2014 Spring/Summer Online Publication

Special Edition PUT YOUR TRUST IN GOD... NOT MAN! 2014 SPRING/SUMMER

International

Modern Beauty In Christian Living

CHRISTIAN MAGAZINE

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errell Phelps Jr. Talk Show Host Celebrity Photographer Producer & Director

The Beauty of Holiness: “The Holy One”

This is the greatest title of honour... (Ps 110:3)

Inspire

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Educate

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Inform

04 He died, but on the third day He rose again!

He died, but on the third day He rosed again!

Featured Article Ferrell Phelps Jr.

CONTENTS 03 06 07

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STAFF Co-Founder/Publisher Elizabeth Jackson

From The Editor Teesha Waker

Chief Editor Teesha Walker

From The Publisher Elizabeth Jackson

What’s Love Have To Do With It? Ruthie Hudson, Minister

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Invitation To Christ

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Highlighting

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I Am Not My Own

Prayer Of Salvation

Keith Tillis, Photographer

Lady Beulah Davis

Contributing EDITOR C. David Harrison

Advertisment Director Elizabeth Jackson Office: 281-886-6599

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Photographer Ferrell Phelps Jr.

Assist EDITOR Byron Jackson Jr.

Contributing Writers Ruthie Husdon Beulah Davis Alfred Tompson Sponsors

~ Interactive Hair Studio ~ Ismm~ Ferrell’s Photography Mrs. Annie Price ~ Pamela Survillion

Teesha Walker, Chief Editor

Talk To Me God, In Words And In Silence

Sometimes, I can ask God a question and get an immediate answer, at other times the silence received is louder than anything I’ve ever heard! In the past I assumed that the silence meant God was saying “No.” Now, I realize that the silence is the perfect opportunity for my Father to teach me a lesson, rather than just providing an easy and efficient answer.

I can remember as a child, that if my siblings or I were to ask my parents the meaning of a word, they would make us use the dictionary to find out the meaning of the word.

Of course we would mumble because we did not want to take the time to research the word for ourselves, rather we just wanted them to give us an immediate answer. At that time I did not understand what they were trying to teach us.

They were educating us on two key principles:

1. The act of locating the correct source in order to obtain the correct answer and 2. Recognizing that not all answers will be freely given to us. We had to do some work in order to receive our answer.

In essence, I believe that God, our loving and wonderful Father does the exact same thing my parents did with my siblings and I, with us, as His children. God knows that on many occasions instantaneous solutions to our pleas for His mercy, protection, and grace may protect us from making grave mistakes. He however on the other hand, He knows that its the moments of silence that may lead to the joys of personal discovery that will also be the grandest opportunities to ignite the “search & seize” fibers within each of us.

We must never selfishly deny ourselves the experience of learning valuable lessons from our omniscient God in the silence times of prayer.

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M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | Featured Article

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Ferrell Phelps Jr. “When our first African American president Barack Obama was running for his first term, God placed it in my spirit to create a book surrounding our now president Barack Obama, entitled “In My Life Time””

ELEMENTS of An ENTREPRENEUR// Q. We know you are a renown photographer having photographed countless people not to mention a wide roster of celebrities etc . How did you began your career?

A. I have to be honest with you!

My career began with a $ 35.00 clearance camera from a local Target store and a dream that I could make everyone beautiful through the lens of my camera (chuckling). I practiced on my siblings, Shelia, Raychel and George every time they turned around my camera was in their faces (lol).

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Q. I know that it can be a hard industry to break into, not to mention your career has spanned over 3 decades now and going strong. Were there any challenges?

A. Wow! If I could, let me go backwards for a moment. I began freelancing after I got a little experience under my belt and wanted to learn more by working for a photography chain. Therefore, I applied 2 times at a well know photography chain “ Olan Mills “ and was turned down twice but the 3rd time was a charm. I say that to say never give up on your dream.

Q. With that being said how did you transition from basic photography, shooting families etc, to the status of celebrity photographer?

A. I have to be honest the first celebrities I ever shot were simple covers on albums that I had at home (lol). I would place their albums in a particular location and pretend I was photographing that celebrity and it’s ironic that years into my career I realized that I had actually began long time ago speaking into existence that which I desired before it came to pass, I

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M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | Featured Article Know it sounds corny but that was what I use to do and now God has blessed me to become that in which I planted seeds for long ago.

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Models: Alfred Moody & Keisha Hagan

Dionne Warwick

Letoya Luckett

Q. Wow what an amazing testament!

So who was the first celebrity that you actually photographed?

A. Actually my first celebrity to actually photograph was Dionne Warwick and boy was I nervous (lol). I brought

along my cousin Lillian Leday to be my assistant but actually more like my support (smiling). I had only 10 minutes to shoot her. I had strict instructions to have it completed within a 10 minute time frame because Dionne’s schedule was demanding and time was limited.

Q. What was it like to photograph one of the greatest singers of all time?

A. I was nervous and cautious (smiling) but I have to say to this day she has been one of the poised people I’ve ever met celebrity or otherwise. She made my job so easy moving from one pose to the next without any instruction from me it was obvious that she was a seasoned professional.

Q. What other celebrities have you worked with?

A. I always have to think hard to even

obedience. It’s one of my accomplishments recall everyone but to name a few, Dionne that I’m very proud of! Now President Barack Warwick, Nancy Wilson, Delta Burke, Letoya Obama is half way through his second term.

Luckett, Destiny’s Child, James Fortune, “In My Life Time” was presented to him Kelly Price, Shaquille O’neal, etc. There’s and sits on the shelf in the White House. more, I just can’t think of them at the Q. You seem to have many things to be proud moment. of in your own lifetime I see! Which moves me Q. I’m going to change the subject. So you to the next question. You have now become an author of a book entitled “In My Life a talk show host; your very own show “The Time”, how did that come about and who Ferrell Phelps Show” that is seen throughout Houston and on your Youtube channel how did all of that evolve?

A. I know its kind a weird but I had always throughout life seen myself doing something on the platform of being a host. So often I would listen to stories that were shared with me by clients in my photography business and they would always say to me, “You are so easy to talk to!” Then after the book came out I was being interviewed from radio to news inspired you?

A. When our first African American paper to TV during that time. I was asked president Barack Obama was running to be a co-host on a local show. Once that for his first term, God placed it in my ended, soon after, I began my own talk show! spirit to create a book surrounding our now president Barack Obama. What was strange about that was he had not even won the presidency. So many people didn’t understand why I moved forward with completing the book, but it was something that was directed by God and I followed in

Q. Do you think you have you created your greatest work?

A. I do not feel that my greatest work has been created as long as God gives me breath in my body and the desire to create I”ll have the chance for something greater!!!

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M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine |From The Publisher

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“Become or Die” (Genesis 21:20 NASB)

time the Bible says Ishmael “BECAME” a skillful archer.

He had to develop skills to survive the wilderness. When you are in your wilderness place don’t give up or throw in the towel; allow the God who created you develop you, so that you can become skillful in all that He would have you do!

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oo many times, we as people of God, do not see ourselves any further than our environments or rearing has taken us. Our thoughts and behaviors demonstrate what we are most connected with or to. Rather it’s our parents, teachers, siblings, and or friends. God has placed something within each of us. He has in us the “ABILITY to do. “Something, although

we can’t do everything!” When He breathed into the nostrils of man and he “BECAME” a living soul, He also breathed some of Himself into us.

There’s a story in the Bible that talks about the life of a young boy who was born from the loins of Abraham by the name of Ishmael. Ishmael was the son of Abraham and Hagar, his maidservant. But after Ishmael turned thirteen he and his mother, Hagar were put out the camp and thrown into the wilderness to die. But God blessed Ishmael still, simply because he was from the seed of Abraham. After being in the wilderness for a period of

My question to you is what are you becoming in spite of your circumstances and situations? As I previously stated, Ishmael, by the time he was 13 years of age, was put out of a place he had always known. He was accustomed to having servants, eating the best of food, and dressed in fine apparel, but because of a choice Abrahamn and Sarah made, caused Ishmael and his mother Hagar to be displaced from their home and thrown into the wilderness.

For Ishmael, the wilderness was a place where he would either “BECOME or die”.

My prayer for each of us is that we continue to search our hearts daily and consult with The Lord about the gift He placed within all believers, so that we can “BECOME” what He has created us to be in order that we can be a blessing to others as well as to ourselves…

Elizabeth Jackson, Publisher

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“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1

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hat’s Love Got to Do with It?

Those words have resonated from the lips of every moviegoer that has ever viewed the cinematic biography of Ike and Tina Turner. Not to mention those same words became the anthem for men and women all around the world! Many still hurl these words to anyone that seems to be in an earshot or a bird’s eye view of a tumultuous relationship. It’s in these words that we seem to have some type of personal vindication. We stand with both hands on our hips, with sword in our hands, cutting away every, “I love you”, snatching back every “sweet nothing” ever whispered, while standing over the ashes of our then love. We justify our concluding actions with the hero’s anthem, “what’s love got to do with it”?

I would like to paint a picture that would unequivocally suggest that love has everything to do with it! As we porous the halls of the greatest Artist ever known to mankind, we witness Him taking darkness and interweaving tapestries of pastels and creating everlasting light. It’s the kind of light that is able to both cover and uncover sin. He creates the pathway that erases a life separated from Him. I would venture to say, love had a lot to do with that!

He writes words, that when spoken have the power to lift, encourage, and activate prayers that begin with promises and end in praises. This Artist carries such a gift within His hands, that He can take something as complex as a heart and mold it to beat after a different sound of music. And that same music becomes an orchestra of sweet smelling melodies in His nostrils. I believe that love

had a lot to do with His symphonic masterpiece. This particular Artist is known for His thunderous and commanding voice.

When He speaks, rivers separate, winds cease to blow, demons tremble, life begins and ends, the blind see, the sick become well, and that which is broken, comes together like a well piecedtogether puzzle. Love is the only source of such a wonderful artist and the miraculous power that flows from His pen. This Artist transcends His artistic abilities, whereby He becomes an artistic impression. He is the Mighty King that goes into battle. He wins the battle and silences the voices of His enemies. He renders His tools powerless and paints a beautiful portrait of His victory.

Nevertheless, if you’re still not convinced that love has everything to do with it, then follow me to one of the most profound and prolific historical books ever written; the Bible. If you would scroll through its pages (Romans 5:8), you will discover that Christ died for us when we had no idea that we needed His love. His love continues to forgive us for all that we do to ourselves and to each other (1 Peter 4:8). Therefore, the next time you stand to shout those words of disdain, What’s Love Got To Do With It, or hammer the nail into to the coffin that represents another failed relationship between you and your brother or sister, I would suggest that you remember the tapestry of red colors that the world’s greatest artist sketched within your heart. His masterful work on the cross and the sounds of the angels at the empty tomb, echoes my sentiments to the tee; Love has everything to do with it! by: Min. Ruthie Hudson…

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\\ Prayer of Salvation: JUST BELIEVE! // Romans 10:9,10

You Can Receive Jesus Christ Right Now by Faith - Through Prayer: "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Matt. 28:6

“Lord Jesus, I need You to come into my life. I thank You for dying on the cross for my sins, and arose from the dead. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.”

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Now That You Have Received Christ!

The moment that you received Christ by faith, as an act of will, many things happened, including the following:

1. Christ came into your life. Rev. 3:20 and Colossians 1:27

2. Your sins were forgiven. Colossians 1:14

3. You become a child of God. John 1:12

4. You received eternal life. John 5:24

5. You begin the great adventure for which God created you.

John 10:10; II Corinthians 5:17; I Thessalonians 5:18 Can you think of anything more wonderful that could happen to you than receiving Christ?

“As soon as you can find a Bible believing and Bible teaching Church so that you can begin to hear and study the Word of God. Remember, Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” Paul D. Landrew

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AFTER YOU PRAYED THE PRAYER OF SALVATION BELOW ARE SOME SUGGESTED CHURCHES YOU MAY CONSIDER GOING TO FOR MORE BIBLE BASED TEACHING AND GUIDANCE IN THE WORD OF GOD. Pastor Paul D. Landrew Loving Word Fellowship Church 170 Rittenhouse Houston, TX 77076 11040 Southwest Frwy Houston Tx 77477

Pastor Henry Thomas True Fellowship Baptist Church 3115 N. Fry Katy, TX 77449

Pastor Bennett T. Cortez Greater Faith Baptist Church 9235 West Montgomery rd.

Houston, TX 77088

Pastor Raynard Hillis Double Rock Baptist Church 1595 Shafter Ave San Francisco, California 94124 ....415-822-4566

Pastor John Adolph Antioch Missionary Baptist Church 3920 West Cardinal Drive Beaumont, TX 77705

Pastor Demetrius Moffett First Church of God 911 Main Street Orange, TX 77630

Pastor Roland Booker Just Church Ministry 13547 Bammel North Houston Houston, Tx 77066

Pastor Melvin H. Kirks Jr. Bridge Crossroad Church 12515 Fondren Ste. F Houston, TX. 77035

Pastor Andy Woods Sugar Land Bible Church 401 Matlage Way Sugar Land TX, 77478

Pastor Charles Tompkins New Prairie View Baptist Church 4303 Seaky Rd. San Felipe TX 77473

What The Bible Says About Our Greatest Salvation “Christ took our punishment and died in our place. Since our attempts at righteousness will not satisfy God, Christ clothed us in His righteousness in such away that when God, the Father, looks upon us, He does not see our sin; He sees only the righteousness of His Son, Jesus Christ.” L. Moyer Hebrews 2:1-4 -“What has been the greatest moment of your life? For some people, the answer might be their wedding day, the birth of a child, or an important promotion. But for believers, the best experience is salvation, when their eternal destiny was changed. New Christians often have a fervor to share their faith. In time, however, many find their hearts cooling as they focus less on their relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Hebrews 2:1 instructs, “Therefore we must give the most earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” Salvation is God’s amazing solution to man’s sinful condition: it is His gift of rescue - through the death of Jesus- from the penalty of our transgressions.” Charles Stanley

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M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | Acknowledgement

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Photo by Keith Tillis

Keith Tillis Photographer//

K

eith Tillis is a loving husband, father, brother, co-worker, son and amazing Photographer.

Keith fell in love with photography after his eldest son beagn playing sports. It began as an ordinary father with a camera who wanted to capture the moments of his son. What began as an exciting father capturing his son’s special moments on the field became a love and passion for photography, as well as the inspiration of his son’s grandmother, Elizabeth Jackson. This was the start of his career as a professional photographer.

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Photo by Keith Tillis

Photo by Keith Tillis

M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | Keith Tillis

Q. WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS AS IT RELATES TO FAMILY AND WORK?

A. My goal is to be the best husband and dad I can

be. My goal is to be better than my father was. I had a great father. But he always told me that he wanted me to be better than him. Honestly that’s what I want to teach every young man, especially my boys. Make sure they know the word and have a relationship with God. As long as you have The Lord anything and everything is possible. My duty is to teach my kids how to be great young men and women. It’s to teach them how to be responsible so when they are adults they can have a better life then mine. I can go on and on but we would be all day. As far as work goes, I strive to be the best at any and everything I do. The Lord blessed me with a great career at Rooms to Go. I love what I do but I want to someday have a main stream studio to where I can live out out people’s memories even after their event is long gone and still make it seem like it was just yesterday. So you know what that means? Some day I will be a known industry photographer.

Q.

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE PHOTOGRAPHY AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PHOTOGRAPHING?

A.

I remember growing up and watch someone named Ms Liz always taking pictures. Three years ago I picked up a camera to take pictures and videos of my boys playing football, and fell in love the the camera. I never really got into the video side of it. After finding out I could let other see things from my view and turn what I see in to memories I was hooked.

Then I found out that I could not only show my view but what others visions are and make them come to life! It’s an Art.

Q.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF 5-10 YEARS FROM NOW?

A.

5-10 years from now I see myself teaching my kids the same thing. I feel like teaching never stops. You should always continue learning. I’m 34 years old and I’m still learning. 10 years from now my studio will be up and running and successful. My client base will be based on mainly referrals. With The Lord on my side I know it will happen.

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M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | Christ Jesus The Savior

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Who is Jesus C h rist ?

Written by M. Larson

How can we know, love, and worship the Lord Jesus Christ unless we really know and understand Who He was– as the Magi from the east did! Was Jesus a good man?

He is more than that. The Bible says He “did no sin” (1 Peter 2:22.) Was he a great teacher? He is more than that. Officers sent to arrest Him returned to the chief priests and Pharisees and said, “No one ever spoke the way this man does” (John 7:46.)

Today, just as the religious leaders of Jesus’ day did, many cults and even ministers and professors in religious schools deny the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, the reconciliation of God and man through Christ’s death on the cross for our sins, and His physical resurrection from the grave.

So it’s important that we know who Jesus Christ is and what He came to earth to do. This can help us not only to be sound in faith, but also to be witnesses to those who have gone astray. The Bible tells us these truths:

“through him all things were made and without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3.)

Jesus Christ is both man and God

Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Verse 14 says that the Word became flesh and dwelt among men. In Revelation 1:8 John quoted the Lord Himself: “I am the Alpha and Omega, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” In Isaiah, written some 700 years before Christ’s coming, we find essentially the same statement: “This is what the Lord says–Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God” (Isaiah. 44:6.)

The Prophet Micah foretold the birthplace of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to be Bethlehem, and then added that He was the One whose goings forth are from old, from everlasting (5:2.) The Apostle Paul wrote by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “He is before all things, Christ Always Existed John 1:1 says, ‘In the beginning was the and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17.) John also testified that

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C h r i s t ’s birth by a woman was first predicted in Genesis 3:15. Matthew 1 gives His genealogy from Abraham and quotes Isaiah 7:14: “‘Behold, the virgin will be with child, and will give birth to a Son, and they will call him ‘Immanuel’ which means ‘God with us’.” Isaiah later wrote again of this miraculous birth: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (9:6.) Look at the titles that belong to that Holy Child born to the virgin Mary! When the Angel Gabriel told the virgin Mary about this child she would give birth to, she exclaimed, “How will this be since I am a virgin?”

(Luke 1:34) Gabriel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most high will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (v.

35.) So Jesus Christ is the only child

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M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | Christ Jesus The Savior

ever born of God and of a woman (John 3:18)–without the help of a man. Thus, He is both God and man.

Later, when Joseph learned Mary was pregnant, the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream to explain to him the miraculous conception of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Matthew says these things fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy concerning a virgin giving birth to a son, and that this child would be called “Immanuel,” which means “God with us” (Matthew 1:18-23.)

Jesus Christ came to die for our sins John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believed in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Isaiah predicted that Christ would be pierced for our transgressions…af f licted…led as a lamb to the slaughter (53:5.)

Revelation 13:8 calls Jesus “the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.” His coming to earth to die for our sins was God’s plan before He made man.

Jesus Christ is the future King A thousand years before Christ, the psalmist prophesied His second coming in judgment, power, and glory to take His throne as King: “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom” (Psalm 45:6). Hebrews 1:8 quotes this prophecy, saying that God the Father said it to God the Son. God said through Isaiah, “I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me

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you describe it? Contented? Rushed?

Exciting? Stressful? Moving forward?

Holding back? For many of us it’s all of the above at times. There are things we dream of doing one day, there are things we wish we could forget. In the Bible, it says that Jesus came to make all things new. What would your life look like if you could start over with a clean slate? there is no savior” (43:11); and “Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock” (44:8.) The only way we can understand these truths is to accept by faith the teaching of the Godhead made up of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)–one God in essence, yet three Persons.

Here is a simple formula to remember where the key scripture verses are to back up these teachings concerning Christ: Isaiah 7, 9, and 53; the first chapters of John, Ephesians, Colossians, Hebrews, and Revelation; and the 3:16 in John, 1 Timothy, and 1 John. Most people will admit that Jesus Christ was a truly good man. If He is that, then He certainly is no liar! He Himself claimed to be God and the Son of God. On the basis of that claim, He was crucified (John 8:58; 19:7.)

Imagine what great love the Son of God has for us, to come to die such a painful ignominious death on the cross to save us! Have you yet realized that He did that for you? Have you believed that He died to pay the penalty for your sins?

He says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). If you will believe that he died for your sins, then He will come and fellowship with you, as He promised.

Living with hope If you are looking for peace, there is a way to balance your life. No one can be perfect, or have a perfect life. But every one of us has the opportunity to experience perfect grace through a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. Here’s a suggested prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally.

Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord.

Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be.

Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? You can pray it right now, and Jesus Christ will come into your life, just as He promised.

Is this the life for you?

If you invited Christ into your life, thank God often that He is in your life, that He will never leave you and that you have eternal life. As you learn more about your relationship with God, and how much He loves you, you’ll experience life to the Take a look at your life. How would fullest.

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M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | Inspirational

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I Am Not My Own Written by Lady Beulah Davis

Looking at my life and all God has brought me through, has taught me how not to compromise my walk with God now that I’m older and wiser. Sometimes in life, I put more stock in what people had to say and what they thought and it has caused me to error in my walk. However, once I learned and understood that my walk with Christ wasn’t about anyone or anything but HIM, I was able to understand that I am not my own; I was bought with a price! (I Cor. 6:20, KJV) In the times we are living in today, it appears that people are doing what they want and how they want. For example, the Christian community is living beneath their privilege due to lack of reverence and understanding, that we are not our own. I’m asked how do I stand in the midst of all the chaos going on around me and not compromise my walk. First, I have to be quiet in order to hear what the Lord is saying about the situation and study His word according to what may be going on in my life. Have I always been in this place of maturity? Absolutely not!

How did I get here? I decided to love God and His word more than anything attached to me: no matter the pain.

Today, a lot of us don’t want to go through our process due to the pain and shame attached to it. Not realizing Christ set the example for us on Calvary as how to go through pain and shame and die that others may live. We won’t have a physical

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death but a spiritual death to become who God intended us to be that we be a example of HIM in the earth.

One scripture that keeps me grounded is I Corinthians 6:19-20 which says, “Do you not know that

your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price.

Therefore honor God with your body.”

(NIV) I do understand this text is talking about sex outside of marriage but I use it for my whole being. My spirit and body belongs to Christ who now owns my life once I said, “Lord I accept you as my Lord and Savior and I believe you die and rose on the third day with all power, just for me!” (Rom 8:9-10) My

thoughts are no longer my thoughts but Christ Jesus thoughts! Many say Lady B how do you allow people that can’t stand you be in your space or how can you love people that don’t love you? We are in the faith!! Understand that we once were these same people until we found Jesus for ourselves.

In closing, let me give you practical ways to keep it moving in this walk with Jesus. You have to acknowledge Him in everything. My children think I’m crazy because I thank Him for the littlest things and the most painful things all at the same time. Why, because I have not always been good that’s why. I can’t judge someone else’s walk. Once I grasped that Christ bought me and I’m not my own, and the Holy Spirit lives in me, I realized that I can’t take my Jesus just any and every where. I can’t cut up because He is right there with me.

I have found that people have more reverence for the men and woman of God than they do God. What do you mean Lady B? You won’t cuss in front of a man or woman of God but you will cuss and Jesus abides in you! When you know that you’ve been bought you understand that the Holy Spirit that abides in you is more important than anything outside of you and that is keeps you from compromising who you are in Christ Jesus for anyone.

I encourage you that don’t know my Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ to come to know Him that you may live a full and joyful life in the earth. Be Blessed!

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Together we are saving one soul at a time!

“When you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, He not only forgave you but also made you into a new creature.” C Stanley Modern

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M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine |Shalonda McFarland

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5 Money Scriptures We Should Know I love The Word and am fascinated by all the money Scriptures contained in the Bible so I’ve listed a few that I feel we as Christians should not only know, but also practice. And I’ve added a little of my commentary as well…

but by signing the note with them you’re acting like your resources are unlimited.

The bank denied them after checking their credit report, and I bet you didn’t because you thought it would be rude to ask.

1 Corinthians 9:14 NIV

Proverbs 11: 24-25 NIV

In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

So you’re a preacher but scared to ask your congregation for money? Or are you a church member who says, “He can work [a job] just like I can.”

Well this Scripture really needs no explanation. Take care of your pastor financially, because it is a job dealing with us’s. And if you’re a pastor, minister, etc. don’t feel guilty when someone gives you a love offering, or honorarium. God wants your calling to be a blessing to others and to you.

Malachi 3:8-10 NIV

Shalonda McFarland

but we neglect the offering. Paying tithes is an act of obedience and the Offering, an act of faith. I say that because your tithes is a set number, 10% (of your Gross by the way, not your Net), but your offering can be any figure and it’s above and beyond your tithes. Let us walk in obedience and faith and start giving an offering in addition to the tithe.

Proverbs 22:26-27 NIV

Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet or puts up security for debts; if you lack you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How the means to pay, your very bed will be are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and snatched from under you. offerings. You are under a curse— your whole nation—because you are Have you ever been asked by your best robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into friend or relative to co-sign a loan for the storehouse, that there may be food them? Did you feel something deep in in my house. Test me in this,” says the your gut that told you it was a bad idea?

Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not You even said, “Something told me not throw open the floodgates of heaven to do it.” That something was the Holy and pour out so much blessing that Spirit. This scripture warns us not to there will not be room enough to store do such a thing. If you think about it, you’d realize that a bank with pretty it. much unlimited resources has deemed If you’ve never heard this Scripture, that person too big of a risk to loan them you’ve probably never step foot in a Baptist church. So most of us have money and which is why that person heard this and do obey the tithes part came to you. You have limited resources

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This is good news! As you pour out yourself, the Lord will continue to pour back into you. He will not let you be barren.

Notice this Scripture doesn’t say that you’ll be blessed back by the very ones that you blessed, but He will make sure you are taken care of. I’ve heard it said in various ways but Pastor Chris Welch said it best, “God will give a blessing to, who he can get a blessing through.” You cannot beat God’s giving, no matter how hard you try.

Ecclesiastes 11:2 NIV Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.

This is our confirmation to get our hustle on.

Seriously, we should have many different income streams. That might mean while we hold down a traditional job, we have a business venture on the side, diversified portfolios, weekend side jobs, etc. There are plenty of instances where people’s hobbies have become their major source of income. Don’t put yourself in a box.

Shalonda McFarland is a speaker, gospel recording artist, and author of A Christian’s Worst Witness…From Being Broke to Being Blessed book and workbook. For more info see www.shalondamcfarland.com

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What the Bible Says About The Holy Spirit and the Trinity Gen. 1: 1, 2

Look closely at Genesis 1: 1, 2, and you’ll notice the Bible refers to “God” and “the Spirit of God” without making the slightest distinction between the two. It uses the two terms interchangeably.

Have you ever wondered why? It’s because the two are one! This is the first allusion to the doctrine of the Trinity in Scripture. A little later in the creation story we find a second reference to the Trinity: “Then God man in Our image, likeness’” (Gen. 1: was God speaking?

He (or They) clearly part in the creation make man.” So who “Us”? The only other animals and angels, indication that either role in the creation in the very next verse meant: “God created in the image of God and female He created

said, ‘Let Us make according to Our 26). Now, to whom Whomever He meant, played a crucial process: “Let Us was this mysterious beings then alive were and the Bible gives no group played any process. Fortunately, God clarifies who He man in His own image, He created him; male them” (Gen. 1: 27).

God did not create Adam and Eve in the image of animals or angels; He created them in His own image. Therefore, the “Us” in Genesis 1: 26 could only refer to God Himself— that is, to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. There is only one God, but He expresses Himself through the three persons of the Trinity. Within the eternal fellowship of the Trinity, the members of the Godhead have always enjoyed a deep, rich, and unbroken relationship of love with one another. When God created us, He wanted us to share in some measure of that fellowship; that’s why He created us in His image. By creating us to reflect His own nature, He made it possible for us to develop a deep and intimate relationship with Himself. In this truth we come to the heart of who God made us to be. Our intimacy with God— His highest priority for our lives— determines the impact of our lives! So the closer we grow to Him, the more positive and lasting impact we can have on this world.

Stanley, Charles F. (2009-03-17). The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NASB (Kindle Locations 3421-3424). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

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M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | Inspirational

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Embrace Yourself; God Made You!

by Alfred Thompson

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139: 14

The book of Psalms is one of, if not the most interesting book of the Bible. Not only is it the longest book, but also it is the book that most Christians reflect, understand, and identify with. Psalms exudes the life of a worshipper; providing poems, hymns, and references of praise and worship. Within the book, the relationship of God and His creation is exemplified, the heart of worship is illustrated, and sin and evil are forewarned. Although these are very wealthy concepts to study, Psalm 139:4 is a passage in the Psalter that most Christians fail to live up to due to: fear, doubt, and regret. As believers, we must know that God has wonderfully and majestically made us, and this awareness will allow us to embrace ourselves as He has made us.

This specific passage is a part of the Psalms of David, wherein he references his creator (God) for being made in His image. What is most interesting about the Scripture is that David starts by giving God praise. “I praise you…”, this exemplifies that not only is David giving praise to His Master, but also he acknowledges Him (God) before himself. David realizes that it is the Lord who gave him the gift of life, and that he was created in the Lord’s image and likeness.

In society today, we must embrace ourselves and be proud of who we are without falling into conceit or self-idolatry.

The problem is that embracing one’s self is a fine line, with low self-esteem being on one side and vanity on the other.

Although most would argue that low self-esteem is a form of humbleness, instead it is false humility, and in turn this line of thinking is calling God’s molding of you insufficient.

On the other hand, vanity is also a form blasphemy, because vanity is investing credit in yourself for who you are. The remedy for high self-esteem is being proud of who you are by acknowledging Who’s you are.

The psalm continues, “...because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” when thinking about these words, I had to petition God as to what these words were meant to express. Fearfully, in this context refers to be respected and honorable. As Christians, we must live up to who God has called us to be. You should have respect for yourself, causing others to respect you. God did not make you to be walked over, looked over, or treated less than. The tragedy

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of Christian living is that we live beneath God’s standard and title it blessings. However, this Psalm reminds us that we are made in His image and with the potential that He has given us. Others shouldn’t fear you, but the God inside of you should be a light amidst a darkened world, where others are commanded to respect who you are, because of who God is. Also, there is a level of honor that stands before your presence. You are a child of the King, which makes you royalty. As royalty, you cannot accept less or live underneath your potential. When the world looks at you, nothing should categorize you as average.

When David speaks of being “wonderfully made”, he is referring to his uniqueness. God made each of us different; so much that he designed every person with a different fingerprint. You must embrace that there is no one on the face of the earth like YOU. If God thought that much of you to set you apart from everyone else, why would you try to be anything other than yourself? We must learn to own our uniqueness whether it’s the way you wear your hair or the hobbies you prefer, because God designed you with all of the specifics. Therefore, doubting your uniqueness and not accepting your greatness keeps you from reaching the successes that God has to offer.

Remember, in order to be the person that God has called you to be, you must embrace yourself as He made you. Don’t be ashamed of being different or not fitting in with the crowd. Love yourself unconditionally, and know that you were made on purpose, for a purpose. Remain humble, but boldly operate within the gifts and talents that God has given you. David was far from perfect, but he knew who he was and that he was made in God’s image. David, in spite of his flaws, became a king and accomplished great things. Ask yourself, by embracing who you are what could you accomplish?

Alfred Thompson, Inspirational Writer

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Life Principle

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You Can Never Outgive God.

Life Principle 23 You can never outgive God. 2 Cor. 9: 8 King David knew that God had prospered him and given him rest from all his enemies. One day he looked around at his comfortable home and said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within tent curtains” (2 Sam. 7: 2). He wanted to build a temple for God— no small undertaking. But God had a much bigger gift in mind for David. He said, “The LORD also declares to you that the LORD will make a house for you… Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever” (2 Sam. 7: 11, 16).

This story powerfully reminds us that we can never outgive God. While He invites our gifts and offerings, He will always give us far more than we could possibly give Him. He will never be a debtor to anyone. Jesus declared that anybody who gave one of His followers even a cup of water in His name would be lavishly rewarded (Mark 9: 41).

He once illustrated God’s generosity by describing how a wealthy “Lord” rewarded servants with multiple cities in return for their doubling the little bit of money he had given them. Peter once boasted to the Lord, “Behold, we have left our own homes and followed You” (Luke 18: 28). He probably expected a pat on the back. Instead Jesus told him, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life” (vv. 29, 30). In one

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of the clearest examples of this principle in Scripture, Jesus tells us, “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure— pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return” (Luke 6: 38). It’s just a fact: you can never outgive God. The Old Testament prophet Malachi certainly believed this principle.

Through him, God instructed the people to bring Him the full tithe and said, “‘ Test Me now in this,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows’” (Mal. 3: 10). To tithe is to give ten percent of our income to God for His work. All that we have is a gift from God; therefore, a tithe is a mere portion of what He has already given to us. If we obey God’s Word and cheerfully give the portion He has requested of us, He will bless us and the work of His kingdom.

Years ago, God led us to purchase property for the expansion of First Baptist Atlanta. We began to pray that He would provide the funds we needed. I also prayed specifically that He would show me what He wanted me to give. I had given financially, but sensed there was something more that He was requiring.

It wasn’t long before He began to impress upon me to give my camera equipment to the building fund. I love photography.

It is my favorite hobby. However, God’s conviction was strong and to the point.

There was no way I wanted to avoid making the right decision. I knew that my obedience would lead to blessing. If He wanted my cameras, I wanted to give them to Him. After all, He owned them

2 Cor. 9: 8

anyway. A few days later, I sold my equipment and gave the money to the building fund. Many of the other members of our congregation also gave personal possessions and treasures. It was a great time in our fellowship for seeking God’s will with our finances and also allowing Him to prove His faithfulness to each one of us. When it came time to sign the paperwork for our new property, we had the money we needed and did not have to borrow a single, copper penny. Several months later, a woman rang my doorbell. When I opened it, I noticed she had two very large shopping bags. She asked, “Are you Charles Stanley?” I didn’t know what to think but I replied, “Yes, I am.”

Then she said, “This is for you.” She set the bags down and turned and walked away.

I looked inside one of them and immediately recognized my camera equipment. God had returned every lens and every camera body to me. Is this the way He works? I believe it is. Many times, He tests us to see where our true devotion is located. Is it in “things,” or is it in Him? He challenges us to give Him the privilege to prove Himself and has promised to bless us in return (Prov. 3: 9, 10). When we obey, He will protect our finances, just as He protected His obedient people in the Old Testament from the insects that otherwise would have devoured their crops. The psalmist asked, “What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me?” (Ps. 116: 12). The question could be translated, “How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness toward me?” The answer is, we can’t. No one can because nobody can outgive the Lord.

Stanley, Charles F. (2009-03-17). The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NASB (Kindle Locations 83016-83018).

Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

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