Catalyst Mar 2016

CO March N T3rdEN T S • 2016 ARTICLES

Unworthy Joe Grimaud ............................................................................................................... Page 8 The Battle for Men’s Souls Gladys Grimaud ......................................................................................................... Page 8

Life in the Valley Tony Evans ................................................................................................................ Page 9 Jesus Pusher Stephen Manley ....................................................................................................... Page 10 To Have a Heart of Gratitude Bonita Britt.............................................................................................................. Page 15 Thelma Jones=Walker Attorney at Law ....................................................................................................... Page 16 How to Start a CityLight Prayer Group ................................................................................................................................. Page 18 Newton’s Laws of Influence Chakisse Newton....................................................................................................... Page 24 Freedom, But How? Jed N. Snyder, D. Min............................................................................................... Page 33 God Spoke to Me? Daniel Henderson .................................................................................................... Page 34 CityLight Mission Statement ................................................................................................................................ Page 30 Heaven Came Down - Revealing a Fresh Anointing of Christ’s Love Luella Redfern .......................................................................................................... Page 38

FEATURES

Local Events & Points of Interest ................................................................................................................................... Page 4 CityLight Prayer Breakfast Order of Service........................................................................................................... Page 5 Responsive Reading - Selection from Provers 31 ................................................................................................................................... Page 6 Midlands Prayer Opportunities ................................................................................................................................. Page 20 Volunteer Opportunities ................................................................................................................................. Page 32 march 2016

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Local Events & Points of Interest THURSDAY MAR 3rd MERCY ME

CHRIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2901 FANTASY WAY | MYRTLE BEACH, SC 29579 PH: 843-945-9440 GroundZero presents MercyMe. The multi-platinum, GRAMMY® nominated, and current American Music Award nominees MercyMe have been a fixture in Christian music since forming in 1994.

SUNDAY MAR 6th

JEFF & SHERI EASTER CONCERT

THE CORNERSTONE BAPTIST CHURCH 1797 BRICK CHIMNEY RD. | GEORGETOWN, SC No Admission Charge - A Love Offering will be Collected. Please consider bringing a donation of Oatmeal or Grits to benefit Helping Hands and their efforts to serve our community.

SATURDAY MAR 19th PASSING IT ON

THE SHIELD OF FAITH CHURCH 1612 FOSTER CREEK ROAD | HANAHAN, SC 29410 PH: 843-452-0884 PASSING IT ON Conference with Free breakfast & lunch; Nursery provided; All ages invited; Giveaways.

An overall total of 16 speakers will pour out and ‘PASS ON’ some of their greatest moments with God that will encourage and strengthen us all.

SUNDAY MAR 27th

THE WILBANKS SINGERS EASTER CELEBRATION CONCERT

THE PENTECOSTALS OF WILMINGTON 3615 CHIPPENHAM DR | WILMINGTON, NC 28412 PH: 910-791-8996 The Wilbanks Singers will be in Concert on Sunday, March 27th at 11:00 am! Join us as we worship together and celebrate our Risen Savior!

CityLight Catalyst Breakfast Columbia Prayer Breakfast

March 2016 Publisher: Redfern II CityLight Founders: Joe & Gladys Grimaud

Associate Publisher: Luella Redfern Editor: Casey Lowe Creative Director: Gabe Lowe Managing Editor: Ramón Balaguer Operations Manager: Gwen Byrd Photographer Videographer: Zoe Warren Sponsorship Manager: Tchoutezim Tsangning Prayer Breakfast Chair: Rev. James Williams Registration Manager: Annette Balaguer Logistics: Cullen Lomax

Thursday, February 4th • 2016 | Senate’s End “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14

Contributors: Tony Evans, Joe Grimaud, Gladys Grimaud, Bonita Britt, Daniel Henderson, Stephen Manley, Chakisse Newton, Luella Redfern, Jed Snyder

For information about sponsorship opportunities and rates, please contact: Catalyst@CityLight.org Ph: 803.200.1940

CityLight P.O. Box 8642 | Columbia, SC 29202 CityLight.org | CityLightWorldwide.net

Check Out The Catalyst Online Publication at CityLight.org!

See More Events at klove.com 4

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© Copyright 2016 CityLight Coalition Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

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Responsive Reading (Selected readings from Prov.31) Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

SHE GIRDETH HER LOINS WITH STRENGTH, AND STRENGTHENETH HER ARMS. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

STRENGTH AND HONOUR ARE HER CLOTHING; AND SHE SHALL REJOICE IN TIME TO COME. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

FAVOUR IS DECEITFUL, AND BEAUTY IS VAIN; BUT A WOMAN THAT FEARETH THE LORD, SHE SHALL BE PRAISED. (ALL) GIVE HER THE FRUIT OF HER HANDS; AND LET HER OWN WORKS PRAISE HER IN THE GATES. 6

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Life in the Valley

By Tony Evans

Joe Grimaud Unworthy

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t the end of the movie “13 Hours”, concerning the attack on our consulate in Libya, one of the survivors was on the phone to his wife describing what they had gone through.

She must have asked, “How did you make it?” He replied, “Just lucky, I guess”. This made me reflect on my own life.

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Richard Goudy and I went through pilot training in Valdosta, GA, then to Phoenix, AZ, where we went through advanced fighter pilot training. The first thing you do when you go to fighter pilot training is to go to Survival School because you may later be shot down, even be captured by an enemy, and they want to train you how to survive those circumstances in the best way possible. Most of the instructors are former POW’s, who have experienced it all. As soon as we arrived in Phoenix, Richard and I were off to three weeks of survival training in Nevada. Survival training attempts to make your experience a real survival experience. The first step was to crawl for a mile and a half at night through scrubby bushes Continued on pg 26 8

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Gladys Grimaud The Battle For Men’s Souls

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he battle for men’s souls is now being dramatically played out in the current political war we are witnessing in South Carolina. By the time you read this article, the results of the character assassinations will be revealed and the war will have moved on to Nevada. While all of us wonder who will survive the bloodbath, one thing is clear: there is a real battle for men’s souls.

This is a battle that has been raging since the Garden of Eden… occupancy two.

The lines were clearly drawn then and they are clearly drawn now. The real question at hand…to which authority will I submit?

Will I trust God and live by His Word or will I agree with Satan’s statement in the Garden of Eden that I can be god? Amazingly enough, God has given all of us the same freedom given to Adam and Eve… to choose either way…but be assured; I cannot choose the consequences of my decision. Since all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, every human being who has ever been born or ever will be born needs to ask God for forgiveness.

To behave in such a manner as to suggest Continued on pg 11 march 2016

The hand of the Lord was upon me, and He brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones. He caused me to pass among them round about, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley; and lo, they were very dry. He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”

Ezekiel 37:1-3

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piritual collapse places us in the valley of dry bones—a situation in which we experience hopelessness and helplessness. God, however, has provided a way out.

We must be willing to listen to the Word of God. When in a dry place, a place of no hope and no apparent answer to life’s dilemmas, we need to turn to God’s Word,

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which is the beginning of the process for deliverance from disorder.

We must be willing to respond in obedience to the Word of God. Our willingness to act on what God has spoken continues this deliverance from our dryness.

We must be sensitive to the movement of God’s Spirit. God’s Word gives us order, but the Spirit gives life. The Holy Spirit provides the power to bring the truth of God’s Word to fruition.

Friend, if you feel as if you’re in a dry place or a valley, always remember that a valley is a mountain waiting to happen.

The only way to get out of a valley is to go through it. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus, who can bring life and light into a dark and dry situation. He cares for you.

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am a Jesus pusher!!! “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” (Matthew 5:4). How can anyone possibly highlight and promote “poverty” and “mourning” as desirable? Can there be a major problem with the perception of our world? From the wicked individual to the most religious, riches, joy, and laughter are desired qualities. Is there something wrong with the nature of all individuals that causes us to place value on things of lesser value?

Have the most valuable things of the heart been demeaned in light of physical and emotional comfort of the flesh?

Why do the world religious systems promote a reward structure that focuses on comfort, ease and pleasure? Jesus proposed a different approach. Congratulations!

You are absolutely helpless, destitute, and poor in spirit. It is within the confines of

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this helplessness you experience all that is available in the Kingdom of Heaven. Congratulations! You are mourning. As you are overcome with the spirit of mourning, you will embrace the comfort of life. You are comforted within the boundaries of mourning. Congratulations! You are crucified. It is while you are being crucified that you live. The moment you escape the cross, death overcomes you. Life is found in dying; the Kingdom of Heaven is embraced in helplessness; comfort of the soul comes in mourning. None of these are rewards, or even by-products. They are engrained within the state of being poor in spirit, the state of those who mourn. Jesus is the only explanation for such thoughts.

It is in the state of helplessness and mourning, we are able to totally embrace Him. I am a Jesus pusher!!!

THE BATTLE FOR MEN’S SOULS

By Gladys Grimaud | Continued from page 8 forgiveness is not needed is offensive and an affront to God. It is to agree with the enemy of our souls! If anyone doesn’t like that, he should talk to God. I did not make up the ground rules!

My favorite version of the Bible is the King James Version, but occasionally I will switch to another version for comparison of a scripture. When I recently switched reading Psalm 73 in King James to The Message Version, I gasped! I was speechless!

Now, for what God says about arrogant men. The following quote is taken directly from the Bible, Psalm 73, the Message Version.

“No doubt about it! God is good—good to good people, good to the good-hearted.

“God’s word is an indispensable weapon, and prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare.”

It sounded as if it could have been written in the latest edition of an American newspaper. It sounded as if Psalm 73 had been written just this morning! This passage draws a strong contrast between an arrogant man and a humble man. If you have met Joe Grimaud, you have met one of the most humble men who ever walked on God’s good earth. No one knows that better than a wife of 59 years! Knowing Joe, he will even be embarrassed that I am talking about him this way, but it is true. He is one of the most hard-working successful and accomplished men anyone could ever hope to meet, and at the same time, he is not boastful about those accomplishments.

To the contrary, he bows his head as he tells

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you he is “unworthy.” Be sure to read his article entitled “Unworthy” in the March issue of the Citylight Catalyst magazine.

You will see what I mean.

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But I nearly missed it, missed seeing his goodness. I was looking the other way, looking up to the people at the top, envying the wicked who have it made, who have nothing to worry about, not a care in the whole wide world. Pretentious with arrogance, they wear the latest fashions in violence, Pampered and overfed, decked out in silk bows of silliness. They jeer, using words to kill; they bully their way with words. They’re full of hot air, loudmouths disturbing the peace. People actually listen to them – can you believe?

Like thirsty puppies, they lap up their words. What’s going on here? Is God out to lunch? Nobody’s tending the store. The

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THE BATTLE FOR MEN’S SOULS

By Gladys Grimaud | Continued from previous

wicked get by with everything; they have it made, piling up riches. I’ve been stupid to play by the rules; what has it gotten me?

A long run of bad luck, that’s what—a slap in the face every time I walk out the door.

If I’d have given in and talked like this, I would have betrayed your dear children, still, when I tried to figure it out, all I got was a splitting headache…until I entered the sanctuary of God. Then I saw the whole picture: The slippery road you’ve put them on, with a final crash in a ditch of delusions. In the blink of an eye, disaster! A blind curve in the dark, and –nightmare! We wake up and rub our eyes…. Nothing. There’s nothing to them. And there never was. When I was beleaguered and bitter, totally consumed by envy, I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox in your very presence.

I’m still in your presence, but you’ve taken my hand. You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me.

You’re all I want in heaven! You’re all I want on earth! When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful. Look! Those who left you are falling apart! Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again. But I’m in the very presence of God—oh, how refreshing it is! I’ve made Lord God my home. God, I’m telling the world what you do!”

The outcome for the battle for men’s souls has already been determined and the results are in: Jesus Christ has fought the forces of evil and won the battle for redemption! He is Conqueror over sin and death! John 16 and 17 are some of 12

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my favorite scriptures. In John 16, it is time to reveal secrets. Jesus is trying to prepare his disciples for the horrifying events that will befall them in Jerusalem. He will be crucified and the disciples will be scattered, but they are not to fear…why? John 17—Jesus has prayed for them! Soak that in for a moment.

Jesus has prayed for them.

As the disciples listen, Jesus is painting a picture of the scene in heaven before he came to earth as a human being and even before the world was formed. He shared in the glory of God. He was one with the Father. Christ’s desire has always been and always will be submission to His Father. Coming to earth as a human, becoming the sin sacrifice on a cross was all the Father’s idea. He is getting ready to complete his mission. The cross is looming in front of him, but even now in this prayer, it is as if Jesus is sitting on Daddy’s lap with both arms wrapped around Daddy’s neck believing that everything will be all right in the end.

Such confidence. Such love. Such example.

Suddenly, He turns his prayer in another direction…praying for his disciples. And guess what. He prays that his disciples live the same lifestyle as he does; one of submitting to the will of the Father and serving one another. It is hard for the disciples to understand.

They don’t want to be afraid, but they are.

They want to believe that everything will be all right, but they have their doubts.

All of them. Jesus knows that they don’t understand, but he also knows that when they see him resurrected, as he is sure the Father will do, their faith will be strengthened. Jesus will continue to love them and not condemn. And so, he prays for his disciples. march 2016

John 17: 20-26 lays it out for us: • Our prayers today extend into future generations • We are God’s messengers • There is oneness with God – heart relationship • God on display when unity is realized • Evangelism when life is ordered this way • Abiding with him forever

Easy OREO Truffles

The battle for men’s souls is being dramatically played out in the current political world. Yes. However, it goes way beyond that arena. The battlefield is being staged in our homes. Our schools. Our workplaces. Even in our churches.

While the battle is raging and difficult, victory comes when we understand where the armory of God is kept. The letter to the Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul to remind us that we have spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Paul reminds us that Christ has authority over all things and it is in the heavenly places that we are seated with Christ – not when we die – but now. His authority is our authority when we are seated with him through faith and the works that he has reserved for us cannot be stolen by anyone because he is in charge.

The weapons in God’s armory: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation.

God’s word is an indispensable weapon, and prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Be as Christ, the Captain of our soul.

Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. And that is how the battle for men’s souls is won!

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Recipe By:BAKER’S Chocolate “These truffles are very easy and delicious. You can’t go wrong with OREO, cream cheese and chocolate!”

Ingredients 1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided 1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER’S SemiSweet Baking Chocolate, melted Directions Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use.

(Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.) Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl.

Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter.

Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs.

Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.

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To Have a Heart of Gratitude 1 Thess 5:16-18

by: BONITA BRITT, Founder Resurrection, Redemption, & Restoration Ministries International

“In everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).”

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his may seem quite easy when life is going well. But when painful situations come up, expressing gratitude can be quite difficult.

An interesting note is that this is very good instruction to us, to thank the Lord in all things. Paul, who wrote this instruction, was an apostle who was loyal to Christ, which earned him severe persecution. Can you imagine all of what Paul went through that he was able to be so grateful to God? Even though many situations were not preferable, Paul knew His riches in Christ Jesus would far outweigh any earthly dis-

comfort. The same is true for us! We, as believers, have been offered such unbelievable blessings. Here are three ways to know we are blessed: 1) We are invited to have a personal relationship with God--the omniscient and omnipresent Lord of all creation; 2) Our Creator loves us with His unconditional and everlasting love; and 3) He sent His Son to die as payment for our sins, so we could spend eternity with Him. God adopts believers as His children and seals them with His Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).

His plans are our plans----He bestows special gifts and empowers us to make it happen. Also, He promises to meet every need through limitless resources (Philippians 4:19) and provide His Word with His Spirit to guide us.

THAN K 14

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Y U

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Thelma Jones-Walker Attorney at Law

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helma Jones-Walker, Attorney at Law, was born in Dillon, South Carolina and is a graduate of Dillon High School.

She received her Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs from Columbia College and Master of Arts in Human Resources Management & Development from Webster University.

She attended Charleston School of Law and received her Juris Doctor in 2012.

Thelma commenced her legal career in 1984 as a legal secretary with the Law Offices of Brown & Stanley, Columbia, South Carolina. Twenty-five years later, she continued to work diligently as Mr. Stanley’s legal assistant in litigation preparation in both Federal and State Courts of South Carolina and the United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. As a licensed Title Insurance Agent and Real Estate Assistant, she prepared title insurance certificates, commitments and policies while assisting with commercial and residential real estate transactions.

In 2009, Thelma made the difficult decision to leave the Stanley Law Firm in order to accept admission into Charleston School of Law. Upon admission into law school, Thelma was recognized as the National Association of Women Lawyers Outstanding Law Student and the recipient of the American Bar Association Leadership and Scholarship Award. She was also nominated to the James L. Peti16

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gru American Inn of Court. While in law school she received certification as a Circuit Court Civil Mediator.

In 2014, she launched Jones-Walker Law Firm, LLC, a law firm that focuses on Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, Wrongful Death, Life Insurance Disputes, Medical Malpractice and Real Estate Transactions.

Thelma is a faithful member of Miller’s Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Little Rock, South Carolina. She is married to Retired Lt. Col. Orlando Walker and they are the proud parents of four daughters, Demetrius Nicole, Shenika, Laynesa, and Jamelia; and the proud grandparents of Evan Abraham.

Thelma is the daughter of Susie Jane Jones and the late Abraham Jones, Sr., of Dillon, South Carolina, and the sister of Bessie Legette, Abraham Jones, Jr., Rev. Luella Redfern, Dr. Beverly Gurley, Darryl Jones and Shelia Hamlett.

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How To Start a

CityLight Prayer Group

to the prayer of Christ for complete unity with God and other believers.

“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” ( John 17:22-23) CityLight Mission Statement: CityLight is a catalyst connecting Christ to the culture for community change.

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ityLight is a Catalyst Connecting Christ to the Culture for Community Change. Our main focus is prayer; seeking the face of God, turning from our wicked ways, receiving forgiveness and the healing of our land.

II Chronicles 7:14 We invite you to join us in this great enterprise called - CityLight. As Christians we are committed to bringing Light to the world through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

CityLight is a movement of believers who have committed to living the Two Great Commandments and carrying out the Great Commission. We are not separate from, but active members in our local Christian Church. We are from many different cultures, countries, races, communities, societies and denominations, but we are united as one body in Christ.

Our members are individuals, churches, ministers, and businesses who have come together in prayer asking God to guide us as we respond to the needs of our community.

This response is in our Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry and Evangelism.

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2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) 14 “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

The Two Great Commandments: Mt 22:36 “’[ Jesus], which is the great commandment in the law?’ And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.’”

The Great Commission: Mt 28:16 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV ) CityLight Vision: To bring light to the world by responding march 2016

CityLight Slogan: “The light of the world is Jesus.” “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

How To Start A Prayer Group Worship 1 The first step in starting a CityLight Prayer Group is to enter into a spirit of Worship... a spirit of unrelenting, unceasing prayer.

Taking time to seek the face of God and experience His presence from the very depths of your soul. It is by the will of God and only by the will of God that you can be an instrument of this work.

City Light and it’s leaders. Share your passion and love for the Lord Jesus and this mission of prayer with your fellow believers. Allow the call of II Chronicles 7:14 to resonate in your community and the spirit.

Examine your life, the lives of those in your community and the spirit and values by which you live. As you discover the will of God for this generation, we pray that you will join us as we join with Him in complete obedience and submission.

Knock on the door to your heart and the heart of this generation to live The Great Commission. Allow the door of prayer to open the hearts of a dying generation and give hope anew to those who have not heard the Good news.

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e the members of the CityLight group hereby solemnly pledge our lives, hopes, and dreams to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We promise to uphold, honor and promote the core values of our Christian heritage.

Continued on page 22

Ask God to reveal His purpose for your life. The purpose for the entirety of your being. Study the Word of God - the Bible. Pray for the manifold wisdom of God to be made manifest in your every endeavor.

View the 5 twenty minute video sessions of Stephen Manley’s study on prayer and the Book of Ephesians.

Seek the advise, counsel and prayers of your pastor, deacons and church leaders. Learn more about march 2016

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Please Mark Your Calendars And Take Advantage Of The Following Prayer Opportunities God loves hearing His people praying together, asking Him to fill their land with His Glory.

God is already doing great things in the Columbia area. And He has promised to do even better things. Let’s ask God to bring on the best! God is the one orchestrating the united prayer of which we are a part. He’s the one inspiring us to pray as never before. Could it be that God is about to do some of the most amazing things that He has ever done? He wants us to pray about them before they take place. God is setting us up to give Him the praise and glory. Answered prayer is one of God’s favorite ways of being glorified.

Let’s pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done – in this City as it is in Heaven! God is up to something BIG and you will not want to miss being a part.

Greater Columbia Call to Prayer 9:30 – 11:30a - Second Sat of Every Month Columbia International University 7435 Monticello Road Columbia, SC For more information, H. L. Allen | 803-513-2003 allenhl@windstream.net

Beacon Hill Prayer Group 8:00a – 10:00a First Sat of each month.

Prayer time 8-9:30 am at “Caring in Action” Ministries Office behind Lizard’s Thicket on Hwy 302 4616 Augusta Rd Lexington, SC 29072. Breakfast and sharing 9:30a-10:30a at Lizards Thicket.

CityLight Prayer Breakfast Cola, SC 1st Thursday Each Month 7:00 – 8:30am

For information contact: Pastor Robert Reeves: 803-603-8138 63ptc@earthlink.net

Business Center 2046 Two Notch Rd., Columbia, SC Corner of Reid and Two Notch Rd. CityLight.org | CityLightWorldwide.net

Lexington Area Pastors/Ministers Prayer Gathering Every Wednesday 10:30am – 11:30am

Walk the Labyrinth & Pray First Friday every month 10 am – 8pm Wesley Hall at Lexington United Methodist 309 East Main Street, Lexington, SC www.lexumc.com | 803-359-6838 20

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First Friday Prayer Focus A day of fasting and prayer each month for revival and for those in authority 1 Tim www.ifapray.org.

First Nations Monday The purpose of First Nations Monday is to encourage Native American leaders, prayer coordinators, independent intercessory prayer groups, organizations and churches to join together in prayer the first Monday of each month for Native Ministry. “By praying for one another,” says Jeny Covill of First Nations Monday, “there will be an increase of prayer support for each ministry, as well as an increase in Native Ministry awareness around the country.”

For info visit www.firstnationsmonday.com Or Jeny Covill at jcovill@cyberport.com

Prayer For Media & Influencers: Ongoing For more information, visit www.mastermediaintl.org

Prayer For Our Nation: Ongoing For more information, visit www.presidentialprayerteam.org For Information, contact Pastor Dan Rummel | 803-356-8596 drummel@riverbendchurch.org.

Riverbend Community Church 1015 Corley Mill Road Lexington, SC Each Wednesday morning pastors and ministers from around the Lexington area gather to pray for the many needs in our families, churches, state and nation. All area pastors and those in any ministry are welcome. march 2016

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How To Start a

CityLight Prayer Group Continued from page 19

“The fruits of the Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists twelve of them: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity.”

These fruits are the result of growth in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These fruits are tendencies rather than mere willingness, because “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” In the person who possesses a Fruit of the Spirit, this willingness bears fruit in the life and behavior of the person.

Charity is love, both of God and of neighbor. It is our love for God above all things for his own sake and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. Joy is the happiness found in union with the Lord. It is a glimpse of the perfect happiness of heaven that leads us to desire heaven.

Peace refers to dealing justly with the world, as well as remaining in good conscience before God. Patience, also known as long-suffering, refers to the tendency to endure both temptation and suffering without it leading to sin.

Kindness, also known as Benignity, is the tendency toward acting kindly and doing good.

Goodness is the tendency to avoid sin and do good.

Generosity is an openness to sharing one’s own gifts and goods with others. It is the opposite of both gluttony and envy.

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Gentleness, also known as mildness, is the tendency to allow provocations to go unanswered.

Faithfulness is standing strong in faith, and strength against diversion away from faith and virtue.

Modesty refers to purity in appearance and self-image.

Self-Control, also known as continence, refers to purity in words as well as the tendency to avoid temptations.

Chastity refers to purity in actions, especially sexual purity. Chastity should not be confused with celibacy, which is the avoidance of marriage and marital acts.

Positions in your CityLight Prayer Group Chairman Vice Chairman (Discipleship) Secretary Assistant Secretary Treasurer Assistant Treasurer Fellowship Coordinator Ministry Coordinator Photographer Internet Manager 2nd Generation Prayer Group (Evangelism) Chaplain (Worship Leader) Assistant Chaplain Columbia Prayer Group No. The members of CityLight Prayer Groups are individuals who are guided by II Chronicles 7:14 to save a generation and fit it for Worship and Kingdom Service. We pursue the Face of God in all that we do. We pray that our lives may be vessels of Holiness and Fruit of the spirit. In every area of life we offer our Utmost to his Highest.

We are shaped and formed in groups with a leader and 12 disciples. Our Fellowship march 2016

is for Worship, Discipleship, Ministry and Evangelism. Prayer is the cornerstone of our assembly each month. Each disciple in every group will grow and mature to start another group of 12 so that we may reach every heart with the Good News of Salvation through Jesus Christ.

We are a Chapter of CityLight Inc., a nonprofit 50 1(c)3 organization. We have purposely intentioned to find, recruit, develop, equip, and disciple Christians to be todays leaders with a new standard of Holiness.

We are committed to God, our families, our children, our extended families and our church. We offer our lives in keeping the Two Great Commandments and the Great Commission. By the Seal of our Hands with our commitment to God, we commission CityLight Prayer Group No. Columbia as a new Chapter of CityLight on the___ day of the month of ___ in the year of our Lord ___.

Recruit 12 People to Join You In Prayer one hour each month...

Light to the world through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

CityLight is a movement of believers who have committed to living the The Great Commandments and carrying out the Great Commission. We are not separate from but active members in our local Christian Church. We are from many different cultures, countries, races, communities, societies and denominations, but we are united as one body in Christ.

Our members are individuals, churches, ministries and businesses who have come together in prayer asking God to guide us as we respond to the needs of our community. This response is in our Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, and Evangelism.

For more information, visit: CityLight.org or CityLightWorldwide.net

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and PRAY and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

II Chronicles 7:14 CityLight is a Catalyst Connecting Christ to the Culture for Community Change. Our main focus is prayer; seeking the face of God, turning from our wicked ways, receiving forgiveness and the healing of our land.

II Chronicles 7:14 We invite you to join us in this great enterprise called- CityLight.

As Christians we are committed to bringing march 2016

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CHAKISSE NEWTON’S

NEWTON’S LAWS OF INFLUENCE What Can UGG Teach You About Influence?

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ou may not know the name “UGG boots,” but you’ve seen them around.

The sheepskin footwear is donned by everyone from A-List celebrities heading off to fashion events to teens heading off to school. Even during a global recession, UGG grew by 22% and sold nearly $712 million in merchandise. These are impressive results for any company and especially for a product once considered dowdy in its native Australia that is now a fashion powerhouse.

What can you learn from UGG? In a September article in WSJ Magazine, “The Golden Fleece,” the former CEO of the company that owns UGG, described organizing his branding around “the affluent alpha consumer.” He had a clear vision of his target audience and how UGG would fit into her life: “I saw her in a Range Rover driving her kids to private school with her UGG boots on.” Keeping that vision in mind helped propel UGG to success and you can benefit from that example. Here’s how:

For Presentations:

Before you begin planning your presentation, visualize how you want the audience to respond: What do you want them to learn or do differently as a result of hearing you speak? What will the audience say to you after your presentation or how will they behave that will let you know you’ve achieved your purpose? Structure all your comments so they create the end result you want.

For Marketing Activities:

Create a buyer profile for each target audi24

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ence you serve. (Depending on the product or service you market, you may have many target audiences for each solution.)

Your buyer profile should allow you to “see” your client enjoying the benefits of the solution you offer (for example, driving the Range Rover). Use that profile to evaluate every aspect of your brand, from marketing copy and packaging to how you structure your customer service.

For General Influence:

Tap into the listener’s vision of himself and paint pictures that show how your suggestions enhance that vision. Use words that don’t just convey benefits, but moreover, make it easy for the listener to see how to immediately incorporate those benefits into daily life.

Whether you’re creating a presentation, updating your marketing or simply want to become better at influencing others, creating a clear vision of your target audience will make it easier for you to achieve your objectives.

Interested in learning more about UGG Australia?

Chakisse Newton

803.753.1311

To read more helpful articles like this one, be sure to visit: CardinalConsulting.net march 2016

I mage © Copyright UGG Australia .

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By Joe Grimaud | C on tinued F rom P age 8

while instructors posing as the enemy attempted to find you.

other. We would fight it out and even die first rather than be captured.

You were given a shower ring with ten dog tags on it. If an instructor caught you not adequately playing the game they would come running at you with rifles blazing from blanks and take one of your dog tags. If you lost all ten, you flunked out and were no longer eligible to be a fighter pilot. At the end of the crawl, you were captured and placed through interrogation, water boarding, and placed in solitary in a ten by ten foot container, which was used as a cell. It was cold and you were wet from the water boarding. One of the instructors caught Richard during the crawl and took nine of his ten dog tags, leaving him only one to make it through successfully.

After fighter training I was assigned to Myrtle Beach AFB, flying F-100’s. Richard was one of the first to be sent to Vietnam. He was shot down in a bad area called the Iron Triangle. When the good guys took over that area, the locals told of Richard trying to fight it out with his captors. He was shot and killed. It really made me think about our pact to fight it out, as all we had with us when we flew combat missions was a 38-caliber pistol. Richard is gone and I am still here, unworthy.

After three days in the POW camp we were taken into the mountains where Richard and I were paired up to make a twenty-mile hike over two days, while avoiding the enemy instructors looking for us both on the ground and from helicopters. Richard had already lost nine of his ten dog tags so he could not afford to lose another. We had to be extra careful on the trek. We saw others running across open fields while we skirted completely around on the sides of mountains. The training was so realistic that Richard and I made a pact with each 26

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to sit nuclear alert for possible war against the Soviet Union. On our first flight across the Atlantic in our single engine F-100’s my flight commander, Jim Davis, lost oil pressure in his engine. Jim had to bail out over the middle of the Atlantic into 45 Degree water with a one-man life raft for survival. A French ocean station vessel got to Jim about ten hours later. In pulling him on board, in very poor physical condition, he got a mouth full of water and died from drowning. On the same flight I later flamed out in my own jet while over southern Denmark. I had failed to turn on the fuel from my wing tanks and the engine quit. Over large snow capped peaks, a parachute landing did not look like a desirable event. The rest of the flight left me like I was standing still. I turned on the tanks and hit the air start button. I got a start, regained some altitude and was able to catch up with the rest of the flight. Jim is gone and I am still here, feeling unworthy.

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Harland Davis lived next door to us at Myrtle Beach. His little girl, Patty, was four years old, the same age as my oldest boy, David. Patty and David were childhood playmates. Harland got an assignment to Viet Nam and was shot down and killed. His little girl, our son’s playmate, no longer had a father. I have enjoyed all three of our sons, who are now middle-aged men, along with nine grandchildren and now a great grandchild. But why am I still here? Unworthy!

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After three years at Myrtle Beach, my entire squadron was reassigned to Misawa, Japan. While there, four assignments came in to train in F-105’s in Nevada and go to Southeast Asia to fly the hottest missions being flown over North Vietnam. Although only four slots came in, I felt left out and volunteered to go also. They made a slot for me. There were five of us, Lt. Col. Tom Kirk, Major Ed Capelli, Capt. Gene Basel, Capt. Joe Gri-

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Glen Dyer was another that I went through Fighter training with. Glen and I and Mike Gleason had the same instructor and the three of us sat at the same table in the flight room and often flew together as a flight of four with our instructor. Our instructor, Martin Barbena, was a unique fellow, and we soon became known as Barbena’s flying circus.

After fighter training, Glen and I were assigned to Myrtle Beach AFB, which was then where the airport is now. Later Glen was assigned to South Vietnam where he crashed and died while on a combat mission. But I’m still here feeling unworthy.

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From Myrtle Beach we would fly to Europe for three months each summer march 2016

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UNWORTHY

By Joe Grimaud | Continued from previous page

maud and Lt. Gary Olin. Three of us got shot down. Of us five, only Gary Olin and myself did not.

Colonel Kirk was a POW for 6 years. Ed Capelli was killed. Gene Basil was rescued out of North Vietnam with two broken legs. He landed 15 feet above the ground with his chute hung up in tall trees. A Jolly Green rescue helicopter was able to get to him. Although under fire from the ground, they put a man on the ground to get Gene out. He had to release his quick disconnects and drop 15 feet on two broken legs so they could get to him. They literally took off with the helicopter dragging them through the trees to avoid the ground fire to pull him to safety. I visited Gene in the hospital. It looked like he had double knee joints on each leg. Five of us went but I am still here, and feeling unworthy.

Gulf. I heard Bob Beale, our flight leader, arguing with the tanker driver to keep heading north or one of his wingmen (me) was not going to make it. Finally, as the tanker refused to go any further north and started a turn, I saw a glimpse of light like a mirror reflecting the sun from the silver tanker. As I pulled up behind the tanker my fuel gauge was on zero. But I would sleep in my own bunk that night. Months later we learned my wingman, Jim Seahorn, had been shot down and became a POW for 6 years. I came home to my family, but still feeling unworthy.

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The following was my closest call to sure death. The F-105 has a 35-gallon water tank mounted in its tail, well above the fuselage. During take off, you advance the throttle to full power and

For thirty years I felt pangs of guilt that Jim Seahorn had spent 6 years in POW camp while I came home from that flameout near Hanoi. I kept thinking maybe my flameout

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On my very first mission as a Wild Weasel, I was leading 16 ships into Hanoi, and I came close to not coming home. On the way out of the Hanoi target area, we broke up into two flights of two to hit some known targets with the ordinance we had left. I picked up my target 15 miles out of Hanoi and dove in with my wingman, Jim Seahorn, on my tail. As I pulled off of the target my engine flamed out—quit. I was now flying a 25-ton glider. I realized that I had neglected to turn on the bomb bay fuel tank (sound familiar) and had run the engine out of fuel. With flak all around me, I turned on the bomb bay tank and hit the airstart switch. I was down to minimum glide speed and trying to move around as much as my low airspeed would allow me to in order to avoid the flak. Slowly the engine came back to life, and I began a slow climb back to a safer altitude. Now I had very little fuel left and it was questionable whether I would make it back to the tanker over the

contributed to your getting shot down.”

“Joe,” he said. “You had nothing to do with it. As soon as we turned in on that target I took a hit and 60 seconds later I was on the ground surrounded by North Vietnamese. That night I was in the Hanoi Hilton.”

somehow had contributed to Jim’s getting shot down and captured. After all he was my wingman.

But thirty years later the Internet was in place, and I decided to try to look Jim up on the Internet. He was in Warner Robbins, GA, and I gave him a call. “Jim,” I said, “you were flying on my wing the day you got shot down. I have been feeling guilty for 30 years, thinking I may have march 2016

check the engine gauges. If everything looks right you release the brakes, then push the throttle outboard to light the afterburner. When you feel the afterburner light, you push a small toggle switch to open a valve and allow the water to flow down into the front of the engine. This water injection provides additional mass to give the engine even more thrust for take off. That little switch was pretty archaic and sometimes it did not work. On this day, it was 95 degrees outside, unusually hot, and the engines were not as efficient. And the water injection did not work. As we rolled down the 8800 ft. runway, I realized it was going to be close. At the 6600 foot point the runway sloped away somewhat into a dip.

It was usually at this point, with the nose 29

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high in the air, that the plane would leave the ground. But today, we were going down the slope on the other side. I said to my back seater, Ron Hager, “Ron, this is going to be close.”

At the end of the runway was a barrier designed to catch you if you cannot stop, but it is only good up to 55 knots. I was going 220 Knots. The MA/1A barrier is a cable about one and a half inches in diameter that runs across the end of the runway. Above the cable is a rope on stanchions so that if an airplane cannot stop, the nose wheel will grab the rope, pulling the cable up to grab the main gear. Each end of the cable is attached to a ships chain strung out along either side of the overrun. Each link of the ships chain weighs about 150 lbs. and as the cable pulls up more and more ships chain, it gradually pulls the aircraft to a stop in the overrun.

But it is only designed for up to 55 knots.

When I went over the end of the runway this day, the nose of my aircraft was high in the air, so the nose gear went above the rope. The main gear caught the rope and pulled the cable up behind the main gear, cutting off the left tail wing. It also made the nose drop rapidly toward the runway then rise again in what pilots call a JC maneuver. My only thought was “This cannot be happening to me. I am dead.” Just a week before, another pilot had tried to abort a take off but he was going too fast when he engaged the barrier. The cable got only one main landing gear and caused the plane to rotate quickly to the right. The nose wheel hit the large ships chain along the side of the overrun and collapsed the nose gear. The right fuel tank ruptured from the quick turn and erupted into flames. The pilot ejected but with the nose pointed downward, he shot straight across the ground and died from the impact. The Supervisor of Flying in the control tower said when that happened a large cloud of dust flew up from the end of the runway march 2016

UNWORTHY

By Joe Grimaud | Continued from previous page

obscuring everything, and then flames burst through.

The same Supervisor of Flying was on duty the day I went off the end of the runway. He said it looked exactly the same way. As I passed over the end of the runway a large cloud of dust blew up obscuring the aircraft from view and he expected to see a large ball of flame. He said, “Oh no! Not Joe.” But then he said like a phoenix arising from the ashes, the pointed nose of an F-105 came up through the dust.

At 220 knots, I had lost my left rear stabilator. The stick was in a death grip to keep me from overreacting and making the JC Maneuver worse. Finally, about

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ten miles from the end of the runway, with enough altitude below me to feel safe, I maneuvered the airplane to see how it responded. I stayed in afterburner to burn some of the fuel down and then returned to land with a damaged plane but a safe landing.

Why am I still here? Unworthy!

Since that time I have had prostate cancer, brain surgery and a civilian plane crash in the woods in Saluda County, But I am still here. Is it any wonder that I should feel unworthy? But the most unworthiness I feel is that God, in all of his majesty, would send His only son to Earth and give Himself as a sacrifice on a cross that I might have eternal life. And He did that for you also. All one has to do to inherit that eternal life is to accept what He is holding out to us. Do you accept?

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Volunteer Opportunities

Christ Central’s # 1 Commitment is serving everyone in a spirit of love and respect.

Our devoted volunteers are dedicated to serve in excellence, regardless of how great or small the need.

We are inviting churches, community organizations, and families to join us in showing the impact that love, caring, and sharing can have in the lives of the underprivileged. You can help by simply volunteering your time or resources to bring hope to enhance the lives of others.

Some of the ways to volunteer are: Your organizations can sponsor a day during the month to come out to Christ Central Columbia and provide the lunch meal to our patrons. Providing the lunch meal includes any or all of the following: Providing the volunteers to cook and serve the meal for the day Providing and/or preparing the meal and/ or groceries Providing the entertainment and inspirational message for our patrons to enjoy during the meal.

Sponsoring a Paper Drive to collect items we use on a daily basis in the center.

Sponsor a Winter Coat/Blanket Drive.

Freedom, But How?

Supply baby items such as pampers, wipes, clothes etc.

Monetary donations and contributions toward a cause that will change someone’s life in a positive way. All donations are tax deductible.

Those are just some ways to volunteer toward a good cause. Any other means or methods of volunteering your time and services are greatly appreciated.

I Corinthians 13: 1-2 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a thinking cymbal.

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 13: And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity.

How else can you help?

If you and/or your organization are looking for volunteer opportunities or a place to donate goods and services, please consider Christ Central Columbia.

Contact Info:

Jed N. Snyder, D. Min. Founder/President Jesus Every Day Ministries, Inc. | www.jedministries.com

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here is a great deal of talk about freedom. This is as it should be unless one does not really know what makes freedom truly free. What is freedom? Freedom is the ability to make a choice coupled with the ability to do what that choice implies.

Suppose I am in a jail cell. It may be that I can choose to get out, but I am not free unless I am able to get out. A wealthy man can choose to become poor by giving away all he has, but for a poor man to become wealthy, well that is quite a different matter. Not all poor have the ability or opportunity to become wealthy though they can choose it in their thoughts.

So freedom and becoming free is a topic worth considering. Inner moral and spiritual freedom is that which either satisfies the person or without it leaves the heart unsatisfied. This most important of all kinds of freedom actually comes by choosing and

putting into practice the great law of liberty.

“But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”

James 1:25 Choosing to follow the law of liberty is choosing to follow the Son of God for he is the only one who can give us the ability to do what we choose. If we choose to overcome wrong, to do away with sin, the only way this becomes “doable” is if God himself gives us the inner power to practice what we choose.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” John 8:36 May you happily choose freedom and do what it takes to be free.

Pastor Sylvia Mickens 803-237-2547

Prayer is of transcendent importance. Prayer is the mightiest agent to advance God’s work. Praying hearts and hands only can do God’s work. Prayer succeeds when all else fails.”

- E.M. Bounds 32

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what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.”

God Spoke to Me?

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airly often I encounter Christians who describe God “speaking to them.” It is as if the Almighty actually verbalizes His unique direction right into their eardrums. Frankly, I am skeptical. I do not hear voices, nor do I see detached hands writing on the wall. Yet, the Bible is clear that Christ is living and active among His people and He has commanded the churches to “hear what the Spirit is saying” (Revelation 2 & 3).

The Bible is prolific about the importance of hearing God’s voice – in both Old and New Testaments. Yet, how do we understand God’s pledge to speak to us without slipping into some kind of extra-biblical, subjective mysticism? Let’s try to understand.

The Priority of Hearing God’s Voice Throughout the Old Testament, the precursor to obedience was hearing God’s voice, most often through His commandments revealed in the divine Scripture.

Dozens of times in Exodus, Deuteronomy, Joshua, and Jeremiah we find references to the voice of the Lord in connection with His revealed commandments. “Today you have proclaimed the LORD to be your God, and that you will walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments, and His judgments, and that you will obey His voice” (Deuteronomy 26:17). In Daniel 9, the sins of God’s people are described as a failure to hear and obey God’s voice (9:10, 11,14). The Psalms describe God’s voice speaking through His creation (18:13, 19:3, 29:3-9, 68:33, 77:18).

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In the New Testament, Jesus announces that His sheep will hear and know His voice and follow Him (John 10:3, 4, 16 & 27). He also declared that everyone who is of the truth hears His voice (John 18:37). He predicted that day when His voice will resurrect the dead from the grave (John 5:25 & 28). In Revelation 3:20 He calls on those within the lukewarm, self-sufficient Laodicean church to hear His voice as He knocks on the door, offering restored fellowship. The book of Hebrews calls us to not harden our hearts when we hear His voice.

How Do We Hear God’s Voice?

His voice is contained in and consistent with His revealed word – Throughout the Scripture, hearing God’s voice is synonymous with obeying His commands.

The Bible is “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). In the closing verses of the New Testament we are warned not to add to or take away from the revealed word (Revelation 22:1819). The sufficiency, authority, relevance, and transformational power of the Scriptures trump any individual revelation of the “voice” of God. His voice is apprehended and applied by His Spirit – 1 Corinthians 2:9-12 says it so completely (read it well): “But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’ But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For march 2016

The indwelling, all-knowing life-tutor, the Holy Spirit, gives us understanding to hear and apply the voice of God in His word. Those who do not have the Holy Spirit do not hear or understand the instructive voice of the Holy Spirit. First Corinthians 2:14 says, “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

His voice is comprehended and confirmed among His people – The assembled church and gathered leaders in the Book of Acts heard from God as He spoke to them by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2, 15:28) as they waited on the Lord and sought His will. The confirmation of a community of godly believers is a necessary dimension of the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Characteristics of the Voice of God When the Lord’s voice resounds it is precise, powerful, and penetrating. God’s will is clear, not muddled or mysterious.

His voice brings the exactitude of His word to our hearts and minds in order to direct and confirm. His voice is powerful.

By His command all of creation emerged and by His voice He rules over creation (see Psalm 29). The voice of Christ was authoritative and powerful during His earthly ministry (Luke 4:26). In Revelation, His voice is depicted as the force of “many waters” (Revelation 1:15). God’s voice is also penetrating, cutting deep into the heart and soul of man, where real change occurs (see Hebrews 4:12). The mouth of the risen Christ is described as a “sharp two-edged sword” (Revelation 1:16). march 2016

Our R esponse to the Voice of God We respond in obedience – The primary word associated with the idea of the voice of the Lord is “obey.” (Even a casual search in a concordance will demonstrate this convincingly.) As Mary said at the first miracle of Jesus, “Whatever He says to you, do it” (John 2:5). The defining characteristic of those who “hear from the Lord” is a life of Christ-honoring obedience, not some irregular state of emotion or braggadocio.

We respond in trust – Psalm 29 is a dramatic depiction of the many aspects of the power of the voice of the Lord. At the end of this Psalm we find a powerful application of what it means to recognize and receive the voice of the Lord: “The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace” (Psalm 29:11). When we hear His voice we rely on and receive from Him as our source of strength and peace. The “peace be still” (Mark 4:39) of Jesus’ voice is evidenced through a life of trust.

We respond in intimate surrender – The living Christ, walking among the churches, says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20). This invitation to restored, intimate fellowship with Jesus requires our response of surrender as we open our hearts to His presence and Lordship.

Today . . . IF You Will Hear His Voice Our ultimate response to His voice is very clear (Psalm 95:7, Hebrews 3:7, 15; 4:7). “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”

Copyright © 2016 Daniel Henderson.

All rights reserved.

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CityLight|

I

In February 1996, Joe and Gladys Grimaud, along with a group of Columbia area Christians began meeting and seeking God’s direction for our city. The group included Pastors, community leaders, and lay people from different racial, cultural and denominational backgrounds with different talents and gifts. Each member of the group was concerned about the problems and needs of the community, many of which are the result of the breakdown of the family unity. The group knew that there is a wealth of available talent and resources, and that if mobilized, could be used to address the spiritual and physical needs of individuals, families, and the community.

We believe that Churches and the body of Christ should be the focal point of love and compassion in our community and should work together in addressing the needs of the community.

CityLight Columbia organized as a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) corporation in June 1996 to bring churches and the body of Christ together to make a positive impact in our community. Our Mission is “to unify the Christian community by lifting up Christ, evangelizing, disciplining, and impacting the community through the local Church”.

We believe that Churches and the body of Christ should be the focal point of love and compassion in our community and should 36

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a Catalyst Connecting Christ to the Culture for Community Change

work together in addressing the needs of the community. CityLight serves as a liaison and a facilitator between Churches, the public and private sectors, and the community at-large to help identify needs and match those needs with available resources. We help Churches and the community to become more vibrant by encouraging them to become actively involved in community outreach and to experience the rewards of helping the less fortunate and those in need.

CityLight Columbia sponsored the Tony Evans Crusade at Williams-Brice Stadium in May 1997 which served as a catalyst for bringing God’s people together in a spirit of revival to empower us to begin the process of bringing moral, spiritual, and economic change to our community. Dr. Evans’ messages during the three nights of the crusade addressed racial reconciliation, one’s personal responsibility in helping to bring about change, family renewal, and the role of the local Church in reaching out to help meet the needs of the community.

The vision that God has given to CityLight is unlimited. Every day, we are seeking new opportunities to reach out into the community, to mobilize the body of Christ, and to match available resources with the needs of the community. As we grow and the opportunities to serve Him increase, we need more volunteers and workers to help fulfill the Mission of CityLight.

If you would like to join the efforts of CityLight, you can begin by praying for us. You can become a contact person in your own church body to help us form a spiritually powerful and effective movement of God in the Columbia area. You can help support us financially, or volunteer to serve in one of the following areas of CityLight Columbia. march 2016

CityLight

a Catalyst Connecting Christ to the Culture for Community Change

1. PRAYER NETWORK Establish a citywide prayer network involving Pastors and laity.

2. FINANCE Seek and develop ways to generate an ongoing income stream to support the CityLight’s Mission.

3. COMMUNICATION Coordinate a communication network within the community involving Churches, Christian ministries, and the community at-large.

4. VOLUNTEER COORDINATION Coordinate and integrate CityLight volunteers based on their areas of interest.

5. EVENTS Coordinate information on Christian events taking place in the Columbia area and coordinate CityLight sponsored events.

6. MINISTRY COORDINATION Coordinate information on Christian ministries and outreach opportunities in the Columbia area and develop a “Ministry Directory” listing available ministries and resources in the community.

7. UNITY AND RECONCILIATION Promote unity and reconciliation across racial, cultural, and denominational lines by encouraging Pastors, laity, and the business community to work together to bring moral, spiritual, and economic changes to the community.

8. CHURCH AND COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION Mobilize Churches and the community to capitalize on available gifts, talents, and resources to address the problems and needs of the community.

9. CHURCH AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Train, prepare, and equip Churches and community leaders for maximum community outreach. march 2016

10. FAMILY RENEWAL Rebuild and strengthen families in the community according too Biblical family principles, with an emphasis on targeting “at risk youth”.

11. EDUCATIONAL REVITALIZATION Work with Churches and the community in the areas of youth tutorial, remedial instruction, illiteracy, and other educational related problems.

12. HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT Foster safer neighborhoods, promote and provide affordable housing for the homeless and others with housing needs, encourage neighborhood property beautification, and strengthen neighborhood relationships.

13. HEALTH REVITALIZATION Work with Churches and the community to identify and address problems that are contributing to the deterioration of the physical and emotional health of the community.

14. BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Work with Churches and the community to promote business stability and growth using available resources to help the unemployed, underemployed, and others in need in the community.

If you would like tot be a part of the move of God in Columbia and volunteer to serve on one of the CityLight Committees or if you would like more information about the CityLight Mission, you may call or write to us at:

CityLight

P.O. Box 8642 Columbia, SC 29202 (803) 200-1940 CityLight.org | CityLightWorldwide.net

CityLight is a Catalyst Connecting Christ to the Culture for Community Change CityLight.org

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HEAVEN CAME DOWN

Revealing a Fresh Anointing of Christ’s Love by: Luella Redfern

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he Esther Women of Influence celebrated our 10th anniversary in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina the last weekend of January. We had an awesome time there at the beach in His Presence. It was like a journey to the throne room of God. Heaven came down revealing a fresh anointing of Christ’s love. We were ushered into the throne of grace by our dynamic leaders and guest speakers.

Joe and Gladys Grimaud, CityLight founders opened the conference on Friday night. They shared fragments of their fascinating life story with us. Joe began by asking the questions, “Am I worthy and Why am I still here? After seeing so many of my comrades perish during the Vietnam

Joe here but we do know that both he and Gladys have touched the lives of many.

Spiritually he is always ready to pray with anyone; professionally Joe is always looking for new business opportunities. They have supported business startups and people all over the world call them Papa Joe and Mama Gladys. Gladys has been Joe’s wife and his partner in every sense of the word for 59 years. She gave a wonderful tribute to her Joe, thanking him for being the man God created him to be. He’s the love of her life. This loving couple inspires us.

With hope and determination, they always reach out to others in love. They have personally modeled Christ’s love, spiritual principles and the power of priorities to

were a joy to the ladies. She used her encouraging message of faith and forgiveness to inspire us all. She effectively conveyed her incredible journey of yielding herself fully to God’s Will, demonstrating what God would do through a willing, obedient vessel. The legacy of faith her mother gave to her, she also found in her motherin-law, Gladys Grimaud. Suzanne shared how her unshakable faith in God pulled her through many difficulties and drives her to share hope with those who feel they have no hope. She demonstrated the supernatural power in a child’s prayer, sharing a story about her daughter Alana’s prayer as a child. Suzanne encouraged the ladies to live, learn to give, and forgive so they can achieve their dreams.

Dr. Beverly Gurley, retired educator told her amazing story of how God brought her through circumstances of life from a school bus driver to a superintendent of schools.

As a shy little girl in a family of seven children, she was a true middle child. With her three older siblings being two girls and a boy, as well as her three younger siblings being two girls and a boy, she was lost and felt all alone. She struggled to find her

place in the family and in school. Unlike her sibling she had difficulty learning to read, and that’s where her troubles begin.

With the help of her mother and a third grade teacher, Dr. Gurley learned that she too could learn. She motivated the ladies to see, it’s never too late, because God has a plan for each of us. If you work within God’s plan, you will reach your goals. She also instilled in us that you can not do anything alone. We must learn to trust God and work as a team with the people He put in our path.

Dr. Gurley’s story touched the hearts of the ladies. Her love for children was demonstrated by 36 years in education.

She believed all children could learn. She also believed in “No Child Left Behind”, long before President Bush proposed this legislation in 2001. She introduced relevant curriculum and hired highly qualified teachers to assure that every child in her district would be successful. At her schools, she made certain that everyone understood the value of their role, from the custodian cleaning toilets to the lead Principal. Every member of her team, inContinued on next page

“In Christ there is no slave nor free, no black nor white, no rich nor poor! The ground is level at the foot of the cross!”

War or taken as prisoners of war…” He continues to ask himself those questions? As a Wild Weasel during that war, he flew what was called suicide missions, seeking out and engaging North Vietnamese surface to air missiles to destroy them. This was a very dangerous mission. It was the grace of God that kept him safe from harm.

Joe is thankful for the prayers of his family and thanks God for sparing him. We may not know exactly why God still has 38

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my husband and me. They are grandparents to my children, as they are too many by choice. Christ is and has always been at the center of their life together. We have adopted Joe and Gladys’ priorities to guide our hopes and dreams that keep our family strong, God, family, and country.

Suzanne Grimaud, daughter-in-law of Joe and Gladys Grimaud was our first speaker on Saturday morning. Her down-to-earth approach, humor and open personality march 2016

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Revealing a Fresh Anointing of Christ’s Love

By Luella Redfern | Continued from previous page

cluding the parents, had ownership in the success of their school. Her love for God is demonstrated in the life she lives. And I know because she is my sister.

We also had a special session with the Esther Youth of Influence and the Young Ladies of Ruth. Alana Grimaud and Carly Ingram shared words of encouragement with these young ladies. Alana, the daughter of Suzanne Grimaud and granddaughter of Gladys Grimaud, is a Sophomore at Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville TN. She shared proper interview techniques, dating etiquette and a host of reasons why college is much more fun than high school.

Carly is the daughter of Tandra Ingram, director of our Esther Women of Influence Charleston SC chapter. She is a senior premed student at the University of South Carolina.

Carly told the ladies that there are no limits to their dreams. Jasmine Jones, founder of the Young Ladies of Ruth, shared how the Lord encouraged her to start that ministry. Recently changing the name to “The Daughters of Ruth”, she talked about selling T Shirts she designed to help feed the homeless of Victory Ecumenical Church. She also discussed her idea for a concession stand.

Jasmine is my daughter and a very creative eleven year old.

Cathy Parker was our final speaker of the day on Saturday. She is a very inspirational speaker. She spoke about making 40

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the impossible dream, the size of a football field, possible. She explained to us how transition begins with hope. Cathy’s heroic efforts to build a football field in a struggling community 4000 miles away in Barrow Alaska changed the lives of many.

She also shared how God prepared her for this task.

Born and raised in the south, her mother demonstrated southern hospitality and a deep faith in God. As a wife to an NFL football player, raising three children, she was much like a military wife without the security or benefits. She had to be ready to

move at a moment’s notice. Being the wife of a football player and the mother of three athletic children, Cathy learned to be a motivator and an encourager. One thing she wanted to leave with us was hope.

When God gives you a task, he will give you the resources to see it through. Even when others think you have completely lost your mind. God is with you. Even when your husband’s team has a losing season, your son and your daughter strike out on the same day, and your largest prospective donor declines his support, keep the faith march 2016

and don’t give up. God will carry out his plan. Cathy is truly an amazing lady. She continues to allow God to use her to do the impossible. Her inspirational story is being featured in a book and soon to be released in a movie title “Touchdown on the Tundra”. Cathy is the founder of the non-profit, Athletes To Champions, ministering to youth through athletics.

We experienced several highlights and milestones during this retreat weekend.

Saturday was a power packed day of encouragement, renewed hope in the power of our faith and fellowship. Springmaid

Beach Resort and Conference Center is a well-known location for conferences and retreats. It was not surprising that there were other groups there on that same weekend. The men’s groups of St. Andrews Church of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina were there for their annual retreat as well. They were having a powerful time of prayer, bible study and small groups.

When they learn that the Esther Women of Influence were doing something similar above their heads, they bowed down and prayed for us remembering how one wom41

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an, Queen Esther saved her nation. During lunch several of the men shared that they had prayed for us during their morning session. They invited us, the Esther Women of Influence, to their praise and worship service. Our Caucasian brothers, yes they invited a prominent African American women’s prayer group to their 7:00 PM praise and worship service. This was God. I was introduced to several of the men’s group leaders at lunch. They were excited about the fact that we would consider coming to their evening service. Evangelist Vera Polite questioned one of the leaders about their doctrine and belief to assure that what they believe aligned with what we, the Esther Women of Influence, believe. These men made a special effort to invite all of the Esther Women to their 7:00pm service.

Some of the ladies were timid and had no desire to fellowship with these men.

There were questions like, “Where are their women?

Why do they want us to worship with them?” After lunch I made an announcement extending the invitation to our group.

I attended the men’s worship service along with several other ladies for a short time but had to return to my responsibilities upstairs. The women who attended had an awesome time. They worshiped the Lord in the beauty of holiness. The ladies said they were about to leave when several leaders of the men’s group began praying for the Esther Women of Influence. The ladies spoke of how they were moved by the prayers of the men.

The Esther women said the men thanked march 2016

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glorifying the Lord. This was certainly God ordained. A glimpse of His glory.

By Luella Redfern | Continued from previous page

One of the leaders of the men sent a special note to Vera Polite, “Hi Vera, This is Mark thank you and all of your dear friends, our sisters in Christ, for blessing us with your presence and prayers and your love. In Christ there is no slave nor free, no black nor white, no rich nor poor! The ground is level at the foot of the cross! Heaven came down tonight!

Bless you my Sister, In his grip, Mark.”

Revealing a Fresh Anointing of Christ’s Love God for sending them to their worship service. One of the leaders said, before y’all leave, I’m sensing God wants y’all to pray over our leaders. About 100 men were in attendance. The leader of the group summoned their members to “come to the altar, please don’t miss out on your blessing.” The men, Pastors and leaders, came forth and knelt in a circle. Their leader ask the Esther Women of Influence, our prayer group, to circle the men, lay hands on them and pray over them. To see these men of God humble themselves before God in such a way, in the presence of these ladies, was breathtaking. Vanessa Frazier prayed a gentle yet powerful prayer. Then Vera prayed. My older sister Bessie Legette and others had never experienced anything like this before. Men sobbing and giving thanks to the Lord. They were moved and said it was a beautiful thing to witness. It was as if the heavens opened and the body of Christ came together, African American women and white men in fellowship,

God is doing something and I am just happy to be a part of it. We were so blessed.

We experienced a glimpse of His glory.

Our Sunday morning joint session with the CityLight Men On the Wall was awesome. The Men on the Wall lead praise and worship. I delivered the Annual State of Esther message and Bishop Redfern cast the vision for the upcoming year. We were fired up and ready to go. The Esther Women of Influence 10th Anniversary Conference and Retreat was a huge a success. Our mountain top experience at the beach was a weekend in His glory.

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