May Rejoice Essential 2018 by Kimberly Moses

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

CONTENT Page 16 Testimonies Page 21 Sweet Words Page 30 Philip Bacino Page 34 From Thug To Warrior; A Plan Unfolding

Page 42 Tron Moses Page 52 Prophetess Kimberly Moses Page 58 The Humility Of The Prophet Page 59 Uncreated Life Of God Page 61 The Nature Of Temptation Page 63 Positioning Yourself for Purpose Page 66 Your Steps Are Ordered Page 69 Trust walk: Day 71

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

42 52

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

CONTRIBUTORS

Kimberly Moses Founder And Editor Effingham, South Carolina www.kimberlyhargraves.com

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

Taylur Holland Writer Dallas, Texas thescribesheart@gmail.com

Reynaldo Rodriguez Writer Chicago, Illinois reyrod1970@gmail.com

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

Melinda Roberts Writer Baton Rouge, Louisiana robertsmel2015@gmail.com

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

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

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

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

This book will inspire and promote positivity in our young children, through poetic entries and vibrant characters.— A’dora Willis

CLICK HERE TO SAVE $20 OFF YOUR FIRST BOX

or go to https://sightbox.com/uibc1

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

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

Thank you Prophetess Kimberly for the prayer call this past Wednesday. I was blessed and healed. You had a word of knowledge that someone’s right arm was being healed. After I finally acknowledge that it was me, God in turn healed my right knee, my right ear, my right wrist, and some discomfort in my chest area. Thank you for your ministry. You also prophesied to me which brought great encouragement. Bless you and your ministry.---Jean [During] yesterday’s prayer call, God gave me a word of knowl-

edge. I stepped out in faith and called it out. I got no response, butI knew what God was showing me. I called out the impressions that I was feeling on my body. Again, no one spoke up. When I opened up the line to take prayer requests, the lady came forward that I received the word of knowledge for. She [was] healed of various ailments and received prophecy. Don’t worry about looking false or missing it when you know how God speaks to you or flows through you. Remember the Holy Spirit is never wrong.----Prophetess K

God is good. My husband and I were out, and a lady recognized me from social media. She was heavy because her son was missing. I immediately went into prayer and we exchanged information. The lady knew it was God that allowed us to cross paths. The next day, I received [a] text. Her son came back home. Never stop praying. God will bring home the prodigals. ---Stacey I can’t explain to you the spiritual battle I went through in

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

my mind and body the past 24 hours, but when I received your new book “Enhancing the Prophetic in You.” I prayed before I opened it. I sat the anointed prayer cloth down on my chest. As I went to read the book after reading the cloth, I can say it broke right off me. Thank you, Jesus! Blessings Prophetess!--Waiters Hi Prophetess, you touched and agreed with me about my housing. Well in less than 24 hours I have keys to my new apartment. Thank you so much! I would like to sow a seed into your ministry. Let me know how God bless you continuously. You had me crying for that woman getting healed on the prayer call this afternoon. Praise Jesus! –Mandy 99.9% of the prayer call was talking to me. Especially the part about the enemies rising up against you and the backstabbing. That call healed my soul today. I thank God for you!! I got blessed with my healing miracle!! All of these prayer lines are overflowing with an on pouring and outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Hey Prophetess Kim. Thank you so much for the prayer call today and letting God use you mightily. You spoke some very powerful things into my life. I thank God for that. I was feeling so heavy and weighed down but the heaviness is gone. Again, thank you woman of God.

Grace and peace woman of God. Yesterday’s prayer call really touched my life. I was so discouraged andwas losing my joy and peace. My prayer life plummeted. I needed that boost and anointing that was released over the call. Last night, I was able to successfully pray and engage in some spiritual warfare. Thank you for your service to the body. Your prayers are always so inspiring and uplifting. God Bless.—Sharon. Thanks for doing the conference call this afternoon. It was my first time joining. I’m the one who was having dizzy spells. You prayed over the phone and I received my healing miracle today. God bless you Prophetess. That miracle that took place on the prayer call was truly amazing. I enjoyed staying on and praying with you for others. – Alexis Hey Prophetess Kim. Happy Resurrection Sunday! I just wanted to let you know that I was able to complete a three day water only fast. Before we prayed, I wasn’t able to fast. God is good. You prayed that I would get my zeal for fasting back and I did. I’m planning to do a five day water fast next week. Have a great night. Love you. God is good. Last week on periscope after I finished teaching on the prophetic, miracles began to occur. The Holy Spirit gave me a word of knowledge

about someone’s ear. I called it out. A lady came forth and told me that she wasn’t able to hear and that her ear drum was ruptured. We began to pray and her ear opened up. She sent me her initial praise report. I followed up with her about a week later to see if her hearing was all the way restored and it was. God is good. You don’t have to be bound or depressed. Nothing is too hard for God. ---Prophetess K Blessings Woman of God. I just wanted to testify. I am the person on the broadcast with the ruptured ear drum. I had yellowish green fluid coming out of my ear and I could not hear out of my left ear. I received healing on the broadcast but my hearing did not fully recover. I had an appointment scheduled today with ENT. He cleaned all the drainage out of my ear and assured me that my ear drum is not ruptured. He said it was 100% intact. Wow! He said that my ear was still infected, and he prescribed antibiotics. I will return for hearing screening. I can hear about 85% better. Thank you for your obedience. One week later: Blessings woman of God. My ear is 100% better. Thank you for taking time out for me. The infection is gone and that ear is more sensitive now. I can hear better from that ear.

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

SWEET WORDS Taylur Holland

When focus wasn’t sure, you painted a picture. You created a world that spoke nothing, Yet solidified your wandering. You wanted to live freely, Yield to no one. So you created a world. Colors flew all about. You danced amongst blades of grass And grazed your hands over pools of flowers. The light you constructed never dimmed, And the darkness from truth Was never allowed to stand in your place. You wanted to keep living in this fairy tale, so Conviction was not permitted.

Your ears were turned away from correction. Stroke after stroke, Rigid brush after rigid brush, Fix this, fix that. “There! Some guilt is seeping through the cracks! — No! Some desire for wholeness is attempting to ooze through!” Erase, erase erase. Erase this wall — Erect another. Run, run, run, And don’t look back. You and your world have been running On the fumes of sweet words, and They are proving to not be enough.

Change a color here! Change a color there! Rewrite the painter’s name at the bottom of the page to See if you can pronounce it differently And then maybe the void will be filled. When vision was skewed, you filled your ears with sweet words… Sweet nothings that told you, you were alright. You reached for shepherds that would lead you to that place — the capital of Astray — better known as, “You’re Okay.” You looked for who would whisper lies and spare you from Truth — Him — who you and they did not know. You wanted your ears tickled with smooth words… These words, when unbalanced, are barbaric in nature Because they run out. They are temporary, and they leave you Stranded. Stroke after stroke, Rigid brush after rigid brush. Rewrite the painter’s name at the bottom of the page to See if you can pronounce “Empty” Any differently.

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

Save $40 on your first Box with my code KIMBMOSE

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

Pork Bolognese Pasta Casserole

with Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, and Kale

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

Save $40 on your first Box with my code KIMBMOSE

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

Maple and Mustard-Glazed Pork Chops with Roasted Potatoes and a Cranberry and Pine Nut Salad

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

Save $40 on your first Box with my code KIMBMOSE

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

Southwestern Beef Tacos

with Bell Pepper, Lime Crema, and Pepper Jack Cheese

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

Save $40 on your first Box with my code KIMBMOSE

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

Quick Beef RagÃ¹ Spaghetti with Zucchini and Italian Seasonings

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

PHILIP BACINO By Shirley Cooper Interviewer: I am so excited to hear about your amazing new birth, and new covenant with Jesus. And so the first question I’d like to ask is, where did you finally say I’m done with this life, I need to change? Philip: It wasn’t a ah ha moment for years I struggled with wanting to get clean and sober. I always wanted to I just didn’t know how. I didn’t know how to deal with the emotions that I would be overflowed with. My flaws and defects were so bad I didn’t think I was worth anything. I was in despair I wanted to die. When I overdosed the first time and was brought back with Narcan I said “ you should have just let me die.” It wasn’t till I went reluctantly to a family thanksgiving slightly dope sick where I sat around a fire pit with my family who really showed me a lot of love that night for some reason that I realized I was so loved and that I was worth more. Even if I couldn’t see it at that time and probably felt worthless myself but could tell I wasn’t worthless to my family that sparked a true thought of change.

Interviewer: Living the life that you did at such a young age, in what way do you think it affected your siblings? Philip: Well me being the selfish person I was then I know I affected them greatly. I lied to them all, cheated, stole. at the time I would have taken anything and everything from them that I could. I overdosed the second time in front of them. I was on the floor blue and they still loved and cared for me which I’m extremely grateful for considering what I did to them. They still wanted me as their older brother. Interviewer: How did you feel about your father then, at 15, and has that relationship changed since? Philip: When my father left my mother I was so angry with him. I hated him. I didn’t like him what he did or what he was doing. I sat outside his house with a .357 black hawk ruger revolver at one point and contemplated killing him. I had such malice in my heart towards him and felt like he owed me for what he did or

didn’t do. Now you can’t change others so it wasn’t till I changed my flaws and defects that I was able to work on my relationship with my father. Today we have a great relationship and are really close. I can talk to him about anything. I utilize our relationship for advice on a lot of different issues but I’m sure that my input in our deep conversations is helpful to him as well. I try my best to be the influence I want to see in others and it definitely rubs off on him. muhahahaha!!!! Interviewer: What are your long term goals? Philip: To have a deeper relationship with God is the answer. I have to be mindful of always putting Him first in everything I do even when it hurts. I want to take a public speaking class to further a paid speaker career. I want to go to school to become a certified recovery coach and simply help others through the 12th step service. Interviewer: What are your thoughts on marriage and kids? How will you handle your testimony with them?

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

Philip: Well marriage is supposed to represent our relationship with our Lord Jesus. We (The Church) are His bride and are one with Him when we receive Him. I love kids except when they don’t listen hahaha. I handle my testimony with people like Paul did in the Bible. I boast in my weakness to show Gods strength. Interviewer: What would you say to other addicts out there who share a similar story to yours? Philip: I would say you don’t have to live like this anymore. Can you put your hand over your heart for me? Do you feel that? That’s called purpose. You can be great. You have potential. You are worth it. Jesus loves you. Here’s my number, give me a call if you believe what I said is true and want help. I love you, brother/sister. Interviewer: If you could go back in time, where would you be, and what would you be doing differently? Philip: I wouldn’t change a thing. I have no regrets. If I didn’t go through what I went through, I wouldn’t be a productive member of my society inside and outside of the church, role model, and unperfectly perfect man I am today. Interviewer: What would you say to your mother at 15 if you could relive your past? How would you comfort her?

Philip: Ma, everything is going to be okay. Never fear. God is always near through all peaks and valleys. Have faith and trust him. Interviewer: If walls could talk, what would be the worst thing they’d say about you, that you’ve

done? Philip: I honestly can’t answer this question without being inappropriate. If I answer this question, it wouldn’t glorify God for your readers to read. In my addiction I’m the worst of the worst lets keep it at that.

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

Interviewer: What advice would you give a young boy or girl getting ready to hit the streets? Philip: That the glamour and glitz of the streets isn’t what you think it is and in the end I promise you will be disappointed. It’s not worth it but if you don’t want to listen i can predict where you will be years from now! Jails, institutions, or death! That life always leads to one of those places every time. You may be a knucklehead like me and have to learn the hard way and graduate from the school of hard knocks like me. Sheesh! I hope not. Interviewer: Looking at your life today in Christ, what do you see? Philip: I see me being the best me I can be through Gods will. I see a promise, a possibility. I see a promise with a capital (P). I see a great big bundle of potentiality, and I am learning to hear Gods Voice and I am trying to make the right choice. I am a promise to be anything God wants me to be. Interviewer: What’s your thought on how to walk others to Christ who carry addiction? Philip: Well when I got clean and sober I realized that my addiction was one of my big sins. I realized even more that my true addiction is sin and that I need to constantly improve on overcoming something and that I can’t stop growing because change equals growth.

John 3:16 says, “ for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Interviewer: Because of your drug history, what are the consequences to that lifestyle today? Philip: Always has been and always will be jails, institutions, and death. There is nothing new under the sun. Interviewer: At 15 years old, making friends was pretty easy I’m sure, however, it must have been so difficult to trust even your closest of friends through all the lies. Can you share your thoughts on this? Philip: When I was that age I thought I knew everything hahaha. My friends weren’t real friends. I was gullible at times and had to learn the hard way that you couldn’t trust the people. I surrounded myself with them. There is however a little loyalty and trust in the drug game or hustling/drug dealing. Whatever you want to call it. Trust and loyalty is how you make money. When you’ve sold as long as I have you know who you can and cannot trust after getting burned a few times. Interviewer: In your testimony you shared that you had broken every commandment, can you

share a little of that story? Philip: Sure, in that mindset the ten commandments become more of a checklist. I simply didn’t care about anybody but myself. I was so puffed up with pride, I couldn’t see myself for who I really was. I was so high all the time that my emotions were completely numb and conscience seared I won’t explain how or what I did to break every commandment but just know I did. Interviewer: You had mentioned in this month’s Rejoice Essential Magazine article that, “Jesus is your homeboy.” Could you elaborate? Philip: Jesus holds me down like gravity as long as I surrender my will to Him. To have faith is to know that no matter what you are going through He will always provide. In recent events in my life I needed a job but never had to look for one. God placed good people in my life and he used Brother Ron Crognale from my Church to bless me with a great job that I am extremely grateful for. Interviewer: In today’s world, sex, drugs and fast cars are glamorized and glorified. Do you think that while trying to change you may be tempted to make a detour down memory lane? Philip: I’ve been there and done that. I’ve taken many detours

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

over and over and over again; relapse, clean, relapse, clean, relapse, relapse, and relapse. This time I have worked on my character defects and flaws mentally, and emotionally. I’ve built a firm foundation in church, N/A, and AA. I have a sponsor who I call if I’m going through anything. I have a sponsee that calls me if he is going through anything and I now have people in my life, family, friends, drug advocates and counselors that I can reach out to for anything if I need it. If they didn’t see me slipping first, we keep each other in line. So I’m strong enough now to stay in my lane. Interviewer: Where do you go from here? Philip: Anywhere I want approved by God. I can only go up. After I climb a mountain and reach the top, I’m looking for another mountain to climb. If opportunity doesn’t knock, I will build a door. There is no obstacle big enough to get in my way, I will always find another way around it. No matter how great or small an obstacle, it will never change my decision to get to where I’m going or where I need to be. Interviewer: Jesus knocks on your door. What would you say to Him? Philip: Nothing. He can read my thoughts, hahaha. Interviewer: Other addicts come to you for help. You say what?

Philip: How bad do you want it? Because it doesn’t work until you admit to yourself that you are an addict; that you are powerless against your addiction. Are you willing to believe that God can restore you to sanity and willing to surrender your life to Him? Are you ready to make a fearless and thorough moral inventory of yourself so that you can see yourself for who you really are? Can you admit to God yourself and another human being the exact nature of your wrongs? Ask God to remove your defects of character? Ask God to remove your shortcomings? Make amends to the people you hurt as long as it doesn’t injure you or others. When you’re wrong promptly admit it and apologize to people around you. Pray and meditate to improve conscious contact with God praying for knowledge of his will for us and the power to carry it out. Last but not least spread your message to other people that it might help them and volunteer your time. You have to want it as bad as you want to breathe. Interviewer: Wrapping up the interview with Philip Bacino: I want to thank you for your time. I would love to interview you again as you embark on a brand new journey. I pray that you will allow God to continue His great work in you, come rain or shine. You need to always remember your struggles, right here, right now. The moment when your

earthly daddy decided to give up, but your Heavenly Father didn’t. Your change was worth it all. Thank you.

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

FROM THUG TO WARRIOR; A PLAN UNFOLDING By Shirley Cooper “This will continue until we are mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him.” (Ephesians 4:13) As believers we must understand that becoming like Christ is a long, slow process of growth. Spiritual maturity is neither instant nor automatic; it is a gradual, and progressive development that will take the rest of our life. With this being said, we often feel as if the road ahead is just not worth it. However, those who have endured much, would see this route as much needed therapy. As we look further into God’s word, we can certainly find that in referring to this process, it does take quite a bit of time to be in great spiritual health. Paul said, “This will continue until we are, mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him” (Ephesians 4:13). We are a work in progress! Our spiritual transformation in developing the character of Jesus will take the rest of our lives, and even then it won’t be completed here on Earth. It will only be finished when you get to Heaven

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

or when Jesus returns. Whatever unfinished work on our character is left will be wrapped up. The Bible says that when we are finally able to see Jesus perfectly, we will become perfectly like him: “We can’t even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is” (1 John 3:2). There are so many people that have endured an ugly past, but whose lives have been redeemed through Christ. I have seen this in friends and family and even social media connections. So many stories turned bitter sweet. A past with pain, and a future with gain. Philip Bacino, a close family friend, has literally discovered what it means to go from thug to warrior in an army of armies. God’s plan for him has just begun. What he didn’t realize is that his rugged past would be used for the rugged cross. His drug addiction would one day glorify God! There are times when I’m certain the fight was just too hard to bear for someone so young. I know that in my own time of doing drugs, although tempting, it did not become my addiction until I was much older and it was done through the legal system of prescription pain medication. Philip met with a different demon. Of course knowing the root of addiction, we can certainly see that addiction is addiction and there

is no difference from one to the other. However, Philips story bears a cross that some refuse to carry. With addiction came redemption. Some just didn’t know how to be the person they admired to be. They loved their way and refused to see anything better. Some gave in, and some discovered along the way that no one would ever trust them again. While I have encountered many stories of addiction, including my own, I had admired Philips more than anyone. His new change wasn’t just for himself, but for the greater good of God’s Kingdom. His struggles were not for himself, but to pull his family out of poverty. His obedience to God’s calling made him a powerful vessel against a life that could have very well killed him, both physically and spiritually. He chose the path to righteousness and was freed from the enemy’s lies. We need to understand that along with addiction comes stumbles and rough edges. But with Christ, all that will be handled accordingly. Have you ever experienced addiction? If not, come follow me into a world where satan used a vulnerable boy for ugly, but victory rose up through the ashes, walking him to his triumphant new beginning. Philip Bacino was 15 years old when his father walked out on his mother, leaving the family to fend for themselves. With bills stacking up like playing cards,

it became almost unbearable. Philip and his family lived in poverty with no electric, at times no water, and as Philip describes, the worst through a child’s experience, even ketchup and onion sandwiches made a meal. While speaking with Philip, my heart melted as he recalls a time when having to heat up the house with the oven on cold days. There were countless times where the family would use coffee filters in place of toilet paper. But this was just one of many obstacles that Philip, the oldest of six, had to endure. His siblings’ ages ranged from 1, 2, 4, 5, and 14. One girl and five boys. Legally, Philip was too young to work, and that’s where the devil’s candy hung low enough to where a desperate young boy could reach. At such a young age, Philip began selling drugs, starting with Marijuana, Cocaine, Molly, Xanax, and Percocets. Soon after selling these drugs, the temptation became greater and his life went from drug dealing, to becoming a habitual drug user. His drug use progressed after a hand surgery due to a break he received during a fight. Because of the pain from that surgery, Philip was prescribed pain medication which he would take by mouth and through snorting (inhaling through the nostril). The pattern was consistent until his body needed something stronger. Which called him to what he described as oxy 80s. Once again, inhaling them through the nose rather than taking them orally. To better

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

understand this particular drug, one must know that it was at one time a very much requested street drug. Oxy 80’s by medical description is called OxyContin and has stronger effects because it contains pure concentration of oxycodone and the formulation makes the drug intensely strong and highly addictive. Selling and using these drugs eventually led Philip to Camden NJ where he resided for two years. That is where he began his road to addiction. He began to sniff Heroin, until one day someone gave him a needle. While experimenting Heroin through a needle, Philip fell in love with the deadly drug administering it through the veins. However, the addiction was so out of control, that anything he could put into a needle, was useful. No one knew what he’d endure next. It took years of getting clean, only to relapse. Overdosing three times, coming closer and closer to death. Yet, against all odds, Philip knew that he needed change desperately. He understood that this change would be too difficult for even his rough and tough interior and exterior. He knew he desperately needed to be saved from a place that literally wanted to take his life. Philip Bacino needed a Savior. That’s when Jesus came running to him. Philip would soon realize his need for Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior when he finally understood that Jesus was all

he had. Through Philips own words, he described a piece of his personal relationship with God: “He put me through fire to refine me into gold to share my testimony and message to help others through service, and every day I strive to be more like him. I aspire to be in integrity with God even when no one is looking.” Philip goes on further to speak from his heart on how desperately he needs Jesus. “I’m extremely grateful to God for sparing my life to use it for his purpose. I don’t have much, but everything I do have came from him who I serve. Jesus is my home boy, he holds me down like gravity.” Philip went to a rehabilitation center in New Hope, located in Marlboro, NJ, where he graduated from Solstice Intensive Outpatient in Lumberton, NJ. He attends 4-5 N/A and AA meetings a week and currently resides in an Oxford sober living house. “I’m heavily involved in my church and on the production team running slides for the worship music and the Pastor’s sermon.” Philip explains humbly about his services at Calvary Church in Delran, NJ, which he attends young adults Bible study twice a week as well. He is working slowly towards getting involved in his Church’s “recovery for addiction” program. Philip’s life has had an enormous amount of memories that some may use against him, trying to

tear down his testimony, rather than build him up. But no matter what, he knows more than anyone that no one can take away from his story. While his past was filled with so much ugliness, the beauty of it remains in a future that God is unfolding. At 15 years old, a young boy took a turn for the worst, but God made that crooked path straight....I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. (Isaiah 45:2) Philip describes his young life in a nutshell, from Heroin addiction, to burglary, lies, cheating, selling drugs, women, and more. As he puts it, “I have broken every commandment.” It’s 2018 and Philip has been officially baptized through a new covenant, a new beginning. He has accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, fully knowing that while weapons will be formed, they will not prosper. While writing this article I felt the Holy Spirit move as tears hit my cheeks. I tried to comprehend all that Philip and his family endured during a time when even toilet paper was scarce. Six children, all under the age of 15, a single mommy and nowhere to hide. No one to run to. Some may even ask, where was God? In the midst of such a struggle is when God moves it is triumphant. His plan for us is not mediocre, but extravagant and out of the ordinary. How can a mountain be moved if it’s

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

only a molehill? How can faith’s outcome be great if it were larger than a mustard seed? The struggles for this family was larger than life itself. Many take the easy way out through giving up, or worse, suicide. But for Philip, he desired more. At such a young age he couldn’t figure out which way to turn. That’s the reality of the enemy in our lives. He confuses the very best and pokes at the innocent who know no better. I look at Philip now and I don’t see a 15 year old drug addict. I see a soul who is more than ready to become the man that God created him to be. Philip Bacino, now lives by a quote from Martin Luther King Jr that reads,” If u can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if u can’t walk then crawl, but no matter what keep moving forward.” His favorite Bible verses that keep him going are: Psalm 15:15, Proverbs 3:5-6,11-12, and Romans 8:39. Philip’s life is a perfect example of victory and triumph. His story will literally shake one to the core. And while it’s not easy reading the words to his life, imagine living it? Addiction is another tool that the enemy uses for his benefit to drown us in fear and desperation, but it’s a tool God will in turn use to build up an incredible testimony for Kingdom business, making a once vulnerable person into God’s example of unconditional love, comfort, strength, and

greatness, once shattered and broken, to only be fixed by infinite hands. There is no life shattered that God cannot restore! 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 5:10) While there is still a long road ahead, Philips life is destined. His Salvation has given him a seat in Paradise and a stance on this earth that tells a story

too great to fully grasp. He was ordained long before his struggles, long before the storms, and long before he was placed in his mother’s womb. He was called from the thug life, only to be God’s warrior where many still find it to be their darkest and cold place. His plan is unfolding. Philip Bacino contact Information Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/PhilipBacino83 Email: ignitestream310@gmail. com

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

TRON MOSES Interviewed By Kimberly Moses Interviewer: What did you think of me when you first saw me? What attracts you to me the most? Tron: When I first laid eyes on you I thought you were attractive. Long hair, pretty smile and eyes. But none of that made me want you. I see that all the time. When I started watching the videos on your channel, I felt drawn to you. So one day, while watching, I said, that’s my wife. I claimed you. I initially thought you were in Fayetteville but then found out you were in Colorado, but my word had already gone forth. And it’s amazing how that word came to pass. A girl I never met in my life, and I didn’t know how I was going to meet you. But to answer the second part of your question, I think your smile is one of the most attractive things about you. Interviewer: How did you get into vlogs and what are ways to grow a vlog channel? Tron: I got into vlogs when I started watching a couple I know. I thought it was fun and interesting, so I started watching vlogs every single day. That was like three years ago and I still watch daily. I always knew

when I got married that vlogging was something I wanted to do. I just needed a wife that was willing, lol. I’m sure some people feel vlogging is crazy. Others may like watching them but not necessarily want to do it themselves. The Lord blessed me with a wife that loves being in front of the camera. It didn’t take much convincing. I love that people can go back and watch a little of our journey. Interviewer: What was one of the greatest challenges you faced in life and how did you overcome it? Tron: One of the greatest challenges in my life would have been letting go of the world. I was blinded by so many things. Women, drugs, alcohol, money etc. Satan does not want to let you go so he’ll keep giving you more of what your flesh wants to keep you bound. I ran from God but He was always there. I saw church as boring. To me drinking and partying was fun. I felt like church was more of “I can do this, I can’t do that.” I had no idea that there was so much more to God. I didn’t know you could feel His love. I didn’t know that He would speak and show us things. I didn’t know anything

about the things that come with having a relationship with God because the enemy just wants you to see the church part. That’s why so many are turned off with church, because all they see are the people, not God. Displaying the love of God will cause them to see the light. Remember, we’re trying to win people who are in darkness. The only way to bring people out of a hopeless situation is to give them hope. That’s what encouragement is. That’s what witnessing is: you’re giving people hope. How is serving Jesus better than this drug money? Fornication is good and weed is good… in the eyes of the world. But how I overcame being bound is just like anyone else who will overcome...I had hope. Interviewer: How is it like to be married to me or to have a Prophetess as your wife? Tron: Being married to you is an adventure. It’s like being on a ride that you enjoy. Being married to a prophet is different I guess, because you’ll always hear them say, God showed me that or the LORD told me that. Being married to a prophet creates more of a hunger in you because they have to keep their ear to the mouth of God, but you also need

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

to know what the LORD is saying. I feel like at different times I have to protect you because you may not see the leeches. People want to use prophets, buy prophets, then turn around and curse prophets. Being married to a prophet attracts witches and warlocks. But, we’re on this prophetic journey together. Interviewer: Where do you see us in the next five years? Tron: In the next five years I see us in our dream home, enjoying life without stress, winning souls to the kingdom, feeding the homeless, traveling the world and supplying families with food. Also running successful businesses. Before I got married, whenever I thought of marriage, I always saw myself traveling with my wife. There are places that I desire to go to and I decree that we will. The same way I claimed my wife, I’m claiming favor, finances, traveling, a dream home, souls and more open doors. Interviewer: We were blessed to never cross the line when we were courting. How did you stay pure for 13 years? Tron: Well I didn’t want to stay pure for 13 years, lol. I remember when I first gave my life to the LORD, one of my first thoughts was, “I can’t have sex now.” There were times in those 13 years I wanted to fall. I wanted the LORD to leave me alone so I could go fornicate but He didn’t. I remember lust be-

ing on me so heavy that I cried because I wanted to sin against God. He spoke one word to me and broke that off me. He said, “Holy!” When I heard Him say that, I was free. I’m not going to say it was easy, but it’s a matter of who do you want to please more, God or your flesh? Interviewer: What ways has our marriage blessed your life? Tron: The 13 years is over! Interviewer: What is life like through the eyes of a photographer?

Tron: You can see art in something that others may not see art in. Some people shoot in abandoned buildings because they see the art in. While someone else may only see an abandoned building.

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

Interviewed By Elizabeth Burnett and Dr. Verleshia Hughes Elizabeth Burnett: Both of you are really becoming sound business people and building a Godly empire. How and what steps did you take to transition from salary positions to working for yourself and being able to sustain yourself? Prophetess Kimberly: Yes, amen. We work for the kingdom and it’s such a blessing to do so. It wasn’t always easy. At first, we both worked for someone else like clocking in or working a 9 to 5 but God closed those doors as His way of redirecting us. We both had to trust God and use faith 24/7. We knew that we were building from the ground up and it took hard work and dedication. We fasted and prayed about our businesses and God sustained and favored us. As we yielded to Him, He sent the clients and gave us ideas to generate wealth like products and webinars. Elizabeth Burnett: Prophetess Kimberly, do you have any advice for Moms who are balancing very busy lives rearing children but also having a call from God? In other words, balancing both worlds when you don’t have a lot of help with people being able to watch your children? Prophetess Kimberly: This is a very good question but also a challenging one. I struggle in this area sometimes and I am a

work in progress. I don’t have a lot of help but I am very grateful for the people that I have in my life and that support the vision God gave me. I actually need an assistant. Whenever I feel off track, stressed out, or cranky from everyday life, I have to step back and realize that I haven’t been spending enough time with God. I have to spend a lot of time with God and soak up His presence because I pour out a lot in many areas: public ministry, private ministry with my students, ministry of random strangers when I go out on my daily routine, publishing books, and being a wife and mother. My advice would be to pray for God for balance, He would give you strategies. He told me once to cut off work at 5 p.m. because I am the kind of person who can’t stop working. I will work all night until the sun comes up again and then I will be drained and tired. So there has to be a cut off time so I can spend time with my children. They need me to help them with their homework and spend time with them. I have to prepare dinner and clean up the house. It would be hard for me to do those things if I am too consumed in my work. The next thing I would tell people is to put God first. This means start off the day in prayer and read a quick passage in the bible. This blesses my day every time.

I feel refreshed and renewed. I don’t feel heavy or burdened. I know that God will bless my day because I gave Him the first fruits of my day. I am able to be a better wife to my husband and better mentor. The last thing I would advise is to make time for your family. I never want to preach to the world when my family is a mess. It starts at home first. Family is my first ministry. This is why I don’t minister as much as I used too when I was single. I spend time with my family and only minister publicly when I feel lead or have something to say because I want my ministry to be effective. This is why I truly believe that every time I minister that God shows up with signs and wonders following because I am lead by Him when I go forth. Elizabeth Burnett: Brother Tron and Prophetess Kimberly, both of you have gone through major warfare, including people who prey (not pray) over your calling. Do you have any suggestions on warfare strategies against word curses and prayers against you? Prophetess Kimberly: This is a great question and you are right. Warfare comes with the calling. Every time I do a video, someone calls me a false prophet or has something negative to say. I don’t let that stop me. Every time people are getting saved, healed, and delivered the devil

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

gets mad. He will use all types of people who have a form of godliness but deny the power to try to be a distraction. These people are witches, religious people, or just people who don’t like us because we are walking in purpose. People have spoken death curses over us. They have prayed against our marriage. They have threatened us with physical harm. But we aren’t shaken or moved. We don’t believe those curses. We believe in God. God told me that as long as I walk in the spirit then He would loose His flaming arrows at my enemies. That’s in Psalm 7. This means that I have to be in position or stay in His will. I have to do my part and God will do His part. I have to pray, fast, and read the word. I have to know how to fight these evil forces and know who I am in God. I have to know the authority that I walk in that Jesus gave me. My advice is to get to know God and He will reveal to you the tricks of the enemy. You will have a heads up on him. You will sense him from a mile away. God will even give you the strategy to dismantle his attacks upon your life. Getting to know God takes building up your spirit man by praying in your heavenly language, meditating on the word of God, and worship. Touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm. Verleshia Hughes: What are your plans for Rejoice Essential Magazine’s future? What do you look for and to include in Rejoice Essential Magazine?

Prophetess Kimberly: My plans for this magazine is to leave a legacy for my children and others that are called to assist with this vision. I want this magazine to be around for decades or centuries after I leave this world. We are getting a website done soon and that site will include blogs and ministry news. We will get into print and on the shelves of many stores. We will have more faithful people to contribute to this vision monthly as well as someone who can do the layout for me in the future. This would be a blessing because I can focus on other aspects of ministry and build from there. I am excited to see it all manifest.

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

PROPHETESS KIMBERLY MOSES Interviewed ByTron Moses Interviewer: What was the first miracle your ministry witnessed?

God telling me that the pastor had something wrong with his knee.

Prophetess Kimberly: Hmm. That is a very good question. Well, I think it started with the word of knowledge where I began to feel impressions on my body. I can feel the person’s pain or symptoms. It feels like the fire of God is burning on one part of my body more than usual when I get around someone, so I know that I need to pay attention because that person might need to be healed from some type of sickness. To answer your question, my first miracle happened when I was on the phone with a pastor. He called to check on me because I was battling depression and so much was going on in my life at the time. I remember feeling a sharp hot pain on one of my knee caps. I cried out because I didn’t know what it meant and it startled me. It was almost like I had a supernatural knowing of what it was. I knew that God was the God that answers by fire. I knew that recently I was feeling His fire in my hands and traveling to certain parts of my body, but I never felt it sharp and that hot before in an isolated area. I figured that was

I stepped out in faith and asked him, “Hey, is there something wrong with your knee?” I am not sure if I said right or left knee. He replied, “Yes, that knee has been bothering me for years. I hurt it in the military.” I stepped out in faith then began to pray. Immediately the pain went away. The pastor began to activate his faith and test out his knee by bending it and picking up his leg high off the ground. He started praising God because he was healed. I started praising God because I never thought God could use me in this way and plus everything happened suddenly. It was like God took over my phone conversation to heal this pastor. I was in shock for several hours afterwards. Since then, I have witnessed many miracles: deaf ears opening, lumps dissolving in people’s bodies, people not using their canes and walkers any more, debt eliminations, pay increases, swelling going down, bones aligning in bodies, deliverance from various spirits such as fear, depression, rejection, suicide, etc.

Interviewer: Does it still blow your mind when a prophetic word comes to pass or miracle takes place? Prophetess Kimberly: Yes, it blows my mind and sometimes I have nightmares about it or dream about it. It shakes me to my very core. It’s very humbling when I see prophecies come to pass. I am like, “Wow! God trusts me to tell me so much or things that are getting ready to happen in the world or in people’s lives.” I remember I was praying and just laying in God’s presence. He began to speak to me about a tragedy that would happen in Las Vegas. Two weeks later I was on the cruise I was doing for my ministry and you texted me and told me about the Las Vegas shooting. I was shocked because I didn’t want it to come to pass. Then more recently, I told you that a national figure was going to die and it manifested two weeks later. This has happened several times, such as bridges collapsing, earthquakes, tornados, wild fires, etc. Many people always come back to me and tell me that the prophetic word came

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

to pass. It’s mind boggling. Now when the miracles take place, I am amazed. I expect signs and wonders to follow but each time I see them, I get excited like it’s my first time seeing a miracle. I stand in awe or fall down to my knees and weep sometimes when I see things I’ve never witness before. For instance, the first time I saw God dissolve a lump after I commanded it to go, I was done. I lost my composure and wept and just gave him praise. I just know as long as I stay in His will and spend my time with Him, He will show up and people will get what they need when I minister publicly. Interviewer:Why was it so hard for other guys to get close to you before I came along? Prophetess Kimberly: I had a wall up. I was still suck on my ex and wanted God to restore that relationship. When I realize that he hadn’t changed, I decided to move on with my life so I could allow God to heal my broken heart. A few times, I let the wrong guy in and they just played games. They were counterfeits. Some had hidden motives, some wanted sex and I wasn’t doing that. I knew that I had the fire of God on my life and didn’t want to lose it. When I told these guys no, they left me along really quick. Some men were living secret lives and God told me to cut off that relationship. So for a season, I left all men along. I didn’t allow anyone to get close to me. I didn’t give out my number. I didn’t respond

to guys in my inbox on social media unless he was a married man that loved his wife. I just pulled away so I wouldn’t get distracted from the calling. When we met, I was crying over my ex and looked at you as a friend. I let you in because you kept encouraging me every day. You seemed pure in your agenda. You wanted a photoshoot and nothing more. Over time, we formed a connection and I enjoyed spending time with you. We had so much in common and you were truly the answer to my prayers. I need photos, a media expert for my ministry, help with the magazine, and help with my videos. You were the one stop shop. You had everything I needed. I told God that if a man can’t bring my ministry to the next level then I don’t want him. You truly brought my ministry to the next level. Interviewer:Lately the Lord has been showing you some mighty things in prayer. Do you think you’ll ever share those words with the people? Prophetess Kimberly: Yes, I will only share them if God releases me to do so or if I can confide in someone I trust such as another prophet or apostle. For instance, I see car accidents before they happened and if I didn’t pray that person would’ve probably died. I get names and faces often and what they are going through. I just write it down and call their names out in prayer. I want God to trust me with the secrets of men’s hearts. I want Him to see

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

that my motives are pure. I see and hear so much sometimes in the spirit that I can hardly believe it myself. I don’t want to share things on social media to promote myself when national prophecies come to pass. I realize that some stuff I will have to take to the grave because these are real people that hurt and I never want to exploit their pain just to promote my ministry. Interviewer: If you could meet one minister in the body of Christ, to pick their brain for an hour, who would it be? Prophetess Kimberly: I would pick Apostle John Eckhardt. He has blessed my life in so many ways. He inspires me. When I first searched the internet for prayers, one of his books came up. Then I started buying every prayer book he wrote. Then God started speaking to about writing my own books. I learned so much from him on the prophetic ministry, the apostolic, deliverance, covenant, the laying of hands, etc. I just watch his videos and receive so much in my spirit man. I was shocked that he shared my LIVE periscope video once and that he even knew who I was. I think I got a little star struck and I started praising God for that experience. I would ask him about the transition from pastor to apostle even though he has a book on it. I would even ask him about the word of knowledge and even the word of wisdom. I would love to hear some of his stories on deliverance when he had to cast out

demons in people. I would also ask him for nuggets for young emerging prophets in ministry as myself so I can make the best decisions in ministry. Interviewer:If a person does not get healed do you blame yourself? Prophetess Kimberly: Yes, I blame myself often. I take it personal even though I shouldn’t. I want God to heal a person 100% just like Jesus did in the bible. I will make sure I fast, pray, meditate, and worship more so I that I can ensure that I have enough of the power of God flowing through me for people to get healed. I am believing God for the miracles that happened in the book of Acts to manifest in my ministry. Interviewer:What do you enjoy most about doing Team Moses Vlogs? Prophetess Kimberly: I enjoy doing things with you. I love building with you. We started off from the ground up with this channel. No subscribers. No views. The enemy tried to shut us down so many times but we kept pressing. Now our channel is growing and I give God praise. I love to see us laugh and have fun. I love to hear us encourage others to wait on God for their spouse. Our vlog channel is a blessing and many lives are transformed by watching us. I love being Team Moses and Team Us. Interviewer:The day that I

proposed to you, did you see it coming? Prophetess Kimberly: I knew it was coming. I just didn’t know on that day. I knew we were getting serious. We were in-

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

separable. We video chatted for hours. We talked on the phone for hours. We did everything together even though we were long distance. I knew that when you saw me again in person you would step it up to the next level.

We both kept getting words about marriage or the proposal. I just didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think you would propose to me while we were in the car. You are something special, Tron. I love you.

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

THE HUMILITY OF THE PROPHET By Kimberly Moses

Prophets are called to be humble servants of the Lord. Jesus demonstrated true humility when He took the form of a servant even though He was God in the flesh (Philippians 2:5-8). Since prophets are chosen by God, we are told to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12) in our everyday walk.

is the reason why the Lord raised up various prophets to speak out against it and remind us to walk in humility.

God expresses multiple times how He has a distaste for the proud but favors the lowly or humble (James 4:6; Psalm 138:6; Proverbs 29:23; Matthew 23:12; 1 Peter 5:5). Humility will keep a prophet’s heart right before God. For instance, when people want to idolize a prophet that walks in humility, the prophet will not allow it but makes sure that God gets the Glory. The prophet will be certain never to steal the recognition for the miraculous but will always acknowledge the Lord for the great things that may have occurred.

Micah prophesied that the Lord showed His people what is good, the wonderful things He had done for them, and what is required of them: to do right to others, be kind, obey God, and be humble.

When a person is proud, they will feel like everything they acquire, fame or success, was by their own ability, forgetting God in the process. Being filled with pride is a dangerous place to be because pride comes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18). This

Micah 6:8 says, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

Genesis 18:27 says, “And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:” Abraham recognized God’s sovereignty and was honored to be able to stand in the gap to intercede for a whole city. He approached God with humility and his intercession changed God’s plans to destroy Sodom momentarily. Zephaniah 2:3 says, “Seek the LORD, All you humble of the earth Who have carried out His

ordinances; Seek righteousness, seek humility Perhaps you will be hidden In the day of the LORD’S anger.” Prophet Zephaniah had a burden for people to walk uprightly before God since He knew some of the plans of God. Being humble perhaps is one way to be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger. True prophets want what God wants and don’t want anyone to miss out on the opportunity to get saved, delivered, and to experience the goodness of God. Numbers 12:3 says, “(Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.) God worked many miracles through the prophet Moses because of humility. Imagine how the Lord will use you as you remain humble? 2 Samuel 7:18 says, “Then went king David in, and sat before the Lord, and he said, Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?” King David came from humble beginnings. He was often blown away by the things that God was doing in his life. As you walk in humility, God will do some wonderful things in your life and ministry. “The ABCs Of The Prophetic” coming soon.

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

UNCREATED LIFE OF GOD By Reynaldo Rodriguez

It is not the entrance of the uncreated life of God into man. The spirit that was received in the beginning is not the life of God that we received at the time of our regeneration. The life which we received at the time of our regeneration is the life of God Himself; it is the life represented by the tree of life. This spirit of man is eternal, but it does not have the eternal life. “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” (Genesis 2: 7).

This refers to man’s body. “And breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.” This refers to the fact that man’s spirit comes from God. This man then became “a living soul.” This speaks of man’s soul. When the spirit caused the body to come alive, man became a living soul, a living person with his own consciousness. A complete person is a tripartite being, a person with a spirit, a soul, and a body. According to this verse, man was created with two independent materials—spirit and body. When the spirit entered the body, the soul was produced. The

soul is the result of the union of the spirit and the body. The body was dead, but when it met the spirit of life, a third entity was produced, the soul. Without the spirit, the body is dead. When the spirit came, the body became alive. When the spirit is in the body, something organic is produced. This something that is organic is called the soul. Here it says that the man became a “living soul.” This signifies not only that the soul is produced from the union between the spirit and the body, both the spirit and the body are incorporated into the soul. In other words, the soul and the body are fully joined to

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

the spirit, and the spirit and the body are incorporated into the soul. Before Adam fell, his spirit and his flesh were of course not in conflict with each other daily as it is with us today. The three were mingled together. The soul served as the linking chain, the seat of man’s personality, making it possible for man to exist independently. The soul is the consummation of the spirit and the body, the totality of the elements within man. After man’s spirit and body were fully integrated, man became a living soul. This soul is the very result of the union of the two things; it is man’s own personality. We may consider an incomplete illustration: if we put a drop of ink into a cup of water mingle together and become ink water. You can say that it is ink; it is indeed ink. You can also say that it is water, for it is still water. The ink and the water are integrated together and have become a third ink water. (Of course, the soul produced from the union of the spirit and the body is an independent and insoluble element, just as the spirit and the body are.) In the same way, the spirit and the body were two independent elements, but after they combined, the combination became a living soul. God characterizes man by his soul because in His creation man’s characteristics lie in his soul. This is similar to the angels being characterized by their spirit. Man is not only a body, and he is not only a body with

the breath of life, but he has become a living soul. This is why later in the Bible we see God calling man a “soul”; He did not call man a man, but He called him a soul. The reason for this is that a man is judged by his soul. The soul represents the man and expresses the characteristics of his personality. The soul is the organ of man’s free will, and both the spirit and the body are incorporated into it. It has a free will. If it chooses to obey God, it can make the spirit the master of everything, according to God’s design. But it can also suppress the spirit and take as its master the part that it likes. The three things—the spirit, the soul, and the body—are like a lighted electric bulb. Within a bulb, there is the electricity, the filament, the spirit is like the electricity, and the soul is like the light. Electricity is the source of light, and light is the consequence of electricity. The filament is a physical material for conducting electricity and for emitting the light. When the spirit and the body combine together, they produce the soul. The soul bears the characteristics of the combination of the spirit and the body; it is the product of the union of the two things. The spirit is the motivating force behind the soul, while the body is the means to express the soul. This is like electricity being the source of light, while the filament is the means through which light shines.

However, we should clearly remember that in this life, the soul is man’s consummate expression, while in the next life and in resurrection the spirit will be man’s consummate expression. This is why the Bible says, “it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.” (1 Corinthians 15: 44). Since we are now joined to the resurrected Lord, through Him the spirit can control our whole being. We can control our being because we are not joined to the first man Adam, who was a living soul, but to the last Adam, who is the life giving Spirit.

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

THE NATURE OF TEMPTATION By Reynaldo Rodriguez

Suppose you were walking along a very narrow mountain road. On the right side is a cliff too steep to climb down and too far to jump. On the other side of the road is a roaring forest fire. Ahead of you is a church and a roaring lion is behind you. Which way do you run? Off to your right is an option. Just sail off that cliff. Can you imagine the initial thrill? There are serious consequences to that decision, though, like the sudden stop at the end. That is the nature of temptation. If it didn’t initially look good, you wouldn’t be tempted. Giving in to temptation always has serious consequences. When people advocate free sex, they are advocating a license that has deadly consequences

to meaningful relationships and life. On the left is another option, but you will be burned by legalism as well. The accuser will give you no peace when you try to live under the law. The only path of freedom is straight ahead, but no church building or group of people will provide an adequate sanctuary. The apostle Peter warned us, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1Peter 5: 8), and your only sanctuary is in Christ. No physical place can provide a spiritual sanctuary for you in planet earth.

If the Spirit filled walk is neither license nor legalism, then what is it? It is liberty. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3: 17). Our freedom in Christ is one of the most precious commodities we have received from our spiritual union with God. Because the Spirit of the Lord is in you, you are free to become the person God created you to be. You are no longer compelled to walk according to the flesh as you were before conversion. You are not even compelled to walk according to Spirit or to walk according to the flesh. Walking according to the Spirit implies two things. First, it is not

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

sitting in the Spirit. Walking by the Spirit is not sitting around in some holy piety expecting God to do all. Second, it is not running in the Spirit. The Spirit filled life is not an endless round of exhausting activities in which we are trying to do it all by ourselves. Thinking we will become more spiritual if we try harder is a typical error of many believers. If Satan can’t tempt us to be immoral, he will simply try to make us busy. How much fruit can we bear if we try to do it all by ourselves? None! Apart from Christ we can do nothing. (See John 15: 5). How much gets accomplished in the kingdom of God if we expect Himself in this age to work through the Church, “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,” (Ephesians 3: 10). We have the privilege to water and plant, and God causes the increase, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3: 6 – 9). We who labor in God’s vine are only that, laborers. The one who deserves all the glory is God, for everything we are al-

lowed to do for His kingdom. As followers of Christ, by the grace of God, we have been extended hospitality. That is, we have been welcomed into the family of God. God has extended us an invitation to become part of HIS MINISTRY. In the same fashion we, as imitators of God, are called to extend this hospitality to everyone we encounter. If we don’t water and plant, nothing grows. A pastor was working in his garden one day when one of his deacons paid a visit. “My, the Lord sure gave you a beautiful garden,” the deacon said. To which the pastor responded, “You should have seen it when God had it by Himself.” This truth is illustrated by Jesus in Matthew 11: 28 – 30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” In His youth, Jesus was a carpenter. In those days, carpenters didn’t frame houses; they fashioned wooden doors and yokes. Jesus metaphorically used those products to describe the spiritual life. For instance, Jesus is the door to spiritual life, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture.” (John 10: 9), and a yoke is a wooden beam that fits over the shoulders of two oxen. How

well does the yoke work if only one person is in it? You would be better off not having it on you. It only works if two are yoked together and pulling in the same direction. A young ox is trained by putting it in a yoke with an old seasoned ox who “learned obedience from the things which He suffered.” “Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered” (Hebrew 5: 8). The typical nature of the young ox is to think the pace is too slow and to run ahead, but all it would get is a sore neck. “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40: 30 – 31). Some young oxen will be tempted to drop out, but life goes on and the debts pile up. Others will be tempted to stray off to the left or the right. Then one day the young ox thinks, This old ox knows what he is talking and how to walk, (Jesus), I think I will learn from Him.

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

POSITIONING YOURSELF FOR PURPOSE By Melinda Roberts

12 I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,[a] but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

-Philippians 4:12-14 NLT One of the most difficult things to accomplish in life is to be fully surrendered to God through Jesus Christ. Neither the nature of man nor the sway of the masses is consistent with or parallel to what God desires. We are born into this earth and by the time we reach adulthood, we are sucked into deadlines and expectations. Unfounded pressures to which we succumb include keep-

ing up with peers, getting married, having children, or buying a home by a certain age or time. The drive to accomplish these goals is much like the bondage of religion and tradition; we are not sure that we have become subject to such demands but have, nonetheless. It may take a while for us to determine, however, that worldly accomplishments or even material possessions are not quite Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s idea of success. Sure, it would be nice to have

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

nice things and see our greatest dreams come true, but in the grand scheme of things, such weighs very little on the scale. I recently had the opportunity to speak with a dear friend regarding relationships. You know… the desire to have a husband and finally settle into purpose. If you have a heart for God and have been to the circus and jumped through the hoops of relationship disaster, the last thing you want to do is get mixed up in another fiasco that has nothing to do with God or His ultimate purpose. I believe that God was telling me to tell this friend to position herself to receive her husband. That statement could be applied to anything we are seeking God to obtain. At the gist of the message was the positioning. Naturally, we begin to question what getting positioned looks like. In the case of receiving a husband, sometimes that positioning may look like curtailing other male relationships or monitoring those who you allow into your circle moving forward. God wanted this done so that her “womb was empty,” which I found to be very interesting. In a nutshell, God wanted her to be free of all emotional attachment, known and unknown, in order to have availability and space for when her husband presented himself. Not just with regards to relationships but in every area of our lives, God requires us to position

ourselves. Of course, in every endeavor, God has a part to play but so does the individual. Oftentimes, we desire things from God, but technically, there is no room for them, not so much naturally, but with regards to our soul and spirit. While every requirement may be different in relation to what each individual needs to do for his or her positioning, there are requirements that are synonymous for all of those in the Body of Christ. Topping the list is an authentic relationship with God through Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). Unfortunately, many have developed the habit of substituting their church attendance and service for an authentic relationship with God. This has become the norm for many church goers. While getting to the place where you learn to hear the voice of God (both audible and internally) is challenging., the first step is to learn to quiet yourself. This process can take months to completely master. “Becoming quiet” means to cease from the hustle and bustle of life, not just publicly but privately as well. People enjoy spending their quiet time listening to music, watching television, or engaging in any other activities that involve noise of some sort. I have found, however, that learning to sit still, ensuring that all around me is silenced, has aided immensely with my ability to hear God for myself.

Interestingly enough, this is not a one-time process. It takes consistent effort because just as hard as you are working to sharpen your spiritual ears, the enemy is working just as hard to keep you distracted, to keep you entangled with activity, worrying and consistently concerned about something. Secondly, one should become established in the Word (2 Timothy 3:16). It is through knowledge of the Logos Word that God reveals Rhema Word. When God speaks audibly, inwardly, or through someone else, He will not speak contrary to His written Word. If you are not rooted in the Word, you can become subject to deceit and misdirection, which is in direct opposition to your objective to become positioned. The Word of God must begin to govern your life, and you most surrender to it, as it is the voice of God. Thirdly, one should develop a sound relationship with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our Helper and ultimately leads and guides us into all truth, providing we are obedient and courageous enough to follow (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit is so dynamic that He individually leads and teaches us how and when to move away from the general efforts of positioning to the customized methods that God has specifically designed and desired for our lives individually. He may even require you to go against the grain of what is common, as far

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

as others are concerned, but you must remember that this is your individual process and as long as it aligns with the Word of God, you must be committed to following that course. It is only after we have positioned ourselves for purpose that we begin to see the fullness of all that God created us to accomplish in the earth. As I learned recently regarding myself, there are things that may never happen if we allow grief, disappointment, or pain to hinder our movement toward developing fully into what God needs us to be within the frame of any window of time. We could think that we are waiting on God when God can, in fact, be literally waiting for us to get positioned. There is such a thing as being out of sync with God’s timetable with regards to our individual lives, even when the source of what hinders us was not our fault directly. The manner in which we are affected should have a temporal bearing, as God expects us to press through the pain and still thrive toward maximizing purpose that produces an eternal bearing (2 Corinthians 4:18). My prayer is that we each come into the fullness of God’s purpose for our lives. There are many distractions, and choosing that narrow path is not easy. There may not be many that you can talk to or that even understand your process. You must, however, continue to stay the course, see it through. Though

much sacrifice is often required for those who have opted to maintain a deeper relationship with God through total life surrender, it will all be well worth it in the end. “Pressing to possess that perfection” through Jesus Christ is our sole purpose for existing. Our primary focus should not be to pursue our own goals, dreams, and visions and squeeze God into whatever space we have left. Proper positioning puts God’s heart first and after that He will even grant you some of those dreams and desires of your heart, as it is accommodating to His purpose (Proverbs 16:3). We are not our own; we have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). We are so very blessed to be in the hands of the Potter and be afforded the privilege of fulfill our very purpose for existing.

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

YOUR STEPS ARE ORDERED By Amber Marie Brown God didn’t say the journey would be easy, but He does say that He will order your steps. Even through the wilderness, God knows where He is taking you. The question is, are you following His footsteps or are you trying to make your own? In Psalm 37:23 the bible says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” There is nothing sweeter to God than a born-again Christian who is walking with Him in honor, in truth, in love, in obedience, in faith, and in fear of the Lord. He tells us to show ourselves in all respects to be a model of good works, and in our teaching show integrity and dignity. Psalm 112:1-10 tells us, “Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

conducts his affairs with justice.” Whether it be now or later, we will all have times in our lives where we will have to make a choice on what to do, what not to do, which way to turn, when to speak, when to be silent, when to lead, when to follow, is this God or is it the Enemy, and so much more but really none of us understand why we are led to certain places or why God has us “do or not do” certain things. Usually it is because it’s not meant for us or it’s not in His word. Even so, we know as a Christian that when God leads us and as we follow Him, good or bad times, after leaving places, things, and certain people, God will have given you a testimony in return! Something that will prove His faithfulness and His word being true. The reward is always worth the wait, but it never feels like it in the battle. Many of us get inpatient and try to find our own way which is why we tend to get lost sometimes. That’s when we get into trouble! We start going from “good guy to bad guy” real quick and not just in our eyes and the eyes of others, but most importantly God’s eyes and that is not a place we want to be. We all have different journeys, but the destination is still the same. God loves us all and wants us to find our way with Him as our number one guide. After all, how can we find our way without His light? In the picture above, we see trees

and rocks and even a pathway which is clear of everything in which surrounds it. Some trees are broken, some are strong and tall, and some have not made their way above ground yet, but among all that, there is a clear pathway, that if followed, will lead you to your ordained destination. The Bible says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous” Psalm 1:1-6. God has plans for you that are good and not bad, plans to prosper you and give you hope and a future. So why is it so hard to trust the footprints that aren’t visible ahead of us? Well, Brothers and Sisters, it all deals with the big word called FAITH! 1 Timothy 4:10 says, “That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.” So, what is the definition of a savior? I think many of us forget sometimes who God is in our

life, but the most important among the many I could list is our savior. A Savior is a person who saves someone out of danger. As a believer we will go through some things that we really don’t want to go through, but we must realize that there is always a reason behind it. Your steps are ordered by God even when it feels like He is nowhere to be found, He knows where you are, who you are, what you are thinking, how you got where you are, why you are there, and most importantly, your current faith level in the midst of it all. If Jesus were to come right now, would you be ready? Would your feet be planted on solid ground following the footprints of faith? Could you say that you are walking in 100% faith and allowing him to lead you without trying to get in the way? To be honest, we all need help in this area because sometimes we just really try to prove to God that we are strong enough to do it, but if your strong enough to do it on your own then God is not really in it! Have you ever thought about that? God strengthens us so that we can be prepared for what is to come, after all the bible does say that we are MORE THAN CONQUERERS, but we are only conquerors when we allow him to lead. “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:3-39 Knowing this it is safe to say that ordered steps are the best steps! With all that love that God has for us and knowing that nothing can break that, following His lead really is more beneficial in the end. Without the Holy Spirit we are lost, blindly led with our emotions and feelings, making decisions based off our own understanding (which is terrible considering the fact that we don’t always know what is good for us) which always bites us where it hurts in the end! Don’t fool yourself, God doesn’t tell us that

the steps of a disobedient man are ordered by the Lord, No, he says “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” So, the question is, Are you living a life as a good man or a man that needs to do a self- check up from the chest up? I’ve been there! That’s why I understand how it feels to get sidetracked or try to do things on my own. It’s more about a lack of faith than anything, but your mentality has a lot to do with it also. People will let you down, but God never does! People will mislead you, but God never will! When you seek him, He always turns you around and tells you to keep on walking the path that he has made for you. He pushes you in the right direction and always ends up clearing a way even among the rubble and debris. THE PATHWAY ABOVE is clear. That’s how your journey continues. From this day forward just look ahead and trust the steps that are ahead of you even when you can’t see them. You may think your walking blindly, but God always lights a path to your feet! It won’t be hard to find your way as long as you keep your eyes focused on the prize, Jesus Christ! Your Future and your destination depends on it! Always remember, your choices now affect your future! Never forget that your steps are ordered by the most valuable, trustworthy, honorable person in your life that will never leave you or forsake you. Through this journey through mountains and

valleys always remember what he has already done in your life and use that as fuel! Fuel your Faith and allow God to Continue to Order Your Steps now and forever more! It’s an Exciting Journey, Keep Pushing and Stay Focused………. Be blessed and Be a Blessing to others in Jesus Name, Amen! Amber M. Brown is the Author of “Rise To The Mission”. She is an Evangelist and Spiritual Motivator out of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She speaks at Conferences, Youth Groups, and Recovery Groups. She is a Writer, Single Mother of Two, Health and Fitness Coach for Beachbody, and A Full Time Student at The International College of Bible Theology/School of Prophets in pursuit of her degree. You can reach her on Facebook at Amber Brown Ministries or by email at risetothemission@gmail.com.

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

TRUST WALK: DAY 71 By Keiyia J. George

Day 71: I trust you, Lord. I won’t forget. Deuteronomy 4:9-14 This reading almost started off with Deuteronomy 8: 11-18 which is basically telling people to be careful not to forget where they have come from once they have ‘arrived’. No. Won’t use that in this case, although it is a very good lesson to learn. Instead, Deuteronomy 4 is focus. In everyday life, there will be ups and downs. This is a fact because the Word said it will

happen. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 KJV If you back up, Jesus was telling the disciples that he was leaving them and they would have sorrow, but the sorrow would turn to joy. He compared it to a woman in child birth who forgets any pain she has once the

child is there. Sure, she hasn’t forgotten-forgotten, but instead she has been given a gift and there’s no reason to focus on the ordeal anymore. Her joy has been delivered and the pain is long gone. Jesus told his disciples they would have tribulations. They would have sorrows. They would have trials. But He wanted them to remember not to hold onto them. He wanted them to push how they felt in the moment aside and focus on Him instead because He had already defeated whatever it was they would come up against, even the sorrow they would feel when he ‘left’ them (He already knew He would rise and had already shared it with them). There was absolutely no reason for them to forget what He’d taught them and who He was to them while He was on this earth. But like the disciples who walked with Him, saw Him perform miracles, and learned under His teachings, people today forget. Each month Father provides for them, but if someone raises a standard against them or try to convince them that they are not holy, they all of a sudden forget who they are and allow the insecurities thrown at them from the demonic kingdom take root. They’ve forgotten all they were taught. They question the words whispered by the Spirit, no longer able to trust His voice. They waver on the doctrine they believe, forgetting that:

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. Matthew 12:25 KJV Not remembering that He said: So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Revelation 3:16 KJV Not realizing that: A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:8 KJV They have now basically set themselves up for failure. If this is you, if you have ever falling onto shaky ground because you have forgotten all you have seen, done in the name of Jesus, heard whispered to you, please get back in right standing with the Most High. Don’t wait. You don’t want to be caught wavering, wondering, and unstable. Being unsure will mess up the rest of your life. Either get back in with Him or get out, but don’t stand there questioning everything as if you never knew Him. Pull up your breeches and get back in the word. Seek forgiveness for your doubt and get back your relationship with the Spirit. In these peril times, now is not the time to forget who He is. Be encouraged and, in this season, separate yourself from negativity and people who cause you to question your God. Build

yourself back up on your most Holy Faith (let the book of Jude be a reminder) and give the devil a black eye through studying and communing with God. And when someone comes back to attack you (and they will), be prepared for it and don’t fall apart. Stand firm…and don’t ever forget! Recalling it all, Keiyia JOYet George Trust Walk: Walking in His Steps coming soon!

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018

COMING

G SOON

REJOICE ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE MAY 2018