Archives for the ‘Women’ CategoryGod Is Faithful – February 2K12 WTLB
Wednesday, February 1st, 2012
by Sis. Josie Manrique As I sit and think of the goodness of the Lord, I will never forget what He has done for me. I love the way He brings to my remembrance what He has delivered me from. As I sit and ponder my life, just three years ago until now, it's amazing what has happened. Although I have been saved for over six years, there was a period about three years ago that I kind of went back into some of my old habits. After doing this for about five or six months, I was sitting in church and my pastor in North Carolina was talking about God being able to see everything, this really didn’t mean anything to me until she singled me out and said, “Josie even though you are living in another city and I can’t see you, God can!” God had used her to speak directly to me, so right then I knew it was Him talking. This made me do a self evaluation. I looked into the mirror and did not like what was looking back at me. It was at that time I had to ask God for forgiveness and straighten up, but this wasn’t like the previous times whenever I had asked for forgiveness I was more sincere and I know that God honored that. I started taking advantage of the slow time on Sundays and asking my boss could I leave early to go to church, I noticed that when I made time for God, He made a way for me, which was easier than my own way. I then prayed to God that if He blessed me with Sundays off that I would go to church every Sunday. Soon after I was granted Sundays off and I made sure I was at church every Sunday and every other opportunity I could go. I had to be faithful to my word because God had been faithful to His, and I must admit that sometimes I really didn’t feel like going, but something I had heard got stuck in my spirit, “THE BLESSING IS IN THE PRESSING”. From then until now, God has blessed me with positions that I am not required to work Sundays. He is just so amazing, awesome and magnificent! If I could give the readers a few words to live by, they would be that God is a faithful God. As you have witnessed through my testimony, when you are sincere with God and acknowledge your wrong doing, He can help you to make it right. I just thank God that He has never took His hand off of me, even when I turned my back on Him. I thank God for my testimony. God Never Makes Mistakes – January 2K12 WTLB
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012
Reflecting on the past year and anticipating the New Year I was reminded of a story I read about a king who did not believe in God. However the king owned a slave who did believe in God. In every unpleasant situation that the king experienced his slave would say, “My king, do not be discouraged, because everything God does is perfect, He makes no mistakes!”
Furious and without showing any form of gratitude for being saved, the king said, “Is God good? If He was good, I would not have been attacked and lost a finger!” The king’s slave replied, “My king, despite all these things, I can only tell you that God is good and He knows “Why” of all these things. What God does is perfect. He is never wrong!” Outraged by his slave’s response, the king ordered the arrest of his slave. Later, the king left for another hunting trip, but on this trip the king was captured by savages who practiced the sacrificing humans for sacrifices. The savages took the king to the altar ready to sacrifice him when all of a sudden it was discovered by the savages that their victim was missing a finger, making the king according to them unfit to be offered to their gods. The king was released and upon his return to the palace he authorized the release of his slave, received him with gratitude and said, “God was really good to me! I was almost killed by wild men, but for the lack of a single finger, I was let go! But I have one question, if God is so good, why did He allow me to put you in jail?” His slave replied, “My king, if I had gone with you in this hunt I would have been sacrificed for you because I have no missing finger. Therefore, remember everything God does is perfect. He is never wrong!” Things and situations may have occurred in 2011 which we don’t understand why or how it could be a part of God’s plan or will for our lives, but as we enter into 2012 think on scriptures such as Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end”, and Roman 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Always remember God is good, God is perfect and He never, never makes mistakes! -Mother Freda Benjamim
God’s Solutions For Struggles We Face – December 2K11 WTLB
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
By Sis Loquetta Perry
The list can go on. When we, as Christians, put our focus on Jesus and not on our current circumstance then we can overcome these struggles that come our way. According to Ephesians 6:12 (NIV), "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Basically, we should know that the struggles we face are spiritual and to overcome them we must seek God. Getting into God’s Word can and will help us keep our minds off our earthly problems. Matthew 6:33 (ISV, 2008) says, "But first be concerned about God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all of these things will be provided for you as well." When we focus on God’s desire and perfect will, then our struggles will no longer be the focal point in our lives. Also, we will witness God taking care of our illness, the troublemakers on our jobs and issues in our families. Once we do according to 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT , 2007), which says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you,” then we can be fully confident that God, who loves us so much, can handle all our issues, problems and struggles. As we go through this life, no matter the situation or struggle that we are faced with, we will know that God’s Word has the solution.
This Is Not Impossible To Achieve – November 2K11 WTLB
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise:
This was written by an unknown author, and how true are these words. If a survey were done among God’s people then 99.99% would give testimony to confirm these words to be true. I can testify what God has done to strengthen me, to comfort me, and the Light that has guided me and is still continuing to guide me. This was not impossible to achieve. I love my family they mean everything to me, but without God being the head cornerstone then my love for them would be insignificant. Ephesians 3:17-19 states: Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (NLT) How could some people not want to experience this? This is not impossible to achieve. An addiction is a compulsion, craving, obsession or even a dependence that one may have for something or someone. Some people are addicted to things that keep them physically and mentally on a downward spiral. The disadvantages to that are not free. They pay for their addiction and they can do harm to themselves and/or others. What about being addicted to the word, addicted to God, addicted to Godly people, addicted to church, addicted to faith in the precious blood of Jesus, addicted to reading your bible, etc. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, it states,"Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely." (NLT) How could some people not want to experience this? This is not impossible to achieve. Time is of the essence, everyone needs to make time for God. Why? We are not promised this day, or any other day. What we do with our time is very important. We need to take time to praise our God every day. Are we going to put off what can be done today for next week, next month or next year? Because some people think they wake themselves up in the morning or someone else woke them up. They don’t give true recognition, praises and glorification to the Lord of lords through whom all things are made possible. Instead of acknowledging how powerful our God is, how magnificent our Maker is to give unto us another day that He never promised us to begin with, some go about without as much as “Thank you.” Many forget that God has all the time in the world because He is an infinite God and He is patiently waiting for all his children to make time for Him. Rev. 1:3 states, “Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” How could some people not want to experience this? This is not impossible to achieve. In conclusion, I chose to talk about Love because whether you love or being loved, God can be a part of it. I chose Addiction because, people don’t always have to be addicted to things that are not good for them, God is good for everyone. I chose Time because God has time for everyone. Are We Too Busy? – October 2K11 WTLB
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011
Hey, slow down! With multiple jobs, business deadlines, productivity quotas, and children to attend to, you can really flood your schedule. It is not impossible to improve our relationship with God despite the overwhelming schedules. Let us try to prioritize by putting God at number one on our list and watch how He allows everything else to fall into place. Jesus in the city of Capernaum: at evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. Then he healed many (Mark 1: 32-34, NKJV). The next day Christ sought out a quiet place and prayed. There Jesus received further instructions on how to proceed with His ministry. Let us follow the example of Jesus Christ by setting aside a specific time for prayer, and while we are praying, trust that God is working on our behalf. Because, when we have our mind in the right place Jesus will not allow anything to steal the time we need to commune with Him. So, slow down and learn to lean on the Lord for guidance and direction and He will keep our life balanced. God Bless! Sis Danieth Pryce God, I’m Waiting – September 2K11 WTLB
Tuesday, September 6th, 2011
By Mother Deborah Brown
We must be reminded that God is always with us and that He has everything in His control. He will never leave us nor forsake us and He will be with us always. Even while we are waiting, God is always present with us. We can always rely on Him to be a constant friend. My Life Has Been Planned – August 2K11 WTLB
Friday, August 12th, 2011
Some of life’s storms, such as the loss of a loved one, a disappointment, loss of a job, the end of a marriage, etc., can sometimes come upon us quickly, while others may be slow in the making. Sometimes they may appear as small as a mustard seed, but can evolve to the size of a mountain and can overwhelm us to the point of depression. Yet in the midst of the storm, God equips us to deal with every situation that comes our way.
My nephew became ill two months after my dad, and eventually he succumbed to his illness and died. While I was grieving the untimely death of my nephew, my dad died two months later. The strange thing about this was I was able to deal with the loss of my dad without his loss overwhelming me. The Lord answered my prayer and equipped me with the mechanism to deal with that situation, and I was able to help other members of the family. When God wants to make and shape an individual, He puts them in the storm; it is not by choice, by accident, by selection, or preference but by design. The history of mankind has always been bumpy; there will always be something in our lives that will be in place to shape us and make us. When we have gone through one circumstance, another one will appear. It might pass quickly or it might pass slowly. No one is complete and may never be complete until he or she have been through the storm, knowing and understanding that all of our stormy days can be relieved or made easier with the wonderful fulfillment of prayer and faith in the power God. Matthew 7:7 tells us, Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. As I enter a new chapter in my book of life and continue to grow in my faith and love for the Lord, knowing without a doubt that the Lord loves me more that I can imagine, I continue to pray that I can see myself the way the Lord sees me – a child of God who is remarkable beyond her own limitations and also understand that my life has already been planned. God bless, Vanessa Alexander Annual Women’s Weekend 2011
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011
The women of Holiness Tabernacle pulled off a spectacular affair for this year’s Annual Women’s Weekend! As with previous years, preparations for the event began months in advance as the women assembled registration bags and welcome folders. These folders included a collection of helpful information and articles written by our very own church authors and were compiled in the Annual Women’s Tea newsletter.
The decorations for the Women’s Tea were a major hit. Shades of purple graced the church sanctuary, in addition to elegant tableware, from the center pieces to the immaculate table settings. Sister Yolinda McCown’s event planning company, A Time N Place, meticulously considered every detail as she and her crew created a vision for the event that all would remember. After a sumptuous feast, the women received a presentation on a deadly disease that is plaguing African-American men and women – lupus. Two survivors of the dreadful disease, Sister Simmons and Sister Carter, spoke on their experiences with living with the disease and how it is silently attacking the African-American women population in large numbers. They then went on to tell of God’s goodness and healing power in their lives – a true testimony that encouraged the hearts of all those who were there! Following the presenters, invited guest speaker Evangelist Dianne Rogers, First Lady of True Saints Church of God in Christ in Hartville, South Carolina, brought forth manna from heaven, echoing HTC’s theme for this year, “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet!” Before addressing the group, Evangelist commented on the elegance of the event. “I thought I would be sipping tea,” remarked Evangelist Rogers, “but instead I’m eating a full delicious meal!” After the powerful message from Evangelist Rogers, the Lord blessed and moved mightily as women came to the altar for prayer. On Sunday morning, our own Mother Pruitte spoke on the topic “Equipped for Ministry” and told the congregation that if their members (i.e. their body) were working, then they were indeed equipped to work in the Lord’s kingdom. Later that afternoon for our Annual Women’s Day service, the women marched down the aisle with their offering – not only meeting their financial goals but in friendly competition, exceeding the goal of the Men’s Department. The culmination of the entire weekend came Sunday evening when Evangelist Rogers picked up where she left off during the Saturday Tea. Needless to say, the Spirit of the Lord fell among the congregation again and the church walked away blessed and prepared to carry on the work of the Lord. It’s no secret God has continuously shined His favor upon the members of Holiness Tabernacle and the great success of this year’s Annual Women’s Weekend is yet another testament to His goodness. Holiness Tabernacle’s Crowned Jewel, Mother Vivian Valdez Pruitte
Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
2011 First Lady Day's Theme: “A Diadem in the Master's Hand”
As Sister Benjamin, the Mistress of Ceremony, took her place, the presence of the Lord was already in building to move on His people. This day was set aside in honor of our First Lady, but God was still given all the praise and glory.
Sister Green came in her own way sharing words of love to Mother Pruitte and expressing how much she appreciated our First Lady. Following Sister Green, Sister Majors came with the Word of God in her hand. She compared Mother Pruitte to Esther, a woman of God who stood for her people, even if it cost her life. Brother John Mabry, III gave words about Mother Pruitte as well. He pointed out that she encourages the youth to remember their lines when they are rehearsing for an upcoming play. When it was time for acknowledgements and presentations, Mother Pruitte received calls from family members. She spoke to her brother, niece and mother. Everyone in the sanctuary listened with interest to the conversations that were going on. In her own humorous way, sister Delia Pruitte told the congregation, “I am her favorite!” and indeed, several members expressed that Mother Pruitte has a unique way of making everyone feels as though they are truly her favorite person to be around. Sister Pruitte then presented a heart-felt media slide show, which brought tears to her mother's eyes. Following the video clips, Mother Pruitte was presented with 12 beautiful roses from members of the congregation. What a lovely sight to see and so deserving for a precious Jewel. Mother Cassidy presented Mother Pruitte with a gorgeous black dress and matching hat, her own personal “diadem,” on behalf of the Mother’s Board. Sister Nikoi serenaded Mother Pruitte with an operatic selection called “Ebben N'Andro Lontana” by Alfredo Catalani. She then sang “Majesty” by TD Jakes and really blessed our souls.
Time was winding down and the saints were ready to hear from heaven. Mother Benjamin had the privilege of presenting Mother AmeldA Jones, our honored speaker and president and founder of Father Answers Intercessors Travailing in Holiness (FAITH) International Ministries. The people of God were excited to hear from this great prayer warrior, teacher and author. Mother Jones encouraged Mother Pruitte, God's diadem and the HTC Jewel, to keep teaching God's Word. Through scriptures, she pointed out the blessings in store for those who teach and preach God's Word. Mother Pruitte received encouragement and words from Mother Jones, a modern day Titus 2 woman. Mother Jones not only encouraged Mother Pruitte, but the entire Church to be accountable and to be that “light on the hill.” She went on to exhort the people of God to pray the pastor's vision through to fruition. Before Mother Jones took her seat, she instructed key leadership to pray for First Lady and Pastor Pruitte. The Holy Ghost took control from then on and the Spirit of God moved and ministered in the hearts and souls of the people. A young man and woman joined the church that same hour – two more souls for the work of the kingdom! God is awesome and glorious is His ways, even on First Lady Day! Before Mother Ward, another Titus chapter 2 woman, dismissed the service, Mother Pruitte gave closing remarks, thanking her church family for their love and support – and it was clear that her heart was made glad by the special program. Then, continuing the running joke that had been shared throughout the service, she went on to express that everyone was her favorite, especially her husband, Pastor Pruitte. All in all, First Lady Day was a day of celebration for a dynamic, precious Jewel. Everyone who came out to celebrate her day was blessed. We all received a Word from the Lord and praised God for sending us Mother Pruitte, “a diadem in the Master’s Hand.” Such a fitting theme for a true woman of God. The Women of HTC Had a Time at the 61st International Women’s Convention and Crusade!
Sunday, July 3rd, 2011
This year, several women from Holiness Tabernacle attended the 61st Women’s Convention and Crusade in Dallas, Texas. Below are short reflections and photos of some of the woman’s experience, the services they attended and the enjoyable time they had. From Mother Deborah Brown: For those women who may not have attended an International Women’s Convention and Crusade before, here is a breakdown of some of the services for the week:
Theme: Holy Women Focused on God’s Agenda for the Church (Luke 4:18, John 9:4)
From Mother Freda Benjamin:
Mother Rivers brought an inspiring message encouraging the women to seek God for strength through prayer, fasting, faith and wisdom. She said, “Go all the way for God! Say yes to God!” Mother Rivers asked the audience if there were any “Yes Lord” women in the house and to that, there was a resounding “Yes!” from the women in the audience. From Mother Doris Cassidy: I had the opportunity to attend the Women’s Convention Symposium. These classes are on issues that the body of Christ face every day. Saints of the most high God, we must build up our families spiritually and naturally. Two topics covered at the Symposium included:
Class 1: Widowhood, Divorce, Loss… Understanding the Grief Process: Preparing for Your Future! This class encouraged the women to prepare for their future by having a will. We were reminded that if we don’t have a will, the state will step in and take over. A will allows you to:
Holy women of God, we must talk about death. Some topics we fail to discuss with our love ones. We can change a doctor appointment or perhaps a hair appointment, but death is one appointment that can’t be changed. During the class you could feel the instructor’s hurt as she was in the healing process, but in a dream, God revealed to her to exit out to where she could discover joy. Class 2: Victorious in Conquering the Struggle with Gender Identity (Loved One or Personal) This class reminded the women to continue praying and fasting for loved ones that we have before God. In the class, we heard the testimony of Regina, a woman raised in the church who questioned her sexual identity at a young age. She didn’t share this issue with everyone and at the age of 20 got married and had two children. After marriage, Regina was seduced by her son’s teacher and they had a three year affair. When she refused to leave her husband, the teacher then seduced her husband, ripping the marriage apart. Regina moved to another state and lived as a man for thirty years, calling herself Reginald. She even bought a house and lived with another woman. Despite her lifestyle, her sister called her every week and kept her before GOD praying and fasting and telling her the devil would not have her. After thirty years, Regina went back to church and God saved her and filled her with the Holy Ghost. A year later God had saved her ex-husband, filled him with the Holy Ghost and told him to take back his wife. God restored their marriage and the saints were reminded to continue praying for loved ones. There is no failure in God! From Mother Freda Benjamin:
For me, the memories are what I’ll treasure the most. Some of the greatest highlights for me included:
Needless to say I’m looking forward to heading out to “hot ATL” next year where the 62nd International COGIC Women’s Convention and Crusade will convene! Come go with me!
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I now know that when Pastor Pruitte tells us that we need to be in church faithfully, it is not because he wants the seats to be filled, but it is for our own good. I had moved and started a new job and it required me to work weekends, so I was missing Sunday services and sometimes Bible study during the week. Even though I read the Bible daily, it still wasn’t enough to keep the flesh under subjection. I started back hanging out with the partying crowd and trying to fit in. God had already delivered me from drinking but because my spirit was not getting fed, the flesh took over and I started drinking again. I had convinced myself that I didn’t do it that often and I wasn’t getting drunk so it’s okay (the devil is a liar).
One day the king took his slave with him on a hunting trip. Along the way a wild animal attacked the king. The king’s slave managed to save the king’s life and kill the wild animal, but he was unable to prevent the king from losing a finger in the attack.
There are situations that come up in our lives that seem to have no resolution. Some of these problems may include the following:
by Sis. Mary King
It is easy to think, if only I didn’t have so many responsibility, then I could have a closer walk with God. 
Is it ever okay to ask God what he is doing? Is it ever okay to remind Him that you are waiting on him? As believers, it is not uncommon for us to lose faith or become weak during the course of our journey and wonder where God is. Sometimes asking God questions is just the conversation we need to have with Him to remember that He is in heaven and He is mindful of us.
A very close friend of mine once told me, “When God wants an oak tree, He plants it where the storm will shake it and the rains will beat down upon it, because during those battles with nature’s elements, the oak tree develops character and eventually becomes the king of the forest.” That statement reminded me of my own situation 5 years ago when my father became ill. I ask the Lord not to take him from us; I didn’t think I could deal with the loss of my father, I was not ready for dad to go. I did not get a response from the Lord right away, but dad continued to be ill. 
Every year, thousands of women look forward to the week starting right after Memorial Day and not because they want to shop at all the holiday sale events! Rather it is because that is when the Church Of God In Christ hosts its annual Women’s Convention and Crusade – a time when women from across the world gather together to praise and magnify the Lord.
61st Women’s International Convention and Crusade
Wednesday, June 1
During the first service on Tuesday, Mother Willie Mae Rivers’ night, the serviced opened with a memorial of the saints who had died since the last Convention. Next was the Banner Parade of the different ministries that fall under the Women’s Department and I was glad to see that the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia was well represented in the parade. Not only that, but the women were warmly welcomed by the first lady of Texas and the host bishop, Bishop J. Neaul Haynes.
On Friday, Bishop Charles Edward Blake, presiding Bishop of the Church Of God In Christ, ended the Convention with the message “Rejected, But Selected.” He stated the Samaritan woman was rejected not only by other races, but she was even rejected by other Samaritan women. Bishop Blake reminded us that just because man may reject or despise you, it doesn’t mean Jesus will. He said, “When you are down to nothing you are just right for God.”
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