January Rejoice Essential 2017 by Kimberly Moses

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

CONTENT WELCOME Page 04 Contributors Page 08 Favorite Holiday Snack Page 09 Winter Care For Natural Hair Page 13 The Sensory Nervous System Page 16 Jesus is LOVE, The reason For the season! Page 20 Amos: The Prophet Page 22 Healthy Living: Recipe Of The Month

Page 42 Activating The Voice Of God In Your Life Page 45 Seaweed facial peel Page 48 Who Are You? Page 50 Nine Qualities of A Bad Leader Page 52 Leadership Page 54 Sinner’s Prayer Page 55 The Four Benefits of Worship

Page 23 Isaiah One of My Favorite Prophet

Page 56 The Life And Ministry Of Asaph Page 58 6 Ways To Strengthen Your Evangelism Skills

Page 24 Tron’s Fashion

Page 60 My Favorite Prophet

Page 28 A rare strike from Heaven

Page 62 Daniel The Prophet

Page 30 Psalm 37: Part 12 Delighted

Page 64 Miriam- the first woman Prophetess in the bible

Page 32 Prophet Timothy Long

Page 66 Jeremiah The Compassionate Prophet!

Page 38 I Know Who I Am Page 42 Activating The Voice Of God In Your Life

Page 68 Zechariah The Prophet Page 70 Testimonies

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CONTRIBUTORS REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

Kimberly Hargraves is the Chief Editor and Founder of REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE. She is the Author of several books which are featured inside. She has a Bachelor degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She has an Associate Degree in Respiratory Care. She also has a background in Nutrition. She also has an anointing for healing and deliverance. Signs and wonders Follow her as God uses her to Minister. www.kimberlyhargraves.com

Tron Moses is an anointed intercessor who is talented in so many areas. He is a Successful businessman who is gifted in photography. He is graced with wisdom beyond his earthly years. God has favored him to write several life changing books. God has truly used him to do great exploits for the kingdom of heaven. www.tronmoses.org Special thanks to Tron for Designing the cover.

Keiyia Jackson-George is a wife of one. A mother of three. A Business owner. A natural lady. BUT a Woman of God. She resides in the Virgin Island. She blogs at http://www.justmekjg.com/ Encouraging woman all around the world. You can read some of her awesome articles here and on her blog site. For website designing go to http://rkgconsultinggroup.com

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

Melody Summers is a mother of three. She is also a Registered Nurse by profession. She enjoys caring for and helping to heal Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people. She is inspiring to be a Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Midwife. She is most importantly, by way of the spirit, an intercessor and Seer at Tabernacle of Glory Fellowship Churches, Orangeburg, SC.

Evangelist Reynaldo Rodriguez is a powerful man of God. He is compassionate and a proliferic writer who touches the world with his writings. He served as a pastor for two and half years. God uses him mightily to bring healing to the broken hearted.

Shirley Ann Cooper is Senior Pastor at Regeneration Church Street Ministry, an online family of believers leading the lost to Christ. Using her online page for outreach to a dying world, she ministers to those who are turned away from the church, or are feeling rejected by believers who are based on religious form, rather than scriptural truth. She finds herself bringing that same love to the streets of Florida, bringing tactics that will introduce Jesus to those who do not know His name or His unconditional love. Umbrella ushers, Free hugs, The penny fund, Human auctions, are but a few ideas that her Ministry has used to bring light to a dark world. Pastor Shirley has worked on many projects with local Pastors and ministers dealing with street ministry. She has been married for 31 years, and has six children, which include two son in-laws. She is a grandmother as well, with two baby grandsons, and another grand baby on the way, all of which are involved in ministry and Believers of Jesus Christ. You can reach Pastor Shirley Cooper through: Email: praise write@gmail.com Or Facebook: www.facebook.com/shirley.

Prophetess Misha Wesley 6

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

I was raised as a Muslim majority of my childhood, there was not much for a young girl to be in that religion, so aspiring to do anything with my life, beside raising children was highly unlikely. I have always loved writing, but I have never imagined it as a career choice until after my father died when I was just 11 years old. Before he died, he converted to Christianity, but still Grieved with sadness and a heavy heart, I took to writing more and more. Writing has always been my outlet of how I escaped my current impoverished living conditions. Even though my father converted to Christianity, I didn’t fully give my life to Christ until later in my late teens. It was then, the lord led me through deliverance from religious bondage and the trauma I encountered as a child, which opened the door to the enemy. My greatest passion that Jesus deposited in me, is to teach the body of Christ the true kingdom mission and the true word of God, train/equip them to know how we, as believers in Christ, can walk in authority as Kingdom citizens, and release the power of God to reach eventually every non believer and believer on a global scale! The kingdom of God is forever growing and It is my mandate to see the kingdom ADVANCE! So in this place I write to you, my brethren, telling my story of hope, love, and how I overcame by the blood of Jesus Christ!

Ms. Mae lives in sunny South Florida with her family. She is the owner of The imagination Laboratory, which provides preschool enrichment and early learning services. She lives to encourage people and is passionate about sharing the love of Jesus with children and their families. She blogs at Diary of a Praying wife (www.thebetterwifeproject.blogspot.com)

We thank God for what He is going to do for this magazine in 2017! We are going higher this year. Please like us on social media and share this issue with everyone you know!

School Of The Prophets Students December Class 2016

Wylie Foster Jr.

Nancy Bennett

Gina Howard

School Of The Prophet Student

Emelia Adjei

Danyel Hiwat

Tawinika Mckoy

School Of The Prophet Student

FAVORITE HOLIDAY SNACK We asked thirty-two people on Facebook what was there favorite snack. Four snacks were repeated; Pecan pie, Pumpkin pie, sugar cookies, and ginger bread cookies. Afterwards, another poll was created with only the opinion of the four snacks. (12 people) 37.5% of the people preferred pecan pie; (5 people) 15.6% of the people preferred pumpkin pie; (8 people) 25% of the people preferred sugar cookies; and (7 people) 21.8% of the people preferred ginger bread cookies. There you have it, the winner is pecan pie!

WINTER CARE FOR NATURAL HAIR By Keiyia JOYet George

It’s that time of year. You know, ‘...the most wonderful time, of the year...’ But your hair is dreading this time of year. Your mane has changed to the lyrics to ‘...it’s the most, driest time of the year...’ (Note: most, driest to stress the word DRY!) Without getting into the science of it (maybe we will one day), depending on

where you live, this is indeed the time of year your hair hates the most (excluding those in dry, dessert places).

before it’s usable (ok, got a little sciency there). So what’s a girl to do with her hair during the this season!

With the heater cranked up, and the air super chilled, there is no moisture in the air inside or outside your homes. The heater has dried out what you had inside. The cold weather has a little moisture, but what it has condenses

Moisturize! Moisturize!

Moisturize!

Did I say moisturize? That’s your answer. And I don’t mean wash your hair daily to saturate it with water.

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Frequent washing will only further dry out your beautiful mane. So what’s a girl to do?!?! Well, first you’re going to calm down and not panic. It’s not as hard as you think. Here are a few tips to help care for your hair during this winter season. First and most important, you are going to moisturize your hair. I won’t get into what products to use, what concoction to make or even what methods to follow. Depending on your hair porosity and type, the answer varies. Maybe we can cover that another time. But if you are accustomed to moisturizing your hair 1-2 times a week, during the winter months you may need to double or even triple that. The more you manipulate your hair or wear it uncovered, the more moisture you will need to add back into it. Do a self check. Does your hair feel brittle? Like hay? Coarser than normal? Then knock the moisturizing up a notch. As mentioned earlier, moisturizing your hair does not mean washing more than normal. For those who wash daily, opt for three days a week. If you wash three times a week, opt for one or two times. But whatever you do, do not wash more frequently during the winter months. Frequent washing will only dry your hair out more and sabotage any efforts made to retain your locks this winter.

Instead, lightly mist your hair with water or water based products (water is the best absorbed ‘product’ your hair will ever use). After misting, seal the moisture in with either an oil or cream, or both. Again, find what works for you. Tuck those end! The ends of your hair are the oldest parts. They are more prone to breakage and tearing. When extra dry, the easily get caught in fabric or anything that rubs against it (including tree branches. So I’m the only one who’s had her hair accosted by tree branches...?). Your shirts and top covering are your hair’s worst enemy. The headrest of your vehicle is in the top ten list. Basically anything during this season that rubs against it is a potential enemy to your hair. But what if you have shorter hair that never rubs against anything? Well honey, air alone will cause you damage. Have you ever sat something out and just left it there? Untouched? When you went back to it, depending on the material, oxidation has taken place and that ol’ oxygen enemy has hit with an unexpected low blow. The same is true of your hair. Especially your sacred ends. If you have length goals, the winter months are not the months to allow those ends to be exposed. So tuck them, pin them, or whatever you need to do, but do not leave those precious babies hanging loose. Low maintenance and protective styles are the

way to go. What about a cute hat or silk or satin scarf? By using these, your entire head is protected and covered out of the harsh, winter elements (don’t we wish our sinuses could have a hat too). You can be stylish with them as well. The only thing I’ve ever enjoyed about winter months is being extra stylish in my winter wear. Picture me...strutting across the courtyard in my thigh high boots...ahem. Yes. Be stylish during this season with hats and scarves and keep your locks protected. Thankfully, where I live never gets wintry cold. I hate cold weather!!! If you’re fortunate enough to move to a warm climate like I did, well high five!!!! For those who still suffer (unless that’s your thang) through cold, dry winter days, well I say if you don’t want to end up cutting off the lengths you’ve grown over the cold months, then make sure you spend some time giving your hair some extra tender, loving care this season. As always, Keiyia JOYet George www.justmekjg.vom - Regards, Keiyia J. George

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Our Mission at Grace Be Unto You Outreach Church is to serve with the heart of Jesus Christ. (Luke 4:18,19) (719) 596-9076 3195 Airport Road Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910 www.gracebeuntoyou.org

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

THE SENSORY NERVOUS SYSTEM

Homeostasis: a state or tendency towards equilibrium.

structure detects gross deformations and vibrations in the surrounding tissue.

Baroreceptors: detect pressure in the vasculature.

Muscle Spindles: muscle fibers innervated by sensory neurons that detect stretch.

Proprioception: sensors that detect the position and motion of the body. Mechanoreceptors: receptors that respond to tension, pressure or displacement. Pacinian corpuscles: capsule of 20-60 layers of connective tissue surrounding an unmyelinated afferent sensory neuron. This

Golgi organs: a proprioceptive organ at the insertion point of tendon in muscle that detects stretch. Vestibular System: system of three orthogonal semicircular canals that detect the head’s orientation in space. Meissner’s Corpuscles: fast adapting mechanoreceptors

that detect light touch. Merkel’s Cells: slow adapting mechanoreceptors that detect deformations in the skin. Thermoreceptors: receptors that are sensitive to temperature. Ruffini Endings: mechanoreceptor that responds to stretch and heat. Bulboid Corpuscles: mechanoreceptors that respond to cold and menthol.

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

Jesus is LOVE, The reason for the season! By MISHA WESLEY

This time of year brings so many mixed emotions and feelings. While some are scrambling to buy the best gift for their precious loved ones or close friends, decorating their trees with the best ornaments, and while so many people are catching flights from across the country to spend the holidays with friends and family they havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen all year, there are some who are sad, lonely, depressed, oppressed, scared, hope-

less, and afraid. For some, the reality of loneliness sets in and causes suicidal thoughts or actions, even those abandoned or maybe even spending the holidays alone for the first time in years. So, how can this be? That there is some having joyous times, while others are hopeless? God brought the most precious gift that some will forever search for endlessly and tirelessly trying to find,

and that gift is LOVE. This time of year brings so many into turmoil and sadness because many have a false perception of love and giving, and lack 3 vital keys necessary for every believer to have; A strong prayer life, a fasting life, and a relationship with the father. The special love of Christ is the love only he can give and the joy only having a strong relationship with him can bring. In order to understand godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love, I encour-

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age a RELATIONSHIP with the father, and INTIMACY with him. How can we get to know anyone if we are not intimate with them? When I say intimate, do not misunderstand this for some sexual thing. God’s love is above all things! if you love your spouse you will be INTIMATE with them, when you love your best friend, you tell them deep secrets no one else knows of. Many know Christ in their mind, but we need to know him in our hearts because his love is transformational. The deeper we go, the more we are transformed! Therefore, in order to know what love is, we must know God the father, which God is love, and love is of God and those who do not love God properly cannot love you properly. To show love, we must have love in us, and that only true love is SELFLESS, and that my dear friends can only come from Christ. John 3:16 is a familiar verse we know, God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son. This verse is clear that God loves the

world, he loves us so much that he gave us his son, which is Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Holy One, that shed his blood for every sin committed and for every generational curse to be broken off of our lives. He bared the weight of every burden, and endured every single struggle and loss we go through today. It all started with the sacrificial love. God’s love for us allows us to be remade, transformed, from our sinful nature, into his image which is holy and righteous.

During this time of year, some people are so consumed with buying gifts, spending money and racking up unnecessary debt, that they fail to consider what this season is all about, they fail to consider those who do not have, and they fail to love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 says, three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. We may have all the money in the world to buy all the material things, but if we do not have love we have nothing.

The word sacrifice means to give something up of deep value in order to help another person. When Jesus died he made the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE on the cross! Luke 6:35 says that we must lend without expecting to be repaid anything in return. The word lend means; to give freely, and the word repaid, is to be given back for what you gave in the first place. When we love, +we must understand that we don’t need anything back in return and if we do this, God says our reward will be very great!

I’m not saying just love those around you, but true love, God’s love is loving those who do not love us, therefore, that is something only having Christ’s spirit can help us do. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Love

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must be sincere Romans 12:9, so we must give freely as God gives this time of year. Some try to find love, seek love, maybe even google the definition of what it means. However, through endless attempts in seeking love from people, many will become consistently disappointed, let down, hurt, crushed, and rejected. This season can cause people to suffer severely from rejection and self-rejection. Rejection can cause the host to build up walls of protection around the heart as a defense mechanism to keep people out and keep them from the fear of being hurt. Some can literally barricade themselves in a world of loneliness, isolation and depression. This self medicating is not showing love to yourself. Lacking to allow Jesus to heal our heart and show us what love is, can lead to one being unable to give or show love; it can even cause a lack of identity. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try to compensate for the lack of love, lack of identity, and the lack of truth. As you develop

a relationship with Christ and grew closer to him, he will grow closer to you. By developing a relationship with Christ, you can truly discover his intimacy and find your identity through an understanding of his life. Some of our own problems come from a root cause of fear and anxiety. These work hand and hand to cause oppression and depression to the mind, body, and soul. but you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him Acts 10:38. The reality of this, the same Holy spirit that God anointed Jesus with, rests on you and me! You know that means we have power to OVERCOME! Jesus showed his love for us when he died for us on the cross. taking along with him was those spirits of worry, stress, anxiety, depression and oppression, loneliness, rejection, and self-rejection. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to worry about what is

going on around us because that is all a DISTRACTION to STEAL our joy, worship and love to praise GOD. but we should know when we keep our eyes fixed on JESUS that he loves us and he gives us mercy and grace, we have hope and faith! we can rest in him because he is in us! GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN ME, THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD 1 John 4:4. We may live in this world, but we surely are not of this world because JESUS ALREADY OVERCAME the WORLD! This season we should focus on knowing the love of Christ and what his mission here on earth was to accomplish. And this we know my dear friends, that this mission, is already done!

Here are the notes from “The Making Of A Prophet” Series by Kimberly Hargraves. Chapters 8-9 are covered below.

Amos 8:1. Vision of summer fruit. Interpretation is needed. Don’t be presumptuous. Amos 8:2. God asked a question and gave the interpretation. God already knows the answer. The end has come is the interpretation of the vision. Summer fruits that come at the end of a harvest or late summer include grapes, pomegranates, and figs. Amos couldn’t discern the vision until God told him what it meant. Amos 8:3. Harvest is a time rejoicing. Songs of the temple would be turned to wailing because of death. There will be dead bodies everywhere.

Verses 5-6 Show deceitful practices. They were cheating the poor. Amos 8:5. New Moon. 1st day of month on the Hebrew calendar. They made the Ephah small. Ephah was the most common way to measure volume. They made the Shekel large. Taking a too large of a price. They Falsified the scales. Falsifying the scales is an abomination of the Lord. Proverbs 11:1 says a false balance is an abominable to the Lord but a just weight is his delight. Amos 8:6. They were selling bad wheat. The wheat was probably moldy, mildew, and mix with good wheat to make a profit. Amos 8:7 The Lord

sworn. God was serious. The pride of Jacob means Israel. God wasn’t going to forget any of their works. Their works means injustice, unfaithfulness to God, to other sins. Amos 8:8. Shall the land not tremble for this. This could mean God was going to judge then with an earthquake. Verse 9-10. God’s judgment will include a great reversal of light and darkness and joy to mourning. Amos 8:9. The sun will go down at noon. Darken the earthen in broad daylight. Amos 8:10. Feast turned into mourning. Songs into lamentation. Lamentations

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are an Expression of grief or sorrow. Sackcloths on every waist means worn in distress. Baldness on every head means people shaved their heads when they were mourning. Amos 8:11. Prophetic Famine. Hearing of the word of the Lord means prophetic famine. God already sent a famine which means a lack of food but they didn’t repent so God says I will stop speaking. Amos 8:12. No matter how much they try to seek a word of the Lord, they will not find it. Sea to sea and to and fro. Amos 8:13. The fair virgins and strong men means the most vigorous or likely to survive will faint. Amos 8:14. They shall and never rise again. They wouldn’t be relieved of the famine of God’s word. Amos 9 Shows balance prophecies.

Amos 9:1. Vision of the Lord standing by the altar. People expect a vision of the Lord by the altar it to be good meaning God’s presence but it was judgment, destruction, of the

sinful nation. Strike the door posts, thresholds may shake, break them on the heads of them all. Slay the last of them with the sword. He who flees will not get away. He who escapes will not be delivered.

nant will survive.

Amos 9:2. Hell or Heaven there was no escaping judgment. Through they dig into hell, my hand will shake them. Climb up to heaven, I will bring them down.

Amos 9:11. Take up means restoring the tabernacle of David, repair it’s damages and raise up it’s ruins, and rebuilding as in the days of old.

Amos 9:3. If they hide themselves on mount carmel which means highest point on the earth. I will search and take them. If they hide at the bottom of the sea and I will command the serpent to bite them. Amos 9:4. If they go into the enemy’s hands there will be no refuge. God will command the sword upon them to slay them. I will set my eyes upon them which usually means blessing but it means curses in the situation because they broke the Mosaic covenant which eye for harm and not for good. Amos 9:8. The sinful kingdom is Israel. I will not destroy it from the face of the earth. I would not destroy the house of Jacob. Finally, some Hope. A rem-

Amos 9:9. Another analogy of judgment. Sifting the grain so that smallest piece of grain or pebble wouldn’t fall to the ground. God promised to sift Israel.

Amos 9:13. Plowman shall overtake the reaper means prosperity or abundant harvest. Sweet wine means prosperity. Amos 9:14. Prosperity and reversal of the judgment. Amos 9:15. God will give them stability or plant them in their land and they will not be pulled up. They wouldn’t go into exile.

HEALTHY LIVING God wants His children to be healthy. Our bodies don’t belong to us. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. God wants to satisfy us with long life. Make sure you eat right and get plenty of exercise! Don’t die before your time by eating yourself into an early grave!

Skillet Veggie Tacos 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon dried oregano 3/4 cup sweet white wine 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained 2 cups chopped fresh spinach 12 (8-inch) fat-free flour tortillas, warmed 1/2 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese (optional)

Preparation Sauté first 5 ingredients in hot oil in a skillet over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add cumin and oregano; sauté 2 minutes.

Nutritional Information Calories 200 Calories from fat 10 % Fat 2.3 g Sat fat 1 g Monofat 0.6 g Polyfat 0.1 g Protein 8 g Carbohydrate 34 g Fiber 5 g Cholesterol 3 mg Iron 1.2 mg Sodium 419 mg Calcium 59 mg

Yield: Makes 12 servings Recipe Time Prep: 15 Minutes

Stir in wine; reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half. Add beans, and cook until thoroughly heated. Add spinach; cook 2 minutes or until spinach wilts. Serve in warm tortillas with cheese, if desired.

Cook: 20 Minutes

Ingredients 2 red bell peppers, coarsely chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms 1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped

Skillet Veggie Tacos. My Recipes. http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/skillet-veggie-tacos. Accessed December 15, 2016.

Isaiah One of My Favorite Prophet

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

By Nancy Bennett “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:8 Isaiah is one the Prophets I take pleasure in gleaning from for revelation of the Savior. Isaiah was one of the major prophets of the Old Testament. His name means “salvation of God” and/or “the Lord helps me.” He was also called “the evangelical prophet” because he elaborated so much about the salvation and redemptive work of the Messiah, Jesus. He lived in Jerusalem, married a prophetess, whose name was not mention (Isaiah 8:3) and had two sons. He was brought-up-well, and very intelligent. About one-third of the chapters of the book of Isaiah contain prophecies about Jesus Christ, addressing both His first and second comings. Isaiah provides more prophecy of the second coming of Christ than any other Old Testament prophet.

Through the book of Isaiah, God revealed that Jesus would enter the earth first as a human to deal with sin and then again in His glorified state after being resurrected from the grave to establish the Kingdom of God. God also made known through Isaiah how Christ would be able to come back to life after being crucified. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “Your dead shall live; together with my dead body they shall arise” (Isaiah 26:19). Even though his message was one of condemnation and judgment, he also, expressed a message of hope in broadcasting the coming of the Suffering Servant, the Messiah.

ment comes from Israel’s unfaithfulness and insurgence against God but he make known that the hope is in the coming of the Supreme King who will irrevocably bring peace to the nations by His strong arm.

Isaiah is a book with a plethora of information. This book will cause your faith to be heighten in Jesus as the Messiah. It will allow a strengthening of your hope in God to formulate as the One who is ultimately in control of all things and the one that will bring His principles to pass. Studying Isaiah will cause a strong stirring to explode in you to love God and the Messiah, Jesus. We know that Isaiah had a difficult assignment blessings are found in the word of because he had to judge Israel as God when we are obedient. Isaiah being as wicked as the nations shows us how God , the Father, that did not know God but they presided over the nations of men were without excuse. God speaks in the past and how Jesus the of Assyria as being the rod of His Christ will carry out His rule in correction for Israel (the Norththe nations today. Know that the ern Kingdom) and Judah (the “Lord is our salvation”-----------Southern Kingdom). The Book ----Isaiah. of Isaiah is one that is filled with judgment and hope. The judg-

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

A RARE STRIKE FROM HEAVEN Pastor Shirley Cooper

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. (Psalm 77:14) How many of you out there believe in miracles? (raising my hands up in excitement) I know that I do! Whether we have seen miracles happen right before our eye’s or through stories that hit close to home, or even far from home, miracles are rare. As the true meaning of the word itself suggests when tearing it apart, “mirari” means (to be amazed). However, miracles don’t happen everyday, because if they did, we wouldn’t “wonder” at or be amazed by them. The truth here is that believers in the God of the Bible should not expect that they will be free of pain, just the contrary. It’s a bit puzzling that so many readers of the Bible seem to think that the love of God is incompatible with suffering, when every major figure in the Scripture have gone through peri-

ods of great suffering. Hence, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Peter, James, and John. But what I find even more puzzling is when we recall that the central person in the Bible is typically displayed to us nailed to a cross and in the midst of death. What we need to remember is that when a miracle does happen, or doesn’t it is never meaningless, but rather a tool that can and will eventually be used for Kingdom Business. I have seen miracles happen in my life (many) times. Some that are incredibly amazing, including in my own body, when my family was told by doctors that they would have to come in to say goodbye while I lay helplessly in a hospital bed. The miracle that occurred on that day wasn’t just the fact that I didn’t die, or get through total suffer-

ing, but that my family’s faith grew stronger, their prayers were answered strengthening their Christian walk and their tongues spoke of God’s goodness, and faithfulness. Today, my miraculous healing is used for others to help them seek God’s guidance for their life. I learned a lot from my son, Kirk who carries great wisdom from God. He is a tool that the Lord uses for my walk in many ways. All my children are great tools used for ministry, as they have seen great miracles in their lives. When you ask my son, Kirk why does such a loving God cause such horrible things to happen, he would probably say, “God doesn’t cause them, we do.” Then he would go on to say, “there is cancer because of the chemicals put into our bodies, in the air, in foods, and even against the label warnings, we still use these products.” He would probably even say, “people are killed in accidents

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due to carelessness of themselves or others, and that we get sexual diseases because we choose to sleep around.” Then he breaks out with scripture, “Whatever a man sows, that’s what he reaps.” (Galatians 6:7-8), the Bible plainly teaches that our choices bear consequences. When we do our dirt, we are held accountable, not God. So when we see miracles, we need to also remember that in all rareness, it came from God, even when our faith isn’t as strong as it should be. On a daily, people search for miracles, whether that search be for them, or a friend or just someone who they have never met and would like to extend their prayers to them sending God’s amazing touch in that person’s life. Miracles are by far small. No matter the size, they are always great, they always leave a mark that embeds itself into the lives of many. All my children were given death sentences before and during birth. Yet they are here. Were they products of miraculous prayers answered? Absolutely. When all odds are against me and the doctors are whispering around the room, while I lay on a bed pumped up with medications that keep me at a distance, and I hear them planning out my outcome feeling sorry for me, but then they soon find out that God had already equipped me with victory. I was a winner. My kids were all miracles that God would use. While miracles don’t happen too often, when they do we need to remember who created them, and thank Him through our lives. Let’s tiptoe through this garden. “It all started when Rosie Roberts was 23 years old. She lost her mom to colon cancer, and the doctor’s told Rosie’s family it was hereditary. In having such information, Rosie pushed herself to be seen by a doctor. Through extensive testing, they found six polyps and immediately brought it to Rosie’s attention that she would need to be seen every

five years. In following those instructions, she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Rosie grew angry, wondering why the doctors could not see this in her mom’s testing before it became stage four cancer? She was angry with the Lord and was hurt that her mom had to leave this earth so soon. But as Rosie held her son in her arms she understood that the Lord was there from beginning to end through her mom’s life and death. Years later, Rosie Roberts gave birth to her second son and she went in for yet another colonoscopy. Again, finding two more polyps informing her that her ulcerative colitis was in remission. Rosie praised the Lord. The doctors asked Rosie if she would like to have another endoscopy done to make sure that she didn’t have any stomach issues from inflammation due to the ulcerative colitis, and with lots of prayer and faith Rosie went ahead and did the endoscopy. As there was a little redness to the area, but no cancer. It has been four years since Rosie’s last diagnosis and she is cancer free. Rosie just had her daughter recently and while her mother has not been able to physically touch her, Rosie trusts that she is watching through Heaven’s grounds, loving Rosie and her family from a paradise that holds many answers. Through the deep thoughts and wondering, Rosie has discovered that pain and suffering can be used as a reminder that life is a blessing and that it can be over any minute. While Rosie has been having some stomach issues, her faith through prayer kept her comforted. Rosie had to have another endoscopy done to see if cancer signs come to surface, or if there was any further damage. She had surgery and had waited patiently for her results. As the results came in sooner, the doctor called Rosie. While her faith was as small as a mustard seed, she couldn’t help but find worry in the little flesh that surrounded her thoughts. Rosie’s co-workers and family felt her pain as

she cried. Praying so hard, Rosie spoke out loud, “I’m not going to lie I was scared and even though my co-workers who told me to have faith, that it’s probably good news, and the Lord has me in his hands it’s alright, I was still wondering.” Rosie went on her way to the doctor’s office. She begins to pray, “Lord give me the strength to deal with whatever life changes I have in store for me and my family help me Lord to get through this.” As she goes in and sits down, she received the greatest blessing. No cancer! Although, she does have stomach damage, the doctors will come together to find the right medications to help fight her inflammation. Today, Rosie is more than grateful knowing that through her miracle, she is able to see and understand how important it is to enjoy her life. Even through the many obstacles she has encountered. What is Rosie saying right now? “To receive the news of no cancer is a huge grateful blessing from my Lord and Savior.” Rosie Roberts story has a beautiful ending. But some may not. Whenever that does happen, we need to remember Rosie’s story of breakthrough, where a once angry soul became a faithful servant giving God the glory that He deserves. Rosie lost her mom to a life threatening disease, but won victory through that same tool creating yet one more story of God’s rare strike at a miracle on this earth. #Miracles Do Happen You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. (Psalm 77:14)

PSALM 37: PART 12 DELIGHTED By Keiyia JOYet George

Our next bite sized piece of this chapter took me on a whole different path. In the wee hours of the morning, the verses from James 1 kept popping up in my quiet time. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man,

unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8 NASB Really, this lead to me to really search my life and see where I had doubt that was canceling my mustard seed of faith. When you sit down to think about it, it’s amazing how if you closely examine yourself, you’ll see where maybe your mind wavered just a little bit and you had to whip it in shape and kick the doubt, ever so small, to the curb. But even so, the words wouldn’t leave my thoughts. So if you know me by now, I pulled up my bible app,

dimmed the light on my device, and looked at the next section of Psalm 37: The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step]. Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him. Psalm 37:23-24 AMPC I like how the AMPC version translated the KJV of “... and he delighteth in his way” in verse 23. Why? The AMPC indicated that he was busy with every step you make.

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When I read the KJV to see if it applies to doubt or faith, I got stuck on the word delight. The AMPC version gave me a video of God going the extra mile for me! I know I was stuck on this word because I’d been reviewing prefixes and suffixes with my children for exams and each prefix has a meaning. While de- wasn’t in the list, I know it to normally mean ‘to remove’. To me, delight is made up of de- and light. So does this mean He removes the light from our way. Heck no! How do I know? Well as a child, I learned a song that said: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” When I got older, I learned this was a scripture found in Psalm 119:105. And since then, this little song has never left me. But of course, if His word says here that it is a lamp and a light, then there is no way He removes the light from our path. So I dug deeper. Researching other meanings of de. Searching out origins and such, and I stumbled across a few other people who asked

the same about the word delight and wondered if we have been using it wrong all this time.

..., HE GOT ME!!!! He won’t let me fall. He not only has a light on my way, but he has my hand in His hand.

But my quick search took me to the Latin translation indicating that de- is “also used as a prefix in Latin usually meaning “down, off, away, from among, down from,” but also “down to the bottom, totally” hence “completely”...” (dictionary.com). And this makes complete sense...to me.

Can you picture yourself, holding the hand of your little one as they are learning to walk. Unsure of each step but trusting that you have their hand and you won’t let them fall! Isn’t it cool to know our Daddy has our hand in His strong and mighty hand. That He’s holding us, keeping us up, even when we stumble. Especially as we learn to walk.

His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths. Our feet are down. The path is down. His light completely lights our path at our feet as we walk. And here I got excited. In a conversation with my sister. She reminded me that I kept wanting to see the entire path rather than the lighted portion found at my feet and through complete trust and faith in God, with each step, the path will be lit. According the AMPC version, God spends a significant amount of time lighting my way at my path. De-lights - lights completely and/or down at my feet. And if you know me, I’ve stumbled trying to see the full path. But guess what! When I stumble, He’s ALWAYS there to catch me cause like we said in part

I recently discovered that while I have a lot of knowledge of the word, I still had many childlike qualities in many areas. So I affirm, this day, to take my Daddy’s hand, and as I stumble, learning to walk with a lamp at my feet on a lighted path, I will trust that he is busying himself with each step I take to make sure I never have to walk in darkness. Hot-diggity-dog! awesome is that! Excitedly, Keiyia JOYet George

How

Prophet Timothy Long Interview by Melody Summers Christology (study of Christ), Pneumatology (study of the Holy Ghost), Soteriology (study of salvation), and Eschatology (study of the last days). Studying the word of God has enhanced his ability to flow into the prophetic with so much more accuracy and precision, and also ensuring that the prophecies he releases never contradicts scripture, for “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” St. John 1:1kjv. Prophet Long’s assignment is to reveal the mind and the counsel of God to direct the church and to prepare them for the coming of Christ. Most importantly, edifying the body of Christ in all nations, and building the kingdom of God by winning souls, and to be the Prophet, Preacher, Teacher that God has created him to be.

Bio: Prophet Timothy Long is a Prophet of the Lord Jesus Christ and founder of “Mouth of the Prophet Ministries.” His mission and purpose is to show and to prove God’s power through signs and wonders, by the manifestation of healing, miracles, and prophecies. His mission is to preach the Gospel, the word of truth with

conviction, demonstration, and clarity. By enabling and encouraging others to hear what the Spirit of God is saying. Helping them to be revived in their spirit, restored in their soul, transformed and renewed in their mind. Prophet Long has studied for several years different teachings found in the scriptures, starting with Theology (study of God), Angelology (study of Angels),

Some of his favorite scriptures that apply to his office is as follows: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Jeremiah 1:5kjv Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them

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warning from me Ezekiel 3:17kjv The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. Jeremiah 23:28kjv

Interview: Interviewer: Prophet can you tell us when and how you came to Christ? Prophet: It started when I was about four years old. The hand of the Lord was upon me and I was visited by Jesus Christ in a dream. In the dream, I was riding around in the back seat of my Mom’s 95 Ford Taurus, she was driving and I seen Jesus coming with the Holy Angels, and he looked right at me. He was coming in the clouds and the angels, the sky was cracking, and he was coming back to receive the Saints. He looked right at me and I was so afraid. I tried to duck down into my mother’s back seat. No matter where I ducked his eyes were looking right at me. Everytime I got deeper into the seat, he would look and point right at me. It wasn’t until I got older and began to read the bible, the bible declares in the book of numbers that if their be a prophet among you, I the Lord will speak unto him in a dream or a vision. I will make myself known unto him in those two ways. That’s where the Lord was calling me into the

prophetic ministry and telling me he has chosen me and set me apart to be his Prophet. I was always peculiar as a child. I had must visitation of Angels at an early age, in my bedroom and the Lord’s hand has been upon me ever since then. I started fully in my ministry in 2011. That’s when I started to flow forth and be released out to preach the gospel across all of the nations. Early in life, I’ve always been in church. My two parents were pastors, my father is a Bishop and Prophet. They always prayed for me and ministered to me. I was always different from my two other brothers. Seeing things and having many dreams. I started off in the church, playing drums and I was always so connected to the Holy Ghost. It’s been a journey. Even in high school, I would tell my friends about dreams I had about them and different places they would go to. The Lord opened my eyes and I would prophesy to my classmates and even teachers sometimes. My mother told me that when she was pregnant with me she was prayed for by this woman pastor. The Spirit of God, threw her out in the Spirit, and while she was laying on her back, they prophesied to me while I was in my mother’s belly, at 8 or 9 months, that I would be a Prophet to the nations. It was powerful. She revealed that to me when I became older and I see why the Lord hand has been upon me.

Interviewer: I see your favorite scripture Jeremiah 1:5 is definitely you and that is exactly what happened. Prophet: That is exactly how it went. The Lord is amazing. He has been with me ever since then. I’ve just been obedient to His voice and waiting on Him to release me. He has been releasing me. I’ve been to Canada ministering, connected with Prophet Kofi Danso. The hand of the Lord has been gracious on my life. I tell people all the time its not me. It’s his hand and grace upon me. I give all the glory to him. St. John 15 declares without Jesus we can do nothing. I cant do nothing without him. Interviewer: How did you know you were called or came into the acceptance of it? Prophet: I’m glad you asked that. I tried to stray away from it. Of course, my father and mother was already in the ministry, pastoring in the church, and I had this great calling upon my life. Typically, as we are we try to stray away from different things and I wanted to be normal. I wanted to be like my friends. I wanted to play basketball. I wanted to be normal, but his hand was upon me. I strayed away. I went into the world, going to the parties, and tried to be normal, but everywhere I went, there was always somebody telling me: “You don’t belong here” “What are you

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doing here.” I felt it within my spirit. Me going down the wrong road, the way of the transgressor is hard, and I go down the completely opposite direction. Like Jonah, in the bible, the prophet, he went into the opposite direction, he was supposed to go to Nineveh, but he got on the boat to Tarshish, and there was a storm. There was many storms in my life because I did not want to accept it. I wanted to be who I am. It wasn’t until 2011, he visited me in a dream, he said look son no matter where you go, no matter what you do, my hand is upon you and I’m not going to let you be comfortable. I don’t care where you go and how far you try to run away from. I am not going to let you be comfortable. I will talk to you or somebody around you to let you know, you are supposed to do my ministry. You’re supposed to be used for my glory. It wasn’t until 2011, I said look I’m tired of running. I couldn’t even sleep at night without God pulling at my spirit. Hallelujah! I feel the anointing. In 2011, I went to a gym, I was working out. I did not want to accept it. Somebody said I just had this dream about you prophesying and preaching to the nations. I said ok, yeah, I heard that all my life. I go to work out at the gym and I come out and the anointing was so strong. He opened my eyes. My eyes became opened and I looked up in this cloud and I see this golden, fiery, eagle. It flew

across the sky and it landed on top of the “World Gym” building. It landed on the building and it sat there and looked at me. I began to walk out with my gym bag. People walking in the building, looking at me, like, what’s going on with him. My eyes was opened and I’m trying to get to my car. I get to my car and the eagle lifts up off the building, flies across the sky, goes right above my car, and I’m driving down the highway and the Holy Ghost spoke to me right directly in the car, just as well as me and you talking right now. He said: “Look, I am with you always, whither or whether, you go. Come to me. It’s your time.” Right then and there. I pulled the car on the side of the road. My God, I began to speak in other tongues, the spirit of God hit me so strong. He filled me with the Holy Ghost and I said Yes Lord. He reminded me Isaiah Chapter 6, when Isaiah saw the glory and the train filled temple. He said I am undone. I said Lord, I cant do this. Look at me. Look at this mess I am in. He said I want to send you. It was so powerful, the experience. When I studied the scriptures for myself. He told me, you have seen one of the four beasts around my throne. I looked in the scriptures Revelations 3:4, talks about four beasts around the throne of God and one of them is an eagle. Interviewer: Oh, my God. The anointing from this call is so strong. I felt the anointing while

you were speaking and describing. I know you had mixed feelings about it, but God has a way to make us line up. Can you tell us about a specific thing that you had to come through because of being called to the office of a Prophet. Prophet: There were multiple things. I had a lot of accidents, car accidents. Even when I was sixteen years old. Starting to drive. It seemed like the enemy was trying to take me out. One I definitely know, how I tried to run out there in the streets. It was 2010, 2011. I got caught up in trying to be like everyone else. In Maryland, the big thing is pills, like oxycodone. I was caught with percocet pills. Trying to be who I wasn’t. It caused me to get involved with people, I know I shouldn’t have been involved with. As soon as I got caught, he spoke to me. He said, How long are you going to go in the opposite direction. I said Ok Lord, if you get me out of this, I’ll never do it again. We have said this many times, but I really meant it. Being caught with that is a serious crime here. It was 4 or 5 of them, but in the state of Maryland, to have them illegally is not good. I said Lord, if you get me out of this, I will give you my life. I will surrender all to you. He said if you give me your life, I will make sure I show you my power. You won’t even have to go to court. I had a dream that I was on a ship. I was on this boat. I had a

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lawyer for this case. Now, I was supposed to go to jail for this. It’s no questions about it. I was on this ship and I was with my lawyer. It was this fisherman net. He took me in the realm of the spirit when he had Peter and the disciples on the boat and they were fishing. I’m on the boat with my lawyer and my lawyer sat down at this table and we were talking back and forth and the spirit of God spoke in my ear; You are covered. Give me your life. I gave him my life. I said it does not matter what happens to me I give you my life. The lawyer look right at me and said Mr. Long, you don’t have to worry about going to court. All is taken care of. The charges are dropped. There is no probation. Everything is done. This was in the dream. I lift my hands and the angel of the Lord, stood beside me and we began to ascend up. The next morning, I got a voicemail, when I woke up. The lawyer called and said the same message that was in the dream. He said the same thing on the voicemail. My God, I kept that voicemail for six years. It was so amazing to me. That’s when I knew I committed to the promise in the natural realm. It was a done deal. He said I would never leave you and he meant it. I told my friends and my family. Just to show the power of God. They couldn’t believe it because it wasn’t supposed to happen. The bible spoke to me and said if God be for you, who can be against you. When God says,

enough is enough. He will bend even the court system. I don’t know how they did it. Don’t ask me. I didn’t pay no money. I didn’t appeal to nobody. I didn’t even try to figure it out. Ever since then, I said I would serve you til I die. I haven’t turned back and the prophetic. I always prophesied and told people about their lives, but when I started to walk in it. My God, it enhanced. My eyes and my ears. It’s amazing. When I fully walked in my purpose

and let him have his way. I went further and deeper in the realm of the spirit. He told me I haven’t seen nothing yet. 2017 I will go deeper. There is no peak with him. I love him. I bless his Holy name. Interviewer: What word of encouragement, a favorite scripture, or theory, you have that you would give to the believer to help them get through? Prophet: Continue to pray and

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worship the Lord and the possibilities are endless. All things are possible to them that believe. It’s in our belief that release unto us all of the desires, all the impossibilities, all the hard days that we think we cannot overcome. If we just believe, it’s already done. When we believe, no matter what this cancer situation is, no matter what this bill situation is, no matter who divorce me, no matter who hurt me. I believe that he’s going to bring me out. You got his attention and he will. He is faithful and just. He said anything you ask in my name I will do it. So, ask that your joy be made full. All we got to do is Ask and Believe and it shall be done unto us. Interviewer: Can you tell us about your book that you have coming out? Prophet: My book is coming out soon, called the “Mouth of the Prophet, Volume I” It will be about 12 chapters, discussing how to hear the voice of the Lord. How to administer accurate prophecy. What a Prophet goes through. How the Lord can trust those who are Faithful to his word. How to be entrusted to be a vessel to be used to say what He wants to say because the Mouth of the Prophet speaks nothing but what God says. A book going back to the beginning of the Prophets. Prophets did not speak their own opinion. Prophets are

oracles and mouthpiece for the Lord. We have people in this day, declaring what they want to say, but not declaring what the Lord is saying, because the Lord still don’t like sin. The Lord is Holy. He said Be ye Holy, for I am Holy. The Mouth of the Prophet is going to be a book administering, a book teaching, how to correctly hear the voice of the Lord, how to fast and pray, how to be accurate in what the Lord show you, and how not to be misled by different spirits. It’s overall objective is to show What is Jesus saying. What Jesus wants to speak in this last hour, he wants to save, he want to do Isaiah 61, bind up the brokenhearted, set the captives free, loose them that are bound, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. My primary goal is Ephesians 4:11 for the perfecting of the Saints. My job is to make sure we all grow into the image and likeness of Jesus. I want everybody. Down to the ushers, down to the prophets, the apostles, whomsoever you are. Everybody to grow into the image and likeness of Christ, his divine nature. That is my assignment. Interviewer: Bless the Lord, Do you have any advice for emerging Prophets? Prophet: Stay humbled. Stay close to him. Stay in his presence and stay in his word. He is never separated from his word. He is the word. Continue to pray and seek his face. Even

though, there will be adversity, but adversity brings confirmation. Adversity brings you to a place of acceptance. Don’t let the adversity bring you down psychologically. Just use it as fuel to your fire to go to the source. The source got all the answers. The source is the comfort and the source is St. John 15 without him we can do nothing. We go back to the source. He got the answers to why they hurt us. He understands everything because he understood it 2, 000 years ago when he bore all the sins upon the cross. That’s why the bible declares in the book of Hebrews he said if you every get weary and feel like you cant go on. I want you to remember Jesus and doing the cross. Remember, he already been there. He already got the answers to everything and he is able to pull you out. Stay in the word. Stay focused. Love God. Continue to pray and worship him and the possibilities are endless. To sow a seed into “The Mouth of the Prophet Ministries” Go to PayPal and put in the following email: PropheticMantle07@gmail.com

I KNOW WHO I AM By Reynaldo Rodriguez

We cannot do anything to qualify for the by product of being loved unconditionally and voluntarily. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” Understanding the characteristic of God’s own heart, for God so loved the world, start answering you the question of Who You Are. Therefore I know who I am. If this equation could work for anyone, they would have worked for King Solomon. He was the king of Israel during the greatest years in its history. He had power, position, wealth, possession and many material riches. If a meaningful life is the result of appearance, admiration, performance, accomplishments, status or recognition, Solomon would have been the most together man who ever lived. Not only did he posses all that a fallen humanity could hope for, but God also gave him more wisdom than any other mortal

to interpret it all. What was his conclusion? “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 1: 2). Solomon sought to find purpose and meaning in life independent of God and inspire by the Holy Spirit of God, he wrote a book about it. The book of Ecclesiastes describes futility of humankind pursuing a meaningful life in a fallen world without God. Millions of people climb those ladders of “success,” only to discover when they reach the top that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall. We also tend to buy into the negative side of the worldly success-equals-meaning formula by believing that is people have nothing, they have no hope for happiness. Imagine a girl in a High School campus who has bodily limitations, who stumble when she walks and stutters when she talks. She has a bad complexion and she struggles just to get average grades. Does she have any hope for happiness? Most of us would think, probably not. Maybe we are right in that thought, where

people strictly live on the external plane. Happiness is equated with good looks, relationships with important people, the right job and a fat bank account. Life devoid of these “benefits” is too often equated with hopelessness. What about life in God’s kingdom? The success equals happiness and failures equals hopelessness equations don’t exist. Everyone has exactly the same opportunity for a meaningful life. Why? Because wholeness and meaning in life are not the products of what you have or don’t have, what you’ve done or haven’t done. You are already a whole person and possess a life of infinite meaning and purpose because of who you are: a child of God. The only identity equation that works in God’s kingdom is you plus Christ equals wholeness and meaning. This divine equation works and fit perfectly when the element of faith is added: “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (Romans 10: 17). “I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

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(John 17: 23) “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.“ (2 Corinthians 3: 18)

“Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.” “to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” (Ephesians 1: 6)

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5: 20)

“who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1: 4)

“On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” (John 14: 20)

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love” (Ephesians 1: 4)

“because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8: 2)

“made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2: 5)

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,” (Galatians 3: 26)

“ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4: 22) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—“ (Ephesians 2: 8) “set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” (2 Corinthians 1: 22)

“ Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Romans 5: 8 – 10) “you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6: 20)

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (John 15: 9)

“And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1: 6)

“ I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.” (John 17: 9)

“ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4: 16)

“For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5: 19)

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3: 28)

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians 1: 3)

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “ (Matthew 5: 13) “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— “ (Romans 6: 6) “For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—“ (1 Corinthians 1: 5) “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6: 14) “ Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” (1 Corinthians 3: 16) “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5: 14) “ If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Romans 14: 8) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5: 17) “I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.” (Romans 15: 14) “ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (Romans 8: 26) I KNOW WHO I AM

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For Dates And Times For These Upcoming Events And Prophetic Training, please visit www.kimberlyhargraves.com for more details.

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

ACTIVATING THE VOICE OF GOD IN YOUR LIFE By Kimberly Hargraves

• Activating means to make active, cause to function, or to act. • God longs to speak to mankind and to fellowship with him. • The Voice of God has many dimensions. • God spoke to Moses in

the fire o Deuteronomy 5:4 says, “The Lord talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire.” o Deuteronomy 5:23-26 says, “And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near

unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders; And ye said, Behold, the Lord our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth. Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the Lord

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our God any more, then we shall die. For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?

voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire.” The voice of God can do some impossible things in your life. How can flames of fire be divided? Only God can do that.

o Don’t allow fear to set in like the children of Israel. They preferred a prophet to speak to them over God. You can’t hear God’s voice when you are afraid.

o God’s voice will disturb, briskly move from to and fro that dry place in your life.

• God spoke in the thunder. Psalm 29:3 says, “The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters.” o We can hear God over the storms and chaos in life. God’s voice is more powerful than the storm. o Psalm 29:4 says, “The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.” o God’s voice is strong. It’s more powerful than the cedar tree. An average cedar tree is 130 feet tall and 8 feet wide. God’s voice (one word from God( will break stubborn situations). o Psalm 29:5 says, “The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars; yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.” o Psalm 29:7 says, “The

o Psalm 29:8 says, “The voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness; the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.” o God’s voice will birth new ideas in you. o Psalm 29:9 says, “The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to calve (deer gives birth), and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory. • God’s voice brings reassurance, comfort, direction, and insight o Deuteronomy 4:30 says, “When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;” • 4 Things To activate the voice of God o Fasting

o Moses Fasted on Mount Sinai. Deuteronomy 9:9 says, “When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the Lord made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water.” o Moses heard instructions when he fasted. Deuteronomy 9:12 says, “And the Lord said unto me, Arise, get thee down quickly from hence; for thy people which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt have corrupted themselves; they are quickly turned aside out of the way which I commanded them; they have made them a molten image.” o Battles are won after fasting. 2 Chronicles 20:3 says, “And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” o Elijah heard God’s voice again. 1 Kings 19:8-9 says, “And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou

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here, Elijah?” o Brings flesh neath subjection.

under-

o Brings us in alignment with God. o Helps us focus on spiritual things. • Praying in Tongues. It stirs up the spiritual gifts. o 2 Timothy 1:6 says, “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.” o Communication with God o 1 Corinthians 14:2 says, “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.” o It gives us understanding. o 1 Corinthians 14:15 says, “What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” • Devotion

o This means to be committed or to serve God. It means to spend time with Him and make an effort to know Him.

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”

o Devotion gives us access to be a friend of God. We can receive His advice or counsel.

o Elisha prophesied when he worship.

o Psalm 25:14 says, “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” o Our obedience locks secrets.

un-

o Proverbs 3:32 says, “For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.” o Secrets are revealed that you never heard of before. o Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” • Worship o Communication with God o Connection with God o Ephesians 5:18-19 says, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

o Ephesians 5:18-19 says, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” o Three prophets or minstrels prophesied. o 1 Chronicles 25:1 says, “Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was.”

SEAWEED FACIAL PEEL

For weeks, my face was breaking out. I had pimple after pimple after pimple. I had so many scars left on my face from old black heads. To top it all off, I had so many white heads that seemed to come back daily. I went through so many products to cleanse my face. Nothing seemed to work. My usual face wash of Apricot scrub wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t working. I needed some deep cleansing. One day as I was scrolling on Facebook, I seen this ugly black facial skin peel. A woman was peeling it off her face and many white heads were removed. At that moment, I knew that I had to try this mask. I did my research and found that it was a sea weed peel. I went to the store and found a sea weed mask. When I got home, I washed my face with ivory soap then I applied the mask. It took about 20 minutes for the mask to fully dry. As soon as it dried, it was time to peel off. The mask looked as if it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to peel off but actually it was quite easy to peel off. I noticed that a lot of white heads were pulled out my pores. My face was much smoother and it had a glow. I now plan on using this face peel at least once a month. The great thing about this face peel is that is cost less than $2. By Kimberly Hargraves

WHO ARE YOU? By Reynaldo Rodriguez

I really enjoy asking people, “Who are you?” It sounds like a simple question requiring a simple answer, but it really isn’t. For example, if someone asked me, “Who are you?” I might answer, Reynaldo, but my closer friends call me Rey, (spell Ray)”. No, that’s your name. Who are you? Oh I’m a Pastor and a teacher. No, that’s what you do. “I’m a American citizen borne in the island of Puerto Rico that lives now in Harlingen Texas of the Rio Grande Valley. No that’s where you live. I’m an evangelical.” No, that is not who you are. That’s your denominational preference. I could also say that I am 5’ 11 tall with a white complexity in the color of my skin. But that is not who I am. My physical dimensions and appearance, however, aren’t me

either. If you chopped off my arms and legs would I still be me? If you transplanted my heart, kidneys or liver would I still be me? Of course! Now if you keep chopping you will get to me eventually because I am in here somewhere. Who I am, though, is far more than what you see on the outside. The apostle Paul said, “Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer.” (2 Corinthians 5: 16). Maybe the Early Church didn’t, but generally we do. We tend to identify ourselves and each other primarily by what we look like (tall, short, stocky, slender) or what we do (plumber, carpenter, nurse, engineer, clerk).

Furthermore, when we Christians are asked to identify ourselves in relation to our faith, we usually talk about our doctrinal position (protestant, evangelical, Calvinistic, charismatic, catholic etc..), our denominational preference (Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Independent) or our role in the church (Catholic Priest or nun, pastor, Sunday school teacher, choir member, deacon, usher). Is who you are determined by what you do, or is what you do determined by who you are? That is an important question, especially as it relates to Christian maturity. I subscribe to the latter. I believe that your hope for growth, meaning and fulfillment as a Christian is based on understanding who

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you are—specifically, your identity in Christ as a child of God. Your understanding of who God is and who you are in relationship to Him is the critical foundation for your belief system and your behavior patterns as a Christian. Have you ever cried yourself to sleep at night because you felt inadequate and wished you were somebody else? I learned that many people who appear to have it all together on the outside may not have it all together on the inside. I could ask almost anyone that same question at some time in their lives and get the same response. Yes, I have felt like this many times, many will respond. In one occasion, in His earthly ministry Jesus had an encounter with a man named Nicodemus. Let’s see how the biblical narrative unfolds, “Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you

the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony. If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3: 1 – 17) Now, why do you think Jesus asked Nicodemus, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things when Nicodemus asked How can these things be, regarding the new spiritual birth? What do you think was missing in the life of Nicodemus? Often what we show on the outside is a false front designed to disguise who we really are, and we cover up the negative feelings we have about ourselves. The world would have us believe that if we appear attractive or perform well or enjoy a certain amount of status, then we will have it all together inside as well. That is not always true, however. External appearance, accomplishment and recognition don’t necessarily reflect or produce internal peace and spiritual maturity. We mistakenly think that good appearance plus the admiration it brings equal a whole person. By this I’m not referring to those who physically exercise to keep a healthy balance in their bodies. Our bodies are tem-

ple of the Holy Spirit and keeping it healthy through physical exercise is one way to honor our creator with gratitude for granting us our human bodies. Or we feel that star performance plus accomplishments equal a whole person. Or we believe that a certain amount of status plus the recognition we accumulate equal a whole person. Not so. These equations are no more correct than two plus two equal six. Try as we might by our appearance or social status to find selfverification for a sense of being somebody, we always come short of satisfaction. Whatever pinnacle of selfidentity we achieve soon crumbles under pressure of hostile rejection or criticism, introspection or guilt, fear or anxiety. We cannot do anything to qualify for the by product of being loved unconditionally and voluntarily. ““For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” Understanding the characteristic of God’s own heart, for God so loved the world, start answering you the question of Who You Are.

Nine Qualities of A Bad Leader

By Kimberly Hargraves How can you know what effective leadership is when you don’t what bad leadership is? God is calling you to lead or go impact people in your sphere of influence. 1) Controlling. Controlling leaders do not want you to go to other minister’s conferences. They don’t like you reading books written by other people but they want you to read only their books. These leaders micromanage or get in your personal life. It is okay if you invite them or seek counsel but it is not okay when they invade your personal life. These leaders operate under a witchcraft spirit. Controlling leader act under a form of manipulation

and brainwash their followers. Leviticus 25:17 says, “Ye shall not therefore oppress (·cheat [mistreat; exploit] (take advantage) one another; but thou shalt fear thy God:for I am the Lord your God.”

down. Daniel interpreted the dream. Nebuchadnezzar didn’t repent and ate grass like a wild ox in the field for 7 years until he acknowledged God. God did restore his kingdom after he gave God glory.

3) Indecisive.

Lack of humility.

These leaders are prideful. They don’t listen to no one and feel like they know everything. Nebuchadnezzar is an example of a prideful leader. Daniel 4:30 says, “he said, “·I have built this great Babylon as [L Is this not Babylon the great which I built as…?] my royal home. I built it by my power to show my glory and my majesty.” He had a dream that the whole world ate from this tree and then it got cut

Indecisive means open, not settling a decision, unclear, or vague. The blind is leading the blind. This is dangerous, leading to a mess. James 1:8 says, “An indecisive man is unstable in all his ways.” (Holman Christian Standard or CSB translation). 4)

Poor character.

This means dishonest, no integrity, immoral, not dependable,

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or gossiper. These people will put traps in others paths to promote themselves. Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” The Expanded Bible (EXB) says, “Being respected [L A good name/reputation] is more important than having great riches.·To be well thought of [High esteem] is better than silver or gold [Eccl. 7:1].”

results in making decisions harder. Amos 3:3 says, “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?”

Proverbs 18:13 says, “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”

No vision.

This means there are no set goals, no revelation, no prophetic insight, and no plans. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Habakkuk 2:2-3 says, “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” We got to give God something to work with. 6)

Bad listener.

Having bad listening skills decreases the overall moral of the workplace and decreases effective communication. This

James 1:19 says, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;” Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”

No empathy.

This means to understand and share the feelings of another. It means a lot to someone that looks up to you when you take the time to appreciate them or show them you care. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” 8)

Stuck in old ways.

When this occurs, there is no advancement, no growth, less effective ways of doing things,

and not keeping up with technology. Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” 9) Scared to develop others. These leaders are jealous, insecure, intimidated, and scared that people will accomplish more than them. Having everyone on the team on one accord makes it more effective and stronger. It also gets rid of the weak links. Saul was jealous of David. 1 Samuel 18: 7-9 says, “And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 And Saul eyed David from that day on.” Don’t be a king Saul.

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Leadership By Reynaldo Rodriguez

Discipleship counseling is the process where two or more people meet together in the presence of Christ, learn how the truth of God’s Word can set them free and thus are able to conform to the image of God as they walk by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. Nobody reading this thoughts knows better than I do that I can’t set anybody free; only God can do that. I can’t bind up anybody’s broken heart, only God can do that. He is the Wonderful Counselor. Brokenness is the key to effective ministry and the final ingredient for discipleship counseling message and method had come together. Regarding this same principle, the apostle Paul once wrote to the Romans: “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but

we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also

predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

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As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8: 22 – 39) Furthermore, it is my conviction that discipleship counseling must start where the Bible starts. This passage in the book of Romans could be a solid theological opening principle in our quest to live lives in victory over darkness. Another point at which the discipleship process and counseling intersects is in the area of individual responsibility. People who want to move forward in Christian maturity can certainly benefit from counsel of others and those who seek freedom from their past can also be helped by others. Ultimately, however, every Christian is responsible for his or her own maturity and freedom in Christ. Nobody can make you grow except having a close intimate relationship with the Spirit of the Lord. Regarding this same principle Paul writes to the Ephesians, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the

mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” (1: 17 – 21). Like Paul, that should be our prayer as well. Spiritual growth and maturity in Christ is your decision and daily responsibility. Nobody can solve your spiritual problems for you. Only Jesus through the grace of His Holy Spirit. But you alone must initiate and follow through that process. Thankfully, however, none of us walks through the discipleship of personal maturity and freedom alone. The indwelling Christ is eagerly willing to walk with us each step of the way. As Christians and holy people we are being called to live and mature in Christ. As your walk with Christ progresses you will discover who you are in Christ and how to live by faith: “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8: 14 – 16) Jesus said, “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” (John 16: 12 – 15).

You will learn how to walk by the Spirit and be sensitive to His leading and voice, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10: 27 – 29) The grace walk is living by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. Being led by the Holy Spirit means more than saying I am a Christian, is actually embracing the spiritual battle that follows those who wish to serve faithfully “the one who called us from darkness towards His admirable light”. Is sensing the definition of loyalty and obedience and understanding the nature of the battle for your mind while learning why your mind must be transformed so you can live by faith and grow spiritually. Walking hand to hand with the Holy Spirit of grace means gaining insight into how to manage your emotions injecting ownership over them, “to be set free from the emotional traumas of your past through faith and forgiveness.”“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” (1 Corinthians 14: 39 – 40) Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example. As a Christian Pastor, I would never ask you do to anything I’m not willing to do my own self. I believe in the motto, we lead by example as we as Christians follow faithfully His lead: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2: 21). Peace and grace.

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SINNER’S PRAYER

Jesus was crucified on the cross just for you! He suffered so much for your healing, sorrows,and sins. He went around doing every good work, healing people and casting out demons. He took thirty nine lashes. He wore a crown of thorns and his beard was plucked out! He was spat on, falsely accused, and beaten. Will you let him in your heart today? Take a few seconds and pray this short prayer. Your life will never be the same. Lord, I believe that you died on the cross for my sins. Romans 10:9 says, “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. “I make you Lord and Savior of my life. Lord, I desire to have a relationship with you. Lord, I confess any sins of ___________. I repent Lord. Wash me in your blood in Jesus name Amen. Congratulations! If you read the above prayer, welcome to the body of Christ. The angels in heaven are rejoicing. Get connected to a local bible based church and get with someone who will hold you accountable. Your next step is to get baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38 King James Version (KJV): Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Four Benefits of Worship

1)Worship awakens. Worship means to evoke, stir up, quicken, arouse, or kindle. In Psalms 73, Asaph was despairing over the wicked prospering. Verses 16 and 17 he went in God’s presence and then he got a breakthrough in verses 25-26 and then he decided to put his trust in God. Psalm 73: 16-17 says, “When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Psalm 73:25-28 says, “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.” 2) Worship delivers. Psalm 32:7 says, “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.” Psalm 9:9 says, “The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble;” Psalm 40:3 says, “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” 3) Worship bring joy. Psalms 16:11 says, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand, there are pleasures for evermore.” 4) Worship brings victory. 2 Chronicles 20:21-22 says, “And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth forever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.”

By Kimberly Hargraves

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The Life And Ministry Of Asaph

Here are the notes from “The Making Of A Prophet” Series by Kimberly Hargraves.

He went through a lot. He seen the kingdom of Israel get divided. The southern kingdom will be known as Judah, with Jerusalem as its capital and one of David’s descendants as their king. The northern kingdom, composed of ten tribes, will be known as Israel. Samaria will eventually become its capital. Asaph’s name means collector. He lived in Jerusalem. He was underneath the reign of David, Solomon, and

Rehoboam. He worked in David’s Tent of meeting and Solomon’s temple. His father was Bechariah. He went through some stuff, his brother Zechariah was slain. He was a Prophet, poet, and singer. 2 Chronicles 29:30 says, “Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the Lord with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and

worshipped.” 1 Chronicles 16:37 says, “So he left there before the ark of the covenant of the Lord Asaph and his brethren, to minister before the ark continually, as every day’s work required.” He worshipped God regularly, daily. It was a lifestyle. He had a huge responsibility of his office. David appointed him to be

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

overall supervisor and worship before the Lord. He was called a chief. He made music with cymbals. Cymbals appear through the bible through many psalms and songs of praise. 1 Chronicles 16:4 says, “And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, and to record, and to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel:” 1 Chronicles 16:5 says, “Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;” It was Asaph’s ministry to serve the Lord with worship in the temple. Minister=serve=Hebrew word “Sharat” 1 Chronicles 25:1 says, “Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals:

and the number of the workmen according to their service was:” He had sons or musicians or spiritual children under him where he was able to impart into.

come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:”

He was submitted to leadership. 1 Chronicles 25:2 says, “Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king.”

2 Kings 3:15 says, “But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him.” Asaph wrote Psalms 50, 73-83 (12 psalms). These are psalms of Judgment and deep intercession.

1 Chronicles 25:6 says, “All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the Lord, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king’s order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman.”

These Psalms are crying out against injustice and the wicked prospering.

The role of a prophet isn’t limited to proclamation. Music can be prophetic like in a form of praise; Tied into worship. 1 Samuel 10:5 says, “After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall

6 Ways To Strengthen Your Evangelism Skills

By Kimberly Hargraves Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. He said to them, “·

2 Timothy 4:5 says, “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”

God is sending you out. (Don’t look for titles: Just do the work) You may be saying, “well I am not an evangelist but a pastor?” You may also be saying, “I am not in ministry?” None of that matters.

1) Bold

You are someone’s bible. People are watching you. There are lives depending on you, u don’t want that blood on your hands. You can make an impact in your sphere of influence. When was the last time you told someone about Jesus?

1 Corinthians 3:6 says, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”

• God can’t move through you if you have fear. • God gave you a word that will bless someone but you scared to open your mouth. • Ephesians 6:19 says, “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make

known the mystery of the gospel,” • Apostle Paul was in chains serving God, what’s your excuse? • Ephesians 6:20 says, “for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.” 2)

Burden of the Lord

• Our hearts need to break for what breaks God’s heart. • 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

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• Ezekiel 33:11 “Say to them, ‘As I live!’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?’” • We should pray that God will give us the burden of the Lord. 3) Compassion • Matthew 9: 36-38 says, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” • Colossians 3:12 says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” • We need to show them the love of God to win people over to God. • I was drawn to my church because the pastor didn’t judge me but showed me the love of God. 4)

Lead by the Holy Spirit

• God will give you Word of Knowledge, Word of Wisdom, or Prophecy to open up the door for evangelism. • Acts 8:26-31 says, “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south[a] to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” • The Eunuch ended up being baptized because Phillip was led by the Holy Spirit • Those who are led by the spirit are the sons of God. 5) Opportunist • You can you share about Jesus on FB, the restaurant, the store, etc. • Colossians 4:3 says, “as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the

word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” • Acts 14:27 says, “When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” 6)

Strong Prayer Life

• You need power. Suggest praying in tongues to gain more power. • James 5:16 says, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” • Colossians 1:13 says, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son”. • Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” • Acts 26:18 says, “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

My Favorite Prophet

By Wylie Foster Jr. Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew, or rain except at my word!” 1 Kings 17:1. This was the bible’s first introduction of Elijah. He apparently appeared on the scene out of nowhere (and departed in the same fashion) when the Israelite’s apostasy was at an all-time high! Elijah had a very authoritative presence and obviously some connection and access to the king of Israel because no one could casually approach a king

at their convenience, especially with a “word from the Lord” of a destructive nature. However, Elijah was not your average ordinary prophet. None of his words fell to the ground except when King Ahab repented for his involvement in Naboth’s death manufactured by his sinister wife Jezebel because his vineyard was in a more convenient location for King Ahab, next to the King’s palace. (It actually came to pass at the latter part of his administration). Elijah was very unorthodox,

he was described a “hairy man that wore a leather girdle.” He was an itinerant prophet who Obadiah probably thought could dematerialize in an instant. He had amazing athletic ability (he outran King Ahab’s chariot headed to Jezreel. He demonstrates worship and how to engage in spiritual warfare to experience answered prayers due to persistence. This is why James said (in reference to the prophet Elijah) “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much!” (James 5:16). He battled depression and frustration.

However, he always remained committed to fulfilling the call of God on his life. He determined his calling to be non-negotiable. After the decree to King Ahab, Elijah was instructed to evacuate Israel and hide himself at the Brook Cherith. It should be well documented that prophets go through seasons of great difficulty, isolation /separation, and character development. However, he experienced the miraculous. God gave him provision by ravens (which represent extreme humility). There are few things more humiliating than depending on stingy people I meant birds for nourishment, or to possess the bare essentials of life! In this posture, Elijah became totally dependent on God for provision and developed a deeper sensitivity to the voice of God. Elijah teaches me that there are no shortcuts in God’s schooling. He is a wise master builder. Abraham looked for a city that has foundation whose architect and interior designer was God. This is representative of all great men of God; they seem to develop a detachment from the treasures and pleasures of this world, like Moses who forsook the riches of Egypt for the reproach of Christ. God’s providence proved to be extremely valuable for Elijah, as he solely challenged the four

hundred and fifty prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. (A false deity commemorated for his control over the weather). Cherith and Zarephath, proved to be indispensable experiences for Elijah as he handled pressure with great composure and displayed supernatural confidence in the face of great adversity. The people who were once ambivalent momentarily turned back to God because of His manifested presence demonstrated when the fire fell from heaven, consumed the sacrifice, and licked up the last bit of water in Israel, due to the devastating drought. Or, so it seemed that it was God manifested presence, because God later disseminated to Elijah that He was not in the spectacular but the still small voice! Also, as a side note Elijah realized that there was also a ram in the bush (700 to be exact, who had not bowed the knee or kissed the image of Baal). On Mount Horeb, after a forty day exasperating adventure, Elijah discovered that God had made arrangements for Elijah’s replacement. Elijah commanded fire from heaven to consume three different companies of the royal guard. He was also one of two individuals (Enoch being the first) that never experienced a natural death. Jesus recognized Elijah’s spirit as His own forerunner before the Word became flesh and

dwelt among us. There was something so spectacular and impressive about Elijah’s spirit that his successor Elisha requested a double portion of it! Elisha later discovered that it’s “not by might nor by power but by My Spirit” says the Lord of Hosts, when the mantle did not raise the great Shunamite woman’s son, but Elisha’s own faith in God produced the miraculous. Unfortunately, Elijah “wrapped his face in his mantle” (anointing, education, self-righteousness) when approached by God at the mouth of the cave on Mount Horeb, instead of humbling himself. It is pretty apparent that Elijah was not a flawless or impeccable man, but like David, a man after God’s own heart!

My Favorite Prophet By Danyel Hiwat

Jesus the Christ is my all time favorite Prophet. I adore His relationship with the Father and His love for mankind. He is one that I definitely aspire to be like.

always believed that I would be the female version of Daniel. Daniel’s name means God is my Judge. Yet when he was in captivity they changed his name to Bel-te-shazzar.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Yet for this assignment, I would like to talk about Daniel the Prophet. Daniel has an integrity and love for God that is amazing. He was faithful, bold in his walk and endured some of the hardest things in his life.

Daniel, in Daniel 1:8, purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the King’s meat, nor the wine. Can you imagine if we would do the same. Romans 12:1-2 says I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2)

In today’s society what would be the King’s meat. Fast food, our daily foods perhaps. What will happen if we would stop eating fast food. Why? It is made up of artificial ingredients that our bodies do not digest well and that make us feel full for the moment. What would happen if we stopped getting the vaccines

Daniel is my next favorite Prophet since I was a child because of his name sake. I

like the flu shot? Why? Doing research you will find that it is still a test. They are testing these batches on us to see how it reacts to our body. In some countries it is used as genocide. What is the reason that corn based products are in everything? Corn Syrup and high fructose corn syrup are replacements of sugar. Chicken and fish have a corn diet that makes them grow full term faster than those grown naturally by about 2 weeks. What they eat we eat. What about the water that we drink? Why do they need to put fluoride in our waters, of course more in urban areas? Too much fluoride causes white spots on our teeth. The fluoride being used is a by product from factories that companies used to have to pay to get rid of. Now that’s one less expense for these major companies. Could your antiperspirant cause cancer or either problems in your body because of the aluminum in it? These are the questions that I ask myself since I had children. Why is it okay for me but not my baby? Are these things fogging my brain and rewriting my DNA. I can imagine Daniel’s thought pattern and why he did not want to defile himself. His body was sacred. So Daniel and his friends Hananiah, Mishael and

Azariah ate pulse which consisted of vegetables, wheat, barley, grains, rye, peas, beans and lentils. After the 10 day challenge to see which group would look better: those that ate the King’s meat or Daniel and his friends eating the pulse Daniel and his friends won. Their stance in their belief brought them up higher. Daniel and his friends were sent to a burning fiery furnace for not bowing down and worshiping the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar set up, (Daniel 3:8-30). Through this experience I have learned to keep my eyes on Jesus no matter what happens and no matter the consequence. Because of their refusal to bow down they were taken care and in the furnace and this miracle caused nations to their God and they were promoted. Daniel was a very wise man. God gave him the ability to interpret dreams and had visions (Daniel 7). He was very loyal to God. He believed that everything that God used him to do was not as important as a personal relationship with the Father. Daniel 6 starts to explain how Darius, the New King set 120 princes over the whole kingdom. Three presidents were appointed over the 120 princes. Daniel had so much favor with man and wisdom from God.

Because of his excellent spirit he was appointed the 1st president in verse 3. In Daniel’s rise to the top the Jealous coworkers became very jealous. As they plotted to destroy him Daniel did what he does best. He prayed, Daniel 6:10. This led him right to the den of lions. But God closed the lions mouths. This is one of my favorite lessons in Daniel’s life. He was full aware that they meant evil for him but instead of trying to defend himself, he battled on his knees and went to Someone who had never lost a battle. He went to his love. The gift giver. He knew that without Him he is nothing. I know that God has given me so much favor. Not everyone likes this favor. Many are wondering how could someone who doesn’t even go to the church I attend come in and start working. Of course I have opposition. My job is to surrender to the One that gave me the assignment in the first place. Daniel was used mightily in dreams and visions. Ultimately Daniel lived through many Kings. Not all of them took heed to his wisdom. Those that did were successful.

MIRIAM - the first woman Prophetess in the bible

By Emelia Adjei Back in the old testament, women were not really

acknowledged to lead. He gave women power God isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a respector & influence to speak, of person or gender. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will pour out My

Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.”- Joel 2:28. Miriam was the first women to be called Prophetess in the bible. As a little girl, she prophesied the birth of Moses, that her mother will have a son who will redeem Israel. It surely did come to pass. Miriam was the older sister of Moses. When Pharaoh decreed that all Jewish baby boys were to be killed, Moses mother couldn’t hide him anymore so laid him in the river banks. When Pharaoh’s daughter found the basket with Moses, Miriam who was hiding in the bushes came out and suggested someone that could nurse the baby. This was very bold and smart of her. The nurse she had in mind was her mind. God didn’t only use Miriam to prophesy the birth of Moses but saving his life to bring the prophesy to pass.

(Ex. 2: 1 -10).

expectation of each person is different I admire the especially Prophet/ leadership qualities of Prophetess are held by Miriam. Together with high standards. Moses she lead the Jewish people forty In modern days, some years in the have concluded that desert. She taught the she was punished for women to have questioning mail courage & faith in authority which isn’t God. She played a right. mother & sister role which Moses as a Lesson learnt is we man can’t fully relate should respect or serve the women. leadership and whom She lead the women & God as placed to lead. girls to sing & dance If we disagree with after crossing the Red any actions or sea. Miriam was God’s decisions, approach gift to the Israelites it respectfully else (Micah 6:4) the wrath of God can On the other hand, come upon us even Miriam was punished if we’re right or have with leprosy by God good intentions. for her criticism and gossip about Moses. As women, we can be nurtures or helpers She questioned God to help people birth speaking to Moses their prophesies. I (Numbers 12 v 2). like to assist people in Instead of any way I can to make confronting Moses their dreams become a directly when she reality. perceived injustice she goes to Aaron the older brother & high priest. We should be careful on speaking behind men and women of God. Though it wasn’t a big sin God’s

Jeremiah The Compassionate Prophet! By Tawinika Mckoy

Jeremiah who name means “The Lord exalts” or “The Lord establishes” has always been one of my favorite prophets. He is called the weeping prophet because he wanted God to forgive his people and do them no harm for their disobedience. Jeremiah was sensitive yet bold and full of compassion towards God and his people which is what drew me to him. In his time he was considered to be a man of valor who was mighty in spirit and courageous for the Lord. Another thing I admire about him is that he didn’t allow fear to take root in his moment of doubt, God rebuked him and he went

forth in his assignment. Jeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ This reveals that Jeremiah walked very close to God and that he had a teachable spirit meaning he was humble and knew that it wasn’t by his might but by the power of God who was with him. How can you not admire a man whom God trusted so much that no matter the hour he would show up to pour out his wisdom upon him that is powerful. How do I relate to him? Since a young age I’ve always known that I was different I

would “prophesy” and it come to pass but by me not growing up in a home with that spiritual knowledge I had no understanding. I just remember on many occasions crying and telling my mom that I didn’t belong in our family that I was different and didn’t fit in. I understand now why because there was darkness overtaking my family and by me being called before birth I was feeling the emotions/attacks of a prophet even then. So when God speaks to him and saying in Jeremiah 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.”It ministers to me in a different way. Jeremiah answered the call young as I am young myself the only difference is he gave God a complete yes and didn’t let his insecurities overpower the voice of God. I reflect on his actions because that’s how I am striving to be young, strong and courageous so that I can fulfill my assignment here in the earth. Jeremiah had a burden for the people he cried out for their repentance so that their hearts could be turned back to God and that’s exactly how I am. I believe that God created me to be a prophet of the soul and just like Jeremiah God releases the burdens of lost and broken souls upon me. What oppositions did he face? Though Jeremiah was a very strong prophet he still had weak flesh moments. God called Jeremiah to live a single life which means he had to take up his assignment alone and over time that affected him he dealt with depression oppression and rejection because of how he was called to walk with God. Though this was a hard place Jeremiah never stopped advancing or doing the will of God and because of God’s supernatural strength that was upon him. During his time Jeremiah was the only Prophet preaching darkness and destruction because of this the kings and priests of Judah repeatedly tried to have him killed. Since Jeremiah came as a prophet of their Lord they were afraid to kill him but it didn’t stop them from findings ways to bring harm to him. He was imprisoned and almost starved to

death because he was accused of defecting to the babylonians. The worst time he face was when they held him as a prisoner in a pit of stinking mire. In spite of these trials Jeremiah remained loyal to God and continued his work as a prophet. This was a test of endurance and he passed. What was Jeremiah’s assignment? Jeremiah 1:10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:17“Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. 18Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. 19They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. Jeremiah’s assignment was to denounce every area of sin and announce God’s judgement. He was sent to preach repentance and to make the people aware of their wicked and rebellious ways. Jeremiah 2:19 Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you. Consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the LORD your God and have no awe of me,” declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty. There was no respect of person when it came to delivering the

word of the Lord. Jeremiah was sent rebuke and warn kings and priests as well no matter the consequences because he knew God said they could not overtake him. Although Jeremiah was assigned to warn the people about God anger and wrath to come he also assured them that God would restore his children again. Jeremiah 46:27 “Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel. I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid. 28 Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant, for I am with you,” declares the LORD. “Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.” Jeremiah brought judgement, truth and hope.

ZECHARIAH – THE PROPHET

By Gina Howard

What was Zechariah’s assignment?

Introduction The Ministry of Zechariah the prophet took place after the time of the Israelite nations restoration from Babylonian captivity between 520 and 480 BC. His prophecies took place during the reign of King Darius (Zech 1:1) and both he and the prophet Haggai were called by God around the same time to minister to the Israelites in urging returning exiles to rebuild the temple. Zechariah’s prophetic ministry is considered more visionary and long ranging than Haggai’s in that he also dealt heavily in messianic prophecy. Zechariah, like Jeremiah and Ezekiel before him was not only

a prophet but a Levitical Priest. Scholars often note the heavy similarities of Zechariah’s prophetic ministry with that of the prophet Ezekiel. Both prophets’ ministries included a heavy blend of ceremony and vision and it is also believed that Ezekiel’s ministry (which took place during his 22-year exile in Babylon) may have influenced Zechariah’s ministry after Babylonian captivity ended. Whilst Zechariah shared similarities with Ezekiel in terms of prophetic visions he also shared similarities with the prophet Isaiah in terms of his foretelling of the Messiah hundreds of years before His coming.

Zechariah in Hebrew means “GOD REMEMBERED” or the “THE LORD YAHWEH REMEMBERS”. Zechariah’s theology matches his name as his assignment was to not just rebuke the exiled people who were returning to Jerusalem from Babylonia, but to also encourage them that God ‘remembers’ his covenant promises and takes action to fulfill them. Zechariah preached a balance of rebuke and hope for the future by exhorting the need to rebuild the temple and prophesying about the grander picture of salvation and restoration that was to come through the Messiah. In Zechariah 3:8 and Zechariah 6: 12-15 the Messiah is referred to as the one whose name is “The BRANCH” (KJV) that shall grow up out of his place and shall build the temple of the Lord. Another astonishing prophecy of the Messiah is found in Zechariah 9:9 & 10 which reads “Rejoice greatly O’ daughter of Zion! Shout O’ daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey….. He shall speak peace to the nations; His dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth.

Why is Zechariah my favorite prophet? About a year ago I had a dream and in that dream I saw myself telling someone “I feel like Zechariah”. At that time I had no idea who Zechariah was so I started to research this prophet of God and discovered that some of the apocalyptic dreams and visions that I have had were also given to great men of God like Ezekiel and Zechariah thousands of years ago. I began to realize that I wasn’t crazy and that these dreams I was having were quite possibly from God. I didn’t know what to do with these dreams after all why was God showing me these things? I became terrified but the Lord also gave me other dreams in which He told me to read about the prophets. I heard a voice in my dream tell me to study the characteristics of four great men of the Bible - Samuel, Job, Isaiah, and Jonah. How do I relate to Zechariah? I identify strongly with how Zechariah didn’t just warn and rebuke but he also encouraged and brought hope to the people. As I study the Word of the Lord more and more I see stark similarities between Babylonia (in the Old Testament) and current American and western civilization. I sense in my spirit a time of judgement returning to current day followers of Christ. We as believers are essentially the ‘new Israel’ and God is not pleased with us for we have become a church that is divided and lacking power to defeat the enemy. I believe God is getting ready to raise up modern day Zechariahs who shall operate powerfully in the seer dimension and bring not only

rebuke but a call for spiritual renewal as well. Modern day Babylonia shall fall and God’s people shall come out of exile (not be lovers of the world). I sense a divine reset coming to the nations of the earth. I find intriguing the series of eight night visions which Zechariah received from the Lord. These are: 1. The horsemen among the myrtle trees (Zech 1: 7-17); Symbolism: When God’s people are troubled He will restore them and the temple 2. The four horns and the four carpenters (Zech 1: 18-21); Symbolism: The nations that devastated Israel will in turn be destroyed by other nations 3. A man with a measuring line (Zech: 2); Symbolism: There will be full restoration and blessing for the covenant people, temple and city 4. Clean garments for the high priest (Zech: 3); Symbolism: Israel will be cleansed and restored as a priestly nation 5. The gold lampstand and the two olive trees (Zech: 4); Symbolism: Encouragement to rebuild the temple. The gold lampstand is the temple light (Holy Spirit) and the two olive trees are the two forms of leadership (Priests and Kings) over Israel and Judah. Olives represent continuing supply of oil (i.e. God’s anointing) 6. The flying scroll (Zech 5: 1-4); Symbolism: Lawbreakers shall be condemned, sinners will be purged and it shall be established for all to see and know

7. The woman in a basket (Zech 5: 5-11); Symbolism: wickedness of the people personified as a wicked woman (i.e. a rebellious church) that will be placed in a ‘basket’ and removed from the land 8. The four chariots (Zech 6: 1-8) Symbolism: The Lord is the divine judge (four spirits of judgement) What opposition did Zechariah face? Zechariah is one of the Bible’s minor prophets meaning not much is written about his life and ministry other than what can be inferred from the book of Zechariah itself. We can infer that it could not have been easy for Zechariah to call to repentance a nation (that had just been freed from captivity to the Babylonians after many years). In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus makes reference to Zechariah as having been killed between the altar and the temple but scholars are uncertain whether this refers to Zechariah the prophet or some other Zechariah. Scripture reads as follows: “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zechariah son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. [Matthew 23: 34 & 35]

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

TESTIMONIES: LET’S GIVE THE DEVIL A BLACK EYE! When we share our testimonies, our faith increases! We start to believe God for the Impossible! We can see the power and the hand of God in any situation. God can turn any test into a testimony! We know if God did it before, he can do it again. Our Testimonies glorify God!

Thank you for your prayers. I was anxious and worried that God would not open a door leading to employment in my field and he did. God released supernatural favor and abundant blessings.

months ago. God told you I was writing and to keep writing and to release it.

Thank you for praying for my mom a couple of weeks ago (sending recording). She has no brain damage from the 5 strokes the doctors claim she had. She’s home and doing fine; taking it easy; eating healthy; taking meds to strengthen her heart. The periscope video blessed me this morning. I felt the Anointing during most of your scope. Thank you so much. I’d never felt the fire of God upon me until I came across your ministry a few months ago and had you to pray over me. This is so exciting and I’m almost done with my book!!! (During the 2nd miracle call I attended a couple of

God blessed Nickie. She was worried about the possibility of being homeless and not having income. I told her my testimony about what God has done for me and gave her a word that the Holy Spirit told me to tell her. Everything came to pass and God blessed someone to pay most of her bills for the month! God always takes care of His children. I am a living witness!

tion of what it could have been, etc. is dissolving away. I am learning to let things go and watch God work it out on my behalf. And in doing this, I can sleep better at night because I am not worried about the “why” questions. I can wake up in the morning and give God thanks for new mercies instead of looking at my phone for a text message. I can get through my work day without thinking of how to fix something that doesn’t want to be fixed. And the best part about it is I have more intimate time with Jesus. He is truly (yes I know you heard it over and over again) a heart fixer and a mind regulator. I know my God wants the Best for me and the Best I will receive!!

Praise Report! Well I have fasted, prayed and stayed in my word like never before. The anxiety, frustration, confusion, self-doubt, imagina-

Woman of God!!! This is on point. God told me to put our intercessors on a daily prayer challenge and the power of God has been so high in every ser-

My daughter Ruby has been healed of Issues of blood

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

vice. I even work with a lot of Indians who worship other idols and the Lord told me to walk through and decree and declare every morning before anyone came in and the enemy is mad!! No weapon formed against us shall prosper!! Everything you said is exactly what I’ve been praying for and what other prophets have spoken. Thank you for your obedience. I did feel an intense fire in my hip. Not the first time I felt God’s heat, but the first time in my bones like that! When I received my prayer shawl, my chest warmed up and I held it to my chest. My hands are so warm. I just wanted to let you know that your prophesy of 48 hours has come to pass. You prophesied that I would get a phone call about the car. For the first time in 2 years, I was able to eat food (every bit of it) without pain, a headache or having to rush to the bathroom halfway through my meal. I’ve been fighting back tears all day because my Father heard my cries and he answered my prayers. I declared over my life a week ago that I would not live out the rest of the year or the rest of this month taking medication and living through my daily pain. Woman of God, you are the truth and I thank God for us crossing paths. This joy that I have right now, the world didn’t give it and I won’t allow the enemy to steal it from me. I am grateful and forever humble. I witnessed a miracle today and I’ve been talking about it ever since. Praise report!! My Fiancé text me out of the blue so the line of communication is open. Thanks for your prayers. I am in church at a church and one of the prophetess just said there’s an umbrella of rain. God is getting ready to release the open heavens. You just said this to me only but a few hours ago!! God, I trust you!! Today Brittany received the re-

sults from her blood work and it was normal. No more thyroid problems. God is so faithful. Today, I saw her really praise God. I knew she was healed and now I have it documented. Glory to God. Praise Report!! God is so good. As I was driving, 3 deers came running across the road in front of my car. For some reason, I was driving slower than usual. I had enough time to break and not slam into them. God protected me. Glory!! I started to get a little discouraged but I encouraged myself in the Lord. I prayed with your prayer CD in the car and when I got home I got some of the oil you sent me and got on my knees to pray and I just kept praying for a quick turnaround. Throughout the night, I kept checking for good news. God heard me. I logged into my student account and the stops were still there. I decided to try and register for classes anyway and when I went to click the button to register for my classes, the computer let me. Normally, it would block me out!! But I was able to register! I give God praise! Because I would not have been able to graduate if I didn’t register today. Hello Woman of God. I just ordered two of your books. I am so excited. I can’t wait to read them. You prayed for me about a week ago. My God instantly the headache left when you told me stand. I also inbox you about a month ago asking for prayers regarding me traveling to my island. I know God is going to open doors. Thank you so much. I pray God continue to bless you in every area of your life. Peace I thank God for healing in my shoulders. I was on this periscope or Facebook LIVE. I can’t remember which. I’ve had pain in my shoulders for the longest time. Through the power of God it’s gone! I declare and decree that my healing shall be permanent in Jesus Name. Thank you for allowing God to use you for His Glory.

It shall be well with you. I have never felt so clean as I do today still 5 minutes to 6 pm. Thank you Prophetess Kim for the message today. It was amazing to hear my Father’s words as you prophesied over me. It was the most amazing beautiful love way down in my heart. I felt as if I was cradled in his arms. Hallelujah! The Lord has really been dealing with me Prophetess. Thank you for being obedient. In service today, the worship leader was exalting. Then she spoke about healing, “the Lord wants to heal your heart.” Immediately I knew. I just want to give him praise AGAIN! I felt that burning again. Oh God is awesome. He’s healing me. He’s really doing it! Wow! He’s showing he’s not a figment of my imagination! Whew! I am so out done!! September 21, 2014. You told me you had a vision of me and Andy fishing and embracing. I don’t know if I told you or not but our new house has a huge pond full of fish. Peace and blessings to you Woman of God. You gave me a prophetic word from God earlier this month on your prayer call. You told me to expect something significant to happen in 3 weeks. You said God showed you a house while speaking to me. I shared with you that I have been trying to sell my home for the past two years. I also shared that I believe God gave me a selling price of ($160,000). I ended up dropping the price with the second realtor in the month of July to $147, 500 because she didn’t think it was wise to put the house back on the market after taking it off a couple of months for the same price. Nevertheless, the $160,000 still remains on my heart.