The Gate of Heaven
ON THE COVER
WWW.WOMENSFRONTLINEMAGAZINE.COM
From the publisher In these days of isolation due to the corona virus, there has been a shift in the way we have been accustomed to doing things and behave. Out of such a difficult time as this, there is a beauty that has emerged where families have been brought together to validate the very core and essence of human life, which we all have witnessed to be so fragile. We are now in the last half of the year and cities and nations are slowly coming to terms with the global impact of the lockdown. There are alterations to familiar routines which need adjusting to. Have we learnt something from this and have human patterns and behaviours shifted? Where is the church in these new times? Jesus said, ‘’on this rock will I build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail. ‘’ Do not be discouraged in this season, rather, align with the spirit of God so that it is him showing and leading the way in your life. He is raising up new standards and bringing divine order to his church. We invite you to join Women’s Frontline Magazine in spreading the news of the gospel. Share your story of his goodness and kindness and inspire others to rise up and be a church that is Spirit-led and powerful . Blessings
Mucha ALL RIGHTS RESERVED @WOMENSFRONTLINEMAGAZINE.COM2020
2
24
COVER STORY KIESHA PETERSON
My story of going from incarceration to inpowerment.
BEAUTY
IN THIS ISSUE
02 05 07 08 12 38 40
LET IT BE ACCORDING TO YOUR WIL FOR MY LIFE
15 16 20 32 34
STAY WITH YOUR HABITS ERIC OTCHERE
IT’S YOUR MOVE BETTY LOCKHART
4TH MAN IN THE FIRE LINDA MHLANGA
42
THE GATES OF HEAVEN HEIDI NGAI
FROM THE EDITOR
BEAUTIFUL ISOLATION
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MEET OUR WRITERS
NEW REFRESHING TIMES LINDA HOFFMAN
7 MINISTRY STEPS TO SUCCESS MARY EISENACHER
PASSIONATE
LINDA HOFFMAN
OPEN THE DOOR SHELLY WILSON
SEIZE THE DAY MUCHA
RENEWING THE SPIRIT MAN YOLANDA SHERMAN
44
FEEDING & CARE OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT
ALICE MILLS
WOMEN’S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE
3
AS A MAN THINKETH KUDZIE PHIRI
4
MEET THE WRITERS
BETTY LOCKHART
ALICE MILLS
HEIDI NGAI
YOLANDA SHERMAN KUDZIE PHIRI
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS LINDA HOFFMAN LINDA MHLANGA
SHELLY WILSON
5
ERIC OTCHERE
Dear Woman FOR HE CREATED YOUR INMOST BEING; HE KNIT YOU TOGETHER IN YOUR MOTHER’S WOMB. PRAISE HIM BECAUSE YOU ARE FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE; PSALM 139:13-14
CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT WITHIN
6
WOMEN’S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE
THERE WILL BE A GREATER DEGREE OF BOLDNESS SEEN IN MY CHILDREN AS THEY GO INTO ALL THE WORLD TO PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS. THERE WILL BE A GREATER DEGREE OF EFFECTIVENESS AS MY WORD IS PREACHED AND TAUGHT TO THOSE IN JERUSALEM, JUDEA, SAMARIA, AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. My word will not return to Me void, but it shall have great effect, it will accomplish much good, and it shall be performed in the lives of many. I It will be a new day of the infilling of My Spirit
BY LINDA HOFFMAN
with your own eyes, but it will affect you personally. Doors will be swinging wide open for you to reach the lost. Doors that have previously been shut, now opened.
And if I open the doors for you then, Pentecost you can be comes assured they around again. will not be There will be shut by a new boost anyone. of energy and a new Only I can burst of open those evangelism doors and throughout only I can the world as close them things begin again, when to open up the time is again. right.
PREPARE FOR NEW TIMES OF REFRESHING AS I POUR OUT MY SPIRIT AFRESH ON MY CHURCH.
You will not only see it 7
I will give you a voice
unlike what you have had before. It will be My voice coming through your mouth. It is a vibrant voice. It is the voice of truth and grace, the voice of love and comfort, and the voice of compassion for the lost and hurting. Yes, I tell you the truth, My Spirit will be poured out unlike anytime on earth before this. Prepare your heart to receive.
WOMEN’S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE
By Mary Eisenacher
R
ELAX! I AM NOT GOING TO PREACH TO YOU. JUST THE OPPOSITE – I AM GOING TO MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER, MOST LIKELY, AND POINT OUT SOME THINGS IN A WAY THAT YOU WILL HAVE SOME AHA MOMENTS.
As I pondered recently about how to minister to others, I discovered some guides in scripture that need reinforcing for leaders and followers to have a good experience. I began learning how to minister way before God called me to be a 8
leader because I have always been interested in leadership and administration. It came through the mishaps while I followed leaders. I was pretty beat up while growing up and into my 20’s.
Unfortunately, many leaders were following an ungodly pattern of teaching. Forgiven, I have sought out ways to deliver the Word of God in such a way that it benefits the person(s) to fulfill their life-long quest and call of God.
Condemnation calls a person bad (not the sin), and judges harshly and even publicly – aborting the plans of God. To minister knowing by the Spirit (not by what you see; hear) will find the best in someone or the worst – but it won’t be because of sight or sound which can oppose the real need of the person.
No man or woman can give real power. The goal is to minister by God’s authority (not man’s).
There is a way to minister life by faith in God’s leading (not presumption). Just because God has worked a certain way in someone else’s life does not mean he will do that in every life.
We benefit by learning from others and even by standing before God to be set apart to do His will, but the God-given power and authority must come from God.
God has a lot of creativity, and we cannot presume we know it all from beginning to end. God must be part of the equation – to be listened to and consulted.
When it does, others respond favourably. People have had enough of obnoxious ministers. They are looking for those who minister humbly (not arrogantly).
It is a learned skill to minister with God’s love (not criticism). God’s love points to the call on the person’s life. It never belittles or tears down the person.
The day of condescending ministry should come to an end. Real ministry brings empowerment, joy, and peace.
So, here we go. The first one comes by really knowing the heart of God. Minister to the spirit (not flesh). When we minister by the Spirit, we eliminate the stroking of ego and the smack of the Bible over the head routine.
No one needs that kind of pain administered directly or indirectly. The next one will save a lot of trouble and bad feelings as we Minister conviction (not condemnation). Conviction gives a remedy to change and get right with God.
It demonstrates the truth of the Word of God in such a way that their faith comes alive, even if it requires a different way than they are living.
9
I pray that you will look for good leaders and be one yourself. Love your leaders and bless them with your words and gifts often. Continue to lead like you love to be influenced – in such a way that God will smile and have his aha moment over you.
I pray, “Let it be, Lord. Let it be!” In Jesus’ name. Amen Check out these supporting scriptures, and maybe you will even add more to my list: Galatians 5:17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
Romans 8:5-8 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You now how we lived among you for your sake. 1 John 3:24 The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And 10
this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Matthew 23:12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
11
WOMEN’S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE
Proverbs 12:27 A passive person won’t even complete a project, but a passionate person makes good use of his time, wealth, and energy.
12
My dear one, I come to you today with a heavy heart. When I see passivity in My children, it saddens me deeply. You know what I mean, the ones who sit back, and take it easy when there is much work to do, when many hands would lighten the load of another. When I see this occurring, it causes great concern within Me.
When I see injustices that need to be confronted and dealt with, but when the ones I have assigned to the task are not fulfilling the work I gave them, I cry. Some of these folks tend to start on a task with gusto, energy, and motivation, but they soon tire of the assignment, and they become lazy. I see their passion, vigour, and fire wane at the first sign of opposition.
Daughter, I am searching the whole earth looking for those who have a heart that is completely mine. I am searching for those who are full of passion and perseverance to expand the Kingdom of God, those who are not going to use their time, wealth, talents, and energy for selfish gain. I am looking for those who are ready to do My work on the earth with passion and fire in their hearts. My plan for My children includes doing good works to bring the lost to Me, not good works to gain a place in heaven, but good works done out of a thankful heart. I have already supplied everything one needs for life and godliness to help them carry out the work I have planned. Please, tell Me you are a woman after My own heart. Tell Me you will answer the call to go to the nations in My name. O how My ears long to hear your response, “Here am I, send me. 13
� O tell Me you are passionate, and compassionate, that you will give your time, wealth, and energy to the cause of the Kingdom of God. O let it be that I can depend on you to complete the tasks that I have assigned to you. I have purposely blessed you with much abundance so that you will be a blessing to the nations, just as I did for Abraham. Do not be like the passive folks who have let Me down so many times before. Readily do My will and follow through. Always do your best. Life application: This word convicts my own heart to do what God has asked of me. I do not want to easily give up or back down from challenges. Too many others have not completed the work God gave to them. I do not want to grieve my Saviour, who has laid down His life for me, because I have not been grateful enough to carry out the assignment He has given to me. Lord, here am I, send me.
14
WOMEN’S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE
By Eric Otchere
STAY WITH YOUR HABITS Mohammed Ali was considered the greatest in the field of boxing. Ali won many matches with tough fighters. But what really could have made this black American who grew up in the scare of hatred for his race rise through the ranks to become a successful boxer. He attributes his success in the ring to what American business philosopher Jim Rohn calls pain of discipline. Ali himself said that champions are not made in the ring but through daily consistent practice in
moments when no one is watching. I call it habit.
Simply, the more you do something, the more you find it very easy to do it again and again.
According to experts, about 90% of what we do is habitual.
What will help you taste the fruit of your labour is forming productive habits.
Take for instance the habit of waking up to brush your teeth. No adult wakes up and thinks about why and when he has to brush his or her teeth. You do it without thinking twice. Practice gives life to automatic actions.
Someone said that success is obedience to principles. I say achieving your goals will be guaranteed if you obey habits such as reading, thinking and acting.
15 WOMEN’S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE
They will expand your mind and nourish new ways of doing things.
THER IS A NEW WAVE OF REVIVAL THAT IS COMING AND IT’S YOUR MOVE!
IT’S YOUR MOVE! THERE IS A NEW WAVE OF REVIVAL THAT IS COMING AND IT’S YOUR MOVE! REVIVAL IS ABOUT TO TAKE PLACE WITHIN YOU! THIS NEW MOVE WILL UNLOCK THE HEAVENS IN YOUR LIFE!
ACTS 1:4 SAYS, AND BEING ASSEMBLED TOGETHER WITH THEM, HE COMMANDED THEM NOT TO DEPART FROM JERUSALEM, BUT TO WAIT FOR THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER, “WHICH,” HE SAID,” YOU HAVE HEARD FROM ME. THE LORD SAID, “WAIT BEFORE YOU
IT’S YOUR MOVE!
GO, WAIT.” AND THEY DID, DAY AFTER
IT’S YOUR MOVE! IT’S A NEW MOVE! IT’S A NEW MOVE! 16
DAY. THEY WAITED, AND FORTY DAYS OF SEEKING. YOU CANNOT DO A SUPERNATURAL TASK WITHOUT A SUPERNATURAL
AND THEY DID, DAY AFTER DAY. THEY WAITED, AND FORTY DAYS OF SEEKING. YOU CANNOT DO A SUPERNATURAL TASK WITHOUT A SUPERNATURAL SAVIOUR. The disciples were in one mind and one accord. Acts 1:12 - 14 says, then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication. There is never a Revival without an Upper Room preparation a forty-day
preparation. A gathering together, in one place, one accord and unity. Prayer and intercessory prayer. There must be a preparation before there is an increase.
“R
evival is coming to you. The great I AM will revive YOU.
R
evival is about to take place in you. Jesus is revival, ignite the fire of revival. Greater is he that is in you (1 John 4:4). The Bible is the book of revival. The striving is over, the struggle is over. Are you ready for the FIRE?
“ John 11:25 tells us that He is the resurrection and the life. The Great I AM will bring life to dead things. I hear the Spirit of the Lord say, there is a refreshing of my Spirit coming to you!
17
Are you ready for an upper room experience? It takes a hungry heart and a thirsty soul. Take a plunge and flow with it. Perhaps the enemy is trying to keep you in a familiar place of frustration.
IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT PEOPLE SAY, YOUR NEW MOVE CAN BE ONE THAT IS FILLED WITH TRANSFORMATION AND PROSPERITY. Revival is a work of the Holy Spirit. Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit saith the Lord of Host (Zechariah 4:6). What is revival? Revival is a season of unusual divine visitation resulting in deep repentance, supernatural renewal and a radical conversion of the lost. Acts 2:2:3 says, And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3. The there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. There is a fire that is getting ready to fall. Revival is about getting under the “fire fall” and not about getting “fired up.” In the natural, fire goes up. In the supernatural, the fire comes down. Elijah
called down fire from heaven on the sacrifice (1 Kings 18). Fire came down on Mt. Sinai. Fire came down on the day of Pentecost. Jesus told his disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father. As they WAITED, divided tongues as of fire sat on each of them. The fire fell in Jerusalem because that is where He told them to go. The Fire falls where God tell you to go. Fire falls on what He tells you to do. Fire falls on obedience. God is a consuming fire (Deu. 4: 23-24). Let the fire fall! He wants to set you ablaze. IT’S A NEW MOVE of Signs, Miracles and Wonders. A move that no man has seen before. Are you ready for the Fire to fall! Just get under the “fire fall.”
18
Do you hear the “sound” of a Mighty wind – blow! IT’S A NEW MOVE! Do you want to be “in the midst” of divine visitation? Are you ready to be restored? Are you ready to be revived? Are you ready to be healed? Are you ready for a Refreshing! Are you ready to be renewed? Are you ready? Are you ready for your Loved ones to be saved? Are you ready to be filled with the Spirit? Are you ready to be set ablaze for God? IT’S YOUR MOVE! IT’S A NEW MOVE! Revival happens when you MOVE! Be in Pursuit of REVIVAL!
19
The book of Daniel, Chapter 3: 17-18 is my all time, go-to verse when I need strength and resolve against the threats of the enemy.
This is my go to verse in the Holy Bible when my life feels threatened by a situation that is so hot, it threatens to incinerate my entire existence! 20
The courage showed by Shadrech, Meshach and Abed-nego against the threats of a great king always encourages me when I am faced with a situation that scares the living daylights out of me; poverty, lack, relationships ending, bad medical reports, unemployment, life threatening sickness, children acting out, betrayal, homelessness and many others.
I FEEL EMPOWERED WHEN I CAN LOOK AT A THREAT ANDÂ DECLARE GOD'S WORD OVER IT, If it be so, Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace and he will deliver us out of thy hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Daniel 3:17- 18. This morning, I realised that I am in the "burning fiery furnace !" The king ( vexing situations) had finally put me in that place where it seemed impossible to escape. Do you think Shadrech , Meshach and Abed-nego thought that the king would see his threat through and stick them in a furnace that had been made seven times hotter than normal ?
NOW THAT I AM SMACK BANG RIGHT
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BURNING FIERY FURNACE, I SEE THAT MY BLUFF HAS BEEN CALLED AND I AM RUNNING SCARED! Honestly, I didn't believe that it would get to this, where I am now tied up and the heat of this situation so hot. I realise that I have been selective in my confession. Daniel :3 17 is the only part that I have been confessing because that's the part that's been palatable to me , the part where God delivers before we have to endure any pain or suffering. Now that it's gotten to Daniel 3:18 "But If not..." part, I am burning up and having fitful nights, stress and anxiety headaches and signs of melting down. I need a shift in perception. I have done all I can but here I am, in this burning fiery furnace. But, I realise that l am not alone in this burning fiery furnace.
21
THERE IS A FOURTH MAN HERE. HALLELUJAH! He has been here all the time waiting for me to acknowledge his presence and surrender this situation and every situation over to him. His quiet presence has kept the fire of my situation from consuming me. Against all odds l am still standing. Hallelujah ! If you will open your heart and spirit, you too will see the Fourth man in your burning fiery furnace. If you will receive it, you too can glean the glory of the Fourth man in that burning fiery furnace. We don't hear anymore from Shadrech, Meshach and Abed-nego after they have been thrown in the furnace nor when they are called out of the furnace. Only the king who put them in there marvels:
l
see four men loose walking in the midst of the fire ...and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.� Daniel 3: 25-26. May the Fourth man in each of our burning fiery furnaces become visible to all and may his presence cause a dramatic change in our lives.
"...saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power...nor the smell of fire had passed on them Daniel 3:27. May the Fourth man shield us from the heat of the burning fiery furnace of our situations and may we emerge unashamed and unblemished. "Then Nebuchadnezzer spake and said Blessed be the God of Shadrech, Meshach and Abednego.." Daniel 3:28 May the presence of the Fourth man in our burning fiery furnaces cause those who cursed us to rise up and call us blessed. "Then the king promoted Shadrech , Meshach and
22
Abed -nego..." Daniel 3:30
FINALLY, MAY THE PRESENCE OF THE FOURTH MAN IN EACH OF OUR BURNING FIERY FURNACES RESULT IN OUR PROMOTION .
23
24
ROMANS 12:2 “AND BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD: BUT BE YE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, THAT YE MAY PROVE WHAT IS THAT GOOD, AND ACCEPTABLE, AND PERFECT, WILL OF GOD.”
I
am a single mom of three adult children. My son is twenty-nine and my daughters are twenty-seven and twentyone. I also have five grandchildren: two granddaughters ages seven and three and three grandsons ages three, and two are two years old, with another grandson due on July 27, 2020. Growing up I never imagined that this would be the path I would be on. 25
Have you been told you would not be able to obtain what you aspired to be or do? Or, that you would not be able to reach your dreams because you are a single mother, because you were incarcerated, because you have a criminal record? No matter what, NEVER let anyone or any situation stop you from making your dream come to pass.
We have even played ‘Cowboys and Indians’ and doctor. Sometimes playing doctor was the one that got us in trouble! There was even a game called ‘Life’ where the objective was to have the most assets at the end of the game, from going to college, working and raising a family. Then there was Monopoly. Monopoly allowed us to own all types of property, get Free Parking, pass Go and collect $200, but most of all, we could obtain a Get Out of Jail Free Card. Unfortunately, games do not necessarily mimic real life. Purchasing property is not easily obtainable for some. Getting out of jail can be a horrendous process. Very few places allow Free Parking anymore and, if you are not attentive and mistakenly park in a handicap space without the
correct credentials on your vehicle, you will get a ticket that can be well over $100! Most of all, there is no place on life’s path that will allow us to collect $200 without work effort. One day my husband and I were talking about the type of work I did for the insurance company where I worked. I told him that I discovered many accounts of people who shared his exact name with different addresses.
And we both kept spending the proceeds. During this time, and even before, I really enjoyed my life. I had just gotten married. I had two children, my own place, a car and most of all, I lived right around the corner from my church. I was living comfortably and didn’t want for anything. I pretty much had what I needed.
We entertained the thought - could I get away with creating a check for him and send it to his mother’s house?
At the age of twenty-eight, I was incarcerated for violation of probation. My husband and I were placed on probation for embezzling money from a company I had worked for.
The thought became an action. After experiencing “success” by not getting caught from our first two check generating ventures, we decided to continue in our newfound enterprise. I kept creating and sending the checks, he kept cashing them.
My parole violation stemmed from my inability to make my appointments with my probation officer located in New Brunswick, New Jersey while I lived in Union, New Jersey.
26
B
ut had I gone that route, I would not be where I am today.
My incarceration allowed me to realise several things. First, life does not always go as we plan. Second, be aware of what you think and dwell on. Our thoughts ultimately become our beliefs and
actions. What started out as a curiosity and consideration became a class X felon. Just like with Job, God allows things to happen in our lives to help strengthen us and prepare us for our next stage. When I was first placed in police custody, the first thing I thought about was, “I have some calls to make to make sure my 27
children are taken care of�. At that time, I only had my son and my oldest daughter; but my husband was in no condition to raise to young children ages five and three. My first stop was Essex County Jail on West Market Street in Newark, New Jersey, where I had to wait for transport to the New Brunswick Correctional Facility, located in North Brunswick, New Jersey.
My first stop was Essex County Jail on West Market Street in Newark, New Jersey, where I had to wait for transport to the New Brunswick Correctional Facility, located in North Brunswick, New Jersey.
Kiesha
Peterson
Once I was settled in, I quickly made the calls to people I knew would take care of my children until I was able to return to society I first called my son’s father first. If it had not been for the fact that my husband had already called him, he would not have believed what he was hearing. The same with my aunt, who when I called her, she agreed to take care of my daughter. I never did cry. I knew I had to do whatever needed to be done to hurry back to my children. I was sentenced to eighteen months; however, I only did three months because I was released to ISP, the Intensive Supervision Program. I only had to do a year on the program.
Through it all, I maintained my love for God.
To this day, they do not remember me being incarcerated.
Even though I knew I had done wrong, I had to share my story, not just with the inmates, but with the Correction Officers as well.
They only remember that my son lived with his dad for a while, and my daughter with my aunt.
Every time they saw me, they would ask if I made a wrong turn at the top of the hill, because I surely looked out of place in there. I knew that this was no doubt going to be my testimony to others. I lived with my dad and my step-mother while I was on ISP. My son lived with his dad and my daughter lived with my maternal aunt. I had my children every weekend. Even when I was incarcerated, my family brought my children to see me every other Sunday, until it got closer for me to come home. I told them to bring them on if they asked for me, but I still called. I had to maintain that communication, that bond with my children even though we were not physically together.
28
Along the way, time away from my family inspired me to be all that I could just for me but for my children. I had been told it would be difficult to find a job paying well enough to help me take care of my children and pay restitution. I had a curfew, ISP group meetings, and community service assignments which alternated between Community Food Bank in Hillside, New Jersey and my ISP Officer’s church. In the beginning, I had to attend AA meetings, which I still cannot figure out for the life of me why. I endured breathalysers, pop-up visits at home and urine testing. But I knew I had to follow the rules if I wanted to graduate from the program on time.
I was able to find part-time work as a Teacher’s Assistant at Essex County College Training, Inc. Program, which I had attended a few years before for AutoCAD (Computer Aid Design).
I used to wish I had taken that class more serious than I did, but then again, I would not be where I am today. Through ECC Training Inc.Program, I obtained an Office Assistant internship with the non-profit organisation, 10,000 Mentors, which provided mentoring for atrisk children in the city. I enjoyed working for both organisations. Not only did they believe in me to give me a chance, knowing that I had been incarcerated, they gave me an opportunity to learn as I worked. Some months later, I was recommended for a parttime Clerk Typist position with Rutgers College of Nursing.
There I learned how to create manuals for the Nursing Students, registered them for classes and testing for their nursing license. I still maintained a close relationship with 10,000 Mentors and through that relationship, I was recommended for a fulltime Administrative Assistant position with Assemblyman-elect (at that time) William D. Payne. He had just won the Assembly seat for the 29 th Legislative District in Newark, New Jersey. The office manager for 10,000 Mentors personally recommended me for the job and submitted my resume. When I arrived for my interview with the Assemblyman-elect and his Chief-of-Staff, we met in a 29
nice building just behind the Federal Building located on Walnut Street in Newark, New Jersey. The first question he asked me was if I knew who my Congressman was. I told him “No sir, I do not”. He asked me if I knew whose office I was in. I told him I thought it was his. He then asked how did I expect him to hire me if I didn’t know the answers to those questions. I had to think quickly. I kindly responded that I had never been in that office before, nor was I really into politics at that time. He laughed and said, “You are sitting in my brother’s office, Congressman Donald Payne, your congressman. “You’re hired.”
Note, I was still considered a convict because I was on ISP. There was not a day that went by where I did not thank God for making things fall into place as they did. You see, all throughout my journey I stayed in church and I kept my children in church - taking four buses, one to church, then two back to take my son to his father’s, and then another one to get home to my dad’s house. I diligently worked for the Assemblyman for nine and a half years. During that time, I became a Notary Public and I obtained my Associates Degree in Criminal Justice through Everest University (online). All of the above served to bring me to where I am today. I am an Ordained Minister. I am a two-time Amazon Bestselling Author of Stories from the Pink Pulpit Women In Ministry Speak! and She Shall Rise Empowerment for the Kingdom Woman. I have also gained Amazon International Bestselling Author status through Stories from the Pink Pulpit Women In Ministry Speak!. I am a
three-time self-published author under the pen name of G.C. Peterson of Knowing When Enough is Enough: My guide to building your self-esteem, Book of Poems,Vol. 1 (both published while working part-time) and I Am Who God Says I Am (published while unemployed). I am also a Self-Publishing Coach and Motivational INPowerment™ speaker. I am currently a member of NAACP Newark, NJ Branch (Silver Life Member), National Council of Negro Women, Women’s Speaker Association and The Pink Pulpit International Convention of Women in Ministry and the Founder of Absolute Word Ministries. To this day, I do not know why I did what I did. My husband did not have a gun to my head, forcing me to create those checks. I never thought about the consequences of being caught. Maybe it was the adrenaline rush of doing something and thinking how no one knew what was going on. At the time, my husband was dealing with an 30
addiction to cocaine, so I partly rationalised that the extra money would come in handy. Remember the part when I said I was incarcerated? Yet with God’s help, I have been able to accomplish things so many men and women think is not possible after incarceration. We have been conditioned to think once a “convict” ALWAYS a “convict.” NEVER let your past dictate your future. NEVER let the people who cannot see YOUR vision dictate how your vision looks. NEVER let anyone deter you away from your dream. Knowing that society said I could not be what I wanted to be after incarceration only INSPIRED me to work harder to do just what I was told I could not! If we humble ourselves and listen to what God is saying to each and every one of us, we will live to see our dreams come to pass.
31
By Heidi Ngai
The Gate of
Heaven Selah. A pause or break. A time to rest. "Be still and know that I am God." One day in God's courts that are better than a thousand elsewhere. This is exactly what God has been impressing on my heart the beginning of this year as I have gotten sick over and over again. Now it's best not to wait until God provides circumstances that make you slow down, but here I am in these quiet moments listening to what is on His heart and I couldn't be more thankful. Â
32
The gate of heaven
In Hebrew, “Sa’ar” or gate is used in Psalm
Shulamite woman with her lover? (Song of
118:19 referring to the “gates of righteousness,”
Songs 5:2-3).
indicating that by entering the temple, the Israelites were gaining access into the very
Would you recognise when He says your name
presence of God.
as Mary did when the risen Jesus spoke her name? (John 20:16).
In Greek the word “Pyle,” for gate, is used by Jesus when He tells His followers in Matthew
As we journey throughout this new year I saw
7:13 to “Enter through the narrow gate,” and
God showing me a doorway into the heavenlies
again as the word “thyra” when Jesus told His
that is opening right now - realms of intimacy
disciples, “I am the gate. Those who enter the
with the Lord that we have not yet experienced.
sheep pen through me will be saved.” (John 10:9)
A knowing of the Lord that goes beyond just knowledge, taking us into an encounter with the
All throughout history, this has been the
deepest longings of His heart and even to the
invitation.
place of identifying with His sufferings. Will we slow down to respond to His call, stirring the
“
fires of devotion and wholehearted love for Him alone? It is the same calling to intimacy He gave to the lukewarm church in Laodicea:
An invitation to respond to the One who is knocking and to enter in through the access He alone provided - Himself.
“Look, I’m standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I’ll come in and we’ll eat
It is a narrow, small gate which Jesus says only
together.” (Revelation 3:20)
a few find. As I was painting this depiction of His nature, I felt Him asking: "will you be part
If we do, I believe we will be taken into the
of the few?"
secret council of the Lord and hear Him speaking to us as He did to Jeremiah: “Call to
Will we be like Mary who set aside everything
me and I will answer you and tell you great and
else to sit at His feet to truly hear His heart?
unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)
Or will we recognise His knocking, and yet, in our comfort of the culture, hesitate like the
33
For most of us, the line between soul and spirit is an amorphous one. Many use the terms interchangeably. However, I believe they are two separate, though not unrelated, parts of our identity. Just as God exists in a trinity, so do we, being made up of body, soul, and spirit. Because of this, I think a quick definition of the soul and the spirit is in order.
But the soul is an essential part of our makeup. We spend years and years developing our souls and those of our children.
THE SOUL IS THE SEAT OF YOUR THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS.
Compassion and empathy are outpourings of the soul, as is falling in love. Studying hard in school is soulish work and important at that. However, our souls can get out of hand, and it is our spirit, in conjunction with God’s spirit, which must bring it back into alignment with God’s will. Anxiety and lust are less worthy attributes of the soul.
The soul often receives a bad rap. To behave in a soulish way is christianspeak for acting poorly. 34
TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS ARE NOT OFTEN RECOGNISED FOR THE POISON THEY ARE TO OUR SPIRITS. IF WE SURROUND OURSELVES WITH PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THE DARK, WE SHOULD NOT BE SURPRISED WHEN THE DARKNESS COMES TO ROOST WITHIN US. The spirit is at once harder to locate and of supreme importance in the life of the believer. In the Bible, the spirit is described as a breath, as light, and as power. Simply put, our spirit is our life source. God breathed His spirit into Adam, and he lived. God is the Father of light, and He Himself is made of light. When we become born again of the Spirit, the power source of our life is disconnected from its original human source and plugged into God’s infinite power source. His Spirit dwells within us and this is how we know we are His children. So to walk in Spirit and in truth, we must learn how to strengthen our
spirit man. And we must also be aware of what weakens it.
Often the consequences are not obvious in our lives, at least not at first.
To strengthen our spirit in Christ is to begin to partake of the fruits of the Spirit.
So we continue. But the result of sin is death.
We first experience those fruits in our spirit, and they are then shared with our soul and made evident through our bodies as we interact with the world. Our spirits are vital to our walk with God because it is in our spirits that we experience the presence of God. Spirit Quenchers: The Three Culprits The first and most apparent spirit quencher is sin. We engage in sin and look around.
35
That death first begins to dim the Spirit in us. If it is our spirit that keeps us alive, then sin becomes a disease gradually spreading throughout our being.
WE LOSE OUR SPIRITUAL VITALITY, WHICH ENDANGERS OUR LIVES. GUILT AND SHAME, NATURAL RESULTS OF SIN, WEAKEN OUR SPIRITS.
WE CANNOT MOVE IN LOVE, POWER, AND A SOUND MIND WHEN OUR SPIRITS ARE DIMMED BY CONVICTION, SELF-DECEPTION, AND SELF-HATRED.Â
If our spirits are dimmed, then the presence of God in our spirit dims as well. Stress and anxiety, selfloathing, and frustration, these things kill our spirits and, according to scientific research, our bodies as well. Just as our sin affects us, so too does the sin of others. We are meant to live in community. We take on the characteristics of those with whom we associate. Look around. Do you want to become like those surrounding you?
truly life-giving, while others appeal to the worst in us. What do you partake in? Many times my students have written papers about how they do not believe violent video games or shows affect people. While a straight line cannot be drawn between playing a video game and acting violently, my question is a little more straightforward.
If not, do your spirit a favour and see life-givers rather than those who would discourage your spirit.
WHY DO VARIOUS INDUSTRIES SPEND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON ADVERTISING IF IT DOESN’T WORK?
The world is the ultimate spirit killer. Life is hard, and we are wired to pick up on negativity.
The world is full of a great deal of exciting and incredible things to do and see.
The media and entertainment industries have a lot of power in our lives. Some shows are
Are you encouraging your spirit by setting your eyes on the beautiful and the noble, or are your eyes set
36
on the ugly, the negative, and the painful? I do not mean you should avert your eyes from the suffering of others. I mean that you should avoid things intended to inflame, deceive, or manipulate. The good news about our spirits is that they can be quite resilient. And we can strengthen them considerably with intentional living.
Four Spirit Strengtheners: Learning How to Live Truth and lots of it. Be ruthless with yourself. Denial has a way of killing the sensitivity of God’s spirit in us. Learning how to play ‘It is what it is, and not something else’ is rough. I usually play ‘It is something way better than what it is,’ and my husband plays ‘It is something way worse.’ Makes for some good times. But the truth about who you are, what you are doing, who is in your life, and their effect on you is crucial to your spirit. Jesus is reality. When He says He is the Way and the Truth and the Life, He is calling Himself the actual reality in which you must live to have real Life in your spirit. Truth is freeing, and above all things, our spirits desire freedom!
For the Word of God is quick, and powerf uland sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12. Want to set your spirit free from the restraints of the soul and the body? Go get you some truth. No better place than the Word. Surround yourself with inspiration. Great people, great books, great music, and the beauty of nature. These things lift us up out of the drudgery of the world. Find things that lift your spirit. Don’t neglect to do things that give you real pleasure. After all, our original purpose was to live in the garden, enjoying God and the things He made. 37
GETTING BACK TO THIS ORIGINAL PURPOSE GIVES YOUR SPIRIT THE COURAGE TO RISE ABOVE THE DEMANDS OF THE SOUL. Love, love, love. Love is its own reward, I think. And we are desperate for it. I sometimes get teary at the provision God has made us in the form of our pets. He was so intent on making sure we did not go loveless in this vast and often ugly world that He gave us animals that know how to love unconditionally. How many lonely people turn to their animals for comfort because no humans will make an effort?
HOW MANY LONELY PEOPLE TURN TO THEIR ANIMALS FOR COMFORT BECAUSE NO HUMANS WILL MAKE AN EFFORT?
SHELLY WILSON
OPEN THE DOOR
I
f you’ll take this opportunity to hush all the noise you’ll find a gentle Saviour quietly waiting you to take notice of Him. Can I tell you The Healer is in the house. Ever ready to lay His nail scarred hands upon your wounded heart.
Every fear, every care, every worry, is His priority. More so than physical healing, many are in need of a healing of heart. A healing that goes deep into every lack and drowns the lost-ness. By Shelly Wilson
The lost-ness you’ve known was there but keep shoving it down so it makes noise only on rare occasion. But you can never run from its 38
echo. But if Jesus came into the room and sat with you, your eyes would meet and He would know, that you know, of this lost-ness.
Your eyes would swell with tears and you wouldn’t even have to say a word. He is all-knowing.
But in an instant He extends His hand to heal you fully and completely. No one has ever offered all of Himself to you before. But Jesus does. All that is His He freely extends to you, and I. Sigh…how lovely. A new creation is born. One with a new eternal home being prepared for him, or her. A chance to leave the past behind and start completely over.
inexhaustible. Like a well that never runs dry. He is always near, always listening, always watching, always loving.
A NEW HORIZON WHERE YOU MAKE YOUR WAY INTO ALL THAT HE PLACES IN YOU AS YOU WERE BEING FORMED.
He is here. Waiting expectantly. For that one moment where you decide to make the ultimate shift. So don’t wait. It’ll be worth it. He holds the key to your future. So why don’t you give Him the key to your heart.. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20
There is no need to keep looking for love in all the wrong places now. You have a love that is so deep and wide it is
39
By Mucha
is the translation of the Latin phrase carpe diem. It means that each day, you get to live your life to the fullest. Jesus told His disciples:
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself,” Matthew 6:34 Seizing the moment has to do with dealing with today,, here and now and choosing to live life as a victor as opposed to worrying about the tomorrow. How are you living your life now? That is what you should be concentrating on because that is your reality. Looking too much into the future will make you overlook what you have here and now. Learn to embrace today, because that is what you have. Despite what is going on around you,
choose to concentrate on the good things here and now. Your spouse, children, family, friends, nature, freedom, are just a few things you can begin with . Everyday is a new lease on life. Give thanks, love and enjoy the day.
foundation for your tomorrow..
By securing your today, you will lay a healthy balanced
WHO CAN BE AGAINST you!
Today, Get rid of the bad habits, get rid of sin , get rid of discouragement. Seize the moment! Deal with today. Seize your day, don't let it pass you by! If God is with you,
40
41
O
T
ne must began to embrace new things that challenges the old way of thinking.
HE RENEWING OF YOUR SPIRIT MAN REQUIRES A NEW MINDSET AND CHANGE OF ATTITUDE.
The scripture Romans 12:2 –And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
42
THE WORD TRANSFORM IS DEFINED AS CHANGING THE NATURE, FUNCTION, OR CONDITION OF CONVERT. HEBREW WORD IS ‘’HAPHAK’ THAT IS TRANSLATED TO TURN, OR OVERTURN.
The new way of thinking is made possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy spirit is a teacher and leads us in the direction we must follow. A person must be willing to yield themselves to being transformed. It can only be done by holy living and consecrating yourself unto the Lord. Sometimes we may think it is hard to change our lifestyle from our fleshly desires, but it is possible though surrendering to God. Nothing is too hard for God to turnaround in our lives. I remember being in bondage to a lifestyle of fornication and harbouring unforgiveness.
One day my life changed as I began to seek more of God wholeheartedly and the conviction became a reality. He had taken the mess in my life and changed to a message that was evidence of change.
This positions you for the transformation as a willing participant. Congratulations on the journey you are about to embark upon. We are traveling this road to transformation together.
The key to this transformed life was yielding my spirit man over to Him totally. I became a new creation at that moment and the journey began to this new life.
To receive we must:
I ENCOURAGE YOU TODAY TO BE TRANSPARENT WITH YOUR LIFE AND ALLOW GOD TO MAKE THE CHANGES WITHIN YOU. YOU MUST TAKE THE FIRST STEP TO ADMITTING I WANT TO BE CHANGED.
43
Surrender- Yield to the new things in your life. Submit- Release your way of doing things, try God. Seek- Spend time asking, praying, and worshipping. Sacrifice- Give of yourself by giving without limits. I pray that blessings will overtake you as you move forward in your new life.
SCRIPTURE SAYS, “AS A MAN THINKETH IN HIS HEART SO IS HE….” I HAVE OFTEN PONDERED ON THIS, ASKING MYSELF AM I A RESULT OF MY OWN THOUGHTS.
The circumstances I find myself in are they as a result of my own perception? Honestly good or bad have I done this to myself? Quite frankly the most pertinent question becomes what brought me to think of myself in this way? So many sermons have been preached or taught on the subject matter but how many times have you stopped to ask yourself what thinketh I of myself?
BY KUDZIE PHIRI
There seems to be varying factors that affect and or influence our way of thinking, when we look at the environment aspect of this we find that culture and people have a lot to do with how we see ourselves.
It reaches to the very soul of a person, its repetitive nature is designed to hook you in as it plays a lot on your subconscious mind and begins to auto-suggest thus moulding your thought process.
I AM REMINDED OF THE TIME I WAS TEACHING A GROUP OF PRAISE AND WORSHIPPERS ON THE SUBJECT OF CONFESSION VIA THE SONGS WE SING.
You find that music shapes the way a child dresses, their language, diction, behaviour and even belief systems.
Join me in exploring this line of thinking hoping that it will bring us more answers than questions.
That is the influence lyrics have on our spirit beings. Many people do not realise that most likely their biggest thought influence is what they listen to.
We wish to come to a broader understanding not just of ourselves but also of our environment and the things that influence us thus making up our thinking.
What you listen to becomes a big shaper and moulder in your life, music is very subliminal and very suggestive. 44
This can be found to true across the age demographics be it twelve year old or teenager, young adult or even an old man or woman. Why because of the power of “autosuggestion.” Napoloen Hill in his book “think and grow rich” explores in the depth the power of autosuggestion or what is popularly known as subliminal messaging.
He says, “Autosuggestion is a term which applies to all suggestions and selfadministered stimuli which reach one’s mind through the five senses. Stated in another way autosuggestion is selfsuggestion. It is the agency of the mind between that part of the mind where conscious thought takes place, and that which serves the seat of action for the subconscious mind. Through the dominant thoughts that one permits to remain in the conscious mind, (whether these thoughts be negative or positive, is immaterial), the principle of autosuggestion voluntarily reaches the subconscious mind and influences it with these thoughts.”
either one of us at any given point in time. Does this make sense? Music has always played an important role in forming and cultivating a people’s culture. Music as a language has a way of communicating with one’s spirit and creating a reality that one easily accepts. Music has both positive and negative effects on one’s thoughts, studies have shown that music can be used for brain regeneration for it has healing properties. Whilst other studies have also shown that a certain grouping that listens to derogatory types of music will behave in destructive ways. What else alters our thinking?
Are you with me? I picked music as a form of subliminal messaging because it is undoubtedly a language that we all can identify with. It is a language that has spoken to
What we watch, the power of the spoken word and visual stimulation are also responsible for forming once more another signal that plays in our subconscious mind.
From here we can look at our environments what have we been exposed to?
In turn what has been spoken to us over the years and how well have we received it? This leading to the power of the spoken word and visual stimulation, we assimilate what we see and hear, thus developing most of our own thought process. WE IN A WAY BECOME A PRODUCT OF OUR ENVIRONMENT WHICH INFLUENCES OUR THOUGHT PROCESS AND CREATES THE OPINION THAT BEGINS TO PLAY IN OUR SUBCONSCIOUS CONSCIOUS MIND. Napoleon Hill then says, “No thought, whether it be negative or positive, CAN ENTER THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND WITHOUT THE AID OF AUTO-SUGGESTION, with the exception of thoughts picked up from the ether.
Optime odores eam rea jam aliquo rum unquam passim vulgus. Quin hac dico quo sit meis.
45
So as it turns out we are in total control over what plays in our subconscious mind for we have the power to accept or reject. Napoleon Hill says, “Stated differently, all sense impressions which are perceived through the five senses, are stopped by the CONSCIOUS thinking mind, may be either passed on to the SUBCONSCIOUS mind, or rejected at will. THE CONSCIOUS FACULTY SERVES, THEREFORE, AS AN OUTER-GUARD TO THE APPROACH OF THE SUBCONSCIOUS. The writer of the Proverbs then says, Provers 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it.” We ultimately have the power of over our thoughts, “WHATSOEVER A MAN THINKETH IN HIS HEART, SO IS HE.”
The word of God serves to be that creative power that must speak over our lives, it becomes the ether for it is beyond the natural present in every atmosphere. It can be the very air we breathe, for in it is LIFE, there is HOPE and there is COMPLETION. All that we need is in the word, and through that creative power our spirits can grow to become the buffers, the outer-guards that Napoleon Hill speaks of that can accept or reject what will play in our subconscious mind. The Word of God purifies our spirits and keeps us sensitive and in tune with what is good and necessary for our minds to feed on. The more we meditate on the word of God, the more our spirits become sensitive to what God has said over our lives, the more we can 46
discern between good and evil. If I am to be a sum-total of my thoughts, may the meditation of my heart be the Word of God, may his word be the light and lamp to my path, may his word that brings enlightenment be the illuminating factor in my life so that my meditation constantly aligns with what God has spoken over me. By doing this my heart is guarded, my mind is renewed by his word and there can be no ungodly thought or influence that escapes to my sub-conscious mind. In the end, I am what God has said I am! Philippians 4:8, “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthythink about such things”
47
