gracenglory dec 2013

www.gracenglorymagazine.org 1

2 December 2013 | Grace&Glory


on the cover:Dr. Donté L. Hickman Lady Danielle Hickman

Southern Baptist ChurchOne Church Multiple Locations410-732-8566www.southernbaptistchurch.org

™ DECEMBER 2013

f e a t u r e s

15 Governor’sPaGe Governor Martin O’Malley

13 Mayor’sJournal Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

17 ToyourGoodHealTH Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPC

TheGiftThatKeepsonGiving

19 sToryoFHoPe Jay Zavada

ChristianSinglesatChristmas

Pg.8-11Q&A Interview withDr. Donté L. Hickman

c o n t e n t s

27 TeenConneCT Pastors Greg & Tonya Dennis

RealMeaningofChristmas

sPeCIalFeaTureAn in depth look at Multi-Site Ministry.

An exclusive interview with Dr. Donte’ L. Hickmanwho pastors the Southern Baptist Church, one church in multiple locations.

25 PersonoFInTeresT ArleenSanchez

SENTYouthConference


29 eduCaTIondIGesT Dr. Tim Tooten CommonGroundonCommonCore

31 BooksHelF Brandie Manigault

NotAlone (LynnDonovan&DineenMiller)

In Every IssueContributors.................................................................. 6

FromtheEditor............................................................. 7

ScripturePage............................................................ 39

38 WordoF enCouraGeMenT Donna Williams-Ross

TheGiftofEternalLife

36 GosPelIndusTry neWs Ericka Johnson

33 nuTrITIon&you Herline A. Knights HolidayTipstoAvoidWeightGainPg.8-11

Q&A Interview withDr. Donté L. Hickman


PuBlIsHer/ Jackie Epps edITor-In-CHIeF

edITorIal

PHoToGraPHy Mark L. Dennis Alan L. Jones GraPHICarTIsT Claire Lesesne-Nalley www.JandCDesigns.com

WeBadMInIsTraTor Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com

PrInTInG Roebuck & Son Printing www.hgroebuck.com

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Psalm 84:11

Contributors Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. Vaughn

Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD

vice-Chairman — Dr. Frank M. Reid III Sr. Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, MD

Dr. Jerome A. Barber Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple, Hampton , VA

Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr., U.S. Ambassador President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta, GA

Dr. Timothy Boddie Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA

Bishop John R. Bryant Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District

Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr.Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD

Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. Ambassador

Dr. WIlliam H. Curtis Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA

Bishop Ralph L. DennisSr. Pastor, Kingdom Worship Center, MD

Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive

Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences

Cassandra VaughnMedia Executive

Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr.Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD

Pastor Timothy V. Manigault

Bishop Dennis V. Proctor Presiding Prelate of the Western Episcopal Region AME Zion Church

Dr. Kenneth O. RobinsonPastor, Restoring Life International Church, MD

Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr.Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD

Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD

Advisory Board

Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, a Baltimore based, independent publisher. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.

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Dr. Kenneth O. RobinsonHarold A. Carter, Jr.Cassandra Vaughn-FoxHerline A. KnightsPastors Gregory and Tonya DennisCarla J. DebnamDonna Williams-RossGovernor Martin O’MalleyEricka JohnsonMayor Stephanie Rawlings-BlakeRev. Tim TootenBrandie Manigault

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Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. VaughnSr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD

vice-Chairman — Dr. Frank M. Reid III Sr. Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, MD

Dr. Jerome A. Barber Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple, Hampton , VA

Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr., U.S. Ambassador President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta, GA

Dr. Timothy Boddie Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA

Bishop John R. Bryant Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District

Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr.Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD

Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. Ambassador

Dr. WIlliam H. Curtis Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA

Bishop Ralph L. DennisSr. Pastor, Kingdom Worship Center, MD

Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive

Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences

Cassandra VaughnMedia Executive

Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr.Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD

Pastor Timothy V. Manigault

Bishop Dennis V. Proctor Presiding Prelate of the Western Episcopal Region AME Zion Church

Dr. Kenneth O. RobinsonPastor, Restoring Life International Church, MD

Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr.Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD

Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD

Grace & Glory Magazine By Mail!

For subscriptions go to our website:www.gracenglorymagazine.org

For advertising information contact443-813-6547; 410-370-2636

or [email protected]

Follow us on facebook at facebook.com/gracenglorymagazineand twitter @gracenglorymag

Check out our website at: www.gracenglorymagazine.org


Oh, Come Let Us Adore Him!

It’s Christmas! A time of good cheer and holiday festivities, a time for singing carols and celebrating with family and friends. Twinkling lights, gaily wrapped presents, laughing children, jingling bells, fresh-cut pine . . . these are the sights and sounds of Christmas.

Yet as the world celebrates the holiday, may the true meaning of Christmas never be lost. The birth of Jesus is our reason for the season. The Son of God came to give us hope and peace, to show us His Father’s love and compassion for everyone.

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel; which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:23

The only way to truly enjoy Christmas, is to look up into the Father’s face and tell him you have received His Christmas gift . . . our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Eternal life and endless joy are parts of the gift. Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

Christmas is all about seeing Jesus in every tradition, every celebration, and every moment of the Christmas season. So we will not “spend” Christmas . . . nor “observe” Christmas. We will “keep” Christmas . . . may we keep it in our hearts that we may be kept in its hope.

During this holiday season we will remember and celebrate the coming of our savior. The one who was chosen by God and sent with a purpose and destiny. The one who was called, appointed and anointed to save all mankind. This holiday season we will honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who was sent to give us a hope and a future. Jesus Christ came that we might have life in abundance, to the full, to the overflow.

Go tell it on the mountain,Over the hills and everywhere,

Go tell it on the mountainThat Jesus Christ is born!

Jackie EppsMerry Christmasand Happy Holidays

from All of Us to All of You!Editor-in-Chief

from the editor


Q&A

Q&A

G&G: Pastor Hickman, it is a blessing to have you finish out this year with us. There is always so much to talk about with you; and since you are no stranger to us we are going to jump right in. I am going to start with the number six; six services . . . (in the words of our young people), “Is this for real, for real?” Tell us about the addition of the sixth service . . . the why, what, how and where. Dr. Hickman: Yes, we are in the planning stages of implementing six worship opportunities by Easter 2014. Just last year we added a third service in our Baltimore location at 9:45am that is already nearing capacity. Because of the consistency and stability of our Harford County location and our commitment to build a ministry facility there, we are adding an additional service. We also have an opportunity to expand our evangelistic efforts at the High Point High School in Prince George’s County in Beltsville, MD, which will enable us to maximize our reach in three counties namely, Prince George’s, Montgomery, and Anne Arundel because of their proximity. Our ministry expansion is really the result of and response to a natural progression of growth in our ministry.

G&G: Pastor Hickman, obviously you are under divine orders. Did you ever imagine that your initial vision to expand was going to be of this magnitude? Were you surprised or even worried about the path the Lord was leading you on?Dr. Hickman: While I had considered multi-site ministry some years ago, I never anticipated six services. I had no contingency plan for growth. This was and continues to be about evangelism and outreach through ministry duplication. Surprised and worried are two emotions most Pastors reconcile on a continuum. Jesus tells a parable about sowers, seeds, and soils. And one of the significant observations I have from that text and the reality of ministry is no minister can fully know the capacity of their impact. We all do the best we can to plant and water, but it is God who gives the increase. And it is incumbent upon us to facilitate the growth by making disciples.

G&G: Pastor Hickman, let’s talk about some pros and cons of multi-site churches. Is it a challenge to maintain the original DNA of the mother church in each location? How does a church stay true to the church’s identity and maintain unity as a multi-site church? Do the vision, mission and goals of each site remain the same? Dr. Hickman: I think the DNA should always be evolving toward espousing the identity and ideals of Christ. Every church has a

culture and a set of norms that become traditionally recognized. And the same thing can be said about multiple services in one location. Group dynamics are very elastic and can hardly be confined to a monolithic expression. People differ by exposure, values, traditions, and expressiveness. And that’s what we embrace as a new mosaic of kingdom ministry. Nevertheless, we maintain certain non-negotiables in growing people and blending cultures in our church tradition such as, liturgy and hymnody, ordinances of Communion and Baptism, and the purpose driven model of balanced ministry through evangelism, worship, discipleship, fellowship, and stewardship. All of our leaders and members are held accountable to one uniformed process of assimilation to ensure maximum participation, effectiveness and solidarity of goals and objectives.

G&G: Pastor Hickman, I am sure that each site has its own distinct cultures, demographics, and style of worship. In addition to that I would think that each congregation has differing needs. Do you put together your message to meet the differing needs of each site according to these criteria, or do you preach the same message for each service/site? Dr. Hickman: I preach and teach the same message at every location. There are nuances and metaphors in my sermons that may be more emphasized than others in various services throughout the day. I often reflect on the methods and messages of Christ in various contexts of his public ministry. And what I have discovered in my own context is that whether urban or suburban, young or old, rich or poor, that people are hungry for the Word of God that has a universal impact despite how it’s imparted. And while people emote and express their affirmations differently, somehow as on the Day of Pentecost they all hear the Gospel of Christ in their own languages.

G&G: Pastor Hickman, I would imagine that you spend a tremendous amount of time praying and study God’s word. Does the responsibility of being the covering for six individual congregations

Interview withDr. Donté L. Hickman

Southern BaptiSt ChurChBALTIMORE, MD

8 December 2013 | Grace&Glory www.gracenglorymagazine.org 9


become overwhelming? How do you handle some of the other duties of the Pastor, i.e. Bible study, counseling, weddings, funerals, etc.?Dr. Hickman: I still maintain an open door policy where my members can meet with me in person, connect with me on social media, and engage me in meetings, Bible studies, and various fellowships and worship opportunities. I still do most of the weddings and the funerals when I can, although I am training and giving my ministerial staff opportunities for hands on growth toward their own pastoral leadership. In today’s culture of growing ministries and congregational care it is impossible for one person to personally shepherd thousands of people. And I have discovered that much of our growth has come because of the capacity of our leadership and discipleship to multiply the ministry beyond my personality. The challenge of pastoral ministry in the African American context is to grow people beyond singularity of personality toward embracing gift-specific, multi-pastoral leadership.

G&G: Pastor Hickman, there is the perception that since the pastor is not always present with the flock; the challenge of watching over them becomes even greater than it already is. Certainly pastoral

care responsibilities can be delegated, but what about the perception that the Pastor (the lead shepherd) is really

detached from the individual

congregations? How do you and how can you possibly stay connected to all of those you have charge over? Does each location have a full range of support ministries?Dr. Hickman: Effective ministry has to go and grow beyond Sunday morning. In far too many instances our churches are Sunday strong, but weekday weak. As the lead shepherd I see my responsibility as clarifying and communicating vision, training leaders/partners, feeding the flock, overseeing business and community development, organizing teams/task forces, and delegating professional and ministerial responsibilities. I purposefully greet members and shake hands in and after various services every week. We organize our ministries so that every member despite their worship location can participate. And it is very rewarding to see people from across cultures, communities, and classes work together toward maximizing one mission. As we continue to grow we are addressing the needs of developing a greater capacity of support ministries across the locations to specifically meet the needs of every demographic. Jesus teaches us in Acts 1:8 that you can’t be global until you maximize your local capacity.

G&G: Pastor Hickman, is it more likely the multi-site/services originally start with a contingent of members from the main church? As the different sites become filled with members who have never had any ties with the main church, does this create a strain as members from the different sites work together on common interest goals or projects for the ministry? Dr. Hickman: Our multi-site services have uniquely originated with people from outside of our ministry and sometime draw members who live in that area. It has been a very interesting amalgamation of people from various church traditions and perceptions of ministry that challenge and embrace my vision of Kingdom ministry. It is important to note that whether you have multiple locations or one location, the challenge of unifying people is always a strain.

Continued on page 10

Q&A


TheHickmans


Jesus’ prayer for his disciples was that “they may be one”. This is a universal principle and pursuit for churches divided by doctrines and denominations. Nevertheless, the Word and worship of God centralize our focus for mission and ministry. And we hold ministry leaders accountable to maintain singularity of purpose and communication.

G&G: Pastor Hickman, Baptists have historically held to the autonomy of a local assembly of believers who live out their Christianity in mutual accountability. Why become multi-sites as opposed to building a larger autonomous church building? Would you say it is more advantageous to have multiple sites as opposed to one larger autonomous church? Dr. Hickman: We continue to espouse traditional Baptist values of autonomy and local assembly. We have merely expanded our ability to accommodate our assembly in various locations and through media venues. In today’s culture of geography, demography, and technology there are other avenues and venues that the church must embrace if it is going to continue to grow efficiently, effectively, and economically. Studies show that people prefer to worship within proximity of where they live and in smaller facilities. And I can affirm that building our ministry in this manner has enabled us to invest more in ministry and missions beyond a church building. In the short term it has been more advantageous for us to provide multi-site and multi-service ministry as opposed to building a bigger building. I just believe that the church needs to maximize ministry and facilities.

G&G: Pastor Hickman, operating multi-sites can stretch the budget, invite criticism from other churches (and your own members), and make new demands on church leadership. How do you deal with these issues to keep each church site healthy, growing, and a wonderful gathering place for people to find their way to God? Dr. Hickman: We continue to preach and teach evangelism and discipleship. The church was never meant to be an insular and isolated institution with little to no impact beyond its immediate community. We are called to launch out into the deep and let down our nets for a catch. Jesus said that henceforth we would become fishers of men. Therefore, kingdom ministry is supposed to stretch

the budget, invite criticism, and make new demands on church leadership in its efforts to baptize believers and make Disciples of Christ. This is an exciting journey for the church and I of blending cultures and transforming community beyond the diversification of the civil rights movement.

G&G: Pastor Hickman I commend you for what you are doing for the kingdom of God. The scriptures tell us that to whom much is given much is required; does the enormity of your assignment ever put a strain on your family life? How do you balance being a Pastor with your role as a husband and father? With so much on your plate does the first lady, Mrs. Danielle Hickman assist you with the

tremendous load of operating the multi-site ministries? Dr. Hickman: Danielle and my kids anchor and balance my world. She has a great gift of discernment and a very powerful and permeating prayer life. She leads the women of our church faithfully in prayer every Thursday morning at 6:00am and she engages our members beyond my availability. My wife has always helped me to cultivate my preaching and presentation in ministry. In the words of my predecessor Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Higgs, my wife is the “editor of the church”. With a Master’s Degree in Psychology and professional experience in Marketing, she helps to maximize our public presence and image. Danielle above all else has been my very best friend for over 15 years and is devoted to raising our children

properly, maintaining our home, and relating to people genuinely. Her partnership with me in this ministry is invaluable.

G&G: Pastor Hickman, let’s talk about the upcoming holidays as it relates to the separate worship sites. Would you share with us your plans for the Christmas holidays and the New Year’s celebrations? How will you incorporate the congregants of all six services to celebrate as one body on one accord? And of course what is on the horizon for the Southern Baptist Church for next year?Dr. Hickman: This year we again as one church served over 100 families with full Thanksgiving Day Baskets. And we will for our eighth year host our outdoor Christmas in the Community, where we provide Christmas gifts of new clothes and toys and holiday cheer to children and adults of the community. We will again worship together in one location on Christmas morning. And then on New Year’s

G&G: Pastor Hickman, it has been speculated that there can sometimes be animosity between the multiple sites; for instance the secondary sites may struggle with the perception of having a second class status to the original church. The secondary sites are often looked at as revenue generators for the original church. What would you say to this?Dr. Hickman: We initially and intentionally mitigate against any notions of animosity by asserting that we have no secondary sites. We affirm that we are “One Church in Multiple Locations”. It takes every service and location to support the work of ministry. We couldn’t begin to establish a multi-site ministry without originating and ongoing resources. And new sites increase our capacity to further the mission of our church. While I am sure our church is no utopia of ideals where no animosity or misperceptions exists, we do strive however to be intentional in our efforts to serve one unifying principle and purpose. While we are developing affordable housing and expanding ministry facilities in one community, we are also building a church and community center in another. And we do it all as one church!

Continued from page 9

Q&A



Eve we will have four opportunities for

our end of the year worship experiences.

The service times and locations

will be 6:00pm at High Point High School in Beltsville, MD; 7:30pm and 10:30pm at 1701 N. Chester Street, Baltimore, MD; and 9:00pm at Aberdeen High School in Aberdeen, MD. I will be preaching in all of the services with various musical guests and performances. Lastly, in the month of January we will be breaking ground for another sixty unit Senior Housing facility and Transformation Center and doing site work to develop 75 new affordable Townhomes. In 2014, we are “Running With the Vision”.

G&G: Pastor Hickman, lastly as we approach the end of another year, there were many declarations that were made at the beginning of this year by many churches that have still not come to fruition. What would you say to those believers who are still waiting on God’s promises for this year?

Dr. Hickman: Don’t give up! Sometimes we have to go through seasons of pruning and preparation. And God has to cultivate our faith in him to sustain

us as a spiritual entity and not merely a secular enterprise. Now more than ever this new generation needs its own testimony of the faithfulness and reality

of God. God doesn’t work on our timetable, but He works. And in due season we will reap if we faint not.

Q&A


The many components of Pastor Hickman


mayor’s journal


governor’s page

Better Choices, Better Results

by Governor Martin O’Malley

Governor O’Malley speaks with veterans at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Veterans Day.

As Americans and Marylanders, we have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season—a growing innovation economy, the best schools in the country, and the promise of a future of more opportunity, not less.

We are also thankful for the service of the 440,000 veterans living in Maryland. Supporting these veterans and their families and reducing unemployment within this community is one of our highest priorities as a State. After facing so many barriers to protect us in the U.S. and abroad, these individuals should never come home and face barriers to supporting themselves and their families. That’s why the Veterans Full Employment Act is so important. It allows us to do right by our veterans and their families by making sure we remove barriers to full employment here at home.

These Marylanders all have skills, experience, and training in demand by Maryland employers. By breaking down these barriers, we are not only doing right by our veterans, but we are also making our economy stronger by tapping into these skills. Every single person—and every person’s talent—is needed in order to create jobs and expand opportunity.

While the veteran unemployment rate–in Maryland and around the country–remains slightly lower than the overall unemployment rate, we have an obligation to ensure that all of our Maryland veterans have employment opportunities when they return home from service. The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs continues to work, in partnership with its sister agencies, toward reaching our goal

to fully employ veterans in Maryland by 2015:

• MDVA maintains an email distribution list of almost 15,000 residents and veterans in Maryland and through collaborations with local employers, job openings are being shared via email with veterans across the State;

• Over the last five years, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has provided $5.1 million in funding for the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Scholarship Program to help veterans attain their educational goals and enhance their ability to gain employment;

• Since FY10, through Maryland’s Department of Business and Economic Development, we’ve provided $775,000 in funding for the Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business No-Interest Loan Program; and,

• Our Vet Stat quarterly meetings tracks our efforts and holds agencies accountable for accomplishing these goals;

As we move forward as a State, we’re doing everything we can to coordinate services, problem-solve, and communicate with one another to better serve Maryland’s veterans.


Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPCExecutive Director,

Renaissance ChristianCounseling Center

to your good health

This is my favorite time of the year. The music is joyous, people are kinder and the overall atmosphere is uplifting. The Christmas season brings all of us together to celebrate family and faith. Even nonbelievers join in the festivities and get a glimpse of the true reason for the season. Commemorating the best gift we have ever received is what the Christmas season is all about. Jesus like many of us had a rough start in life. This did not deter him from fulfilling his assignment and it should not keep us from fulfilling ours. The gift of eternal life was birthed upon Jesus’ arrival as Immanuel, God with us. God is still with us through the gift of the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to live victoriously through our relationship with Jesus Christ. The gift of Jesus is a reminder of God’s love, grace and mercy. It is the gift that keeps giving.

Many of us focus on material possessions at this time of the year. That is not what celebrating Christmas is all about. Christmas is about fellowshipping with others and keeping Jesus at the center of our attention. This is the time to make what Jesus thinks is important and significant to us. In Matthew 25:35-36, we are reminded of Jesus’ love for people. “For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you brought Me together with yourselves and welcomed and entertained and lodged Me, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me with help and ministering care, I

was in prison and you came to see Me.” Give yourself to people in need. People need people. We do not need more gadgets, perfume, handbags or jewelry. We need more love, joy, peace and understanding. These gifts can be extended to others through our interactions with them in conversation, in service, in showing them care and concern. The most critical aspect of giving that is memorable is the gift of self. When we give ourselves to others they remember it. It is the gift that keeps giving. Sending someone a card, a text message, calling to check on him or her and inviting him or her to lunch or dinner can be just what he or she needs. This Christmas season give the gift that keeps giving. Give of yourself and spread the love of Christ through your interactions with others. Visit the sick and shut-in, contact someone who has lost a loved one, donate to your favorite charity or spend time with those without a family. This is what Jesus wants from us. He wants us to share our love through giving. Someone is waiting for you to connect with him or her and give him or her the gift of your presence. This is what Jesus has given us, the gift of his presence, the gift that keeps giving.



ALLTO THE

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12:00 Midnight for one hour1617 W. SARATOGA STREET

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Do you struggle with being single at Christmas? It’s not uncommon for Christian singles to feel depressed during the holiday season. If we’re not half of a couple, we can find Christmas just another hard time to get through. As someone who has been a Christian single more than 40 years, I eventually learned that beating the holiday blues is a matter of focus. When we get our focus off ourselves and on to other things, it can make Christmas time enjoyable again.

Being Single at Christmas Can help You Focus on others If we’re honest, we singles would admit we can be morbidly self-centered. We’re a family of one, and our mind is usually fixated on how that one is doing, moment by moment. Everything gets viewed through the narrow lens of “I”. Yes, it would be great if people constantly showered us with love and attention during the holidays, but let’s get real. Our married friends have their spouse to think about, often children, and they have family and other friends, too. It may be a cliché’ to say that the way to happiness is to make others happy, but it’s also true. Paul quoted Jesus as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35 NIV) We’ve been conditioned to associate giving with presents, but one of the most valuable gifts we can give someone is our time and our ability to listen. Loneliness strikes everyone. Just spending time with a friend or relative over lunch or a cup of coffee can do both of us a world of good. To show someone you care about them and to say it is a priceless way of focusing on others. Of course there are toy drives, and charities always need volunteers. These are the kinds of others-focused activities that make you happy because you’re making someone else happy. We are the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, even in small things.

Being Single at Christmas Can help You Focus on the Future Christian singles who are not paired up during Christmas may reminisce about past relationships, beating ourselves up for mistakes we made. Let me tell you that regret is Satan’s way of using your past to spoil your present. As children of God, our past sins are forgiven: “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake,

and remembers your sins no more.” (Isaiah 43:25 NIV) If God has forgotten our sins, so should we. The “If only...” game is a waste of time. There is no guarantee that a past relationship might have ended in happily-ever-after. Maybe it would have ended in misery, and that’s why God lovingly plucked you out of it. We singles can’t live in the past. The adventure lies ahead. We don’t know what God has planned for us in the rest of this life, but we do know what to expect in the next life, and it’s good. In fact, it’s incredible. By taking our focus off the past and putting it on the hope of tomorrow and what’s to come, we have much to look forward to. When you serve a loving God, life can change for the better in an instant. Christian singles live a story with a guaranteed happy ending.

Being Single at Christmas Can help You Focus on God When we’re caught up in shopping and parties and decorations, even Christian singles can lose sight that this whole thing is about Jesus Christ. That baby in the manger is the gift of a lifetime—an eternal lifetime. We will never receive anything more valuable than him. He is the love we have always chased after, the understanding we so desperately need, and the forgiveness we’d be lost without. Jesus makes it possible for single people to get through life, not just at Christmas, but all year ‘round. He gives us meaning when we have none. Jesus gives us a purpose that rises above the pettiness of this world. Being single at Christmas often means pain, but Jesus is there to wipe away our tears. At this time of year, he is as close as we need him to be. When we feel sad, Jesus is our hope. When we focus on Jesus Christ, we find our bearings again. If you can grasp that Jesus, out of pure love, sacrificed himself for you, that truth will carry you through Christmas and far beyond.

Jack Zavadawww.about.com


story of hope


The holiday season is here. What does it mean to you? family? friends? food? presents? The holidays-especially Christmas can cause many to be depressed. The memories of loved ones who are no longer here, the thought of spending the holidays alone and not having money to buy gifts can cause us to feel down. While your thoughts and feelings can be overwhelming, remember you are not alone. God the Father has specifically addressed these very concerns in the central message of Christmas. The central message of Christmas is not only about the concerns of being with family, sharing the holidays with loved ones or buying and receiving gifts. It’s about ”God with us”. In Matthew 1:23 we are told that a virgin would conceive a child and that child would be called Immanuel. Immanuel means God with us. This is the miracle…you are not alone, God is with you.

Matthew 1:23 quotes Isaiah 7:14 to show the fulfillment of this prophecy. The prophet Isaiah records God asking Ahaz to request of him a sign. Ahaz declined, but God gave him a sign anyway. “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Again, this is the miracle. You are not alone.

In the New Testament, John 1:14 states that “God became man and dwelled among us.” Therefore, the Bible proclaims He was crucified on a cross for our sins, was buried and on the third day He arose victoriously. And whoever believes in Him shall receive everlasting life. Once we receive Christ He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Thus, you are not alone. God is with you.

So when you think about this Christmas make sure you get to the heart of what Christmas means. It’s about the fulfillment of scripture for which God sent His son Immanuel. God cares so much about us that He sent his very best. Jesus Christ. This is the gift of salvation which we should share with family, friends, coworkers and neighbors. Matthew 28:20 says “I am with you always, til the end of the age.” You are not alone.

I have had the pleasure of serving as president of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCMD). The BCMD is comprised of over 500 churches which represents various ethnic groups and nationalities. I look forward to serving these wonderful churches over the next year. Also, I want to recognize many of my new friends who are a part of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Baltimore & Vicinity. I can’t wait to see what God will do among all of us in the coming year. In closing, during this holiday season I would truly be reminisced if I did not thank the congregation of Colonial Baptist Church who has allowed me to serve as their pastor for the last 17 years. That in itself is a special Christmas gift for me. Have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!Pastor Robert J. Anderson, Jr.

Submitted by Charles & Cathey Fisher



person of interest

“GodhasstirredapassionwithinmetoseeouryouthcomfortedwiththecomfortofGod,madewholethroughthebloodofChrist,andfilledwithhopeforthefutureandthedestinythatGodhaspreparedforthem.MyvisionistoequipandsendoutanarmyofyouthtosharetheirstoriestobringGod’scomfort,love,andhopetoalostandhopelessgeneration.”

–ArleenSanchez

SENT youTh CoNfErENCE how did Sent Conference get started?I have been a teacher in public education for many years. About 6 years ago I was able to teach a leadership class for 7th & 8th graders. The purpose of the class was to hold school-wide forums where we would bring together students from all different social groups. Once together, students recognized that although they did not socialize with many of the students on campus, they all had things in common. This helped students to celebrate each other for their uniqueness. During small group discussion time, I found that students used the time together to talk about their lives, and things about themselves that they generally held inside. Students were freely opening up about some very deep and personal experiences that in the past they had kept from sharing with others. Being a Christian, I would pray beforehand ask God to move amongst the students within these gatherings, and I saw the Holy Spirit move. During discussion groups, I watched as God was able to heal up hearts, restore broken friendships and create new-found appreciation for others; it was truly a miracle to be able to experience such healing and power at a middle school campus.

Later, I moved out of the classroom and into an Assistant Principal’s position which took me away from the leadership program, but I still had a heart for seeing young people made whole and restored by the power of God. God began to speak to me about taking the forum to a new place. I realized that there was a need for just this type of event but in an arena where God, Jesus and Scripture could be an overtly integral part of the program. As I pursued this vision, God showed me Revelations 12:11 where it says, “...they defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.” That scripture along with Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you plans to give you hope and a future”, became the foundation for the SENT conference. God said that it was time to equip this generation of youth to use their stories and salvation and send them out to defeat satan and the hopelessness that he

is sowing in this generation. So many of our youth have experienced so much pain, despair, hurt and anger that they feel hopeless and defeated. We need them to be able to open up about their stories and know that God has always been there, He loves them, sees them and not only wants to heal their hearts but wants them to use their stories to bring others to a place of hope, healing and restoration through Christ Jesus.

What is my vision?The VISION is to mobilize our youth to “Go” and use their unique life story, hand in hand with their salvation, to bring God’s saving grace to a lost generation.And they defeated him by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.....” Rev. 12:11The MISSION is to have a forum where young people from all different walks of life come together, share together, and encourage each other. As they share with one another, it will ignite a passion for the unique call they have on their lives and remind them that God has given them each a uniquely beautiful story that is all part of His perfect plan.“For I know the plans I have for you....Plans to give you a future and a hope......” Jeremiah 29:11The GOAL is to empower a generation of young believers with their testimony to GO, confidently knowing they have been SENT to testify of God’s great love, comfort, and hope!“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Cor. 1:4


When the holiday season rolls around, do you find yourself excited about the decorating, food, shopping, spending, wrapping and all of the things that seemingly get us turned up (in a sober way)? Well, we do not want you to forget there is a spiritual meaning that does not require ribbons and bows, but service and love.

This Christmas we challenge you to think about serving and showing love to others. Start the tradition of giving and helping other families who are in need of God’s love and may be less fortunate. The true spirit of Christmas is unconditional love for and service to others. Do not get so involved with the material aspects and greedy desires that you forget the real meaning of the holiday. The true meaning of Christmas is love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:16-17 Why did God do such a thing? Because He loves us! Why

was Christmas necessary? Because we needed a Savior! Why does God love us so much? Because He is love. Why

do we celebrate Christmas each year? Out of gratitude for what God did for us, we remember His birth by giving each

Bishop Gregory &Pastor Tonya Dennis

Senior PastorsKingdom Worship

Center of Columbiaand Towson

www.kingdomworshipcenter.

teen connect

other gifts, worshipping Him, and being especially conscious of those less fortunate. Again, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love. God loved His own and provided a way – the ONLY way – for us to spend eternity with Him.


education digest

It is quickly becoming one of the most controversial educational issues in the nation. I’m talking about the much-talked about and often criticized Common Core State Standards. Maryland is one of dozens of states putting the new educational standards into place this year. What is Common Core? This is how the Maryland State Department of Education defines Common Core. The Common Core State Standards initiative is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governor’s Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers. These rigorous education standards establish a set of shared goals and expectations for what students should understand and be able to do in grades K-12 in order to be prepared for success in college and the workplace. The standards are research and evidence based and internationally benchmarked. They have been voluntarily adopted by a total of 45 states and the District of Columbia.

State educators say the goal of Common Core is raise the bar for student achievement and help Maryland build a world-class education system. In fact, what Common Core has done among some Maryland parents is raise a few suspicions. A few months ago a Howard County father was arrested at a meeting in Towson for disrupting a Common Core presentation. He was charged with assault. The charges were later dropped. The incident made national news. A Youtube video of him being arrested by a Baltimore County police officer has been viewed more than a half a million times. Late last month dozens of people held a protest against Common Core outside the Maryland State Department of Education building in Baltimore City. The protestors from Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard and Cecil counties say they wanted to express their concerns about Common Core and other new education reforms being implemented across the state.

Now that we have the facts, what’s the fix? Where’s the Common Ground on Common Core? In reaction to the recent protest in Baltimore City, a State department of education spokesman encouraged parents and the public to,

“Visit a public school in your neighborhood and see the great work taking place.” This is where I take sides, the side of the children. I believe it’s the responsibility of parents and guardians to make an effort to try and understand the new learning standards. It should begin with making time for a teacher conference. In that setting have your child’s teacher explain Common Core. I am convinced this effort will make a difference. I’m speaking from experience. I recall sometime ago all of the controversy surrounding another Maryland educational model. It was called the MSPAP or the Maryland School Performance Assessment program.

As a journalist, I took a sample test and struggled to understand it initially. Later that year, I spoke to my school-aged children who were about to take the test. To my surprise, they fully understood MSPAP. It became clear back then that maybe I was the one who needed to understand. Here’s my point. Make it a point to not only sit down with a teacher or school administrator, but your child as well. Together you’ll be able to dissect the core of Common Core. I am convinced it can become a teachable moment for both parent and child. I recommend spending the better part of your emotional and educational energy understanding Common Core rather than complaining about it.

http://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc5300/sc5339/000113/015000/015128/unrestricted/20120964e.pdf

Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr. is theEmmy-Award winning Senior

Education Reporter for WBAL-TV(NBC). He’s also the Pastor and Founder

of Harvest Christian Ministries in Baltimore County, Maryland


gospel industry news


by Brandie ManigaultBook Shelf

bookshelf

Not AloneBy Lynn Donovan & Dineen MillerSo often we pick up books that are targeted directly to us. We find something that speaks to us through the brief excerpt we’ve read on the back cover and then we dive all into the pages. This month I grabbed a book that was not written specifically with me in mind. But something in the excerpt spoke to me anyhow. And I was hooked.

May I present to you Not Alone by Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller. Not Alone is a book about raising children in a family where one parent is a believer and one parent is not. It speaks to a mother’s fears in this less than perfect scenario. It encourages wives to respect their husband’s opinions in the child rearing process even if it is not what they would choose. It also gives advice without giving advice about how to parent in general. Donovan and Miller don’t say “you should” but rather they share from their experiences what has worked for them.

From the first chapter I was hooked. It starts out asking the question, “Am I Enough?” As a parent I have asked myself this question. Reading Donovan and Miller’s stories let me know I wasn’t the only one who had uttered those words. It is a frequently asked question by many mothers, and some moms ask it multiple times. This theme of not being alone translated through the entire book. I love that they are so transparent with us. Honesty, reading about parenting is high on my list as a ‘must have’; they delivered.

My favorite line says, “The most powerful thing we can do to help our children love Jesus is to love Jesus ourselves.” How true not just for raising our kids but as an overarching life principle. It just reiterated for me the importance of setting a good example. Not Alone is laced from cover to cover with Scriptures and testimonies. At

Dineen Miller Dineen Miller readily admits that one of the greatest lessons she’s learning about life is that there’s purpose in our trials. It’s all about trusting God and putting our hope in Him. Her favorite stories are of the miracles God has wrought in the lives of her family. Through this lens she also believes her years as a youth counselor, a Stephen Minister, a women’s ministry leader and a life group leader fuel her desire to ignite the souls of others

through words of truth. She’s also a retreat and conference speaker and has been featured on the Moody Radio Network, Focus on the Family Radio, Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk and Family Life Today.

About the Authors

the end of each chapter Donovan and Miller give you questions to think about, a prayer, and a section called “Respecting Dad”- a section about

how to keep dad included and feeling important and not isolated. The end of the book contains two sections that add such value to the book that I cannot cheapen it by telling you all about it. You will have to get the book and find it.

One reason that I enjoyed reading Not Alone is the way that Donovan and Miller chose to write it. It was conversational. They

took turns telling their stories and experiences. In the beginning they both took the time to let us, the readers, into their personal world.

They tell us about their husbands, their children, discussions at the dinner table, and more. It’s as though they were extending the invitation for us to become a part of their inner circle or a part of their family.

Reading Not Alone confirmed for me that you can glean knowledge from anything, even books not written for you. You may be in a marriage that is spiritually on the same track or it may be going in two entirely different directions, but if you have children then this book is 100% for you. The principles found in Not Alone are priceless jewels that all mothers can grab ahold of, implement, and see the fruit of it. Donovan and Miller also included a section about how this book can be used as a guide for a group study. Go get Not Alone. It’s a must have.

Lynn Donovan Lynn Donovan is a women’s ministry leader, a retreat/conference speaker and an ordinary mom and wife who shares with audiences her everyday adventures of walking in the Presence of God. Her delight is igniting women’s hearts with Holy Spirit fire, inspiring wives and mothers to step fully into their high and holy calling of marriage and motherhood with joy, laughter and God’s favor.


nutrition and you

By: Herline A. Knights, RD,LD

Great ideas are not always easy to execute, but great ideas work, as long as you put in the effort to make them work. That is why it is so important to know the reason why you are putting in the effort. Here are some ideas to get you started and some holiday tips to help prevent weight gain.

Get a Buddy Studies have shown that people who partner up to lose (or maintain) weight tend to do better than those flying solo. Kind of makes sense, right? Imagine you have had a stressful morning and really want two slices of pepperoni pizza at lunch. Your coworker who you buddied up with is there to “talk you down from the ledge,” helping you go for soup and salad instead. Or what about when your alarm goes off at 6 AM for your morning run, but you cannot imagine anything better than staying under those warm covers. Your buddy starts knocking at your door and yelling at you to get up and get moving! Having someone in your corner can motivate you to make changes you never dreamed possible, and you can return the favor and do the same for your buddy.

Stay active A 30-minute jog can burn about 300 calories. Doing 30 minutes of interval training can burn a ton more. While many consider nutrition as about 60%–70% of the equation when it comes to weight loss (or weight gain prevention), do not disregard the 30%–40% contributed by physical activity! If you are currently active, stay that way! We often are knocked out of our routines during the holidays because of travel, additional evening commitments, and the shorter days of winter (at least for those of us in the northern hemisphere). Take a look at what your current physical activity level is (number of days per week, how long, and how intense), and make it a point to continue that level of activity through the rest of the year. Or kick it up a notch if you feel confident that you could do more. If you would like to become more active prior to the holidays, get started one day at a time. Even though the American College of Sports Medicine recommends 30 minutes of moderate physical activity 5 days/week for health benefits, increase your activity gradually. If you exercised once this week, aim for twice next week, and try to maintain twice/week for a few weeks. Once you are sticking to twice/week, try adding a little more time to those 2 days. Then add a third day a few weeks later. The key is to feel comfortable with your current routine before making any additional changes.

Stay Consistent Rather than going out of your way to make inconsistent changes, why not focus on the consistent things you were doing to maintain your weight (or to lose weight) for the previous 9–10 months of the year? Just like with any job or responsibility, it is much easier to maintain our current habits than to start a whole new set of them. Take a moment to think about all of the successful things you have done in the past 3 months to keep your weight steady. Write them down on a piece of paper. This is now your action plan to maintain your weight during the holiday season. Just keep doing these things—no restrictions or substitutions required! If you slip up one day, do not worry. All you need to do is to reread what you are doing that is successful and get back to it at the next meal or the

next day. One unplanned dessert or meal does not result in weight gain. It is the activities we do and the foods that we eat every day, day after day, that lead to weight gain or weight loss. Another thing to consider is the many temptations that you will face during the holiday season—Thanksgiving, Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa, New Year’s, and maybe a work party or two. That is about 5 days out of 60. The other 83% of the days are just like any other day during the year, and you can do the same things that kept you successful during those days of the year in November and December too!

Keep a Journal Finally, if you really are worried about how you will react or feel when faced with the holidays and its associated foods, keep track! Write in a daily journal, and at the end of the day, rate yourself on how you ate that day from a score of 1 (poor) to a score of 5 (awesome). In addition, write down why you gave yourself that rating. Also write down one improvement you made that day in your eating habits, because there is always a silver lining. If you normally eat eight cookies when you are stressed out but stopped yourself at four today, that is progress—positive progress. Note one eating choice that you could have improved on. It is not just a matter of good vs bad foods. Even some people who eat great 85% of the time make nonideal choices because of many circumstances (travel, lack of planning, socializing, etc). Reviewing your day’s eating habits the day they happen allows you to see where you can make improvements tomorrow. Record and celebrate your successes, because they are real and they are what keep you going. When you are having a lousy day a month from now and you feel that you have made no progress, you can look back at your journal and read about all of your successes. You also need to record areas for improvement, because if you think everything is perfect, odds are things are actually not perfect. Having an area of improvement gives you a specific target and action for tomorrow. It is easy to say, “I am going to eat better tomorrow” and then do nothing. If you intend to eat better tomorrow, you need to know how you ate today and what you are going to do tomorrow to improve from today. That is why writing in a journal is useful. Writing in a journal for 3 minutes a day can make a world of difference. Is preventing weight gain this holiday season worth 3 minutes a day?




Donnie McClurkin Special condolences to Pastor Donnie and the McClurkin family in the loss of their father the patriarch Donald Andy McClurkin Sr. He passed suddenly last month at the age of 79. Death is never easy but more often than not it hits harder when it is sudden and unexpected, not to mention during the holiday season. Our prayers are going up for the family.

Gospel Industry


Evangel Cathedral: Christmas CelebrationEvangel Cathedral in Largo, MD has been noted to have absolutely amazing Christmas Cantatas/Musical Celebrations with ‘A List’ artists, incredible plots, and theatrics second to none! This year’s Celebration is going ever higher raising the bar for Evangel. This year’s line-up features Marvin Sapp, Tamela Mann, Israel Houghton, Marvin, Carvin & Bebe Winans, The Commissioned Reunion (MY FAVORITE!), Ledisi, Kelly Price, and Fred Hammond. The production will feature over 200 live animals, a laser show; I mean you name it this production is “bringing it!” Performances will run from Dec. 7-Dec. 22, for more info and tickets visit www.evangelchristmascelebration.com/

Cheryl SmithAuthor Cheryl Smith has released a new book titled, It’s Ok To Breathe Again; Devotions For The Soul, it’s a 31day devotional intended to help refresh, renew, and restore you. Life often times has the ability to deplete us of our energy and strength; there are times when the cares of life make us feel hopeless and lifeless. Yet, there’s something that fights for us and wants us to live. This book is intended to reassure you; it is really OK to breathe again. Stop holding your breath and LIVE!!! Book available at http://www.alibris.com/

BMI Trailblazers I had an opportunity to watch the live stream BMI Trailblazers Gospel Music Awards not knowing I’d be witnessing what would be the first recording from BMI. This album was destined to be in the Top 10 with tributes featuring Anaysha Figueroa, Jonathan & Jason Nelson, Pastor Shirley Ceasar, Le’Andria Johnson, Yolanda Adams, and Lisa Knowles, and with producers on deck like Joe “Flip” Wilson and Donald Lawrence you can’t lose! Go grab the BMI Trailblazers CD it will bless ya life!!!

You can’t always wait for the storm to pass; sometimes you gotta learn to dance in the rain!

with Miss ericka


JJ Hairston &Youthful Praise Big shout out to JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise on their 7th recording held in Connecticut last month. This was an amazing night! Oh and did I mention there were at least 4000 people there to support. People took to the social networks #ISeeVictory was resounding everywhere! The who’s who of the industry were on deck showing their love Jonathan Nelson, Coco Clemons (SWV), Professor James Hall, Hollywood Jawn Murray, Ted Winn, Joe “Flip” Wilson, TWyse, and Professor Craig Hayes to name a few.One thing I love about JJ Hairston, in addition to their anointing and gifts, is how he always pushes his team and puts them on display allowing their individual gifts to shine. Marc Britt, David McClure, and DMV’s own Brittney Wright who gave such an amazing lead that Donnie McClurkin called her out and had Karen Clark-Sheard lay hands on her! So powerful!!JJ Hairston hand-picked some of the industry’s best to be featured on this project Jason Nelson, Deon Kipping, Karen Clark-Sheard, VaShawn Mitchell, Fondrea Lewis, Kierra Sheard, and Pastor Donnie McClurkin. I’m anticipating the release of this awesome project!

Top 5 Gospel Albums Church Clothes; Vol. 2 - LaCrae

Withholding Nothing; Live Worship Album – William McDowellBest Days – Tamela MannATLast – Alex FaithUnconditional – Joshua Rogers

Top 5 Gospel Songs Every Praise - Hezekiah Walker The Gift - Donald LawrenceBreak Every Chain - Tasha Cobbs1 On 1 - Zacardi CortezIf He Did It Before...Same God –Tye Tribbett

news



Happy Holidays to you and your family!! See you in 2014!! It’s been a great year and 2014 will be greater!! Expect the great no matter what it looks like!!! Follow me on www.twitter.com/MissErickaJ, Like Me on Facebookwww.facebook.com “Industry News with MissEricka J”.


Donna Williams-RossIn Trust Ministries

[email protected]

word of encouragement

Nowinthesixthmonth[afterthat],theangelGabrielwas sent from God to a town of Galilee namedNazareth,toagirlneverhavingbeenmarriedandavirginengagedtobemarriedtoamanwhosenamewasJoseph,adescendantofthehouseofDavid;andthevirgin’snamewasMary.Andhecametoherandsaid,Hail,Ofavoredone[enduedwithgrace]!TheLordiswithyou!Blessed(favoredofGod)areyoubeforeallotherwomen!Butwhenshesawhim,shewasgreatlytroubledanddisturbedandconfusedatwhathesaidandkeptrevolvinginhermindwhatsuchagreetingmightmean.Andtheangelsaidtoher,Donotbeafraid,Mary, foryouhave foundgrace (free,spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness)withGod.Andlisten!YouwillbecomepregnantandwillgivebirthtoaSon,andyoushallcallHisnameJesus.Hewillbegreat(eminent)andwillbecalledtheSonoftheMostHigh;andtheLordGodwillgivetoHimthethroneofHisforefatherDavid,andHewillreignover thehouseofJacob throughout theages;andofHisreigntherewillbenoend.AndMarysaidtotheangel,Howcanthisbe,sinceIhaveno[intimacywithanymanasa]husband?Thentheangelsaidtoher,theHolySpiritwillcomeuponyou,andthepoweroftheMostHighwillovershadowyou[likeashiningcloud];andsotheholy(pure,sinless)Thing(Offspring)whichshallbebornofyouwillbecalledtheSonofGod.[Luke 1:26-35 - Amplified Bible]

God our Father, who had made a decision since Genesis 3:15 that Jesus would bruise the head of the serpent did not allow Jesus to come until He presented Him to us in the four Gospels. God is the Ultimate Strategist and knew the exact time He would release Jesus into the world. It would take the end of the Old Testament before the world would experience the birth of Jesus. As we can see from the scriptures above, Jesus was explained by the Angel Gabriel to this “pure sinless thing (Offspring) and He was to be called the Son of God. Mary agreed to be the servant of God accepting the role of being Jesus’ mother in this earth realm. In actuality she was giving God the consent to use her body thereby making her the one and only woman to give birth by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. Jesus would become the special gift given to the world and the Only Person through whom man can obtain eternal life. What a loving, kind and merciful God! John 3:16 – the famous scripture lets us know that, “God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” The gift of eternal life. I wonder sometimes if mankind really understands “eternal life”. Eternal life is forever and ever. Once you have made the decision to accept or not accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you have made the ultimate decision. The ultimate decision to what -- you may ask? The ultimate decision as to where you would like to spend eternity. There is no “get out of hell card”. Once you die you would have made the decision of whether it would be hell with the devil and his cohorts or heaven with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. However, God sent His Son for you to have the opportunity to choose. As you celebrate Christmas remember that the ultimate gift God gave mankind was spending eternity with Him. Just like everything else in the world we have choices. What would be your choice of this lovely gift given to all men? I encourage you today to reminisce upon the awesomeness of our God. I encourage you today to share with others who may not know the awesome gift they have been given. It is the opportunity to choose as in Joshua 24:15 “choose this day whom you will serve”. Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, help me to not keep this gift of eternal life to myself but to share it with others. Help me Father to live a life that would make others desirous of knowing you and spending eternity with You, amen.THANK YOU! On behalf of myself and In Trust Ministries, I am wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a fruitful and prosperous New Year. See you in 2014.



Luke 2:7-14 (KJV)7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, And wrApped him in swAddling clothes,

And lAid him in A mAnger; becAuse there wAs no room in the inn.

8 And there were in the sAme country shepherds Abiding in the field, keeping wAtch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the Angel of the lord cAme upon them,And the glory of the lord shone round About them: And they were sore AfrAid.

10 And the Angel sAid unto them, feAr not: for, behold,i bring you good tidings of greAt joy, which shAll be to All people.

11 for unto you is born this dAy in the city of dAvid A sAviour, which is christ the lord.

12 And this shAll be A sign unto you; ye shAll find the bAbe wrApped in swAddling clothes, lying in A mAnger.

13 And suddenly there wAs with the Angel A multitude of the heAvenly host prAising god, And sAying,

14 glory to god in the highest, And on eArth peAce, good will towArd men.

We pray you have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!Our prayer for the New Year is that above all things you will prosper and be in good health,

even as your soul prospers.tHe Grace & GLory FamiLy

scripture page


gracenglory dec 2013

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