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.
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But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Pgs 8-11
Effectual Prayer International Ministries, Inc.
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@elderkeishajones
Elder Keisha T. Jones
EP International Ministries, Inc.
This September marks Grace & Glory Magazine’s 17th Anniversary, and this month we are honored to feature Pastor Keisha T. Jones, M.Div., CPE. Pastor Keisha T. Jones is the Pastor and Founder of Effectual Prayer Ministries International, Inc. We talked exclusively with Pastor Keisha T. Jones about what it means to be 'A Mother to the Nations'.
14 MONTHLY MANNA
Min. Carenda Deonne Beamon
How to Identify and Manage Triggers
28 A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE
Pastor Rhoda Turner
The Secret Place
24 TRINKETS TO TRIUMPH
Elder Tracey George Optimum Overflow
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
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.
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 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 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.
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- 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.
(I Corinthians 2:9/KJV)
The month of September is the ninth month of the year, and it often symbolizes the end of one thing and the start of another. Like the end of summer and the start of fall; the end of summer break for students and the start of a new school year; and the end of summer reruns and the start of fall premieres. The number nine is said to represent completion, like the fulfillment of one cycle so that you can prepare to initiate the next one. For Grace & Glory Magazine, September symbolizes the fulfillment of its 16th year and the start of its 17th year in publication. We are celebrating our 17th Anniversary!
The Grace & Glory Magazine made its debut September 2006, and since then many doors have opened for the magazine consistently moving the Grace & Glory Magazine to its ultimate goal, which is to be a resource and vehicle for the upward building of the Kingdom of God. We have featured many of God’s finestpastors, ministries, entrepreneurs, authors, artists, and businesses, and we have established many valuable relationships with our faith-based community and readers. Through the years God has done, “Exceeding abundantly above all that I could ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20).
Where do we go from here? We continue to walk through the door God opened 17 years ago. As we
enter into this next year, we are excited for what God has in store for the Grace & Glory Magazine. We thank and praise God for what He has already done, for what He is doing, and for what He is going to do. By no means has this been an easy journey! There have been many times I have wanted to quit and throw in the towel (I thank God for those who kept praying, and praying, and praying). “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). There have been setbacks and stumbling blocks, but we believe when God opens a door, no man can shut it.
This month’s issue is dedicated to all of the contributors (past and present) that God led our way; there are many who have been with us from the start that have been so faithful pouring out into their articles what God has put into their hearts. This issue is also dedicated to our many ministry partners, supporters and advertisers, who have trusted us through the years. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who help get this magazine out month after month. God has blessed me and this magazine with the best of the best. Last but not least, we dedicate this issue to you, the readers, who have been our faithful friends.
We have been determined on purpose to always inspire, encourage, and
empower our readers with each issue. It is our prayer that we have done just that; and it is also our prayer that we continue to be a resource for our readers as a ministry tool for purpose. Grace & Glory magazine will always use its platform to shine a light as long as God continues to lead and guides us forward.
Where do we go from here? There is no doubt in my mind that God wants us to continue to believe, keep the faith, stay focused and let Him finish what He has started. “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
Peace and Blessings. . .
“Eyehas not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man, The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
G&G: Pastor Keisha, welcome to the Grace & Glory Magazine family! We are excited for this opportunity to feature you for our September Anniversary issue. You are a jewel to the Kingdom of God. Let’s start here, how did your journey into ministry begin? Did you always know this was your purpose or did you have other plans for your life?
Pastor Keisha: I have known since I was a child that I was called to international ministry, but as a teen and young adult I ran and told God to get someone else because I didn't want to do it. I wanted to have a family, become an OBGYN like my cousin Arista, and write children's books. This ministry stuff was not my plan at all, but purely God's. I am the founder and pastor of Effectual Prayer International Ministries, Inc. Birthed in 2004 as EP International, what started as an event planning company for corporate and church conferences, God later birthed into full-time ministry for men and women all over the world. When God gave me the name of the ministry, I thought it was simply to help equip and motivate
churches to organize empowering conferences. Little did I know that as I remained faithful to the leading of Holy Spirit that God was pruning me for the true call He placed in me in my mother’s womb-an international call to train and equip churches and their leadership to minister healing and restoration to the wounded worldwide.
G&G: Pastor Keisha, 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?
Pastor Keisha: I've known from a child that I was called to international ministry, but to this magnitude I had no idea. I am definitely surprised if I really stop to think about all I've done and the five continents I have traveled to, however, I don't think about it I just hit the ground running with whatever God drops in my lap and I expect great things from Him and great provision. I always tell the Lord, "This is Your vision, so I know You are going to provide
the provision (cause I ain't got it!) and You own the cattle on a thousand hills." He comes through every time like clockwork in the 11th hour.
G&G: Pastor Keisha, you are the Pastor and Founder of Effectual Prayer International Ministries, Inc. (EP International Ministries, Inc.). Would you share with us the vision and the mission of this ministry?
Pastor Keisha: The mission of EP International Ministries, Inc. is ‘changing the world one soul, one voice, one nation at a time’; equipping churches with the spiritual tools for engaging in warfare, healing individual and corporate soul wounds of leadership through the glory light of Jesus Christ, and empowering pastors while journeying alongside those called to do the work of ministry. Helping those pastors to build a church that God can be pleased with is the vision of EP International Ministries, Inc. I have always said, “We must be willing to allow God to do ‘the work’ in us before we can begin to do the work of the One who has sent us. Thus, we are never effective in life or in ministry until we are willing to journey inward first.” Our church's mission and vision were established on the words in James 5:16. "Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much."
G&G: Pastor Keisha, EP International Ministries, Inc. is a global ministry, we understand you recently traveled to South Africa in August. Please tell us about your trip to South Africa and what was the purpose of this trip?
Pastor Keisha: Last October during one of our international ministry trainings via zoom the anointing fell so heavily on me, and I prophesied to my son and daughter in ministry, Pastor Nareadi and Apostle Benjamin Tsubella who live in South Africa, that they would conceive a child. I could tell by their facial expressions as the word went forth that they did not like this prophecy that Holy Spirit spoke through me, nor did they believe it because they already had three boys and just knew they were done. (Wink) I was not phased by their looks; I simply said what God told me to say. A few months went by, and my son called sharing that they were pregnant. He told me that if it was a girl, they would name her after me and that I must come and dedicate the baby.
Sometime last year the Lord told me 2023 would be my year for international travel back to Africa. I didn't know how, when, why, or anything of that nature. I just trusted God to honor His words to me. So, when Apostle Benjamin informed me that he and his wife wanted me to dedicate the baby I knew that was God sending me. Now they could not afford to send for me at this time, so rather than saying well I'm not coming, I told God this is your trip, your prophecy, and your expense. God not only provided for me to travel there but provided the means for me to take a team with me and God did this all the week before we were scheduled to be
there. Before that we had no funds for one and certainly not for three! JEHOVAH JIREH is EVERYTHING! Up until last month I have always traveled alone to foreign countries doing ministry. It was incredible and an honor to take our Associate Pastor Corliss Billips, who is also my mother and one of our members, Dr. Karen Dabney-Lynch, a licensed and trained mental health therapist. I preached a four-day revival in two cities in Limpopo, South Africa and held a training for bishops, pastors, and their ministerial leaders of three different churches in addition to dedicating the baby, Naleadi Tsubella, which means "Star". During the revival we shut down the entire grid of the South African government with our intercession and for the last two nights of the revival there was no load sharing of their electricity (meaning their electricity did not go out as it was scheduled to do so nightly) simply because I taught them how to war in the heavenlies and decree what they want to see happen. We are a great army and we ARE strong in the Lord! They will never be the same and neither will we!
G&G: Pastor Keisha, you are called “A Mother to the Nations”, would you expound on the significance of this calling?
Pastor Keisha: There's an anointing on me that I didn't ask for mind you, that people from other nations walk up to me or enter my office and immediately call me, "Momma". It has nothing to do with my age because I am young and most often, they are even older than me. But God has placed a grace on my life to mother, nurture, oversee, and shepherd others (in ministry) at home and in faraway lands in a way that a mother does for her children. A Mother wants her children to have the best and to supersede her life's work, so she trains her children to do just that. She teaches them her pitfalls, so they don't make the same mistakes. She teaches them her victories, so they have even greater triumphs. The Bible speaks of such a woman, and I didn't set out to be her by any means. This is all God's doing.
There's a deep well of compassion in me for people who don't look like me, who don't speak my same language, who don't eat what I eat but love Jesus or need to know Him just the same. The ones most count out because they are different from them; those are the people I'm called to serve with humility and grace. There's a deep level of respect for them and a longing to be in community with them so that we both achieve our greatest potential in Christ and so that we reach our 'destiny place' together. It's not something that I often rejoice over because it is a weighty assignment. I do not have any biological children to date, but I have children all over the world. Now I would love to have my own children, but I often wonder how I would be able to do what I do around the globe with little ones in tow. God knows best, and the sacrifice has been great to bear this name. (She tears up and stares into the distance).
Continued from page 9
G&G: Pastor Keisha, would you explain to us what is ‘a destiny place’, how is this significant in your life and how is it significant in someone else’s life?
Pastor Keisha: It's a term I used when I got there. And for me that was South Africa last month. I have never felt more alive than when I reached my 'destiny place'! For me that place is entering international territory and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and training others to do the same. For me that place is feeding and clothing the hungry in my own city. For me that is becoming heaven’s ‘need meeter’. Wherever the need is that is where I'm called to show up. It's the place where I am meant to be, the place people assigned to me before the foundation of the world who have been awaiting my arrival to connect with their souls to help push them into their God-given, Goddriven 'Destiny Place'. And it's not because I'm so great... I'm not! I just said yes, I will go send me. And God knows that about me. Without hesitation I will go to the ends of this Earth helping all kinds of people achieve their greatest potential in JESUS. That's what I was created to do. Whatever you were created to do, when you get there, you'll feel so alive that nothing else matters but that and that's your 'destiny place'. See there are people that God has assigned to you for you to help them to get to whatever place God needs them to be. And if you do not show up, they never get there and what's worst is they die never having reached their fullest potential in Christ Jesus all because you didn't answer when He called you. So, for me this thing is so crucial because I don't reach my 'destiny place' until they reach theirs and that's real talk! So, half the battle in life is simply just showing up. God will do the rest. But do we really trust Him to get us "there" (wherever "there" is-no matter where "there" is) or are we just going through the motions and playing church?
G&G: Pastor Keisha, would you also share with us what you noticed about the differences or similarities in the hunger for Christ in South Africa compared to here at home?
Pastor Keisha: I think the key difference is that as American Believers we rely so heavily on our government that we often forget that Jesus is our ONLY source. We say that Jesus is our source but yet we still rely on our employers and our government as our main source of provision in such a way that if our job or government ceased to exist tomorrow, we'd be in shambles and completely devastated. South African Believers, on the other hand, know that they have NEVER been able to rely on nor trust their government for anything because their
history has taught them that (i.e., Apartheid). Thus, they have learned to depend on and trust in Jesus for EVERYTHING! Knowing that God is their greatest and only provider, and HIS name IS Jehovah Jireh! So, when they come into the house of God, they come with great expectation about who their God is and when you ask them to worship before you can even get the words out good, they are screaming and jumping up and down and hollering and praising and worshiping the name that is above every name. It grieves me because in a lot of churches in America we have to pump, prod, and practically beg the people to worship the Jesus they say they love and serve. But what that tells me is that they have not been doing that at home. See it's easy to enter the church building and go for broke in your worship and praise if that's what you've been doing all week long. Nobody has to beg you...you just do it because it's what you were created to do, and it is your reasonable service unto a holy God that has given you everything including the breath in your body. South Africans will walk for miles to get a word from the Lord with no food in their cupboards and we stay home on Sundays if it's raining and we're driving luxury cars with refrigerators full of food. This is why I love South Africa-their hunger hits different! Selah.
G&G: Pastor Keisha, what are your thoughts on what you believe the Body of Christ should be saying and doing at this critical time in the world?
Pastor Keisha: I believe strongly now more than ever that the Body of Christ must focus on souls and inner healing through the light of God's Word and the power of His Holy Spirit. Everything that we do and everyone that we touch must be Christcentered and Holy Spirit filled and led. We should be teaching and preaching on Holy Spirit now like never before. This is a time where training must go forth so that ministry can be done effectively so that we can build a church that God can be pleased with so Christ can return for us as this is NOT our home. Don't get me wrong, some are already doing the work and are extremely effective in their sphere of influence, but many are just going through the motions.
The word talks about Christ coming back for a church without spot or wrinkle and God is not referring to a building. We must be willing and come out of the four walls and compel all to come in (to the saving knowledge of Christ). Once they come in, we must disciple and train them to duplicate what they've been taught so they can effectively go out and get others and repeat. The Body of Christ must also take a stand for what we see happening in our communities, our government, our culture, and the world at large
that deliberately goes against the Word of God. It is a critical time for the Body of Christ, and we have been passive for far too long. People's lives are at stake and people are dying and folk are hungry for truth and something real. Will the real Body of Christ please stand up and may God wake up every sleeping giant in the Kingdom of Light to take dominion and subdue the Earth as we have been called to do because the enemy is going to do his job, but will we do ours and be about our Father's business and stop playing church?
G&G: Pastor Keisha, what is next for Effectual Prayer International Ministries, Inc.? Where would you like to see this ministry in the future?
Pastor Keisha: As God downloads my next assignment, I then bathe it in serious intercession for the resources and the provision. Once I am permitted to release it, I then share it with my church leaders and our overseers, and we war over that particular assignment and over the regions where the assignment will take place and every region in between. And then we carry out the assignment with the leading of Holy Spirit. That's how I've always done it and that's how we will continue to do it. So, what's next and where do I see us going...? More training of pastors and leaders all over the world, more churches that I oversee in other nations, and the grace, strength, and funding to do it all. But honestly, I'm waiting on the edge of my seat just like you to see what God has in store next for us! (She smiles and chuckles)
G&G: Pastor Keisha, let’s close with a few lighter questions, how would you describe yourself in three words?
Pastor Keisha: Determined, focused, and a lover of people.
G&G: What is one thing most people would be surprised to know about you?
Pastor Keisha: That I'm just a regular girl who loves Jesus and said yes. And most days I just want to be a regular girl, so when I can take the time, I surround myself with close friends who allow me to do just that. I know you said one thing, but I also love to cook, I love retail therapy like my grandmother, and I love to laugh and making others laugh does my heart and soul so good. I love to cut up big time! When I get to
be a regular girl, I'm told I am the life of the party!
G&G: Pastor Keisha, what do you like to do to rewind, relax, and regroup?
Pastor Keisha: Sleep, sleep, and sleep some more, and hopefully get on a plane or take a nice long drive to be near some water to get away from everything and everybody. Because I am always around people for work and ministry, refueling for me is vital. I talk for a living, so I really enjoy my alone time.
G&G: Pastor Jones, lastly, is there anyone who has had a tremendous impact in your life and your ministry journey?
Pastor Keisha: Yes, my grandmother, the late Rev. Cora Jones. That woman my God! I spent countless hours with her listening to her qualms about ministry and church folk and pastors and leaders and grief, and death, and bereavement for years. I believe she's the reason I felt called to hospice chaplaincy at one time in my life. I later learned that she always wanted to own a hospice care facility. In many ways I am a continuation of her biggest aspirations in ministry. She planted the seeds long ago at her kitchen table and I didn't even realize it. She was the one who prophesied in 2015 that I would travel to Africa and gave me money for the trip, but also said she would not be with me. She died in 2017. And my first trip was in 2018.
One of the key things my grandmother taught me is, "You get whatever you speak." She taught me the power of my words, that I could speak anything into being and to be careful what I spoke because it would come to pass. I live by those same words today. It's so true and so biblical. She taught me about my own power and that's liberating for a little Black girl from DC! To know that MY words have power so much so that I said as a child that I would ride the backs of elephants and I did in Thailand one Christmas while serving a church in China 2013-2015. But I spoke that as a child and my mother reminded me when she saw the pictures. My grandmother was an incredible woman!! She loved her some JESUS! And she was an intercessor like no other. I learned that from her, and her mother, and my mother (we are four generations of intercessors). So, I'm drinking from a well that I did not dig and I'm beyond grateful.
Every summer we host a block party in the Baltimore area to provide free school supplies, clothing, food, activities, health screenings and more to our local communities. Check out some photos below from our 2023 block party and scan the QR code to learn more at thedecisionproject.org.
To learn more about how organ, eye and tissue donation saves lives, visit us at infinitelegacy.org.
Infinite Legacy is here to help our community in any way we can.
Have you ever taken a moment to think about why you respond the way you do to certain situations, and what causes you to react the way you do with certain people or experiences? Life is not easy, and as a matter of fact, as my Pastor put it in a recent sermon, life at times can be unfair. How do you handle the frustrations of life when you are mistreated and/or deceived? How do you handle the pain when you are affected by the actions and decisions that someone else has made? How do you bounce back talking to a person you love, and within the next 24 hours, they are gone? How do you process being healthy and vibrant one day, and now being told you have a terminal disease the next? How does our mind comprehend the incomprehensible?
Recently, I have become very sensitive to triggers. I truly believe in this season of our lives we must be cognitive of triggers. If not careful, they will get us distracted, discouraged, and can cause division. Triggers are powerful. Do you know you can self-sabotage your own blessing because of triggers? There are things that you have experienced or witnessed as a child, but even now as an adult those experiences have become real life triggers. Sometimes we are not only triggered by experiences, but also by words. When you hear certain words, it can trigger a feeling of neglect and isolation. In the dictionary, the word trigger defined as a verb means, “Caused an event or situation to happen or exist.” For example, an allergy can be triggered by stress. In the mental health field, a trigger is a stimulus that elicits a reaction, and in most cases people with a history of trauma can be affected by triggers.
If I can speak personally and transparently, I struggle with vulnerability, and the root of that is triggered from hurt, disappointment, and failed relationships. Therefore, it's easy for me to put up a wall, dismiss someone, or consciously be aware of how much I share and express. However, I know that to experience what I truly desire, I cannot allow vulnerability to hold me back.
What about you? What are some of your triggers, and how are you confronting them? I know for me, in addition to prayer and just talking to God, I must have conversations with a licensed therapist, and people of wise counsel. I have to cultivate conversations that will provide a safe place for me to express myself, but also love me enough to tell me when I am wrong, and how to perceive and act differently.
Let me give you some scriptures on how powerful it is to have someone in your circle who is wise and trustworthy to help you with your triggers.
Proverbs 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
Proverbs 11:14 “Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory.”
Proverbs 15:22 “Without consolation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.”
Proverbs 19:20-21 “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. Many plans are in a man's heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand.”
Proverbs 4:13 says, “Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her for she is your life.”
Psalm 94:18-19 “When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
I am fully convinced that in this season many of us are dealing with triggers and they are affecting our relationships, our children, our grandchildren, our careers, our finances, our businesses, and ministries. What we need and must cling to in this very hour is wise counsel and instruction. We will find hope there. We will find peace there. We will also find victory there.
I had a situation that happened to me recently and I was so devastated that the first thing I did was turn to my emotions. I felt privileged to let my emotions lead me in the same exact way I had handled situations before. However, because I am aware of my triggers, I picked up the phone and I told my spiritual mother, Elder Joylette Hilliard, “I need wise counsel.” I am so grateful that she did just that. However, here is what made the difference, I listened and acted on the counsel she gave me, and because of that, I had a different outcome.
To heal and mature regarding your triggers, you must first recognize you have them, and know specifically what they are and how they cause you to respond. You must be mature enough to reach out to listen and respond to wise counsel, and you must extend grace to yourself in the process. What you and I have gone through may not be fair, deserving, or favorable, but God has the final say. We can rise above our circumstances. We can walk with confidence knowing who we are in Christ Jesus, and we can find safety in wise counsel to experience something different in our lives, including fulfillment!
Min Carenda Deonne www.carendadeonne.com
There are many mysteries in the world but one of the most challenging is to understand suicide and suicidal thoughts. We wonder what could make someone we know, and love make such a decision or have such thoughts. What is even more challenging is that we did not know they were feeling so low and having such emotional pain that life had become unbearable. We often say these things to ourselves afterwards – “if only we had known”, “they had so much to live for”, “why didn’t they reach out”. While this is what we have come to think, it is not that simple. Facing our fears and frustrations in understanding suicide has caused us to not talk about it but talking about it can help us save more lives from this often-preventable death.
There are many factors that can cause someone to think suicide is the solution to their problems. Financial problems, struggling relationships with family and friends, feelings of loneliness
and believing no one cares if they were gone along with bullying and social media harassment. Overcoming these thoughts and experiences can be done with the support of the community and improved skills that help teach emotional regulation and problem solving Providing mental health counseling and support along with crisis intervention strategies to those supporting our family, friends and community members who are most vulnerable.
Providing treatment to those with addictions, limiting access to firearms, providing parenting classes to help with problems that may be occurring in the home, and strengthening the community with prevention information and support for those whose family may have been impacted by a suicidal loved one or lost someone to suicide. The faith community can be a haven for families impacted by this by giving space for dialogue, teaching, and support when one of
the community members is affected. The need for prevention is important because the rate of death has increased since in the past year. It is okay to ask those we know are struggling with some mental health diagnosis how they are doing and if they are thinking of harming themselves. We must talk more openly and freely about our emotions and the needs for help. Be a bridge to someone or their family by providing them with resources. When faced with a crisis, whether suicide, addiction or family challenges share the 988-crisis number to those in need. Compile a list of community resources and be a source of support and strength for those in your circle. Check on your friends and if you are the one in need, be honest and reach out for help. We are in this together. Together we can face the uncertainties of life. Don’t give up. Encourage one another with love and be genuine, someone’s life may depend on it!
Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center
Move onward to optimal overflow! You are embarking on the sweet season of harvest and God wants to give you His optimum blessings because He favors you. You are the apple of His eye (Psalm 17:8). It is His pleasure to give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). September is the ninth month of the year, and the number nine represents a new order. Look for God to do a new thing in your life (Isaiah 43:19). Allowing God’s order to guide your life leads to an overflow of blessings. Now is the time of year to set your affairs in order, to prepare for the last quarter of the year and get ready for the new year approaching that will be bursting with bountiful blessings. It is time to go after the lion’s share, the greatest and biggest portion of a thing, and live the favorable life that God ordained for you to experience known as the optimum overflow.
Optimum overflow begins with obedience. Opt to obey the Lord because obedience is better than sacrifice (I Samuel 15:22). Listening to the instructions of the Lord leads to a lavish lifestyle that abides in all of the Kingdom benefits associated with being a child of the King. It pays to obey the Lord like we witnessed some people do throughout the Scripture. Abraham obeyed God and was blessed beyond measure (Genesis 12:1-3). The widow obeyed the Prophet Elisha and ended up with an overflow of oil to pay her debts (1 Kings 4:1-7). God has the same gifts and awards for obedience waiting for you because of your obedience to Him. No good thing will He withhold from you if you walk upright before Him (Psalm 84:11).
Optimum overflow causes you to be obsessed with going after the lion’s share. Get into the details of the
purpose and plan God has for your life. God is a God of order. Seeking Him first guarantees that His blessings will follow, manifest, and become tangible (Matthew 6:33). He wants you to be fruitful in every area of your life and ensure that you are taking optimum advantage of your Kingdom benefits.
Optimum overflow will make you become opposed to all obstacles. Nothing or no one will stop you on your journey to receive your optimum overflow. You will use all obstacles in your way as a steppingstone to get to your divine destination. You will not let anything, or anyone stop your flow. The enemy will try to come to attempt to steal, kill, and destroy what God has for you but God ordained an abundant life for you, He will block it, and not let it happen (John 10:10). Flow spelled backwards is wolf. The enemy will try to act like a big bad wolf and come for you, but you are covered in the blood of your Lord and Savior Jesus and dwell in His secret place so none of his tactics and tricks will work. His weapons may form, but they will not prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
Optimum overflow will make you own your abundant lifestyle. It will give you the confidence that you need to know and be secure in the fact that you are a chosen generation, royal priesthood, and a part of a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9). You are ordained for optimum overflow. Not only will you be blessed because of your obedience but also your children’s children will be blessed and receive an optimum overflow. You are anointed and appointed to receive an optimum overflow!
Elder Tracey Nicole George www.traceystrinketstotriumph.com
About 10 years ago I remember watching a movie called War Room. In this movie the main character was having trouble in her marriage. She ran across a lady who was talking to her about prayer, and the importance of prayer and how to have that secret place where you can pray for issues that are facing you. The main character of the movie set up a place in her closet to pray. At the end of the movie what she was praying for came to pass. “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
Matthew 6:6 NKJV.After I watched this movie, I had to re-establish my War Room. This movie so reminded me of my Mother. She had a designated place and time where she would War in prayer for others. I remember hearing her pray while I was asleep late at night when I was a little girl. From time to time, I
remember joining her in prayer (warring) for others and their issues. I was taught how to pray and intercede when I was young, which helped establish the prayer life that I have today. I realized that the older I became the more my life and responsibilities grew. It became harder for me. I had distractions that I didn’t have when I was younger. But I made up in my mind that I wouldn’t stop pursuing after Him. I had to fight situations that would come up against me and having that secret time with the Father. What became difficult for me was trying to schedule Him; I had to stop scheduling time for prayer and allow time to be made available.When that time arose, I would run into my secret place and allow God to minister to me as I communed with Him. The more I spent time with Him the more I was able to see His face shining greatly on my situation.
Now that I’m married, working, pastoring, parenting and mentoring others, I asked God to create moments and when those moments arise that’s when I take that time for prayer instead of doing something else; I spend that time with Him in my secret place. Just as my mother was the example for me. I’m planting that seed into my children to have time to communicate with the Father. We watched that movie together and my daughters were excited to set up a war room for themselves. They wrote down on paper things that they wanted God to do for them, they prayed and watched God work in their behalf. I wanted them to establish a prayer life with the Father and all of them have. It was birthed out of me being the example. Sometimes I can catch a glimpse of them praying or I hear them praying to God and it makes my heart so happy to see them establishing a prayer life and watching God move for them and through them because of prayer.
So don’t allow the enemy to trick you out of not communicating with the Father. The more you fight for that time the easier it will make itself available.
It's September, and the lazy days of summer are over. It's back to school for the kids and maybe some parents too. The fall season often brings stress to the family. Schedule changes, homework, school fundraisers, and evening crunch times can intensify the demands on your time. Take heed, and consider the following strategies for a smooth and less stressful transition to autumn.
First, breathe. Plan your days and work your plan. Develop a family schedule. This will help you and the kids stay on task and keep up with the pace of the week. Identify which daily tasks are most important. Think about which tasks can be delegated, which can be performed later, and which can be delayed to the weekend. Consider the job of making lunch for school. Can you trust this task to your nine-year-old? They may like the idea of preparing lunch for themselves. It helps them feel more independent and may free up some of your evening or early morning duties. Can your child purchase lunch at least once or twice a week or on special days? My kids bought lunch twice a week on "pizza day." Therefore, I was left to consider what was for lunch only three times a week.
Make it a routine to pack up all school supplies and bookbags at night before bed. Designate an area in the house where everything is kept. Remind your spouse to do the same. Lay out the outfit for tomorrow before bedtime. This gives you time to discuss what is appropriate before the morning rush to leave the house.
Include a weekly or daily prayer routine. The Holy Spirit will bring calm to every situation. It doesn't have to be a long session. Reserve 5-10 minutes at dinner or bedtime to pray for each other as a family.
Consider meal planning for the week. Several pieces of meat and a large portion of vegetables can last 2-3 dinners or could provide lunch.
Avoid overloading your schedule with multiple after-school or weekend events and classes. Recent
studies show that kids are pressured to participate in numerous recreational activities that provide limited relaxation time. Involve the children in one or two activities. Consider the time commitment and the travel distance from home. Can you develop a relationship with another parent to carpool to the activities? Remember, when your child is involved in an activity, you have essentially joined too! Maybe your child can participate in one fall and one spring activity.
Put down the phones and technology to talk in the car during the rides to and from school and activities. Connect with your family. Review the daily routine, talk about their day and your plans for the weekend.
Identify tasks you can do in intervals. I wash clothes throughout the week. I put a load of clothes in the washer before work. When I come home, I transfer that load to the dryer and may put another load of clothes in the washer. I fold the dry clothes and restart the rotation in the morning if needed.
Keep the bathroom spray cleaner handy and near the shower caddy. Teach the kids to spray down the shower after they use it. Spray and rinse the sink after you brush your teeth. Put bowl cleaner in the toilet before you leave the house; brush and rinse the toilet bowl when you come home in the evening.
Set aside at least one weekend a month to do nothing. Relax. Have a movie night. Forget the routine. Have food delivered to your home. Take time to reset.
Back-to-school season doesn't have to be stressful. Be intentional with your time, and remember, the Christmas holiday is 90 days away, and summer will soon follow.
Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels Assistant Professor at Coppin State Universityhealthytips025@gmail.com
There is a single that’s catching fire rapidly! Kirk Franklin doesn’t miss he’s definitely got the “Midas Touch” everything he touches turns to gold! As he’s embarking on the “Reunion Tour” he decided to drop “Try Love” single on us , he’s even put out the #trylove challenge, encouraging people to highlight a person or people that helped them believe in love again and he’s compiling a video. Love is totally needed in the climate we are living in! Thanks Kirk! Grab the single and go catch The Reunion Tour when it comes your way!
The full project is out NOW! VaShawn Mitchell’s Chapter X: See The Goodness, featuring Donnie McClurkin, Jekalyn Carr, and Darryl Walls. I’m definitely loving this project, “Battle” and “Goodness” featuring Donnie McClurkin are on REPEAT! Download and Enjoy! This is good!
This crusade of worshipers is hitting the road again and releasing new music! “The Maverick Way Tour” is headed to Baltimore on November 2nd at The Lyric. They decided to make the tour more intimate this time and use smaller venues, no set, no bells and whistles just a pure worship experience. They are coming to the historic Lyric Theater, here in Baltimore. If you have
ever experienced the Maverick City Movement, you can testify the experience is life changing! I’m so excited! Grab your tickets!
September 9th All Roads lead to Ohio! Ricky Dillard & New G are gearing up for their 13th live recording. This choir never ceases to deliver choir music that keeps us lifted! This choir master Dr. Dillard and his choir leave no stone unturned from flat foot vocal perfection to choreography to production; they just GOT IT! I can’t wait to hear and see what they are about to release to us this go around!
Donald Lawrence & Twinkie Clarke
When Gospel Legends Collab! Thee Amazing Donald Lawrence is releasing a project on September 15th honoring the “Queen” Twinkie Clark of the Legendary Clark Sisters; the infamous organist, singer, songwriter, composer is more than worthy of this honor. I’m so glad she will enjoy the fruits of her labor and smelling her flowers while she’s yet alive and kicking! The project includes so many, featuring PJ Morton, Kelontae Gavin, Kiera Sheard Kelly, Jekalyn Carr, J Moss, Shirley Murdock, and MORE! Available everywhere September 15th!
“Til next month, Be blessed, love real big, in real life!” Follow me: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @misserickaj Email iammisserickaj@gmail.com
