Rhema Magazine Issue 23

$1.99 MARCH / APRIL 2016

Pastor

WALLACE BROWN Celebrating a Decade of Faithful Service

HE REIGNS FOREVER THE ZIKA VIRUS YOU ARE NOT FORSAKEN www.rhemamagazine.com

GREATNESS PRE-APPROVED Rhema Spotlight

MINISTER KENNETTE W. ALLEN

INSIDE THIS ISSUE MARCH/APRIL 2016

FEATURES 17 You Are Not Forsaken Story Pastor Wallace Brown 20 Cover Celebrating a Decade of Faithful Service

29 He Reigns Forever 31 Greatness: Pre-Approved

SECTIONS 04 12 14 16 24 28 27 30 32 33 34

Editor’s Note RHEMA Health RHEMA Family Matters RHEMA Teen Focus RHEMA Senior Center RHEMA Business RHEMA Spotlight RHEMA Puzzle RHEMA Sports 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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Editor’s

P

hilippians 4:11: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” King James Version

Note

Despite our circumstances, trusting in God and being confident in who He is and what He has promised will undoubtedly erase the discontentment from our lives. Another way to remove discontentment from our lives is to be thankful. If we dwell in a state of perpetual thankfulness, there will be no room for worrying.

Life will certainly happen and there will One of the many definitions of the word be moments when our faith will be contentment, according to Dictiochallenged. However, reminding nary.com, is, “the state of being ourselves that God has given direct mentally or emotionally command for us to be “confisatisfied with things as they dent of this very thing, that Let us are.” Being satisfied with he which hath begun a stand on His word, things as they are is not good work in you will knowing that with an easy feat in today’s perform it until the day of God, we have victory world. We rarely meet Jesus Christ.” over our anyone who can say discontentments. emphatically that they are Being discontent goes truly content with their against God’s word. It’s a current situation. We always device used by the enemy to want more and more: a job that pays distract and discourage us. Discontentmore; another bedroom; another degree ment is a sign of doubt: it causes us to or a newer car. We have unfulfilled complain and not trust that God is able. dreams and aspirations.

Let us stand on His word, knowing that with God, we have victory over our Most of us have more material possesdiscontentments. sions than we will ever need. A roof over our heads, a full belly and a refrigerator filled with food. We have a closet filled with clothes and shoes that we do not even have time to wear. We have the latest gadgets technology has blessed us with, including smart phones and tablets, big screen TVs and laptops. Yet, we are still discontented and worried.

Valerie Brown RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2016

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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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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. Market Development - Kelli N. Calloway Health and Lifestyle Editor - Dacie Gayle Columnist - Pastor William E. Dickerson Jr. Columnist - Nicholas T. Josey Columnist - David Carruthers Columnist - Candace Campbell

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20 Years of Service

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RHEMA

Health

The Zika Virus: What You Should Know

By Dacie Gayle

I

n recent weeks, the media has informed us of a virus that is quickly spreading throughout South America and the Caribbean, the Zika Virus. We are hearing about the hysteria and controversy surrounding this virus, but not enough about the virus itself. Here are the facts on the Zika Virus.

What is it?

The Zika Virus is a disease that is transmitted by Aedes Mosquitoes. i The Virus is relatively harmless, common symptoms being fever, headache and muscle pain. Its symptoms are similar to that of the Chikungunya virus, which is transmitted by the same mosquito. Symptoms usually last for about a week. There is no medicinal treatment for Zika virus. Practices such as getting rest, preventing further mosquito bites, and staying hydrated are great ways to stay comfortable while sustaining the symptoms. ii Where is it?

The virus is most prominent in South American countries such as Brazil and Columbia. Areas in Africa, Asia and the RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2016

Pacific have also seen outbreaks of the Zika virus, as well as areas in the Caribbean such as Puerto Rico and in the US Virgin Islands.iii The Controversy In countries where there has been a Zika outbreak, there has also been an outbreak of microcephaly. Microcephaly is a disease that affects newborn babies where they are born with a smaller head than usual or their head stops growing after birth. iv While many believe that there is a definite link between Microcephaly and the Zika virus, scientists are still studying this link and therefore it has not yet been proven. v However, as of February 12, 2016, the United States Centers for Disease Control recommends those who are pregnant to still exercise caution while travelling to countries with the outbreak as the virus has been proven to have crossed the placenta of some mothers known to have been infected with Zika. i http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/

ii http://www.cdc.gov/zika/symptoms/index.html iii http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo iv http://www.who.int/emergencies/zika-virus/microcephaly/en/ v Ibid.

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Family Matters ROMANTIC LOVE – EROS

By Dr. Daniel Vassell

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henever our culture talks about Love –Eros, in many cases people are talking about sex. But, in the Greek usage, Eros refers to the sexual and romantic feelings of love and that which gives you the thrills and sweeps you off your feet. Eros releases the chemicals in our bodies that help bond lovers together so that they will stick around long enough to see if they can make their relationships work.

4. Meditate the Word of God (Psalms 119:9). If we feed our spirit man, our spirit man will have the strength and the ability to subdue all the physical desires of the body.

5. Schedule regular prayer times and pray in tongues. When we walk in the Spirit, we shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). When you pray in the spirit all the desires and appetites of the physical bodies seems to be fulfilled and at rest.

This type of love gives couples the feeling that they can do whatever it takes to work things out.

Couples on the other hand need to learn how to cultivate romance and sexual feelings in their marriage to keep their love alive. According to research, Eros is given as the main reason why people get married. It gets more interesting! Over one-half of both American men and women maintain that not being in love (Eros) is grounds for bailing out of marriage!

Eros is a gloried and beautifully idealistic love between a man and woman but it can also be “platonic” and extend to deeply intimate friendships.

Eros love does have the tendency to lead into Epithumia or sexual love. And it is for this reason that this kind of love should be fully entertained among married couples. On the other hand, singles should be careful of how much they entertain romantic love. Here are fives ways to help singles manage Eros: Five Keys to Managing Eros: 1. Set up physical exercise regimes. Exercise would help relief the stress, strains and tensions of the physical body. Sexual/romantic passions in a sound relaxed physical body would remain at a normal level and it minimizes the tension to seek relief through wrongful activities.

2. Avoid all literature, music, radio, video and television programs, which promote sexual lust (2 Timothy 2:22).

3. Occupy your time with healthy Christian activities. An idle life is an open ground for the devil to sow lust (1 Timothy 5:11-13).

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Christian couples must do all they can to nurture and to cherish each other romantically and sexually. Negligence of any kind of love leaves gaping holes in our relationships.

Yes, Eros can be fleeting. Physical pleasures don’t last forever. We all age. Our emotions change over time. But we must refuse to allow our loving feelings to die romantically or sexually.

Choose the right actions and they will produce the right reponses. Even though Eros has a beautiful and seductive side to it, it doesn’t last naturally forever. However, right actions produces the right feelings. You choose!

Dr. Daniel and Jenny Vassell are the authors of “The Love Factor in Marriage for Couples and Pre-Marriage.”

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Teen Focus

STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR BUILDS A BETTER LIFE

Milton Harris

By Michele Saunders

A

“

picture worth a thousand words,” and so the idiom goes. If this is true, then this photo of eighteen-year-old, Jeremiah E. Burke High School senior and budding entrepreneur and artist Milton Harris standing and speaking before an audience of hundreds is worth a multiplicity of thousands as therein lies his story of triumph over tragedy, new beginnings and divine renewals.

High-school student Milton Harris is Chief Executive Officer of Gaming Generations, a lifestyle brand that promotes unique products to gamers and mobile product users. He grew up in Roxbury with his grandmother since birth because his parents were addicted to drugs and alcohol. He and his grandmother have endured hardships, including being homeless and living in shelters for two years.

Milton was bullied at school and suffered poor grades. He has also suffered the loss of close family members due to acts violence. However, Milton has persevered through his hardships to improve his RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2016

grades and his quality of living by using what he learned in class with his teammates to implement his new business endeavors.

In this photo, Milton is pictured speaking to an audience during BUILDfest for BUILD, a four-year entrepreneurial training elective, a first of its kind in Boston Public high schools that teaches students how to own and operate their own businesses. He shares with the audience that “BUILD is like a prototype for life.” “During all four years in BUILD,” Milton says, “we learn a lot about winning,” which, according to Milton, “is about living the life you choose, rather than the life you settle for.”

Milton has recently made the choice to learn to walk with God by taking his first steps of going to church. He is new to this decision and to this walk. I dare to say that Milton will continue to win because he has made the right choice, for with God all things are possible.

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You Are Not Forsaken

BY PASTOR AND OVERSEER WILLIAM E. DICKERSON, II

Isaiah, the son Amoz, was known as the “eagle-eyed prophet.” He gave prophetic counsel to Judah’s four kings: Uzzah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. Likely educated and from a well-to-do family in Jerusalem, Isaiah prophesied key game changers in Israel and Judah’s history: the collapse of the kingdom of Israel in the north and the south kingdom of Judah’s spiritual decline. Our scripture focus is Isaiah 49: 14-26.

T

he purpose of the book of Isaiah is threefold:

is unthinkable that He will ever forget us, especially in times of despair (Jeremiah 31:20).

1. The prophet first confronted his own nation and other contemporary nations with the word of the Lord concerning sin and God's coming judgment;

2. His compassion for us will never fail regardless of life's circumstances and challenges. God watches over us with tenderness and concern and we may rest in the conviction that He will not abandon us (2 Corinthians 4:9).

2. Through prophetic revelation, Isaiah prophesied hope to future generations of Jewish exiles who would be restored from captivity and redeemed by God to be a light to the Gentiles; 3. Isaiah prophesied that God was going to send the Davidic Messiah whose salvation would eventually encompass all the nations of the earth, thus providing hope for God's people under both the Old and New Testaments.

Isaiah 49 gives prophetic words about the coming Messiah. Starting at verse 8, the chapter details the restoration of Israel. In verses 14-17, the theme is, “the Lord has forsaken me.” These words are those of the Israelites who in the midst of great adversity, felt abandoned by God. God's response, however, gave them divine assurance just as He gives believers today who keep their faith and trust in Him. These verses teach us the following: 1. Jehovah God's love for us is greater than the natural affection of a mother for her children. It RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2016

3. The evidence of God's love is that He has engraved us on the palms of His hands so that He could never forget us. His wounds are always before His eyes and reminds us of the great love that He has showered on us (Hebrews 6:10).

We need to keep our memories alive in regards to past deliverances. If God delivered you before, He can do it again. Quote the word which states: • Deuteronomy 31:6 (New International Version): “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He would never leave you nor for sake you.”

• Psalm 94:14: “For the Lord will not reject His people, He will never forsake His inheritance.”

We need to go back to our praying grounds and pray for weak saints, sin-lost souls and those who are vacillating spiritually due to the cares of this life.

You are not forsaken. The Lord is with you.

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Story

Pastor

WALLACE BROWN

Celebrating a Decade of Faithful Service

O

By Michele Saunders

n April 4, 2016, The Reverend Wallace Brown, founder, senior pastor, visionary and leader of Greater Vision Tabernacle Church of Randolph, Massachusetts will celebrate ten years as shepherd of Greater Vision Tabernacle Church, the “Church fulfilling God’s vision for redemption.”

Pastor Brown has been walking in the confession of Jesus Christ as his personal Savior for over twenty-five years. Born and reared in Boston and in South Carolina, Pastor Brown has been married to the love of his life and his soulmate, the lovely and dynamic Co-Pastor Denise Brown for the past twenty-nine years. They are the proud parents of three adult children and seven grandchildren and have resided in the Town of Randolph for eighteen years.

Pastor Brown was trained in ministry through Greater Love Tabernacle’s Theological Studies and Leadership Development course of study; Bethel Bible Institute of Boston, MA; Center for Urban Ministerial Education of Gordon Conwell RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2016

Theological Seminary of Boston and Eastern Nazarene College of Quincy, MA. Pastor Brown has earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and Masters of Science in Family Therapy degree from Eastern Nazarene College and his Information Technology, Microsoft Certification from Clark University, Worcester, MA. With the support of his family and the Greater Vision Tabernacle Church’s congregation, Pastor Brown endeavors to make an impact within the Town of Randolph through volunteering and supporting both the spiritual and natural needs of the town’s populace, including the elderly and youth.

Pastor Brown’s vision is to not only live in the Town of Randolph but to serve the town. He gives of his time and talents to support many of the town’s initiatives and organizations. He is a board member of the Randolph Youth Basketball Association and a member of the Randolph Interfaith Clergy.

Pastor Brown has served on various town committees, including search and selection committees for Randolph Public School principals, and has been a strong supporter of the “No Place for Hate” initiative and events since its conception. rhemamagazine.com 20

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Story

Pastor Brown has a passion to support all young people to be successful in all areas of their lives. To this end, Pastor Brown uses the “3Es:”Educate, Empower and Encourage youth whenever and wherever he encounters them. Pastor Brown has supported and continues to support the Randolph Public Schools by volunteering at back-to-school events and through the partnering of Greater Vision Tabernacle Church with Randolph’s Family Engagement Office to give away Thanksgiving baskets. Pastor Brown has also encouraged town residents to get out their vote in support of the local school system.

Pastor Brown believes in the full Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him redeeming humanity back to God Almighty.

His calling is to preach and teach the Gospel under the anointing of the Holy Spirit with a holistic approach so that all may understand the Gospel message.

His vision, then all you have to do is maintain the course. You’ll always soar like an eagle.

Only because your vision that above the congregation to see where God is leading ministry, or where He is leading the church and understand that the greater work takes time for stability and so forth to make a difference. My personal cornerstone scripture is “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. The cornerstone scripture for the ministry is in Habakkuk, ‘Write the vision and make it plain.’ When God has you write, God makes it plain, day by day; week by week; month by month; year by year. And then when you need to change avenues or that shift in direction, then you must know that He is leading you in that change and in that shift. Stay prayerful and trusting in Christ Jesus. For the next ten years and on, my vision for Greater Vision is to continue to do the work in reference to the motto, redeeming souls back to God; spreading the Gospel through the Word of Christ Jesus; encouragement and support of individuals and allowing God’s grace and ministering the grace that was given to community from the cross…and just being genuine with the love and genuine in faith and genuine in trusting Jesus. He will build, He will add, He will grow...”

“WE’RE A CHURCH THAT’S STILL GROWING...

On Saturday, April 16, 2016 and Sunday, April 17, 2016, Pastor Brown and Greater Vision Tabernacle Church will celebrate the tenth anniversary with a series of celebratory events and services at the Holiday Inn in Dedham, MA. For additional information about these events, please check their website: WWW.GreaterVisionTab.org.

RHEMA Magazine gleaned additional wisdom from Pastor Brown.

Pastor Brown in his own words: “We’re a church that’s still growing, still going through the birthing stages, and birthing pains of ministry in the 21st century, but we endeavor to continue to work, myself and my lovely wife, Minister Denise Brown, continue to work and push the vision of God… If God’s giving you a vision, which is entirely, in totality RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2016

Pastor Wallace Brown, along with his wife, Co-Pastor Denise Brown, who is author of the newly published “Surviving the Storms of Life,” which is found on Amazon.com and other booksellers’ web sites, build ministry endeavors on the premise of “One Team, One Vision.” Based on that premise, Greater Vision Tabernacle Church is a strong, Holy-Spirit filled, Bible-based and family oriented church. rhemamagazine.com 21

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Bloom Where You Are Planted

By Harriet Holder

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salm 92:13-14: “Those that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing. ” – King James Version As seeds are sown into the ground, the moisture of the land cocoons or surrounds them. The seeds then undergo a transformation that causes them to break open.

Before you know it, the ground starts to separate, and up from the dirt comes lovely, fragrant roses or other bouquets that display their beauty.

When you think about transformation, a picture of a lovely butterfly might come to mind. You may not know what it took to for a caterpillar to turn into a butterfly, but it took a process. As you plan for your estate’s future, keep in mind that it takes process. Nothing comes overnight. It takes time to create an estate-planning portfolio for you and your family that would transit you to the next phase of your life.

It may not look good now and the process might seem to be an everyday issue. I want you to know that it is good news, because God wants you to bloom where RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2016

you have been planted. As seeds go deeply in the ground, so is planning for your future like seeds sown in dark places.

This planning might include having discussions with your family about formulating a written plan about health care options and living arrangements and designating who might assist you with your finances, daily tasks and functions should you need future assistance. You may not see the growth, but things are happing behind the scenes as each stage of the process is worked out for you and your family.

It might be challenging as you work with your portfolio manager or accountant to set things in order. However, you are going to flourish as you watch your ideas manifest into tangible plans. Isaiah 61:11 says, "For as the earth brings forth its bud, and as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.”

As you blossom in the knowledge of your new estate planning, I hope you enjoy what you have accomplished through the process of taking time to plan for your future. rhemamagazine.com 24

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Contact Curtis Howe Today!

(617) 212-9829 "Whether buying or selling just ask Howe" Curtis Howe with Howe Realty Group

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Minister Kennette W. Allen

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inister Kennette W. Allen, a native of Jamaica, was born in 1978. In June 1992, he migrated to Massachusetts, where he lived with his parents while attending Haverhill High School. He joined the United States Marine Corps after graduating high school in September 1996.

While in the Marine Corps, Minister Allen answered the call of God on his life. He served in many different capacities, but the one he enjoyed the most is one of the areas in which he now serves as the Youth Pastor of Cambridge Community Outreach Tabernacle under the leadership of Bishop-Elect Dr. Nerissa C. Wyzzard. Over the years, Minister Allen has developed a passion for people, but more so a passion for young men and women.

Minister Allen has coordinated several youth programs, events and conferences to reach and to serve the youth of Cambridge, Boston and their surrounding communities. He became a licensed minister in 2011. After completing the Minister in Training Program in 2014, he was ordained by Bishop-Elect Dr. Wyzzard on June 8, 2014.

Minister Allen currently serves as the praise and worship leader, AROMA Youth

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Ministry Director, Chairman of the Board for Community Outreach International Project, and the Men’s Ministry assistant leader at the Cambridge Community Outreach Tabernacle in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Minister Allen is currently finishing his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biblical Studies and his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management, with a concentration on Supply Chain and Service Management. He is married to the beautiful Kellee Pinnock-Allen and is a proud father of four (one boy and three girls) children.

Minister Allen is a well sought after speaker, who has ministered on many different platforms all over the globe, including in: Okinawa, Japan; Australia; Kuwait; Iraq; Jamaica; Uganda, Africa and in the United States. While remaining humble, Minister Allen believes his God-given mission is to inspire and to empower every human being he comes in contact with, through the teaching and preaching of God’s inspired word, to push them beyond their limitations to attain a life of success and prosperity.

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Business

Review of your Credit Strategies and Options

By Nicholas T. Josey

C

redit can be a very touchy subject for a number of people.

Some would rather discuss the pleasures of having a root canal, versus discussing their personal credit scores or status.

At some point,we have to address this along with other personal financial concerns.

obtaining your free credit report via www.annualcreditreport.com. This is a free site that allows you to review information provided by the three reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax, and Transunion. Federal law allows you to obtain your report once per calendar year through those websites.

For those with good credit, it is the equivalent to walking around with a VIP card in your pocketbook or wallet. For those with challenging or bad credit, it can seem like you are walking around with the scarlet letters “BC.” Good credit allows you easy access to lower interest rates on credit cards and mortgages. It is also easier to rent a car, even if you decide to pay with your debit card. Good credit also gives you additional room to bargain when financing or leasing a car.

Once you obtain your report, you must verify that all of the information is correct. Sometimes you may be required to send letters to each of the credit reporting agencies to refute erroneous information on your report. Creditors general have thirty days to respond. Otherwise, the information will be removed from your report.

Since we are coming out of an extended economic downturn, new credit reporting criteria are a bit more lenient when it comes to some unpaid medical bills.

We do not wake up having good credit; we build it with a series of one-time payments and carrying low balances. A late payment or a series of missed payments without any dialogue with your credit issuer can result in having negative reports on your credit history for the next seven years. If you decide to file for bankruptcy, that negative information can remain on your report for ten years.

If you have good credit, now may be the time to reach out to the credit card companies in order to request a reduction in your interest rates. On the contrary, you can start rebuilding your credit by

Since identity theft is rampant in today’s society, you must remain vigilant and protective of your credit information regardless of your current status. Good credit requires diligence to establish, and vigilance to maintain.

Perhaps today is your day to continue to improve your current credit status as you open new doors of opportunities.

Nicholas T. Josey

Financial Education Consultant info@vincita.org www.vincita.org Engage Educate and Empower

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He Reigns Forever

BY JESSICA JOHNSON

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ne of our greatest celebrations for Christians all over the world is Good Friday, leading up to Easter Sunday. Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we can be saved and set free. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life,” – John 3:16. This scripture gives us an example of how much God loves us and wants nothing but the best for each and every one of His people.

Jesus was beaten bloody for the sins of His people; lied on; humiliated and tortured for things that He didn’t do. We should thank Jesus on a daily basis for all that He’s done for us and all that He’s about to do. We are able to repent of our sins and ask Jesus for His forgiveness and He will wipe our slates clean.

For we serve a loving, forgiving and understanding God. There is power in the name of Jesus.

Jesus was buried after He was crucified.

However, death could not hold Him down for He resurrected on the third day. Romans 6:4 says that we were, “Therefore are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

To God be the glory, Jesus rose on the third day. Jesus reigns over all. He is the Alpha and Omega. To be a follower of Jesus is one of the

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most rewarding benefits of all time.

The power of His blood is so strong and magnificent that when we plead the blood of Jesus, everything that is not like Him has got to go. When the enemy tries to attack your mind, family or friends, plead the blood of Jesus. It is the blood of Jesus that can wash away our sins. Put Jesus first and He will direct your paths.

We need to do all that we can to do what is pleasing to God. We must pray daily throughout the day and get rooted in the word of God, for that holds the key to everything that we need. We must also make time for God. Winning souls for God’s kingdom is pleasing in God’s eyes. When we have a relationship with God, He will bless us beyond measure.

Jesus reigns! Forever and ever more, He reigns! Each and every last one of us has a purpose. We need to ask God to reveal it, so that we can walk in victory and do what He has called us to do. Jesus died and rose again, so that we can be free.

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Crossword Puzzle

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GREATNESS: Pre-Approved Written by David Carruthers, Author of Kill Your Giants & REACTORS

“The greatest truth must be recognition that in every man, in every child is the potential for greatness.” – Robert Kennedy

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n the behalf of Keeping It Real Ministries, we are delighted to let you know that you have been pre-approved for greatness. The Heavenly Father has sent His son to cancel all previous, present and future sins that will impede your amazing destiny. Because of the finished work of Calvary, you qualify for an unlimited credit line of love, joy, peace and prosperity in every area of life at zero-percent interest.

This is not a gimmick and there are no hidden fees.

Please do not ignore this. There are too many people who are not using the incredible access that God has already provided for them. And when Christians do this, it is like they are crucifying Christ all over again.

The Bible has made it very clear of God’s abounding love for us. In Daniel (Dan. 11:32) He said, “But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” In Proverbs (Proverbs 10:22) He said, “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich and adds no sorrow with it.” In Psalms (Psalm 112:2-3) He said, “His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.3Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.” In 3 John 1:2, He said, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health even as thy soul prosperth,” and in 1 John 4:4(b),“… greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

When you begin to understand the countless benefits in those scriptures, you will live an amazing RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2016

life. However, you cannot live out what you do not understand. This is the reason why Solomon said in Proverbs 4:7, “In all your getting get understanding.”

You cannot live out what you do not understand The purpose of this letter, beloved, is to simply remind you of the access that you already have.

Many of you are stressed. You are not getting along with your spouses. Some of your children are unruly and your finances are out of control. Yet, I said, “There remains rest for the people of God.” I came so that you would have life and have it more abundantly.

My dear children, you don’t need abundant life in heaven, you need it here on earth. I cannot force you to take what has already been provided for you, so I sent one of my oracles to simply remind you to “Cast your cares upon me because I care for you,” and to remind you to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all the other things will be added to you.”

When you bring the tithes and offerings into your storehouses – your churches – I will open the windows of heaven and pour you out such a blessing that you will not have enough room to receive.

So do not let your heart be troubled. Have faith and be happy, because you have been pre-approved for greatness. rhemamagazine.com 31

Sports

Tennis Phenom Puts God First

By Michele Saunders

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ineteen-year-old tennis Jandayia Lubin gives God praise and honor for “everything that has happened in her life so far.”

Born and raised in Boston, this alumna of John D. O’Bryant High School is a sophomore student athlete on the tennis team at Barry University in Miami, Florida.

Jandayia has competed in high-level tennis tournaments around the United States since she picked up her first tennis racquet at the age of five. At the age of 15, Jandayia was given one of the biggest opportunities of her tennis career. In 2011, Jandayia was granted permission to compete as a wild card in the United States Tennis Association’s 50K Tournament held right in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston at the Sportsmen’s Tennis Club.

Jandayia gives God thanks and praise, because, according to Jandayia, “if it wasn’t for Him, I wouldn’t have the passion and the gift to play this wonderful sport.” Jandayia also gives thanks to God for her mom who first introduced her to tennis at an early age.

The motto Jandayia lives by is one given to her by her coach Sidney Cooper, “Change your attitude, change your results.” Jandayia explains, “the more negative you are on yourself, the more negative your outcomes.

The more positive you are, the more positive your outcomes.”

According to Jandayia, “it’s very hard being a student athlete, especially an African-American student athlete,” because of subtle and overt discrimination. However, Jandayia offers some advice: “Despite it all, don’t give up. Keep fighting, keep pushing. There will be days where you feel as though things aren’t going your way and like the whole world is against you and you’re just wasting your time. Trust me, it will pay off in the end.”

Jandayia has travelled across the US, playing on the number one Division 2 Women’s Tennis Team America. She currently is out on the tennis court, “as much as she can, working and tweaking the small things,” to perfect her game. Her advice to athletes: “Practice, practice, practice! Practice makes perfect, no matter what sport you play,” says Jandayia.

RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2016

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Denise Katrina Matthews

Photo credit: The Augusta Chronicle

Showcase

www.wikipedia.com

January 4, 1959 - February 15, 2016

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anity was born on January 4, 1959 as Denise Katrina Matthews in Niagara Falls, Ontario, she was the daughter of Helga Senyk and James Levia Matthews.

Her mother is of Polish and Jewish descent and was born in Germany, while her father was of African American, Hawaiian and Native American ancestry.

In 1994, Vanity overdosed on crack cocaine and suffered from near-fatal renal failure. She recalled that after being rushed to the hospital, doctors said she had three days to live while on life support. She said that Jesus appeared to her at this time and spoke to her, saying, if she promised to give up her Vanity persona, he would save her. Upon her recovery, she completely renounced her stage name and career and became a born-again Christian.

RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2016

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Philippians 2

New King James Version

1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that

Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. 17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me. 19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.

21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ

RHEMA MAGAZINE: MARCH/APRIL 2016

Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. 23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly. 25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.

29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

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