$1.99 SEPT / OCT 2016
HALL Formerly Lady Saw
Not Allowing the Fear of Acceptance to Hinder Her New Life through Christ
Breast Cancer Awareness Understanding the Importance of Financial Education Olympic Champions RHEMA SPOTLIGHT Deliver Our Children www.rhemamagazine.com
Darcon Peart
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE SEPT/OCT 2016
FEATURES 17 Deliver Our Children 31 Knock Knock ‌ Story Minister Marion Hall 20 Cover Not Allowing the Fear of Acceptance
to Hinder Her New Life through Christ
SECTIONS 04 12 14 16 24 27 28 29 30 33 34
Editor’s Note RHEMA Health RHEMA Family Matters RHEMA Teen Focus RHEMA Senior Center RHEMA Spotlight RHEMA Business RHEMA Sports 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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he face we show to the public may be totally different from the one we display privately, when no one is watching. We all wear “masks” to conceal the things we do not want the world to see. We mask our pain and our vulnerability and pretend that we are okay, even though we are falling apart on the inside. We put our game faces on, our best feet forward, and face the world even when we are in the midst of our greatest fears and challenges.
only to ultimately get over them and flourish? Granted, when we are in the moment, when facing those obstacles, it seems like a pep talk and positive thinking may not be enough. However, “masking” will eventually wear you out. But, who wants to bare it all for the world to see? No one wants to feel so naked and vulnerable. No one wants to risk baring it all to someone only to be criticized and judged.
The sun does not stop shining.
This is what we use as coping mechanisms. We have no other choice. The world does not stop because we are having bad day. The sun does not stop shining. Life goes on, even on those days when we feel like we cannot make it over the next hurdle. As clichéd as this may sound, sometimes things really are not as bad as they seem. Often times, we become victims to the “worse- case scenarios” that we create in our heads and drive ourselves crazy. How many times do we over-think and over-analyze our problems RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2016
The good news is there is no risk in being totally vulnerable with God. He meets us right in that place of brokenness and gives us hope. Never be too afraid to trust that the God we serve is waiting on us to peel away the masks and present Him with our true selves. God will use the shame and ugliness we feel and the obstacles and rejection that we face to transform us. Trust Him! Blessings.
Valerie Brown rhemamagazine.com 4
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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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Breast Cancer Awareness:
Pink Pride
E
ach of us has a brilliant, caring, courageous woman in our lives. She may be our mom, wife, daughter, aunt, sister, grandmother or friend. We see the sacrifices, strength and grace that these women present on a daily basis. These characteristics are seen during amazing triumphs and bitter defeats. In October, we celebrate the women who have survived, are surviving and will survive the arduous battle known as breast cancer.
be seen as a symptom of breast cancer are: the swelling of the breast’ skin irritation or dimpling; pain within the breast area; change in looks of the nipple; nipple discharge that is not milk or a lump in the underarm area.viii You can identify some of these symptoms while taking a shower or while dressing. Be sure to see a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. You can also be checked during a mammogram exam, which is a test performed on an individual’s breast, checking for tumors. Mammograms are conducted on women with an average risk of cancer annually starting at the age of 40. ix This October as you see pink ribbons around your neighborhood and on television, think about the millions of individuals who are battling, have battled and will battle this disease. Donate to the causes that are supporting research to ending this disease.
Cancer is a disease that is caused by mutations of the body’s cells. These mutated cells reproduce into multiple cells forming tumors. Tumors can be benign (not dangerous) or malignant (having the potential to be dangerous). Breast cancer is the formation of a malignant tumor within the breast. i The stage of the cancer, or how far the disease has developed, depends on how large the tumor is, and if the cancer has spread to any lymph nodes. ii
Also, be mindful of the signs of breast cancer. Don’t be afraid to give yourself a self-examination and go to the doctor if things are not looking as they should. Show Pink Pride this month in acknowledgement of the many survivors out there, both known and unknown.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for women except for skin cancers.iii One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. iv In 2016, there are 2.8 million women in the U.S. with a history of breast cancer, including those who are undergoing treatment and those who have finished treatment. v Breast cancer is more common in Black women than White women under the age of 45. Eighty-five percent of breast cancer diagnoses occur in women with no family history of the disease. vi The likelihood of a male being diagnosed with breast cancer is less likely than a female, but is still possible. One out of one thousand men will be diagnosed with breast cancer with 2,600 new cases of breast cancer in men within the year 2016. vii The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump within a breast. Other changes within a breast that can RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2016
image credit: .theyucatantimes.com Breast Cancer.org “What is Breast Cancer?”. http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/what_is_bc ii Cancer.org http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-staging iii Cancer.org http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-key-statistics iv bid. v Breast Cancer.org vi Ibid. vii Cancer.org viii Breast Cancer.org ix Ibid. i
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By Dr. Daniel Vassell hileo Me… Babe, is a tender call from your lover, saying, “Never take our friendship for granted.” Phileo love must be given much attention in your relationship in order for to grow a happier, healthier and stronger marriage. Enjoying one another’s company and building a friendship with one another is part of lasting marriage. Here are a few suggestions to help cultivate a stronger relationship with your spouse. 1. Recognize that friendship building takes work – and time. 2. Establish a time each week to spend quality time together – then guard that time with your lives! 3. Explore the interests of your spouse. Find out what they are passionate about and then join them. 4. Take time to find common interests and then engage in them. 5. Establish daily habits, especially praying together. If not daily, then do not let a week pass without doing a spiritual activity together. 6. Affirm one another every day. Be intentional. 7. Communicate and share your feelings and thoughts. Most experts like those of www.focusandfamily.org, agree that regular communication builds a friendship that weathers the storms of life. The above list is given to provide some guiding principles to help you enrich your friendship love. If you don’t share many common interests or your interests have changed, start today. Pick something your spouse likes to do and do that together. And, do not forget that friendship love sows seeds for the deeper levels of intimacy and love. Friendship love does not only benefit couples in marriage. When couples become parents, they model their Phileo love with their children. This is one of the greatest gifts parents pass on to their RHEMA RHEMAMAGAZINE: MAGAZINE:NOV/DEC SEPT/OCT2015 2016
children and to their children’s children. The first couple, our federal parents was first commanded in the Bible to show and model love before they had children. In Genesis 1:28, God said, “Be fruitful…,” or, produce loving attitudes and behaviors. Following that command, God said, “Multiply.” When couples become parents they are required to be a loving model to their children. So how do you build and model a friendship with your spouse so that your children will pattern after you? 1. Think: “Side-by-Side” and not “Face-to-Face.” Generally, women think about friendship as a face-to-face type of encounter, whereas, men in general like a side-by-side encounter when they’re doing something together. So, if your are thinking of doing something together, remember how your partner views friendship and plan appropriately. 2. Think of Fun and Laughter! It’s very important to laugh as a couple, and this is more likely to happen if you’re doing something fun together. Fun activities create the atmosphere for laughter. 3. Don’t Wait for Him/Her to Do Something You Like. Take the initiative and do something he/she likes. Finally, remember, friendship is mutual. It is giving; valuing; respecting and sharing the joys with your spouse. It is a two-way street.
Dr. Daniel and Jenny Vassell are the authors of “The Love Factor in Marriage for Couples and Pre-Marriage.” Email: lovefactorinmarriage@gmail.com rhemamagazine.com rhemamagazine.com1414
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eFaith D. Massaquoi, also known as Faith Isbelieving, is a sixteen-year-old author, actor, singer and poet. She started acting and singing at Greater Love Tabernacle Church at age six. At seven, LeFaith started writing in a style similar to that of Dr. Seuss. At each new opportunity LeFaith would sing and act at school and at church events. At the age of nine, LeFaith discovered her love for poetry as a way of expressing herself, simultaneously letting go of situations, while letting her voice be heard. Once she turned fourteen, LeFaith began speaking and sharing her words of wisdom at home; school; church and at public events. With the support of her mother, LeFaith was accepted into a program called Books of Hope. It was through this program that LeFaith published her first book in 2014 at the age of fourteen. It is titled, Who Said Life Was Easy. LeFaith wrote this book to help young people navigate the things they have to endure in daily living. Through her poems, LeFaith hopes to spread encouragement and wisdom from a young person's perspective, as well as these two important messages RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2016
from her: “One, being that there's someone out there going through the same situation as you, and you are not alone, and the other is to remember that you are loved and that there is much to be thankful for.” LeFaith’s short-term dream is to be a positive motivational speaker while taking her poetry and singing to another level. She believes words truly have power to change situations. Currently, LeFaith is in the process of publishing her second and third books with one being a children's book and the other written in poetry format. If you would like to be a supporter of her books and purchase them, please call 617-543-4282 or email lefaith123@gmail.com. You can also check out LeFaith’s motivational blog at https://faith--is-believing.blogspot.com and Youtube Channel simply named “LeFaith.” Please subscribe and enjoy her motivational words. rhemamagazine.com 16
BY PASTOR WILLIAM E. DICKERSON JR. saiah 37 (KJV): And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.2 And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.3 And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth. The purity and priority of families and children are priority concerns for the Kingdom of God. As we look at biblical prophecy, we can clearly see the writing on the wall. The world is coming to an end for it states in Matthew 24:6: “And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” As we see end-time events unfold, let us not be so caught up in Christ's return that we forget about reaching lost souls and spreading the Gospel of the Kingdom. Theoretically, the United States of America has a rich heritage of being a God-fearing country. The “land of the free” is its moniker. However, many of her citizens remain bound. They are bound with the spirits of poverty, drug addiction, health disparities and mass incarceration, which are at all-time highs. So, where exactly do our children stand? What can be done to save our children from the ravages of this dark world and the empty promises that it brings? Solutions: 1) John 8:32: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Deliver our children from the ignorance of self. Our young people can often live a lie. So much so that they can also admire people RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2016
who are liars. Teach them their history so that they will know that they come from the lineage of strong people who were God-fearing fighters and builders. 2) 2 Timothy 3:5: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” Deliver our children from secular humanism and dead religion. 3) Mark 5:4: “Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.” Deliver our children from spiritual bondages and addictions. Our young people have turned their backs on God through sexual promiscuity; drug addiction; alcoholism and witchcraft. Their bondages should be viewed as the spiritual problems that they are rather than as illnesses. If the problems are not viewed from a spiritual perspective, the programs put into place to assist our children will only serve as temporary measures. This generation of millennials is a far cry from being God-fearing, as no one is able to tame them but God. According to Luke 1:17, the coming end-time prophet’s ministry is described as one that will restore families back to their rightful places with God and with one another. Are you doing your part to prepare? The last prophetic word of the Old Testament in Malachi 4:5-6 states: “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” The priority of the day is our children. They need our help to lead the way. rhemamagazine.com 17
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Story
Not Allowing the Fear of Acceptance to Hinder Her New Life through Christ By Omega Roberts hen I sat down one recent Saturday afternoon to speak to Minister Marion Hall, formerly Lady Saw, what I heard was far from what I expected. In her bubbly, yet humbling voice, Min. Hall spoke with an openness few artists would dare in an interview. Indeed, our conversation felt less like an interview and more like a passionate exchange about how God has transformed her life. As a former Grammy-award winning deejay and singer-songwriter, Min. Hall was gracefully honest, sharing deeply personal stories about how God has changed her life for the better. In December 2015, Min. Hall completely surrendered her life to God by making the decision to be baptized. Hall shared, “It was God’s timing. That day, I heard the spirit of the Lord called me ‘Evangelist’ and realized that He was calling me to spread the Gospel through my music. She goes on to say, “Although I’m not making the money that I used to RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2016
because of my decision to no longer perform dancehall music, I’m much happier. Less is more than enough,” she revealed. “I was unhappy as Lady Saw,” Hall exclaimed. It was a cover-up. It brought gossip, jealousy and strife as well as the wrong people in my life.” Hall explained that she entered into dancehall to get her family out of a poverty-stricken ghetto (Maxfield Avenue) in Kingston, Jamaica. She also said, “As a dancehall artist, whenever I performed, I was tormented afterwards. I had to pray and repent. Hall shared how unclean she felt during that time and that she knew God was calling her to go to a deeper place in Him. Hall, who has recently released her first gospel album ‘When God Speaks,’ shared that most of the rhemamagazine.com 20
songs on the album was given to to cleanse them.” Hall’s hope is her directly by God. The album that everyone who listens to her tracks include On Fire, I Had album will be blessed and that Jesus, Room In My House, You’re their life will be transformed. Worthy and The Lord Is With Me. Hall recalled that after her transDuring our conversation, Hall sung formation, some dancehall fans a few bars of the third song on the were very critical of her. She album, I Had Jesus. She shared stated, “When I got saved, Jamaithat this song is to empower cans almost crucified me. When I women who have been raped and told people I got baptized many women forced into prostitution of them laughed and said I was and drugs, and are still standing crazy.” Hall said she just blocked today. Min. Hall explains, "I realize out all the negative feedback as my calling is to minister to broken her coping mechanism. women.” For example, she shared that after she got saved, God sent Hall said her family is embracing her to minister to a prostitute in the calling that God has on her life Kingston, Jamaica. “God put and that her decision to words in my mouth to commit her life to the Lord minister to her. I began has impacted other “I WAS praying with her and family members to do UNHAPPY people were astonthe same. AS LADY SAW. ished to see “Lady IT BROUGHT GOSSIP, Hall’s story is truly a Saw” praying for her,” JEALOUSY AND she remarked. She reminder that God is a STRIFE.” added, “I am a victim miracle working God. of rape and I had Jesus She is truly a woman of who took me through it. I God! It certainly takes a lot was battered and bruised, I of courage to walk this path she could have been dead, but I'm still believes was chosen for her by standing here today." God and not allow the fear of acceptance to hinder her new Hall also revealed that earlier this walk, new talk and new life year she was invited to perform at through Christ. the White House as part of the third annual Caribbean & African International Leadership Conference. While there she was given the honor to introduce King Adeyeye Ogunwusi of Nigeria and His Royal Majesty, Dr. Kingsley Fletcher, founding pastor of Life International. On that day, Hall said, “God said what I have planned for you is bigger than you.” She boasted, “I’m God’s servant. I’m his vessel. I want everyone to know that a person can never be too unclean for God RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2016
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Believing God in Times of Uncertainty By Harriet Holder
s our country prepares for a change in leadership by voting in a new President in November, times of strife and unrest continually are being broadcast in the news and in political debates. This sense of un-certainty leaves people fearing the future with them not able to trust that things are going to get better. People cannot even trust in the stock market for their retirement nest eggs to increase in value for them and their families. In spite of these uncertainties, whether they are financial, political or personal, we know we can trust in El Shaddai – THE God who is more than enough to take care of us.
Even though they may not have had ascertained all that God said that they were going to receive, they still trusted God in spite of the odds that were against them. Men and women like Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Abel, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph had to trust God in times of un-certainty to receive a better promise from God.
Abraham had to learn to trust in El Shaddai when he had to leave everything behind. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This chapter also speaks about people who left a legacy of faith for us to follow because they had to believe God for the manifestation of His promises to them.
As the times of uncertainty keep blowing into our lives like storms, we can ride like the eagle, which goes into the middle of the storm and withstands any changes in weather conditions to make it through to the other side. So be strong in His power and His might. You are going to make it.
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We as believers have to put our hope and trust in God as we press on through these months toward this election. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
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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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Elder Darcon
Peart
lder Darcon Peart was born in Kingston, Jamaica, where he began in ministry preaching and playing the drums. He is the second son of Apostle Herbert and Merville Peart. Best known for his unorthodox preaching and strong unconventional delivery, Elder Peart has blessed the lives of many near and far, stepping out of the box of tradition and embracing the true spirit of holiness. In 2005 he met his wife of eleven years, Evangelist Stacie Peart and was ordained to the call of Elder by Chief Apostle David L. Dupree of Solid Rock True Holiness Church of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. Beginning in 2009 Elder Peart became a student of Theology at Kingdom Ambassadors Bible Institute, now endeavoring to finish with a Masters in Divinity. His credentials and certifications are in Christian and Biblical Counseling; the study of the Book of John; The Book of Romans; The Old and New Testaments and Church History, just to name a few. Not to emulate a charming or charismatic preacher; Elder Peart is a “Teaching Priest” who preaches hard as unto war influenced by the Holy Spirit wanting to bless the RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2016
PHOTO BY CRAZZEHOUSE PHOTOS
people of God. Known for his posture on praise, Elder Peart’s strong dedication and sincere love for God comes from a humbled and a thankful heart following two life-threatening, open-heart surgeries. He was given two months to live with the first surgery and twenty-four hours to live with the second. Needless to say he has defied all medical odds, baffling doctors in the New England area. He is indeed a living testimony and walking proof that God is still a miracle worker specializing in the healing business. He is the perfect example of what God can do. Elder Peart has taught, preached, and traveled here and abroad doing what he loves, preaching the word of God whereby lives can be changed and souls can be saved.
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Understanding the Importance of Financial Education By Nicholas T. Josey
was speaking to my good friend Rodney recently and our discussion turned to people and their various perceptions of financial education. Rodney mentioned that when he speaks about financial education and its importance in our everyday lives, people are often skeptical and hesitant to discuss it at any significant length. I told him that I, too have made similar observations in my role as a Financial Educator. You may feel like most people who have endured a number of what I often refer to as “life-happening� events. Being a seasoned veteran, you may have had to learn to avoid a number of financial pitfalls. You have heard your share of get-rich schemes, or loaned out enough money to finance a trip around the world. So it is understandable that when you hear of anything financial your protective guards go up almost immediately. I think that true, unbiased financial education should actually reduce your financial anxiety. My approach to the subject is to let seminar participants know immediately that at no time during our educational series will there be any offers to purchase any financial products. I am of the mindset that we are here to educate people so that they will be able to make informed financial decisions for themselves and their families. At our lively sessions, we discuss the power of marketing and its psychological effects on consumers and their purchasing decisions. RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2016
Another challenge is to effectively explain important financial concepts in ordinary terms. It doesn’t make sense to speak to people who are seeking clarity of financial terms, only to leave them confused and bewildered. While I may discuss five key financial areas during the course of a five part series, many participants have indicated that they are appreciative that we cover one key topic per session. This gives everyone an opportunity to comprehend and apply financial strategies one at a time. The key financial concepts discussed during our seminars are Savings, Insurance Planning, Investment Basics, Retirement Essentials, and Estate Planning. Each topic covered is designed to help guide you towards financial independence. I hope you embrace every opportunity to become great steward of your finances. Perhaps you will have an opportunity to join us at a future workshop / seminar. Once there, we intend to Engage, Educate and Empower you with helpful financial concepts and tools Nicholas T. Josey
Financial Education Consultant info@vincita.org www.vincita.org Engage Educate and Empower
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By Michele Saunders The first-ever Olympic Games in South America were held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from Friday, August 5, 2016 to Monday, August 22, 2016. Two-hundred and five nations participated and competed in the games, with the United States of America garnering the most Olympic wins and earning the most medals of any nation with 121 combined gold, silver and bronze prizes. Today, we highlight a portion of our US champions:
Gymnastics | Gabby Gifford and Simone Biles
The first-ever Olympic Games in South America were held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from Friday, August 5, 2016 to Monday, August 22, 2016. Two-hundred and five nations participated and competed in the games, with the United States of America garnering the most Olympic wins and earning the most medals of any nation with 121 combined gold, silver and bronze prizes. Today, we highlight a portion of our US champions:
Swimming | Simone Manuel
Simone Manuel is the first African American to win individual and team gold in Swimming. She earned one of her two gold medals in Rio in the Women’s 100 Meter Freestyle. Her second was as anchor to the Women’s 4 X 100 medley relay. Manuel, who attends Stanford University in San Jose, California, said immediately after the win: "This medal is not just for me," Manuel said. "It's for some of the African-Americans that came before me and have been inspirations and mentors to me. I hope that I can be an inspiration for others.” And later: "I would like there to be a day where there are more of us and it's not 'Simone, the Black swimmer,'" Manuel said, "because the title, 'Black swimmer' makes it seem like I'm not supposed to be able to win a gold medal or I'm not supposed to be able to break records and that's not true because I work just as hard as anybody else. I want to win just like everybody else."
Shot Put | Michelle Carter
First American woman ever to win a gold medal in Shot Put. Her father and coach, Michael Carter earned a silver medal in shot put while representing Team USA at the Los Angeles Summer Olympics in 1984. Track and Field | 100 Meter Hurdles Basketball
Men’s 4x 400 Relay
Gold medalist, Brianna Rollins is in the center, with silver medalist Nia Ali From left to right, gold medalists Arman Hall, on right and bronze medal winner, Kristi Castlin on the left. Tony McQuay, Gil Roberts, and Lashawn Merritt show the gold. (PATRICK SMITH/GETTY IMAGES)
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Written by David Carruthers, Author of Kill Your Giants & REACTORS “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23 (New International Version)
“
nock, knock …” “Who’s there?”
“It’s us,” the Media replies, “but were’ already in. You see, we have studied the psychology of the mind and we have found that there are several ways to win over the attitudes of people. One is that we understand that it takes some ‘Nos’ to get one ‘Yes.’ Therefore, we bombard you with the same product and service offerings until you say ‘Yes.’ “Another,” continued the Media “is that we limit your choices. Research shows that fifty percent of how we learn is through what we see and hear. This means that if we keep showing you highlights of the same messages with catchy phrases and music along with attractive people that it is inevitable that you’ll buy and purchase. So, if we have control of over your eye and ear gates via TV, this gives us incredible access to infiltrate sound doctrine and thinking.” The Media continues to speak, “While we can’t control anybody’s behavior, we do know that we can influence it. The power of suggestion goes very far. Do you really think we will spend $300,000 on a thirty -second commercial to make you smile and be happy? No! You’re not that important. However, our agenda is and we know that spending some time and money to manipulate your minds will give us huge dividends in return and will keep a lot of loyal customers for a long time because most people don’t renew their minds. People look to television for escape from their current pain which means they don’t
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want to think. We can provide them that escape at a monthly cost.” “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from serving as My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your sons.” Hosea 4:6 (King James Version) It is vital to understand that lazy thinking brings your defenses down. In contrast, diligent thinkers are not easily fooled. You must protect the doorways to your heart which are your ears, eyes and mouth. This means that we must watch the things we hear, see and say. There are dark forces that have gotten much more aggressive over the years, so Christians can’t afford to be lazy in their behavior and what they allow themselves to watch and say. Many have been defeated by their own words. More now than ever we must pray for discernment because the devil is subtle. Forsake not the assembly of the saints and read the Bible for daily encouragement. Accompany yourself with mature believers and not gossipers. What you don’t know, asks someone, it could make the difference between emotional poverty and spiritual maturity. Become doers and not just hearers of the word. Know that this spiritual fight is a good one, worthy of discipline and good action. Jesus has already won the battle for us but, we must do our part. Remember God is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all we can ask or think according to the power that works within us. Let us work that power. rhemamagazine.com 31
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Usain Bolt - Jamaica
Elaine Thompson - Jamaica RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2016
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Ezekiel 37 1-17
New King James Version
1The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. 2 Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. 3 And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.” 4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 6 I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.” 7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. 9 Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” RHEMA MAGAZINE: SEPT/OCT 2016
10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. 11 Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. 14 I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,” says the Lord.” 15 Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 16 “As for you, son of man, take a stick for yourself and write on it: ‘For Judah and for the children of Israel, his companions.’ Then take another stick and write on it, ‘For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel, his companions.’ 17 Then join them one to another for yourself into one stick, and they will become one in your hand. rhemamagazine.com 34
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