Grace an Glory February 2018

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2 February 2018 | Grace&Glory

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February 2018

™

contents on the cover:

Bishop Victoré M. Folks & Pastor Dr. Denise L. Folks Greater Church of The Risen Savior & Ministries 5615 The Alameda Baltimore, MD 21239 www.greaterchurch.net

Special Feature pgs 8-12 - To God Be The Glory! Congratulations to Bishop Victoré Folks & Dr. Denise Folks and

the Greater Church of The Risen Savior & Ministries family as they celebrate their 20th Year Pastoral Anniversary.

Bishop Folks talks with us about this 20 year journey and all of the great and wonderful community connections that have been birthed from this ministry.

16 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE Tiffany Bethea

God’s Top Model

20 FROM THE HEART

Towanda & Robert Coles

Black Love Godly Love

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18 SINGLE LIFE

Feature Articles

Ruth Young Tyler

God’s Love is Stronger Than Krazy Glue

26 BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Elgia Wells

Celebrate Black Church Life During Black History Month

Healthy Mind 14 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

Dr. Carla J. Debnam, (Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center)

Level Up

In Every Issue Contributors............................................ 6 From the Editor....................................... 7

Entertainment

Scripture Page...................................... 30

28 GOSPEL INDUSTRY NEWS

Ericka Johnson

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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 PUBLISHER/ Jackie Epps EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL

Herline A. Knights Dr. Carla J. Debnam Ericka Johnson Rev. Tim Tooten Brandie Manigault Tiffany Bethea Ruth Young Tyler

GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period

www.artsperiod.com

Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, a Baltimore based, independent publisher.

Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.

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Advisory Board Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. Vaughn Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD Vice-Chairman — Bishop Frank M. Reid, Jr. AME Church 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 Archbishop Ralph L. Dennis Kingdom Worship Center, MD Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences Cassandra Vaughn/Media Executive Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr. Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD Pastor Timothy V. Manigault Healing Voices Ministries Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Pastor, Dream Life Worship Center Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr. Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD

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from the editor

“Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so. Yes Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me for the Bible tells me so.”

If there is any doubt in your mind if you are loved this Valentine’s Day, let me help you out. There is someone who loves you unconditionally. This someone loves you through thick and then, come what may. They even love you no matter what you look like or what your profession or vocation may be. How about this, it is a love that looks beyond your faults, your shortcomings or when you miss the mark. And guess what you do not have to do anything for this love. You can’t buy it, you can’t earn it.

It is a love that is there to accept and embrace . . . a love beyond measure.

Do you have any idea how much God loves you? I mean do you really know the scope and depth of the love of God? The scripture tells us that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:34-36) Isn’t that kind of love incredible? God loves us beyond measure. It is hard to comprehend a love beyond measure.

Generally speaking we have experienced love in many different forms. We’ve experienced the love of our parents and our siblings. We’ve experienced the love of a significant other, our spouses and the love of our children. We’ve even experienced the love of friends, colleagues, church members, etc.

But there is nothing that can compare to the love that God has for us.

Sometimes there are those who experience some sadness at Valentine’s Day thinking that no one loves them enough to send flowers or buy gifts and dinner for them.

While it is nice to celebrate those who have a special place in our hearts on Valentine’s Day, it does not mean that if you do not receive some expression of love on that day that you are not loved.

This Valentine’s Day choose to embrace it with joy and happiness, as a reminder of how much God loves you and His unselfish act of love towards you. “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Spend the day thinking about how God loves you beyond measure. Use that day to reflect upon the many ways God has shown you how much He loves you through His word. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37) Jackie Epps Editor-in-Chief www.gracenglorymagazine.org www.gracenglorymagazine.org 77

Q&A

G&G: Bishop Folks, welcome to Grace & Glory magazine. It is an honor to talk with you and to be a part of your 20th Pastoral Anniversary Celebration. Can you believe 20 YEARS? Has the reality of it sunk in? How would you describe these last 20 years in one sentence?

Bishop Folks: Yes. It has been a great twenty year journey. I don’t think that it has sunk in. Time just seem to move so fast. It was February 1998 when God called my wife, Dr. Denise L. Folks and I to the pastorate.

This is when the Greater Church of the Risen Savior and Ministries was birthed.

God told me to, “Write the vision and make it plain upon tablets that he may run that readeth it.” (Habakuk 2:2).

We were consecrated by Apostle Eddie A. Montgomery, Ph.D. and Apostle Floyd Greater Church of The Risen Nelson, Ph.D. Well, it’s now Savior & Ministries

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2018 and we are still moving forward to expand God’s Kingdom in the earth. I would describe our last 20 years by saying, “Stay true to your vision for the Glory of God and the Salvation of His people.”

G&G: Bishop Folks, let’s go back to when this 20-year journey first began. Looking back at where you were when you started this journey, where did you think it was going to lead you? Are you at all surprised at where you are today?

Bishop Folks: Twenty years ago, my wife and I were having services in the family room of our home.

Today we are servicing God’s people in a great edifice located at 5615 The Alameda. We went from our home, to a store front, to a warehouse, and now to our present location – The Greater Church of the Risen Savior, “The church on the hill where you can get back up again.” God has promised so much to His people when they yield to Him. Therefore, we are not surprised at all what God has done and will continue to do in our ministry.

Q&A G&G: Bishop Folks, along with great assignments The Risen Savior with such passion. I have heard it come great responsibilities, were there unexpected said that great passion does not come without great hurdles during this 20-year journey? What was pain. Is this a true statement for your journey? the biggest risk you had to take that achieved great Bishop Folks: Great passion does come with results? great pain. Anything and everything you are Bishop Folks: In the last 20 commissioned to do for God comes through years, I have had the privilege great sacrifice. We sacrificed our every to pastor side by side with my dime we had to build God’s house and to wife. We were ordained together make it a beautiful place of worship for His to preach and teach God’s people. Sometimes the lack of spiritual and word. I did not understand what financial support from God’s people can God was doing. This has been be painful – Shepherds do bleed. But, we somewhat of a hurdle and a risk have learned to press through the pain for because Baltimore is not set up to the Glory of God and the Salvation of His receive two pastors in the same people. house. But, Pastor Denise has G&G: Bishop Folks, I’m sure in 20 years been called by God and ordained to the office of Prophet, pastor you have experienced many changes in and teacher; who am I to debate the ministry. So much has changed in the Pastor Denise L. Folks and dynamics of how we do ministry, particularly with God, let alone debate with Bishop Victoré M. Folks with technology and social media. Is it more others who do not understand the uniqueness of our ministry. Many of the ministries challenging for the church to keep up and stay within The Greater Church of the Risen Savior were relevant? What do you believe the church should be birthed through her obedience to the voice of God. saying and doing?

Obeying God in pastoring side by side with Bishop Folks: The my wife has yielded us great results. dynamics of how we do ministry has changed in the G&G: Bishop Folks, what was the turning last 20 years. Technology and social media has made point in your journey or that moment when it possible to reach the lost you realized God had called you to an and dying, encourage the assignment of this magnitude? backslider and disciple Bishop Folks: The turning point came in my God’s people. Yes, it can journey when I realized that God’s people be challenging keeping up deserved the truth and nothing but the truth. with it because technology Quick messages that satisfied the flesh but changes every day and it killed the soul and dulled the spirit was not can be quite costly. The what we were called to preach and teach. I Fighting for Baltimore communities church should be focused knew that truth would cause people to leave on preaching and teaching the non-compromising our ministry to find a ministry that preached a word word of God by any means necessary. But, I pray that that tickled their ears. But, we were prepared to pay that cost for the Glory of God and the Salvation of His technology and social media does not take the place of kneeling and praying at the altar, and reaching people. out in church to hold someone’s hand or to hug them.

G&G: Bishop Folks, part of your 20-year legacy has been how you have pastored the Greater Church of Continued on page 10 www.gracenglorymagazine.org 9

Q&A Continued from page 9

In essence, don’t text, instagram or tweet me praying hands; come and pray with me.

the academy I have been able to minister to several children and youth and see them graduate from high school, college, and to see some go on to be ministers of the gospel. My proudest achievement, which is ongoing, is working with community organizations, board members and our delegates and our senator to secure funding to establish our ‘New City of Hope Community Center ‘in west Baltimore City. This project will provide educational programs and affordable housing to many children, youth and families.

G&G: Bishop Folks, after 20 years of ministry, I believe it’s safe to say you are a successful pastor with a successful ministry. What would you say it takes to be a successful pastor today? What are your thoughts on why so many pastors are leaving ministry?

Bishop Folks: I believe that being a G&G: Bishop Folks, how do you plan to successful pastor begins with humility. build upon your accomplishments as pastor, We must believe that this call is to as you continue to lead the Greater Church Glorify God and bring Salvation to of The Risen Savior? What are your hopes His people. We were not called to be and expectations for the Greater Church of Dr. Denise L. Folks Women's & served but to serve. So many people Children's Self Help Center The Risen Savior for the future? enter the ministry for the wrong Bishop Folks: Our hopes and expectations are many. reason. This work is sacrificial. It has been estimated We believe that God has not called us to rest on our last that 90% of pastors feel inadequately trained to cope success. As we move forward in God’s will, we plan to with the ministry demands of the twenty-first century. build a senior citizen complex in west Baltimore Many pastors City and a community center next to our church in leave the northeast Baltimore City. Pastor Denise is now in ministry due the process of establishing an African American to depression, Cultural Institute located at 2215 N. Fulton Avenue discouragement, .The purpose of the institute is to teach about our and loneliness great journey of excellence. which are the Educational Center, Southwest location result of not G&G: Bishop Folks, what do you have planned to having a system help celebrate this 20th Pastoral Anniversary? of support. Some leave because of financial burdens Bishop Folks: To help celebrate our 20th year Pastoral due to the lack of support from membership or political Anniversary, my wife and I plan to take a long overdue demands within the church. vacation. We have not had a vacation in sometime.

And, we are in the process G&G: Bishop Folks, what would you of planning our Church say has brought you the greatest joy and Pastor 20th Year in your 20 years as pastor of Greater Anniversary banquet.

Church of The Risen Savior? What has

been your proudest achievement? ♦♦♦ Bishop Folks: My greatest joy in the last twenty years of our ministry has been G&G: Bishop Folks, my working with my wife at the Greater last few questions are a little Youth Christian Academy in which she New City of Hope Mural in West Baltimore more personal; first what founded in the year 2000. Through 10 February 2018 | Grace&Glory

Q&A three words would you use to describe yourself?

Bishop Folks: I would describe myself as determined, loyal, and hopeful.

G&G: Would you share with us something most people would be surprised to know about you?

What do you do for fun, what makes you happy?

Bishop Folks: Most people do not know that I am a quiet person because I joke a lot and I’m always ready to listen to them and have a heart to heart conversation. What makes me happy is spending quality and quiet time with my wife on the weekends. I also find pleasure in reading her poetry, and playing the organ.

G&G: Bishop Folks, is there anyone who has had a tremendous impact upon you as a leader or mentor?

Bishop Folks: Those who had a great impact on my life were Bishop Winfield A. Showell, Apostle Smallwood E. Williams, and many of the mothers of the church. They kept me grounded in the word and the ways of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They knew just what to say when they believed that I was not living up to my God-given potential.

G&G: Bishop Folks, many pastors have shared with me that ‘Preaching the Gospel’ was not what they had initially planned for their lives. Did you also have other plans for your life?

Bishop Folks: I use to think that I wanted to be a police officer.

Bishop Folk's mentors: Bishop Winfield A. Showell and G&G: Bishop Folks, lastly, after Apostle Smallwood E. Williams That was around the traveling through this 20 year time when ‘Officer journey, what would you say you Friendly’ was really ‘Officer Friendly’. But, due to some now know for sure? And, if you could go back 20 vision problems, that did not work out. However, in my years, what would you say to your younger self? early year as a teen, I received a higher calling to become Bishop Folks: If I had to travel back 20 years, I a minister. I have stayed the course. would tell my younger self, “I know the Lord is right.

Keep the faith and watch God bring you through.

G&G: Bishop Folks, with 20 years under your belt, Don’t give up because all that you do is for the were there ever instances when you just wanted to Glory of the Lord and quit and walk away from ministry? the Salvation of His Bishop Folks: I believe that all people.” ministers especially pastors get the feeling to just quit. Sometimes G&G: Bishop Folks, our faith wavers, membership is congratulations again low or finances are at its lowest. and thank you for Whatever the reason, God gave me sharing with us. We a helpmate in my wife to pray for celebrate you and your me, believe in me and stand in the wife and we thank God gap for me when I need to take a for all you do for the spiritual sabbatical.

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bio

Bishop Dr. Victoré Folks has faithfully served as the Founding Senior Pastor of the Greater Church of The Risen Savior & Ministries for twenty years. His Ministry spans thirty five years. Bishop Folks was born in Baltimore, Maryland and is the youngest of five siblings. He was saved at age 9. He was called to preach the Gospel in his early teens.

Under his capable leadership the church has grown spiritually, numerically and financially. The Fruit of the Lord's reward of faithfulness is evidenced in the Savior blessing Bishop Folks to lead the Church in the purchase of their present edifice purchased in December, 2009 for 1.3 million; the renovation of the Christian Academy and Youth organization valued at 3.8 million acquired in December, 1999; and the ongoing building fund of our Family Life Center on The Alameda. He oversees the daily ministries of the Church.

Bishop Folks is a man who does more than "talk" faith. He lives it. Our Senior Founding Pastor is full of compassion. He has a shepherd's heart and is leading us very well!

A caring and devoted Shepherd, businessman, humanitarian and counselor, Bishop Folks is a visionary leader with a mighty mandate to bring the Kingdom of God to earth in mission, Christian education, preaching and evangelism.

He was reared by his sainted parents and grandparents in Edmondson Village. He proclaimed his initial sermon while serving his spiritual father, the late Bishop Winfield Amos Showell. It was under the tutelage of Bishop Winfield A. Showell that our Pastor learned, excelled and triumphed!

June, 1979 - Licensed Minister First Apostolic Faith Institutional Church Bishop Winfield Amos Showell, Senior Pastor July, 1985 - Ordained Elder BibleWay Church of our Lord Jesus Christ Worldwide Apostle Smallwood Edmond Williams, D.D., Presiding Bishop Chief Consecrator February, 1998 - Ordained Founding Senior Pastor Apostle Eddie A. Montgomery, Ph.D. and Apostle Floyd Nelson, Ph.D. June, 2010 - Consecrated Bishop in the Lord's Church

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Global Bible University College of Apostles and Bishops In February, 1998 Bishop Folks with his great wife, Pastor Denise L. Folks, Ph.D., D.Min. were ordained and consecrated as Founding Senior Pastors of the Greater Church of The Risen Savior & Ministries.

This consecration was led by Apostle Eddie A. Montgomery, Ph.D. and Apostle Floyd Nelson, Ph.D. The Church Charter was incorporated the same year in Maryland. In 1999, the ministry was approved 501C 3 status.

February, 2018 marks the 20th year of progressive Kingdom ministry. Bishop Folks continues to serve with great strength and determination. Bishop Folks' ministry extends beyond the doors of our church. He has served as Community President in the Southwest Division, led the community delegation in renaming the former Bentalou Elementary School #150 to Mary Ann Winterling Elementary School #150. He is a member of Fayette Street Outreach; Counselor of Males for the Mayor's Office of Youth and Families; Approved site for Baltimore Youth Works; President of the Board of Trustees-Mayor's Office of Children, Youth and Families; Governor's Office of Volunteerism; Member of the Board of Directors for Positive Youth Expressions, Inc. and a member of ARCO. He serves as Vice-Principal and Dean of Students Affairs at the Greater Youth Academy of which he formally served as a teacher. He is also a former chaplain of Johns Hopkins Hospital and Union Memorial. His academic accomplishments include a Doctorate of Divinity and a Ph.D. in Christian Counseling.

Bishop Folks is a member of Life Changers Pastoral Alliance located in Woodbridge, Virginia. He has been in full time ministry for seventeen years. He oversees several ministries in the Baltimore area. He encourages other pastors to contend for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints.

Bishop Folks has been awarded countless Governor, Congressional, Senatorial and Mayoral awards and citations. He has and continues to prove his faithfulness to God and the Body of Christ. He is a powerful man of faith and lover of souls.

In February, 2014 Bishop Folks began a new urban ministry with his wife known as the "New City of Hope". This ministry provides supportive housing to women and children. The ministry also offers counseling and job readiness.

Bishop Folks works beside his lovely wife of twenty plus years, Pastor Denise L. Folks, Ph.D., D.Min. They are a mighty ministry team unto the Lord our God.

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to your good health

We are a month into the New Year and persons have been working on their goals, resolutions, vision board targets, and health and weight loss challenges. We are geared up for a spectacular start to a brand-new year and have put together a plan to accomplish our agendas items and experience success. All of these actions are necessary for us to make it to our expected end. When we are trying to go to the next level we must use all of the tools necessary to make our dreams a reality. You and I cannot stop in the middle of our effort to achieve our goals; we must press through and endure the process in order to reach our potential.

This is what Joseph had to do.

He knew he was destined for 14 February 2018 | Grace&Glory

greatness. He had a dream, he had the favor of his father and he had confidence. None of these were enough to keep him from experiencing trouble on the path to fulfilling the vision for his life. Yet the troubles did not discourage him from pursuing the God given vision he had for his life. Like Joseph, we should not let trials; setbacks, haters and disappointments stop us from realizing our potential. In order to fulfill our assignment and calling we must persevere and use our faith to propel us past the pain of rejection, discouragement and unforeseen circumstances.

When Joseph began his journey, he was hopeful and did not know to what extent he would have to suffer. This is often what derails us from our path of completing our goal, the unexpected suffering.

Yet we must endure and seek God throughout our journey so that we can see our vision come to pass. You and I can’t level up if we drop out of the race. Hebrews 12 encourages us to “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever” (MSG). We can finish strong and go to new heights when we lean and depend on Jesus and follow his example. He never gave up and neither can we Dr. Carla Debnam, if we want the abundant life Jesus Founder, came to give us and reach new Renaissance Christian Counseling Center levels in him.

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woman’s perspective

So just about a month ago, the very popular show "America's Next Top Model" made its way back to the airwaves. I couldn't believe it!

"America's Next Top Model" is the brainchild of supermodel Tyra Banks; on this show, they take everyday women with aspirations to become supermodels and they assist them with making this dream come to life. They give them coaching and training, change their hair and makeup and provide them opportunity after opportunity to get a taste of their desired profession. At the end one young lady is selected as the winner and is positioned to begin working right away.

The interesting thing is essentially the winner only had to show up and be in position. Everything that she would need has already been provided.

God is also in search of His next top model. He needs someone who will allow Him to transform and create them for His purpose in exchange for blessings. He has a life for us that was set before the foundations of the world. All He needs us to do is show up and be in position for Him to use us. “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” Jeremiah 1:5. Before our mothers and fathers ever come together, God has already mapped out for us a life that we are to live and enjoy, “…I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. It is clear that God wants us to thrive and flourish in this life, but we must seek Him for His plan.

In my college days, I did some extensive modeling. There were several things that we needed to do to be continually booked for work and able to be efficient when we got there.

1. Show up clean- We were expected to show up with clean washed hair that could be styled to their liking. We were also to come with no heavy perfumes or oils that would damage the clothing placed on us. “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart,” Psalm 24:3-4. If God is going to be 16 February February2018 2018||Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 16

able to use us as His top model, we must walk upright before Him. We may not be perfect, but we must strive daily to live a life that is pleasing to Him. As we present ourselves living sacrifices, we maintain a position where God can speak to us and we obey. It is through our clean obedience that He gets the glory and we are blessed in the process.

2. Surrender to the transformation- Any good model knows they are just a prop used to bring the designer’s vision to life. They cannot show up with opinions on what to wear and how they should have their makeup. They arrive, sit in the chair, and even pose as instructed, yet they are compensated. God does not need us to show up to His set with our will and what we want to happen. He needs us to come to Him as yielded vessels ready to undergo whatever change is necessary to bring His vision or plan to life. As He begins His work on us we cannot fight Him because we do not like what He is doing. We must be reminded of Jesus’ attitude, “Nevertheless not my will but thine be done.” He can only show off His best through us when we keep our hearts yielded.

Though we must yield our will to the will of the Father, it is so encouraging to know that He compensates His models. As we allow God’s glory to be manifested in our lives, we receive blessings and favor that are indescribable. I don’t know about you but God’s ‘Next Top Model’ plan is one that sounds quite appealing to me. After I gained full understanding of the full package I lifted my hands and heart to the Lord and said USE ME. I must be transparent and tell you that it will be no easy process. You my sister reading this may already be on this journey with the Lord and feeling quite discouraged. Let me encourage you to KEEP GOING! It will pay off in the end. Don’t grow weary in well Tiffany Bethea doing. God wants to use you. He She-EO Life Mentor needs models. Will you be one?

www.Tiffanybethea.com

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single life

In the 1980s, there were a lot of memorable commercials that aired on television. Krazy Glue is the one that stands out in my mind. The manufactures of Krazy Glue described the strength of its product. The commercial went like this: A construction worker wearing a hardhat puts a drop of glue on his helmet and attached himself to a steel beam. While hovering in the air and his legs kicking wildly, the voiceover began: “Krazy Glue is strong enough to hold this man suspended in midair.” The commercial further claimed that it could mend a china mug, a plastic knob, a rubber boot, a metal broche, even model planes and trains.

Like Krazy Glue, God’s love is powerful, deliberate and intense. It defies logic. It supersedes atmospheric regions.

God’s love is so powerful that it keeps the solar system suspended in its atmosphere and simultaneously keeps our feet on the ground.

During the month of February there are some people who recognize the pagan holiday ~ Valentine’s Day. Months prior to the commercialized holiday, stores begin to stock their shelves and racks with red and pink merchandise for people to buy for that “special someone.” Men are unintentionally charged with buying “Bae” a card, a gift or taking her out to dinner. Traditionally women respond cordially with a smile of appreciation and an expression of gratitude. For those that are single, recently separated or divorced this is not a day that is highly celebrated. Many may feel unloved or forgotten because of their current relationship status. That is far from the truth. The scripture affirms, “See I have written your name on the palms of my hand.” (Isaiah 49:16).

According to the scriptures, the word “love” is associated with many adjectives and phrases including “patient, kind, not irritable and not arrogant (1 Corinthians 13:4). When we begin to shift our paradigm, there will be a greater appreciation for the infinite, immutable and individual love that God has for us.

God’s Love is Infinite The strength of God’s love toward us surpasses anything that we can conceive – real or imagined. The scripture assures us 18 February 2018 | Grace&Glory

that His love is without borders – it’s limitless. There are no boundaries when it comes to the love of God. “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39) Because God’s love is infinite, by default we have infinite victory!

God’s Love is Immutable God’s love doesn’t change. The vicissitudes of life will cause us to change. A broken relationship, caused by distrust, will cause us to crack like fine china. Failing finances will cause us to weep. We are reminded that GOD is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) His love is magnified and intensified long before a transforming and life-giving love, God already made provision. John 3:16 describes it this way: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

God’s Love is Individual Just as each star is unique and God calls it by name (Psalm 147:4), we are also equally important as those celestial bodies. Love is a verb. Love is an action word. God protects, provides, guides and defends us, according to our individual need.

God responds to us according to our individual frailties. God’s love and His Word is like that Krazy Glue - to mend the broken pieces of our lives - and grants us renewed strength. When life’s hurdles seem insurmountable, His love gives us the strength to jump over each one Ruth Young Tyler victoriously. @Journalistlife

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from the heart

da a

bert nd Ro

n Towa

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” I Corinthians 13: 4-7 NLT For Towanda Coles who’s been married to Robert for 10 years, says that she’s come to believe that love is compassion and sacrifice in action with no expectation of anything in return. It is the generous and selfless act of giving of oneself.

When I saw his smile, I knew that he was special. I was captivated and wanted to know more about him. I learned that he was a compassionate person that understood the meaning of real love. On a deeper level, I discovered his core values of God first, respect for self and service to others, each matched the values that are important to me.

We met over 20 years ago on the campus of Bowie State University. At the time we were navigating how we’d live out our faith on a college campus.

Godly Love 20 February 2018 | Grace&Glory

Coles

BLACK LOVE

Kindred spirits attract. As a result of our shared faith and love for having fun we developed a solid friendship and our love began to grow. With no expectation of an exclusive relationship, we were able to love one another authentically.

As a young woman, it was always my desire to spend the rest of my life with someone who was strong in his faith and unwavering in his spiritual beliefs; someone who could be himself and not feel the need to compete with a woman with a strong personality. I wanted someone with whom I could raise a family and partner with in leaving a legacy for our children. God continues to answer my prayers.

My previous relationships were absent of real love. The common denominator in those bad experiences was me. So I challenged myself to be the change I wanted to see in a fruitful and fulfilling relationship.

Exploring what real love was all about, I learned to love myself unconditionally before looking to receive love from someone else.

I resolved to understand God’s definition of love. It’s unconditional.

Previous broken relationships were a blessing in disguise because they helped me to wait on what was best for me. As I reflect on those past experiences, those situations were just good for the moment and not for a lifetime. Our core values were not aligned. I wanted a relationship for a lifetime and that’s what I have in Robert Coles.

He protects me and our two daughters. He selflessly gives of his time to ensure that our family is taken care of. We’re not perfect. However, we are perfectly capable of loving according to God’s word. As we continue to read and understand God’s word, our relationship with one another and our children grows stronger.

Robert and Towanda Coles both serve in the ministry and have been married for 10 years. They are alumni of Bowie State University and live in the Baltimore region with their two daughters, ages 3 and 8.

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UNITY:

Are You Ready To Answer the Call?

We live in a society where the strength of the church is diminished or weakened by individual personal gain. It’s a Me, myself and I mentality. The church is at HER best when the people of God come together as one body in Christ for the sole purpose of the Kingdom Agenda.

Our society today eliminates the need to have long lasting relationships. Although, in God’s Kingdom His citizenship differs because the Bible tells us that one citizen has dominion over a thousand but two together gives authority over 10k! God multiplies our talents when we come together on one accord; and that places FEAR in the enemy’s camp. Satan’s political move in God’s physical house is to DIVIDE and to Conquer.

1. Satan doesn’t want the people of God to operate in oneness.

2. Satan doesn’t want the Body of Christ to agree.

3. Satan doesn’t want togetherness in the same place.

Let’s Start Being REAL WITH GOD and ourselves!

Beloved you will find that today will BEGIN to be the BEST DAYS of your LIFE WHEN YOU SAY YES TO GOD!

Evangelist LaRondi Nicole Flowers 1ST NEW LIFE BAPTIST CHURCH 3215 W. Belvedere Ave. • Baltimore, MD 21215 410.419.8841 Rev. Washington M. Flowers, Pastor & Founder UMUSTBREAL@GMAIL.COM “A Small Family Environment Where We Say Yes To God!” (Worship begins at 11:00 am in the lower level of Brown’s Memorial Baptist Church-Denmore Avenue Entrance) 24 February 2018 | Grace&Glory

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black history month

Celebrate Black Church Life During Black History Month

by Elgia Wells Black History Month is a time set aside to honor African-Americans, who have made contributions in the United States and around the world. During Black History Month, there is a greater awareness of the achievements and successes of African-American individuals and organizations. Not forgotten among these successes should be the great contributions black churches have made to African Americans, our nation, and the world.

Before there were African-American mayors, governors, or even an African-American President, black churches received leadership from African-American Sunday School teachers, deacons, and pastors. These church leaders, along with others, were seen as community leaders, who helped mentor, educate, and counsel many in the black community.

Moreover, the black church was not only a place of worship, but served the community as a center for gathering support and encouraging one another through fellowship.

The Civil Rights Movement gained significant strength because of the participation of black churches.

They became meeting centers for the organization and strategic planning of the effort for equal rights. Regular church members, church lay leaders, and pastors took a position at the forefront of the work to change a racial and ethnically segregated America.

Black churches should be celebrated for their part in influencing a nation to respect and value ethic and racial rights.

Black churches also influenced today's American art and music cultures. Musical genres, such as gospel, rhythm and blues, jazz, and even urban can trace their musical roots to black spiritual music. The traditions of music as well as drama in the black church are credited as catalysts for a great number of African-American actors, musicians, and singers. Along with music, the rich oral tradition of storytelling and distinctive African language patterns have been kept and maintained among many AfricanAmerican churches.

Today, black churches are positioned to continue their contribution to American culture at a wider and deeper level. With the growing number

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of immigrant families moving into traditional black communities and increased mixed marriages between different ethnicities, black churches have lunged into serving a diverse urban congregation.

Their makeup extends beyond African-Americans and exemplifies the same melting-pot pattern of our country.

Black churches continue to be a place where the community gathers to help and support one another, without regard to their ethnic background.

Moreover, a great number of AfricanAmericans are going beyond their community and are actively involved as missionaries around the world. Every year the number of African-American missionaries increases. They spread the gospel to people in other nations as well as share their African-American cultural experiences.

Black History Month cannot be celebrated without noting the great contributions of black churches. No matter what the cause, event, or activity may be – civil rights, the arts, or evangelism – God has used the experiences of the black church to influence America. The leaders and staff at LifeWay continue to support and pray for what God is doing in black churches and that He will continue to move in mighty ways to impact the world for His Kingdom.

Jay Wells was previously director of African American Ministries at LifeWay Church Resources. He also served as director of Black Church Development in the multicultural leadership department. Wells is a pastor and graduate of Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Ala. He holds a M.Div. degree from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in Mill Valley, Calif.

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gospel industry news

Gospel Industry News

By Ericka J.

Vincent Bohanon This has been a ground breaking season for Vincent Bohanon. Even if you don’t know Vincent Bohanon & Sounds Of Victory from New York, you’ve heard his single “We Win”, which has taken off in such a major way that, while he hasn’t even released his full project this single has been nominated for two Stellar Awards. Apparently this has NEVER been done, yet it’s happening! With the recent passing of his mom, Marie Bohanan, a singer, Pastor, evangelist, amongst other amazing things, this honor is bittersweet yet a much deserved sign, in the midst of it all. He has also picked up the mantle of Pastor at such a young and yet strong age, as successor to his mother. Last month he and his Choir brought New York to Baltimore to celebrate their 4th Year Choir Anniversary, at Southern Baptist Church. Featured at that celebration were Eric Waddell & ALS, Kadesh, and Sean Tillery & Changed! Look for some big things from Vincent Bohanan & SOV!

Anthony Brown & Group Therapy “Reppin for the Home Team” Baltimore stand up! Anthony Brown & Group Therapy are breaking records again! He has 10 Stellar Award nominations, the most for any other artist this year, for his project “A Long Way From Sunday”. The last time this happened the group “bought home the gold” in each category they were nominated in, can we get an encore of that again!? Being nominated in that many categories is a win and an honor. Congrats Anthony & Group Therapy. On March 24, in Las Vegas, the gospel music world will gather for the 33rd Annual Stellar Awards, Kirk Franklin will be the host for this year’s show.

Edwin Hawkins Last month, as the world celebrated the life of one legend, Dr. Martin Luther Jr., another legend transitioned from labor to reward. Gospel Music Legend Edwin Hawkins passed away January 15 at age 74, after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. There is not enough room in this article to mention all the amazing music and contributions Edwin Hawkins & The Hawkins family has given to the gospel music industry. However, what I will say is that their music is timeless and for many, many years to come the world will continue to sing “Oh Happy Day” and so many other hits.

Personally being brought up in church and born to a musical family, at a very young age I was introduced to music by The Hawkins Family and it still resonates today.

His celebrations of life will be held on February 6 & 7, at the Harbor Light Church in Fremont, California.

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gospel industry news Jason Nelson

JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise

Baltimore’s own, Jason Nelson has released the music video for his brand new single “Forever”. The session was absolutely amazing, the night was one to remember, this is Jason’s fifth project to date, the full project is titled “The Answer”.

I absolutely love this song and if you weren’t at the live recording it takes you right there, the video is available right now on VEVO.

I’m super excited to announce a much deserved honor, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise are nominated for their first Grammy Award. Their single “You Deserve It” is nominated for “best gospel performance song”.

If anybody knows JJ Hairston, they know he has such a heart of gold and such a love and passion for his God given ability to not only write music, but deliver it with such a pureness and admiration for God, that literally shifts atmospheres, and he remains one of the most humble souls in gospel music. Congrats JJ & Youthful Praise, and DMV. YES, he is a part of us, another one “reppin” for us.

Danton Whitley

Last year, I had the opportunity to experience the Black Voices concert, celebrating various greats in Black Music history, and their contributions. This year he’s back to do it again, he will be honoring Donald Lawrence, Whitney Houston, Walter Hawkins, and Ella Fitzgerald. Danton Whitley and his amazing singers Mosaic Sounds, his Choir Levitical Priesthood, Neecee Trout and others will be on deck to vocally celebrate and pay tribute to these incomparable legends in music. This will be held on February 17, 2018, at Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries, 6000 Radecke Avenue. For further information contact mosaicsounds1@yahoo.com or (410) 325-3080.

Top 5 Gospel Songs Change Me....................................Tamela Mann You Deserve It..... JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise You Waited.................................... Travis Greene Trust In You....Anthony Brown & Group Therapy I’m Blessed .................... Charlie Wilson feat. TI

Top 5 Gospel Albums Heart. Passion. Pursuit....... Tasha Cobbs Leonard Crossover: Live From Music City................ Travis Greene The Hill.............................................Travis Greene One Way............................................ Tamela Mann Close....................................................Marvin Sapp

Welcome to 2018! Welcome to February! It’s so much that takes place in February! It’s Black History Month, while we should make a conscious effort to do this daily; this is the month set aside to celebrate the heritage, culture, and contributions of African Americans. Love is in the air! Remember to love on somebody; it doesn’t have to be an intimate relationship, your kids, your friends, loved ones, a coworker, the mail person, or even just somebody you may just run across. People just need to know they’re loved and that somebody cares! Also Red Dress Sunday is coming, a day set aside to bring awareness to Heart Disease specifically in Women, if you don’t already, get your women’s ministry and church involved. Til next month you can stay “in tune, in the mix, and in the know” with Miss Ericka J, all weekend Friday-Sunday at 5:30pm and Sunday mornings 10:00am; 4 ways to listen whether you’re on the east coast or west coast, Heaven 600, www. heaven600.com, iHeart Radio, & 102.7 hd2. Also check out my Brand New Website www.iammisserickaj.com, advertising and sponsorship opportunities available.

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scripture scripturepage page

My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love – so you can’t know him if you don’t love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about – not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God. 11-12 My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us – perfect love!

13-16 This is how we know we’re living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He’s given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we’ve seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. 7-10

TO LOVE, TO BE LOVED

God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day – our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life – fear of death, fear of judgment – is one not yet fully formed in love.

19 We, though, are going to love – love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.

20-21 If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.

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