For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.Psalms 84:11
The favor of God is phenomenal! I used to say "not right now" a lot to open doors because I wasn't ready or I didn't think I had the experience. God was showing favor and I was shutting it down. Then I had a V-8! What on earth was I thinking? How was I going to be a mentor and public speaker for youth? Better yet, a youth pastor and now a pastor alongside my husband. I was going to school to be an attorney and eventually a judge and then run for public office. No way did I ever in a million years imagine that I would speak into the lives of youth. I did not have a degree in psychology, childhood education, or anything else that resembled youth. I was strictly "how a bill becomes a law". I became irresponsible to what favor could handle. I thought favor was given to exactly what I wanted it for. You know . . . like . . . can you do me a favor? However, this faith for favor is above and beyond what you could ever ask or think, it is according to the power that works in you. You must be able to tap into that power though. The power to get wealth, the power to change lives, the power to do exploits, the power to manifest victory all extends to the favor of God on your life. What God has designed for you encompasses faith to do it. He gives us favor to enhance the process.
I love to share with young people about how it is that God set them up from the very beginning. It is difficult at first for them to grab but as they begin to reflect they see that God was there all along. He has positioned us to walk in authority and all we need to do is take a step. Understand that everyone's process is different; however, the end result for the believer is the same. Whatever IT is gives God the glory. It is HIS glory. God shows himself through you. It is His divine inspiration that brings you into a place of victory in every area of your life. You cannot lose. For real . . . favor is there.
“It is HIS glory. God shows himself through you.”
Prayer for Favor
Dear God as I walk upright before you grant me favor. I need you to go before me and cause me to recognize the opened and closed doors. I promise to acknowledge you in all of my ways as you promised to direct my path. Grant me favor at school, work, church and in my community. I even declare faith outside of my community and beyond. Thank you for your favor. - Excerpt from “Faith Works”
Pastor Tonya Dennis
REFLECT & STUDY
Go deeper with a short reflection and six Bible study questions drawn from this letter.
Reflection, Bible study questions and study helps for this edition · A companion to “Faith for Favor” by Pastor Tonya Dennis
REFLECTION
In “Faith for Favor,” Pastor Tonya reminds us that the favor of God is not a small favor we ask for our own plans; it reaches above and beyond what we could ever ask or think. She shares how she once said “not right now” to open doors because she did not feel ready, and how God was showing favor all along. What God has designed for each of us comes with the faith to do it, and the glory is His. This month, consider where you may be shutting favor down, and take the step He is asking of you.
Bible Study Questions
Psalms 84:11. The Lord is called both a sun and a shield, the One who bestows favor and honor. What does each picture say about how God cares for you, and where have you seen His favor and honor in your own life?
Proverbs 3:5–6. Pastor Tonya writes, “God was showing favor and I was shutting it down.” Where have you said “not right now” to an open door, and what would it look like to acknowledge Him in that area and trust Him to direct your path?
Ephesians 3:20. The letter describes favor that is “above and beyond what you could ever ask or think, it is according to the power that works in you.” How does this change the way you pray for favor, and what do you need to “tap into” that power?
Isaiah 40:31. Our Word for the Month promises renewed strength to those who hope in the Lord. When a door feels too big for your experience, how can hoping in Him give you strength to take the step?
Ezekiel 28:13. “Every precious stone was your covering… on the day that you were created they were prepared.” Pastor Tonya teaches that God set us up from the very beginning. Looking back, where can you see that God was there all along?
The Prayer for Favor. Pray it slowly this week. In which places — school, work, church, your community and beyond — are you asking God to help you recognize the opened and closed doors?
Bible Study Guide
[Bible study guide description to come.]
[Study worksheet link to come]
A Moment With God
[Prayer to come.]
Personal Study · [Scripture to come]
Read.[Prompt to come]
Reflect.[Prompt to come]
Respond.[Prompt to come]
Share.[Prompt to come]
STUDY TOGETHER
Read “Faith for Favor” again with a friend or your small group, then share your answers to one or two questions.
Complete this reflection: [Reflection prompt to come]
Your notes stay on this device unless you choose to download or print them. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Three Ways to Reflect
Write it.[Prompt to come]
Pray it.[Prompt to come]
Live it.[Prompt to come]
Prayer requests and story submissions are not transmitted from this edition. [Secure submission channel to come]
Scripture to Carry With You
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.— Psalms 84:11
“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”Isaiah 40:31
Lesley J. Neely is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. Raised in the Pentecostal church, she experienced a wealth of music all around her. Being exposed to recording choirs around the city, being home with music was when the love for it began. As an only child, she spent lots of time alone. In this alone time, Lesley stumbled across her mother’s record collection. The world renowned Richard Smallwood’s Psalm 100 album was part of it. She experienced the most warm and inviting melodies she’d ever heard. At age eight, music became her friend. To know who the people on the record were, Lesley began reading the liner notes from the album. This is something that she enjoys doing to this day.
One Saturday at church during the children’s choir rehearsal, the opportunity for a solo arose. Lesley was asked by her choir director to try out for the part. Shyness took a backseat and she took the mic and sang the part to perfection. The leader of the choir took Lesley under her wing and began training her on how to train a choir. The Winans were the next group that influenced her musical development. She used this recording to train her ear and became fluent in establishing harmonies. This lead to Lesley being a choir director for 16 years.
As the years progressed, singers around the city began to notice Lesley’s ability to sing effectively. One Easter Sunday, she walked up to Jonathan Nelson and said, “I love what you are doing with this choir. If you ever do anything musically, give me a call.” Within a few weeks, he was calling her to sing background for gospel artist Karen Clark Sheard. This was the beginning her career as a BGV. Subsequently, Jonathan began the group “Purpose” and it was just what Lesley needed. She became and is still a member of this recording entity, with five nationally released recordings to date. As the years go on, Lesley would be fortunate to participate in records for such artists as David Frazier (I Need You To Survive), Darien Dennis (One God), The Potters House of Denver with Grammy ® award winning producer Steve Lawrence, and as a background vocalist on the Grammy ® award winning recording Break Every Chain with Tasha Cobbs.
Lesley ventured out to audition for a renowned gospel artist. When not selected for the assignment, she chose to create an avenue for singers to be selected for singing jobs, and a place for singer development.
I Breathe Melody was born out of this experience. The company was launched in 2013 and has successfully completed BGV and session work for David Frazier (Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs Vol. IV) and Steve Lawrence (The Potters House Denver – Lord of the Nations). In 2014, I Breathe Melody hosted its first …In Session Day Workshop for singers. The vision is to connect singers with education for longevity in the entertainment industry. Lesley currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland with her son, Cameron, who is an up and coming music producer in the R&B genre. Lesley continues to create a legacy of music, impacting her city and beyond.
Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week." Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as "Women’s History Week." In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month." Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.”
Reality Television. Is it scripted, edited, fake, fiction, real, exaggerated, funny, awful, offensive, exploitive, entertaining or educational? The list of shows span from action & adventure to Travel. Does these shows depict reality? Or, are these shows far from reality? Could you, someone in your family, a friend, someone you know or a church member fit just nicely into one of the Reality Television categories? Reality Television is defined as television shows about people who are filmed in real situations. Reality Television shows are mainly made for entertainment. Some of the shows are negative, some positive, as well as, educational. Reality Television has been around for many years, as a matter of fact since the 1950’s. The shows have become increasingly popular since shows such as American Idol first season in 2002, Survivor, Extreme Makeover and America’s Next Top Model. Reality Television shows have captured the attention of not just the United States, but the world. Reality Television has its ups and downs, as well as, its good and bad. Some shows have had negative impacts on society, because the show glamorize bad morals and influence people to the extent that they pick up on some of the negative behavior, thinking it will get them a few minutes of fame. However, there are a lot of Reality Television shows that have positive influences and are very educational; these shows have information about diet, weight loss, health and fitness. So, what is your favorite or least favorite Reality Television Show?
Two generation viewpoints from Vanessa Jenkins, mother, and Shanae Hale, daughter, are listed below.
Shanae - I enjoy watching cooking shows such as Chopped or Bobby Flay; because it broadens my horizons when cooking meals for my family. I am able to incorporate foods and make dishes I have never heard of before. I also enjoy watching home makeover shows such as Love It or List It, and other home makeover shows as my husband and I just purchased a home, and I want to be knowledgeable about the latest decorating ideas. I am not into other reality shows that are mostly for entertainment purposes such as, “Keeping up with the Kardashians,” The Voice, or Real Housewife series. I am more into reality shows that teach and have educational values. I watch the First 48 to the horror of how human beings kill each other and how detectives are able to use a crime scene to find these people. I enjoy watching Naked and Afraid and Duel Survivor. Although, I do not believe I will ever be in that type of situation; it is interesting to me to know what type of plants are edible and how to catch and cook a snake, if need be!
Vanessa - I find that most people do not realize that some of the shows they watch are classified as Reality Television. For example, I enjoy watching Flee Market Flip. Flee Market Flip is a Reality Television show that promotes the re-vamping and/or re-cycling of items that can be found at Flea Markets. It is a twist on the buy and flip of homes for profit. I love to fix, repair, or build, items. I also like the shows Property Brothers, Love It or List It, and Rehab Addict. I also enjoy watching some of the cooking shows, especially Iron Chef Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis, Sunny Anderson, and Guy’s Grocery games when I want to get new ideas for cooking. I watch the cooking shows, but I may take a spin on a meal and try to ensure it is on the healthier side. I have also watched some of the Preacher reality shows and Fix My Choir, and I concluded that some of the situations that occurs in the shows are true indications of “folks”. I would further advise to use wise and good judgment on what shows you watch.
A Conversation Worth Having
So, what is your favorite or least favorite Reality Television Show?
What does it mean to be a Godly Woman?
[Discussion question to come]
YOUR VOICE
[Invitation for readers to share reflections, testimonies and stories to come.]
No matter what your current season of life is, God is calling you to be a Titus 2 woman! He wants to connect you with godly women who can speak into your life and help you walk more closely with Christ. He wants to use what He has taught you to spur someone else onto godliness.
Our Titus 2 Gathering was held on Saturday, March 7th at our Columbia Campus. It was an impactful day and included "Share/Care" Moments with our Seasoned Women/Senior Mothers. The panel discussion highlighted topical discussion regarding nurturing love and relationships. We had a delightful lunch and there were also cooking demonstrations led by Elder Irma Hird and Lady Dee - showing the younger women how to make healthy and quick dishes. Our Deacon Joyce Johnson taught on the Benefits of Praying in the Spirit and so much more! It was a faith-filled day that all began with a funny YES/NO icebreaker. Have you ever dated outside of your race? You would be surprised by the YES answers the sisters shared! Join us for our next Titus 2 Gathering on Friday, June 12th from 7-10pm.
Planning Your Month
[Monthly planning note to come.]
Dates and details are presented as printed in the March 2015 newsletter.
If you have information about a missing or kidnapped child, report it. Call the U.S. National Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737-888 for confidential help and info, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We want to assist you in building lasting friendships while discovering what you have been chosen and called to do. We also desire to equip ourselves by engaging in the Word of God with one another, in fulfilling the call and destiny that God has placed upon us as sisters, daughters, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, wives, and friends in the body of Christ. You can get connected by participating in any Women’s Interest Groups or Pastoral Ministry.
Ministry Directory
Choose a ministry to learn about it, who to contact and how to connect.
CURRENT PASTORAL MINISTRY/INTEREST GROUP LEADERS: The interest group and pastoral leaders are the social/spiritual component of Women’s Ministry and help in the aid of continual fellowship throughout the ministry. The groups are encouraged to host quarterly events. The interest groups/pastoral ministries are encouraged to work together.
Chief Elders: Pastor Shirley K. Russell (Towson) · Pastor Charon Wicks (Columbia)
FOR MINISTRY LEADERS
A private space for our ministry and interest group leaders to keep notes and share with Pastor.
Just For Me is one of the Women’s Interest Groups of the KWC Women’s Ministry.
Details coming soon.
The interest group and pastoral leaders are the social/spiritual component of Women’s Ministry and help in the aid of continual fellowship throughout the ministry. The groups are encouraged to host quarterly events, and the interest groups/pastoral ministries are encouraged to work together.
Who to Contact
Details coming soon.
How to Connect
You can get connected by participating in any Women’s Interest Groups or Pastoral Ministry.
Thirty and Company is one of the Women’s Interest Groups of the KWC Women’s Ministry.
Details coming soon.
The interest group and pastoral leaders are the social/spiritual component of Women’s Ministry and help in the aid of continual fellowship throughout the ministry. The groups are encouraged to host quarterly events, and the interest groups/pastoral ministries are encouraged to work together.
Who to Contact
Details coming soon.
How to Connect
You can get connected by participating in any Women’s Interest Groups or Pastoral Ministry.
Sister Act II. is one of the Women’s Interest Groups of the KWC Women’s Ministry.
Details coming soon.
The interest group and pastoral leaders are the social/spiritual component of Women’s Ministry and help in the aid of continual fellowship throughout the ministry. The groups are encouraged to host quarterly events, and the interest groups/pastoral ministries are encouraged to work together.
Who to Contact
Details coming soon.
How to Connect
You can get connected by participating in any Women’s Interest Groups or Pastoral Ministry.
MOM’s Club is one of the Women’s Interest Groups of the KWC Women’s Ministry.
Details coming soon.
The interest group and pastoral leaders are the social/spiritual component of Women’s Ministry and help in the aid of continual fellowship throughout the ministry. The groups are encouraged to host quarterly events, and the interest groups/pastoral ministries are encouraged to work together.
Who to Contact
Details coming soon.
How to Connect
You can get connected by participating in any Women’s Interest Groups or Pastoral Ministry.
Marriage Ministry is one of the Women’s Interest Groups of the KWC Women’s Ministry.
Details coming soon.
The interest group and pastoral leaders are the social/spiritual component of Women’s Ministry and help in the aid of continual fellowship throughout the ministry. The groups are encouraged to host quarterly events, and the interest groups/pastoral ministries are encouraged to work together.
Who to Contact
Details coming soon.
How to Connect
You can get connected by participating in any Women’s Interest Groups or Pastoral Ministry.
Singles Ministry is one of the Women’s Interest Groups of the KWC Women’s Ministry.
Details coming soon.
The interest group and pastoral leaders are the social/spiritual component of Women’s Ministry and help in the aid of continual fellowship throughout the ministry. The groups are encouraged to host quarterly events, and the interest groups/pastoral ministries are encouraged to work together.
Who to Contact
Details coming soon.
How to Connect
You can get connected by participating in any Women’s Interest Groups or Pastoral Ministry.
Seniors Ministry is one of the Women’s Interest Groups of the KWC Women’s Ministry.
Details coming soon.
The interest group and pastoral leaders are the social/spiritual component of Women’s Ministry and help in the aid of continual fellowship throughout the ministry. The groups are encouraged to host quarterly events, and the interest groups/pastoral ministries are encouraged to work together.
Who to Contact
Details coming soon.
How to Connect
You can get connected by participating in any Women’s Interest Groups or Pastoral Ministry.
The Council oversees and supports the overall Women’s Ministry. The council offers counseling and spiritual guidance to help grow and nurture the women of the ministry. The duties also include: ministry counsel, organizing study, prayer/cell groups, services, workshops and retreats to help develop the spiritual advancement of the women. The council supports the interest group/pastoral activities and encourages participation of women.
Who to Contact
Women’s Council Team Members:
Elder Tonya Dennis (referrals, counseling, spiritual direction)
Elder Gloria Glover (study, prayer, cell groups)
Elder Vikki Johnson (women’s call, guest speakers and clinicians)
Deacon Michelle Miles (connector to other women ministry events/services)
Deacon Cherese Williams (topics, workshops, seminars)
