |13
Fly
Destined to E. Claudette Freeman
14| SPIRIT RISING
I
n the summer of 2010, I was blessed with an opportunity to facilitate a writing workshop at the East Point, Georgia library. While having a great time, I had the opportunity to reconnect with a friend I had not seen in years. When she took me to the airport, I was so focused on the fact that I had everything I needed with me that I hadn’t checked for any flight changes. When I approached the gate listed on the boarding pass, I was told the flight to Ft. Lauderdale had been moved to the other side of Hartsfield airport. As I headed to the new gate, I ran into a woman I had just met and told her our flight had been changed. We decided to put our names on standby after realizing we were not going to make the new flight and customer service said they would not hold it. She paused and said her kids live close to the airport and she thought it best to just call them and have them come back. For some reason I stepped into what was not my decision and convinced her to do otherwise. Long story short, she got on the next flight and I ended up spending the night in a deserted airport. I did not fly out until the next morning. Unlike her, everyone I knew in the area lived at least 50 miles from the airport and I couldn’t see having them pick me up at close to midnight, only to bring me back at 5am. Fast forward to about a month after that incident, I encountered a succession of dreams. In the first, a
younger woman and I were to catch a plane. We realized that we were going to be rushed to get to the airport. I panicked; but she said to me, “My father has already taken care of all our stuff there.” In an instant, we were at the airport and could hear announcements urging us to get to our gate.
again - Gate 7, but was told my flight was not there. I had to get to Gate 17. As I turned around to run there, there was an airport worker driving other people to another gate and I jumped aboard to get to Gate 17 which was literally right next to the gate where I was standing, however I did not notice it until I got off the cart. I approached the ticket counter and said, “You’ve been paging me, I guess I was in the wrong place.” She said, “What is your name?” I said, “You have been paging Claudette Freeman, but as you see from my ID, my first name is really Emily.” She smiled, “Oh no problem, the flight hasn’t left yet, I’m sure it is still on the runway, but we will have to get you on board another way.”
We ran through one door and a woman said, “You can’t go through there you are too late.” The young woman and I suddenly were separated and I found myself back at an entrance. The announcements for my name began again, “Passenger Claudette Freeman please report to your gate immediately for your flight.” I tried to go through the gate
She and I walked to the runway and she turned to me and said, “Just wait a moment, the pilot is going to move forward a little and then you can board.” She then looked at me very calmly, smiled and said, “You know this flight would have waited for you without you rushing to get here. All you had to do was call.” I looked at her and thought that doesn’t make sense, why would the flight wait for me and why didn’t I get on the flight at the first gate? In the second of my airport dreams, I was with a cousin. We were walking towards the gates when a woman pages my name, Emily Freeman report to gate 17 for boarding. This time, I walked towards the gate
S P I R I T R I S I N G |15
and in this process I again got separated from my companion. I asked the girl at the counter was I supposed to be at gate 17- she said, “Yes ma’am.” I said, “But the woman I’m traveling with, this isn’t her gate?” She said, “No, this point is for gate 16 and gate 17 travelers only.” I walked through Gate 17 headed for the plane. I was alone in the third airport dream. This time when handling my ticket, I actually looked at it realizing it was some type of all or special access pass. When I approached the counter, I was told my connecting flight would not leave until 9pm. I asked if there was a direct flight to Ft. Lauderdale, and learned that one would leave at 6:35pm. I decided to take the earlier flight; but was told
that my all access pass could not be used for it. After conversing with her supervisor, there was a change, and I was told the pass would in fact work for any flight of my choosing. Apparently, the agent had checked my pass from a general information page and not on the main system page. I took my all access pass, expressed my thanks and walked towards the gate. God taught me some very crucial and challenging things for those destined to do more than average in these dreams: First, when God is shifting, moving, preparing you for takeoff you need to learn to mind your own business. We often get so focused on making sure everyone is where we want them to be and how we want them to be, that we move ourselves out of God’s way and plan.
Second, check the ticket in your hand. There is a reason you are flying out of a different gate than others around you, even those that you have cried with, prayed with, and relied on have different gate numbers. Where you are going is predestined for you not them. Know that it is okay to allow them to take their appointed flight without you as well. Third, don’t get comfortable in what you know. I prepared in advance, I had no bags to check and had already printed my boarding pass. Yet, it never occurred to me to check for flight changes – I was comfortable in the knowledge that I had taken care of everything; yet my flight plans were altered and delayed. Fourth, in the season preceding a dimensional shift, don’t readily accept the first report or answer you receive, instead take it before the Father; perhaps the initial response came from general information and not the divine main source. Fifth, pay attention to where you are in God’s process, what God has for you could potentially be closer than you think. Then God illuminated two key things in these dreams for me: (1) The tickets (or passes) in my hand on each of these flights, gave me access to flights that would not leave without me. Whether you travel inadvertently or deliberately away from His assignment, know this Jonah, His Will shall absolutely be done in your life and His purpose will absolutely manifest in you when it is ordained for you.
16| SPIRIT RISING
(2) The other key thing, that brought me to tears, is even with all of the access, and assurance shown to me in each of these dreams and in God’s word– I never actually saw myself take off on either of those flights, and it was not God delaying or denying it was me. Not boarding those flights came from a place of not trusting the greatness and gifting that God has placed in me. Nor did I trust the spiritual knowledge that the delicately rough season of preparation and pruning I was being blessed to learn from - was actually going to lead to something amazing as promised in The Word. I, in the midst of one thing after another, diverted my focus from Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I was comfortable and conditioned with simply going to the next level;
when God is a God of dimensions, realms and territories. My faith in the God in me, said, ‘oh you can handle walking through the gate – but you’re not ready to take flight.’ In hindsight, I realized that when I stepped away from my long career in radio, by faith in 2007, (3 years before these dreams); I stepped into my gate or talent (writing)– but God called me to move into my gifting or dimension - counseling and helping others birth their vision. I, however, thought ‘He can’t be calling me.’ Yet prophetic word after prophetic word confirmed it and finally, I got the picture. That picture is wonderfully painted in First John 4, verse 15, “Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.” The dwelling power of God in me, is my all access pass to what He has already prepared and purposed for my life. I have to trust the indwelling and board the flight.
When I was a young girl, actress Sally Field played the role of The Flying Nun in a television show with the same name; no matter the challenge, this nun would simply take flight towards a potential solution. Are you bold enough to simply take flight believing that God is truly the wind beneath your wings? Can you be confident in knowing that the Master Pilot has a flight plan just for you? And that He is able to send angels in various forms to accompany you to your destination? Can you trust the God in you enough to finally realize just how powerful it is to have all access in your hand; and step into a new yet unfamiliar dimension and board your flight? Can you really grasp and embrace Isaiah 40:31 as the living power for your life: “But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Your flight attendants are waiting – are you ready to fly?
S P I R I T R I S I N G |17
Baggage nal Perso Fears
ment
urage
Disco
ance
Arrog kes
Mista
ss
Lazine Poor ions Decis listic
Unrea
tist Defea e attitud
ce
edien
Disob
f Lack o Faith
urity
Insec
f Lack o Vision
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Psalms 37:23-24 (NIV) If the Lord delights in a man’s way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.
S P I R I T R I S I N G |19
20| SPIRIT RISING
Dare to Believe LaWanda S. Scott
W
hy do some people succeed and others don’t? Are some born to succeed while others fail? Is it luck or being in the right place at the right time or being born to the right parents? Success is defined by the one who achieves it. For some it’s a happy marriage with two kids and a dog, for some fame and fortune, for others completing college and getting a dream job. The list is endless. What’s important here, is understanding that you determine what success means for you. Success starts with how and what you think. It has a direct correlation to what you believe you are capable of accomplishing. “There is a difference between wishing for a thing and being ready to receive it. No one is ready for a thing until he believes he can acquire it. The state of mind must be belief, not mere hope or wish. Open-mindedness is essential for belief. Closed minds do not inspire faith, courage or belief.” Napolean Hill. One must first master this concept before they begin any endeavor. How you feel about your ability to achieve success is a key factor in its accomplishment. Successful living starts with successful thinking. Many people are challenged when it comes to achieving their heartfelt dreams. They consider themselves inadequately equipped, lacking in skills and knowledge to get it done. The challenge is changing your perspective on your ability to achieve it. Most of us are stagnate due to fear. Fear is the number one enemy of success! Fear has a crippling effect that causes you to abandon your desire to achieve your goals. The fear of what could go wrong is what paralyzes your efforts. Fear of failure has an adverse affect on how you
think. If you flood your thoughts with all of the possible things that could go wrong what then would motivate you to action. If you want to succeed at anything you endeavor to do in this life you have to rid yourself of this notion of fear. Mistakes are to be expected. Things will not always go according to plan. You deal with fear by taking action. Moving in the direction of your goal in spite of the what if’s. When you do so, remember that mishaps and temporary defeats along the way are just that temporary. Changing how you think and getting past your fears is only part of the success equation. Planning to do well at anything requires just that, a well thought out plan. Another significant reason why many of us fall short of achieving our goals is because we don’t devote enough time to planning. We plan for everything else, vacations, which schools the kids will attend, who will pick them up, what will I wear to work, which days to go to the gym. It’s a list that grows with each day and new circumstance. Just as certain as there is a need to plan for you and your family, it is equally important to give adequate attention and concern to planning that dream goal. When we fail to plan we set ourselves up for failure, which then causes discouragement. A well thought out plan includes that basic what, when, where and how. Consider sharing your plan with a friend for the purposes holding you accountable to the goals you’ve written. While you cannot plan for everything that may happen, it is far more beneficial to be mentally prepared for the challenges that may arise after giving forethought on how to handle them.
S P I R I T R I S I N G |21
Lastly, your dreams require a sufficient amount of attention. You cannot expect to be successful at anything you don’t give time and attention to. How often have you made a list of resolutions, and viewed it but a few times, if at all throughout the year. You must devote time and energy to your goals if you expect to get them accomplished. How can one aspire to be a great basketball player and never practice? Again it is not only easy, but common to move through the week completing routine tasks in your life. However change requires change! A change in your attitude, change in your commitment, change in your actions, and change in how you spend your time. Your goals require your attention. They too need to be nurtured. Take the time to look at them regularly. Make an appointment to invest time in you. Set a goal to accomplish a goal a week, a month, assigning target dates. Your dreams require attention! Successful living requires successful thinking and you should be thinking about what you desire to achieve daily. Start with changing how you think. Read books that help inspire and encourage positive thinking. Surround yourself with people who have positive attitudes. Your thoughts should inspire action. Make a decision to move past your fears. Create a plan of action for that which you dream to accomplish and stick to it! Find an accountability partner and be consistent. Accept that you will have set backs. Use the lessons you learn from them as food for your journey. You define what success if for you. Make the most of your life however you define it.
LaWanda S. Scott is an authentic woman of God whose aim is to love nurture and empower others while experiencing abundance in every area of her life. A native of South Florida, Ms. Scott has worked for Miami-Dade County for more than 18 years. She is a determined and ambitious woman who earned her Bachelors degree in Sociology from Florida State University and a Master’s degree in Management and Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. She concedes many of her accomplishments are directly attributed to the use of the mastermind technique, including the launch of Young Money Management, Inc. in 2008, a business that provides financial literacy for today’s youth. More recently, she has become the Editor in Chief of a nationally published Christian magazine, Spirit Rising which provides guiding principles on Christian living. Ms. Scott strives to walk in the full manifestation of God’s purpose while embracing the promises of God daily. 22| SPIRIT RISING
Lay Aside Every Weight Arlice Larkin
R
ecently I was sharing with a friend and sister in Christ how I had been feeling physically, emotionally and spiritually stagnant. I was discouraged about my struggles to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle, concerned about family and church issues, just feeling overwhelmed. I explained to her that although I had prayed and fasted, I seemly remained stuck in the
same place. As I shared my concerns, her response was, “Lay aside every weight.� She told me that as I spoke to her, those words immediately popped into her spirit. Almost simultaneously, a strong feeling of conviction came over me and tears filled my eyes. Her thoughtprovoking statement led me to the conclusion that I was in need of a life shifting change.
S P I R I T R I S I N G |23
My friend did not just rattle off some fortune cookie mantra or grab hold of the morning’s daily horoscope; she had spoken the Word of God. She delivered one of God’s directives to His people. That being said, it prompted a sense of urgency in me to reread Hebrews 12:1 KJV. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” This was a moment of reflection and revelation.
I can honestly, yet shamefully say that I lost focus and took my eyes off Jesus, and my soul was carrying dead weight that was pulling me down and holding me back. The stagnant place I most recently found myself in was related to unreleased emotional and spiritual baggage that I should have discarded long ago. Fortunately, through the obedience of my friend, God was able to get my attention and direct me to a specific word that would begin my journey to freedom. Freedom I had already received through salvation, but had yet to fully claim.
I realized that the stagnant feeling or shall I say the weighted down feeling that I was experiencing was simply me, allowing the cares of the world to seep in again, and become hindrances. You see, I had been here before. A few years back as I was going through a trying time, the Lord told me to be still and know that He is God. Instead, because of my lack of patience and complete faith in God, I reacted carnally to my circumstances which caused me to become complacent and inconsistent in my walk, work, and even my worship. So much so, that I had been operating under a spirit of discouragement that further opened the door to unrest.
Jesus said “these things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world’’ (John 16:33). Jesus overcame the world and all of its worldly issues, for all who choose to believe. There is no need for me or you to attempt to do it again. We must exercise our faith and trust that God is working all things out for good, because He knows we love Him (Romans 8:28 (KVJ). We need to identify every person, place, thing, thought, action, and attitude or fear that is depleting our physical, emotional and spiritual energy or keeping us from living productively, purposely and prosperously. We must keep our eyes on Jesus and allow Him to completely deliver us in all areas of our life.
The witnesses that the scripture refers to are some of the patriarchs of the Old Testament in Hebrews 11, who by faith endured difficulties and even though they had no idea how it would turn out, they by faith and through faith, trusted God. In verse 2 of Hebrews 12, it tells the believer to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (KJV). The Message translation explains it best, “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed,—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way.” The cross, shame, whatever and now he is there in the place of honor, right alongside God.” I dare not end this translation without sharing verse 3. “When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!”
I am fervently encouraged by faith to lay aside every weight that has been or will attempt to hinder me. In addition to prayer and daily devotion, I personally find journaling to be most therapeutic. It a great way to get all my thoughts out, analyze them and boldly ask God for direction or deliverance. I have also added physical exercise to my routine because it works to release both externally and internally. If not journaling or exercise; maybe you would prefer sharing with a close friend or loved one; reading or listening to inspirational books, or seeking spiritual counseling. Whatever positive influence it takes for you to lay aside life’s hindrances, I implore you to do so. I have found that in doing so, I am able to find daily renewed strength and restored joy as I rest in the arms of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Come unto me all who are burdened and heavy laden and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).
Arlice Larkin is an Administrative Secretary currently seeking a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism. She is a wife, mother of 3 and grandmother of 2. She is a true believer of God the Father, the Son (Christ Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. She truly desire to use this writing platform to encourage, edify, inspire, uplift, testify and pray for others, while giving God the glory for the great things he has done, is doing and will do for her, in her and through her.
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Galatians 5:1(KJV) “Stand fast therefore in the liberty where with Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.�
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Carol Williams
Enduring in Hard 26| SPIRIT RISING
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t is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord; to declare His loving kindness in the morning and His faithfulness by night. I am going to be thankful in the good times and in the bad times because the Lord is good and He is good all the time. As we begin a new year, be encouraged not to run from the hard places. I will be honest with you, I have been in some hard places, however, the Lord has been the sustainer and the keeper of my mind. Galatians 5:1(KJV) states, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty where with Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” What is a hard place? A hard place is one where you have no idea how you got there or how you’re going to get out. It is a place where everything seems to be out of order or malfunctioning. You feel restrained and you’re having financial difficulties. The hard place has purpose. Yes - purpose. You’re asking, “What purpose is there in a hard place?” Let me offer a few suggestions:
Places
• The Lord is trying to show you that He is your source • The Lord is trying to build Godly character • The Lord is preparing you for something great It is important to understand that the hard place is part of the process. The Bible says in Psalms 34:19(KJV) - “Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivered them out of them all.” This particular verse doesn’t say when but it does say the Lord will deliver them out of them all. You have to rely on God’s ability to perform that which He speaks. Let me encourage someone reading. Not only are you in a hard place but you
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are beginning to go back to familiarity. Remember the word says, “stand fast therefore in the liberty where with Christ hath made you free.” If you have accepted the Lord as your personal Savior and asked Him to deliver you from habits that have kept you bound, it’s time for you to accept and walk in your freedom. It is time for you to stop running from the hard places and going back to your comfort zones. The Lord has delivered you from drinking and you haven’t had a drink in six months. Don’t go back because of the hard place. If you haven’t fornicated in six months, don’t go back because of the hard places you’re in. Instead, encourage yourself with a scripture, get on your knees and pray, and get an “in spite of” praise. The Lord will give you strength to endure the hard places and the enemy will be confused because of your steadfastness.
The hard place is only making your stronger. I understand you may want to run, however God is calling you to endure the hard place. Jesus himself had to endure the hard place. Just think about where you would be if Jesus hadn’t endured the hard place. Jesus went to the cross. Truly, the cross was a hard place. It was a place where He knew He would die. He endured the cross for you and I. Jesus could have come down from the cross; yet He endured it so that you and I could live. However uncomfortable the hard place is, you have to endure it. The hard place requires that we put on the armor of God daily. Ephesians 6:11 KJV reads, “put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” The devil’s plan is for us to fall in the midst of the hard place. However, I speak even now to every plan and trap of the enemy that would cause you not to endure the hard place. You have the ability to soar even in the hard place.
After putting on the whole armor of God is it important to realize that God has given us weapons to fight against the enemy. This hard place is going to require not running but fighting using your spiritual weapons. Second Corinthians 10:4 (KJV) states,” For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” There are a number of weapons in the Word of God: prayer, fasting, praise/worship and the Word of God. The Word of God is so powerful that Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and shaper than any two-edged sword, piercing even the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” The word of God is so powerful that you as a believer have the same ability to speak it in the hard place to give you strength to endure and power to overcome. Jesus says in Matthew 4:4(KJV) “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Since God himself has the word coming out of His mouth, then the word of God should come out of His created being as well. The hard place is a set up for your blessing. The only thing the Lord is asking you to do is to not run from it. After this place you will soar. Tell yourself daily, “I will endure this hard place because in just a little while I am going to soar.
Elder Carol Williams has been called to minister with a spirit of compassion to those who are hurting, dealing with low self-esteem, and rejection. Elder Williams serves at Kingdom Worship Center in Townson, MD under the wonderful leadership of Bishop Ralph L. Dennis and Lady Deborah Dennis. Elder Williams is the author of a monthly devotional entitled “You Are Somebody Seed of the Month.” Feel free to reach her at: Youaresomebody2004@hotmail.com.
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An
Eagles
Roenilla Sermons
Attitude
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here are times when life leaves you spiritually exhausted as if you’ve finished a “Mental Olympics.” Life with all its ups and downs, unpredictable, undesirable and often time turbulent situations knocks the wind out of you and brings you to bended knees. It was while on bended knees that my strength was renewed. I received a second wind, with prayer, God’s word, meditation, and the power of the imagination. This brought me to a higher consciousness of who I am in God. I realized that God was getting me ready, positioning me and preparing me for a takeoff inspired by eagles.
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An Eagle’s Flight The eagle will allow the wind to get beneath their wings causing them to glide effortlessly across the skies. Like the eagle, trust God to be the wind beneath your wings trust Him to carry you through the wind and the rain; with God as your guide a safe landing is guaranteed. Eagles fly fearlessly in any kind of weather. Because of this, they are known to be storm lovers. In the midst of a storm the eagle will take flight not allowing the weather conditions to stop them. When life storms come your way the spirit man on the inside will not be hindered by negativity on the outside. Storms come to pass, they don’t come to stay, and the SON will shine and you will see brighter days. Eagles fly close to the sun without getting scorched just to sun bathe in the warmth. God’s people should get as close as we can to the Son allowing the glory of being in His presence to shine through us and upon us.
An Eagle’s Vision Eagles are known as sky hunters with sharp vision and are totally focused on what they are seeking. The higher they fly the smaller worldly things begin to look. The same principles should apply when we are in the spirit. Eagles will scout out many places; however, they will never find their permanent home until they find the highest and safest place. Keep your spiritual eyes open and zoom in on your destiny and don’t be distracted or discouraged. Refuse to stay in the valley. Lift your wings and soar!
Roenilla Sermons is a woman called by God to minister in an unconventional manner. She is a licensed minister, an anointed preacher, teacher and motivator, who ministers at churches, conferences, health fairs, on radio, television, and at various community events. She has been recognized in a business publication and honored by law enforcement for her dedication and service. Through her, the Lord has made provision for a new kingdom assignment entitled T.T.E.O.G. (Through the Eyes of God), a ministry in motion, a ministry “MOVING FORWARD.”
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Isaiah 48:3 NIV “I foretold the former things long ago, my mouth announced them and I made them known; then suddenly I acted, and they came to pass.�
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Vision
Forum What do you say about this whole matter of taking flight and soaring? Why do you believe we don’t and what advice or encouragement would you offer to those who are stagnant. Our own insecurities and low self esteem keep us from soaring. We may know that we have different talents but still not move on them. I know that my low self esteem held me back for many years. God has given each and every one of us something that we can do better than the next person. We must find it and put it to use. Tracie Loveless-Hill, Waterloo, Iowa One of the most common things I believe keep most people from embracing the power of God and soaring toward and operating in purpose is fear. The second is lack of faith which goes hand-in-hand with fear. It is out of order for a believer to fear because the word of God tells us that He did not give us the spirit of fear in 2 Timothy 1:7, but of power, love and a sound mind. I would encourage believers who aren’t operating in their purpose out of fear to understand we serve a God who cannot fail. As believers we must stop walking around putting limits on ourselves, because we serve a limitless God, a God who designed us for a purpose. Will it be easy, of course not, but it will be worth it. Step out of your comfort zone and pursue your purpose in faith. Allyson Olivia Ringgold, Miami, Fl I think for the most part, its fear. Fear of failure, rejection, the unknown. I also believe procrastination is a HUGE stumbling block. You have to be disciplined. With our time, with our schedules, with God. My advice: DO IT AFRAID, PRESS ON!! JUST DO IT! Renee Colon-Barcy I believe taking flight and soaring does not completely happen until the moment of our departure. Were always growing, always facing challenges, never complete. If I can give some advice it will be to know that we cannot get discouraged or quit dreaming when we don’t see things happening the way we want them. We ought to celebrate winning the various battles that will eventually take us to winning the war. Andreina Duven-Arrojo
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Isaiah 46:10 “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say my purpose will stand and I will do all that I please.�
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he moments of sleep walking, not knowing where you are, or what you’re doing and how you got there, are over. Today is the day you take ownership of your life and stop renting other people’s baggage. Today is the day you purchase your own luggage and fill it with your hopes, dreams, desires, aspirations and wishes. Today is the day you go beyond higher heights reaching record breaking altitudes with an attitude of “IT IS MINE ALL MINE.” Give yourself the permission to embrace the fortitude to escalate even higher. You are high and you are lifted up with great potential and you are purposed to have a fulfilled life. You are going to the place of fulfillment, yes indeed, and when you get there you will see the God of your salvation ready to embrace you with open arms. My place of fulfillment may be called New York Times Best-Selling author, your place of fulfillment may be induction into the NFL Hall of Fame; and another person’s fulfillment may be called to CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Whatever your blessed lot is, know that it only comes with you putting a plan in motion. Success is intentional not incidental. Map out a course of action with longitude and latitude in mind. Gauge how far and how wide your vision for your life is. If it is not far enough to get you where you need to go then envision yourself going further. If your vision is not wide enough then envision your surroundings expanding to accommodate the task for success. Is that not what Jabez asked for – enlarged territory? Approach the throne of your life with boldness and grace and set a time table down to the very time and day you want to see your aspirations become actuality. Achievement is gained through reciting self-worth and not rehearsing the worst in one self. You are valuable not vulnerable, so don’t allow anyone to sell you empty promises, lost hopes and broken dreams. Inflate your best qualities and demand full price for them. Deflate your flaws; toss them out in the wind making it easy for you to soar. The wages of your life require top notch pay and there is always someone out there willing to write you a blank check. Destiny waits for no one, so go ahead, believe in yourself and book the next flight that lands in New You City. It is first-class or no class; after all you are a first rate child of God. I know you are soaring above it all even now with the joy of the Lord as your strength and very present help. Until next time-may you have life and have it more abundantly!
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Flighty or Soaring Dr. Deborah L. Jones-Allen, PhD.
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he soul is like an eagle, to which the body acts as a chain, preventing its mounting: The Spirit says, “Come up- take flight, we have liberty to soar and be completely free, to rise to amazing glory, to soar into the third heaven and sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” If this is truth, why are Christians and preChristians living futile, inadequate and beneath their emancipation? How do believers overcome perceived obstacles that might be holding them back from their destiny and fulfilling their purpose in God? If this sounds like you, you are not alone! Many of us spend years trying to find out who we are and sadly, too many of us never find our true selves. Through-out life we are defined by our social institutions, parental roles, race, gender and background. Labels from childhood to adolescence have traveled with countless believers into adulthood. As a result God’s people are being diagnosed with personality disorders because they fail to understand who they are in Christ and what they were created to accomplish in this life on earth. They have dreams that lie dormant in their hearts and subconsciously they are in conflict with the person God created them to be.
Believers are living with unrealistic expectations, false perceptions of who they are and suffer with irrational beliefs about current life issues. God declares in Jermemiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Without a solid anchor in God’s Word, many will find themselves hard pressed to define His Truths. This is precisely Satan’s goal, to bruise our emotions so that we may find it extremely difficult to overcome life’s adversities. At that point, our soul overwhelms our spirit man leaving us helpless and defeated, as sheep going to the slaughter. God knows every detail of our lives and He refuses to leave us helpless or victims of our circumstances. When our experiences even vaguely resemble a past trauma, the amygdala (the wild beast within our brain) hijacks our emotions, also referred to as an emotional hijacking. Some will freeze from fright, while others will become aggressive. This is commonly referred to as the ‘fight or flight mechanism. The amygdala (the instinctual core) is responsible for overriding facts, overwhelming logical thought and causing one to react without conscious thought. When this occurs an emotional hijacking is the result. The amygdala is often the perpetrator when one finds himself or herself apologizing for behaving erratically or vacillating emotionally. Emotional hijacking often results in a lower emotional intelligence. Many people regardless of their belief system or faith have not learned to master their emotional life. Therefore it stands to reason that if one believes they will experience danger or fear in the future, their chance of experiencing anything other than fear is very restricted. God has not purposed us to walk in fear or remain victims of our past. As children of God we have the ability to view life from a higher level in Christ.
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Having the mind of Christ gives us the intelligence to anticipate problems and solve them before they happen. For those who have experienced trauma, learning to recognize a specific trigger that causes one to react purely on an emotional response is vital to overcoming flighty behaviors. As we learn to train our brain to sort out truth and rely on God’s Word, when it’s time for our emotions to take flight, the spirit man within us will have liberty to override adverse situations and soar without fear of the unknown or what lies ahead in the future. Each of us can develop a conscious authority to choose how our future will unfold. Another method to reduce or eliminate anxiety is to declare God’s Word over faulty thoughts to override negative emotions or compulsive thoughts that cause one to respond erratically. A key verse is Philippians 3:13 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” God designed our brains to have plasticity. When we expand our brain we are giving it permission to be flexible, handle difficult situations, and eliminate destructive thoughts and harmful behaviors in order to attain the higher things in God. Do you want to live today and soar with the eagles? Consider these action steps and prepare to awaken the dream inside of you to manifest your blessings in Christ as a new creature. • Forget those things which are behind and press forward • Realign your true identity with your Creator • Search the scriptures for golden nuggets and commit them to your mind • Focus on your strengths in Christ and His transforming grace
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Isaiah 42:5-6 (NIV) This is what God the LORD says – He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the gentiles.
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You Are Fully Prepared Cheryl E. Knight
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)
W
hen you think of take flight and soar, a few things may come to mind. One of the most common examples is traveling to a destination via airplane. Preparation takes place prior to travel beginning. The airline is responsible for ensuring that the airplane has the availability to accommodate passenger’s reservations, the appropriate amount of fuel for the trip and up to date maintenance to ensure a safe flight. The airline also ensures that properly trained pilots and crew are available to operate the plane and provide customer service to the passengers. Once the passengers are seated with seat belts buckled, the crew reiterates the safety policies in the event of an emergency. Now that everyone is seated, it is time to take flight. It is time to move forward and to move higher to reach the assigned destination. What if the pilot refused to exercise the expertise and training gained and left the airplane on the ground? How would that impact the passengers on the flight? How would it affect those families, places of employment and vacations waiting at the next destination? God desires for you to take flight! He has prepared you for a task. Imagine training six months for a marathon, then not showing up for the race or preparing for an exam and then choosing not to take it. God has given you a valuable experience, a unique personality, gifts and talents which can be used to impact your family, workplace and community. Don’t be overcome with fear, but operate in courage and strength. Make a decision to take action and experience the excitement of God’s will being fulfilled in your life. Reject the tendency to procrastinate or to give up because it seems too hard. What a tragedy it would be to withhold the treasure that God has given you! Who knows how many lives could be saved, delivered and set free once you are obedient to God’s assignment for your life? In what areas are you procrastinating in your life right now? Is it related to de-cluttering your surroundings, adopting a healthier lifestyle or completing another specific task? Commit to take action to today.
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Isaiah 40: 30- 31 “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles they will run a nd not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.”
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Let’s Talk Take flight and soar! That it is a wonderful command to hear. Those words should lift you spiritually and invigorate each of your senses like never before. Take flight and soar! You have to believe that you can do just that no matter what life currently has unfolded before you. This issue of Spirit Rising is about just that encouraging you, reminding you and yes commanding you to TAKE FLIGHT AND SOAR! Your hopes, dreams and ambitions are the wings of eagles, and His eye His always upon the sparrow assuring your purpose and destiny fuel your abundant life. Can you take flight and soar? Let’s discuss the possibilities. (1) You hear a Pastor/Teacher encourage you to get started and step out on faith and believe God for what you desire to achieve. What are some of the reasons you fall short of trying or do not follow through? (2) What stirs up your drive and momentum? How do you plan to cultivate it? Manifest it? Sustain it? (3) What role does your level of faith play in your decision to embrace and begin on the journey that God has planned for you? (4) What do you think will happen if you practice visualizing the outcome or success that you have not been able to achieve until now? (5) What is your biggest concern or fear about cutting away intrinsic and extrinsic baggage, even if it may be family, friends, career, or house of worship? Ephesians 3:16-18 (NIV) I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and how high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
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Sinners Prayer Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my sins. You have called me to yourself in the Name of Jesus. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, and that he died on the cross that I might be forgiven and have eternal life. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I acknowledge that I am a sinner and have sinned against you. Cleanse me of all unrighteousness and forgive me. Surround me with Your grace and true believers of your word who will help me on this journey. I thank you for the indwelling of your Holy Spirit that gives me the power to overcome sin. Jesus I invite you to become Lord of my life to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. In Jesus Name, Amen
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Pecan Tree Publishing is now accepting intern/voluntary and general contributions related to the overall theme of the respective publication issue (refer to editorial calendar). We are also accepting queries for rotating guest columnists for the prayer, practical application and discussion/forum sections.
Thematic journalistic pieces submitted must: Be between 2500 and 5000 words Must be the author’s original work and a letter stating ownership must be included Must clearly explore the theme/subject matter at hand through in-depth and properly accredited interviews from reputable sources, and must keep Christian tenets at the forefront
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Guest columnists should submit: A synopsis of their proposed column including suggested titles, a statement on how the column fits the vision of the publication, and whether column will be Question and Answer or narrative style. The same must be approved by Editor/Publisher; or be willing to meet the guidelines and visions of the respective columns as provided.
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