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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
MARCH/APRIL 2015
FEATURES
05 The Stone Has Been Rolled Away 08 Young Black Women’s Society 17 Ministering to Incarcerated Women Story Yolanda Adams 20 Cover Shares Godly Wisdom for Sustainable Success 24 28 31 33
How Committed Are You? Saving for Your Retirement Stop Killing Potential! Tribute to Pastor Andrae Crouch
SECTIONS 04 12 27 30 32 34
Editor’s Note RHEMA Health RHEMA Spotlight RHEMA Puzzle RHEMA Showcase RHEMA Word
Disclaimer Rhema is published every other month. No part of this publication is to be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The Magazine can not be held liable for any error in any advertisement and any liability is limited to the total cost of the advertisement in error. The publisher however reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed offensive or inappropriate. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are strictly those
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of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rhema Magazine. Rhema Magazine takes reasonable care to ensure the accuracy of the information. However we will not assume liability for the opinions or statements nor the accuracy of the authors. We also reserve the right to edit information we deem inappropriate for this magazine.
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Being patient means we have faith in God’s timing and giving control to Him.
Valerie Brown RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2015
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By Andrew Gayle I Samuel 14:33 “Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD, in that they eat with the blood. And he said,’ Ye have transgressed: roll a great stone unto me this day’.” (KJV) Luke 24:2 “And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.” (KJV) Resurrection Sunday, which we will celebrate this year on April 5th, is the time that we remember and honor the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It was His sacrifice on the cross that has restored us to right fellowship with God the Father. His sacrifice redeemed us from the curse of sin and eternal death. In 1 Samuel 14:33, Saul and his men sinned by going against Jewish law to eat slain meat with the blood still in it. This action was directly opposite of what God required of His people. A stone was rolled into the camp to be used as a makeshift altar to try to undo what already had been done. The presence of
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that great stone signified that sin had been committed. Fast forward nearly two thousand years to the time of Christ. Christ, being crucified on Golgotha was buried in a borrowed tomb, which was enclosed – secured – by a large stone. On the day that Jesus rose from the dead, an angel rolled away the stone from the empty tomb. This rolling away the stone signifies that our sins have been rolled away through Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection. Jesus is risen. He lives and will one day soon return. This means that we are free – redeemed - from the law of sin and shame. If we accept Him as Lord in our lives, sin cannot hold us. Not even death can hold us. Yes, we will have some bad days, times, and experiences with the good. However, with and through Christ we will be victorious. The stone has been rolled away. Through Christ, will you allow your stones to be rolled away?
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RHEMA MAGAZINE: CONTRIBUTORS Rhema: "A Greek word meaning "what is said." In Christianity it is used in reference to the sayings of Jesus Christ." Matthew 4:4 states"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every (Rhema) word that proceeds from the mouth of God."
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I
By Vanessa Lewis
n the spring of 2005, five young ladies came together in a Dorchester living room to discuss a void they’d been feeling post-college, which was a sense of sisterhood and community that was missing among young professional women who looked like them in their area. They recognized the absence of a Boston- based organization that offered young women of color the necessary platform for leadership and support to help them realize their full potential. The discussion led to the birth of The Young Black Women’s Society Inc. (YBWS), established in order to provide a resource for women and girls of color to develop the personal, professional and civic aspects of their lives. Using a model that nurtures and promotes the professional skills, talents, and aspirations of its membership, YBWS creates programming and empowers its members to become change makers. In the 10 years since its establishment, YBWS has become one of the premiere organizations in Greater Boston, providing programming, activities, and personal connections both for young black women and the community at large. YBWS has four main areas of focus: community engagement; professional development; social activities and leadership development. Signature community engagement events, such as “United We Stand,”“My Family, My Community, and Me,” and the Annual Summit have targeted an audience wanting to come together to affect change in their personal lives and their communities. While social activities, like the “Bow Ties & Heels” mixer have provided young professionals of color with a venue to get dressed up and come together for an evening of fun and networking. The organization has hosted over 100 events and programs, and as a result, impacted the lives of over 500 women since its inception. RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2015
(LtoR: YBWS Leadership Team: Charlene Chinn, Alicia Adamson, April Watson, Janeen Smith and Mikayla Thompson)
YBWS is committed to continuing to use their leadership, creativity and influence to shine a positive light on women of color in this region and beyond. As YBWS celebrates 10 years of impacting the lives of woman of color, the organization would like to extend an invitation to the 10th Anniversary Celebration Weekend May 1 and 2, 2015. The celebratory weekend includes the 4th Annual Next Generation Women of Color Summit on May 2nd, which promises to have several dynamic speakers ready to share their expertise in the areas of leadership, career advancement, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and health and wellness. If you would like to attend, please visit www.ybws.org/summit for details and registration. To date, the group’s recognition has been achieved through the advocacy of its members and supporters – a testament to its impact on the Greater Boston area. As they usher in year ten, YBWS welcomes growth and new membership to carry its legacy. “Being a member of YBWS has helped me find purpose, connect with strong women and builds my leadership skills,” says one participant. Join online today! www.ybws.org/membership. rhemamagazine.com 8
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By Dacie Gayle hroughout many cultures, the female body is recognized as sacred and vital. A women’s body is to be dignified in all circumstances and respected at all times, for her body holds life and the future. As important as it is for the outside world to see the value in a women’s body, it is even more imperative that women understand the workings and needs of their own bodies. As a woman ages and as time goes by, her body could become susceptible to ailments or lack certain important properties. During this issue, we will discuss important topics for women’s health throughout the major stages of life. All women should know what has occurred in terms of their bodies and what is to come.
Roaring 20’s For those ladies in your twenties, you are at a major point in your lives. During this time, you are transitioning into the real world, experiencing life on your own. Your bodies aren’t going through any dramatic changes, but your lives are. It is important that you maintain healthy habits by making appropriate lifestyle choices. Women in their twenties should also take preventive steps like getting cervical smears, breast examinations and skin checks. iCervical cancer is prevalent in women under age 35.ii Although most cases of breast cancer are diagnosed at later ages, getting yearly breast examinations is a good practice for women. Melanoma is another form of cancer that is prevalent in young women and therefore it is important to
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remain vigilant and receive regular skin checks. Thrifty 30’s As we approach 30, our bodies begin to change in minor ways. Our metabolism begins to slow and we begin to see and feel the consequences of late night pizza and ice cream binges. For this reason it is important to stay active and be mindful of your diet. iii During this time in a women’s life, when she is financially stable and confident in her personal life, she might begin to consider having children. It is important during this time to consider prenatal care. It should be noted that after the age of 35 there is a higher risk of birth defects, miscarriages and pregnancy difficulties.iv Fortunate 40’s While the forties tend to rhemamagazine.com 12
bring more self-confidence, they also bring major changes in a women’s life in the form of hormonal changes. It is during this time, that due to a reduction of estrogen, she begins to see a difference in the distribution of fat on her body. v Women are also beginning to go through menopause, which causes well known symptoms such as hot-flashes and sleep difficulties. viWomen in their 40’s should increase their calcium intake as they are more susceptible to bone loss due to age and estrogen loss. In this stage of life women should monitor themselves for osteoporosis, heart disease and high blood pressure. High-Five 50’s During her fifties, a woman tends to celebrate her successes. She has achieved greatness in her career and has mothered her children into adulthood. During this phase in her life, a woman is finishing the menopausal stage of her life and is beginning to see the outcomes. She is no longer having a menstrual
cycle and she might notice minor wrinkles and brown spots. viiA woman in her 50’s should continue to be mindful of her weight as heart disease and high blood pressure could be a concern during this time.viii Spectacular 60’s When a woman is in her 60’s, there are many things to think about. It is time to consider retirement and many other important life decisions. It is also a time to think about health. With a rise in age, the body is more susceptible to disease like Arthritis and Type 2 diabetes.ix Women also should begin to monitor the quality of their mental health and continue to maintain regular check-ups. Golden Age- 70’s and Beyond A woman in her 70’s and beyond has been a witness to many things in the world. She’s seen war and technological advances. She’s managed a career and raised a family. She’s found the love of her life. During this time her in her life she may have also
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experienced loss, whether it be the loss of a family member or a close friend. It is important during this stage of life that a woman continues to hold her loved ones close. She will need her family as she experiences the changes that could come with older age such as loss of balance, hearing, sight, memory and a change in nutrition and dietary issues.x i Sewards, Lisa. Health checklist for women in their 20s. netdoctorhttp://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/wellbeing/health-check-twenties.htm ii Your 20’s: A health guide for women. CHealth. http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_health_features_details.asp?health_feature_id=356&article_id=1126& channel_id=7&relation_id=1363, iii Health in your 30’s. Healthy Women. http://www.healthywomen.org/content/article/health-your-30s?page=2 iv Your 30’s: A health guide for women. CHealth http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_health_features_details.asp?health_feature_id=357&article_id=1128& channel_id=7&relation_id=1363 v Sewards, Lisa. Health checklist for women in their 40’s. http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/wellbeing/health-check-forties.htm vi Your 40’s: A health guide for women. CHealth. http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_health_features_details.asp?health_feature_id=430&article_id=1324& channel_id=7&relation_id=1363 vii Health in your 50’s. Healthy Women. http://www.healthywomen.org/content/article/health-your-50s viii Your 50’s: A health guide for women. CHealth. http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_health_features_details.asp?channel_id=7&relation_id=1363&health_fea ture_id=556&article_id=1518 ix Healthy living in your sixties. Healthy Communities. http://www.healthcommunities.com/healthy-aging/healthy-living-tips-60s.shtml x Healthy living in your 70’s and older. Healthy Communities. http://www.healthcommunities.com/healthy-aging/healthy-living-tips-70s-older-elderly.shtml
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By Constance Booker Matthew 9:37: “Then saith He unto His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.’” (KJV) According to the American Civil Liberties then don’t. You must be consistent in Union (ACLU), there are more than 1 ministry because those behind bars are million women currently incarcerated due depending on you. The greatest of all the to the struggle of substance abuse and gifts is love. You must be real, as inmates other drug-related crimes, mental illness know if you are not sincere. If they see this, and histories of physical and sexual abuse. they won't trust you. If there is no trust, These women rarely get the services that souls will not receive salvation. they need, which then due to their situations, could land them in prison. I treated people like human beings. Many felt comfortable enough to tell me their If you are saved and are filled with the Holy stories due to established trust. There were many souls saved. Spirit, you should have a heart for people. If you want to do a work for the Lord, and if you want to see souls healed and These women are not looking for sympadelivered, then a good move beyond the thy. They are looking to fill a void in their four walls of your church might be to lives that no man can ever fill. They want to minister to both women and men who are be able to better themselves and to incarcerated. become better parents for their children and to be productive citizens in society. Well, you say, “How do I minister to these men and these women?” You minister to Inmates love to hear about the Gospel of them through: Jesus Christ, because they then come to know the truth. They know that drug and 1. Prayer alcohol abuse is not the answer. We have 2. Nurturing to build each one up with the Word of God 3. Honesty to help them to become strong by teaching 4. Consistency each one how to stand on the Word. They 5. Love and need the Word to increase their faith. 6. Trust. So let's not be judgmental of our sisters We must pray for souls without ceasing. and brothers behind bars. Some are When visiting the prisons, nurture with the victims as well as offenders. It is by God’s word of God. Always be honest. Never say grace that we can share with them His that you can and will do something and redeeming power. RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2015
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YOLANDA ADAMS
Shares Godly Wisdom for Sustainable Success By Michele Saunders
“Sacrificed His life for my liberty.” t was 33 years ago when 20-year-old, statuesque model and schoolteacher Yolanda Adams first gained national and international renown for her lead singing on “My Liberty,” recorded with Thomas Whitfield and the Southeast Inspirational Choir in Houston, Texas in 1982. Since then, in addition to becoming an iconic Gospel recording artist and producer, who, as of 2009, according to Nielsen SoundScan sold eight-million-plus albums worldwide, Ms. Adams, a daughter, sister, mother, friend and woman of God also has become an entrepreneur, singing competition judge, philanthropist, and the only leading female daily morning show radio host in major metropolitan markets. RHEMA Magazine had the honor to speak with Ms. Adams in a telephone interview about how she was able to maintain her success over the years. Ms. ADAMS: We’re excited. It is such a pleasure to reach out to people who you may not see often, but to tell them, ‘Thank you,’ for all of their support and their love - you know - just kindness through the years … It’s been a long time me doing this and I’m still here loving it and excited and it’s just great. RM: Did you know when you first started you had this greatness in you and how would you share RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2015
your wisdom with people today who are pursuing their dreams? Ms. ADAMS: It all starts with what you’ve been fed. In my life, I was blessed with great parents … who always talked about ‘the best in you,’ ‘the greatness in you,’ that ‘you could do anything that you put your mind and your soul into.’ It wasn’t just enough to just ‘hope’ for it, you’ve got to work for it, too … The one thing that really, really stuck with me my dad said ‘if you don’t have twice as much or have three times as much in the bank as whatever you’re about to buy then don’t buy it because that means that you really cannot afford that object.’ … He also taught me to have multiple streams of income. When I was teaching school, I was also singing on the weekends, had no idea that the singing would blossom into a full-fledged ministry and career and here we are all these years later and I am still doing exactly what I love to do … RM: How do you balance and manage all that you’re doing? Ms. ADAMS: Well, I have a lot of great help. Here at The Morning Show, Marcus Wiley and Anthony Valary and I have great producers and great executive producers and folks that help us with the radio show. That’s easily balanced because we have such great leadership. And the other thing is rhemamagazine.com 20
with my companies I have great people working with me. My executive assistant is the best in the business … And I have great family that help me when I’m out of town and Taylor doesn’t go on the road with me … RM: What upcoming projects do you have as far as music? Ms. ADAMS: Well, Donald Lawrence, Israel Houghton and I have already targeted a couple of singles for the beginning of 2016 because I have two tours that are coming up … and of course we have Sunday Best coming up and so I have to find some time to go on vocal rest. RM: Where would we look for them? Ms. ADAMS: You could look everywhere ... If you go to my website, www.YolandaAdamsLive.com we’ll keep everybody informed as to what’s going on … Wherever my social media is we’ll keep you abreast of all of those things. But I’m really excited because I’m going to be working of course with those two great gentlemen. I’m going to definitely work again with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Love them. I am going to get a chance to work with Ricky Minor. He’s the young man who orchestrated “This Too Shall Pass,” for me … Everybody is excited about this project because it’s time for healing in the nation. It’s time for forgiveness. It’s time to rally the troops around being whole again. RM: How else can we look for your skincare line? Ms. ADAMS: Right now we have an e-store which is www.simplyyolanda.com ... It’s not just women of color, it’s for all women ... RM: What wisdom can you give to the men and women of God for 2015 based on who you are RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2015
and what The Lord is saying to you? Ms. ADAMS: There are two things that are very vital to my existence and that is prayer and prayer to me is not just me talking to God and yelling at God about what’s going on in my life. Prayer is actually confessing the Word of God and taking those scriptures that apply to my life and repeating them as Joshua says ‘over and over,’ ‘all day,’ ‘meditating on those day and night.’ And then taking the time to listen to what God has to say to me. You know, because sometimes we think that prayer is just, ‘Lord, can you help me,’ ‘Lord, can you do,’ ‘Lord, can you save,’ ‘Lord, can you deliver,’ Lord, can you this?’ Yes, He can do everything. But then what happens when God gives you instruction and you don’t do it? Because a lot of people want something from God, but they never want to give the sacrifice or the gift or be obedient to do what He says do. That’s the only way that it works. You know, I couldn’t have done anything that I’m doing right now without a listening ear and a receptive heart. Couldn’t have done it at all. But the second thing I wanted to say was that prayer and communion with God, that’s the first thing, but then the other thing is to know the Word of God. Know who you are through the Word. Know the Word so that even if things come about in your life that don’t look like what God said, you’ll stand on the Word and know that beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is the plan for your life. Remember, anything worth having from God is worth going through with God. Anything. Because everything He has for you comes with a price but the payout is so much greater than the price that you can’t even believe that God would do some of the things that He does. rhemamagazine.com 21
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n today's world, a vast majority of society does not want to commit themselves to a cause or to people. At best, commitment is fortified through experience, time, determination, and love. For example, giving our lives to Jesus Christ is the most profound commitment we can make. Another great commitment is when we get married. I love to hear married couples say they have been married for “50-plus years,” as longevity is a sign of commitment.
way to sabotage things due to their lack of reliability. For example, one can be a part of an organization, yet unable to excel because they stand in a “benefits only” posture. As a result, they take flight when not directly blessed. Unfortunately, there are those within the church community who will not commit beyond periodically sitting in the pews due to selfishness.
However, many today dislike permanency in anything.
1. They do not want to be accountable to anyone. 2. They are selfish and want the church to do for them but they do not want to do for the church. 3. They embrace fear of stepping forward to get more involved and are often afraid to fail or to get too close to other people. 4. They do not want to be a part of a greater level of giving back whether it is through time or money. 5. They criticize and analyze the church and its leadership too much which can cause people to sit back and wait for the perfect moment to get more involved, but often that moment does not arrive.
Who or what are you committed to? When you are committed to a vision, church, business or to an educational pursuit, you might lose sleep because of the intensity of your commitment. We should show commitment in this order to the following: 1. God; 2. Spouse; 3. Children; 4. Self; 5. Others. Character determines participation quality A person who is committed can show commitment even when there is a small assignment or no tangible compensation involved. Commitment within society, sports and business are manifest through unity and teamwork. Those who lack commitment can be motivated to participate more within a church or an organization. However, true commitment is magnified and improved by the proper character which one possesses. Those lacking integrity cannot be committed to a cause or vision because he or she will find a RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2015
Some people fail to commit to the local church for the following reasons:
Fraternities and sororities are committed to their respective brothers and sisters within their organizations. Gang members are committed to their crews and are willing to die for them. Terrorists are committed to acts of terrorism and are willing to die for their organizations. The late Reverend Dr. Walter Martin often shared at the close of his radio broadcast, “Are you willing to do for the truth what cults are willing to do for a lie?” If you are a Christian, be committed to the cause of Jesus Christ and do not be afraid because He will never leave you nor forsake you. rhemamagazine.com 24
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By Michele Saunders
1 Corinthians 12:23(a): “And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor…” (KJV)
lder Clay Johnson, recording artist, psalmist and worship leader for “Rejoice in the Word,” hosted by Bishop George Bloomer on The Word Network, is the embodiment of this scripture. He is fairly new to national and international audiences who are just getting to see and to hear his voice during his live appearances on the Friday evening broadcasts. However, Elder Clay, Minister of Worship of Pleasant Grove Tabernacle of Brooklyn, NY, has been behind the scenes in the Gospel music industry for a long time. Elder Clay Johnson was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina and was raised and now resides in Brooklyn, New York. In 2008, Elder Clay was appointed National Worship Leader of The Gospel Music Workshop of America. This appointment put him on the path to training worship leaders under the nation’s prominent ministries. Elder Clay has had the opportunity to work with the Gospel music industry’s finest and even has met the Pope. Elder Clay recently shared with RHEMA Magazine more about himself and what he has learned through his faithful service: “Elder Clay is one who definitely loves the Lord and desires all that God has for him. Also, one who loves to serve, not only God, but loves to serve His people. And that means in time, in ministry and in everything. … Everything I do, everything I say, everything I think – I live a consecrated life that honors God … I worship Him with my lifestyle. RHEMA MAGAZINE: JAN/FEB 2015
I worship God not only with my lifestyle but I worship Him with my giving with my tithe and with my offering … There are songs that I have written and that I am in the process of writing, that I’ll work on, on the new project, songs that the Lord have birthed through even some painful situations … Those songs that have been birthed through those situations are going to be songs of praise and worship … For our leadership, the Lord is saying, ‘There is coming a season of shifting - shifting coming in our churches.’ And that shift is bringing about a revival. It’s bringing about a structural awakening … This is the season for the leadership … God says, ‘You are coming out of some things that have held you captive, that have held you in slavery’ … When you come out, everything that held you captive … God says He’s going to cause the devil to pay you back everything … God is touching the hearts of your enemies, touching the hearts of your oppressors, and they’re going to have to give you some stuff back.” For more about Elder Clay, check out his website at www.clayjohnsonministries.com. His CD “Glory to Our King,” may be purchased for digital download online wherever music is sold, including iTunes and Amazon.com. rhemamagazine.com 27
ork is often seen as a means to an end. The income derived from our job allows us to address day to day financial essentials. We have to live somewhere so we will need housing in the form of a home or an apartment. We all need to food and personal essentials. There are also a number of necessary expenditures that are required to live in our society. Effective marketing strategies often enticed us to purchase everything under the sun TODAY! So if you find yourself spending your last dollar on every must have gadget today, then how will that help you when you need significant resources to retire at some later point? A better question may be, what are you doing today that will ensure your comfortable retirement tomorrow? Tomorrow is a relative term; it could be next week, next month or 30 years from now. The fact still remains that you MUST do something TODAY that will GREATLY benefit you in your later years. Do you have a retirement program available to you through your employer? Has anyone sat with you in order to explain how much and perhaps where you should allocate your retirement investment resources? Do you understand the tremendous benefits of compounded interest and the tax deferral? Retirement planning usually begins with you envisioning how you intend to life after you have stopped working. How many sources of income will you have during your retirement years? If all of these questions seem a bit daunting, then imagine if next Friday is your last day of work. I strongly encourage people to understand the RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2015
concept and benefits of deferred income. Some of our financial coaching clients will initially say that they are simply unable to afford any additional deductions from their check in order to contribute anything towards retirement. More often than not, after careful consideration and guidance clients discover that they can in fact contribute to their company sponsored retirement plans. For example: Imagine contributing 6% of your income to a company sponsored retirement plan and the impact on your take home pay. If your were to invest your $69 dollars bi-weekly for 10 years earning an average of 8% after compounding could grow to approximately $27,204 tax deferred.
While 6% may seem like a small amount depending on your current circumstances. The illustration above may suggest that you CAN afford to do a little something TODAY that will greatly benefit you tomorrow and for years to come. Nicholas T. Josey
Financial Education Consultant info@vincita.org www.vincita.org Engage Educate and Empower
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The saddest thing in life is wasted talent and the choices that you make will shape your life forever. - A Bronx Tale od loves potential and anything God loves, the devil hates. When you ask God to bless you, He’s going to give you a seed which usually comes in the form of an idea. God loves process. Notice that He didn’t create the earth and everything in it in a day. He used six days to create it and one to rest because He is a master teacher who wants us to follow His example. God is concerned with fruit and multiplication. He loves abundance, so much so that He told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. The Book of John, He said He prunes so that we would have much fruit. There are too many people who want greatness now and are abandoning the beauty of process. We must remember that it is the little things that create the tipping point. There is no great anything without work. It is important to realize that we don’t get what we deserve, we get what we what we work for. This is done in a few potent ways: Gratitude: One must stop complaining. Complaining stifles creativity, it hinders great thinking and it is exhausting to the recipient. In Philippians 2:15, the Apostle Paul reminds us to do everything without complaining and grumbling so that we will shine like stars. It is impossible to shine when you’re a complainer because complaining takes up so much space. Being thankful will open doors for blessings to come in and flow.
A good rule of thumb is to simply compliment over complaining. We will get much better results. Obedience: God has a way of flowing that will interrupt our normal way of doing things. For the dreamer, this means that you will get inspiration at the wee hours of the morning. You better get up and do what He’s telling you. A lot of my best writing is done after midnight. The dream doesn’t fit into your schedule; you must obey the voice of inspiration whenever it comes. It was Neale Donald Walsh who said “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” So, if the Holy Spirit wants to flow at 3 AM, so be it. He will break our routines in order for us to teach us His ways. Too many put God in a box. Get out of His way and let His anointing flow. Praise: Praise isn’t something we do just on Sunday. To praise is to salute, idolize and cheer. This should be a habitual, daily lifestyle. We should get used to hearing ourselves talk aloud about God in an incredible way. When we do this, He moves more on our behalf. Let us determine to put these three steps in our lives so that we stop killing God’s seeds especially in our relationships. John Greenleaft said, “For all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these; it might have been.“
Written by David Carruthers, Author of Kill Your Giants & REACTORS RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2015
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award-winning gospel musician, recording artist, songwriter, arranger, and producer.
Images: www.andraecrouchmusic.com & online resources RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2015
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Tribute to Pastor Andraé Crouch
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By Anneisha Thompson, M.Ed. and Stacy Boothe, LCSW
oon and very soon, we are going to see the King," were lyrics that served as an inspiration, anthem and hope for believers around the world. Pastor Andraé Crouch, the legendary songwriter of “Soon and Very Soon,” choir director and Gospel music artist took his final breath and crossed over to behold his King on Thursday, January 8, 2015. His legacy has not only enhanced and influenced Christendom but has crossed over in to the sphere of Pop music. Pastor Crouch helped to pioneer the "Jesus Movement" and started the spread of Contemporary Christian music. Pastor Crouch's life served as a model that with God all things are possible. Though he was diagnosed with dyslexia, he credited this limitation to his success. He memorized everything by sight and shape and glorified God when he finished a song. Pastor Crouch wrote songs like "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power," "Jesus Is the Answer" and “I’ve Got Confidence.” He helped to arrange the music and the choirs for Michael Jackson’s song "Man in the Mirror," as well as Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.” Andraé Crouch teamed up with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Quincy Jones who benefitted from his musical expertise. His compilations can be heard in films like, The Color Purple as well as Disney’s The Lion King and NBC’s long-running hit Amen. RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2015
He had the amazing ability to incorporate contemporary secular style of music into traditional Gospel, making it what it is today. Songs that point us to the solution to our problems if we but ask Jesus to “take us back to the place we first received Him.” They remind us of whose we are. Pastor Crouch’s songs not only spoke of the God of his salvation but elicit a humbling response even if it’s simply, “Amen” because God has spoken to the church and all we’re left to do is say, “Amen." They cause the hearer, whomever they might be, to look beyond their circumstances and look to the Good Shepherd who "is the Answer" for all things. Pastor Crouch's legacy will live on in every musical arrangement and in every up and coming musician who seeks to emulate his genius. On the Sunday morning following his death, music ministers all around the world honored the gift and legacy of this giant. They pulled up lyrics like, “I don’t know why Jesus loves me, I don’t know why He cared, I don't know why He sacrificed His life, Oh, but I’m glad, so glad He did” as well as, “through it all, I learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God” and “Jesus is the answer for the world today, above Him there’s no other, Jesus is the way!” Pastor Crouch's work earned him seven Grammy awards. He led many souls to Christ and uplifted churchgoers each Sunday morning through his sermons. His true reward, however, will be heralded by his Father saying, "Well done." rhemamagazine.com 33
Isaiah 61:1-11
New Living Translation Good News for the Oppressed
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign lord is upon me, for the lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenheartedand to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. 2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. 3 To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the lord has planted for his own glory. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations. 5 Foreigners will be your servants. They will feed your flocks and plow your fields and tend your vineyards. 6 You will be called priests of the lord, ministers of our God. You will feed on the treasures of the nations and boast in their riches.
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7 Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. 8 “For I, the lord, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants will be recognized and honored among the nations. Everyone will realize that they are a people the lord has blessed.” 10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels. 11 The Sovereign lord will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere.
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