$1.99 JULY / AUG 2015
3 Year Anniversary Issue
www.rhemamagazine.com
RHEMA Advertising www.rhemamagazine.com
RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
rhemamagazine.com 2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE JULY/AUG 2015
FEATURES
08 A Message from Rhema Founder/CEO 17 Community Policing Story The Mighty Clouds of Joy 20 Cover Still Standing After 60 Years
24 It Is Time to Pray and to Forgive 28 BeneďŹ ciary Planning 31 Members Only
SECTIONS 04 12 27 29 30 32 33 34
Editor’s Note RHEMA Health RHEMA Spotlight RHEMA Senior Center RHEMA Puzzle RHEMA Showcase On The Spot With RHEMA 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
RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
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.
rhemamagazine.com 3
e face many setbacks as we try to navigate life. Sometimes these setbacks are caused by situations we cannot control and sometimes they are self-inflicted. We cannot say that we want something then subconsciously do everything to sabotage our own growth. We become our own worst enemies by our behaviors and habits that are self-destructive. We are not always aware that we are self-sabotaging and will often wonder afterwards why we made those decisions or try to justify the behavior. I think the first step in getting rid of those self-sabotaging habits and behaviors is to get to know and love ourselves. This means looking beyond the external and discovering our true inner selves: the part that God sees. By loving our authentic selves, it means that we recognize our worthiness and trust in ourselves and our abilities. We will then start letting go of the feelings of unworthiness and begin to truly believe that we can be the best
version of ourselves. Another way we self-sabotage is through fear, but we need to remind ourselves that God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.” Our personal daily struggles can provide a myriad of things to induce fear. However, if we allow fear to control us, we will miss our opportunities to be great. We should never become so familiar with failure that we forget that we deserve success. Standing on the promises of God will provide the ultimate victory over fear Rhema is 3 years old!! Three years ago the first issue of Rhema was published. We are thankful to our founder Andrew Gayle for following that leading of the Spirit. We are thankful to God for his faithfulness. We are thankful to our contributors, advertisers, churches and readers for their support and prayers. It is our pleasure sharing this with you and we look forward to many more years of partnership. We trust that through this magazine you have been strengthened and encouraged. We continue to pray that your lives will be richly enhanced and that God continues to abundantly bless each of you.
Rhema is 3 years old!
RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
Valerie Brown rhemamagazine.com 4
RHEMA Advertising www.rhemamagazine.com
RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
rhemamagazine.com 5
RHEMA Advertising www.rhemamagazine.com
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."
Follow Us
@rhemamagazine
CEO/Founder - Andrew D. Gayle Chairman - Leon Morgan Editor-in-Chief - Valerie Brown Assistant Editor - Dr. Alicia Anderson Publication Consultant/Copy Editor - Michele Saunders Art Director - Tanya N. Riley of T.Riley Design Sales Manager - Ronald W. Fitts Jr. Health and Lifestyle Editor - Dacie Gayle Columnist - Pastor William E. Dickerson Jr. Columnist - Nicholas T. Josey Columnist - David Carruthers Columnist - Candace Campbell RHEMA Office - 110 Wellington Hill ST Boston MA, 02126 Phone - 617-322-7896 E-Mail - andrew@rhemamagazine.com Advertising E-mail - advertise@rhemamagazine.com
For advertising opportunities contact 617-322-7896
rhemamagazine.com 6
RHEMA Advertising www.rhemamagazine.com
For advertising opportunities contact 617-322-7896
rhemamagazine.com 7
Message from Andrew D. Gayle Founder of Rhema Magazine HEMA Magazine is celebrating our third anniversary. I am immensely grateful and proud of how far we have come. God is truly amazing! As with any journey, there were some bumps in the road. However, I always acknowledge that change is inevitable and I am conďŹ dent of the one constant throughout this journey - and that is God’s faithfulness. My prayer has remained the same: that God will use this medium as a tool to uplift, encourage and unite us. That through this magazine our churches, families and communities will be strengthened and positively impacted. That our lights will shine even brighter and we will live victorious lives.
to our readers. Thank you all for staying the course with me. I remain humbled by this opportunity to serve you. As we look forward to many more anniversaries together, I encourage you all to worship through your challenges and to never lose sight of God’s plan.
Andrew D. Gayle, Founder & CEO
I want to say thank you to the RHEMA team, the contributors, advertisers, churches and For advertising opportunities contact 617-322-7896
rhemamagazine.com 8
RHEMA Advertising www.rhemamagazine.com
For advertising opportunities contact 617-322-7896
rhemamagazine.com 9
RHEMA Advertising www.rhemamagazine.com
RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
rhemamagazine.com 11
Over the past few decades, the public has learned that the food that we eat is not as safe for our consumption as we have thought. There are pesticides and other chemical products in the fresh produce at our local supermarkets. There are also harmful effects that can be caused by processed produce. In order to combat this problem, we as a country have become more aware of organic produce, which is produce that is not sprayed with harmful chemicals. While these foods are undoubtedly safer for us, unfortunately, they are more expensive. If you go to your local food market, you’ll notice that food that is located in the organic section or labeled as organic is pricier than its non-organic counterpart. There are grocery-store chains that carry predominantly organic foods. While these stores are a convenience, the foods sold there have higher prices than the other chains. So, what do you do if you are on a budget but also want to be mindful of the food that you put into your body? The summer is a great time to address this topic. Here are a few ideas. Community Gardens Community gardens are a great way to enjoy healthy food with little cost. During the summer, many towns and neighborhoods open community gardens to its residents. Residents are given plots of land to plant at RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
their leisure. Go to your local hardware stores for your garden supplies and seeds and start planting! Using a community garden allows residents to be in charge of the growing process of their produce. You are the farmer as well as the consumer. If you have a green thumb, you may even make a few extra dollars by selling your wares to friends and neighbors. Pop-Up Produce Stands/Farmers’ Markets If you don’t have a penchant for gardening or you don’t like getting your hands dirty, find a local pop-up produce stand. During the warmer weather, many small farms and community gardeners sell their wares at produce stands. Farmers’ Markets are also popular during the summer. While similar to pop-up stands in many ways, many Farmers’ Markets are promoted by government and therefore must have accessible prices for all consumers. By shopping at these stands, you are giving back to your community as well as living a healthy lifestyle as the farmers are usually residents of the community. Check your local newspapers for advertisements or ask your friends and neighbors about local stands in your area.
rhemamagazine.com 12
RHEMA Advertising www.rhemamagazine.com
RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
rhemamagazine.com 13
RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
rhemamagazine.com 14
RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
rhemamagazine.com 15
RHEMA Advertising www.rhemamagazine.com
For advertising opportunities contact 617-322-7896
rhemamagazine.com 16
BY WILLIAM E. DICKERSON JR., PASTOR AND OVERSEER ormally when we think of community policing, we think of police working in concert with residents of a community to make sure that they are safe and that there are peaceful resolutions within a community setting. When I was growing up in Boston's inner city during the 1960s and the 1970s, I remembered police officers who used to walk the streets. They knew the neighbors, the store owners and the troubled youths and adults. Well, today the Boston police state that they are trying their best to model the image of community policing that can serve as an example throughout our nation. I believe that the police can work in concert with communities of color if there is complete transparency and trust. Many say that most of the unsolved homicides within the Black community can be solved if we can change the “No Snitch” code of conduct that is among members of the Black community. However, this “No Snitch” approach is not only a Black community issue but it is also very prevalent throughout every sector of our society, including law enforcement. In order for Boston's community policing to be more effective, we cannot just rely on the work between the police and the clergy. The police also must foster greater and stronger relationships with the youth. Also, we need to reach out to those who have profound distrust toward all forms of law enforcement. The issue of race is still a grave concern in the City of Boston and in our nation. We must do all RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
we can to deal with troublemakers and division. We cannot ignore the divisive nature of racial intolerance nor criminal acts against the community. If we want to see real progress and unity in the community, then we must work together to produce peace. There are some positive things that are taking place in Boston. There are police officers who are really engaged with the community. However, in order for there to be a greater response from the communities of color, there needs to be more transparency; more racial diversity among police; a greater cultural sensitivity; and a willingness of good police to not cover up for the bad ones. There needs to be a campaign among police that if they see something they need to say something - just as they are asking the community to speak up. I agree that the Black community needs to speak up and as men we need to lead the charge. Every community deserves peace and we can command it. I've seen this happen before in Boston. Could you imagine how this would boost community pride? Over the past 53 years since I've been in Boston, I have seen some progress in community policing but I also know that we can do better. There is still more healing that needs to take place. We have to keep open dialogue. Let's listen to the voices of our youth who are normally not asked to come and sit at the table of decision. rhemamagazine.com 17
RHEMA Advertising www.rhemamagazine.com
For advertising opportunities contact 617-322-7896
rhemamagazine.com 18
RHEMA Advertising www.rhemamagazine.com
For advertising opportunities contact 617-322-7896
rhemamagazine.com 19
By Michele Saunders he year 1955 was pivotal for Black history and for the history of this nation. We learned in the January/February 2015 edition of RHEMA Magazine that it was in 1955 that Martin Luther King Jr. and the brave Civil Rights pioneers’ struggle against Jim Crow – America’s apartheid system in the South – was thrust into international purview. It was also 60 years ago in 1955 that a pioneering Gospel music quartet – The Mighty Clouds of Joy – was founded and established in Los Angeles. Started as the Sensational Wonders, original Mighty Clouds of Joy founding members included schoolmates Joe Lignon and Johnny Martin; brothers Ermant and Elmo Franklin; Leon Polk; and Richard Wallace. It was in 1960 that the Mighty Clouds of Joy established themselves as artists with their recorded debut “Steal Away to Jesus” on Don Robey’s Peacock label. Joe Lignon said he considered the beginning of the Mighty Clouds’ career as artists to have begun in 1961 during the early Peacock recording sessions. Of the original founding members, Joe Lignon and Richard Wallace still remain with the group. Michael McCowin, Johnny Valentine, Ron Staples, Ervin Williams and Ron Clark comprise the entirety of the Mighty Clouds. Starting with traditional Gospel, the Mighty Clouds of Joy would go on to create their unique sound of Contemporary Gospel music, one that fused the traditional with Disco, and RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
one that is now a recognized and renowned sound worldwide. The Mighty Clouds of Joy were once referred to by many as “The Temptations of Gospel,” crediting their use of choreographed moves, matching brightly colored suits and the incorporation of the drums, base, guitars, keyboards and full studio orchestra as sources of the comparison to the chart-topping R&B group. The Mighty Clouds of Joy recorded with and have been produced by secular music industry greats Marvin Gaye, The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Paul Simon and Earth, Wind & Fire. The Clouds also was the first- ever Gospel group to appear and to perform on “Soul Train,” singing their Disco-infused hit “Ride the Mighty High” in the mid-1970s. President Jimmy Carter was even a fan, inviting the Clouds to perform on the White House rhemamagazine.com 20
Lawn outside of the Rose Garden. During their sixty-year tenure, the Mighty Clouds have appeared in many concerts; have been guests on numerous television shows; traveled overseas to Africa, Japan and Europe and have been awarded three Grammys. In 1998 the Mighty Clouds of Joy were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Throughout the years, The Mighty Clouds of Joy have experienced many changes, including those to personnel and band members and switches to multiple record labels. Three commitments, though, have remained constant for The Clouds throughout the duration: their commitment to God; their commitment to each other and to their supporters; and their commitment to changing with the times with the adoption of various, newer styles of the Gospel music genre on their albums. Michael McCowin, who sings lead with Joe Lignon and has been with The Mighty Clouds of Joy since 1989, recently shared with RHEMA Magazine some nuggets of wisdom: RM: Where do you see where the Gospel music quartets, both men and women heading from here with the new music and styles?
RM: Where can we purchase Mighty Clouds of Joy Music? MM: You can purchase our music on iTunes and get in touch with our record company, MCG Records. The best way is to go to the record stores or go to WalMart. RM: What words of wisdom can you give to our young men today? MM: That’s a great question. As a minister and as a father, I always am having conversations with young men. We’re living in such perilous times. My first thing to say to young brothers growing up is that you do need to first develop a relationship with Jesus. You need to know the Lord. You need to know Him. You have to pray. And you have to make up in your mind, and your heart, young man that ‘I want to be a good man. I want to grow old, and I want to grow old wisely… I want to be able to be an example’ to someone who’s going to come up behind you. There are some positive older brothers out here. Your life is about choice. Don’t let anyone tell you different. God loves you and He wants the best for you. There’s no other way. Respect women. Respect your mom and your dad and everything will be alright.
MM: Quartet groups were some of the earliest music, definitely to travel going from city to city, state to state. So when you think about the changes taking the place, some segway into the move, while others do not move. Some groups move because they realize that they … want to stay true to the market. I see as the future of it, quartet music is not really getting the (radio) airplay that it once was. There is still a market for quartet music singing. I think it should be shared… Now, it’s been kind of tough on quartets because of the airplay that they are not receiving. RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
rhemamagazine.com 21
RHEMA Advertising www.rhemamagazine.com
RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
rhemamagazine.com 22
RHEMA Advertising www.rhemamagazine.com
For advertising opportunities contact 617-322-7896
rhemamagazine.com 23
By Anneisha Thompson, M.Ed. and Stacy Boothe, LCSW Isaiah 52:1a (King James Version): “Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion …” Renowned Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated that “the threat of justice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” On Wednesday, June 17, 2015, two days before African Americans in the United States would gather to commemorate Juneteenth, a young man whose childhood friend labeled him a “hater of black people” walked into a renowned black church and killed nine congregants as they assembled for Bible Study. Juneteenth celebrates 150 years of the abolishment of slavery, the period in which Africans were taken from their homeland and were dispersed over the American diaspora and forced into servitude as railroad, field and house workers. June 19th symbolizes independence and freedom, but it was during this pivotal time in Black history that a statement was made that would resound in the Black community and beyond. For us, church is more than just a place to congregate. For us, the Church is hope - the place that we go to where the world makes sense and where we are at peace with life. It is this sacred place that the shooter chose to defame. It was reported that the shooter sat with those worshippers for over an hour before opening fire. As gun shots rang out, the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Charleston, South Carolina was far from being that place of refuge on June 17, 2015. The shooter allegedly reveled in his RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
seemingly upper hand. This was evidenced by him sparing one so that she could tell the story. As believers, we are forever thankful for a “place,” one that is not made with hands, where neither the robber of things nor the thief of lives can destroy. So as we mourn, cry, and hope for a better place, let us cast our hope on Him who is eternal. Let us use this tragedy to hold fast to our faith and become more resolute in our quest to fulfill the great commission of Jesus Christ. In this, the words of the old but relevant hymn, “I Am Redeemed” instruct us how to go on by letting the love of Christ abound. This crime was heinous in our sight and that of the law. Let us adhere to this warning as believers. We go to the house of God ritualistically and we do not allow the Word of God to truly transform us. We neglect Scripture that tells us to be watchful and prayerful since the enemy of our souls is as a lion seeking to devour us. It is time to be vigilant. It is time to wake up from slumber! The Spirit of discerning needs to be revived in our churches. How should the Church respond to this? Christendom, take your rightful place. Watch and pray. Put on the whole armor of God and forgive. rhemamagazine.com 24
RHEMA Advertising www.rhemamagazine.com
For advertising opportunities contact 617-322-7896
rhemamagazine.com 25
RHEMA Advertising www.rhemamagazine.com
"Whether buying or selling just ask Howe" Curtis Howe with Howe Realty Group For advertising opportunities contact 617-322-7896
rhemamagazine.com 26
By Michele Saunders astor Michael Payne was born in Brooklyn, New York. At age 5, he sensed a desire to be a preacher. However, he clearly had an avid love for music. Michael’s love for music (and dancing) was so deep that at the age of 12 he began directing the 50-voice youth choir at his home church, Beulah Church of the Nazarene. However, Pastor Michael experienced a challenging period during high school, which eventually led to attempted suicide. But God intervened, thanks primarily to a praying, single mother and his family, as well as a praying church. Mike recommitted his life to the Lord and at age 17, he answered the call from God to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Michael joined the True Gospel Ensemble Choir, under the leadership of Minister David Wood, who mentored Mike in a significant way. The experience with this community choir gave him opportunities to direct for the late Timothy Wright, the late James Moore, Twinkie Clarke, and a host of others. In 1996, the Lord saw fit for him to attend Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion. During and after college, Pastor Michael directed several choirs in Massachusetts, as well as served as a youth pastor. In 2001, he created the community choir affectionately known as Michael Payne and Redeemed Praise, which ministered throughout Massachusetts and abroad. After a great journey with Redeemed Praise, he developed the worship ministry called L.I.F.E. For six years, he served as Professor/Choir Director for the Eastern Nazarene College Gospel RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
Choir, where he taught a wonderful group of students until May 2014. During his time in Massachusetts, Pastor Michael travelled preaching the word of God and serving as a Worship Evangelist at various conferences and worship services. In addition, he served as a music ministry consultant as well as a well-sought after workshop leader. Mike has not shied away from sharing his testimony of the Lord’s love, deliverance and power. Reflecting on his journey, Mike recalls making many hurtful mistakes, his struggles with sin and insecurity, and making prideful, foolish choices. He recalls the consequences of his actions, including homelessness, broken relationships, and unwarranted loss. Through it all, God’s faithfulness shined through, even if it meant accepting the Lord’s discipline in order to produce a lasting harvest of righteousness. Selah. Joel 2:25 says, “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten…” Mike currently serves as the Associate Pastor/Pastor of Worship and Arts at the Second Church in Dorchester, Massachusetts under the leadership of The Reverend Dr. Victor Price. He is continuously pursuing further education in ministry, while exercising his passion for people. He preaches the powerful message of living a truly surrendered life to God, as well as serving and loving others. One of his greatest moments came when he married his best friend and the girl of dreams, Diane, on April 23rd, 2011. rhemamagazine.com 27
eneficiary planning means different things to different people. What does it mean to you? Why should this become a topic for discussion? Through the years, I have often found that beneficiary planning relating to investment accounts is often overlooked as a key component within a family’s financial plan. I had a dear friend named Elizabeth, who fought valiantly against breast cancer. She underwent various treatments measures. As with some types of cancers, hers came back with a vengeance. This time, surrounded by an army of loyal and supportive friends, Elizabeth rose to the many challenges cancer presented. Since both of her parents were in the legal profession, her estate planning affairs were in order. On June 27, 2006, Elizabeth lost her battle to that dreaded disease, cancer. She was an exceptional school teacher and a single mother of two daughters, one an adult and the other, who was a preteen at the time. Being a loving and conscientious mother, Elizabeth named both of her children as beneficiaries of her retirement accounts. She did so without thinking that she would leave them while in her early forties. Her eldest daughter was able rollover her portion to a beneficiary Individual Retirement Account. The younger daughter’s portion was held in a trust until she reached the age of majority or as is the case in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, age 18.
As non-spousal beneficiaries of retirement monies, Elizabeth’s children had few options. Her adult child had the option of rolling over her portion to a beneficiary IRA. Afterwards, she was required to withdraw a percentage of her account balance each year, which was subsequently taxable. This distribution process is referred as required minimum distribution or (RMD). With RMD calculations, two factors are considered: the person’s age and their account balance. The calculated amount instructs the IRA owner to withdraw a specific amount each year, so that it may become taxable income. We often encourage people to have federal and if applicable, state taxes withheld at the time of each distribution. If withdrawn properly, beneficiaries will not be subject to pre-age 59 ½ withdrawal penalties. Elizabeth had many things working in her favor, including knowledgeable planning professionals as well as a good support network. As you carefully move forward, please review your current beneficiary elections. Consider assembling a team of knowledgeable professionals who will ensure that the proceeds of your investment assets are distributed according to your wishes. Nicholas T. Josey
Financial Education Consultant info@vincita.org www.vincita.org Engage Educate and Empower
RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
rhemamagazine.com 28
I Timothy 5:1-4, 8 New Living Translation: “Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. 2 Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.3 Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her. 4 But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God. 8 But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.”
Welcome to RHEMA Magazine’s inaugural column dedicated specifically to provide pertinent and relevant information for our seniors. While we here at RHEMA count it a great privilege to serve all of our readers, we count it an even greater honor to be able to remember those who have paved the way to make it easier for all of us today. Senior Summer Safety July and August are usually the hottest months of the year for these contiguous 48 United States. This means that many of us try to keep as cool and as hydrated as necessary to avoid suffering from the sweltering heat. Just as we check in on our seniors to ensure that they are warm and safe during the cold, winter months, we should also do the same during the warm summer months as well. Summer is particularly dangerous for our seniors because as we age, it is more difficult for our bodies to conserve water. This means that seniors may become dehydrated faster. Often seniors cannot gauge when they are thirsty and hungry, which means that they may drink less fluids and RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
eat less food than their bodies require. In conjunction with staying hydrated, seniors also should be adequately cooled in the heat. While many people have different tolerance levels to temperatures, it is important that ALL seniors be cooled to temperatures that are comfortable to them during ninety-plus-degree days or heat waves. Just as some seniors may not be able to sense when they are dehydrated, their bodies also may have a hard time in regulating their body temperatures. Please check in on your relatives and senior neighbors often to make sure that they are staying healthy in the heat. Estate Planning In our next issue, we will begin to cover topics that are necessary for seniors to have thorough and proper estate planning in the event of the unexpected. These topics include: health-care proxy; living wills; durable power of attorney and family discussions. rhemamagazine.com 29
RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
rhemamagazine.com 30
Written by David Carruthers, Author of Kill Your Giants & REACTORS
“It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning.” - 1 Corinthians 5:12 (English Standard Version) “There will be a meeting for members only immediately after church after the 11 AM service. Now what I have to say is vitally important. It was brought to my attention that Tim and Tina Johnson, members and leaders of this church have filed for divorce. As their pastor, I was deeply hurt because I had no idea that they were having marital issues. I have preached several times about accountability, honesty and not giving the devil an inch for him to take a mile. I honestly felt betrayed because we have provided so much powerful information through books, and audio CDs, MP3s, and tapes, and have paid top marriage professionals from around the country to conduct seminars. To still have this outcome is confusing. Marriage is a sacred covenant that is supposed to be cherished over a lifetime. To share your intimate promises with heathens and unbelievers in a court system designed for the destruction of unity and for the building up of evil empires is preposterous. Therefore, the purpose of this meeting is to set some new guidelines for the members of this church. From now on all associate pastors, leaders, elders and deacons who are married will be assigned two to five married couples for them to mentor. We cannot prevent failures and manage crises in people’s lives if we have no idea what is going on with them. The day that I don’t want anyone in my business is over. I have no desire to lead a church whose divorce rate is just as high as those in the outside world. We have to get to a place in our thinking that divorce is not an option. The Apostle Paul talked about going into maturity and how discord, jealousy and not being able to get along should not RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
be among God’s people. Are we not God’s people? We have to do better. I believe at this point we should go back to Wednesday night cell groups. We had a stronger church when this was in place. People were growing and there was much more accountability. Finally, we have to teach people how to pray and how to do warfare. I’ve received too many phone calls about issues that the saints should be handling themselves. My concern is people are hearing but they are not listening. It is vital, beloved, that in all of your getting, you get an understanding of what you are hearing. Otherwise, you will be coming to church Sunday after Sunday, year after year, staying the same – unchanged - with no power. We have to be about results. The church is not the building. You are the church. Remember Jesus told Peter, ‘Upon this rock, I will build my church.’ The name Peter means “the rock.” Saints, let us increase our vitality to live for God, as these are the last days and we must remember we will be judged for every word, action and thought. The devil is not going to let up, and as God’s chosen people, neither should we. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. This is a good fight of faith but remember it is a fight. Remember that we have been promised the victory but we do have to obtain it. God bless you, saints. Go in the peace of God. Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling and present you before his glorious presence without fault and great joy. To the only God and Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority through Jesus Christ and Lord for all ages, Amen.” rhemamagazine.com 31
with
By Candace Campbell
P
opular Gospel artist Kierra Sheard recently launched her long-awaited dream company Eleven60. The company is a fashion clothing line for full-figured women. Eleven60’s website debuted on June 20, 2015. Kierra stated on her Instagram the reasons why she felt compelled to do this
RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
after so long a time of planning and researching. As you will see, she is pictured with two models, including the popular actress from Fox's Primetime TV show "Glee," Ms. Amber P. Riley, who is pictured in the grayish white dress. (Photo courtesy of Kierra Sheard / Instagram)
rhemamagazine.com 32
Rhema Magazine Remembers
Emanuel 9
“Our prayers are with all the families of the victims.” Rhema Magazine-
RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
rhemamagazine.com 33
Proverbs 21 1-23
New King James Version
1The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 4 A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing[a] of the wicked are sin. 5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. 6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death. 7 The violence of the wicked will destroy them, Because they refuse to do justice. 8 The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right. 9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop,Than in a
house shared with a contentious woman. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. 11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12 The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness. 13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath. 15 It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. 16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.
RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich. 18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, And the unfaithful for the upright. 19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman. 20 There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it. 21 He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold. 23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.
rhemamagazine.com 34
RHEMA Advertising www.rhemamagazine.com
For advertising opportunities contact 617-322-7896
RHEMA MAGAZINE: JULY/AUG 2015
35
Re-elect
Charles C. Yancey Boston City Councillor, District 4
Commitment, Compassion & Independent Leadership
Working for our future Vote Yancey September 8, 2015