SHOFAR M
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REDEFINING
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JUSTICE
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Pre-Edition Vol. 2 of 3 Sept / Oct 2012
WHAT IS JUST?
RHYTHM OF GOSPEL
AWARDS 2012 COMPROMISE LEADS TO
CONTAMINATION
P.K. MISSIONS
The people that know their God will display strength and take action. — Daniel 11:32
THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM DOES NOT PROVIDE PERFECT JUSTICE...
GOD DOES
TYE TRIBBETT
October 16th, 2012 www.bbicwordandworship.com
OUR PRAYER
Most gracious Father, I pray that we will clearly hear the call You have on our lives. Help us to realize we are in Christ Jesus and give us certainty that we were created for a higher purpose. May the eyes our understanding be enlightened so that we will know the hope of our calling. Lord, when You call us, You enable us to walk worthy of our calling and become the men and women have made us to be. Continue to remind us of what You’ve called us to and don’t let us get sidetracked with the things that are unessential to Your purpose. Strike down discouragement so that it will not defeat us. Lift our eyes above the circumstances of the moment so we can see the purpose for which You have created us. Give us patience to wait for Your perfect timing. I pray that the desires of our
May we seek You for direction, and hear when You speak to our soul. In Jesus name always, Amen
EDITOR’S SALUTATION Greetings! I am excited to welcome you to Issue 2 of 3 in the Pre-Edition of Shofar Magazine entitled . I believe that it is important for believers in Christ to maintain a divine perspective in every aspect of their daily lives. We do this by examining and re-examining the scriptures to see how God feels about everything! After all, He is the truth, the way and life according to the gospel of John. Are we really in pursuit of Justice? Justice is an active expression of the will and nature of God, and it requires a person Romans 2:13 says, “For it is not those who hear the law that are righteous in God’s sight, but those who obey the law that will be declared righteous.� The current balance of justice in our criminal system is fragile. In the hands of human judges lie life and liberty of the people. Our popular concept of justice is too narrow. God doesn’t just
ment. . The church is to take our civic responsibility of not ignoring the system but having an abiding desire to see real justice accomplished. Authority can be benevolent (we can respect it and still question it). Authority needs to be challenged. Absent of challenging authority becomes totalitarian if we are to ensure the integrity of the process. It is one of the great truths of our system; the
more complex and overburdened our system becomes, the less truth comes out. We must remember that the scriptural view of justice embraces far more than just enforcing the law and punishing law breakers. Biblical justice means righting wrongs, restoring relationships, and healing wounds. To be just is to be righteous, to be righteous is to be just. How do we help bring God’s justice "
# gave us. “Delight thyself also in the lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noon day.� — Psalm 37:4-6 Justice is the response of the one who memorizes and meditates on God’s law day and night. In the pace of getting tough on crime mindset, I propose that we need to rethink our concept of justice and pay attention to what methods truly further justice for the victim, offender, and society. This change must come from outside the criminal justice system. We, as Christians, hold the ultimate responsibility for seeking in our criminal justice system.
“Justice means rightness with God; nothing is just until it is adjusted to God.�— Oswald Chambers
Treasure in
Jars of Clay
— II Corinthians 4:7
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od loves to use weak people. Everyone has weak $ imperfections: physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. You may also have uncontrollable circumstances that % & most important issue is what you do with these. Usually we deny our weaknesses, defend them, excuse them, hide them, and resent them. This prevents God from using your weaknesses the way He desires.
God has a different perspective on your weaknesses. He says, “My thoughts and my ways are higher than your ways.� More often than not, He acts in ways that are opposite of what we would expect. We think that God only wants to use our strengths, but He also desires to use our weaknesses for His
glory. God has purposely chosen what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful. Your weaknesses are not an accident. God deliberately allowed them in your life for the purpose of demonstrating His power through you. God has $ He is drawn to people who are weak and ! When you think of the limitations in your life, you may be tempted to conclude, “God could never use me to do that!� Yet God is never limited by our limitations. In fact, He enjoys putting His great power in ordinary containers. The Bible says, “We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored.� The real power comes from God, not from us. Your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurt. Whenever you’re feeling weak, God is reminding you to depend on Him.
How Justice Competes with Fairness “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.� — Isaiah 56:1 NIV
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ustice is carrying out wise judgment based on the laws and characteristics of God. Justice requires a person to verbally ' *
Most people demand fairness. However, absolute fairness requires that all get the same things at the same time. This is impossible, thus we must look to God who is completely just. When we focus on fairness, we fail to see the just compensation of God.
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FAIRNESS
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Until a person is brought to justice, they will neither desire or appreciate mercy. 6 SHOFAR MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2012
Deep Roots
Being blessed is a direct derivative of what you do to receive God’s investment of favor.
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od blesses you in what you do. He doesn’t bless what you think or feel. “Faith without works is dead.� In Psalms, Book One, David teaches us that the blessed man is a doing man. He is not lucky. He did something that caused him to be blessed. Prayer alone will never accomplish what work is designed to do, nor can work replace what prayer can release. Sadly, there are many believers who think prayer replaces effort. This is not true at all. A total reliance on prayer, without the effort of work, is not biblical nor is it practical. “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.� — Psalm 1:3 KJV
leaf on his tree of righteous living shall show signs of withering.
David compares us to a tree. A tree is sta 5 4 nal changes, it remains steadfast. Staying steadfast is essential if we are going to receive the prosperity that comes from God. We are compared to a tree due to its roots being refreshed by never-failing streams of living water, and its every part
It is the same with the piety nourished by the Word of God. As the sap of the tree imparts life not only to its roots, trunk, and larger branches, but also to the most remote twig and leaf. Likewise, the godly man’s piety pervades his whole life, imparting its spirit, character, and beauty to everything he does. He is not only a religious man in one or two aspects of life, but he is a religious man everywhere. His religion is a mental habit--a habit of thought, feeling, purpose, action, in which he never for a moment divests himself. He aims that not so much as one
$ !%& &! " ! '( "" 1. ! I never heard of a tree complaining. They are perfectly content with their lot. Did you ever hear of a maple wishing it were an oak? They don’t have so much to make them content as we have. The Christ-Spirit in us will make us happy and content.
The same spirit that actuates him in the largest, also actuates him in the least transaction of his life. His religion is not a thing that is put on (James 1:27), it is the man himself. The man in the man. Consequently, the storm that bows mock trees of righteousness to the earth, leaves him still standing; the drought that dries up their streams of life leaves his
= dure, and fruitfulness are his evermore. His source of strength can never fail. It is
God and of the Lamb, reaching his soul through the law of the # , wherein is his delight and unceasing meditation.
2. % How many of you have seen an unhealthy tree? The perfect boy or girl is the one who, like the tree, is healthy. We should attend to these bodies of ours. We should be careful to eat and drink those things which will give us sound bodies. We need to keep our minds, bodies, and souls healthy. 3. The largest part of a tree is underground. Two reasons for this--to hold in its place, and to nourish it. A perfect man, a perfect woman, boy, or girl is one who is well-rooted. Among the roots which
hold us stable and keep us from falling are good habits formed early in life; good companions; good books. 4. Trees are used for building, furniture, ships, and as medicine. Their fruit is important. The perfect man is important to society, home, and national life. What shall we do without the ideal man and woman? 5. ) ) The word means, “perfectly balanced in all its parts.� Some trees have perfect proportions. There are men who have only attended to physical development; others only to intellectual development. The symmetrical man is one who has attended to the development of the mind, body, and spirit. 6. A mighty oak is perfect, because it has been tried. Tempests have swept over it, but still it stands. The perfect man, woman, boy, or girl is the one who--when tempted and tried--comes out the victor. Tried, weighed, and not found wanting. Tried and found to be sound. All God’s children should be called oaks of righteousness; the planting of the Lord, Q R # Q$ 61:3). In other words, blessed is not only in this life, but in the life to come! Is this not a desire of your heart, dear child, of the Living God? Indeed, it is the blessed man or woman who gives irrefutable testimony to the invisible God. Their supernatural lives virtually shouts that there is a God in heaven Who desires to save, but Who in His justice will be forced to judge all who fail to receive the free gift of eternal life through faith in His Son, Christ Jesus. SEPT / OCT 2012 SHOFAR MAGAZINE 7
WHAT IS
JUST?
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he most important questions about justice confronting us today extend beyond human management of crimes and punishments. Even when the processes and penalties in our criminal justice system are “just,� they constitute only a small part of the just ordering this world. However, when those processes and penalties turn out to be unjust, they deepen the 6 * 8 X today is that too many of her citizens seem to be concern more about getting rid of lawbreakers than about justice. They appear unaware that the proper aim of retribution against evil deeds is to restore order to reconcile people to one another, to sustain a just society. 5
that think themselves righteous can live in peace. Even their pursuit of ways has become more mindless and expensive just
8 SHOFAR MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2012
to put criminals out of sight. What is just about spending an ever-increasing percentage of precious public resources on prisons that produce more criminals than they restore? What is just about penalizing criminals without reconciling them to their victims through various means of recompense? What is just
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% remaining helpless to deal with those who get away? What is just about penalizing those thought to be offenders who are actually innocent? Many say no system is perfect! If we wait for perfect justice to be achieved before we can deal with offenders, then crime will only grow worse. & ! When we think of ourselves as law abiding citizens, suddenly we become the victims of crime; we all too often shift dramatically from being naive supporters of the system to become cynically suspicious. If the system does not seem to work very well, it is because it doesn’t do justice to us. We become outraged and alienated. In the story of Job, on the surface it seems obvious that Job was the innocent victim of Satan’s crimes. Job was caught in a war game that God and Satan were playing. Seemingly, he suffered grave injustice, and the logical conclusion is that someone should be punished or at least called to account. Job was outraged, because the system didn’t work for him. According to Job’s story however, the one we would have to charge and prosecute at least as a co-conspirator is God. God -- not Job -- is / *
conclusion than Job was? Do we stand in any position to pass
judgment on God? Job may have suffered what seems to have *
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proving that He is just and will reward His servants, including Job, even when the odds are stacked against them. * + Job’s story, in my opinion, demonstrates that ultimate justice is not a matter of momentary incidents alone. True justice displays itself only through lifelong patterns of personal integrity, lifelong habits of walking with God, lifelong endurance in working to create and sustain public health, and having God’s order. Even in asking deeper questions, I’m afraid we expose a mindset far removed from the one God revealed to Job. Job was %
of the popular attitude previously described. How can anyone respond adequately to Job or to the person who has been imprisoned by mistake? What can we say to the person who has been imprisoned by mistake? What can we say to the person who suffers greater harm in prison than he or she caused outside? How can we justify a system that spends more money to house the criminals than pay back the victim? This is why we need to work for prison reform; we have not begun to think Biblically!
We all too often shift dramatically from being naive supporters...
Ultimately, crime and punishment are about justice and injustice, and the cries from victims, as well as unjustly offenders, are cries for justice. We comfort them by explaining that the system sometimes works. Do you honestly believe that this will suffered unjustly?
SEPT / OCT 2012 SHOFAR MAGAZINE 9
YOU ARE MORE THAN JUST YOUR
HAIR
by Terrelle Smith of Terrelle J. Design
10 SHOFAR MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2012
You Are More Than Just Your Hair
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n today’s society, we are viewed according to our outer appearance: hair, clothes, shoes, and more. As a hairstylist, I have seen a lot of women sit in and out of my chair. Sometimes, it amazes me on how much a woman will put an effort into her outer appearance. The longer these women sit in my chair, they soon begin to reveal the hurt that lies beneath the outer shell of what we call image. They will buy the most expensive hair to be weaved in, spending tons of money to make themselves feel better, only to witness that it is temporary. Week after week, I see the deep hurt that a lot of women endure. Whether it is a divorce, children, job or whatever the situation is, the common denominator is . /
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social economic status instead of how God looks at us. This has caused a great alarm in our young girls today. Many are wearing extensions at an early age because this is how they see many of their looked upon television idols. This has posed a challenge for the older generation to become champions for our young women. When I think of a champion, I think of someone who
in the gap for the younger generation as a bridge. We have to
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the biblical days. This special gem was used to light dark places. This is what our young women are. They are special gems that were created to give dark situations light. These precious gems must be handled with care. Outer appearances do not fully cover up what is going on inside of us. Many of us are broken women who dress up the outside quite well. While we buy expensive clothes, fashionable shoes, %
aged on the inside. God wants to touch the innermost being of our core, which is our heart. We will try to run far away from our faults and fears. The only way that we can conquer our fears that have overtaken us as women is to give in fully to Jesus Christ. By having an intimate relationship with Jesus, we will begin to love ourselves as Jesus loves us. This is very vital to be who we are. Too many times, we are looking for love in the wrong places. Why do we give ourselves and our Spirits to be loved by someone who has the potential of hurting us without even giving Jesus a chance. When we begin to see ourselves as _
ourselves no matter what our body looks like. We will demand respect, because we respect ourselves. We will love one another, because we love ourselves. We will be who the Lord, our God says we are because we love Him!
HAIR WEAVE CAN BE ADDICTIVE ecently, I interviewed with a group of women that suffer from addiction to hair weave. This topic brought a lot of emotional issues to the discussion in respect to how these women in particular felt when wearing a weave, and the feelings they felt when they lacked the resources to fund the hair weave addiction.
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inches of hair, once applied, would hang just below the gluteus maximus. The extent of this discussion lead to hidden secrets being re % to purchase hair weave, which include but not limited to: payday loans, bank fraud, prostitution, neglect of JEA utilities bill (by making partial arrangements), and EBT swap-outs.
Some of the comments exposed their refusal to show their true length or texture of their natural hair. Jacksonville resident Monique says, “Wearing weave is not only fashionable, but it makes me feel fabulous, like a superstar. When I am not wearing weave, my self-esteem goes right out the window.� Other comments were, “The longer the hair extensions, the more glamorous I feel.�
I would like to hear from our readers on this issue. If you wish to give some words of encouragement to those of us who feel like we have to go to any lengths (literally) to feed this addictive habit, email us at shofarmagazine@gmail.com.
The question was posed: what is the longest length of weave would you wear? “Thirty-six
\ ] %% is equivalent to one yard of fabric. Thirty-six
It is truly addictive.
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P . K. Mickens SEPT / OCT 2012 SHOFAR MAGAZINE 11
OF CHARACTER
IMPORTANCE
12 SHOFAR MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2012
Every conict in life can be traced to neglect, violation, or misapplication of one of more character qualities.
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he more we understand the true nature of character, the more we realize how it is humanly impossible to fully demonstrate it. Every character quality is a practical expression of genuine love, which springs from a heart willing to give and is not focused on personal gain.
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controlled by the Holy Spirit of God, and includes a time of testing as guided by the Holy Spirit. Our response to each trial or tribulation must include . To the degree that we carry out the responses, we will experience the power of genuine love and every other related character quality. Character is the inward motivation to do what is right according to the highest standards of behavior in every situation. Character consists of the stable and distinctive qualities built into an individual’s life that determines his or her responses regardless of circumstances. It is the think that no one is watching (the predictor of good behavior). , ) 1 _ 1
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good character qualities. Understanding character explains why things happen to us, because all things work together for good to conform us to the character of Christ. Knowing precise character qualities gives us the basis for praising the character of God and others. , ) Values are based on the changing opinions of what people or groups feel are important. However, character is based on the universal standards that are time-tested and recognized as being right. The precise and accu
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{ and understood because it is based on the law of God, which is written in every person’s heart. (When a person commits a crime, steals, or any immoral act, his conscience condemns him, revealing to him that he has done wrong.) ,
ARTIST NU JUDAH 360
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u Judah 360 started out on October 14, 2004 with a vision to give God praise through song. Members of this group, although young, are no strangers to the music industry and has traveled extensively throughout the country, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Nu Judah 360 has worked with such artists as Angie Spivey, Princess of Gospel, Minister Bret Jones, Byron Cage, Dewayne Harvey and Unrestrained Praise, Dorothy Norwood, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Keith “Wonderboy� Johnson and Bishop Al # QX 5 R * Nu Judah 360 invites you to rejoice in the festivities and celebration of praise and worship as we follow our mission: to provide Christian principles in song through community outreach ministries that will enhance spiritual growth of mind, body and soul for all in the spirit of excellence. For booking contact: Eric Witherspoon and Nu Judah 360 nujudah360@yahoo.com 904.361.1506 or 904.579.7663
SEPT / OCT 2012 SHOFAR MAGAZINE 13
DIABETES OUT OF
CONTROL
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ver 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Back in the day, it was commonly known as sugar diabetes and it was thought that only fat people got it. When I got the disease in 1991, it came as a complete shock, even though both of my deceased parents suffered from diabetes complications. I didn’t think that I would get the disease because I felt good, was in great shape, and had lost a considerable amount of weight without even trying. I had of the classic symptoms like excessive thirst, headaches, extreme exhaustion, and sudden unexplainable weight loss. Also, I was living in a horrific marriage involving both mental and physical abuse. My diabetes care doctor informed me that my diabetes surfaced early due to the excessive daily stress in my life. Thus, I changed my mirrors by divorcing my husband, because I thought that my new stress-free life would reverse my diagnosis. Of course, my changing mir14 SHOFAR MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2012
rors mindset didn’t work. I realized that $ life, and that I needed to learn how to get control of it to have a quality of life worth living. The problem for me at the time was getting control of my diabetes when my life was out of control. First
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trol to balance it out. As my career being 5 8 &
$ el around the United States working at nuclear facilities. The last three doctors I visited during the year 2010 seriously suggested the weight loss surgery option due to my weight escalating to over three-hundred pounds. I was diagnosed as a M.O.O (Morbidly 'bese 'verweight). After years of self diagnosing, unhealthy eating habits, eating out of control, very little working out, and not taking my insulin properly, I am now experiencing some of the diabetes complications that my other family members have suffered. Last January 2011, I decided to change my mirrors to become healthier by losing
the weight without the surgery option. I tell people who are looking to lose weight like I did: if you’re going to follow in my footsteps, learn from my missteps. I am happily remarried for nineteen years. I have lost over a hundred pounds in six months. I am not a size six or considered skinny, but healthy, even though I still struggle with getting control of my disease. For me, it was easier to lose weight than to get good control of my diabetes. I am not opting out of this life assignment because my life is depending on my getting a passing grade.
Today I am a MODEL (Morbidly 'bese Doesn’t Exist Lately) ! . / CHANGING What Matters Most % 0
changingmirrors.com For healthy, nutritious, and delicious supplements visit: ardysslife.com/changingmirrors
VOICE
interview by P.K. Mickens
CREATE EFFECTIVE OPPORTUNITIES
D
r. Gerald K. Powers, President of the Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary, is here with us to discuss the ongoings of human injustice as he ministers to the inmates, so when they are released, they are a productive citizen in a society — with the Word of God in his mind and hand.
When you hear the words jail or prison, what comes to your mind?
It brings to mind a place that houses all types of people in overcrowded conditions. Among these people are some who are hardened criminals and some who really shouldn’t be there. Most of the jails and prisons are understaffed. With overcrowdtile atmosphere that is not good for either group. Do you currently minister to inmates? If so, what is your passion?
Our seminary ministers to hundreds of inmates who study with us to earn a degree in some area of Bible studies. We are very interested and dedicated to helping and assisting any and all inmates that sincerely desire to study to help prepare them to go back into society as productive citizens. What types of people have you heard of or perhaps know that have been sentenced to jail or prison? I know of all types of people who have been incarcerated. I have had two good friends who were pastors who were sentenced to prison and served several years. What were their outcomes? Both of these men served their sentences and returned to society and continued the ministry that God had called them to do. Do you believe offenders can be rehabilitated? Yes. In most cases, I believe they can be rehabilitated. Do you think the current forms of rehabilitation for offenders are effective? Why or why not? Yes in some cases and no in others. If they would separate those who are non-violent and less criminal from the hardcore, long term, career criminals and teach and train them in an occupation that they could do upon release, they would return back to society rehabilitated and productive. What are your thoughts about the amount it costs you as a taxpayer to house offenders? I believe the cost is excessive, but under our present system necessary.
What do you think we can do as a Christian community to- de crease the costs associated with the correctional system -(par ticularly in respect to non-violent offenders)? Perhaps we could adopt, sponsor, mentor and even employ an inmate and help them to get an early release. I realize that there would have to be some changes made in our present- sys tem in order to make this possible, but we could work toward and push hard to get this done. What are your thoughts on juveniles who are sentenced to life in prison? Does this decision positively or negatively affect the community? There are some who should be sentenced to life in prison; for some of them to commit some terrible crimes (vicious murders, et cetera). For those who commit less serious crimes, we need to teach and educate them, and help them to earn a high school diploma or GED. We need to also make every effort to win them to Christ and train them in God’s word. Tell us your view on work release opportunities for offenders. release center for women evolved? Why or why not? I strongly believe there should be a work release program not only in Jacksonville but across our state. This would or could work in conjunction with the training programs they receive while incarcerated.
Main Location : Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary Dr. Gerald K. Powers, President 1165 South Edgewood Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32205 Phone : 904.388.9590 Fax: 904.388.4407 E-mail : info@jbtsem.com Website : jbtsem.com LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! If there is an issue that you believe is affecting society you may forward concerns via email: shofarmagazine@gmail.com WOMEN’S WORK RELEASEa CENTER NEEDED IN JACKSONVILLE! Help us do it! Call 904.438.4347 SEPT / OCT 2012 SHOFAR MAGAZINE 15
I WILL DELIVER 16 SHOFAR MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2012
“You are my help and my deliverer.� — Psalm 70:1-5
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ometimes, when you are anxious to get something done, it seems you are waiting too long, but I would encourage you to believe that though I may seem to tarry, I am never too late. I go by my schedule. You often feel like the Psalmist Poor and Needy, but I would have you to know that with Me as your Father, you are neither poor nor needy. David said, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.� However, when he was discouraged, he forgot that he said it. He was overwhelmed by his immediate need of help. You feel the same way. There is a time
to you, and the next moment, you are full of doubts. Don’t be afraid of the signs
of the times, but put your trust in Me. I am your help. I am your Deliverer. I will deliver you from your sickness, from your fears, dangers, bad surroundings, your poverty, your enemies; and last of all I will deliver you from Hell. That is why I died on the cross. I paid the terrible price to become your Deliverer. There is not a pit so deep that I cannot deliver you. I will deal with every one of your adversaries. I know how to handle them for they are not too strong for me. I will break their teeth (Psalm 3:7). Only turn to Me and I will help you and never forsake you.
The mouth of the Lord has spoken.
FINANCIAL AWARENESS by Dev Goswami, CFPÂŽ
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any people think estate planning is necessary only for those with sizable assets. However, even small estates require smart planning to protect loved ones. Here are some important steps you can take now to ease your
cannot do so yourself:
4 ) ) *5 Take an inventory of all your assets. This includes but is not limited to real estate
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RZ Z * Z cles; life insurance policies; and other personal property. You may need to seek professional assistance to properly assess your estate, such as a real estate or collectibles appraiser. , 6 5 A will is a legal document designating the transfer of your property and assets after you die. If you die without a will, the court steps in and distributes your property according to the laws of your state, not your wishes. This can be quite traumatic to your family. Additionally, if you have no apparent heirs and die without a will, it’s even possible the state will claim your estate. Now, if you already have a will, you’re off to a great start. Just be sure to keep it updated as life events arise – i.e. getting married; having children; adopting; purchasing a home; or getting a divorce.
cards, utility provider, and the like of the death. Also, if you have minor children or those who cannot care for themselves, you should also name a guardian. You’ll want them to have the best possible care in your absence. Making a will gives you the opportunity to select the person you believe can provide that. If you do not name a guardian to care for your children, a judge will appoint one, and it may not be someone you would have chosen. " 85 Even after your death, your estate may be subject to costs such as estate and income taxes and probate fees. If you happen to own enough assets at your death such that you are subject to estate tax and you do not have an estate tax plan, your heirs may be feeling more than just a pinch. Even given the uncertainty of the current estate tax law, you %
6 4 be sure to that you do have an effective tax strategy in place. These are just a few tips for protecting estates. Consider taking these initiatives now, while they are fresh in your mind. Although smaller estates may have different concerns from larger ones, the key to successful estate preservation is preparation, not size!
7 8 5 In your will, you name a person who will carry out or execute the instructions stated in said document. Of course, you would want someone you trust, and therefore, most people choose their spouse, an adult this duty. Your executor will be charged with responsibilities like collecting your assets; paying creditors; paying taxes; distributing your asset as stated in the will; notifying your credit 8 $5‡ 1 ˆ‰ƒ Š 7
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X 6 consulted regarding the effect of such considerations on the matters covered in this publication. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MLIC), 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166. This column appears courtesy of Dev Goswami, CFPŽ. Dev Goswami is a registered representative offering securities, including variable products through New England Securities Corporation (NES), a broker-dealer Q •$]5X–‡$81R #
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SEPT / OCT 2012 SHOFAR MAGAZINE 17
REDEFINING I
JUSTICE
t is evidence enough that when articles of this nature start showing up in publications and other forms of media,that something has drastically gone wrong with our judical systems and governments in every culture.While issues like this desperately needs to be addressed if we are ever going to get back on solid ground as nation; and truly, our ground has become like shifting sand. The word define means to mark the limits or boundaries of; to make distinct, or fixed, in outline character. To Redefine something means that the definition has become vague, keeps changing, or has been moved. We are warned in Proverbs 22:8 and Proverbs 23:10-11, "Do not remove ancient landmarks (boundaries) which your fathers have set, nor enter the fields of the fatherless; for their redeemer is mighty; He will plead thier cause against you."
Ancient boundaries are laws and principles on what is right, just, true, and balanced, or equal. They are what guides people and governs a nation morally into pros perity, success, and strength. We could also add that it brings peace and stability. Looking at what has been happening in both our government and courtrooms, even behind the scenes; how many ancient boundar ies would you think that we as a nation have moved or changed? We could make a long list, couldn’t we? Giv ing an honest observation at what many of our leaders and the expression coming from them, we could say what Malachi 3:15 says, “So now we call the proud blessed.” For those who do wickedly are raised (built) up; They even tempt God and go free. As a nation, it is sad but true of us as it is written in Psalms 82:5, “They do not know, nor do they understand; they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are unstable.” Also in Psalms 11:3 , “If the foundations are destroyed, then what can the righteous do?” I believe it is safe to assume that most of the people reading this right now are the righteous; God’s people who want to live by and under God’s justice. Even if
18 SHOFAR MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2012
you don’t claim Christianity as your belief system, there is still a voice inside of you that cries out for what is right, just, true and equal. With all of the laws being changed and passed (whether or not we voted for them) for the rights of those who do wrong, and against those who have been wronged, it makes you feel somewhat powerless, doesn’t it? If you don’t already see what’s happening in front of our eyes, then I hope this article enlightens you to some extent. Does our government know what Proverbs 14:34 says? I believe they do. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach (disgrace, or shame) to any people.” This is why, right now, in the eyes of the world at large, America, who was once leading in the ways of righteousness and justice, is now become a disgrace. No wonder the terrorists call us the great Satan. To the rich, the powerful, and those who consider themselves wise and in are places of responsibility,
and glory in their accomplishments, you still think that the Bible is outdated and no longer applicable to our times. I ask you to consider these two verses found in Jeremiah 9:23-24, this is what the Lord says, “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord exercising loving kindness, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight.”
the only One Who is righteous, just, and true in all His ways? Should we not look into His word for the seemed to have understood the blessing and power of God’s righteousness and justice. We must get back to our original foundation. Psalms 89:13-17 tells us by His righteousness and Justice, “You have a mighty arm; strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; mercy and truth go before your face. Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, oh Lord, in the light of your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all day long, and in Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength, and in Your favor our horn (strength) is exaltHow do you justice?
and glory in their accomplishments, and you still think that the bible is outdated and no longer applicable to our times; I ask you to consider these 2 verses found in Jeremiah 9:23,24 "This is what the Lord says "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows me, That I am the Lord exercising loving kindness, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight." So, if we are to redefine justice, should we not turn to the only one who is righteous, just, and true in all His ways? Should we not look into His word for the definition as our founding fathers did originally? They seemed to have understood the blessing and power of God's righteousness and justice. We must get back to our original foundation. Psalms 89:13-17 tells us what God's definition is of a people who walk and live by His righteousness and Justice. "You have a mighty arm; Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right
hand. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; Mercy and truth go before your face. Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, Oh Lord, in the light of your countenance. In your name they rejoice all day long, and in your righteousness they are exalted. For you are the glory of their strength, and in your favor our horn (strength) is exalted." How do you define justice?
by Jacob Patrick
SEPT / OCT 2012 SHOFAR MAGAZINE 19
W
e have been given a great privilege as young people to live in America. We have the rights of free speech and free press, both of which I am taking advantage of to my fullest capacity. What I believe God has for our generation is an understanding. We need to understand what justice is now more than any other time in history. Young people are being brought up under a twisted system of justice; adults are numb to injustice because of the constant eroding of the righteousness of God on their hearts by the society they live in; the elderly sit and wish for the good old days days that will never return, all the while we spiral downward into deeper compromise. This is not what
/ * the # •
• others, it’s a transformation. God has called us to be bearers of His justice, His righteousness, and we can ignore our call no longer. Think of what happened in the movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado. Think of the man who walked into a Muslim temple and started shooting. Think of the suicide bomber Muslim who blew up a bus
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of justice was for these people? They released their own personal vendetta on the society and the people around them, deceiving themselves of the reality of their actions. We look at these people, and think, “How could someone do that?� However, to them, it is simply justice being served. Whether it be the slaughter of innocent people, professing Muslims, or radical Christians, the individual(s) that carry out the act are doing what, to them, seems just and good. This is not justice. You see, these * their own standards of right and wrong, and we can judge them as being grossly being in error. But I’m not here to talk about the misled justice system of sinful people, I’m here to speak about God’s system of justice. , - '
Webster’s Dictionary gives for justice that I love is conformity to , fact, or reason. / $
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% of Jesus Christ in John 14:6 and John 8:38: “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father, but by me...And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.� The heart of the matter is this: we live in a world
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and that is the Word of God. Being a Voice of Liberty means directing people that are in bondage to the only One Who can deliver them out of that bondage! I’m talking about Jesus Christ, the Son of God; He is the only One Who can set the captive free, He is the only One Who can give the blind their sight, and He is the only One Who can bring the lost to life and salvation! We are overcomers through the Blood of Jesus and by the Word of our testimony. It is only through faith in His Blood shed for us at the Cross that we can be granted freedom from guilt, sin and every single type of bondage. The mission of Jesus was prophetically declared by Isaiah in the 42nd chapter of his book, verse 7, “... To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the dungeon.� The Good News of Salvation is that Jesus Saves, Jesus Heals, Jesus Delivers, and Jesus is coming again. I know many of you reading this have heard it all your life, but do not grow passive in your spirit towards this truth. If you’re
take hold of this truth. This mission of Jesus was transferred to the Church when the Lord commissioned us to continue to spread this Good News. Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and preach
the Gospel unto every creature.” In other words, we are to take God’s justice and bring it to those that need it. The Cross of Jesus Christ was the place where the Justice of God met unrighteousness mankind. Before the Cross, we could never access Heaven, eternal life, freedom, blessing, deliverance, or forgiveness. When Jesus hung on the Cross, He literally held the just wrath of God — wrath that was supposed to fall on you and I — and Jesus bore on Himself our sin on the tree. He took the full wrath of God for all mankind, for all eternity, for all sin, and He the demands of a pure and holy work of the Cross, any man, woman, boy or girl can form their lives to the truth of God’s Word. We can literally be justice-bearers to this darkened society. The powerful truth of the Gospel is that there is no bondage that Christ cannot break, no addiction that He cannot destroy. The truth sets men free. Jesus is the truth. If you’re reading this and you think, “Yeah, I already know that,” then I challenge you to do this: take what you know about the life that is in Christ and start giving it to the people around you. Go out and share the gospel of Christ to 30 people, and come back next month and read what’s in next month’s article, because it’s going to blow you away. Yes, I just challenged you. Know this: you are never alone. There are millions for Jesus. Together, we break down strong holds. Together, we lay hold on eternity. Together, we set the captives free. Together, in the midst of an un-
by Pastor Timothy Leow
SEPT / OCT 2012 SHOFAR MAGAZINE 21
COMPROMISE LEADS TO CONTAMINATION 22 SHOFAR MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2012
I
f the wretchedness of sin is not isolated from the camp of God, soon and instead of death coming to one, it will come to all men. I commanded the children of Israel to destroy the nations because they were diseased. Sexually ‡ and Gomorrah through the bestial behavior of the people. Four hundred years later, the whole area and the nations around it were contaminated by it. When the children of Israel went whoring with the daughters of Midian, a plague broke out, which caused the death of 24,000 children of Israel (Numbers 25:9). 8 & ) # 9
]
to compromise with sin. You can be so indecisive that Satan can lead you ‡
sin. Don’t compromise with evil. Let the idolatrous object of your affection (Deut. 13:6-9), because if you don’t, it will destroy you soon. Deal harshly with sins of your own life. It is better if one of your dearest objects of affection be removed from your life than to allow that
one to cause your soul to perish in hell (Matthew 5:29). Compromise leads to acceptance, and accep ‡
works, and coming under the same sentence of *
and do not be destroyed by it. The python you play with will crush all spiritual life out of you. 8
% terrible plague. Live a holy life, and you shall be a blessing to many in the day of the outpouring of my wrath. I have need of you, for many of my children have already been contaminated. *Read & Meditate* Psalm 106:34-48 The mouth of the Lord has spoken.
DISTINGUISH CREATIONS A good meal starts with an idea and ends with a smile.
A
s an aspiring chef, Shawn Warren has been in the kitchen his whole life. He started at an early age, as his single mother worked day and night to support her family. Shawn tended to his younger siblings and cooked on a daily line cook position at a local restaurant. As his love for cooking grew, he tried and succeeded at many positions in the food service industry and felt his passion and calling on his life was in culinary arts. For many years, Shawn made a tradition of preparing home cooked meals for his family on various holidays and events. He realized the feeling he felt while preparing and sharing meals was something he wanted to turn into a career.
Although Shawn has cooked in a variety of restaurants in various cities, he does not have a single preferred cooking style. It’s all about the freshest ingredients to make the best tasting dish possible. Over the years, Shawn has opened a special event planning service with Joanne Wallace, a single mother of four from JamaiCreations have been meeting, satisfying, and exceeding the need of many all over Florida; from sweet sixteens to the union of brides and grooms. When Shawn is not in the kitchen, he is accompanied by his mother and three daughters on the sunny, warm, and sandy beaches of Miami, Florida.
*For booking inquiries, call 305.263.0195 or email him at smokey2380@yahoo.com
Your Ad Here Call 561.526.3126 SEPT / OCT 2012 SHOFAR MAGAZINE 23
Liberations SPEAK TRUTH:
through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
W
e are all going to make mistakes from time to time and hurt others inadvertently in the process. The way we feel toward others is not an automatic consequence of what that person has done, it is matter of what we have allowed ourselves to feel. The truth is that we are all different human beings with differing perspectives, ideals, and ideas about our world, but those differences should not cause brokenness among us. We should be able to live in peace with each other. The Bible says, “He who loves God must love his brother also.” Forgiveness means that we are willing to place every injustice in the hand of God 24 SHOFAR MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2012
and trust Him to deal with those who have wounded us or others. There is never any situation where unforgivingness does not mean we deny our injuries or lay aside all claims to Justice. However, it does mean that we must release that person from our judgment and let go any bitterness or feelings of revenge. There is a big difference between facts and truth. Facts are rooted in details that tell who, what, when, where, and how. Truth however, encompasses more than meaning. You can know the facts of an event, situation, crime, or an experience, but only as you understand the meaning
can you come to know the truth. Truthfulness is communicating by life and word that which is genuine and accurate. Truth is the foundation upon which anything that stands is built. There is power in the truth because it is the very essence of God and means by which He carries out his work in the world. Jesus said, “If you hold to My teachings, you are My disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32
We must speak truth in our hearts before we speak it with our mouths.
ARE THE CURRENT METHODS FOR CORRECTIONAL REHABILITATION
EFFECTIVE? T
ypically, the criminal justice system’s goal is ultimately to protect the public. They also want the offender to be transformed into a law abiding citizen. Unfortunately, the current methods are not effective. We need the community’s involvement to come up with innovative ways to restore both the victims and offenders of crime. God loves us all; how dare we look down on others? “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” — Romans 3:23 Are the current methods for rehabilitation effective? There are many who may say, “Who cares? I’m struggling to keep a roof over my head, and you’re asking me if some hardcore criminal is being rehabilitated? Lock them up and throw away the key!” Not everyone who commits a crime is a hardcore criminal. This hardcore criminal previously mentioned could have been, and still may become you, your child, or another loved one someday. The criminal justice system is not tailored for us.
we are faced with numerous concerns on a day to day basis. It includes but job, continuing education for yourself or your children, maintaining good health, and the fear of increased taxes. Did you know that it costs taxpayers an estimated 4.3 million dollars for one inmate to serve a life sentence? How much more money could we save for our communities? Consider the amount of money that If we used a nominal percentage of the money it cost to house inmates and
redirect those funds into preventative and alternative programs, that spotlights the opportunities for offenders while in prison and upon release. Currently, inmates are warehoused like slaves at taxpayers’ expense. Think of sending your child to daycare that promotes their concern for not only your child’s well being but for all the other kids enrolled as well. Regretfully, the last three years your child has not displayed any growth. After questioning the director, you discover that it has been concluded by the facility that your child is not capable of learning because of his or her rhetorical dysfunctional behaviors. The facility’s ideology system states that if the child display and or possess dysfunctional behaviors, then implement only care, custody, and control. Does any of this sound familiar to you? Parallel to the daycare mentioned, prisons duplicate this exact analogy. What’s the point of mere supervision?
If there is not an adequate preparation for the inmates’ future, no revelation elucidates how one is to accomplish the goals they set for the future, and no genuine restoration from what these individuals have suffered in their past. Assent to make it permissible for offenders to learn from their past mistakes, it should be by means of non-traditional alternatives that ultimately give them the opportunities to grow in every facet. To share their experiences, and become an enabler to their peers. Only then can we expect to see a transformation from the mundane to the miraculous.
Can we decrease our warehousing bill?
Yes, we can by strategically implementing alternatives to prison on [non-violent] crimes that give offenders the tools needed to develop a divine perspective. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” — Romans 12:2 What can we do? By working together, we can begin cultivating a community that will be a better lived one. Not only by those of us in society, but also for those who have been taken out of society, warehoused, and sent right back into our commu nity without being given the adequate tools to sustain a life change. When the thinking pattern of a person is changed, the actions change. When their actions change, the personality changes. We cannot change prisoners behavior construction; we do not change them through more psychology. Prisoners live change through the blood of Jesus Christ. Offenders have value too! The Bible says time and chance happens to us all. “He or she who is without sin To deprive someone of an opportunity when it is in our power to do so says much about who we are. In fact, someday we just might need one in the same. “The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.” — Proverbs 24:16 SEPT / OCT 2012 SHOFAR MAGAZINE 25
ON THE RECORD
TYE TRIBBETT interview by P.K. Mickens
R
ecently, I was given the opportunity to speak with one of the most re nowned gospel artist, Tye Tribbett. A man who not only inspires us through his music, but also spreads the Word of God that is ministered to us in the most touching ways, reminding us that God’s will should be our will. Let’s hear it from Tye! For those who have never heard your muwords or less? Kingdom Music! I’ll break it down to two. (Laughs) If I was to turn your iPod on right now what songs would I see on your recently played list? I’ll go through it right now. Hillsong Chapel: Yahweh; New Life Worship: Overcome; Kim Walker: Spontaneous Song and I Have Found. Do you write your own music or do you work with other artists? I write some of my music, but I work with other artists as well. Where does your inspiration come from when writing songs? Jeeessus! Not only that, but also life experiences. I believe that any artist write from where they are. I write from my experiences in Christ. I have been in a season of restoration, redemption, and grace. How did you get started in the music industry? (Laughs) For people like me whose parents were pastors, there is no starting I woke up in church. I was born on the front pew. I remember church before school, I remember church before friends, I remember Church! My dad always had me on the organ trying to play back up chords. Since he was preaching, he needed somebody to back him up. (Laughs) Wow! That’s how I got started. He was teaching
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me how to back him up as he preached. So you were basically thrown into ministry, as some parents throw their babies in the water to learn to swim. You basically It was torture! I’m just playing. (Laughs) Well, it turned out for your victory. Having now a passion for ministry and a desire to serve the Lord through your gift and that in itself is amazing. Yes! What are some obstacles that you faced in between your previous album and your preparation of the release of your upcoming project Greater Than? Were there any valley lows? In comparison to my lowest low, which was a season before this, I don’t think there have been any quote unquote lows in this season. It has been a lot of comebacks, a season of harvest me and reaping. Of course, when you harvest crops, you still have to work. However, maintaining a restored marriage, career, and ministry, now that does take work. Again, there has not really been any lows, while there have been a lot a new things i.e. a
1 it has been a lot of restoration and I am grateful for that. Tell me, when you say restoration in marriage, what are some things that you fought and prayed through that you can give a testimony to thousands who will read this? Looking back, I think it’s better that my wife and I have had such infractions in our marriage. In fact, I’m grateful we both know now it cannot get any worse. $
% tain balance, happiness, compromise, and change. Everyone will experience change individually, but must learn how to change collectively. My wife and I have the normal day to day, week to week, month to month, year to year adjustments and compromises. For the most part, I had to ask myself, how do I deal with changing as an individual? Starting a ministry called Word on the Street, a bible study, I now have taken on
a pastoral role, questioning myself still, “How do I adjust to this being an artist, and a husband?� Our marriage had to maneuver for this. My wife is currently going to school and she is also opening a cupcake bakery. So how we adjust to her becoming the CEO of her company and a help to me in Word on the Street ministry? It’s all about adjusting to change
� are changing.� If you take everything
have everything your way, that in itself is a strain on a marriage. In any marriage, you have to lose your 0
right there. Even when you’re married to Christ, you have to lose yourself, you can’t do things your own way. One must
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not so in a healthy marriage. Right! Because the two become one, Yes, little girls, six and nine. Austin Taylor and Lincoln Victoria, I love them to death. Are you going to try for a little boy as well? Yeah, but my wife says, “The store is closed.� I said, “I gotta talk to the manager about that.� Absolutely!
On the dark side, we don’t see it as great. As Christians, we don’t think sin is great, or lust is great. Just by that scripture say
& great, temptation is great, not praising sin nor the devil. We must be honest and transparent to say the pull of the world is great! Whether it’s bitterness, jealousy, enemies, or lust it’s a great pull. The devil is the prince of the power of the air, those are great pulls, but the more honest we are about the greatness of the pulls of the world, the more we point to a greater God. It makes me excited that the God I serve is greater. If He is greater than the pull of # God. It’s an awesome movement, it’s a honest movement, and ultimately a kingdom movement. That is why Jesus came to show how much greater He is. Leprosy — there was no cure for that, but Jesus came to prove how much greater He is than all these situations we give up on, because they are too great for us. A man in the scriptures was possessed with demons and the people could not bind him with chains; he was too great for them, but not for Jesus. This movement is all about how much greater God is. I am so glad that the Lord gave you that unique message to minister to the nations through your upcoming project Greater Than. We pray for much success and thank you for interviewing with Shofar Media & Publishing. May the blessings of Abraham rest upon your life and ministries.
Tell me about your current project. We are doing a live recording this August, coast to coast. One in Miami and one in For more information, visit LA. We are looking at a release of the tyetribbett.com * ÂŁ &
greaterthannation.com quarter of 2013. What inspired the title ‘Greater Than’? I was reading a very familiar scripture I John 4:4, “Greater is He that is within you than He that is in the world.� When I read it, it hit me like a ton of bricks when I saw the greater. The E-R was bigger than ever! Whatever you compare yourself to, He is greater. Now, that’s on the spiritual side.
SEPT / OCT 2012 SHOFAR MAGAZINE 27
SILENCE GIVES CONSENT
“Violent prospects, sentenced rejects, death leaves no regret.”
S
hh, quiet. you say. So, am I suppose to silence my motive for protecting myself that day? The day my husband began begging and pleading, “Baby, please don’t go! I’m begging you to stay. If you don’t, I will take your life and mine, I promise you I ain’t doing no prison time!”
sure where I am going or what the Lord has in store. I am tired of the black eyes and busted lips. Do you care that last week you kicked in my hip? That’s why I’m walking with a limp.”
“What good is it to live if you go away? Shay, I’m telling you, if you try to walk out this door, Imma kill you today!”
“Girl, come here, you don’t mean what you say. You wouldn’t leave me if I beat your behind every day. Now, freshen up for daddy, so you can do that thing you do to make daddy happy. Are you still standing there? I’m gonna give you
“Kill me? Honey, please don’t...if you stop gripping my neck so tightly, I promise I won’t.”
over here; do what I say! Again, I’m warning you, somebody gon’ die today.”
“You’re lying! Hush! Stop crying. You think I don’t know that you and the church dude been texting back and forth?”
“Okay, but it’s not going to be me. Now I’m going to count to three and you better hand me my keys. One, two, three!” Pow! A gunshot is heard.
“Honey, I’m tired! I can’t take this anymore! All I ever wanted to do was get out of the ghetto, learn something. That’s why I earned my master’s degree. Grandma always told me the more you know,
“All rise. We, the jury find, the defendant, guilty.”
all you have done is pound my head reme, kick me, you even spit on me, told me I would never amount to anything! Tate, do you think you own me because I am wearing this wedding ring? I gave you everything!” she sobs. “You’re supposed to. I am your king. I know how to make your heart sing.” He strokes her hair. “I can’t take this anymore, not exactly
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“Who, me? For protecting myself from someone who abused me repeatedly? Your Honor, what do you suggest I should have done for my liberty? Report it to who? The criminal justice system that doesn’t even have a clue.” To be continued
UNSPOKENOUTRAGE! O
ur hearts go out to families, friends and communities of victims of domestic violence who received jail or prison sentences in lieu of protecting themselves from their abuser. As one of the leading causes of death among our young people nationwide, violence is an epidemic that needs to be recognized, named, and treated with the same investment we give lethal diseases. The DIP Foundation is saddened by these acts of domestic violence. Abusers will use whatever weapons they have at their disposal to threaten, harm and control their victims. Sometimes those weapons are guns and knives, but too often we see ordinary objects like cell phones, used to stalk and harass. Sadly, we also know that abusers can end their victims’ lives using no weapon beyond their own hands. It is not surprising to us when neighbors or co-workers describe an abuser as a ‘nice person’ or are shocked by the violence that has occurred. Abusers often show a very different face to the outside world than they do to their victims, and victims may be ashamed to admit the abuse. However, we know there is always a history of abuse in relationships that end in murder, because domestic violence is a pattern of power and control that escalates over time. Tragically, murder is the ultimate expression of that control. We must work harder in our society to stop abusive relationships from escalating to the point of deadly violence by bringing batterers to justice and offering safety to victims and children. We know that if we want to stop domestic violence murders in Florida, we need to stop domestic violence. We still have a long way to go to achieve a society free of domestic violence in Jacksonville, Florida. We all must make a commitment to reach out to anyone who we suspect is in an abusive situation. Help is available. There are various domestic violence agencies in our state that provide a wide array of services, including 24 hour hotline support, emergency shelter, support groups and assistance with the legal system. We urge all Floridians to remember that if they hear or see someone being hurt to call 911 immediately and if they or someone they know needs support to call the statewide Helpline at 1.800.500.1119. Together we can make our communities violence free, it starts with you and me! Ph: (904) 438-4DIP dipfoundation.org facebook.com/diprestores twitter: @dipfoundation SEPT / OCT 2012 SHOFAR MAGAZINE 29
J. Moss
Vashawn Mitchell
The GMF Music Tour
T - D.O.G.G.
30 SHOFAR MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2012
Vashawn Mitchell
Pajam
Foundational Awakening Abuse Prevention Gala
SEPT / OCT 2012 SHOFAR MAGAZINE 31
Pastors of Excellence
Rhythm of Gospel 2012
32 SHOFAR MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2012
Pastor Gilbert Wilson - Tehillah Christian Church Monroe, LA
Pastor Leofric Thomas Sr. - Open Arms Christian Fellowship, Jacksonvile, FL
Bishop Jerome Dukes - Community Fellowship Christian Intternational Fayetteville, GA
Pastor A.L. Helligar - Koinonia Ministries Pinehills, FL
Bishop Derek Triplett - Hope Fellowship Daytona Beach, FL
Bishop Aaron Hooper - CHCOG North Carolina
Pastor James Funches - Blessed Hope Tabernacle Boston, MA
Pastor Karl D. Moore -First Baptist Church Clarkston, GA
Bishop Aaron Hooper - CHCOG North Carolina
Rhythm of Gospel 2012
SEPT / OCT 2012 SHOFAR MAGAZINE 33
Jacksonville Elected J u d g e s Suzanne Bass
Mark Borello
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Brian Davis
WARRIOR MISSION POSSIBLE “Ready for Battle” “The people that know their God will display strength and take action.”- Daniel 11:32
M
en of faith are men of action! Their strength is
of God, who is strong to deliver and mighty to save. It is one thing to know God, but it is another thing to KNOW him. For when you know God and live in Covenant relationship with Him, you will rise up with a new found faith, you will rise up with a fresh enthusiasm, inspired, touched by the hand of God, to do great exploits of faith. Strength is a spreading energy. If we are strong we impart strength to those whom we come in contact with. If God has commanded us to be strong we cannot afford to be weak. Regardless of circumstances, those who know God, spend time with Him in worship, thanksgiving, praise...those who meditate in His Word and listen to His voice..these kind of people, like Daniel, shall be strong and do exploits! In Christ we are as strong as we want to be! God expects who know the Lord wisely to be His voice of courage and strength in the midst of tribulation. God expects us to give voice to His word, and have the audacity in this hour to do exploits... not to merely “hang in there,” but to advance, believe, declare, to receive marching orders and yes do exploits. It’s set up time for the greatest awakening our world has ever known. Knowing Him we can take a jawbone of an ass and slay a thousand Philistines. we can down Jericho with a ram’s horn, slay a giant with a boy’s sling, tumble a cake of barley meal into the camp of the Midianites and
Prophetess Katina Mickens The crying need is not more brains, money, eloquence, human magnetism, new methods, nor better preaching engagements. All we need is to know God, the mighty God, the irresistible God, the all-conquering God. “Greater is He that is in you, than He that is in the world.” When we depend less on the outside things and more on God we will do exploits! HALLELUJAH!!
only if we knew God! Then we could open the skies in judgment against sin and in salvation for the sinners: the use of a mere shepherd’s stick.
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www.shofarmagazine.com 36 SHOFAR MAGAZINE SEPT / OCT 2012