2021
Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for December:
Sis. Renae Williams
Thomasville City Schools
“In the Waiting Room”
Psalm 27.13-14 (The Passion Translation) states, “Yet I believe with all my heart that I will see again your goodness, Yahweh, in the land of life eternal! Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for he will never disappoint you!” Do you have some promises you are waiting on God to make good? “Waiting on God means going without answers to prayer, wondering why the wicked seem to prosper, and having desires delayed and hope deferred” (www.gotquestions.org). Proverbs 13.12 (Amplified Bible) states, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.” In simpler terms, when the thing a person deeply desires is slow in coming, it makes the person desirous of it start to despair of ever getting it, but when what he or she has yearned and hoped for finally comes, the immediate pleasure fills the heart with great joy. It was worth the wait!
Author Elizabeth Laing Thompson stated in her book When God Says Wait that we are all waiting on God for something. Some unanswered prayers from her book included: “A job, a true love, a baby, a cure. We’re all waiting for something from God. The place between His answers can feel like a wasteland where dreams and faith go to die. When we’re waiting, we wonder, ‘Why?’, ‘Why me?’, and ‘How long?’ But the truth is when God says, ‘Wait,’ He doesn’t tell us for how long. When God says, ‘Wait,’ we face one of life’s greatest tests. When God says, ‘Wait,’ we have decisions to make. When God says, ‘Wait,’ we can control only two things: how we wait, and who we become along the way.” It is in those times that the wait in the waiting room seems so long.
What an exhausting feeling it is to be in a waiting room, watching everyone else go in and out of the room with their blessing, with their newborn, with their healing, and there is no visible movement in your situation. What we watch while we wait is vital. Waiting for God to act doesn’t mean sitting around and doing nothing; it means we serve, exercise our faith, and watch our words while we wait. It means we let people know that waiting is hard but that our God is faithful. It means telling people that we don’t simply trust our God in good times and when things work out the way we want them to, but we trust God’s plan even when it’s hard.
When God makes us a promise that He is about to bless us and turn things around in our favor, we believe it to manifest in twenty-four hours, three days, this time next week, or within a year. We have experienced and know God to have answered some of our prayers overnight, but when He doesn’t do it like that the next time, we tend to lose hope after a spell of waiting. Remember the saying, “A blessing delayed is not a blessing denied”? It is so easy to quote that when we are giving that advice to someone else. But when it is our time in the waiting room, it doesn’t seem as simple. That’s when we activate our faith and trust His plan for our lives. Waiting on God is not only difficult; sometimes it seems impossible. We want things to happen in our own timing and according to our plans. But God doesn’t operate on our schedules, and expecting that He will sets one up for disappointment.
In closing, know that “God has a greater perspective of our life events, and His perspective, plans, and schedules are perfect and holy, because He is perfect and holy. When we grasp that fact, waiting on God is not only made less difficult, but it also actually becomes joyful” (www.gotquestions.org). Remember, we are on His time and His schedule. He is never late, but rather always on time.
“Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!”
(Psalm 27.14, New King James Version)
Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for November:
Dr. Norman Golar
Dean of Arts and Sciences
Stillman College
“A Different Kind of Struggle”
Each day, I converse with strangers, supervisors, coworkers, college students, friends, and family members. Majority of the time, someone shares with me his or her struggles or the struggles of a person who is not involved in the conversation. The information exposes the person’s faults, flaws, or even sins, and I must say that I find it easier not to judge the person when the person is not a friend or a family member than when the person is a friend or a family member. Struggling not to judge the friend or the family member is REAL! It throws me in a whirlwind, for I remember what Jesus expresses to the disciples:
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (New International Version, Matthew 7.1-3)
I definitely do not want God to judge me in a manner similar to the one I try to avoid when thinking about a friend or a family member whose actions provoke me down that train of thought. Therefore, I find it important to continue to draw strength from the Holy Bible because it humbles me to remember the plank in my own eye—the same fault, flaw, or even sin I committed at some point in my own life. Therefore, I can feel God “[removing] the heart of stone from [my] flesh and [giving me] a heart of flesh” (Amplified Bible, Ezekiel 36.26).
Moreover, I think the struggle starts with me knowing friends or family members well enough and growing irritated when I see them act in a way that goes against their standards. It irritates me because I see them repeating the very things they despise others for doing. It even irritates me to see them make the same mistakes I once made. And it could be that I believe they should be better and do better than me, right? I believe that the resources, information, and networks available today increases their chances to make smarter decisions. I think that is why I have struggled and continue to struggle with avoiding the act of judging those close to me.
Thankfully, I am able to recognize this struggle, and the very recognition comforts my spirit to know that I have not given in and that my heart wants what is best for not only others but also me. Should you find this type of struggle present in your relationships with others (from strangers to family and friends), I pray that you, too, continue to fight the good fight, for God knows all about it. He is here to help remove such a burden if you allow Him. Stay well and blessed!
Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for October:
Sis. Ann Fox, R.N.
“Bitter Becomes Bittersweet When Connected to God”
Scripture: “But she said to them, ‘Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me” (Ruth 1.20, New King James Version).
Studies show that there are five basic tastes to help us enjoy different foods. They are sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. Most people avoid bitter foods because bitter is the most sensitive taste and is best described as sharp, disagreeable, or unpleasant. According to research, people who dislike bitter tastes seem to be more agreeable; in contrast, people who like the taste of bitterness are linked to psychopathy or narcissism.
Let us look at the opening scenes of a bittersweet love story in our Scripture. The book of Ruth describes the grief and hardship that befell Naomi when she lost her husband and two sons. Naomi became bitter because she blamed God for taking her family. She wanted to change her name to Mara, which means “bitter.” However, we find that God worked in many providential ways for her and her daughter-in-law Ruth. According to the law, Ruth was an outsider or outcast of the family of God, but through the eyes of Boaz, she was brought in through grace and mercy. God is shown in this story as a redeemer for both Ruth and Naomi. Naomi’s bitterness turned bittersweet as she became one of the happiest grandmothers in the Holy Bible because her life was finally filled with the blessings of God. God has remarkable ways of using difficult times in our lives to enhance our spiritual and emotional health when we become bitter and angry.
We all have bitter moments in life that have tempted us to become bitter and seek revenge, which is a sin that will destroy our lives. Romans 12.19 (New International Version) commands us, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Sometimes, we will hold grudges against others for years when they hurt us. By definition, a bitter person is described as someone who is angry and unhappy because he or she cannot forget the bad things that happened in the past. They are often jealous and may generally focus on the dark side of life, which can cause much anxiety and stress if the condition goes untreated. When we experience many hardships in life, we feel lonely and disconnected, which leads to bitterness. At these times, we need to focus on our mental health, love ourselves, and rely on God to reconnect us to a healthy state of being.
The book of Psalms is an excellent resource to read when the enemy tries to attack our mind and destroy our sense of well-being. We must remember that God will make our enemy our footstool in times of trouble (Psalm 110.1). When we have faith in Him and not the ones who deceived us, we stay connected to God, and He helps us to develop a strong relationship with Him. Psalms 3.4 (NIV) says, “I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.”
To fight bitterness in your life:
Get connected with a local church in your community.
Stay connected with a small group setting that believes and trusts in the living God.
Be blessed!
Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for September:
Sis. Maisha Robinson
“We Can’t Give Up Now!”
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6.9, New King James Version)
As I looked at the words “grow” and “weary,” my mind went to a garden. I began to reflect on the beautiful gardens my father had grown over the years. I can remember him purchasing seeds, fertilizer, and the proper tools. I never remember him planting weeds, yet they would sprout up. When we said yes to the Lord, we accepted seeds, fertilizer, and the proper tools to live the life that He has ordained for us to live. And just like a garden, there will be times when weeds will sprout and try to overrun us.
As I researched the effects of weeds in a garden, the first thing I discovered is that they steal water and nutrients from your desirable plants. They sound just like the devil who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10.10a). Experts say the best time to deal with weeds is at the early onset. They must be killed!
Weeds will come in the form of hurt, disappointments, pain, frustrations, and the list goes on. They come with the territory in the life of a believer. We can’t nurture them. If we do, they will take root in our hearts and produce weariness. Turn them over to Jesus. We will flourish if we continue to do as instructed in I Corinthians 15.58 (NKJV): “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
We can’t give up now! We have a harvest coming our way!
Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for August:
Elder Roy Coleman
“With God, All Lives Matter”
St. John 3.16-17 (King James Version): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
St. John 6.37 (KJV): “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
II Peter 3.9 (KJV): “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
In this world in which we live, a lot of people have certain ones whom they want to fool with, and certain ones whom they don’t want to fool with. It is sad to say, but even in the Body of Christ, we see this behavior going on. Not only that, but there are certain ones we love, and certain ones we don’t care anything for. Because of these reasons, we need to ask ourselves the following questions:
1.) Is this how Christ acted?
2.) Is this the way Christ wants us as His people to act?
Well, the answer to both questions should be NO.
1.) That’s not the way Christ acted.
2.) That’s not the way Christ wants the Church to act.
The attitude that we should have is one of love and concern for everybody. Christ just didn’t die for certain ones; He died for everybody. Therefore, if all lives matter to Christ, all lives should matter to us as the Church. We all were on our way to a devil’s hell, but because of Christ’s great love for us and because we mattered, He provided a way for us not to be lost. He died that we might live because it’s not His will that anybody should perish but come to Him and be saved.
In closing, every human being on the face of this earth is important and matters to God.
Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for July:
Evangelist Janice Chapman
“You Can Count on God”
Isaiah 41.10 (King James Version): “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
As we reflect on the year 2020, we realize that so many things have affected society and caused many of us to waver in our spiritual faith. For instance, the pandemic changed the nation and forced us to reevaluate how we functioned as a family, employee, and student. It also altered our mode of worship in our churches. Likewise, the murder of George Floyd affected the African American race, and his death inspired many people of all races and nationalities to speak up regarding the Black Lives Matter Movement. These events were perhaps the biggest life changing events that many have faced. It is easy for people to become bitter and frightened in these circumstances and give up on trusting God.
In life’s circumstances, we are so quick to place our confidence in people, material things, educational accomplishments, and even in the government. When circumstances arise, we sometimes find ourselves spinning around in circles and become fearful because we realize that the people and the things that we relied on could not provide us with what we needed. When everything is changing around you, it is important to remember that God is a consistent provider. He will never let you down. He can be counted on, and He is worthy of trust. Proverbs 3.5-6 admonishes us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge [H]im, and [H]e shall direct thy paths.”
Isaiah 41.10 reminds us of God’s protection and gives us assurance that no matter what situation or circumstances we may encounter, God will help us if we just trust in Him. Each day, we have opportunities to turn to God’s Word and find strength and hope when the world around seems to be in panic mode. The Lord says, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee.” Through faith in God, He gives us confidence that He will do exactly what He declares if we only believe Him as He asks. He will strengthen us and help us through all situations in life.
When you are going through difficult times (COVID-19, Black Lives Matter, finances, relationships, health issues, job situations), just remember that you can always count on God to provide wisdom, guidance, and deliverance. God is with us, and He is in control. He will take us by the hand to lead us in our way and be our guide. He will help us when we are fallen. What a joy we have knowing that we have God’s presence, protection, and abiding love.
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Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for June:
Evangelist Tamiko McConnell
“A Symbolic Flood!”
Scriptures: Genesis 6-9; Matthew 5.45, Revelation 6.17
As with Noah, we went in for a while longer than the forty days and nights. It’s been a little more than a year now for us. Many didn’t believe Noah and go into the ark of safety. Only eight survived the flood of Noah’s day. The survivors were his family. Today many more believed that destruction was coming and acted accordingly. The survivors are the just as well as the unjust.
Contend and hold on to your faith in God because we are the sign in the world that points to Jesus. God wants to show Himself strong through us. On a personal note, you are a sign in the earth that points to God because you told others, “I believe God will deliver us from and through COVID-19 or whatever the issue is for you.” Keep speaking and living out your faith as Noah did. All praises and glory be to God; it is coming to pass in the presence of the onlookers.
All who missed the ark died! Even though many died and others didn’t wear the mask, be encouraged to continue to magnify Jesus as the Wonder who is in us. He kept us when the unseen enemy through COVID-19 came like a flood to wipe us out. We know it was not just the work of keeping our hands clean and mouths covered that kept us alive. We know it was God who saved us once again from an unseen enemy. Be resilient despite all that has happened in showing and telling of the love, grace, and mercy of God to family; friends; and a dark, sin-infested, dying world.
God has allowed us to come through a symbolic flood experience that affected the whole world. Reminder: there is another day coming greater and more terrible than this—who shall be able to stand? We are obligated to tell others to get ready for the Day of the Lord. They can make it through that day, also, if they by faith believe, act accordingly, and receive Jesus who made the way for us to come through COVID-19!
The pandemic shut the world down as we knew it. Slowly but surely, the world is receding from the cautious state of being still to the fast-paced hubbub of life again. As the waters of the earth receded from the flood of Noah’s day, so will the fear of this shadow of death recede. We, the body of Christ, are to be a consistent sign in the earth pointing others to the saving grace of God by faith in Jesus until the Lord calls us home. Speak, live, and react in love by faith to one another and those of the world. A pandemic may have hit, but people still hear and see what we do louder and more clearly than what we say!
Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for May:
Brother Lance McDaniel
Georgia-Pacific Company
“How to Make America Great”
How do we make America great again? We must first put God back at the top. We have to acknowledge God first in our lives with everything we do. We must all come to the table and ACKNOWLEDGE there is a problem—yes, racism is a PROBLEM. We must all ACKNOWLEDGE there is injustice—yes, injustice is a PROBLEM. We must weave out ALL who are not for unity—yes, not being unified is a PROBLEM. We must ACKNOWLEDGE that when All Lives Matter is mentioned, it has to include Black lives. Don’t get so worked up when people say Black Lives Matter, and if you say All Lives Matter, it shouldn’t offend you that Black lives eventually want to be a part of All Lives Matter! But...God has to be back at the top, and we must weave out so-called friends who don’t want to see people come together and be ONE! This is a start to Making America Great! God is with us; we are never alone! God made all mankind, and believe it or not, we were all created equal.
Racism is a subject that is clearly a major issue that needs to be discussed respectfully. First, for those who think the race card is played a lot, what else do you play when you’re constantly dealt the same hand? Please understand that as much as some get tired of hearing it, there are some who get tired of constantly having to revisit it. As a young African American man, there is so much more to me than the color of my skin. Know that I have character, integrity, and most of all, Jesus who is my Savior.
I was fearful and wonderfully made in the eyes of God (Psalm 139.14).
He knows my ending before my beginning (Isaiah 46.10).
He said I am the head and not the tail, the lender and not the borrower (Deuteronomy 28.12-13).
Although I believe this, I understand that some can’t see past my skin, and I understand that there are some who can. However, I have learned when I can’t do much, I should make the most out of what I can do.
What is happening to young African American men is totally senseless and cruel. I understand there may be different views on these situations. I understand that there are some who couldn’t care less. I understand that there are some looking for answers and hurting behind what is happening to these young men—and I’M ONE OF THEM! America will never be great this way!
So what do we do?
We should all love thy neighbor (Matthew 22.39).
We should forgive those who mistreat us (Matthew 6.14).
We should cover our sisters and brothers in love—no matter the race (1 Peter 4.8).
We should even allow God’s love to dwell in us so that love will cover any fault we face. Finally, we must always remember God is with us. We are never alone! In these times, we must live life with a purpose and make the best of every moment.
Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for April:
Sis. Maisha Robinson
Young Women Christian Council (YWCC) President
“Keep Trusting”
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3.5 NIV)
Trust can be defined as a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. Proverbs 3.5 instructs us to believe in the reliability, truth, ability, and strength of our Lord with everything we have. We are not to depend on our own assessment of our circumstances. Our assessment is flawed because we lack all of the pieces to the puzzle.
I was reading in St. Matthew 26.36-46, and what stood out to me is that it appears that God has forsaken Jesus. In St. Matthew 3.16-17, we read that as soon as Jesus rose from the water, immediately God spoke of His beloved Son. Yet, in the garden of Gethsemane when Jesus felt His lowest, there was silence. Jesus prayed the same prayer three times, and each time there was silence. Nevertheless, He trusted His Father. Maybe in your situation it appears that God is silent. We must remember that God is ALWAYS working on our behalf. His Word says that He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13.5). Look beyond the current circumstance of your life and keep trusting.
Let’s continue to take to heart Isaiah 64.4-5a (NIV): “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides [Y]ou, who acts on behalf of those who wait for [H]im. You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember [Y]our ways.” God cannot lie. Every word He has spoken must manifest in our lives. However, we have a role to play in that manifestation. We must keep trusting.
Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for March:
Sis. Sophia Brothers
Thomasville Church of God in Christ
“Purpose”
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [H]is purpose.” (King James Version, Romans 8.28)
We all are unique in our own ways. We look differently, and we react to things differently because there is only one you. God has designed us in His own image, and we all have a purpose. No one can tell you what God has called you to do; God tells you Himself. You might wonder how. I will tell you: it’s through reading His Word, fasting, and praying. We spend time with God to open the door for our purpose. We will find peace only when we fulfill the purpose that God has called us to do. As Job said to the Lord, “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted” (New International Version, Job 42.2).
If finding your purpose could be as easy as putting it in a GPS system and to get directions, it would give you every turn, when to stop, and when to go. Actually, it is that easy. God is our GPS. The Word of God says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” (KJV, Psalm 37.23). God will lead you and direct you in the right path, but you must submit your ways to Him. Even when traveling the journey of finding your purpose, the roads will be bumpy. Rain—even storms—will come at you, but we must keep trusting God, and we must keep traveling the road of finding our calling.
God said in His Word, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (KJV, Matthew 28.20). I ask God to give me the courage to work towards His will for my life and not be swayed by everything around me. God is God, and He works all things, including your life, according to His purpose. The Word of God says, “I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill [H]is purpose for me” (New Living Translation, Psalms 57.2). This biblical verse is key to understanding God’s purpose for your life; God has numbered your days and will fulfill every purpose He has set for you. The Word of God also says, “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (English Standard Version, Matthew 5.13-16). God is waiting for us to fulfill the life He uniquely created for us to live here on Earth. When you find your purpose, it will feel natural because you are walking in what you were designed by God to do.
We should pray this simple but sincere prayer: Lord, I accept you as the Lord and Savior of my life. I know that I have been ordained by you to live according to Your Word. I’m asking You, Lord, to order my steps. I submit my will to You. Lead me and direct me to my purpose. I surrender my all to You. Have Your way; let Your Will be done in my life. Forgive me of all my sins. Take everything that’s hindering Your Will in my life. I thank You and praise You in advance. Amen.
Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for February:
Dr. Norman Golar
Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences
Stillman College
“Inspiration”
(For the Men)
2 Timothy 3.16 (New Living Translation): “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”
At some point, I recognized a transformation within me because scripture that used to receive my empty reactions had become my bursts of excitement. And quite consistently, God surprised me and helped me and healed me and reprimanded me and loved me—all of which He did through His Word. Below are (a few) scriptures that brought greater meaning and purpose to my life and my behavior. I pray that you, too, will lean on scriptures that bring greater meaning and purpose to your lives:
“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” (KJV, Psalm 118.8) – I understand how comforting it is not to expect from people what I expect from God.
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” (KJV, Psalm 68:19) – I understand that each day is a fresh start as well as another opportunity to just live (and whatever is wrapped into living).
“Drink water from your own well—share your love only with your wife.” (NLT, Proverbs 5.15) – I understand that my wife can quench whatever desires I have, and all or any love that I need starts and ends with her.
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (NIV, Joshua 1.8) – I understand that following God’s Word places my family and me in position to receive blessings from God.
“Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” (KJV, 1 John 3.15) – I understand that I cannot allow myself to hate another person because I do not want “blood on my hands” so to speak.
“I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I’ve learned the secret of how to live when I’m full or when I’m hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little.” (GW, Philippians 4.12) – I understand that I have been blessed to know what it is like not to have and what it is like to have—I am able to appreciate all that I have no matter the situation.
“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” (KJV, 2 Corinthians 1.4) – I understand that my experiences are not for me only; they are to inspire and comfort others as well.
“If anyone doesn’t take care of his own relatives, especially his immediate family, he has denied the Christian faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (GW, 1 Timothy 5.8) – I understand that taking care of my family is more than just providing and protecting and loving them; it also includes staying committed to ONE wife and not cheating on her.
“My brothers and sisters, practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ by not favoring one person over another.” (GW, James 2.1) – I understand that showing favoritism leads to hurting others who get overlooked; I do not wish to favor one person over another person.
So, men, stay well, encouraged, and blessed. Amen.
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Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for January:
Evangelist Frankie H. Allen
Genesis District First Lady
“Hope for the Years Ahead”
Romans 5.1-5 (NKJV): “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
The beginning of 2020 was embraced with messages of vision—double vision. As the year progressed, it unfolded to realizations of tribulation. How do we have hope for the years ahead while enduring our current crisis?
COVID-19 has dominated 2020 with a rollover into 2021. Despite this tribulation, “we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Not only do we stand, but I pray we have allowed the Holy Spirit to keep hope alive within us. God never intended for any tribulation to destroy us, but rather to bring the best out of us through our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
What will we take forward in 2021? I suggest perseverance to keep going through difficult times. Allow our Godly character to come forth in the midst of unprecedented sorrows and disappointments. And finally, we should take forward hope to continue to experience the goodness of God in the land of the living. There is everlasting hope for the years ahead.
2020
Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for December:
Dr. Lenice Crum
“Hope with Expectation”
Lamentations 3.21-24 (MSG)
21 But there’s one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:
22 God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, [H]is merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
23 They’re created new every morning. How great [Y]our faithfulness!
God is faithful!
Recently, citizens within our city experienced power outages for several days due to Hurricane Zeta. During the night, the hurricane moved inland through different states, causing damage with its unrelenting winds that continued to blow forcefully along its path.
During the power outage, we had to prepare for the night during the daylight. Each day, we prayed with expectation that our power would be restored. Each night, we talked about the goodness of God, and my mom or sister would sing a song from back in the day. Even though we prayed, the power remained off until the power company located and fixed the problem. We did not know how badly the storm had damaged the power grid. But God did.
Spiritually, we, too, must prepare before we are faced with challenges or storms. Paul discussed the need for the “whole armour of God” along this Christian journey in Ephesians 6.10-18.
Ephesians 6.14-18 (MSG)
14 Truth, righteousness, 15 peace, 16 faith, 17 and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon.
18 In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. 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.
Night (as it relates to an individual’s life) can be symbolic of a challenge or storm.
We are not always privy to why storms form and are allowed to affect our lives in different ways, yet God is still faithful. Storms or challenges can originate in different forms, shapes, and sizes. Sometimes, the storms seem to last longer than we want. Just like Jeremiah, we must remember one other thing: in spite of all that we have been through or the challenges we face in this moment, God has been good, and He is forever faithful.
Like Jeremiah, remembering that other thing can be the catalyst that manifests hope with expectation.
Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for November:
Sis. Rosalyn Robinson
“How Do I Trust God?”
Jeremiah 10.23 (King James Version) says, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps,” meaning it was not designed for man to order his own steps because man is not God and does not have the capability to see into the future or to know what is best for man to do. Only God has that power or ability because He is an omnipotent God. For David said in Psalms 37.23a, “The steps of a good man are ordered [directed] by the Lord.” Paul said in Philippians 4.13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” These verses identify that it is not we ourselves who can make things happen, but it is through Christ who enables our straight pathway and gives us the ability to do all things. So, let us be true to ourselves that if it had not been for God, we would not be here, nor would we have been able to do the things we’ve done. He is our strength and our strong tower; therefore, we should not fear but trust that God is with us, working through us and working for us. For He said, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper” (Isaiah 54.17a). I am a living witness to this scripture because I am a breast cancer survivor. Although cancer formed in my body, God did not allow it to prosper. I was determined that I was going to trust God. David said in Psalm 120.1, “In my distress, I cried unto the Lord, and [H]e heard me.” I prayed and God sent me a Word. I trusted in God and stood on His Word. I HAVE BEEN delivered of cancer!!! To this day, I have not received chemotherapy, nor have I received radiation. Just as I did, you, too, must stand on His Word and know that everything will be alright, for “weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalms 30:5c).
Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for October:
Sister Maisha Robinson
Young Women’s Christian Council (YWCC) President
“Just Let It Go!”
“Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail).” (Amplified Bible, Psalm 55:22)
I’m sure that I’m not the only one who has found herself (or himself) guilty at one time or another of holding on to something or someone when God’s desire was for me to just let it go.
Why let it go?
We lose more than what we think we are gaining by holding on to things (and sometimes people) that God wants us to release. We must remember to trust His plans for our lives: “[‘]For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (New International Version, Jeremiah 29.11). The hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” comes to mind, specifically the words of the second verse: “Oh, what peace we often forfeit. Oh, what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” Just let it go!
How do I let it go?
When we have become accustomed to holding on to unnecessary weight, it may appear that letting go is an unattainable task. However, God gives us the strength to accomplish everything He instructs us to do. We just have to trust Him enough. As strong as we may consider ourselves to be, God never asked us to rely on our own strength but to lean totally on Him: “In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]” (AMP, Proverbs 3.6). Just let it go!
Whatever our “it” may be, we must remember that God never intends for us to be burdened down: “Come to [M]e, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take [M]y yoke upon you and learn from [M]e, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For [M]y yoke is easy and [M]y burden is light” (NIV, Matthew 11.28-30). The conclusion of that hymn says, “Jesus knows our every weakness. Take it to the Lord in prayer.” Just let it go!
Speaker's Spotlight
Featured Speaker for September:
Sister Sophia Brothers
Thomasville Church of God in Christ
"Seek My Face"
We are now living in a time when there is a horrible pandemic spreading across this land: the coronavirus. Many people are speaking on II Chronicles 7.14 (NKJV): “[I]f 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.” Now the question is… are we truly seeking God’s face? The word face in the Old Testament translates to “presence.”
As Christians, we should look at this pandemic as another opportunity to witness about the goodness of God and show the world that we are not shaken by the temporary situation of the world. God is still God! If we are honest with ourselves, some of us have let what we see on T.V. and hear on the radio shake our faith. We need to remember that the God who has healed, the God who has saved, the God who has forgiven, the God who has made ways out of no way is still the same God! Every day we need to seek His face and draw closer to Him. It’s okay to be informed of what’s going on in the world, but stay mindful of Who holds the world. This thing didn’t catch God by surprise.
This pandemic has hit home with me. I tested positive for COVID-19 in April. Fear crept up, and doubt came in and took residence in my mind just for a little while. Then, I was reminded of II Timothy 1.7 (NKJV): “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” But I had to seek the Word of God to remind me of God’s track record. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I can trust Him when it looks like I can’t trace Him. God assured us in His Word that He would not leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13.5). Although this virus wants us to fear the uncertainty, as Christians we can be certain that God is still in control.
We must continue to seek God’s presence through prayer and devotion. In a sense, one’s face represents the whole person. James 4.8 (NKJV) states, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” When we approach God in prayer, we are seeking His face. Reviewing the Word will encourage us that the God Who delivered His people out of famine, floods, plagues, and wars is still the same God during the coronavirus. We just have to hang on and know that THIS, TOO, SHALL PASS!
Speaker's Spotlight
Featured Speaker for August:
Brother Lance McDaniel
Georgia-Pacific Company
Love Thy Neighbor
“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
(KJV, Matthew 22.39)
For people who feel that race doesn’t play a part in the George Floyd murder or think that the officer just made a bad decision, please understand that race played the number one part in it. The African American community has been hit hard for years now, especially black men. Black men being killed is a virus that this country has had for years without a cure!!! I understand everyone has his or her own narrative of this situation, but please understand that the African American community is hurting. Imagine a man…with his knee in your son’s neck…for a long period of time…while your son is pleading for his life and saying, “I can’t breathe!” And the man is doing it with comfort!!!
We were all warned about this, but the warning was turned into a man being called disrespectful to “the flag.” The kneel was to bring insight on men, such as George Floyd and to bring insight on African American men who walk around daily with targets on their back. Before anyone gets offended, please think about what I’m saying. I’m a young black man who wants to see people in this country love each other, as God loves us.
Love thy neighbor.
We need unity!!! It’s too much going on for us as a community to be divided!!! Lives are being taken away from here, and we are yet to pull together!!! All of us need to be praying for each other and pulling together, especially for the families dealing with tragedy.
Love thy neighbor.
I’m talking to black and white!!! I am tired of seeing us failing. We’re better than this. We’re better together!!!
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Speaker's Spotlight
Featured Speaker for July:
Evangelist Shonda Bass
Thomasville COGIC Singles' Ministry President
Clarke County School System Educator
Let My People Go!
“(1) So the Lord said to Moses: ‘See, I have made you as God to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet. (2) You shall speak all that I command you. And Aaron your brother shall tell Pharaoh to send the children of Israel out of his land’” (NKJV, Exodus 7.1-2).
As I read these words, I can imagine how devastating, challenging, and overwhelming it must have been for God’s chosen children. The Israelites were in bondage for over 430 years. Can you imagine being enslaved, not having any form of opinion of your own, and being at the mercy of your enemy’s command? Yes, we can imagine! As African Americans, not only can we identify with the pain and agony the Israelites suffered, but today over 2,000 years later, we yet face this same injustice.
As I reflect on the horror and dreadful stories told by my great-grandfather, Mr. Eddie Robinson, Sr., I have come to realize that he was one of the most courageous men of his era. Reminiscing on my childhood, I can recollect my father sharing generational stories passed down to him by my ancestors.
My great-grandfather was born in Monroe County, Alabama, and he was enslaved to his master, Roberson. His life experiences were horrifying, which forced him into hiding while chasing after his freedom. Therefore, he carefully organized, strategized, and executed a plan of exodus that would free him forever. Before leaving, he prepared a meal, served his siblings, and genuinely expressed his love to each of them!
At daybreak, he began his quest for freedom—unaware of what would lie before. During his journey, he decided to swim the Alabama River by day and camp by night. Exhausted and weak, he settled on the banks of Gainestown Landing in Clarke County, Alabama. What an act of courage! My great-grandfather refused to be enslaved for the duration of his life. Determined to establish his own identity, he changed his name from Roberson to Robinson. I stand amazed to this day when I hear my great-grandfather’s story told time and time again during our family reunions.
In conclusion, this scripture comes to mind: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (KJV, I Corinthians 15.58). Therefore, as we face the Black Lives Matter movement, I stand as a fourth-generation descendant of Mr. Eddie Robinson Sr. Enslavement in any form is unacceptable. It is not in my genes.
Speaker's Spotlight
Featured Speaker for June:
Dr. Norman Golar
Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences
Stillman College
Making a Name for Ourselves
(To My Fellow Men)
I have heard it many times: “A person’s reputation goes farther than he ever could.” Unfortunately, many of us MEN, including the young men, may ignore the fact that what we do today will affect tomorrow. “Today” represents the behaviors and attitudes we demonstrate publicly. And “tomorrow” represents opportunities in a future that may either build us or break us based on our “today.” Thus, every man has to continue working on himself so that no matter how the chips may fall, every man adjusts to develop a good name.
Making a name for ourselves, as a starting point, is to “[make it a practice to] please [our] neighbor for his good, to build him up spiritually” (AMP, Romans 15.2). Spiritual uplift causes problems when we look to find glory in what we did to help a person. Also, spiritual uplift can be challenging when the world may call us soft for being “[...] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love” (KJV, Romans 12.10a). We have to feel comfortable with both receiving and using a heart of flesh while letting go of a heart of stone (NIV, Ezekiel 36.26). So, the time we pour into building one another spiritually does not need an announcement on P.A. systems. Trust! In the end, others will catch hold, and good shall fall on the lips of those who speak about us.
Also, making a name for ourselves is to “Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody” (emphasis added; The Message Bible, Romans 12.14). One thing is for sure: no one likes when a man AND his ego enter a room. It’s one thing to have self-confidence; however, thinking we are doing others a favor for letting them hang around us, thinking we are God’s great gift to every woman, and thinking that every other dude wants to be like us mean nothing. I have heard many individuals say, “I’m trying to be great!” But, why? To boast? To compensate? Of course, nothing is wrong with wanting to be great...but strive to be great AT something. Yes, aim high—but I don’t see a reason to “want to be great” except to be lifted in pride. We have greater impact when others are able to speak positively about us in our absence. Remember, we cannot be “stuck up” in the clouds of our own snow globes.
Fellas, we have to be mindful of the way we conduct ourselves TODAY. To be “known in the [city’s] gates, when [we sit] among the elders of the land” may possibly come if we stop counting our deeds and focus on improving ourselves based on God’s standards (AMP, Proverbs 31.23). Be safe.
Stay blessed,
Bro. Golar
Speaker's Spotlight
Featured Speaker for April-May:
N/A
Let us continue to pray for our community, nation, and world.
Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for March:
Sister Maisha Robinson
Young Women’s Christian Council (YWCC) President
Young Women’s Christian Council
We are strong, intelligent, and independent yet wise enough to know to depend on the ultimate source of our life—Jesus. We are not loud and angry but bold and courageous concerning the matters of our hearts. Our movements are based upon clear direction and strength from our Lord and Savior. We are not rebellious but choose to submit to the perfect will of the Father. We love hard and forgive even harder. Yes, we are confident and possess pride for ourselves, yet we remain humble, remembering the grace and mercy extended to us as we grow and press through this journey called life. We are women full of purpose, vision, and great expectation. We are not divas; we just simply know our worth: “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (KJV, Proverbs 31.10).
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Speaker's Spotlight
Featured Speaker for February:
Evangelist Shirley Gillespie
Christian Women Council (CWC) President
Christian Women Council
Women must work together in unity while lovingly supporting spiritual growth. We must bridge the crossroads and extend lifelines for women who are in crisis, abuse, brokenness, etc. We must not be judgmental or gossipers, for our spiritually seasoned mothers must be able to reach across barriers. We must allow women to talk freely over issues and concerns in their homes, churches, schools, and communities as we base our answers on the Holy Bible. Through effective communication, we all can become well-informed. James 3.17 (KJV) states, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” May our love for God and mankind take us to this place.
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Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for January:
Genesis District Superintendent
Supt. J. R. Allen
Greetings,
God is great, and He’s greatly to be praised. I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It’s so hard to believe that 2019 has gone. We are beginning a new year, and I’m very excited about it. My expectations are very high for 2020.
Let me take this opportunity to say how much I appreciate you, the women of the Genesis District. Let me further say that I’m very fortunate to have such gifted, anointed, and capable women to serve with me in ministry.
In Genesis 2, God recognized that Adam needed a helpmeet. After careful consideration of that fact, He decided to make him a woman. God did not take the woman out of Adam’s feet, but He took her out of his side. This revelation says to me that God meant for the woman to work alongside the man—not to be trampled on by the man.
This important fact helps me to understand the value of having women who serve in ministry. I am blessed to have such a woman by my side. I am also very fortunate to have such women in the Genesis District serving with me, as well.
I encourage each of you to strive to reach your greatest God-given potential and be the best woman that God created you to be. Know that I will always be your biggest cheerleader, encouraging you every step of the way.
Finally, it is my prayer you will remember that Mary, the mother of our Lord, was given the greatest salutation that could be given to any woman: “Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women” (KJV, Luke 1.28). I give this salutation to all of you.
May God’s richest blessings be with you, and may this new year be a joyous and happy one for you, as well.
Your humble servant,
Supt. J. R. Allen
2019
Speaker's Spotlight
Featured Speaker for December:
Sister Maisha Robinson
“Dare To Stand Out”
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”
(NIV, Jeremiah 1:5a)
Often times, it is quite challenging to embrace living a life set apart. It is our human nature to want a sense of belonging, hence the difficulty when the qualities that make us unique result in not fitting in. Standing out is not a negative circumstance but should be embraced whole heartedly.
I struggled with this concept for some time. I couldn't appreciate the unique person God had created. I felt as though life would be better if I just fit in. My list of if only I was a-b-c or if only I could do x-y-z was long. But one day I began to think about how God felt about my list. How does God, my Creator, feel about my questioning and downgrading of His beautifully and wonderfully made creation? He made me exactly the way He desired me to be. He never makes mistakes. I finally realized He never made me to fit in.
Our unique qualities are not flaws. They simply make us the amazing individuals we were created to be. I encourage you to stop comparing yourselves to others. Discover and walk in your divine purpose. I encourage you from this day forward, proudly and unapologetically, to STAND OUT!
Speaker's Spotlight
Featured Speaker for November:
Brother Lance McDaniel
Georgia-Pacific Company
“Trend Setters”
One morning, I was out and about doing some early morning runs and was approached by one of the young men from the neighborhood. We greeted each other and made random jokes. He then said, “Man, when I grow up, I want to be just like you.” (This is something all of us say.) I began laughing and asked why. He proceeded to tell me that he always watches how I look after my daughter. He said that when he has kids, he wants the same relationship with them. We both began to laugh, and I replied to him, “Thanks, Bro.”
Young men, one of the most important things you can do is take care of your kids. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it; it’s the right thing to do as a man or young man. There’s nothing wrong with being an active father, but there’s a lot wrong with being absent. If anyone you hang with sees an issue with you being active and handling your responsibilities, CHANGE YOUR CIRCLE!!! Truth be told, bros, BEING IN GENDER REVEAL VIDEOS MEANS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IF WE AS MEN/FATHERS ARE ABSENT IN THE REALITY OF RAISING OUR KINGS AND QUEENS!!!
Let’s be trend setters—starting now!!!!
Featured Speaker for September-October:
N/A
Thank you for your support of the
2019 Genesis District's Annual Women's Conference!
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Speaker's Spotlight
Featured Speaker for August:
Dr. Regina Golar
Aspirant Missionary
English Instructor
Shelton State Community College
"Let's Talk Relationships"
(To Our Young Ladies)
Hi, ladies! Here is a bit of real talk for you:
I thank God for every boyfriend who ever left me.
I thank God for every failed relationship.
I thank God for every heartbreak.
Why? I thank God because every wrong guy who left me simply made room for the one right guy whom God had waiting for me. Believe it or not, it is a blessing from God when the wrong person leaves.
Does it hurt when the wrong one leaves? Of course, it hurts. However, it is better to be lonely within the Will of God than to have company with someone who is outside the Will of God. Sometimes, if we would wait for the opportunity that God has for us, rather than going for the opportunity that is right before our eyes, we could save ourselves a lot of pain and sorrow.
What does God say about it? “‘For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’” (AMP, Jeremiah 29.11). This scripture took me through the worst heartbreak of my life. I hope it carries you through as well.
Speaker's Spotlight
Featured Speaker for July:
Dr. Norman Golar
Chair of the English Department
Stillman College
"Excuses Aren’t Healthy"
(To Our Young Folks)
Growing up, my mother ran a tight ship, especially when it came to taking care of my clothes, room, and toys. I IMMEDIATELY had to clean up what I messed up: “When you have finished playing with THAT toy, put it back in the box!” I followed her instructions, replaying in my mind her voice and the steps in the EXACT order she expressed.
Some of you are given instructions, and you may not like the instructions, so you decide that you aren’t going to follow EVERY but SOME or NONE of the instructions or rules because you are trying to get something out of the deal. This type of behavior is an “excuse” that Cascade Hills Church Pastor Bill Purvis identifies as “an attempt to acknowledge that [you’re] wrong while [at the same time] avoiding the responsibility for what [you’ve] done.” In other words, you are like the servant who “had received the one [talent/money] went and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money” (Amplified King James Bible, Matthew 25.18), and later says to the master, “I knew you [Master] to be a harsh and demanding man . . . so I was afraid [to lose the talent], and I went and hid your [money] . . . See, you have what is your own” (Matthew 25.24-25). The master called him a lazy servant. The other servants received different amounts, but they made profits from what was given to them and presented to the master DOUBLE of what he gave them. The master was pleased.
However, try not to be like the one who went against what was appropriate because of your personal gain, such as you are avoiding ridicule, criticism, reprimand, or (the down right) TRUTH. In essence, own up to your mess, but TRULY apologize with a heart of repentance and later stay loyal to your commitment to never do such a thing again. Remember that “to obey is better than sacrifice” in Jesus’ name (New International Bible, I Samuel 15.22).
Speaker’s Spotlight
Featured Speaker for June:
Sis. Gustavia Coleman
Genesis District Sunday School Superintendent
Sunday School is one of the most important parts of our worship service. Sunday School is the time we gather in groups to study and expound on the Word of God. It’s in Sunday School where questions can be answered, and different viewpoints can be brought out. Greater knowledge and understanding of the Bible can be gained during this hour of study.
The Genesis District has capable, qualified teachers and assistants. It’s a united effort by the local and district superintendents to ensure that each teacher has the ability and know-how to teach on the level of their respective age groups and to make sure all students get a clear understanding of the lesson.
II Timothy 2.15 (KJV) says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” That’s why it is so important for members of all ages to attend Sunday School.
National Sunday School Motto: “A child saved is a soul saved plus a life.”