M'Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine 2014 Fall/Winter Edition

Local & InternationalOnline Publication

Modern Beauty In Christian Living

Put Your Trust In God... Not Man

Christian Magazine

2014 Fall|Winter Edition

RICH BEYOND MEASURE!

Elizabeth Jackson, Publisher

Inspire

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Educate

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Inform

CONTENTS 03

From The Editor

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Rich Beyond Measure

CO-FOUNDER/PUBLISHER Elizabeth Jackson CHIEF EDITOR Teesha Walker

Elizabeth Jackson, Publisher

Which Would You Choose?

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Invitation To Christ

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Teesha Walker

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STAFF

Dee Franklin, Minister

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ASSIST EDITOR Byron Jackson Jr.

ADVERTISEMENT DIRECTOR Elizabeth Jackson Office: 281-886-6599 or Email: lizj.mbracingbeauty1@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHER Ferrell Phelps Jr.

Prayer Of Salvation

Life Lessons

ADVERTISEMENT ASSIST. Pamela Survillion 832-718-2885

Luke 10:2

Forward Thinking Pastor E. A. Deckard

Cover Photo by Ferrell Phelps Jr.

Featured Article Dr. Daphne M. Burleson

From Runway to Pulpit

“Hallelujah!”

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dee Franklin, Minister Pastor E. A. Deckard Dr. Daphne M. Burleson, Minister SPONSORS

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

M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | Teesha Walker, Editor in Chief

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“ What to Do When Prosperity is on the Other Side of Fear?”

Teesha Walker, Editor in Chief Prosperity is a common goal for the entire human race. Although many accompany prosperity with wealth, it also encompasses good health and happiness. It is a synergistic balance of an accomplished lifestyle from all aspects. There are many who teach, write and preach about having a prosperous life. My question is “What do you do when your path to prosperity forces you to face your greatest fear?” I have seen many people self-destruct because of the fear of success. Whether they choose to totally ignore their talent or turn to a reckless lifestyle: they opt out of living successfully. There are a few keys to overcome your fear and live the best you can live.

1. Trust your instinct ~ Instinct is a natural desire. It is not a learned behavior and it can not be altered by any person or thing. It’s YOUR x-factor; your unique attribute. Often times, what we do instinctively is what will direct us to our purpose in life.

2. Give yourself a “time-out” ~ Everything around us makes noise. You must make time for quietness. The old adage is so profound; silence is truly golden. Challenge yourself to take a daily ten minute break from everything: phones, TV’s, books, tablets/computers and people. Learn to quiet your spirit so that you can be more in tune with yourself. LEARN YOURSELF SO THAT YOU CAN TRUST YOURSELF!

3. Accomplish small goals ~ Fear is the most debilitating disease in life. Any phobia will cause you to shut down and check out of any circumstance. On the other hand, any accomplishment of a goal is the most fortifying experience. The only way to defeat fear is with proof of success with a self-given goal.

Anytime fear says you can’t; success says “ I can and I did”. Set your goals as stair steps to greatness. Reward yourself and rejoice with every milestone you achieve.

Living a prosperous life was never designed for a few, select people. It’s just the few select were willing to exhaust all of themselves and conquer every fear encountered to accomplish what their instinct was driving them to do.

Teesha Walker

Put Your Trust In God... Not Man

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M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | Thankgiving

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Thank Giving

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Put Your Trust In God... Not Man

ANSWERS TO LIFE’S QUESTIONS

WHY DOESN’T GOD ANSWER MY PRAYERS SOONER? GEN 45:25-46:4 C. Stanley

I

f God hears our requests and love us so much that He sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us, then why does it appear to take Him so long to respond to some of our most urgent requests? Carefully consider the following eight reasons. The delay may be caused by: 1. Our doubt - God wants us to trust Him- to go to Him with our needs without doubting His love, power, and provision for us ( James 1:5-8). Always remember, with faith, all things are possible (Mark 9:23).

2. Our attempts at manipulation - If we try to control or manipulate God, we should not expect answers to our prayers (I Sam 13:9-14). He is the Master; we are the servants.

3. Wrong motivation - Neither self-centered requests nor those tinged with evil intent will receive an answer (James 4:3). God refuses to partner with our lusts or our schemes.

4. Our disobedience - Our sins can prompt God to withhold His gracious hand (Ps. 81:10-12). When we disobey His commands and refuse to repent, He will give us over to the stubbornness of our heart. He will withdraw His favor and wait to answer us until we are willing to deal with our sin.

5. Our lack of responsibility - God cannot be expected to compensate for a lazy or negligent person ( Prov. 19:15). The Lord has His work to do; we have ours.

6. Rejecting God’s method - Don’t turn away God’s means of supplying your need merely because it doesn’t fit your expectations or criteria (Josh. 6). A man name Naaman almost made a mistake - and it would have cost him his health (2 King 5:8-14).

7. God’s redirection - Sometimes God is in the process of redirecting us or preparing us for something new (Gen 37; 39-50). God loves to do fresh, exciting thing with His people (Is. 43:10) 8. God’s desire to teach us - God may want us to focus on our spiritual and eternal needs so that we will learn to trust Him in all things and for all things (Is. 48:18).

Even when God delays His answers, He instructs us to keep on praying (Luke 18:1-8). He also wants us to trust Him at every turn in life. Prayer is an act of faith because when we pray, we are essentially saying, “Lord, You know all things and I need Your wisdom, strength, ability, and peace. Without fail, God answers when we call to Him.

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rusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees.”

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M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | From The Publisher

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“Rich Beyond Measure” “Faith Without Works is Dead” (Ephesians 1-6)

Elizabeth Jackson, Publisher

“The book of Ephesians is addressed to a group of believers who are described as rich beyond measure in Jesus Christ. However, they continued to live as beggars. Why did they remain in spiritual poverty? While there are potentially several answers to the question, it is likely that one stands out as a principal cause. The main reason is that they remained ignorant “([lacking in knowledge or training; unlearned])1 of their true wealth. No Christian has to live like a spiritual pauper when God has offered spiritual blessings beyond all imagination.

Paul makes it clear that the Ephesians were rich beyond measure. What does this means, it simply means that they had “more than; in excess of; over and above”2 what they needed in Jesus Christ.

Their issue was not having but not taking advantage of what they had. They had chosen not to take advantages of the Word of God. They had in some instances rejected knowledge and needed to be taught and equipped to live rich. Consequently they lived as beggars.

This exciting news was not just for the early church, it is for us as well. With such a wonderful opportunity available to each of us, the challenge is to find out how we can move from poverty to prosperity in Jesus Christ. Here are a couple things we as believers must do in order to move from poverty to prosperity, believers must first, read and meditate on what God’s Word says about their true standing. We are children of God, “Sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance” (Eph. 1:13,14). Then having studied and discovered what the Word says, we must begin to live it by faith. There is no other way to live as a believer.”3

Since we know that “All Scriptures is inspired by God... so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work,”4 then we also know that the Word of God is just as relevant today as it was yesterday. So, what is Paul saying to the believers today? Paul has painted a picture for us to see what the believers then could not see.

He has offered us a chance to choose a knowledge that will help us get in order that we may live in prosperity; not poverty. We have been adopted, redeemed, sealed with the Holy Spirit, and given wisdom in the body of Christ to live a rich life in Christ Jesus.

He is telling us to learn from them and not be ignorant (lacking in knowledge of the Word of God) so that we might know what it is He has for us, so that we may stop living as beggars. We are admonished to take advantage of what God has given to us. We as believers should not live as beggars when we serve a rich God. Elizabeth Jackson, Publisher 1. dictionary.reference.com 2. dictionary.reference.com 3. Charles Stanley 4. 2 Tim. 3:16,17

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M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | Dee Franklin, Minister

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Which Would You Choose?

by Dee Franklin, Minister

Philippians 3:13-14 says, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

There was a man who was slowly losing his memory. He could not remember day to day activities. His wife was very concerned and suggested that he should see a physician. After a lengthy examination, the doctor said to the man, “that a risky operation on his brain might reverse his condition and restore his memory. However, the surgery would be so delicate that a nerve could be severed, causing total blindness.”

The surgeon asked the man, “So, which would you rather have: your sight or your memory?” The man pondered the question for a while and replied, “My sight, because I would rather see where I am going than remember where I have been.” How profound is that? Do you really need to remember the past? How important is your past?

The enemy is always trying to dig up the past and keep you bound by your failures and your pain. Some people will not let you forget the past. Those are people that you need to distant yourself from. Stop looking back and stop allowing people to take you back!

Luke 9:62 says: “And Jesus said unto him, ‘No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’” Be encouraged! Today is a new day! Today and every day you have a choice to make! Will you choose to move forward or choose to be stuck in yesterday?

The Apostle Paul started as one of Christianity’s most zealous enemies but, was hand-picked by Jesus Christ to become the gospel’s most ardent messenger.

Paul’s dramatic conversion while on the road to

Damascus was clearly a life-altering event, changing him from being one of the early movement’s most fiery persecutors to being one of its most fervent supporters.

Paul had a brilliant mind, a commanding knowledge of philosophy and religion, and could debate with the most educated scholars of his day. Like the man in the story above, Jesus chose blindness for Paul to change his vision (which was where he was going.)

Paul’s knowledge of his success and failures was not important with his God-given assignment and his future. Paul’s vision was tainted and had to be changed. Your eyes are the doorway to your soul--mind.

But just like Paul you must choose to press forward and put aside your past forgetting those things which are behind. You must purpose to keep your eyes on the Lord, not on the successes or failures of your past. You must choose to press and accomplish your purpose in life.

I decree and declare today that you are healed of your past, you are delivered from your history, and you will not be stuck in suspension. Be free from the shackles of yesterday! You shall move forward!

Greatness is waiting on you! So go on and BE GREAT!

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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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Read Previous Online Publications @ www.issuu.com/elizabethjackson9

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. Dr. Paul D. Landrew, Senior Pastor/Teacher Loving Word Fellowship Church 170 Rittenhouse Houston, TX 77076 609 W. LittleYork ouston, Tx 77076 Pastor Bennett T. Cortez Greater Faith Baptist Church 9235 West Montgomery rd.

Houston, TX 77088

Pastor Henry Thomas True Fellowship Baptist Church 3115 N. Fry Katy, TX 77449 Pastor Raynard Hillis Double Rock Baptist Church 1595 Shafter Ave San Francisco, California 94124

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

Pastor Charles Carter Jr. First St. Mark Baptist Church 2934 Brackenridge Houston, Tx 77016

David Harrison, Executive Administrative Pastor First Baptist Church Heights 201 East 9th Street Houston, Texas 77007,

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

Put Your Trust In God... Not Man

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THE FORMULA FOR SUCCESS AS A CHRISTIAN JOHN 2:1-5 First the scripture refers to Mary as the mother of Jesus, always placing the emphasis on Jesus. Cana was located 4 and half miles northwest of Nazereth. The fact that Jesus and his disciples were invited was most likely because of Mary.

Charles Carter, Pastor The fact that Mary asks for Jesus’ help indicates that she was perhaps somehow involved in the wedding.

Jesus responds to her “Woman, what does your concern have to do with me? My hour has not yet come” was not disrespectful to her in fact it was a form of respect. But the time of revealing himself as the Messiah had not yet come.

After that, Mary no longer addresses Jesus, but directs her attention to the servants “Whatever he says to you, do it.”

have total confidence that whatever situation that may arise in your life, God has the ability and is willing to handle it.

whatever Jesus them to do.

The first and only step is Obedience:

That’s the story of all our lives; we were no good, rotten to the core, fit for hell. The change came because we were obedient to God’s word, if we accepted Jesus we would be saved.

It derives from the root word Obey which means – To follow the commands or guidance of, to behave in accordance. Obedience means willingness to obey.

James puts it this way, “Be ye doers of the word not just hearers only.”

Mary was convinced that Jesus could and would solve the problem.

Obedience to Gods word yields the fruit of Peace; Peace then gives way to Rest.

First of all, in being successful as a Christian, you must

Mary was at peace after she told the servants to do

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instructed

The result was the best wine at the wedding!

That gave us the peace of Salvation, and now we rest knowing that our salvation is secure!

As a Christian, being a success in life does not come from a seminar or some program, it comes from being obedient to God’s infallible word!

Be Blessed!

M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | Dr. Charles Stanley, Pastor

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LIFE LESSONS Luke 10:2 (NASB)

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

The Lord invites us to partner with Him in expanding His kingdom. Even though He is the One who draws people to Himself and redeems them, He still leaves the proclamation of the message to us.”

Charles Stanley

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M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | Pastor E. A. Deckard

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FORWARD THINKING with

Pastor E. A. Deckard “If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life.”- Marcus Garvey

BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN This year I’m declaring by faith will be a year full of new opportunities but you must believe in yourself in order to advance beyond your current level of productivity.

The bible states in Proverbs 22:6, “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” I am very thankful for the opportunity to have been raised in a family that had a solid biblical foundation. I’ll never forget the day I arrived home from Concord Elementary School in tears because a teacher told me I could not have the lead role in the school Black History Program. She stated I talked too fast and she added that I should focus on being behind the scene doing something that would not require communication skills.

Upon arriving home from school that day feeling rejected and defeated, my mother opened up her bible and read Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” On that day at the age of eleven I became empowered with confidence in both God and myself.

The fact my mother didn’t allow me to focus on a negative report but conversely declared the unlimited possibilities of the Word of God over me unleashed the necessary confidence to unlock my previously unknown potential. Today I enjoy a successful lifestyle using my communication skills on stages across this nation and around the world. As the bible says “all things work together for the good”.

UNTIL YOU BELIEVE YOU CAN DO IT NOTHING WILL HAPPEN

I discovered an amazing story of confidence in the pages of American History. World War II hero, Chuck Yeager, became the first person to break the sound barrier in 1947. Mr. Yeager had to face and overcome several major barriers to achieve this historical feat.

Barrier I:

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The fact that everyone who attempted to travel faster than the sound barrier failed and

Put Your Trust In God... Not Man

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many lost their lives during the attempt. Chuck Yeager didn’t allow the past failures of others to stop him from believing. Today I challenge you to THINK FORWARD and believe that you can do what you/others could not do.

Barrier II: Shortly before he was scheduled to attempt the flight he cracked two ribs and was in great pain. Mr. Yeager did not allow his pain to stop him from pursuing his passion. I challenge you to THINK FORWARD and press beyond the pain of your past and pursue your passion and purpose.

Barrier III: All the experts warned him of the danger and attempted to persuade him out of the flight attempt. Chuck Yeager’s level of confidence spoke louder to him than the opinions of the “so-called experts”. I challenge you to THINK FORWARD and stop allowing the voice of doubters to speak louder than the voice of confidence inside of you.

On October 14, 1947 Mr. Chuck Yeager became the first human to break the sound barrier in spite of all the barriers that tried to deny him. He believed he could and he did.

FORWARD THINKERS must believe and then they will achieve.

Remember, the enemy will always attempt to prevent you from being a FORWARD THINKER but you must always have the confidence to depend upon your belief system and trust in the omnipotent power of God’s Word.

4 PRINCIPLES TO BELIEVING AND ACHIEVING I.

SELF ESTEEM How you view yourself worth or value yourself must be changed in order for you to achieve new goals.

Remember you were created by God and created wonderful.

II.

SELF CONFIDENCE Your inner beliefs about your potential must line up with the Word of God. Remember you can do all things through Christ.

III.

ABILITY

IV.

CAPABILITY

You must believe you have the power to achieve something great in order to do something great.

You must believe no matter the odds against you that you possess the potential to do something great.

In conclusion, let me empower you as a FORWARD THINKER to release a level of confidence this year that will propel you into a level of success you have never achieved before. I know you can do it the question is do you believe you can do it.

Pastor E. A. Deckard is the Senior Pastor/Founder of the Green House International Church located, 16711 Ella Blvd.

Houston, Texas, 77090. To contact Pastor Deckard for speaking engagements contact him at pr.ghic@gmail.com

Put Your Trust In God... Not Man

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M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | Dr. Andrew Corbett

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By Dr. Andrew Corbett

W

hat is worth giving your life up for? Your family? Your country? Your sporting team? To give your life for something is to live with purpose. It becomes the reason for sacrifice, the defining element in all your goals, and the reason you work/study/train.

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 The Apostle Paul lived for a cause. He gave his life for something. Psychologists tell us that a person will give their life for something if the reward outweighs the cost. The tragedy of this reality is that too many people have fallen for a false Bill of Goods where they have been led to believe that their is a cheaper cost to pay and a greater reward to get if they would give their life for a lie dressed up as attractive truth. This is what Christ faced when He was about to commence His public ministry. When the Devil tempted Christ he attempted to lure Him with fame, wealth, and power. Do this miracle! I’ll make you famous! I’ll give You the kingdoms of this world! Or, turn these stones to bread (a miracle, or display of ‘power’), throw Yourself off the pinnacle of the Temple (fame, or ‘popularity’), bow down and worship me (control, or ‘influence’).

Unlike us, Christ didn’t yield to the Devil’s temptations. We often negotiate with the Devil when he tempts us. We negotiate that if we perform a miracle, people will turn to Christ. We negotiate that if we were to become famous, we would have a greater platform for more people to hear about God. We negotiate that if we made one little compromise we could have more political influence.

How many gifted preachers have sold their gift to the highest paying scheme only to end up spiritually divorced from God and His power? How many gifted singers have

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Put Your Trust In God... Not Man

M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | Dr. Andrew Corbett

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negotiated their way to stardom only to end up never acknowledging God anymore or using their voice to worship Him? How many aspiring politicians have entered Parliament and negotiated away their way to more power only to end becoming spiritually powerless?

If the Devil offered you a $1,000,000 to never go to church again, would you accept his offer?

What if it was a $100,000?

Christ did not yield to the Devil’s temptations of fame, popularity, or power, in its various forms. He was committed to a greater cause! This greater cause would indeed result in Christ achieving great miracles, popularity, and power. But, He would do it God’s way - not the Devil’s! (Perhaps ironically, the various temptations - miraculously produce food, defy death, and receive kingdoms, would be done by Christ anyway, but for God’s glory not the Devil’s.)

The Cause of Christ...We face devilish temptations to sell out our gifts/abilities/talents and justify it as being for “God’s glory”. But if we could see what Christ saw and discover what Christ knew about God’s ways, we may be less inclined to do this. We tend to think big, popular, loud are the means to achieving what God wants. But the Cause of Christ was repeatedly characterized by small, unpopular, and quiet ministry.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:9

“The Church is empowered to minister for Christ by the Gospel” - Romans 1:16

Christ’s Cause was to redeem a people and form them into His Body, the Church, His Bride (Matthew 16:18). This is what He gave His life for. ...Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her...

Ephesians 5:25b

“It’s not surprising that everyone has a price. What is surprising is how low it is!” anon.

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M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | Dr. Daphne ‘DaMaria’ Burleson

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From the Runway To The Pulpit “The Dr. Daphne ‘DaMaria” Burleson Story”

MBM:. Hello Daphne, how are you this blessed day of God ?

Dr.DMB: Elizabeth, I am excellent in the Lord’s care! Thank you so much for asking.

Dr. Daphne Burleson

MBM: I know you’re a native Houstonian however at our interview time you are now residing in sunny California what brought you there?

Dr.DMB: Well, as you know, I am originally from H-town. In 1988, I had the opportunity to venture out to Southern California; at the time I had a sister living here, and she helped to encourage me to visit, see and to feel the vibe of California. At the time I was searching for a deeper relationship with the Lord, and it just seemed right to at least consider the opportunity. I did, and I decided

to pack up to pursue change and ultimately the West Coast experience. Little did I know, God had plans for me-greater than I could ever imagine.

MBM: I know you are a former full figure model, how did you end up off the run way and into the pulpit ministering the word of God ?

Dr.DMB: Praise the Lord! This is a very good question. I had signed on with the largest Model and Talent Agency (Inter-media Modeling and Talent Agency) in Houston, as a direct reward and perk for winning a Foley’s Plus-Size Model Search in 1986! That opportunity lead to a beautiful run with the most successful agencies in Houston.

Instantly, I was on the runway, in print, appearing on morning talk shows, interfacing with the public doing in-store promotions and so much more. I loved being afforded the opportunities to represent the Classy-Size arena! I believe modeling was a gift from God to allow me the boost of confidence to go to the next level and to remove all personal limits that I may have created for myself over the years. After moving to the West Coast, I knew that the opportunities in the Classy-Size arena could and would blossom. They did, and I followed my dreams to appear, several times, in the magazine that truly created voice and image for true Classy Woman, BBW Magazine!! Although the magazine is no longer in print, owner and editor Carol Shaw rolled out the red carpet for real women.

Elizabeth, I believe the runway opened up a realm of self-acceptance and confidence that I might not have achieved had God not opened the door into such a powerful industry. Now, that I reflect back on how it all happened, I know God’s hand was upon my life...every step of the way. Everything truly working together for the good...for God’s purpose. The ministry to uplift, motivate and encourage others was there all along. I now have a mandate from God to do the same thing, but now I utilize the Word of God to uplift, encourage and exhort others to go higher and deeper in their relationship with the Lord. Hallelujah! I am now a Licensed and Ordained Pastor and Evangelist, and the work continues according to God’s plans. From time to time, I am allowed the opportunity to hit the runway, and after all these years I do still have fun!

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Put Your Trust In God... Not Man

M’Bracing Beauty Christian Magazine | Dr. Daphne “DaMaria” Burleson

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MBM: You are also the author of the book “ Extra Mile For Love “what was your motivation for writing it ?

Dr.DMB: I have always been intrigued by the Love of God. The motivation behind The Extra Mile for Love was to pursue God’s treasures inside the treasure chest of godly love. Its purpose is to encourage couples to go The Extra Mile for Love, and to not give up on God’s covenant of marriage so easily. The exhortation is to go over and beyond what the world considers just enough to just get by, and to compel God’s love to respond inside of Holy Matrimony. ‘Love is a journey - not a joy ride.’ Dr. Damaria MBM: You possess numerous God given talents how do you juggle being an artist, conference speaker, visual artist, poet etc ?

Dr.DMB: Woman of God, I can’t say that I’ve mastered time management yet. I’m open for suggestions...help! I love all that I do for the Kingdom of God and for King Jesus!! He knew that I would be filled to the overflow before I was born. I love Him for trusting me with His treasures. (Jeremiah 29:11).

MBM: Your recent CD “ The Colors Of Love “ is getting great reviews.

It seems love is synonymous with your work. Is that the direction that God has led you ?

Dr.DMB: Absolutely! God is Love, and by utilizing creativity, I love expressing who He is! Love is the hallmark and road map of my Kingdom purpose. I know the Father is pleased when I travel gingerly with Him. I am not trying to overstep or outshine the Lord’s plans for my life. He get the glory...no matter what.

MBM: The CD, The Colors of Love, is sparking reviews and testimonies.

Couples are connecting with the vision of the project.

Dr.DMB: Hallelujah!

MBM: What hurdles have you faced along the journey ?

Dr.DMB: Hurdles....Mountains....Red Seas.....too many, but all very necessary for my growth and maturity. I’m very thankful for the grace of God to overcome the obstacles to keep serving. I’m pressing towards the mark of the higher calling in the name of Jesus. Amen.

MBM: Whats next for Dr. Damaria Burleson ?

Dr.DMB: Just to clarify about my name, as I don’t want anyone to be confused, “Dr. Damaria” is one in the same as Dr. Daphne “Damaria” Burleson. The name “Dr. Damaria” was given to me by the Holy Spirit. It is my first and middle names combined (Daphne Maria) Daphne means victory; Maria means vessel chosen for purpose. Together - Dr. Damaria is the creative component of ministry that allows the creative artistry to shine to the Glory of God. Dr. Daphne “Damaria” Burleson is utilized when the teaching/preaching gifts are called forth.

MBM: How can readers find your body of work and reach you for more information ?

Dr.DMB: Praise the Lord...I’d like to thank you again, Elizabeth Jackson, for this beautiful opportunity. You are a true example of God’s beauty. Congratulations again on all of your accomplishments and achievements.

For those that would like to stay in contact with me, please e-mail me at: art4mycreator@yahoo.com or visit my website to find out what’s new: www.dr-damaria-burleson.com

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Press Your Way Through The Process

By Al Green

As I walked the bayou, this a.m., I notice a lot of caterpillars crawling. Some were making their way. Some were aimlessly wondering. Some were being attacked by ants and some have died along their journey.

Not only do they have to deal with the elements, they also have to deal with the shoes of joggers, or “giants” and the rolling bicycle wheels, which can potentially crush them. After researching the 4 phases of a butterfly, I’ve discovered, the function of the caterpillar is to eat and eat and eat. Food eaten at this time is stored and used later as an adult. If the caterpillar survives the journey, then the end result is something beautiful, enabling it to eventually grow wings and take flight. However, before it can transform into a butterfly, it has to go through a season of isolation. During this period, the caterpillar is wrapped up in a silk Pupa or Chrysalis, more commonly known as a cocoon. This phase can last a couple of weeks up to 2 years. During this process, it appears nothing is going on! But on the contrary, MAJOR things are taking place beneath the surface. Wings, legs, eyes and the body are being developed, enabling it to become a butterfly.

Through my experiences, I’ve personally learned that God will not compete with your background noise. We have to get in a place to where it’s just us and God; that’s when He’s able to do his best work.

We have to let go of the familiar and walk away from some people, places, habits, ideals and lifestyles before we can really feel/see the hand of God moving in our lives. During this time, it may appear to the outside world, nothing is going on. In fact some will suspect and accuse you that “nothing has changed; you’re still the same ole person you use to be...” But, like the potter He is, God is making, shaping, molding, pruning, and purging us of those things that’s not like Him. He will begin to shield, nurture and like the cocoon protect you during this vulnerable stage until you become what He’s created you to be. Like the caterpillar, you’ve suffered many attacks; attacks from family, attacks from co-workers, attack from spouses and children, attack in your health, attacks in your

finances, attacks in your relationships and you’ve pressed your way even when the way was unsure. Sometimes you find yourself aimlessly drifting and frustration seemed to have stifled your progress. I encourage you to press and trust God, even when you can’t see what He’s doing; even when it feels like your pressing is in vain, even when you feel all hope is lost. For if you continue the end result will be something not even you would have imagined for yourself.

The Bible declares in Matthew 16:18 , “On this rock, I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” You are like that rock and like the caterpillar, you’ve eaten and eaten, the consuming Word of God, and as Bishop Paul D. Landrew said, “You have at least 52 sermons in you...” The word that’s in your belly may seem futile at the time, but as you grow and spread your wings and begin to take flight, like the butterfly, the Word will not only sustain you, but it will literally become the wind beneath your wings that will take you to even greater heights.

My friend, it doesn’t matter what you may be facing right now, If God gave you a promise, it will SURELY COME TO PAST; but we have to trust His timing.

Numbers 23:19 says “God is not a man that He should lie or the son of man that he should repent. Does He speak and not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”

That means what He promised you, is GUARANTEED! You can bank on it!!!

Isaiah 42:16 says “ and I Will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I Will not forsake them.” Even if you don’t know what the next step is, KEEP PRESSING! Even if you are unsure of what you should be focused on, KEEP PRESSING!!! Even in the face of your enemy or the giants that are threatening to destroy you, KEEP PRESSING! Attack after attack, KEEP PRESSING!! God’s already prepared the way. ALL you got to do is TRUST the process, keep pressing and WATCH GOD DO IT!!! As the songwriter said, “Why you try to figure it out cause God’s already worked it out!!!”

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