Grace & Glory Magazine January 2023

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

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jackie Epps

EDITORIAL

Dr. Carla J. Debnam

Min. Carenda McCray

Tracey George

Dr. Denyce Daniels Rhoda Turner Season Bowers

Ericka J.

GRAPHIC ARTIST

Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com

WEB ADMINISTRATOR

Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com Copyright

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Contributors

DR. CARLA DEBNAM

Dr. Carla J. Debnam is the wife of Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam and an associate minister of Morning Star Baptist Church, Woodlawn, MD. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American Association of Christian Counselors and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Debnam has contributed to two books, Those Sisters Can Preach: 22 Pearls of Wisdom, Virtue & Hope, and 7 Ingredients To An Effective Prayer Life Series, Vol.3-5.

ELDER TRACEY GEORGE

Tracey Nicole George is an ordained elder. She is a native New Yorker residing in Maryland and married to Danny George. Tracey works with her husband managing their inventory and asset control company, George Imaging. She is the creator of Trinkets to Triumph, a Biblically-based blog and ministry, designed to edify and encourage individuals with a “trinket” of encouragement. She is a member of New Destiny Evangelistic Church.

MIN. CARENDA DEONNE

Min. Carenda was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. She received her BA degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and is currently pursuing a Master's in Law degree from Regent University. Min. Carenda was licensed to preach in 2007 and has been teaching, preaching, and declaring God's word through the power of love ever since. Min. Carenda is also an author of three books. Her latest book, Perfect Patty Messed Up, is a 40 day devotional that confronts the disorder of perfectionism and opens the door to self forgiveness and restoration.

DR. DENYCE WATTIES-DANIELS

Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels has over 25 years of experience as a clinician and nurse educator. Her areas of expertise include critical care nursing, pathophysiology, pharmacology and the use of technology in the classroom. She currently serves as faculty and the Director of the Simulation and Learning Resource Centers of the College of Health Professions at Coppin State University.

PASTOR RHODA TURNER

Rhoda possesses a spirit of humility. Her ministry style is graceful, her message is powerful and her presence is comforting. Being the 9th of 10 children, Rhoda has a deep passion for family and the wholistic development of children. She is considered by many as a mentor and mother figure.

Rhoda and her husband Pastor Jason Turner, serve as senior pastors of Christian Faith Fellowship Church in Chandler, AZ.

SEASON BOWERS

Season Bowers- is a Pastor, radio host, and Joy bringer! After spending over 20 years as a professional actor on stage, the Lord called her into full-time ministry. Season is passionate about releasing freedom and joy to the Glory of God in every way she can everywhere she goes.

New! What an exciting word! I don’t know anyone who doesn’t get excited about “new”, a new house, a new car, a new job, a fresh new hairdo/haircut, new shoes, new clothes, a new handbag (I’m telling on myself now lol), but I could go on and on. We love all things new. No wonder we get so excited about the New Year!

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

It is a Brand New Year and many of us are looking forward to this New Year with anticipation and new hope! With every New Year it is everyone’s hope that all things will be new again.

At the start of every New Year, we look back and reflect upon what did or did not happen. Sometimes we look back with regret and sometimes we look back with thanksgiving. Nevertheless, there isn’t much left to do about 2022 but let it go and keep moving forward. There is always new hope for the future.

The modern idea of hope is [to wish for, to expect, but without certainty of fulfillment; to desire very much, but with no real assurance of getting your desire]. However, in the word of God, hope is an indication of certainty. Hope in Scripture means [a strong and confident expectation]. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. (Romans 8:24-25) What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t happened yet.

God is often called “the God of Hope.” This means He is the source of all real hope. If we are going to have new hope (confident expectation), it must come from Him for He alone has the power to give it. New hope gives us power to live courageously, to be all God has called us to be in Christ. In order to embrace all that is new for this Brand New Year we have stepped into, we have to remain hopeful. Always remember your present situation is not your final destination, the best is yet to come.

“Whatever with the past has gone, the best is always yet to come.” -Lucy Larcom

What are you expecting “new” this year? What can we look forward to this New Year that will be brand new? Well, I don’t have a catchy slogan, and I don’t have a theme; what I do have is what the word of God says that we can always expect to be new.

New Mercies. God will be faithful and His mercies will be new every morning. (Lamentations 3:21-23).

New Dreams. God will do exceeding abundantly above all that I ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20)

EPPSJackie

New Provisions. God will provide all my needs according to His riches. (Philippians 4:19)

New Strength. God will empower me to do all things through Christ that strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13)

This New Year my prayer is that you will never lose your hope for the future; the hope that depends on the Word of God. We have a new hope every day of the year; it depends on knowing God and resting in His grace. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Say it today . . . and remind yourself often, “I know the best is yet to come!”

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Bishop Kenneth Harper

Channel of Grace Worship Center

Edgewood, Maryland

Q&A Interview - Bishop Kenneth Harper

G&G: Bishop Harper, Happy New Year! We are delighted to feature you and Channel Of Grace Church for the January 2023 issue of Grace & Glory Magazine. Are you excited about the New Year for you and Channel Of Grace Church?

Bishop Harper: Yes, I am extremely excited. We are expecting God to do a lot this year and next year, 2024!

G&G: Bishop Harper, I understand you are the founder of Channel of Grace Worship Center. Would you share with us the vision and journey that led to the birth of Channel of Grace Worship Center? How many years now has this ministry been serving?

Bishop Harper: January 12, 2023, will make 13 years that we have been serving. The vision began in 2003, December. I was in prayer and had an impression that God was telling me to leave the church where I was, which was Christian Life Church. I didn’t really pay it any attention at that time because I had much trepidation. I was thinking it would be impossible for me to just pick up and move my family, and what about our future: how would I retire, how would I live?! But eventually, I took a step of faith and in 2009 I set goals toward it. My first goal was to establish a Bible Study and see if I could at least begin with 10 people. From there, we started praying together, studying together, and we grew from there.

G&G: Bishop Harper, what kind of church is Channel of Grace Worship Center?

Bishop Harper: We value people at this church. Our goal is in line with the Bible, which includes people developing to their full potential. We value the Word. We want to reach the community, which we do that by adding value to people’s lives.

G&G: In what ways does Channel of Grace provide service to the community?

Bishop Harper: Some of our annual events includes giving away free backpacks and school supplies each year. Since our inception, even before moving to our current location, we have given away school supplies each year, free turkeys each year, and we have a gas drive each year when members of the community come to the gas station, and we offer to pray for them and give them gas; there are so many more programs are in place and the list continues to grow. Our church also hosts an AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meeting every week on Wednesday evenings.

G&G: Bishop Harper, why do you choose to be in the heart of Edgewood; why did you move to this current location?

Bishop Harper: We were looking for a permanent home and we wanted to be in the community to be an extension of the love of God, showing compassion to individuals and assisting families as they grow and develop. This was an organic endeavor; we didn’t choose it…it was a sovereign move of the Lord that we cosigned. This didn’t happen in my wisdom or our

wisdom; we were led here by the Lord. We are here to be supportive, compassionate, and reach families in a holistic way.

G&G: Based on your current member demographics, is this a church for singles or families? Basically, what sector of the population does Channel of Grace generally connect and resonate with?

Bishop Harper: My heart is with Millennials currently. To secure the future of the Gospel, we must find ways to touch the Millennials. If we fail, we leave them without hope. But to answer the question directly, Channel of Grace is a mixture of families and singles, but as we grow, it is more so families, but I expect that to shift. People aren’t getting married as often, especially Millennials. The church is growing and in a unique position to offer jobs, offer training, offer counseling, and so many more services to the community, single, married, whatever. We want to minister to people where they are and watch them grow for the glory of God.

G&G: Bishop Harper, if someone is looking for a church home, why should he or she choose Channel of Grace?

Bishop Harper: This is a place of love. You’re fed the Word here. There is a great sense of community here. We are very resourceful, and we operate with a mission. There is room here to discover spiritual gifts and to express them. We have a great pastor who loves God’s people. This isn’t just a career for me. I have a genuine pastor’s heart. By grace, I have been given a genuine heart to shepherd God’s people. My mission is for every person here to feel the love of God as we interact with one another. This is a place where in addition to experiencing God’s love, the vibes are different here! It’s a church with a different niche,

on the cutting edge. A 12-year-old church is equivalent to a 12-month-old child. We are just beginning to stand and try to walk! It’s a great time to be a part of what almighty God is doing here.

G&G: Bishop Harper, many ministries have closed their doors and pastors have walked away from their churches. Have you ever asked yourself, what have I signed up for? Have you ever wanted to throw in the towel?

Bishop Harper: Oh yes, many times. Many, many times! Pastoring and planting a church are both difficult jobs. How I get through is to constantly remind myself that I didn’t call me to this! I believe just as sure as I know my name is Ken Harper that the Lord called me to this. I heard his voice, and He called me. And He also said that it was going to cost me something. He told me to count the cost. I didn’t know what it would cost, but He said I would have to sacrifice some things. Discouragement always comes, even now. But a lot of times we think about the problems of ministry instead of the promise of ministry. God told me to go and said He will be with me. On those days when I am focusing too much on the problems, I shift to look at the promise. His promise is, “go and I will be with you.”

G&G: Bishop Harper, most pastors have shared that “preaching the gospel” was not what they had planned for their lives. Was it the same for you, did you have other plans for your life?

Bishop Harper: I did at age 24, but by the time I was 26 I realized that my purpose was to impact and touch a generation. And so, I never looked back or regretted not being a soccer coach or whatever else I may have done. This is what I was born to do. For me, I enjoy what I do, and I’ve enjoyed it since I was 26. I have been in ministry over 30 years…36 years.

G&G: Bishop Harper, looking back, are you at all surprised at where you are today, when did you realize God had called you to an assignment of such magnitude?

Bishop Harper: I am surprised, definitely! Somewhere around 2016 I realized it, because I’d come to pastor 50 people. I thought it would be a little space with a few folks. In 2016 I realized the vision is much larger than that. Moreover, I realized what the Lord is doing is building a generational church that will outlast me and my generation and the next. It will feed a lot of generations in a lot of different ways. This vision is huge beyond my stay…it’s far beyond me.

G&G: Bishop Harper, where would you like to see the ministry of Channel of Grace Worship Center in the next five years?

Bishop Harper: I'd like to see the people growing and maturing spiritually; that's number one! Facility-wise, I'd like to see us expanded to accommodate seating for an additional 500 people. I would also like to have our mortgage paid off! My successor should be in place, and we should be anchored and focused on our mission, which is to Reach, Enrich, Retain and Release.

G&G: Bishop Harper, when does Channel Of Grace have service?

Bishop Harper: Sunday mornings at 10:30AM, Tuesday evening Prayer Meetings start at 6PM, followed by Bible Study, which begins at 6:50PM. We have Children’s Church for ages 5-11, a Youth Fellowship for ages 12-18, Young Adult Ministry for ages 18-25, Women’s Fellowship, Marriage Fellowship, Men’s Fellowship, a Seasoned Saints Ministry for ages 60+, and so much more. Our website is www.

mychannelofgrace.org and all our activities are listed online. Guests are treated well and they’re always welcome to join us!

G&G: Bishop Harper, my last few questions are for you personally, how would you describe yourself in three words?

Bishop Harper: Three words is difficult to narrow down, but I am loving, I’m a visionary and I am a builder, which means I am a person who adds value to the lives of others.

G&G: Bishop Harper, would you share with us something that most people would be surprised to know about you?

Bishop Harper: People would be surprised to know how much I love soccer. I am a fan of Manchester United. Whenever I visit England, I must go to a soccer game. I love soccer more than football.

G&G: Bishop Harper, lastly who would you say has had a tremendous impact on your life?

Bishop Harper: Different people have impacted my life in different seasons, but I can narrow it down to three or four. The great Austin de Bourg, my spiritual dad, who is still alive and well. Definitely J. Luther Carroll and also Pastor Earnest Sewell…these are the people who really helped to shape my spiritual life and helped me to become a man of God. My biological dad also… my dad taught my work ethic; he taught me that life isn’t easy, and you have to work hard for the things that you want. He taught me how to cook, bake, take care of a home, and little things like that. I learned all that from my dad.

Tracey

to triumph

Prepared to Propel

Happy New Year blessings! This year, get prepared to propel in your purpose. January 1 marks the day that you can level up, wipe your slate clean, start fresh, and position yourself to propel and prosper in all that you set out to do. It’s the perfect day to ask God to create in you a clean heart (Psalm 51:10) and order your steps (Psalm 119:133) to propel in His promises and the purpose for your life. Get prepared to propel in the perfect peace God has for you. Get ready to take on the full benefits of His provision and rest assured He will protect you along the way. It is time to say, “peace out” to the past, a time to get positioned to prepare yourself in this moment and look forward to a phenomenal future that is ordained by God.

Prepare to propel and say, “peace out” to the past. You can forget all of things that are behind and press forward in the goals God has for you (Philippians 3:13-14). You wrote your vision for this New Year (Habakkuk 2:2) and now it is time to propel in the power of the Lord and watch how triumphantly your vision will line up with your purpose and victoriously manifest. Panic may try to set in when it is time for you to propel but press forth anyway. Free yourself from fear and know that God is with you every step of the way as you pursue your purpose and plan for your life. Be mindful that it is God’s power that partners up with you that pushes you to propel. It’s time to press, push, and propel in Jesus’s name.

Prepare to propel but also position yourself to be present in the moment and content in the state that you are in (Philippians 4:11-13). When you are faithful over the things you presently have,

God loves to give you more (Matthew 25:23). The Apostle Paul told Timothy to stir up the gifts that are in you (2 Timothy 1:6) and you may have to tell yourself that too. You can have a mirror moment and encourage yourself in the Lord. Decree, declare, pronounce, and proclaim God’s blessing over your own life. Even if you have to call those things that are not as though they are (Romans 4:17), you can keep saying it until you see it.

Prepare to propel and look forward to the future. Singing a song can set you up to soar and propel towards your purpose. Music can move and motivate you to achieve those things that you were called to do. A song can set you off on a mission to fulfill all of your goals and purpose. Sing the song, Spring Up Oh Well, by Phil Wickham: “Spring up oh well within my soul. Spring up oh well and make me whole. Spring up oh well and give to me that life abundantly”, and watch what happens. An abundant life will appear. Be about that life. The life that looks within and uses the dunamis power of the Holy Ghost to spring up out of you to help you propel in your purpose, prosper in all you do, and position you to live a life that reflects the blessings of the Lord. Prepare to propel and peep out the tangible blessings that results from you arising, in the power of Jesus Christ, to pursue your purpose. Passionately prepare to propel in your purpose and watch God perfectly plant you on a path that leads to a prosperous life. Praise Him in advance because you will possess it once you are prepared to propel. When you prepare to propel, God will produce!

Elder Tracey Nicole George www.traceystrinketstotriumph.com

Dr. Carla

DEBNAM

Taking Care of Yourself

We have all been encouraged to take care of ourselves especially the past few years as stress and anxiety has taken its toll. The term self-care has taken on a life of its own with so many options of making sure we are good. Not that we have been putting ourselves on the back burner but the need to take care of ourselves has taken on a new meaning. Our parents and grandparents modeled the work ethic but did not model for us the need to rest, recuperate and rejuvenate ourselves. We often saw them unwind with social groups, church attendance and community service but never on a more personalized level. This lack of role models in some ways has become detrimental to our mental, physical and emotional health. We live to please others more than we live to please ourselves or God. Some of us have been neglectful to

the point where we have failed to keep up with regular health screening, vaccines or other preventative methods of care. On the other end are those who have become selfindulgent to the point that they block out anything or anyone which sometimes affects their relationships.

The key to healthy self-care is to find what works for you alone and with others. We are called to be in community so being with others is beneficial. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us that, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” (NIV)

We are also encouraged to spend time alone meditating on the word of God, in prayer and in silence. These spiritual disciplines are self-care for the soul.

Part of self-care is reminding yourself of all you have already accomplished. Begin this month with a gratitude list. You can begin by thinking of the successes you had last year like exercising more, eating healthy, making up your bed or keeping up with your chores. Your list does not have to be deep, or work related. Then add to your list any ways you were able to help others. Starting the year with gratitude and encouragement is good for your mental and emotional health. Being thankful and helpful is something we can all add to our list of things to do! Overall, taking care of yourself blesses you and everyone connected to you. You will be your best self and be able to give to others out of your overflow and not when you are depleted and exhausted. Taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give not only to others but to God.

Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center

Deonne Min. Carenda

Welcome 2023 -

What does this New Year Mean to You?

Happy New Year! Thanks be unto God for His Great Grace. We have crossed over into 2023. If I may ask, what does that mean to you? For some, you are excited to set New Year resolutions, for others you continue traditions such as cooking collards and black-eyed peas. Regardless of your old or new traditions, I hope you take time to hear what God wants to share with you specifically this new year! His message to you is personal and pertinent.

Maybe the Lord is expanding you this year. Maybe He is challenging you to walk on water. I do feel 2023 will be different regarding your level of faith and commitment to God than before. The shifting in this New Year is one that will take maturity and intimacy with God. As you are making your goals, vision boards, and affirmation statements, don’t forget that spending time with God daily must be etched into your heart, mind, and daily living.

I heard a sermon from Bishop Jakes not long ago entitled, “Timing is Everything.” Do you believe that? It says in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens; a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plan and a time to uproot.” If you read down to verse 11, you will see one of my favorite scriptures that says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

I do believe for me that in 2023 timing is everything! I also believe that in this year God is strategically bringing all things together beautifully. Regardless of the season, there is beauty. Regardless of the season, God’s creating a masterpiece. I am personally wired to go after my goals and ambitions. You will not find me sitting in a corner twirling my hair, hoping that opportunity will come to me. I am relentless when it comes to determination. However, even though I possess admirable skills, talents, and behaviors, on the flip side I can also become impatient, and frustrated when things don’t happen on my watch. In this

New Year, I must trust and celebrate the strategy and timing of God. That means no matter what is looks like, or what I think it should look like, gratitude will be my foundation.

It is also important for me to have a thematic scripture verse as it relates to what God is doing in my life each year. I will hold fast to Ecclesiastes 3:11 that states once again, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” What is your thematic scripture for the year? Once you have it, hold fast to it. Commit it to memory. Let it be nourishment, energy, and strength for your mind, body and spirit. Incorporate it as part of your prayer life and post it in your prayer closet. Trust me, whatever God is speaking to you specifically regarding this New Year, it is a serious matter.

Remember, timing is everything. There is a reason God would have you to read this message. Don’t let go until He reveals the details. In addition to your thematic scripture for this New Year, you also want to keep your “Brag Book on God!” close by. Listen, the Lord inhabits our praises of His people. Don’t hold back bragging on God, get ready to write details and testimonies on His goodness and faithfulness towards you. Capture ALL God moments, as He brings them into fruition for you in this New Year!

I don’t know about you, but I am excited! Don’t cross your arms, pout your lips, or complain because you are still stuck on something from 2022. Listen, 2022 is over. What is God saying to you today in 2023? Hold fast to the scripture He gives you. Get your brag book ready and let’s make history this year!

Happy New Year!

Min. Carenda Deonne Beamon www.stresseasyllc.com

Speaker/Author/TV Personality/ Stress Management Life Coach

BOWERS Season

What a Difference a Year Makes

“To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven”— Ecclesiastes 3:1.

My name, Season, comes from this verse in Ecclesiastes which was then made famous by the band The Byrds in the 1960s. Turn, turn, turn. Tick-tock, tick-tock. The rising and setting of the sun is a daily reminder that time marches on. What we know from, well, life, is that seasons change. In our culture, timing is everything, or so the saying goes. And it seems to be the same for the Lord. But for a God that exists outside of our timeline, it seems odd to me that time would be so important. We read in scripture, and after more than a few life experiences, we learn that God’s timing is indeed perfect—but that doesn’t make it easy.

We wait. We pray. We pace. We cry. We plan. We analyze everything we encounter wondering if this is it. And we repeat this cycle until the breakthrough comes. A day, a week, a month, a year, or longer. How long? Will it be a short season or a long one? There isn’t a formula to predict the length of time, but there is something we can rely on—there will be a day when we say, “Wow! Look what the Lord has done!”

As a gracious gift of encouragement, scripture talks a lot about time and waiting. Knowing that we’re not alone in the trial and that God knows our struggle helps us weather the tedious tick-tock of time. If we look closely, we find that waiting comes with unusual companions—strength and joy. Our loving and kind God, who isn’t bothered or constrained by time, generously provides something that, if we aren’t conscious of, we could miss—His presence. He enters into our time and space to sit with us as we wait. It’s in His presence where we find strength and joy, and His peace helps calm our fears and alleviate the distress of the unknown.

This time last year my publisher unexpectedly broke our contract as my first book was about to go on presale and I was seemingly back to square one. At the same time, my husband was obsessing over his new toy. For Christmas, I got him a personal nitro cold brew keg and he loved experimenting with various coffees and teas. He said, “Wouldn’t it be cool to open a coffee shop that had a full bar of nitro drinks?” I was shattered and derailed on my publishing journey, and my husband was dreaming of a new path as a coffee shop owner.

We were facing challenges that we didn’t know how to overcome. We’d never opened a business before, and I was at a loss as to how to move forward with my book. The only option was to trust the timing of the Lord and follow his lead. Sounds

so tidy and nice, doesn’t it? In moments like this time slows down. Every step feels hard and unsure. The days felt long— full of tears and dead ends. Some weeks flew by with lightning speed and progress. There were months of what seemed like stagnation and others that flew at warp speed. Now that we have come around the bend, I am in awe of what a difference a year makes!

Today we are putting the finishing touches on our coffee shop, Intrepid Nitro Coffee and Tea Bar, and my book, The Joy Bringer Challenge is now on presale ready to hit shelves later this year under a different and most wonderful publisher. The year also brought us other developments that we never saw coming, delightful surprises that showed up while we weren’t looking. This time last year I could not have imagined we’d be here. 1 year 365 days 8760 hours 525,600 minutes

Perspective is everything. How we view our time matters. So much can happen in a year, but also, God can move a mountain in a moment. The Lord holds time in a delicate balance. While we may be tempted to fill our planners with goals and plans to stay organized and productive, we must remember that it’s God’s purposes that prevail.

“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can.” – Ecc 3:11-12

Season Bowers

Pastor, Author, Radio Host, Joy bringer 619-807-8509

As you look at the year ahead, I bless you to see the beauty of possibility and find joy in the assurance of the Lord’s presence. Whether you are waiting, wandering, or working, be assured that the glory of God will be revealed, and you will proclaim, “Look what God has done!” Look back and see His hand. Look forward and trust in His goodness. What a difference a year makes.

Follow the joy at seasonbowers.com Instragram, Facebook

Dreams Never Die

What is a Dream?

down, and the sun and the moon, perhaps his mother and father. But the 11 certainly referred to his brothers. Joseph interrupted that dream of his brothers bowing down to him, and he becoming ruler over them.

Rhoda

TURNER

Dreams can warn a person not to do something (Genesis 20:3, 31:24, Matthew 27:19). They can convey what will happen either in the near or distant future (Gen. 37:5, 9, 40:8-19, 41:1-7, 15-32, Daniel 2, 7). They can also convey a spiritual truth (Gen. 28:12), confirm a promise (Gen. 28:13 - 14) or offer encouragement (Gen. 28:15). They can inform someone or a group to do something (Gen. 31:11-13, Matthew 1:2023, 2:12-13, 19, 22). They can convey to an enemy their destruction (Judges 7:13-15), offer a person a gift from God (1Kings 3:5) or even warn a person they will receive punishment for their sins (Daniel 4). The one dream that I want to focus on is Joseph’s dream.

The Bible, Genesis 37–50, has the story of Joseph who was special because he was a dreamer. Once in his dreams, he saw 11 plants bowing down to him. He also saw 11 stars bowing

No matter what obstacles stood between the dreamer and the dream. He never gave up on what God had given him. If you continue to follow the story of Joseph, he managed to find himself in jail, a pit and Potiphar’s house. Now when the dream was given the obstacles weren’t shown. Sometimes we see what God has promised us but we are not willing to go through the path that will take you to your dream. From time to time, we get discouraged and walk away from the dream due to the difficulties getting to the dream.

I remember seeing a news report of a 90-yearold Italian Grammy winner Angela Alvarez. She had a dream of becoming a singer and life’s obstacles detained her dream. When her grandson approached her about recording an LP her dream came to life. I don’t believe she thought that the sacrifice of her dream would double with her being the first women of her age to win a Grammy.

Dreams never die, be it a God given dream or a dream of your own. It takes work and time. I’m not saying that your dream will take over 50 years, what I am saying is if you don’t give up on your dream it will live forever. I was in a life situation and what kept me going were the dreams that God had promised me. I wasn’t letting go because I knew it hadn’t scratched the surface of His promise. Don’t let go of the dream, walk the path and don’t give up!

Pastor Rhoda Turner Christian Faith Fellowship Church Chandler, AZ www.cffaz.org

health matters

January is National Mentoring Month

Welcome to the New Year! We anticipate great things for ourselves and our families in 2023.

Consider sharing your wisdom and insight with another individual by becoming a mentor. What does it mean to be a mentor? Mentors develop positive relationships with individuals. Mentors assist in guiding others in setting and accomplishing goals in business and their personal lives. Mentors are role models and encouragers. Mentors lend a listening, nonjudgmental ear to others. Mentors do not make decisions for their mentees. Mentors listen, ask questions, and give suggestions to support the mentee in making their own decisions. The concept of mentoring is ancient and dates back before Greek mythology. The role of a mentor is derived from the character "mentor" in the book "The Odyssey" whose sole purpose was to guide others in life.

If you are a teacher, successful in business or life, you are probably already a mentor. Students, friends, and family members seek your advice on important matters to them. The influence of mentoring is limitless. Mentors can guide in multiple areas, including career development, marriage, child-rearing, education, business, and spiritual growth.

Mentoring relationships can be formal or informal. Specific career paths and businesses may have a formal mentoring program where junior-level partners are paired with seasoned professionals to guide them in their careers and learn the culture of the organizations to which they belong. Informal mentoring can begin as friendships that develop into synergistic bonds.

Author Anthony K. Tjan, in an article in the "Harvard Business Review", identifies four behaviors of a successful mentor:

• Put the relationship before the mentorship.

• Focus on character rather than competency.

• Shout loudly with your optimism and keep quiet with your cynicism.

• Be more loyal to your mentee than you are to your company.

Mentoring is a shared experience that benefits the mentor and the mentee. It's rewarding to help and guide others. Mentees benefit from the mentor's wisdom, experiences, told mistakes, networks, and success.

Mentoring advocates encourage everyone to commit to one hour each week to mentoring. Advocates believe that everyone has skills and experience to share as a mentor. One hour a week can be all that's needed to effect a positive change in someone's life.

January is National Mentoring Month and focuses on sharing experiences in mentoring and paying tribute to those who serve as mentors. Reflect on your relationship with your formal or informal mentors. Take the time to send a note of gratitude for their position and influence in your life. Your mentor will appreciate the recognition for their commitment to mentoring. Take time this month to consider your role as a mentor. Who can you help on your job, in your family, church, or neighborhood? Commit to taking the opportunity to give guidance when a situation arises.

Have a happy and prosperous 2023. Share your experiences with another by becoming a mentor.

Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels Assistant Professor at Coppin State University DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu healthytips025@gmail.com

Ericka J.

Gospel & Entertainment

Tye Tribbett

The latest single by Tye Tribbett “We Walk By Faith” featuring PJ Morton is one of my faves and has a music video that debuted on BET and in Times Square last month, man listen let this be your “go to” as we go into this New Year, things won’t always be clear but it’s the faith in God that will take us through, grab the single and the video, let it bless you!

Jor’dan Armstrong

Jor’dan’s single “Call” featuring Erica Campbell is blazing, hitting the #1 spot on Billboard for 2 weeks straight and has remained at the top for at least 62 weeks now! Guess what, he’s taking the experience on the road to 10 cities running through Jan 2023, with special guest appearances by Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Jermaine Dolly, Jabari Johnson, Ahjah Walls, Ajanee, and Adrian Butler, this is gonna be good! Grab the album and definitely try to catch the tour.

Vincent Bohanan

All roads leading to Howard University in Washington, DC for the 9th Anniversary “Victory At The University” with special guests Jonathan Nelson, Tiya Askia, Bre Holly, Marc Jay, Virginia State University Choir, The Victorious Army ATL, and Brittany Stewart. Happening at Crampton Auditorium meet us on the Campus. Vincent Bohanan will also be releasing a new single “I Love To Call Him” that weekend!

Branden Anderson

“God Did It Again” (Tell Somebody) is blazing the charts on Billboard, I had an opportunity to witness this song performed live and I thoroughly enjoyed it, it’s such a catchy uplifting and upbeat tune, it’s definitely one you wanna add to your playlist.

“Til next month, Be blessed, love real big, in real life!” Follow me: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @misserickaj Email iammisserickaj@gmail.com

Tye Tribbett

Jor’dan Armstrong

Branden Anderson

Vincent Bohanan