Greetings. I want to begin by thanking you

Transcription

1 Exalt: to lift up in praise and adoration; to encourage, strengthen, or urge one to do better, be better, and grow better in the things of God. (Vines) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name that is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth: And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:9-11) KJV Message of Exaltation from the Editor: Experiencing a New Thing! Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19, KJV) Greetings. I want to begin by thanking you for your comments last month, regarding thexalter s 6th Anniversary Edition. You were also very welcoming and probably equally as excited as I was, about the new addition to thexalter s family: thexalter s Health Tips Corner. As we strive to get healthier, mind, body and spirit, we welcome health tips from various professionals who are an expert in their field. So if you, or someone you may know, would like to contribute to thexalter s Health Tips Corner please feel free to send the information to healthtips@thexalter. com. As we celebrate the African-American heritage through Black History Month, I am honored to have my pastor, the Rev. Dr. Lee P. Washington of Reid Temple AME, as our featured Person of the Month (POM). I was so eager for this interview because I knew it would not disappoint. I firmly believe you will be just as encouraged, uplifted and inspired as I was, as you read Keeping Faith in God. Many of you have decided to meet the challenge established earlier this year, to try some new adventure each month. Growth is essential for change and change essential for growth. So as you decide to join in the challenge, I promise to stand with you, as you strive to accomplish your goals. I believe 2015 is going to be an exciting year; so get ready, get ready, get ready! And now, without further ado: Experiencing a New Thing! Experiencing a New Thing! Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19, KJV) So, this year I decided to tap further into my adventurous side by trying something new. I wanted to partake in the monthly challenge and explore a few new horizons. The art of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, yet believing things are going to change (I know I m paraphrasing a bit but it goes something like that, right?). Being adamant and determined about this quest, I went a little overboard and tried not one new thing last month, but three. I joined a new organization to help me become a better writer and speaker. I tried a new carry-out restaurant that specializes in making salads, and sampled a new creation the owner wanted me to try: hummus, Bok Choy, cilantro, and some other ingredient I cannot recall (Lord). I admit I was hesitant to savor the new creation before me, despite the owner s bright smile and nod. His exuberance was meant to comfort me; but IN THIS EDITION: Advertisements Message from thexalter POM: Rev. Dr. Lee P. Washington thexalter s Health Tips Corner PAGE 3 1,2 4,5 3 February thexalter. All Rights Reserved. Volume VII Issue II

2 2 instead, it only heightened my growing anxiety. I was so apprehensive as anyone would be and not just at the thought of trying something new, but at the notion of actually going through with it. I mean, it was only a few veggies and seasonings; it s not like he was asking me to jump out of a plane, right? But nevertheless, I started doing all the customary things a new venture causes you to do: I became more nervous and resistant, smelled the contents a few times, then stirred it up and flipped it over like an investigator at a crime scene. I think the only thing I didn t do thank God, was to begin perspiring on my brow (that would have been a bit much over a few veggies and some seasonings). Honestly, I really don t know what I was looking for. I just wanted to prolong the inevitable: trying a new thing and overcoming the fear of it all. As I stood there I wondered, What if I didn t like it? What if the contents made me sick? What if I had to go to the hospital later on? And again, What if I didn t like it? After a few more seconds (and yes by now my salad was ready) I caved in, pushed past my fears and placed the contents inside and started chewing. Surprisingly, it wasn t so bad; the combination of flavors were not that bad at all. And although I don t know if I will ever eat those items again, I can at least say that I gave it a try. I am so grateful for how my life is steadily evolving. These most recent experiences caused me to reflect upon a time when my adventurous side lay dormant, and my desire to explore was very bleak. I spent years, maybe even too long, trying to figure out just why folks wouldn t help me rise to the top. At times I found myself feeling like the man sitting by the pool in Bethesda (John 5). This man was impotent. He was feeble, prostrate, weak, crippled, unsuccessful and nonproductive in his quest to be healed. Year after year folks came by, but no one would put him in the water. I surmise that at some point, he felt defeated, depressed, bewildered and just plain ole helpless. I can relate; because while I sat waiting, hoping and wishing for someone to aid me in my cry, I too embraced those emotions that were destined to keep me bound. One day, God looked down and saw beyond this man s impotency and sent Jesus to rid him of his pain. So, as he sat in expectancy for some great change to come one day, Jesus walked by, saw the man s impotency and asked if he wanted to be made whole. Again, I can relate; because for evolution or change to take place on my part, I needed the healing properties of Christ. So when I heard that allowing Christ in my heart was the answer, I openly and willing avowed as He placed me exactly where I needed to be. This newfound demonstration of love was so unexpected; for all I had been waiting, hoping and praying for I found, was not in the people placed before me. What I really needed I discovered, was in the hallmark of my salvation. Sometime afterwards, God revealed that maybe folks didn t help me when I needed it most, because it appeared I liked being where I was. Maybe they didn t help when I needed it most, because they were waiting for me to help myself. Maybe folks didn t come to my aid, because although it appeared they could assist me, in actuality they could not. Why? Because the same people I felt who could, should, or would help, are actually waiting for God to help them as well. Merriam-Webster defines impotent as something that is not potent; lacking in power, strength or vigor. It is helpless, weak, inadequate, feeble, worthless, unfruitful, paralyzed, unproductive and unable to perform action (Wow). Now, as I researched the story about the man sitting by the pool in Bethesda, I noticed that not much was said about his background. I began to wonder if the man had been born impotent; or did life, and the complexities of it, cause his impotency? Did he have a family somewhere? A wife and children who he told one day, that he was going to the pool to be healed and would not return until he was. Unbeknownst to all of them, that his healing would take 38 years to manifest. Saints, I was led to share these two experiences to not only demonstrate a part of my evolution; rather, I wanted to disclose a time where I was too crippled to try something new. I am not ashamed of my admittance, transparency or vulnerabilities; I own them with dignity and honor. Shortcomings heighten my dependency for God as His love for me remains unconditional. I want to challenge you to ask yourself: 1. Am I allowing myself to experience a new thing or two in my life? 2. Do I find myself feeling impotent, helpless and unable to be productive at times when I should? 3. Am I steadily evolving or allowing my adventurous side to show; or have I gotten comfortable being right where I am? 4. How and when am I going to apply my faith and put it into action? For questions/comments regarding Ms. Jenkins article her at pamelajenkins@thexalter.com and be sure to Like us on Facebook: TheXalter and follow us on Copyright 2015 by Visions Publishing Company, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Your ad could be here

3 3 thexalter s Health Tips Corner Protein and Fish Oil I am often asked, What are the best supplements? My response is, First keep in mind that supplements are meant to compliment your diet not BE your diet! One should be able to get all the nutrients needed from a balanced diet. However, taking supplements are meant to provide additional nutrients when lacking in one s diet, or when certain health conditions cause an insufficiency or deficiency. 1. Fish Oil: Fish oil contains the omega 3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and are the best fats. The omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil have been scientifically proven to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, lower blood pressure, decrease inflammation and joint stiffness, and treat various mood disorders. Fish oil has also been shown to either help improve or prevent Alzheimer s disease and dementia, depression, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, hyperactivity, ADHD and more. 2. Protein Powder The majority of one s protein intake should come from high protein foods like: chicken, fish, turkey, lean meats, egg whites, etc. However if you cannot get enough in your diet, then protein powder is a quick, simple and convenient way to ensure that you do. Protein powder, when used as a shake, enables you to control your fat and calorie intake, which is beneficial to weight management. In one drink, you can enjoy the benefits of protein, fruits, flaxseed oil, aloe vera gel, coconut oil, milk, greens, natural peanut butter, plus any other foods or supplements you may want. Experiment with different combinations to find a taste to your liking. When in doubt, always consult your doctor prior to taking any medications or beginning any exercise regimen. And that s thexalter s health tips for the month. Your ad could be here Jamaal Piper, Health and Wellness Consultant/Personal Trainer

4 4 A candid interview with Rev. Dr. Lee P. Washington Senior Pastor, Reid Temple AME Church Keeping Faith in God, Part I Mark 11:22 By Pamela Jenkins With a membership of more than 16,000, one church in two locations and two major church projects being erected simultaneously, I am honored Pastor Washington could take time out of his very busy schedule to grant me this interview. After reading, I believe you will be just as inspired as I was at the tenacity, authenticity and transparency, of Rev. Dr. Lee P. Washington. Pastor, thexalter s theme for 2015 is According to YOUR faith. Could you give a brief exegesis of that scripture? Faith is what grows a Christian. Faith also proves a Christian and faith affirms a Christian. The basic foundational scripture of faith is, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). According to your faith is one s belief in the unseen according to what the scriptures proclaim. No one can measure another person s faith. Faith is developed and grown in relationship to the Word of God, as well as through personal experiences. Something that you cannot see, but believe by virtue of what the Word of God says, is what confirms your faith; and this is on a basic or practical level. We, by way of model, do what God did in the very beginning: we speak something that doesn t exist or cannot be seen, and then we believe according to our faith that it will come into existence. This could be in the area of healing, finances, relationship, etcetera, etcetera. If we believe, it will come into existence. Suppose you have two people who are seeking God for healing. God answers one person s prayer but not the other. How do you explain that, when both persons claim to have great faith in God? Well, God is a mystery. God is sovereign and God has a prerogative to respond according to each individual as He sees. A person who has great faith may get what they ask for from God, and they may not get what they ask for from God. Ultimately, its God s prerogative. For example, let s say you are praying for someone to be healed. You ask God to intervene and God doesn t and the person dies. The prerogative of God may be that God may know things about your personal life that He wants to be developed through that experience, before the answer comes. So a person may have to suffer before they see the reality of what they are asking for. One of the things we do that is unfortunate is that we try to manipulate God or bargain with God. We act like God is mechanical; like we can pull this lever or say this formula then God will automatically do want we want. Well, if that happens then that makes us God s god. When I pray to God I pray believing. But if God does not do what I ask Him to do, I don t see that as a weakness of my faith or a deficiency in my faith. I see that as something that God knows that I m not privy to. If God doesn t respond to my prayer at that immediate time, I understand that maybe there is something in me that God wants to develop. So do you think it is selfish of us to be angry with God when our prayers don t get answered? I think it is human for us to be angry and if we are spiritual, then our anger is just a stage we go through. To say not to be angry deprives you of your human emotions and God wants us to be human. Job was angry with God; as well as other instances in the Bible where persons have prayed, and they didn t get what they wanted. I think it is human to have experiences with anger; but in our wisdom, knowledge and spiritual formation, we shouldn t dwell on that anger or reside in that anger. We should understand that there is a deeper purpose in God s yes, or God s no, or God s not now. I saw the movie Selma and as I watched I thought, African-Americans are still fighting for the plight of our race, dealing with oppression, equality, and racial profiling. Have we really evolved? I saw the movie Selma, and I am of the Civil Rights Movement and the Freedom Riders. Do I feel that some of the same struggles we dealt with then are what we deal with today? The answer is, Yes! We are dealing with the same struggles but they are not as blatant. For example racism still exists, but it s institutional racism now and subtle in how it reveals itself. There is an article in the Washington Post about the community Fairwood and how those persons were a part of predatory lending. Well, isn t it funny how the persons who are victims of predatory lending are mostly African-Americans and not whites? Here is an example of a high form of sophisticated racism, targeted toward people who have a dream or a hope to live at their highest. In the area of Selma, the distinction was very clear. You had signs for Whites and signs for Coloreds. Racism was visual then; now that the visual is gone and the signs are gone, the spirit remains the same. We don t have Jim Crow to deal with but we have Jim Crow s grandchildren to deal with. What about our young people? How are they do deal with racism? Our young people are devoid of struggle because they don t understand struggle. What they are born with, we had to struggle for. Young people today have a sense of entitlement. Young people today take for granted the things we had to fight for. The era of Selma had to deal with the dignity of the race, and that whole notion has been displaced. When you talk to young people today about the African American race and dignity, it is foreign to them and that brings a disconnect.

5 5 So what can we do to help our young folk? Well, the onus is on those who are survivors of the Selma era and before, to transfer to our young folk the foundation of our struggle. That way they will know how they re able to get to where they are, which is to be able to enjoy some of the luxuries that we did not have. Our young people are the fruits, but we have to be the roots to give them the understanding from which they ve evolved and where they ve come from. If we don t do that, then they will be totally separated from any kind of understanding. Is there more? The other piece is this, in the era of Selma we didn t have the Internet, the information highway, or social media. The issue with social media is that there is no filter or screen. So everything that our young people may see, they take at face value. They don t do a comparative over a standard that has been previously established and proven that it works. But this hasn t been taught to them and again, the onus is on us. As a people and as a church, it is up to us to share that experience with them. Every young adult needs to see it, and there needs to be dialog around it. It needs to be talked about in the church, at home and in our schools and not just in February either. In our quest for betterment, do you feel that we (adults) have fallen short in passing on the legacy of our African-American heritage? If so, where have we fallen short in being the root which passes on this legacy to our fruits? We don t talk to our young people anymore. We don t eat together or have conversations together, and particularly in our homes. There is no trans-generational relationship in which precepts, teachings and values of our heritage, are being passed down. Literally, we are in a world that is detached from the foundation of their existence which is their history; or culture, which is their religion. You have young folk today who have never been to church. It is very hard for our young folk to have any value about themselves, or even understand being valued over and against what they see every day in their culture, which is the Internet and social media. In the African-American community during the period of The Depression and the period of Jim Crow, education was the salvation of our race. Dr. Carter G. Woodson talked about this in The Mis-Education of the Negro. Unfortunately, what is happening to most of our young people is that they have been mis-educated, rather than educated. So the struggle and fight for the African-American race has become foreign to them. In your Father s Day 2014 message, And God Said, you made a few statements I felt were very profound. You said, God is not concerned about your situation. God is concerned about your spirit! But we want it backwards. We don t want God in our spirit, but we want God in our situations. Can you elaborate? God is a spirit and I believe that situations can carry a spirit as well. If God is dominant, if God is all powerful, and if God is sovereign, then God dwells in us and in our spirit. Those things inadvertently impact our situation. So if God is in my spirit, then that is going to change how I look at my situation. My situation is my situation, but I can t keep dumping it solely on God. Ultimately, it comes back to me and how I handle it because my relationship with God should infuse me so I can deal with my situation. We have a tendency to think that God outside of us is supposed to do everything while we sit back. It s as if we are saying, I m going to let God handle it! But you can handle it with the spirit God gives you to handle it. You cannot get God in your situation, without connecting with His spirit because your spirit connects to your situation. So are you saying that we want God to do all the work? Absolutely! We want God to do the work and we do nothing. Doing that breeds a disconnect from God. Faith without works is dead! We say, God is a fixer! He will take care of our battles. And yes He will, but how? What is the methodology by which He takes care of it? Well, He takes care of our situations through our faith. It is according to your faith the faith of the individual that God can do the work. The Word says, Greater is he that is within me than he who is in the world. So if God is greater than anything that is in the world, then my situation is not greater than God because God is in me, by virtue of my spirit. His spirit is greater than anything. Get in the spirit of God and your situation will take care of itself. How come we can apply the Word of God toward other people s situation, yet fail to apply the right words for our own? By way of analogy let s take a plumber. The plumber can fix everyone else s pipes, but his house is flooded. Sometimes, we can find the right words to help others but not for ourselves. We don t do self-analysis or a kind of evaluation or critique, of where we are or what we are experiencing. We are too externally focused. We re too busy looking at everybody else s situation to say, I can fix that! without realizing internally that we ve got the same issues going on. Why do we do that? We are external people and external-imaged people. We basically go through life looking outside of ourselves, rather than looking and addressing roles that need to be addressed within ourselves. We are programmed that way. Visually that is how we sell, promote, or market things: to look outside yourself and to not look inwardly. Outside of yourself is the concrete and it doesn t take much faith to see it. The inside is immaterial. It is the invisible things which require a spiritual work on my behalf. To sit down and center yourself, quiet yourself and then be bold and honest enough to confront the issues within, takes work. We are just externally driven people, which is why we put up defense mechanisms when other people call us out. We protect inwardly, but we don t have a problem projecting outwardly. Pastor, on behalf of thexalter I thank you for Part I of Keeping Faith in God. Part II of Pastor Washington s interview will be in the March 2015 edition of thexalter. For questions or comments regarding Part I of Pastor Washington s article him: ghappy30@aol.com For more information on Reid Temple AME Church Visit their website: