GOOD NEWS YOU CAN USE...

A Literary Arts Ministry Newsletter - Issue 11

The Verdict Is In

It's January 9, 2011. The stage is set, the cleric counselors appointed, the parishioner jury awaits, and the four elects are ready for interrogation. Six weeks of preparation are to be explored—a gleam of validation insight. As the counselors prepare their questions individually, the candidates, filled with anticipation, wonder who will be summoned first. Would the weeks of preparation fulfill its purpose, or would the stress of the unknown spoken Word cause one to fold? Would nerves get the best of one or all of them? Would the moment or thought of intimidation overshadow their thinking?

The questions flow out at once, and the candidates respond one by one, each with their unique perspective and understanding. Some offer life experiences as evidence of the spoken Word, and others offer sound doctrine that validates itself through the Word of God.

The Spirit of God's presence filled the Sanctuary like a sweet-smelling aroma as the trial proceeded. The parishioners became intrigued, and with passion, the counselors were pleased with giving charge of ordinance to the elect. But foremost, God was delighted with the evidence of the elect studying to show themselves approved unto Him, expressing no shame but rightly dividing the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

The elect had made the grade, and the test passed—a time of declaration. The laying on of hands was in order as advised by Paul to Timothy, an act of spiritual affirmation for one who is worthy of it (1 Timothy 5:22).

Horace, Derrick, Theresha, and James are consecrated and set apart through prayer and laying of hands to fulfill their divine assignment, ordained by God, to carry out the great commission in discipling others (Matthew 28:19-20). Their journey, from the trial to the consecration, is a testament to the power of faith and dedication.

SPOTLIGHT!!!

SHARE YOUR GIFTS & TALENTS... (James 1:17)

Rochelle Brown is a native of Nashville, TN. She attended John Overton High School and graduated from McGavock High School in 1984. She is happily married to Tim Brown, and they recently celebrated forty years. Three children were born to their union: Timothy, Brittany, and Tia Brown. Rochelle is Granny B to four grandchildren: Aliana, Kason, Jaxon, and Cairo. Spending time with her grandbabies brings her much joy.

Rochelle was born a twin to her sister and raised with twelve siblings combined with cousins who came to live with her family due to the death of their mother, her aunt.

In 1984, Rochelle was married, and life took on a different path than planned, with new responsibilities, a wife, and raising children. She prioritized participating in her children's class activities and PTO throughout their school tenures and working part-time in various temporary roles. Still, her full-time job was being present in the home as a stay-at-home mom, a role she embraced with love and care.

Rochelle's journey to education is a testament to her perseverance. She always wanted a college degree and could fulfill that dream once her children were grown and living independently. She attended Nashville Tech Community College in Nashville, TN, where she received an Associate of Applied Science and an Associate of Science with concentrations in education, from birth to pre-K and General studies. Her love for learning and determination to achieve her goals are inspiring.

Following this accomplishment, she pursued a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary research with a concentration in Early Childhood and History at Tennessee State University. Her love for learning led her to further her education and gain a master's degree with a concentration in Elementary Education from Pre-K through 8th grade. She served as a teacher for grades 5-7 with the Metro Board of Education at I. T. Creswell Arts Magnet School, a role she knew the hand of God brought to fruition.

Reading the Bible, particularly the Psalms, is one of her passions. She enjoys private and group study and loves reading and learning new things. She knows that all she has and the blessings she has received come from the Lord, not from her account. Her ultimate desire is to use the gifts the Lord has bestowed to spread the gospel to all!

Rochelle has been a member of Saint Matthew Missionary Baptist Church since 1984. She serves as the Church Clerk, a faithful Women's Monthly Bible Study group member, and a Mothers Board member. Despite her current inactivity on the Mothers Board, she desires to resume serving in that capacity. In the past, she was a member of the Usher's Board, a Sunday School teacher for primary-aged children, and an assistant with Vacation Bible School. We appreciate our sister, who serves with a heart of gratitude in our ministry.

Displayed below are some highlights of our spotlight champion.

AIM HIGH TO THE SKY

by James McDonald

Aim high to the sky,

In all that you do.

Because you just never know,

What it takes to be you.

Be strong and be brave,

But at the same time be kind.

And always be sure,

That you’re using your mind.

INSPIRATIONS FOR THE SOUL

by Soulful Sense

A rattlesnake bit one of my sheep in the face about a week ago. It's the Deadliest snake that lives around here. The sheep’s face swelled up and hurt her terribly.

But the old rattlesnake didn't know the kind of blood that flows through the sheep. Anti-venom is most often made from sheep's blood. The sheep swelled for about two days, but the blood of the lamb destroyed the venom of the serpent.

I was worried, but the sheep didn't care. She kept on eating, kept on drinking, and kept on climbing because she knew she was alright. Don't worry about the serpent or his bite. Just make sure that the Lamb's Blood is flowing through your veins.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT...

Submissions by Dorothy McClain

by Henry Edward Manning

"Gratitude consists in a watchful, minute attention to the particulars of our state, and to the multitude of God's gifts, taken one by one. It fills us with a consciousness that God loves and cares for us, even to the least event and smallest need of life."

by Unknown Author

"If we fill our hours with regrets of yesterday and with the worries of tomorrow, we have no today in which to be thankful. Father, help me to see the beauty of today and to be thankful for what you have provided. Amen."

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A CALL TO SALVATION

What Does Salvation Promise?

S - Security

A - Affirmation

L - Long Life

V - Victory

A - Adornment

T - Truth

I - Integrity

O - Ordination

N - Nourishment

Romas 5:1-5vs (NLT)

1.Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. 3. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.