May Rejoice Essential 2017 by Kimberly Moses

CONTENT Page 09 Healthy Living Page 16 Walking in Transformation Page 20 6 Tips For Dating While Single In Ministry Page 22 Tron’s Fashion Page 26 Laughter: The Good Medicine Page 28 Psalm 37 - Part Fin - The Godparent

Page 68 Kid’s Corner Page 70 7 Things Newlyweds Should Remember Page 74 5 Things To Apply To Marriage Page 76 Becoming Like Christ

Page 78 Testimonies

Page 30 Prophetess Tawinika McKoy Page 46 Apostle Ryan Lestrange Page 56 The Natural Alternative Page 58 Fashion Page 60 God At Work Page 63 New Melody Page 64 The Call Is For You

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CONTRIBUTORS

Kimberly Hargraves Founder And Chief Editor Colorado Springs, Colorado www.kimberlyhargraves.com

Melody Summers Writer And Interviewer Orangeburg, South Carolina melodysummersrn@gmail.com

Brittany Lowery Writer And Interviewer Charlotte, North Carolina idevenir@yahoo.com

Tron Moses Photographer, Designer, Marketer Bennettsville, South Carolina www.tronmoses.org

Reynaldo Rodriguez Writer Chicago, Illinois reyrod1970@gmail.com

Keiyia Jackson-George Writer And Editor Cane Garden Bay, Tortola Virgin Islands www.rkgconsultinggroup.com www.justmekjg.com

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Mae Blooms Writer Fort Lauderdale, FL info@thebetterwifeproject.com www.thebetterwifeproject.com

Amber Brown Writer Poplar Bluff, Missouri UnityofSoulsMinistry@gmail.com

Mia Mason Writer And Editor Salisbury, NC freshstartministries2016@gmail.com

Bobbie Ford Nutritionist Bennettsville, South Carolina fruitfulsouls@gmail.com

Shirley Ann Cooper Writer Kissimmee, Florida praise write@gmail.com

Wylie and Equalla Foster Writer And Interviewer Murrieta, California bencouraged09@yahoo.com

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WALKING IN TRANSFORMATION By Amber M. Brown

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Transformation is a process, but to get to the finish line, we must first accept what is, leave what was, and work towards what is to come! We all have a story, but each story shares a testimony. A testimony that will bring forth future leaders and lay down to rest the old which will then raise up the new. Are you living out your testimony or are you still living in the first chapter? Many people want to be further along, but can’t because they are still stuck in the past. Where is your conclusion of your story going? Your story must have an ending! An ending that is going to make a difference in someone’s life, as God intended. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12: 2). Conformed means to comply with, to obey, or to uphold. We are not to continue doing the things of this world, because if we do it will bring death upon us, and not just to our physical bodies but it will bring death to our spirit as well. It is very important to remember that even though God wants us to be transformed, we must first be of the world to “breakthrough” the world. So, if you are a sinner or a backslider, it is okay, because we have all fallen short of the glory of God. This just means that we all are guilty of allowing this world to conform us, but God wants us to allow him to work in us to

change who we are in the world, so that he can transform us into individuals that will show others that God has remained alive and active in our lives and has in their lives also. We are to walk in transformation and not just speak transformation. We all know to put action behind our words. Faith without works is dead, Amen! How can God use us and give us a testimony without first going through the things that help push us into that stage of life? In order to transform from a conformed world, we must change ourselves. But, we cannot change without the help of our Heavenly Father, Amen! We can do nothing alone. “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2). Our strength doesn’t come from people nor from the things of this earth, but from God. It is called the All-surpassing power and it lives in you, is working for you, and will work mighty through you because of the one who lives in you! When you find God, allow him to change you for the better, and never let him go. Sometimes we slip, sometimes we back track, but never again allow this world to take you and lock you back up in chains. “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). After we make the decision to follow Christ and allow him to lead our pathway, we choose to discontinue conforming to

the world, but start wanting to conform to his image. This starts the transformation process. The intended purpose for which we were created will come in due time if we conform to his image and stop walking in our own image. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). A new creation does not mean that one day you are in and the next day you are back doing the things that God took you out of. A new creation is such an honor and a gift. A gift that we would have not received if it wasn’t for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are not worthy of his grace nor his love, but even so, he chooses to raise us up to be his disciples. He puts his trust in us to walk in transformation so that the one who is following you will be led in the right direction. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:1-27). We cannot say we are of God

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and that we are transformed, but not have any evidence of living the life that we say we live. Isn’t this how others go astray? Those that we follow and look up to end up being the very ones that are living a lie. When someone feels like this, they don’t blame the person that did it, they blame God. Because someone had them believing that they were once conformed and have been transformed, but then find out that they are still conformed to the world. So, did God really help them or not? Is God real or is he not? This is what people think when this type of thing happens to them. So, to make sure 100% that you are raising up people that will be another testimony of Jesus Christ and his truth, love, ands power, we must first be 100% in his will and living for him. Out with the fake and in with the new, Amen! It starts with us brothers and sisters! We must stop saying yes and learn how to say no. We are not going to please everyone, but the only opinion who truly matters is the Lords anyway. We can be wrong sometimes about people, but God is never wrong because he knows our heart. We need to wake up and come alive again. Some have been dead for far too long, and it’s time to Rise and live according to his Word. “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Now that you are transformed; walk in victory! Walk in God’s transformation for your life. Claim what has been given to you and continue moving forward. There is no turning back from here. You never want to be someone who allows God to change you, but then turns back to doing the very same thing God delivered you from. Who really wants a life like that? “In the beginning was the word and the word was with God, and the word was God” (John 1). The process begins with accepting what is, leave what was, and walk in what is here…….Transformation! Jesus carried the cross as he was getting beat for our transgressions. He could barely walk, but with the strength found in the father, he took step by step until he made it to his destination. It wasn’t easy, and he needed help, but he got there. It was in the will of God for him to die on the cross, so God gave him what he needed to get there. In my heart, I will forever be grateful; in his truth shall continue to flow knowledge and wisdom out of my belly; and with never worrying about starvation and never lacking in freedom. By his strips, we are healed. Our sins that were going to be displayed forever have been washed away and cleansed by his blood. Today, speak over yourself and say, “I am going to walk in transformation and be the example that God has called me to be. I

have been made a new creature in Christ and God looks at me to help lead the generation today and the generations to come.” What kind of story are you writing? Is it going to encourage people and show the goodness of the Lord, or is it going to cause people to backslide and conform to this world? Our Heavenly Father is a brilliant teacher, he just needs a teachable student! One who is loyal and who will stay in the race on the road to transformation and liberty!

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6 TIPS FOR DATING WHILE SINGLE IN MINISTRY By Kimberly Hargraves

The Goal of dating should be marriage. Don’t waste time. 1) Put God first a. God don’t like idols. b. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” c. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” 2) Make sure the person that

you are dating has a relationship with God. a. They need to cover you in prayer. They need to be accountable to God. Don’t date non-Christians then believe that your good looks can change them later. Looks aren’t everything. They can be fine but be the devil. They could have an assignment to cause you to sin and make you stumble. Jezebel called herself a prophetess but caused people to commit sexual immorality. b. Revelation 2:20 says, “Notwithstanding I have a few

things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.” c. Romans 14:12 says, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” 3) Keep boundaries. a. You don’t need to be doing wifey/husband duties as no girlfriend/ boyfriend that’s why you aren’t married. Don’t cross

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the line into sin. Keep it Holy. No Kissing because it leads to other things. It will get you all hot and steamy and once you are turned on you can’t turn yourself off. You are playing with fire. Just be best friends and stay in the friend zone. Don’t have ungodly conversations that will lead to other things. b. 1 Peter 1:15 says, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;” c. 1 Corinthians 7:1-2 says, “Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” d. Have people around. It’s good to hang out in public places instead of private ones like each other’s homes. If you know you aren’t spiritually mature and have issues with your flesh it’s good to have others who are spiritually mature around to hold you accountable. It is wise to have a 3rd person around. Image is everything. You want to date someone who never wants you to look bad but wants you to look your best. Don’t go over someone’s house at night. Don’t trust your flesh. You can sin and not plan on it. It’s best to have a safety guard in place because much is at stake. e. John 6:63 says, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” f. Proverbs 19:20 says, “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” 4) Don’t fornicate

a. Most people that you sleep with before marriage will probably not marry you. Why would someone buy the goods when you are giving it away for free? Why would someone marry you when you give them the benefits outside of marriage? Make them wait. You need to know that you are worth the wait. If someone is pressuring you to have sex then that’s not the one. They don’t love you. You will lose your soul, anointing, and everything for a few minutes of pleasure. When you marry, you will have a lifetime of pleasure and getting to work on achieving the maximum intimacy with your spouse. No touching, feeling, licking, etc. until marriage. b. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 says, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 5) Crucify your flesh a. We need to crucify our flesh by fasting, reading the word, and stay in God’s presence. b. Galatians 5:24 says, “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” c. Does the person you are dating belong to God? d. Luke 9:23 says, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

6) Make sure you guys are equally yoke a. If the person can’t understand the call on your life then bye. I wanted someone who can help me with ministry and take it to the next level and God did that. He sent me the man of God that I was praying for. Christian shouldn’t be dating Muslims, Buddhist, or anyone else from another religion. Christians should not be dating someone who will be jealous of their anointing. You have to be careful to not date a jealous or insecure person because they will try to compete with you and your time with God. b. 2 Corinthians 6:14 says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” c. Deuteronomy 22:10 says, “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together.”

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LAUGHTER: THE GOOD MEDICINE By Keiyia J. George

We all know that one person who’s always smiling. Never looking down. Always in good spirits. What is their secret? Could it be their positive outlook on life? Have you ever stopped to think that maybe they choose to look at the brighter things in life rather than the negative? Sometimes we look around and there doesn’t seem to be anything worth smiling about. Have you ever considered it could be worse? Proverbs 17:22 (NLT) states “ A cheerful heart is good medicine,

but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Genuinely cheerful people live longer and fuller lives than their sad, negative counterparts. We’ve all read what sadness and stress does to our bodies, but have you ever wondered what laughter and smiling can do? Picture this. You’re sitting in the doctors office for a routine checkup. They take your blood pressure and find it a too high. They leave the room for just a minute and you receive a call from a good friend who just gave

you a really good joke. You end the call. The nurse returns to run the test again, only this time your pressure is deemed normal. That’s what laughter can do for you. Sarah Pressman, associate professor of psychology and social behavior at the University of California at Irvine, who has been researching happiness for about a decade, found that patients who smiled while receiving injections found the ordeal 40% less painful than those who did not. Their heart rates did not increase because of the stress of

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it either. Why? Well she hasn’t quite figured that out yet but if the Word of the Lord is correct, then it’s because it’s the way He designed us. Finding our personal ‘happy place’ isn’t always easy. Here are some tips to help you laugh when things look dreary. Practice looking at the brighter side of things. People get too caught up in the wrong things. For instance, your company didn’t do so well last year. Better yet, they did extremely poor. When it was time to hand out bonuses, you didn’t get your normal nice bonus check. Instead of grumbling, recognize that you did receive a check and you didn’t have to. It wasn’t something owed to you but you got it anyway, even in the company’s downturn. Recognize the things you can change and those you cannot. No matter what you do, there are somethings you cannot control. Aging, for instance, is one of those. Instead of hiding your the number, embrace it. Own it! It’s yours! If you aren’t happy about how you look and feel, then change it. Work out, eat better, make smarter decisions. These are things you can change. Remember you can only control yourself. You aren’t responsible for others actions or responses. Like children, our counterparts in the adult world can be steered in a certain direction. However, unlike children, until

they realize their error, they cannot be forced to change...similar to some two year olds. **smile** That’s not your concern. Work on you and be an example they can live by (like small children). Pack a smile daily. We’ve heard daily positive affirmations work in changing our lives, but practicing to smile or even laugh at negatives situations can change your life as well. Like the scripture said, “A cheerful heart is good medicine...” Unlike symptoms with man-made medicine, a cheerful heart can be permanent. Like medicine, one must continue to ‘take’ cheerfulness over the grumpies. There are people who do not outwardly smile and that’s ok.

words to spread. Politely remove yourself. It’s ok. They may be offended but that’s their problem. You were polite and you needed your sanity. Hopefully they’ll get the picture and either 1) mimic your positive mood or 2) leave you alone from now on. If it’s the latter, their lose. Your cheerfulness is more important than their negative vibes. You have to care for yourself.

Let’s all hope they are having a good laugh to themselves every now and then. Be diligent. If you’ve spent the last portion of your life in the grumpies, continue to work at changing that. At one point in your life laughter was always present. When was that? What caused it? What happened to cause a shift? Oftentimes a life event has caused this shift. More often than not, that shift requires a release or forgiveness. Let it go. Work on moving forward. Live again. Laugh again. Watch all of your aches and pains melt away it’s good medicine!

Keiyia JOYet George

Surround yourself with positive people. Misery loves company! You’re sitting alone reading a good book during your lunch hour and here comes misery with some gossip or negative

We can all have a brighter outlook on life. We can live a fuller life. A simple smile is great for the body. A hearty laugh does wonders. So smile. Laugh. Let the good medicine flow! www.justmekjg.com

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PSALM 37 - PART FIN - THE GODPARENT By Keiyia J. George We continued our ‘give/receive’ relationship until she passed. Her children were all grown. She had grandkids my age. They’ve never forgotten me nor I them. I had only one regret: that we didn’t spend more time together sooner. Her hugs were like butter on homemade buttermilk biscuits. Her smile like a ray of sunshine. I’ve never seen her upset. She was super loving. I didn’t have much experience with children until my dear friend from college, whom I met in physics lab, happened to be my lab partner. We never really spoke until one day I mentioned I needed a sitter for my dog. She volunteered. This stranger...my random lab partner for the semester. Without knowing, we immediately formed a bound.

The role of a Godparent is more than what people seem to make it to be. I recall my Godmother; Ms. Carr is what I always called her. She was so loving and gentle. I always sat with her in church. In one service, she taught me the bunny rabbit way to tie things. I had on a top, with red, orange, and white horizontal strips. There was a pocket in the front and the waist had a belt that tied in the front. During one service, as we sat in ‘her’ seat on the left side nearest the door for female restroom, she quickly showed me how to tie my belt. This was

one of many lessons I received. When she was in her ‘later years’, she would call my mother for me to come brush, wash, and/or braid her hair. She lived at the end of the road that was perpendicular to my house. My mom would send me walking, watching until she saw me turn into the driveway. We’d sit and chat while I played hairdresser. Other than myself and my household, I guess you can say she was my first hair client. I can recall the soft, curly texture of her hair. There was never a tangle.

She had two small children at that time, ages 4 (boy) and 5 (girl). They were very protective of one another and didn’t receive new people well. They knew me but the first 100 times (not really 100, but it felt like it) They were with me, they never talked to me. One day, as they sat on my futon watching Nick Jr., one of their favorite shows came on and the little girl cried out. I peeped around the corner to see her covering her mouth to hide her shock and smile. I smiled back and the ice was finally broken and I all of a sudden had two children. Now they are 19 and 18. My ‘daughter’ graduated from high school last year, and my ‘son’ graduates this year.

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I say all of this, again, because I, like so many others, had the wrong idea about what it means to be a Godparent. The first part of the word is God. I believe, now, this role should put God first. Before, I simply called myself a surrogate. I made sure I was available to parent when their parents were not available, never missing a birthday or holiday. My last three God children received a different me.

own.

Over the last years, my husband and I have been honored to become Godparents to several children...too many to count, but I think there are 11 officially and more than double that if you include the inherited siblings. It wasn’t until our last Godson, Kai, that I realized I had it wrong. With Kai, I learned that it wasn’t the gifts, it was the praying! For his special days, I’d present a gift, but also make sure he and I prayed together. After Kai was Xen, born with greatness already in her as she set a record for the first child for the year. Then came the one I call Gracie. Gracie was sent by God and I was asked by The Spirit to cover her even before she was born. Now, we’ve decided ok...we have too many, but just how many lives can we touch through prayer for these little ones.

But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. Psalm 37:3940‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I have one very active, 12 almost 13 Godson whom I prayed for and covered a lot lately. He’s been under undo attack over the last few years but God has already showed me why and that he will prevail. This child has such an anointing on him that the demonic kingdom seeks to snuff him out early. BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS!!! As a Godparent (inherited), I’ve spent many hours in prayer for him, seeking others in my prayer circles to touch and agree with me. Gleaning from them as they reveal what God has shared to them. Receiving confirmation after confirmation on what God has revealed to me. And this, my dear readers, is what Godparenting is all about: covering our Godchildren as if they were really our

I’ve had the opportunity to really minister to him. It’s taken this event for me to speak to Word to him. I’m not ashamed. I’ve corrected it. I’m moving forward. We’ve talked about healing and faith, renewing our minds, renouncing negative words, and miracles. I need for him to believe his miracle is ready for him to receive it.

Unknowingly, I’ve shared this last bit of Psalm 37 with him. In his salvation, is his freedom. In his freedom, is deliverance. Through his faith, he has learned to trust God. Trusting God is one of the biggest tests we face. Often times we see an obstacle in front of us and we have fear instead of faith. His 12 year old mind was able to grasp the concept that fear cancels faith out, so he and I dealt with faith first. His healing will come. How do I know? And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. Psalms‬ ‭37:40‬ ‭KJV‬‬ I’ve given him affirmations to speak over himself so that his mind will be renewed. He will be able to cancel out every word spoken over him that contradicts the Word. He will be delivered and made whole because he trusts God. Godparents are an extension of the parents. We are there for children to assist when needed and volunteer when not needed. But most importantly, Godparenting is an extension of God. We should ensure we cover these children as we cover our own, ministering to them as often as we can, helping the next generations to form a bond with

God that cannot be shaken. And if we never get to see them, prayer can reach any corner of the world. Keep them lifted in prayer. Call their names and declare the Word of God over their lives. The demonic kingdom wishes to snuff them out but I decree and the declare that: [They] shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. Psalms‬ ‭118:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬ Fin, Keiyia JOYet George This is the last bite sized piece of the Psalm 37 series. I have so much I’ve wanted to write but my assignment was to finish this. I pray that each piece touches the live of someone in a special way. As alway comments are welcome but as I seek to do the will of God for my life, I welcome you contacting me offline for prayer or a word if needed. Email: info@justmekjg.com. I wish you a very blessed day!

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PROPHETESS TAWINIKA MCKOY Interviewed By Brittany Lowery Brittany: Were you raised in church? (What was your upbringing like?) Tawinika: I really wasn’t a church-church child, but we had a family church of course. When I was with my grandmothers, I was always in church with them. I always had the desire to go to church. My mother wasn’t really big in church, but I’d always get my sisters dressed and go catch the neighborhood bus (the church buses that would come through the neighborhood). I’d get us up, and we’d visit whatever church came on that Sunday. I had this desire to be in church even though I wasn’t really in a church environment with my mom. I didn’t care what it was, what denomination, what color; I just like to be in the house (of God). So, I really wasn’t raised but I can say probably about my 7th or 8th grade year, my mom finally joined a church (a holiness church). I was exposed to a different type of environment of people because my grandmothers were Baptist. So, it was more in

the spirit type of thing, and my desire for that was like “oh my God, I wonder what they’re doing?” From that point on, I was kind of familiar with church, but not that familiar. It wasn’t until I was 18 or so when I got with my husband and I started hanging around his family (preachers and pastors). I began to see the Holy Spirit and experiences and I had a desire for that. I said “I want to give my life completely to God”. In between that, I lived a homosexual lifestyle in high school. I was a praise dancer in the midst of that. I tell people all the time that a lot of people would shut someone out like that, but it was love that really drew me to Christ even in that moment of being on the praise dance team. It exposed me to another level of intimacy with God and it caused me to want to get right and change my life on my own. That’s kind of my timeline. It really wasn’t a church thing but it was always the seed of church. You know when you have those grandmothers and people in your family or around you? I had great-aunts, if I stayed

the night with them; they were reading me scriptures as young as five that I can remember. They were planting seeds, so even when my life was contrary to God the Holy Spirit was still in me like “okay, I’ll allow you to do so much because you have to have a testimony, but that isn’t who you are. I’m going to pull you in eventually towards me.” I don’t really have the churchchurch background, but I have the seed of church. Brittany: Can you recall when God first spoke to you concerning your purpose? Tawinika: I think I had that encounter when I was 19. I started going to cosmetology school, I just had my baby, I just had gotten my sisters (custody), and I was a really insecure person. I gained a lot of weight and just didn’t feel worth anything. I looked like this dead and lost vessel. I remember I had to rehearse for a play after I left singing at a graduation. On the way there, I knew that there was a service at a particular church and I told my husband “I have

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to be there tonight”. Now I really wasn’t deep in God and understanding all of that stuff yet, but I just knew that particular night that I had to be at that church service. I didn’t know the speaker and had never heard of her, but there was something in me like “you have to be there”. We had to go all the way to Mississippi from Alabama to the play rehearsal. We pulled up to the rehearsal in Alabama and the director said “look, we’re leaving rehearsal early tonight. All of us packed up, turned around and went back to Mississippi. We made it to the service as soon as the preacher got up. The preacher was Dr. Yvonne Capehart, I’ll never forget. At the end of the service she had where you could sow a seed. I got up to sow my $100 seed (I had never sown and to me that was a big seed back then). I just knew that I was desperate for God and this wasn’t the first time for my desperation. I was going to any conference and revival. I was so desperate and I didn’t know what it was because of course I didn’t know who I was. However, this night was different. I went up there to sow the seed and she stopped me. She began to speak to everything I’d been through; she unfolded my life right there in front of the church. She began to decree and declared who I was in God (not all of it, but just enough to push me into a place and push me out of the enemy’s darkness and realize “you’re somebody and you have a call on your life”.) She was

like “what are you doing?” I told her that I was going to school for cosmetology. She said “no, what do you do? Who are you?” I told her that I sing. Back then, I didn’t want to sing. I was very insecure and you couldn’t get me to sing. She said “That’s who you are. You’re a worshipper. You can do hair and all of that, you’re really gifted. I can see all kinds of gifts in you, but that’s who you are.” I looked at her like “lady, what?” She even began to speak things to my husband, he’s my musician. I heard God enough to get to a place to meet the start of destiny. I tell Dr. Yvonne that I’ll never forget that because God used her to catapult me to my place of purpose. If I hadn’t been so sensitive although I really didn’t know that was Him, and if He didn’t make a way to cancel that rehearsal, where would I be now? My destiny may have been delayed because I didn’t see me as being anybody. God did a birthing at the age of 19, and it’s been bananas since. Brittany: You’ve been through a lot (lost both parents and were abused). Would you say that you had to grow up quickly? How did those experiences affect you? Tawinika: Oh yes, it definitely [made] me grow up quickly, and for long time I resented the fact that I had to grow up. I resented my mother because I felt that I never had a childhood. Let me go back so you’ll understand why I said that. I lost my dad, he was a police officer. I lost him when I was 6 years old. My

mom got with my sister’s father and he had just come out of jail and was a dope dealer. He was very abusive and planted a lot of seeds of perversion. He did a lot of things that weren’t fatherfigure like. I had a lot of hate; I literally hated that man. He really didn’t do anything, so my mother would work. She had sleep apnea and she really wasn’t supposed to work because she’d fall asleep at any second. I had to grow up raising my sisters even then. A lot of people look at me now like “how can you do that? You’re so young”. I’ve been doing this all my life. I’ve been missing school since I was 6 years old. I’d keep them during the day and provide food for them because my mother was gone or we didn’t have the finances. Their father would get him something to eat and the kids were hungry. I’d scrap coins, go across the street and get canned goods just to provide for them. They saw me as mom even then, and I remember that hurting my mother because they’d call me mom. It was just the fact that I was there taking care of them, doing things and having worries that a child shouldn’t have at that age. So I never got to go hang out with friends, go to the birthday parties or anything like that because I was always in the adult role. I had resentment for the longest [time], but now I understand why my life had to go down that path with my sisters and mother. I was being prepared for something that I’d have to do in a later day. So, that

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resentment died down, but it still affects me as an adult. I’m kind of getting healed from it but you always feel like that little girl has never been mended, and she’s still sitting there wishing that she had this mom or relationship. We really didn’t have a relationship. It has affected me but with God, I have a peace with it. For the longest [time] I was very bitter and angry, even when I got with my now husband. I would literally fight him and lash out. I didn’t like people getting smart [with] me. Even with my husband sometimes now, I tell him that I really need to be healed from my stepdad. I know that if my dad was here, I wouldn’t have experienced that. I was his baby, his only girl, his only child. I had all those issues, motherless, perverted from a man, going up too fast and all types of stuff. You should be insane but somehow you’re standing, and somehow God is using you to bring healing to somebody else, even when you may feel like you’re broken. Brittany: When did you realize that you were called to the prophetic? Tawinika: I think in about 2014, I kind of saw but I wasn’t sure because I really didn’t have anyone to affirm it. I knew that my desire for the prophetic was like a starving child looking. I would see stuff and say stuff, and I’d began to see it manifest or I could tell when a person was lying. I could see certain stuff. It was really an awakening in my house. When they would say something

I’m like “I already know” or I would dream. I remember I dreamed that my husband got in a bad car accident. I woke up but I didn’t tell him because I was so shaken. I used to be so afraid of death. The very next day, we were in a bad car accident. My baby was a couple of months old. She sneezed (a lot of snot came out) and I turned around to clean her nose, and when I was going to sit back down, a big pickup truck hit our Ford Focus. I went flying forward and I was like “oh my goodness”. God showed me this, and I didn’t know then to pray. I didn’t know that this was a prophetic gift and God was sending warning. I remember being in the roller and I heard the voice of God say “You’ve been looking to go higher and now you will.” I didn’t understand that like “God, I just got in an accident, what does this mean?” It shifted my life. The next year Apostle Axel Shippach came to a church that I was attending at the time. He decreed who I was and at that point I said “okay God, I’m going to accept who I am.” Brittany: I remember a Facebook live video that you did, and you mentioned that you gave God your “yes”. What brought you to that point where you decided to totally surrender to Him? Tawinika: Last year was a hell year for me. I was under attack a lot. God was disconnecting me from people (you know how that can be). I used to be under

some leadership that just wasn’t good leadership. They were very controlling, out to break up my marriage, and they wanted me to themselves. I was brainwashed. The definition was brainwashed, that was me for like three years. I had no idea because I loved God and I loved to serve. I was thinking that I was doing what’s right, but in actuality I was being controlled and blinded to my family. I was so subject to this ministry, and when God started sending new connections and people to identify where I truly was, I began to wake up. Their masks came off. It was demonic and attack after attack after attack. They didn’t want me to be aware of who I was (a prophet, in the deliverance ministry etc.). They were literally trying to suffocate me. God set it up where He severed those ties and I entered into a new year. I’m thinking it’s going to be a year of freedom, and it was the opposite. I remember at the beginning of the year God sent a prophet from Florida who reached out on Facebook. He didn’t know anything about me. He began to speak and he spoke on that situation and other things. He said “God wants you to seek Him. He needs you in His presence. Don’t run after connection, don’t do this etc. God wants you in His presence and He’ll show you what to do.” I didn’t listen. I heard it but I really didn’t understand. So, I was still connecting with people and found myself in the same cycles. I allowed the wrong type of people connect

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with me. People come around because they know that you don’t have a mother, or you don’t have family. They know that you don’t have anyone to really protect you or whatever. So you’re already hurt, bruised, battered, and people just come and latch on. I was just going through a lot of that last year, on top of just feeling worthless as a person in general. I knew that I was gifted in singing; I knew that people said I was a prophet, etc. The enemy will play with that too if you really don’t have a strong prayer life or those strong people around you. I was very suicidal and very depressed. I’d wake up and I’d be good today and a wreck tomorrow. My husband didn’t know what to do or what to say. He didn’t know how to deal with it. He’d say “baby I love you, it’s going to be okay, what’s going on?” It got to a point where he expected “okay, she’s just going to be crazy today or she’s going be shut down”. I would literally close my door. I wouldn’t talk to the kids, I didn’t want to cook, and I wouldn’t do my hair. I wouldn’t do anything. I was in this dark place all of last year. I told God that I didn’t want to sing anymore. I didn’t want anybody talking about God. I didn’t want to hear nothing about God. I didn’t want to go back into the world, but I was just so drained and tired under a spiritual attack. I wasn’t doing anything about it. I let the enemy play in my head like “just have your way devil, whatever you want to

say, I’m tired.” I just got to that place and I’d come out of that place and be even more guilty and more depressed because I felt like I betrayed God. The cycle would never end. Around September, I remember being in my room and I was in one of those moments. I heard the voice of God so loud and He told me “if you don’t get up now, and if you don’t stop this now, you’re going to die in this place. The cycle will never end.” I was like “oh no, I can’t stay here. I can’t be here for the rest of my life. I can’t miss my destiny and all those promises”. I began to pray and talk to God. The enemy will make you feel condemned, like you can’t pray to God because you’ve been ignoring Him or you haven’t been praying this whole time or you’ve thought these thoughts, so God don’t want to hear you. God’s love fell on me. I think it was the same week that I had an engagement to do in Louisiana. I told God “I really don’t want to go. I really don’t want to sing because I don’t feel like I’m worthy enough to sing because I’ve been in such a bad place. I don’t think I have anything to pour out God. I’ve been pouring out, but nothing had been poured into me. Nobody has seen me in this dead place and I just don’t want to go.” I’m the type of worshipper that doesn’t like to fake it for the people. I just feel like when I worship, I can transfer what I’m going through on you and we have to be careful with that. God kept pushing

me like “no, you’re going to do this, you have it”. I didn’t have a voice for three months. I’m not lying, I’m not exaggerating. This had never happened to me. I was crying and I was devastated. This made my depression even worse. When I got to rehearsal in Louisiana, I began to open my mouth and I began to sing. I broke down in the service and the Spirit of the Lord fell in the place. I began to cry and testify. The next day came and I had to sing all day. The last song I sang was my song “I’m free”. I was going to sit down and I couldn’t sit down. All of a sudden the voice of the Lord came up out of my mouth. I can’t tell you what was said, but all I know is that the whole room became still. The room was packed. People started falling on their knees, all of the prophets were bowed down, people were crying. It’s like God was rebuking us and loving us. Here I am, and I can remember this one thought “God, is that You speaking through me? The same person that just said I don’t want to hear nothing about God. You’re using me?” It was like I instantly stepped into a new place and everything that had been on me just fell. So, I was going to more engagements. In about December, I said “You know what God? I’m going to give you my yes. However you want to use me (preach, prophesy, pray, sing, serve), whatever it is, I give you a yes.” I woke up and started investing in myself, because I didn’t believe I was nobody. If

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you’re born with a gift, you’re born with a gift. I didn’t feel like I had anything to contribute to my family. So even with this sewing, it’s therapeutic to me because I didn’t think I had anything. I’ve been a stay at home mom for five years and was depressed behind closed doors for five years because I didn’t think that I had anything to contribute to my family. I knew I wasn’t called to a 9-5 (some people are called to it and some aren’t). My husband said “What have you invested in? Have you invested in yourself? Have you tried anything?” I got angry with him and wanted to fight. It was a spirit in me and I immediately identified that spirit. I invested in the sewing classes and the first day I was ready to give up. I heard the voice of the Lord say “Whatever comes easy ends easy. If you stick this out I’ll bring increase. How do you want me to bring increase and you don’t have anything for me to increase?” All of that and even investing in the prophetic class contributed to my yes. I had a life source that didn’t want anything from me, that wasn’t robbing me, wasn’t out to kill me or destroy me, but was pouring into me and saw who I am in my fullness. It brought me to a place of peace and serenity. After my yes, doors, opportunities and connections have opened. I’ve never run after engagements. I was selected for the preshow at the Steeple Awards in Atlanta, and they only had 10 slots. How in the world was I selected?

God, how is this happening? I’m doing the weekend with the Mann’s (David and Tamela), and then I’m opening up for Vicki Winans. I just know a couple of months ago; I was ready to give up all of this. After my yes, we God saw that I really meant this thing this time; things have just been shifting in my entire household. Brittany: I’ve noticed that you’re so sensitive to the atmosphere when you minister. Can you talk about the importance of the atmosphere? Tawinika: Oh yes, it’s very important. I remember starting out as a worshipper. I didn’t know anything about being a worshipper. I was put in a position of a praise and worship leader (I didn’t know anything about this). It was very nerve wracking. I remember ministering and people would just stare and I used to get in my feelings. I didn’t understand, I was like “ya’ll are supposed to be doing this”. At that time God was teaching me “you set the atmosphere, and the people will follow. You’re not worshipping for the people, but you’re worshipping so that I can come in”. We have to get out of that place of self and understand how to tear the walls down in worship. Some people look at worship as just getting up there and singing a song, but sometimes God will cause you to pray. There’s so much in the atmosphere and our first assignment is prayer. You have to have a prayer life because you’re going

to encounter so many different atmospheres. You’ll have atmospheres full of witches or atmospheres of people who don’t know God. All types of stuff will be sitting in one room and if you don’t have that intimate relationship, you’re not going to be sensitive to it and nothing will break. I know that I go to a lot of places and I see people that may have a voice but nothing moves. They’re doing all of this extra stuff and nothing changes. As a worshipper and a prophet you become grieved. My husband always tells me “look, don’t go in this church rebuking these people. When they’re in there dead, honey, it’s something that comes on you.” I said “now that’s different because when the Holy Spirit is grieved, someone has to be bold enough to shift the place.” God will do it in such a way where it doesn’t come off as mean or arrogant. That’s why I said that relationship is important. I remember going to a praise extravaganza and the people of God were so dry and sitting down. I was so grieved and before I got up to sing a word, I went into prayer and prophecy came forth and it was a rebuke from the Lord. The people didn’t walk out and get mad. They got up and it was like chains had been broken. Sometimes the enemy will sit on the atmosphere. You have to be very sensitive, not only to that, but sensitive to the house, the leaders, and the people. I might prepare a song and get there and that’s not what needs to be sung.

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You may need to talk about healing at this moment, or you need to sing about freedom or flow prophetically. Anytime I that I worship and I hear God and He says “shift”, it’s always those people that are going to come to the altar and meet you after service. They’re breaking down, crying and testifying because that moment spoke to them. That was no one but God. It’s important to be connected to Him. If you want to do entertainment you need to go somewhere else. Worshipping is very serious and a lot of people don’t take it seriously, they just want to be seen, have the connections and get booked. I tell people all of the time that I don’t run after money. You could offer me a thousand dollars. If the Lord tells me no or your spirit isn’t right, I’m not coming. It’s not about the money. I tell them “look, I get down and dirty with ya’ll. I need God to touch me like He’s touching ya’ll”. I might walk in your church cute but by the time I get in there and worship, my shoes are coming off, and by the end of the song my hair might be to the left. I might be on the floor sweating soaked and wet, or on the floor crying. To me, worship isn’t a pretty thing, it’s a war time. So mo much could happen in worship if people would be sensitive and allow God to move how He wants to in that moment of worship. Brittany: What would you say to that person that feels that can’t be used by God?

Tawinika: I’d say if He can use me He can use them. God uses our brokenness, the sins we’ve committed, all of the wrongs we’ve done. He’ll use that to bring healing to someone else. I always tell people “if you didn’t overcome it, how can others see that it’s a chance to be free? a place to be free? That God is a sovereign God? That God is a God of love? That He’s a forgiving God?” Somebody has to go through it first. Somebody has to touch the things that are bad and all wrong, but you can’t stay in that condemned place. God is not a God of condemnation. The enemy sends that to try to look us down and feel like God won’t accept us. God says that He forgives us. We have a Father that will use our iniquities for His glory, He’ll use our troubled ways for His glory. Once we accept Him in our lives, our hearts change and we become that new creature. Now old things don’t hold us but we can use that to draw others in. So I’d tell them don’t stay stuck in that place, don’t give the enemy another day to delay you from your destiny and promises. Every one of us can be used by God and He want to use you. It’s not too late (no matter how young or old you are), no matter what you’ve done, no matter how bad it may seem. If you have a repentant heart and a heart to forgive self and others, God will use you because His love is everlasting and it can’t be measured.

Brittany: Do you have any events or projects that you want the reader to know about? Tawinika: I have a single coming out pretty soon this year. I have it written, I just have to go and record it. I’m looking forward to that because I have a lot of people asking when the next project is coming out. I’m really waiting on God because I want this next project to be prophetic and for this time. I want it to be an encounter for the people because from my first project, God has totally shifted me. I’ve grown so much so my worship is going to be different. I also want them to know my conference is July 6-8, 2017 in Pascagoula, Mississippi “Releasing His Presence”. This is a big year for me because I’ll be preaching on that Friday night and I was running from that forever. God literally wouldn’t allow me to find anybody fill that spot. It’s a big moment for me and I’m excited. I would love for the people to come out and just experience this with me because I’m all about His worship and His presence. I want the bondage of worship to be broken off of the people. It’s like it’s a foreign place to people in the church. I want the bondage to be destroyed so they can see God in another light. We won’t have to travel all around the United States to go experience worship when we can cultivate it and bring it forth where we are.

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Brittany: How did you get into acting? Tawinika: I got into acting in 2012. A family friend brother (Alvin Moore) has plays on BET and he was holding auditions. As I told you before, back then I was very insecure. I decided to go and audition. This was out of the ordinary because I didn’t do stuff like that. He saw something in me. I became a part of his plays and it birthed a level of confidence that I’d never had because I had to sing and talk in front of people. I believe God opened that door to birth confidence and to start that process of being bold and being able to be in front of people. God knew what He was going to shift me into because I wasn’t a praise and worship leader then. I became a praise and worship leader a couple of months later. If it wasn’t for God opening that door and already getting me comfortable in front of people, I probably would have ran away from being a praise and worship leader. That’s how I got into acting and I’ve been going ever since and I love it. I never thought that I could remember all of those lines but it is amazing. I’ve been in serval plays, I’ve been extras in some movies and things. It’s a passion of mine that I love as well.

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APOSTLE RYAN LESTRANGE Interviewed By Melody Summers Bio: Apostle Ryan LeStrange began in ministry after training under his spiritual father, Dr. Norvel Hayes. The apostolic call on his life led him to build multiple ministries in various geographical locations, the foremost being Ryan LeStrange Ministries. Ryan, a modern-day Revivalist, moves strongly in the power of God as he travels the globe igniting Revival Fires. His crusades and services are alive with Prophetic declaration, miracles and healings, and powerful preaching. Ryan is one of the senior leaders of New Breed Revival Network, a network of ministers committed to seeing Revival birthed in America and the nations. He is co-founder of AwakeningTV.com, a media channel created to host revival inspired services, featuring ministers and messages both past and present. Ryan has authored several books and is presently working on several more. The Fire of Revival and Releasing the Prophetic have motivated believers to press for more of God. His newest book, Revival Hubs, was co-authored with Jennifer LeClaire and written to inspire the Church to believe and press for a move of God in their region. He is the founder and Apostle of Impact International Apostolic Fellow-

ship, an organization created to father and network ministers around the world. Ryan and his wife Joy currently reside in Southwest, Virginia. Interviewer: How did you know you were called to ministry? Was there an encounter of some sort? Apostle: I did, I had a very radical salvation experience and after that, sometime later I was sitting in an auditorium at a normal church service, I was sixteen at the time, and I heard this voice say “I’ve called you.” It was so real to me, I begin to look around the room to see who was this voice talking to because I felt like there is no way it’s talking to me, because I didn’t feel qualified for that. That experience became the catalyst to me saying, yes I am called, that is God speaking to you. That was the initial encounter and then it unfolded from there. Interviewer: My God what a first encounter. You do many teachings on Prophetic Visions and Dreams; do you yourself have many prophetic visions and dreams? Apostle: Yes, I do. When I was sixteen, I didn’t know anything

about the prophetic, I wasn’t in a church that was equipping people in that. I didn’t have a paradigm for it. However, I began to have continuous encounters with the Lord in the prophetic. It really took years and years before I begin to understand that. I would say in the last seven years or so, I really dialed down into that teaching about dreams and visions. I’m actually on a significant journey this year concerning healing that begin with a prophetic dream. I’m finding for me, a lot of major things are happening in my life because of prophetic dreams and visions. That’s been one of the significant ways God has talked to me. Personally, I feel like it’s increasing for me in the season and I feel it’s increasing for people in the body of Christ in general. Interviewer: Would you say there is something the believer should be doing in order to prepare to see or to gain access to prophetic vision and dreams? Apostle: Yes, I would say first, the starting point is recognition of that is a valid way God speaks to you. Unfortunately, I was taught that a dream was a lower level of communication. It was kind of like if you haven’t

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obeyed God, he might give you a dream. That’s a very erroneous teaching. It’s not biblical. All the prophets in the old testament were continuous dreamers. The majority of them had dreams or visions. We see dreams being significant in the New Testament and visions. Apostle Paul laid down and had a night encounter and was propelled into Macedonia. So, I absolutely believe that’s the starting point to recognizing the validity of that. Secondly, I would say one of my favorite prayers to pray is the Ephesians prayer that Paul prayed in Ephesians 1, about opening the eyes of the inner man. I have made that a repetitive prayer in my own life. I encourage people to make that a repetitive prayer. Thirdly, in the area of dreams, you need to begin to get an understanding of dream language and symbolism. People will mistakenly google the first website that comes up. There are a lot of new age websites that come up and you have to be cautious about that. Dreams speak typically in figurative language. I had a dream one time about a plane crashing and I was horrified because I thought God was showing me planes are going to crash. What it was, it was not a plane, but it was something I was endeavoring to do in ministry, and that wasn’t the avenue God had, and the dream was showing me that. But I was wrongly interpreting it. You have to learn the dream symbolism because that’s the methodology of the dream language. You can improperly interpret a dream and it will mess

you up. Visions are more literal. Get good teaching. There is a book called “Divinity Code,” it’s like a dream encyclopedia. Has a lot of symbols from the Bible. It’s not a cookie cutter thing because one symbol can mean one thing to you and something different to me. You have to pray over it. Every prophetic experience is an invitation to intimacy. Never have the experience and say ok, I got it. Always pray. That’s the imperative part to encounters. Interviewer: You have a lot of prayers. You even have the “Monday Word” on Youtube, can you tell us how the Monday word begin? Apostle: I felt a lot of people start their week off kind of discouraged. I wanted to give people a jumpstart on Mondays. People in the web world, Monday is a big day in social media and online media. So I said ok, I’m going to tap into a prophetic spirit on this. I kind of just release what’s on my heart. I try to keep it 4-6 minutes. The point is to give you a prophetic thought. A jumping off place. Encourage you. Sometimes, I give warning or correction, but typically it’s something on my heart from the heart of God or sound teaching that would help tip start somebody’s week. We’ve been getting an amazing amount of testimonies from that and we’re thinking of adding a second video later in the week under a different title. It’s definitely something God has used to impact a lot of people.

Interviewer: We heard you speak a lot about Revival Hubs, can you explain what that is and how we can see it manifest in the Earth today? Apostle: Revival Hubs, the book, the teaching, and everything I said about it began from a journey I had with God. It was essentially in prayer. I begin to see fires coming up. This will be another prophetic example because I could’ve ran with that and thought it’s going to be a bunch of fires. I begin to pray about and saw fires coming up from all over the globe. I just went on a prayer journey. I would say [I spent] about two years seeking the Lord about what he was saying concerning that. What it meant, and I really felt the Lord was shifting the wineskin of the body of Christ. In the Bible, the world that is translated Church, is typically Ecclesiastes. It means a legislative body, typically sent out ones. It really speaks more to a governmental group than it does a four wall, brick and mortar assembly. I didn’t know that for a number of years. My paradigm for many years was you got saved and you went to church, being a four wall assembly. There is validity in assembling yourself together locally, but there are other levels of governmental authority. There’s a regional level, a national level, and there’s a global level. Paul talks about, I think it’s in Corinthians, we won’t boast beyond the measure given to us. Apostles have a metron or an apostolic rule, a measure. That’s what the Ecclesiastes

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is, it’s a ruling people. So, as I went on that journey, it became a study and returning to the book of Acts. I feel personally that we are influx on what the expression of what the Ecclesiastes looks like right now. We are stuck in a paradigm that could be traced back to after the eruption of revival in the book of Acts. There was then a change in culture that came from Catholicism, it’s rooted there. They took away sort of the authority of believers and the concept of a legislative body of people and they put enforce a priesthood, being embodied by a person. That’s where we come up with a lot of our modern church structure from. You’re sick , you go to the man of God. You need

a word, you go to the man of God. I certainly believe there is a fivefold ministry: Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers. They carry a weight in certain areas that are different than a believer, but I believe every believer is anointed, called to govern, called to legislate, called to be activated and I think that is part of the Revival Hub mission. I would simply define a Revival Hub as a place that’s dedicated to hosting the presence of God. The transforming and prevailing presence of God. There are a lot of other terms people are using for these evolving expressions. Some people are calling them apostolic centers, another one glory centers. After I wrote that

book, I begin to read others writings. I just feel the bottom line is the church globally is in pursuit of how do we do this better, how do we do this with more intensity and more impact. I think Revival Hubs are a step in that process. I don’t think it’s the full revelation of where we’re going, but it’s a step. Interviewer: We’ve also heard about your Tent Meetings coming up. Can you tell us about those as well? Apostle: That came from the Hebrew Calendar, that this year essentially is the year of the sword. That is how people interpret it. The previous year was the year

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of the peg. The year before that was the year of the wind. So, we had a year where God moved and shifted. We had a year where God solidify things. It was that revelation year, the year of the peg, that several prophets began to come to me and announce tent meetings, that we were going to see an increase in that. This is not something that I was looking for at all. I thought God had given us such great buildings and facilities and it’s a lot of work to put up a tent. I begin to have real encounters with the Lord, where he began to speak to me about tents, he wanted to use tents, and breathe on tents. So, I went into a time of prayer pursing God about tents. As I did, God began to say I want you to buy a tent and call it the Glory tent and put it up in various cities where you’re invited. Call other ministers to come together and just really go after the Glory of God and presence of God, with no real agenda, other than to see people transform. We’re midway through the process of raising up the funds for that and executing that vision. I’m really excited about it. Interviewer: My God that is powerful. How did you know you were called to the Apostolic office? Apostle: That was a real journey for me. It goes back to the fact that I didn’t really have a good grid for that. I wasn’t in a church that taught about Apostles and Prophets. That journey for me was much more difficult. I would

say it started when I was 17 or 18, I had gone to Bible college and I had a very significant encounter with the Lord. He began to speak to me and say that everybody had a call and a commission. He began to tell me I was called to the Apostolic. At that time, I had no idea what that look like. The bible college I was in, at that time, the teaching on an Apostle was like the teaching on a missionary. It wasn’t good revelation on that subject. It really took a tremendous step of faith for me to just step out and cooperate with that vision. I did, I begin to pursue teaching and I found some fantastic teaching on that subject. Then, God begin to download into me, but it really was a very long journey for me. There really wasn’t a lot of leaders around me modeling it. So, it took a long time for me to be ok with it. A lot of people feel for young people to accept the apostolic call [is] not appropriate, yet historians and theologians tell us that the majority of the disciples of Jesus Christ were very young people and they were being mantled with apostolic authority very young. We don’t see that as much today. We’re sometimes biased. I think sometimes in the church we have all these isms, racism at times, we have racial division, but I also think we have ageism, and certainly sexism as well. These are isms and I was faced with that ageism factor and I was intimidated with that call. I think it took me well over a decade to come into the elementary stages of it. Over the past 5 or 6 years, I have become accel-

erated and really enjoy and value that office. It set me free from a lot of false expectations and it has catapulted me into realms of power and authority that I’ve never walked in before. Interviewer: How do you transition from the Prophetic to the Apostolic office? Apostle: Apostles and Prophets get confused about what they are called to do. I think sometimes prophets get frustrated and think “I want to be an Apostle.” Apostles get frustrated and think “I want to be a Prophet.” Prophets are going to prophesy deeper, there’s more revelation when they prophesy. Apostolic prophesy is more about direction and assignment. A prophet lives in the realm of revelation. Apostles prophesy they love revelation, but they live more in the realm of direction and government. So, the first thing is you cannot transition from being a prophet to being an apostle, just because you want to. A lot of people think well, I’m a prophet, so I’ll graduate. I think Apostles certainly navigate through some of the other offices, but it’s not true that any of the other offices are of lesser intensity or importance. So, if somebody is called to be a Prophet and that’s the major called in their life, they don’t need to be trying to nudge their way to Apostleship. However, many Apostles are going to come through a prophetic office. So, I would say a couple of things. Number 1: You’re going to notice that while some prophets are go-

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ing to want to stay in that realm of revelation, you’re going to begin to get frustrated, because you want to build. You’re going to want to know, ok I see this revelation, but what do we do with it. That’s the apostolic grid and you’re going to be drawn to other Apostles and other Apostles are going to be drawn to you. You’re going to begin to have affirmation from other Apostles that are saying, “look I know you’re prophetic, but you really got an Apostolic call.” Those are some of the experiences that’s going to lead you in transition.

I think you’re going to realize there’s really a marked difference between the two because an Apostle has to build a family. Prophets can isolate and can just get alone, but apostles has to run with sons and daughters. They have to train. They have to equip. So, that’s a real tough transition because as a prophet, you’re used to going in and releasing the word of the Lord and not having to deal with a lot of people. An Apostle, you’re going to have messes. You’re going to have sons and daughters that mess up. You’re going to have people

connected to you that mess up and you’re going to have to really develop your leadership skills. Interviewer: My God a lot of great info to those thinking about transition or the possibility of transition. Now, you’re known for prayers to break things. Can you share a strategy to break strongholds? Apostle: Sure, number one we need prophets, in particularly we need shamar prophets. Watchman prophets and Intercessors. Usually, amongst the intercessors

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you will have those that operate as shamar; they’re seeing and hearing. First thing is identification. In order to unpack a strategy, you need the revelation of what you’re dealing with. Once you have that, then you have to find out how that spirit flows and functions. The principalities and powers. You could have a principality of Jezebel and a power of witchcraft and perversion. So, the power is sort of the tactic. Then you start binding that tactic. I really think every believer has authority over devils, we know that scripturally. I would say that in regional transformation, I believe it’s more of an ecclesiaa function. I believe a person can go in and break it open, but I believe to occupy that space, it’s going to take the ecclesia. So, identification, doing some binding and loosing corporately. Continual, repetitively, praying strong and bold in tongues. Then, waiting and listening for further instructions because when you’re dealing with a regional transformation there’s a lot of prophetic acts you’re going to have to do. The Lord may have acts of repentance or tell you to go to strategic points and places. The Lord if you’re leading a ministering region, I found the Lord will tell me to teach on something because a part of a stronghold is systems of thought and the way people think. So, you have to renew their minds. Those are all steps. I think the prayer becomes the hub, the epicenter of strategy and praying in tongues is one of the most effective ways you can

get strategy. You know a lot of people pray, pray, pray, but they don’t listen. You have to pray and then listen. Interviewer: We know a lot of people are becoming frustrated because a lot of things have been spoken over their lives, but they are not seeing the manifestation of it. What do you think is a key to seeing manifestation of promises in your life? Apostle: This is a big frustration, and it also causes some people to shun prophetic movement. I think one of the problems is what I call exaggerative prophecy. I go to these meetings and people are running and telling each and every person “you’re the next Billy Graham.” I think we see an evangelism call and we go way out in our brain to that kind of thing. I think the prophetic voices need to be trained better and I think we need to do a better job at deciphering the word of the Lord. Now, individually, I actually have an audio teaching on my website called “How to Steward a prophetic word” because a lot of prophetic words are conditional. If you get a prophetic word about God using you to heal, if you don’t prepare yourself, if you don’t develop yourself in that area, chances are that word is not going to come to pass. So, once you get a prophetic word, you need to record it, have it somewhere written down. Then, you need to pray it out. You need to start declaring it. Isaiah 55:11 shows us the word of the Lord is like a

boomerang, you send it out, it gathers power, and it comes back to you. You have to be sending that out and then you have to seek instruction. You say, you told me I would have a healing ministry, but what do I need to do now. Many times, God will say “well I want you to go to WalMart and pray for somebody, I want you to pray for somebody at your job site.” Big things, start small. So, seek those instructions and start with those little things. A prophetic word directionally, [that is] not partnered with prayer, usually will remain dormant. Interviewer: We know you travel all over the world. Is there a place you enjoy ministering the most and why? Apostle: If you would have asked me that question years ago, I would’ve said another nation because when I was 17 a part of the word of the Lord was “I’m sending you to nations with my power”, but I would say in this moment my heart has been turning back towards America. I have a passion to see my own nation set ablaze, set on fire. I have a passion to see reformation in the house of the Lord. I have such a passion to see cleansing in the prophetic. I have such a passion to see the great miracles we saw in the 40’s and 50’s. [In] This moment my heart is burning for America. I love the nations. Europe would probably be my favorite continent to go to. I love to go to the various nations of Europe, they all have their own

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challenges, they all have their own strongholds, they all have their own history and I enjoy it, but at this moment America is where my heart is at. Interviewer: You pour out to so many, all over the nations. What is your secret time like with God? Apostle: I try to keep that heart connection with God. No music or with music, I’ve done just about anything you can imagine. I begin to realize my heart was longing to encounter the Father.

So, my prayer strategy became I want to encounter God every day. I probably have some little routines in that, but generally that’s my goal. The other day I sat down in my time and revelation hit me, I had to grab my Bible, [and] my computer to sit and write, and it lifted off me about an hour to hour and a half, and that was my time with the Lord. So, I do that daily engagement with the Lord. When I’m traveling that gets a little bit challenging because I’m up at different times, doing different things. Then, I do times of special pur-

suit. So, right now I’m on a time of fasting and praying that the Lord spoke to me in a prophetic dream. If I had a hectic day, I will have down time [where] I pursue the Lord and listen, really to just hear from God. You’re not going to do miracles on any level without letting the Father pour back into you.

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THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE By Mia Mason

Everywhere you look these days, people seem to be turning to different products in hopes of healthier and longer hair. Some women have relaxers, while others choose to keep their hair natural. My grandmother kept a perm in my hair growing up, and my hair never grew past my shoulders. After having children, I noticed a big change in my hair. It started shedding and breaking off. I began getting my hair cut so short that I couldn’t

even curl it with a curling iron. After a year of keeping my hair cut off, I finally decided to let it grow back out. I began to get my hair braided to keep my hands out of it. But as usual, my hair never grew past my shoulders. I got up one morning to comb my hair before work, and all of my hair in the middle of my head came out in the comb. At the age of 23 that is a woman’s worst nightmare. Instead of going to

work that morning, I went to my son’s barber and had him shave all of my hair off into a low fade. My father had a fit, but I loved it! It was less for me to do in the morning. Since I didn’t know what to do with natural hair, I would go to the barber every 2 weeks with my son and get shaped up. It was then that I noticed how dry and brittle my hair was when it grew out. I then began to ask my natural friends what the best products were to use on natural hair. I began to purchase to suggested products and noticed that they didn’t the same thing for my hair. So, I went to YouTube to find out things that could work. I was shocked to find out that I could use simple things that were in the cabinet in the kitchen to moisturize my hair. It’s been 13 years since I first did the big chop on my hair. I have gone between loose natural hair and dreadlocks during that time. Water has become my hair’s best friend. I only use natural oils in my hair and I mix up my own hair products. Store brought hair products don’t work well in my hair and cause my hair to break off. My favorite oils to use are olive oil and coconut

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oil. I use castor oil for thinning edges. Due to YouTube, I learned all about essential oils and use many of those for their benefits. I’ve noticed how much cheaper using natural products is, and love how much room I have on my dresser due to that. Here are some of my natural recipes: No Itch Scalp Spritz ¾ c. distilled water ¼ tsp. rosemary essential oil ½ tsp tea tree oil 1 tbsp. coconut oil, melted Put into an 8-oz. spray bottle. Shake before each use. Daily Growth Spritz (Moisturizing) 2 oz. jojoba oil 1 oz. tea tree oil 1 oz. vitamin E oil 20 drops spearmint essential oil 10 drops rosemary essential oil 15 drops sweet orange essential oil Pour oils into 8-oz. spray bottle. Add distilled water to fill it up. Shake before each use. Setting Lotion/Leave-In Conditioner 6 oz. aloe vera gel (juice for conditioner) 2 oz. jojoba oil 5 drops essential oil of choice

Pour ingredients into an 8-oz. shampoo bottle. Shake to mix them together. Black Soap Shampoo Crumbled black soap Distilled water 1 tbsp. olive oil 2 tbsp. vegetable glycerin 2 tsp. coconut oil, melted 2 tsp. jojoba oil 2 tsp. tea tree oil 1 tsp. vitamin E oil 1 tsp. peppermint essential oil 1 tsp. rosemary essential oil To figure out how much water to use, put distilled water into bottle that you will be using. I use a 16-oz. applicator bottle (purchase at a beauty supply store). Pour the water into a container with lid and crumble the black soap into it (more soap, thicker the shampoo). Put the lid on container ad let sit until soap is dissolved (1-2 days, heating the water first will speed the process). Place oils into bottle and add mixture leaving enough room to shake mixture. Shake well before each use. Hair Butter 1 oz. cocoa butter 3 oz. shea butter 2 oz. tea tree oil 2 oz. castor oil 2 oz. jojoba oil 1 oz. olive oil 1 oz. vitamin E oil 3 oz. honey 5 drops rosemary essential oil 10-15 drops lavender

essential oil Combine everything but the essential oils over a double boiler and melt for 15 minutes. Let cool on counter for 20 mins (Add the essential oils after 15 minutes). Stir with spatula. Let sit in freezer for 5 minutes. Starting at lowest speed, whip with hand held mixer for 25 minutes. After each 5 minutes, go up to the next speed. Put into a container with lid.

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“FASHION” By Shirley Cooper

Fashion. The world of gossip. Strike a pose, and give us your best side, Or two. Gossip has always been a fashion statement. In today’s world it’s become an everyday household event. We gossip at the table while downing food, about church family, On the phone, about the other “friend,” In the car about your employer, At your children’s soccer game, about team parents, And the list goes on. He said, she said, “have you heard,” “Omg they had an affair,” “her dress is too short,” “His shoes are too small,” and the words get deeper! Just like playing Russian Roulette, when we gossip we never know when the bullet ejects from the chamber and causes the damage, at times killing the person’s spirit, or hurting them severely. Forget about sticks and stones, because the sting of gossip is far greater than being hit by any sticks or stones. As people we feel the need to reject others, hate others, and betray others, whether they’re in our circle or not! We are constantly cherishing friendships with two faces, talking nasty about those we claim to love. How could we sit at the same table with those we shred into pieces away from the table? Lying about them, destroying them privately, with hidden bad intentions. That’s not the love that God teaches and It’s not His purpose for us.

The Hebrew word translated “gossip” in the Old Testament is defined as “one who reveals secrets, one who goes about as a talebearer or scandal monger.” In the book of Romans, Paul reveals the sinful nature and lawlessness of mankind, stating how God poured out His wrath on those who rejected His laws. Because they had turned away from God’s instruction and guidance, He gave them over to their sinful natures. The list of sins includes gossips and slanderers (Romans 1:29b-32). We see from this pas-

sage how serious the sin of gossip is and that it characterizes those who are under God’s wrath. One thing we must keep in mind that while men can be gossipers as well, women are often exposed to the enemy’s sword in extreme measures. We are always in each others care, homes and business, and that’s where we fail to speak fruitful talk. (1 Timothy 5:12-13) Paul states that widows get into the habit of going from home to home, looking for something to occupy their idleness. Idle hands are the devil’s work-

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shop, and God cautions against allowing idleness to enter our lives. “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man [or woman] who talks too much” (Proverbs 20:19). This is where satan uses his greatest tactic against Kingdom Business, in the presence of gossip. It’s ugly and it’s dangerous for any believer. Here are a few scriptures on the dangers of gossip, (Proverbs 11:12-13),(Proverbs 16:28),(Proverbs 18:7-8),(Proverbs 18:21). The tongue has the power of life and death, and those

who love it will eat its fruit. In so many words, God teaches us to keep our mouths shut when talking about others, because even if we mean no harm, it is still gossip. He teaches us to love our enemies and our neighbor the same, (Matthew 5:44) But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,(Mark 12:31) The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” If you find yourself talking

about someone, enemy or not, stop, drop, and roll that tongue up! Otherwise, the road you’re on, may be hotter than you think! #gossip #kills #the #spirit Speak with fruitful tongues. The Lord is the oxygen inside our weary lungs. Use our every breath to speak about Him

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GOD AT WORK By Reynaldo Rodriguez

We are God’s workmanship— His handiwork—borne anew in Christ to do His work, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2: 10). According to Paul’s theology, holiness and a life of good works are not substantive, but rather a verb. Is a call to a life of ACTION. We don’t do good works to be save, good works is the result of our already salvation through the faith of Jesus. As Christians, if we can discern who we are in Christ, half of our spiritual battle is already won. The other half, Christ al-

ready won for us at the cross.

ceived.” (Ephesians 4: 1).

We are fellow citizens with the rest of God’s family, “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,” (Ephesians 2: 10). Our ability to believe God’s promises, (FAITH), is what really sets the tone and difference in our walk with God.

We are righteous and holy, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4: 22 – 24). Why do you think Paul is calling us to put off our old self? Because our old self is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.

We are prisoner of Christ, “For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—“ (Ephesians 3: 1), “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have re-

We are citizens of heaven seated in heaven right now, “And God raised us up with Christ

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and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,” (Ephesians 2: 6), So, if spiritually speaking we are seating with God in His realms in heaven, (I’m speaking to those who have being borne again, if you don’t understand this concept that means you haven’t just yet, what kind of life are we supposed to live? Remember, your actions holler louder than your words. “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3: 20 – 21) We are hidden with Christ in God, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3: 1 – 3) We are an expression of the life of Christ because He is our life, “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3: 4) We are chosen of God, holy and dearly loved, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3: 12), “For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you,” (1 Thessalonians 1: 4), We are sons and daughters of light and not darkness, “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong

to the night or to the darkness.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 5). We are a holy partaker of a heavenly calling, “Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.” (Hebrews 3: 1) “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.” (Hebrews 3: 12 – 14) We are one of God’s living stones, being built up in Christ as a spiritual house, “you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2: 5). How does Peter call us in this scripture?: Holy priesthood. Our thoughts and actions are a faithful reflection of Pater’s description as a Holy Priesthood? We are members of a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. “ (1 Peter 2: 9 – 10) We are alien and strangers to this world in which we temporarily live, “Dear friends, I urge you,

as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2: 11 – 12) We are enemies of the devil, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5: 8 – 10) We are children of God and we will resemble Christ when He returns in glory, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.” (1 John 3: 1 – 3) We are borne of God, and the evil one—the devil—cannot touch us, “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come

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and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5: 18 – 20) We are not the great “I am” “God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3: 14). Jesus had an interesting discussion with the Pharisees of his time, the type of discussion that transcends time to the 21st century Pharisees of our own time, “ I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” “Who are you?” they asked. “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning,” Jesus replied. “I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is trustworthy, and what I have heard from him I tell the world.” They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.” (John 8: 24 – 28). Like Jesus in his time, those who are truly called into ministry have to suffer the same persecution He suffered by the same who say they are representatives of God. “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” (2 Timothy 3: 12) “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them— yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15: 10). PERCEPTION IS THE NATURE OF OUR HEAVENLY

CALLING: IF THE WORLD SEES NOT ONLY WE KNOW THE STORY OF THE GOSPEL BUT THAT OUR LIFE IS THE GOSPEL THAT WE REALLY LIVE WHAT WE TEACH, THE WORLD WILL FOLLOW US BECAUSE WE ARE LEADING THEM TO HEAVEN IN JESUS NAME. DO YOUR CALLING!

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NEW MELODY By Taylur Holland

Sunrise wrote to me a new song. She scurried and danced along dotted lines In hopes of making me smile. I remember how she glistened and The length of her hair as she twirled and whisked away My tears, my fears. She brought with her Refreshing, and Her other hand carried Hope. Hope. I remember locking eyes with Hope, And as I did,

Refreshing bestowed her strength upon me. I began to dance. Worries became dust beneath my feet — Fine grains of nothings As I moved with daybreak And cast my cares before the King — He, The Writer of this new melody. I danced, And tears scribed by Joy washed away the dust beneath my feet. I became whole. I became strong. I rejoiced at the sound that caused Sunrise to dance —

The sound drummed by Miracle With hands so beautiful upon Sunrise’s heart. Whole. I became whole, and I became new As I danced before the King — He, The Writer of this beautiful new melody. © 2017, The Scribe’s Heart Publishing

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THE CALL IS FOR YOU By Reynaldo Rodriguez

As believers, we are not trying to become saints; we are saints who are becoming like Christ. In no way does this deny the continuous struggle with sin, but does give the believer some hope for the future. What is true of Christ is true of you also. Because you are a saint in Christ by God’s calling, you share in Christ’s inheritance. Imagine you are walking in the middle of the streets at a last minute of Christmas shopping and you receive in your cell phone a call from God Himself, (what a Christmas present, this would be!) What would the Almighty say to you? My son/ daughter, I just want to read to you, from my words, “The Spirit

himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 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.” (Romans 8: 16 – 17). Who I am? Who are you? Who are we? The salt of the earth, ““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)

We are the light of the world, ““You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5: 14) We are the children of God, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—“ (John 1: 12). Have you received Jesus in your heart by faith? Do you believe in His ways, in His name? We are part of the true vine, a channel of Christ’s life, ““I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear

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fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15: 1 – 5) We are friends of Christ, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15: 15). We are chosen and appointed by Christ to bear his fruit, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit— fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” (John 15: 16) We are slaves of righteousness, “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.” (Romans 6: 18 – 20) We are enslaved to God, “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” (Romans 6: 22) We are children of God; God

is continually our Father, “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.” (Romans 8: 14 – 15), “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,” (Galatians 3: 26) “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” (Galatians 4: 6) We are joint heirs with Christ, sharing His inheritance and His sufferings, “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.” (Romans 8: 17) We are a temple—a dwelling place—of God. His Spirit and His life dwell in us who believe, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” (1 Corinthians 3: 16) “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;” (1 Corinthians 6: 19). And if we are not ours, and our lives were bought at the prize of the blood of Christ what kind of lives we live should reflect this reality? “you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6: 20). Our actions holler louder than our words. “But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.” (1 Corinthians 6: 17). “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12: 27). If we are members of the body of Christ,

everything we do, should reflect the Masters main commandment, which is the law of LOVE. “for we are members of his body.” (Ephesians 5: 30). We are a new creation in Christ Jesus, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5: 17). We are reconciled to God and we are ministers of reconciliation, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 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: 18 – 20) We are sons and daughters of God and one in Christ, “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 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: 26 – 28). We are heir of God since we are sons of God, “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” (Galatians 4: 6 – 7) We are saints, “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Je-

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sus Christ—their Lord and ours:” (1 Corinthians 1: 2), “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:” (Ephesians 1: 1). (Notice here how Paul links faithfulness with holiness in this text.) “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1: 1 – 2). “To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.” (Colossians 1: 2). We are God’s workmanship— His handiwork—borne anew in Christ to do His work, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2: 10). According to Paul’s theology, holiness and a life of good works are not substantive, but rather a verb. Is a call to a life of ACTION. We don’t do good works to be save, good works is the result of our already salvation through the faith of Jesus.

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Do You Want To Feature Your Child? Email Us Today!

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7 THINGS NEWLYWEDS SHOULD REMEMBER ByMae Blooms

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Marriage is complex and at the same time awe inspiring; it is one of the biggest life changing decisions a couple will ever make! I was asked a while back what would be my advice to a couple beginning their marriage journey… So here are a few things I believe newlyweds should keep in mind as they journey together on this adventure called marriage! #1. Read, study and communicate openly about the book Love & Respect This is such an awesome book to read and a fantastic resource I suggest ever married couple have readily available on their book shelf. Love and respect are some of the key ingredients in a fruitful married (in my opinion) because everything else flows from these two traits. #2. Take delight in serving your spouse I believe amazing marriages are made of 2 people who hold serving one another in high esteem. Serving your spouse shouldn’t be viewed as an obligation, but as an opportunity to put your love in action. #3. What happens in your marriage, stays in your marriage All too often couples get married and then allow others to come into their marriage and cause havoc. Now that you are married it is important for you to protect your union by keeping family and friends out of your business. Sure, there will be times when you may need to confide in someone for advice, but please use wisdom and pray first.

#4. Never neglect spouse for ministry work

your

This is something that Christian couples often overlook. It is imperative to serve God’s people, but keep in mind that everything God does is in order. Neglecting your spouse to go and serve at the church or in your community is not how God wants things done. Always be mindful that charity starts at home (which is your first ministry) and then spreads abroad. #5. Becoming one is a process “… and the two shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24. The key word in this scripture is become, it doesn’t simply happen overnight, so be patient with each other. It’s going to take sacrifice and surrender all of which does not come natural to any of us. Men and women are as different as day and night, so becoming one flesh takes time. #6. Never stop dating I know this is a popular one, but it must be said. Wives don’t let those butterflies dwindle. Remember how you use to prepare for date night? Picking out the perfect outfit, wearing your best perfume and making sure you added a bit extra just for him! Don’t ever stop that. Husbands remember how you just couldn’t wait to see her next, remember how you made sure each rose was flawless, remember how you got a fresh cut and cleaned up all nice and dapper just for her! Don’t stop doing those things! #7. Keep your wedding vows Whether you made your own or you said the tradition vows. Be true to them in every way! Today,

divorce seems like the go to solution for a rough season in marriage, but if you determine ahead of time and resolve in your mind and heart that no matter what comes - you will keep your vows, divorce will never be an option in the future for your marriage. Let me say this - marriage is HARD work and needs daily care, but keep in mind the grass is always greener where you water it! Marriage will stretch you in ways you never imagined and will lead you don’t paths you never thought you’d travel, but through it all, it’s a beautiful thing to learn, love and grow together. Congratulations and God’s blessing to all the newlywed couples, I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, peace and joy!

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5 THINGS TO APPLY TO MARRIAGE By Kimberly Hargraves

rior force or to the will or authority of another person. It doesn’t mean leaving your brain at the altar when you say I do. It doesn’t mean that you don’t have an opinion and it doesn’t mean that you are a slave. • Ephesians 5:21-23 says, “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” 4) Prayer

1) Teamwork a. Team work is defined as cooperative or coordinated effort on the part of a group of persons acting together as a team or in the interests of a common cause. • “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller • Teamwork makes the dream work. • Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success. • Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And

if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” · 2) Unity a. Unity is defined as the state of being one; oneness. • Psalm 133:1 says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” • Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” 3) Submission a. It is the action or fact of accepting or yielding to a supe-

a. We need to pray for finances, wisdom, communication, faithfulness, to be a better spouse, that you honor each other, that you respect each other, the vision/goals in the marriage, that God is leading the marriage, that God’s presence is in the marriage, that the marriage be used to be influence others, pray against the tricks and plans of the enemy, protection, your partner’s dreams and aspirations. • Matthew 26:41 says, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 5) Trust a. Trust means confidence, reliability, or assurance. • Proverbs 31:11 says, “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.”

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BECOMING LIKE CHRIST By Reynaldo Rodriguez

As believers, we are not trying to become saints; we are saints who are becoming like Christ. Salvation and sanctification is not a place nor destiny, is a progressive journey into eternity. The fact that these “sinners” are among those addressed by James does not necessarily mean they are believers, for scripture teaches that unbelievers can be among the saints, “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” (1 John 2: 19), as there surely are today in our churches. Referring to them as “sinners” fits the

description of those who have not come to repentance and faith in God, as the rest of Scripture clearly identifies believers as saints who still have the capacity to sin. The status of saint is parallel to the concept of being God’s called or elect ones. Believers are those who are “beloved of God” called as saints. “To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1: 7), “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with

all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:” (1 Corinthians 1: 2). “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3: 12). They are chosen through sanctification by the Spirit”. “But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as first fruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.” (2 Thessalonians 2: 13),

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“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.” (1 Peter 1: 1 – 2). God chose us and separated us from the world to be His people. As a result, believers are “holy brethren” “Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.”(Hebrews 3: 1). By the election and calling of God, believers are set apart unto God and now belong to the sphere of His holiness. We begin our walk with God as immature babes in Christ, but we are indeed children of God. We are saints who sin, but we have all the resources in Christ we need not to sin. Paul’s words to the Ephesians are an interesting combination of these two concepts of holiness. Addressing them as “saints,” or holy ones, in Hebrew 1: 1, He goes on in verse 4 to say that God “chose us in Him.” By God’s choosing, they were already holy in Christ, but the purpose was that they would mature in character as they conformed to the image of God. As believers, we are not trying to become saints; we are saints who are becoming like Christ. In no way does this deny the continuous struggle with sin, but it gives the believer some hope for the future. Many Christians are dominated by the flesh and deceived by the devil. However, telling Christians they are sinners and then disciplining them if they don’t act like saints seems

counterproductive at best and inconsistent with the Bible at worst. What is true of Christ is true of you. Because you are a saint in Christ by God’s calling, you share in Christ inheritance. “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 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.” (Romans 8: 16 – 17). “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1: 11 – 12) Every believer is identified with Christ, in His death, “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 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: 3 – 6) “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2: 20), “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things

above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3: 1 – 3) In His burial, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6: 4). In His resurrection, “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 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— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6: 5 - 11). In His power, “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,” (Ephesians 1: 19 – 20).

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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!

Good Afternoon Prophetess, I’m writing to share my amazing testimony. On February 12, 2017, you prophesied, among other things, the following: 1. God is going to bless your bread and water. 2. God is going to bless the fruit of your land; the fruit of the harvest.3. I’m looking at a tree sprouting forth, because you need some provision, says God. 4. I see a money tree and the name of the tree is provision. 5. I literally see the Heavens expanding over your head. The checks that have been held up are getting ready to come in. Your dry season is over. Two days later, I interviewed

for a position and was offered the job the same day! My monthly income has increased from $1,442.50 to $4,445.00! God is so faithful!!! Prophetess, thank you so much for your prayers. My life has changed for the better since connecting with your ministry last year. You are truly a blessing. Best Regards,

Bless you Prophetess.

I woke up this morning so free from God touching me on your prayerline. Thank you so much Prophetess for praying for me. The Lord was so strong upon me. I was so thankful to God for what He did for me, the Holy Spirit told me to sow a seed. I put my seed in the ground today.

My sister in law Raychelle asked you to pray for her marriage. They were supposed to divorce last month but my brother called off the divorce!!

Good morning Prophetess, Praise Report. You prayed for my mother’s health in January. She had major surgery. I see her improving. Her memory has returned. Thank you for your prayers. I know it was God. Praise the Lord!

My name is Sharon and I’ve been on your prayer call a few times; more like 3 times and the

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prophecies haven’t come to pass yet but I’m still believing God. I want to testify that just today I sowed into your ministry. I’d been wanting to sow for a long time but I’m unemployed and is in the process of moving south. Anyway, over the weekend I was at a conference and didn’t really have much to sow but all of a sudden I remembered your ministry and I said to the Lord that if he gives me seed I’ll sow into your ministry. So, my mom sends me some money and out of that today I sowed $25 into your ministry. I named it my breakthrough seed. A couple hours later my best friend asks me to check my email and when I did, I realized that she had just deposited $300 into my bank account!! This is the fastest return I’ve experienced through a Ministry! You are definitely good ground to sow into and I just wanted you to know that and to encourage you to keep doing what it is that God has called you to do. I mean this is amazing! I was in desperate need of money and I sowed and unexpectedly received a harvest. That was quick! God, bless you, I appreciate you and I pray that increase will come to you now in Jesus name! Definitely good ground! Hi Prophetess Kimberly! I wanted to share my testimony of the goodness of the Lord! You prayed for me on the prayer line for my speeding ticket that I couldn’t pay and seven days later the Lord provided the money to pay my speeding ticket. Praise God! May God continue to bless you and this ministry! Lakiesha. Good evening Prophetess Kimberly. I hope your having superb time with the Lord on the mountain. I am emailing to let you know that I have received a job within the time frame that you set, 3-7 day mark.

I received a call today and was offered a temporary Administrative Assistant position at a real estate agency. The is no end date however, they are looking to hire someone full time I was told. I am just so grateful, that the word you spoke came to past in my life. Glory to the most high God. Thank you so much for prophesying. Hi Prophetess, you prophesied to me a couple of weeks ago that I would be recompensed from my job. Well after having knee replacement surgery, I am unable to work and have been waiting on approval from Long term disability. Well today I was approved. Glory to God. Thank you for your obedience in hearing God’s voice! Many blessings and huge hugs. God did it! He used my sister and touched her heart to help me move into an apartment. Thank you for your prayers. I move in next Saturday. Hello Prophetess! I just wanted to tell you thank you so much for your prayers. The Holy Spirit woke me up 2 days before my surgery and told me to cancel the surgery and I was healed. Holy Spirit also confirmed that if I had surgery I would be in danger! Thank you for being obedient! Hallelujah! God bless you!! Praise report! God gave me a Miracle today! I am getting a home. God made a way where there was no way. Someone is buying me a home for my son and I. I’ll pay them low house notes. It’s a miracle. I just wanted to give praise on your word that you sent. There is so much word out there but yours came to pass. Good morning Beautiful woman of God. I just want to thank you for your continued love and support during my time of transition. I sincerely appreci-

ate your prayers and your words of encouragement. The Lord has blessed me with a new place after being homeless for five months. God is so awesome. The best is yet to come! Woman of God, I called the prayer line this morning and asked for prayer for my friend. She had a baby and never got a chance to see the newborn because she was in a coma. Well, the very hour we prayed over Neeka, who was asleep since Wednesday. She woke up and now is talking. Now she can see her baby girl. Thank you for all the prayer warriors!! You prophesied to me about there being healing in my hands. Yesterday, I prayed for three people. One person’s hand was numb, swollen and in pain. I got my oil and rubbed it on my hands and commanded the pain to go and called healing forth. The pain went away. Another person had a runny eye, so I prayed and it stopped. My friend had a spasm in her back and came over with a cane. I cursed the spasm and the pain and called forth healing and she was healed! She screamed in shock and hugged me and a few others. I said, “That’s Jesus!!” I thank God for touching His people. The prophecy was fulfilled. 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 4 supernatural favor and abundant blessings.