Antioch's History

 Antioch's History
By: D.S. Rotenstein

Shortly before my wife and I moved back to the Washington, D.C., area from Atlanta I was contacted by representatives of Decatur, Georgia’s, oldest African American church congregation. They had read a blog post I published in early 2014 on the impending demolition of their historic church.

Tigner Rand, who edits the newsletter, The Anchor, wrote, “September 28th is Antioch AME’s annual homecoming.  I would like to include excerpts and photos from your blog in our September church newsletter.”

The Anchor, September 2014 issue cover.

I consented and then we began discussing the church’s history. I suggested doing an oral history project that would bring current and former congregation members into the church, along with their memories and their photos. The goal would be to record interviews and digitize photos for the church’s archives.

I prepared a technical proposal for the church. Our relocation in November 2014 made moving forward with the church impossible and I connected the church with University of West Georgia public history professor Dr. Julia Brock. Earlier this year, Rand emailed me:

I wanted to give you an update on the progress of Antioch Church History.  Julia [Brock] received a grant to help coordinate History day at the church.  We will also host a series of workshops which are two-fold: they are designed to teach participants how to research family/church history, record the history and preserve the history.

The Church will host a public forum – Black Religion – The Black Church 200 years: National, State, DeKalb County – AME history – Dr. Larry Rivers specializes in Black Religion.

What an incredible outcome. After being displaced in Decatur (and ultimately from the city itself) and seeing its beloved sanctuary demolished in 2014, Antioch now has a firm path forward to preserve its history for future generations.

Former Antioch AME Church, demolished April 17-18, 2014.

Of all the products stemming from my work on gentrification and race in Decatur, this is one of the best memories I have from the experience. As a historian who crossed the line from observer and documentarian into activism and advocacy, I am humbled by a January 2016 note I received from Mr. Rand. “You writing the story was meant to be! You were the key that unlocked the quest for me to take this alchemist journey,” he wrote. “I’m excited and cannot wait to see what the journey will bring.”

So am I.
© 2016 D.S. Rotenstein

Public history students met w/ Tigner Rand from #antiochame-they will help document the church's history! #IamAME

© 2016 D.S. Rotenstein

Climbing with Abraham

Climbing with Abraham: 30 Devotionals to Help You Grow Your Faith, Build Your Life, and Discover God's Calling by David Ramos
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read the story of Abraham several times and I have grown to admire Abraham’s courage and growing faith through his journey. David Ramos devotional book, “Climbing with Abraham” captures the true essence we as Christians should follow in our daily/life long journey. This is a must read for every person seeking a stronger relationship with God!

View all my reviews

Walking Into Your Divine Destiny

Read Numbers 13:25-28,33

Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large...  Numbers 13:28

God's divine destiny

Every one of us who is a child of God has a divine destiny for their lives-that means that we are not supposed to move through this life aimlessly. God has placed His children on this planet for a purpose, and that purpose is to glorify Him and be a blessing to humanity, and yet every believers destiny is unique .

However, knowing that you have a unique divine destiny and knowing that you have been uniquely equipped to fulfill it, is quite different than “walking into it.” You see, whenever WE make up in our minds that we are going to seriously walk into our divine destiny, and not just think about it or talk about it, the DEVIL is going to raise his ugly head and try to derail our plans; and at that moment FEAR and FRUSTRATION will begin to set in; and DOUBT will begin to preoccupy our minds-doubt in our God and doubt in ourselves; and before you know it, WALKING AWAY FROM, INSTEAD OF WALKING INTO, OUR DIVINE DESTINY becomes a realistic option. But we must always remember that if God brings us to it He will also bring us through it!  

Divine destiny-The Promise Land

The Scripture surrounding our text show the children of Israel about to walk into their divine destiny-the Promise Land. Moses, under God’s instruction, sends out twelve spies-who are the top leaders from the twelve tribes. But what these leaders don’t know is that the DEVIL is about to raise his ugly head and no amount of leadership training and/or experience was going to prepare them for this overwhelming task. They would find a cluster of grapes so large that it would have to be picked up and carried by two men on a pole. The people in the land were like giants to them-they were stronger and taller than they were. And the cities were so huge that they couldn’t go around them, and their walls were so tall and tightly secured that they couldn’t go over them. FEAR and FRUSTRATION began to set in, and DOUBT in their God and their own abilities begin to preoccupy their minds. So ten of the spies gave a discouraging report to Moses and the people, formed a Back To Egypt” committee, and were willing to WALK AWAY FROM, INSTEAD OF WALKING INTO, THEIR DIVINE DESTINY.

Walking into Destiny

However two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, brought back a positive report and eventually walked-and caused others to walk-into their divine destiny and this is why…

1) They stood on God’s promises instead of sitting on their own premises (v.2)

-They knew that God was giving them the land, but they also realized that they had to go and conquer it.

*We often have to participate in our own in our physical and spiritual breakthrough!

2) They focused upon God’s goodness instead of their opposition’s strength (vv.25-28)  - They knew that the God who had given them the land, which was rich and fertile and flowing with milk and honey, was more powerful than their opponents  

*Instead of telling God how big our problems are we need to tell our problems how big our God is!

3) They decided to move forward toward God’s blessing instead moving backwards toward slavery (Num.14:1-10).  -They realized that a freedom, though scary and difficult at times, is always better than a slavery that is comfortable and convenient.

* You will never get to where you should be until you are willing to leave where you are!

Rev Perry N. Crenshaw is senior Pastor of The Church on the Move Ministries. He has been married with First Lady Pier Crenshaw for 29 years. http://www.tcomm-gp.org/

The Bible says, "for in Him we live and MOVE and have our being," and that has definitely been the case for The Church On The Move Ministries (TCOMM). - Perry N. Crenshaw, Pastor

    

WORD THOUGHTS: CREDIT RATING

Guest Writer: Grace Potts

And he (Abram) believed God, and He credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15: 6

How much credit do we get?

Abram was a giant of faith, prominent in the honor roll of Hebrews 11. God commended him for his belief; he honored God with his trust.

And how much credit do we get? The big one, for sure, if we believe that God Himself died in our place so we could be forgiven. Eternal life has already begun for us, if we accept His sacrifice.

But we still have to get through this joyful, broken, impossible life.

Do we believe the promises He gives for the journey? When we feel alone, do we trust our feelings, or do we believe, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” When our heavy loads threaten to overwhelm us, do we believe, “My yoke is easy, and My burden light.”? When we stumble over temptations, do we believe, “But the LORD is faithful, and will make a way of escape.”?

Wandering in the wilderness

When we wander in the wilderness of what-if’s and how-can-I’s, do we believe He will always make a way where there seems to be no way? When the journey seems too long and we lose sight of our destination, do we believe, “I am preparing a place for you, and I’m coming soon to take you home.”?

Day to day practical faith is hard to maintain. Even Abram, champion of faith, faltered and trusted instead in his own strength and wisdom. But our God is a God of forgiveness. Like Abram, we must turn again to our Shepherd. We must let Him lift us up and set us back on our feet to follow Him.

Cast your cares on Him, the One who has never broken a promise.

PRAYER: 

Father, I believe; please help my unbelief. In the name of Jesus, Amen.



About the author:

A country girl who could never feel at home without elbow room, fresh air, trees and animals, good neighbors and family nearby, stories to tell, books to read, and lots of solitude. (And no, they don’t all fit together.) My ancestors hailed from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. I’m a Southerner born and bred, and adopted by the King of Parables—so it’s no surprise that I’ve told myself stories as long as I can remember. I live on a real piece of land with ten chickens, two dogs and a dat, (A dat is a dog that acts like a cat) and an amazing husband my Heavenly Father chose for me.

Part I - Removing The Grave Clothes…Still Yoked to the Past

Submitted by: Carl F. Hunter II, M.Div

Read John 11:17-44

“When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go."  John 11:43-44

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage" Galatians 5:1

There is Greatness in You

In my previous submission,“There is Greatness in You”, I suggested that many of us deny, do not believe, or fail to accept the greatness that is in “US”. This denial of our God given potential stems from the invalidating paradigms that have rooted themselves in our belief system about us. So, until those negative things that we have come to believe about ourselves are somehow uprooted, we will live in conflict of our divine nature.

Still yoked to shame of my past

I don’t know about you, but I have questioned my salvation. I confessed with my mouth and believed in my heart that Jesus was Lord, but I still found myself yoked to the shame, guilt, remorse, depression, anger, and fear of my past. I was under the assumption that accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior was supposed to usher those things out of my life right away. I found myself confused and frustrated because, in spite of the fact that I GAVE MY LIFE TO THE LORD, I could not shake those feelings that reinforced those negative infomercials that continued to go off in my head... “If salvation was not enough then something MUST really be WRONG with me.”

So, I still found myself going back to the scene of the crime because salvation did nothing to anesthetize the pain. In my case I went back to the drugs. In your case, it might be pornography, jumping from one abusive relationship to another, infidelity, overeating, over-shopping, being an abuser yourself or something else. All we are searching for is some relief, even if the price that we have to pay is more spiritual degradation. Our churches are filled with saved folk from the pulpit to the last pew still yoked to issues and behaviors that have them in bondage. They sit  Sunday after Sunday suffering in silence “saved” but not “delivered”.

Hosea 4:6 (KJV) tells us “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”. Many of us fit in the category of “saved” but not “delivered”. We are still yoked to our shame; still yoked to our guilt; still yoked to our remorse and still yoked to our negative coping mechanisms because we only know half the truth. The redemptive act of Jesus Christ not only facilitated lifting the burden of sin, but it broke the yoke of sin. In his death the burden was lifted and in his raising on the third day the yoke of sin is destroyed. In other words, salvation is “Burden lifting and Yoke destroying…” 

Pray with me: Father God, We come today grateful for this moment in time and the opportunity to thank you for where you have bought us from. When it seemed like the world had let us down and given up on us, you continued to stand in the gap and be our bridge over troubled waters. We stand here with our own evidence and our own testimonies that your word is true…”That you have never left us or forsaken us…” Even when we turned our backs on you, you continued to be strong in your goodness and love towards us. So now Lord, we come before you asking you to take the scales from our minds and our hearts that we might see and acknowledge the greatness in us and use what you have blessed us with to move the agenda of the Kingdom. In Jesus name, Amen  

About the writer:

Reverend Hunter is an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a graduate of New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Reverend Hunter is a frequent contributor to The Soul’s Remedy. His prior submission are entitled "Remembering Where God Brought you From"  and “There is Greatness In You”. Reverend Hunter is a father and a grandfather, and resides in New Jersey.

Am I My Brother’s Keeper?

Submitted by: Keith Johnson - Guest Writer

Read Geneses 4:1-15

…Am I my brother’s keeper Geneses 4:8

Are you your brother’s keeper?

Everyone has heard that question before. It would appear to be a simple question that should be able to be answered one of two ways. Yes or no.  The answer given may not be as straightforward as yes or no. Yes, with an explanation. It could be no with an explanation. There could be a why. Or even the possibility of a maybe.

Cain and Abel

In the Bible, when brothers Cain and Abel brought their offering to the Lord, the Lord respected Abel and his offering, which came from his flock of sheep. His brother Cain also presented an offering to the Lord, which was fruit that came from the ground. The Lord did not respect Cain and his offering. Cain got very angry and his countenance (his face or features) “fell” as Scripture says.

In Genesis 4:7 (NKJV), Cain got instructions from the Lord. “If you do well will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you; but you should rule over it.”The instructions were direct and to the point. Cain, however, did have choice of free will. The choice Cain ultimately made has continued to affect mankind as much today as it did then.

He chose not to follow God’s instructions. In Genesis 4:8 it says “Now Cain talked with Abel his brother, and it came to pass, when they were in the field that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him”. God already knew what had happened but asked “Cain, where is Abel your brother?”  Then Cain used the line that has been used for centuries. Verse 9 says “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper? The Lord asks in verse 10 “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the Ground.

Voices cry out from the ground

How many voices, like Abel’s, cry out from the ground? Over time, there are too many voices to count that cry out. The voices of Trayvon Martin, Jonathan Davis, most recently and Renisha McBride cry out. Unarmed young people whose lives were lost to gun violence and laws allowing for deadly force to be used based on the assailant’s fear. Despite the confusion and chaos from these earthly laws, God hears those voices. Awareness through social media, non violent protests become voices to move the legal system to speak for these victims...

Australia is not a brother’s keeper

Here in Australia, refugees from war torn countries like Afghanistan, Iraq and even Syria risk their lives to come to settle where there is peace and no war. The current government, which just came into power, says “we will stop the boats”. These refugees come to Australia, risking their lives, but most will never step foot on the Australia soil. The “boat people” as they are called, are processed in detention centers off the Australia mainland. Most will be sent to Papua New Guinea as a result of this new “immigration” policy. Am I my brother’s keeper? If you are a refugee and expect Australia to be your “keeper, it is highly unlikely.

We as people can not exist alone or in divided groups. We all need one another. There are voices that are not in the ground, that are among the living that are crying out. When we are asked the question “Am I my brother’s keeper? Our answer should emphatically be “YES I AM!” Be blessed.

Keith Johnson is native of Minneapolis, Minnesota currently residing just outside Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. A mass communications graduate of Morehouse College and a elementary education trained teacher. Keith is a Christian, who believes "God's will" be done by "loving thy neighbor as thyself".

Speak Life to yourself at all times

Submitted by: Guest Writer

It is ME, MY VOICE, MY THOUGHTS, MY PERCEPTIONS, MY SELF-DECEPTIONS, MY SELF-ACCEPTANCE OR LACK THERE OF that preaches LIFE or DEATH to me.

It is when I put CONDITIONS on the WORD OF GOD or on the WORDS of HOPE and TRANSFORMATION that are given to me by others that I impose LIMITATIONS on the POWER OF GOD working in my life.

“SAY TO THEM, AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD I WILL DO TO THEM THE VERY THINGS THAT I HEARD THEM SAY…” (Numbers 14:28)

I CAN’T, BUT, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE, IT MIGHT WORK FOR THEM: All these words minister negativity to my spirit. They negate that:

“I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST THAT STRENGTHENS ME…” (Philippians 4:13)

“THAT NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD…” (Romans 8:38)

“IN CHRIST JESUS, I AM A NEW CREATURE OLD THINGS HAVE PAST AWAY; BEHOLD, ALL THINGS ARE NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

It is that which I say to myself that opens up the vast and unparalleled possibilities and blessing that God has for my life.

At this very moment, I speak life to myself.

• I ask YOU GOD to increase my faith that I might see past my limitations

• I ask YOU GOD to give me higher thoughts and higher aspiration for my life

• I ask YOU GOD that when I am feeling rejected and unworthy trapped off by self-doubt, self-loathing, and low self-worth that you dispatch the Holly Spirit to witness to heart that there is nothing wrong with me.

• I ask YOU GOD to take me to another level of self-acceptance

The best part of my life is yet to come….GOD SAID IT:

• I BELIEVE IT

• I RECEIVE IT

• I WILL STAND ON IT

• I WILL LIVE BY IT

• THAT SETTLES IT

TODAY I AM SPEAKING LIFE TO MYSELF…..AMEN

The Sanctuary - Dark secrets become truths

Change can be Terrifying

Change can be terrifying. When adversity disrupts euphoric lives people lose self-assurance, like author, Paulette Harper. A life once filled with bountiful blessings ended tragically with a “kiss of death” – divorce. From her misery came forth a book. But that was not her vision.

Prior to 2007 Ms. Harper’s life was glorious. Married to prominent Pastor for twenty-three years, her world centered around husband, children, and church. Without warning Paulette’s joy turned to pain and she found herself depressed, alone, and suicidal.

Anguish in life can cause relentless distress or it can force one to lean upon God’s promises.  “Divorce was a major transition in my life that brought about many changes; it began a new journey in my life. God took me somewhere which was unfamiliar.”

Out of pain comes great work

Over time Paulette found herself leaning upon God’s word and from the ruins rose a new birth, and a book. Paulette is a living example of my theory - we all have a story buried deep within that needs to be told.

Out of our darkest hour comes our greatest work. Since Paulette’s divorce she wrote her first memoir – That was Then this is now, followed by several books, manuals, and anthologies. Her latest book, The Sanctuary, has led her into a new genre – a Christian fiction novel.

The book - The Sanctuary 

The Sanctuary centers on the lives of Bishop Cedric Jones and his wife Lacy Jones.  This charismatic Pastor founded one of the fastest growing churches in San Francisco California.  Cedric is known for his preaching behind the pulpit but there is also a dark past – internal demons he struggles to conquer. Cedric attempts to embrace people of all backgrounds with an unconditional message of love and grace. It will ultimately put him to the test. How does he deal with Preaching and his past? 

Challenges confronting Lacey compounded by manipulation from a controlling husband she finds herself seeking restoration and joy again. To gain peace is she willing to forsake what she believe called her to do or will she continue to follow her husband?

Readers will be able to relate with Cedric and Lacey. They display many characteristics present in the church today. Ms. Harper attempts to bring resolution not just for the characters but some readers who may be experiencing similar issues.

When reading this exciting novel, remember lessons can be learned and pains can be healed even from a fiction novel – The Sanctuary.

Author: Paulette Harper

The Sanctuary is available online at www.shop.pulsepub.net

Check out other books by the author - www.pauletteharper.com 

“THERE IS GREATNESS IN YOU!!

Envision Greatness

I said, “THERE IS GREATNESS IN YOU!!”

Do you hear what I am saying, “THERE IS GREATNESS IN YOU!!”

I’m dating myself, but in the original Wizard of OZ each character had a dilemma. Dorothy wanted to get back to Kansas, the Lion wanted courage, the Tin Man wanted a heart, and the Scarecrow wanted a brain. Dorothy was given ruby red slippers by the good witch. Dorothy always had the means to get home. The lion was the go to guy when the situation required courage. The keenness of the Scarecrow’s intellect always got them out of trouble, and when it was time for compassion it was the capacity of the Tin Man’s heart that soothed the situation at hand. Each character had within themselves what they were looking for but needed an outward manifestation to validate who they already were on the inside. So, they went off to see the Wizard of OZ.

I don’t know the intention of the author or writer of the screenplay, but I believe that it serves as social commentary on how many of us are living out our lives looking for outward validation for what already exists on the inside us.  “THERE IS GREATNESS IN YOU”.  

Settling for mediocrity

On a lot of days I ask myself, “Why am I so willing to settle for mediocrity when there is greatness in me. It seems like I’m waiting for permission to be great. Do you ever ponder such thoughts? It seems like I’m afraid of something. What about YOU?

Marianne Williamson, in her poem “Our Deepest Fear”, gets to the heart of the matter when she says “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us" We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?” The answer to that question is quite simple and very profound. YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD, and God don’t make no junk. “THERE IS GREATNESS IN YOU!!”

William Shakespeare says this to us about greatness "Be not afraid of greatness; some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them." Scripture bears witness to US that as believers we have had greatness thrust upon us. Mediocrity and passivity is NOT the natural state for believers, but it is the state for many of us because we have accepted an interpretation of ourselves that has renders us emotionally and spiritually impotent and immature.

Believe in self

Epistemology is the study of Knowledge. A subset of this field is the study of self-knowledge. The briefest explanation of this field of study is that it looks at how we come to understand and see ourselves. I am introducing this to YOU because some of what you have come to believe about yourself is not your fault. You have been shaped and molded by how you were socialized and by the information that you were given by sources that you trusted.  So, maybe YOU just don’t know that “THERE IS GREATNESS IN YOU!!” and that is why you respond and act the way that you do.

Proverbs 23:7 (KJV), states that “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he”. This infers that the totality of one’s thinking, which includes awareness, perception, reasoning, and judgment, dictates how one will respond to the world. If all of YOUR frames of reference suggests that THERE IS NO GREATNESS IN YOU then no matter what anyone tells you that validates your GREATNESS, your subconscious mind will wage war against that thought in order to maintain the status-quo of invalidation that abides in you. How many times has someone complimented you and your subconscious mind not only rejected the compliment, but it rejected the possibility that such a compliment could be made in reference to YOU? Therein, lies the war that keeps you from believing that “THERE IS GREATNESS IN YOU!!”

The seed of negativity

What I am suggesting is that somewhere deep within many of us a seed of negativity was planted and took root in our spirits. It could have been planted by:

• Being sexually abused by someone WE trusted

• When YOU were told that “you are just like your no good father

• The uneasy feelings that YOU had about your sexuality 

• Being deemed socially and religiously unacceptable

When something “takes root”, it establishes itself where it is planted so it can flourish. Once established, the roots of negativity create obstructions that are in conflict with the divine nature that was established in YOU by God. As a result, the way we see the world and our place in it has been distorted. The distortion manifests itself:

• Self-hatred 

• Low self-esteem 

• Resentment 

• Fear of life 

• Self-doubt

How people think of themselves

If you are anything like me, those feelings of invalidation play themselves out in unhealthy relationships, and in the masks that we have to wear in order to hide the insecure, fragile individuals that we believe ourselves to be. However, I am here to tell you that YOU are worthy of so much more and there lies in you so much untapped potential for GREATNESS.

The dilemma is that many of us are living out the self-fulfilling prophecies of the way we think about ourselves. We can no longer afford to be trapped in the prison of our minds. The first step to freedom is that we must accept two truths.

1.  life happens and we are dealt cards that require us to face life’s trials and tribulations
2. some of the unmanageability in our lives is self-inflicted and masochistic because we have abdicated the responsibilities of our live and are punishing ourselves for whom we have become.

 How to change negativity

The first truth we can’t do anything about because life on life’s terms happens, but the second truth is within our power to change. “THERE IS GREATNESS IN YOU!!”

Change can’t happen for us if what we believe about ourselves remains the same. I’m going to leave you with these final words because if YOU are not a willing or have a desire to change, the next part of this blog will not be relevant. I want YOU to take a look at your life and make a decision to:

• Demonstrate the FAITH of the ten lepers, who without questioning heeded the words of Jesus and went to present themselves to the priest. “As they walked, they were healed.” 

• Demonstrate the FAITH and COURAGE of the woman with the issue of blood, who by telling the truth about herself received more that just the healing of her visible malady. By telling the truth about the traumatic realities of her life she went from nobody to somebody and from somebody to a daughter. She not only received an outward healing, but she received confirmation that she was a child of God and an inward wholeness that can only be experienced when YOU accept who YOU are and what has happened in your life. “Daughter thy faith has made you whole”.

 The Greatness in you

As I am accepting the GREATNESS IN ME, are you willing to begin the process of accepting the GREATNESS IN YOU? There is a Part 2 to this blog, please respond to The Souls Remedy and say that YOU want to “Continue Your Journey to Greatness”.

Let us pray:

Father, you have made me in your image and your word tells me that those who are called by your name will do far greater things than you here on this earth. Help me to accept the mandate of greatness that you have placed on my life. Help me not to be held captive to my past or the negativity that abide in my spirit. Set me free to take the authority that you have given me as one of you heirs to bind up anything in my life that is causing an obstruction or keeping me from realizing the destiny and promise that you have for my life. Father, I thank you for all that you have done in my life, for all that you are doing in my life and for all that you will do in my life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen

Peace

About the writer:

Submitted by: Carl F. Hunter II, M.Div

Reverend Hunter is an Itenerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a graduate of New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Reverend Hunter is a frequent contributor to The Soul’s Remedy. His prior submission are entitled “And God Spake All These Words” and “There is Greatness In You”. Reverend Hunter is a father and a grandfather, and resides in New Jersey.

Living Above the Chaos

the greatest hour for the church to shine

“Remember this! In the last days there will be many troubles, because people will love themselves, love money, brag, and be proud. They will say evil things against others and will not obey their parents or be thankful or be the kind of people God wants. They will not love others, will refuse to forgive, will gossip, and will not control themselves. They will be cruel, will hate what is good, will turn against their friends, and will do foolish things without thinking. They will be conceited, will love pleasure instead of God, and will act as if they serve God but will not have his power.”  II Timothy 3:1-5 New Century Version

We as a nation of people are facing some perilous and terrifying times. Yet, in spite of the hour in which we live, for the people of God it is a time of great opportunities and advancements. It is in times like these that our faith as a people must be stronger than ever before.  Although we are not exempt from the elements of life, the changing of the seasons and times, there is a difference between us surviving the crisis or succumbing to the pressure.

This is the greatest hour for the church to shine, rise and be heard. When the world is regressing and going under, God will move His people forward, causing His people to progress and flourish.

“Now a new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph. He said to his people, Behold, the Israelites are too many and too mighty for us and they outnumber us both in people and in strength. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply more and, should war befall us, they join our enemies, fight against us, and escape out of the land. So they set over [the Israelites] taskmasters to afflict and oppress them with [increased] burdens. And [the Israelites] built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. But the more [the Egyptians] oppressed them, the more they multiplied and expanded, so that [the Egyptians] were vexed and alarmed because of the Israelites.” Exodus 1:8-12 Amplified

During these rough economic times, it is God who will stabilize us and cause us to increase, prosper and propel in the worst conditions. The world is in a major crisis, and the pressure is even on us to compromise our faith, but we must remember as the children of Israel grew under pressure, hardship and oppression, we to will grow, multiply and increase as long as we believe by faith that God will see us through.

Our faith in Christ will triumph over all. For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith I John 5:4. Amplified

By faith you can conquer every mountain, face every problem, and overcome every adversity. By faith you can bounce back when people counted you out; by faith God can restore your health, family, bad credit, erase debt, reverse foreclosure, remove cancer, diabetes, liver disorder, put love back in a marriage, drive out rebellion and put your house in order.

By faith you can ride through the rages of life, walk through turbulence, test, and dangerous situations without any evidence of being scared. By faith you can defeat worry, doubt and fear. There is absolutely nothing faith cannot do!

Submitted by: Pastor Paulette Harper Johnson

http://pauletteharper.com

Paulette Harper Johnson, an award winning author, writing coach, and speaker, seeks to inspire women from all walks of life.  Paulette is a wife, mother, grandmother, Bible teacher, radio host, writer and the owner of WNL Virtual Book Tours.

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Visit her on www.pauletteharper.com

The Gift of Transparency

Submitted by: 

 Buddy McElhannon

Two thirds through my veggie taco lunch I looked up and spotted a familiar face.  A former colleague – now a vendor rep – saw me and made a beeline for my table. Ken had retired a few years ago and moved into vendor sales.  He had the personality of a salesman, always smiling, always talking, and always seemed like he was about to make a sales pitch.  His manner occasionally bordered on the obnoxious but I only hesitated a moment when he asked if he could join me.  Hoping he didn’t notice the cautionary tone, I welcomed him with a “Sure, have seat.”

Our conversation was light, catching up on who was still working, who had retired, and who had died.  Unfortunately we knew more of the latter and less of the former.  We briefly discussed retirement plans.  I could tell from the way he talked he was unaware that I had lost my wife 2 years previous.  I decided not to mention it, as I just did not want to spend another 20 minutes talking about it.   But something prompted me and when Ken took another bite of his sandwich I simply stated, “I don’t know if you heard but I lost my wife 2 years ago to cancer.” 

God working through the hearts of men

Ken’s response was typical, a look of shock followed by a heartfelt, “No, I didn’t know, I am so sorry.”  What followed next, humbled me yet again at how a loving God works in the hearts of men.  Ken stared at me as if not knowing what to say next.  His blank silent look only magnified the growing moisture in his eyes.  He looked briefly away and then as if a decision had just been made he turned back to me and said.  “Now I know why I met you today.”

He was no longer a salesman.  He was a wounded heart thankful for an opportunity to talk with an understanding soul.  He related how his wife Patty had just had her annual mammogram with the result being an order from the Doctor for a biopsy. Needless to say, they were stunned. They had yet to tell anyone, not even their daughter. This always confident salesman now possessed all the assurance of baseball batter in a slump.  He had no idea what to do, what to say or how to help his wife.  With a look that reflected both desperation and gratitude, he confessed, “I may need your help.”



What is love

I simply encouraged him and told him to take one step at a time, wait for the results and just be there for his spouse.  I commented that as much as he wants to fix it (doesn’t every man), right now he needs stay close to his wife, be a good listener and a strong shoulder.   And call me when they get the news and we will talk some more.  He once again smiled at the providential meeting and asked for my prayers.  I reached out, touched his arm and said “how about right now.”  We bowed our heads and I prayed, “Lord, may Ken and Patty know your loving and healing presence.  Be with them now and give them strength and faith to follow you through this storm.”

Shaking hands we then turned and walked in opposite directions.  That lonely lunch had become a battleground of faith.  I remembered my morning prayer.  “Lord, help me to help others.” 

The gift of transparency had been unwrapped again.