The Whole Truth

WholeTruth The The Church Of God In Christ Magazine Since 1895

A candid interview with: Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard Pg 10

January - March 2024

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WholeTruth The Church Of God In Christ Magazine Since 1895 Purposed to Inspire and Inform COGIC Readers and Christians Ever ywhere The

Publishers Bishop J. Drew Sheard Presiding Bishop

Bishop Sedgwick C. Daniels

Bishop Darrell Hines

Bishop Prince E. Bryant, Sr.

Bishop JerryW. Macklin First Assistant Presiding Bishop Bishop Lawrence M.Wooten, Sr. Second Assistant Presiding Bishop Bishop Brandon B. Porter Secretary to the General Board Bishop Michael E. Hill, Sr. Assistant Secretary to the General Board Publishing Board Elder Uleses C. Henderson, Jr. Chairman Bishop Alton Gatlin Vice-Chairman Bishop ReggieWitherspoon Secretary Supervisor Gracie Davis Harris Admin Asisst Christopher Martin

Bishop David A. Hall, Sr.

Bishop Malcolm Coby

Bishop Charles H. McClelland

Bishop Elijah H. Hankerson III

Members of the Board Bishop Phillip Jackson Elder Aaron Macklin Dr. Cathy Oliver Dr. Dwight Radcliff Deacon Stephen Savage Pastor Eric Slack Evangelist Na’khiaWashington

He preached in living rooms, in the woods and in a cotton gin. When he returned from the Azusa Street Revival speak ing in unknown tongues, Bishop Charles Harrison Mason was followed by just 10 churches out of more than 100 in the split over the theological disagreement. Today, the denomination founded by Mason, the son of former slaves, is the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States, with more than 6.5 million members. “Bishop Mason was one who lifted African Americans who were former slaves and the children of slaves, lifted them up from the degradation of slavery, ex-slavery, the brokenness of poverty,” said Bishop David Hall Sr., prelate of theTennessee headquarters of the Church Of God In Christ.“He through this church gave them esteem, position, status and encouraged their education.”… The views and opinions expressed within TheWholeTruth are those of the writers and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of The Church Of God In Christ. Copyright 2023 Church Of God In Christ, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this electronic magazine may be reproduced without the consent of the Church Of God In Christ, Inc.

Global PR and Communications Director, Managing Editor, The Whole Truth Rober t E. Coleman, Jr. Editor

Creative Director

April Quillen

Juan Rober ts / Creative Lunacy

Writers Reginald Boswell Daniele Cooper Marion McNair

Guest Writers Evangelist Gary Sprewell Bishop Frank AnthoneWhite

Queen Phillips Kimberly Porter DeLisa Reed

THE WHOLE TRUTH Volume 127 Number2 (Print: ISSN 2375-995X, Online: ISSN 2375-9968) is edited and published quarterly by THE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST PUBLISHING HOUSE, 806 E. Brooks Road, Memphis, TN 38116-3010. Periodicals post age pending at Memphis,TN and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE WHOLE TRUTH, PO Box 161330, Memphis, TN 38186-1330. SUBSCRIBERS: send address changes to THE WHOLE TRUTH, PO Box 161330, Memphis, TN 38186-1330. Send old and new addresses, complete with zip codes at least six weeks before delivery date. TO SUBSCRIBE: Call 1-877-746-8578, Fax (901) 743-1555, Online www.cogicpublisinghouse.net.

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The General Board Members of The Church Of God In Christ, Inc.

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CONTENTS January - March, 2024

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SME s for Love’s Sake ( S ubject M atter E xpert) By Queen E. Phillips

16 SMEs for Love’s Sake – By Evangelist Missionary Queen Phillips Christians should be the SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) on God’s love. 20 Your Success Comes from Where God Appoints You – By Marion McNair God’s plan is that you would use your gifts to bless others.

10 Cover Story Say It. Tell It. Live It. – By Pastor Reginald Boswell A candid interview with Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard.

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WholeTruth The Church Of God In Christ Magazine Since 1895 The

S A L U T E

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of A Promise Child

Bishop Sedgwick Daniels

22 The Timeless Treasure of the Daniels’ Touch – By Bishop Frank AnthoneWhite TWT salutes the influential life and legacy of Bishop Sedgwick Daniels.

36 Forgiveness – By Evangelist DeLisa Reed There will be glory after this!

40 Blinded by Lust – By Daniele Cooper Are you waiting for God to unveil His promises?

28 Keep Rowing – By Pastor Gary Sprewell God will design a storm or challenge just for your benefit.

42 A Child of Promise – By Evangelist Sandra ThompsonWilliams Finding God to be a Promise Keeper.

32 Worship During Grief – By KimberlyV. Porter, M.Ed. Healing from a loss is a journey.

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From The Desk of

Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard Not that I have already attained,[a] or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have [b]apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV)

Dear TWT Family, As we culminated 2023 with our largest, annual convention – the 115th Holy Convocation – I am so excited about the great things God continues to do for the Church Of God In Christ. God has blessed and allowed the National Church to prosper in many incredible ways; far too numerous to detail in this letter. I am proud of our various auxiliaries and departments that have made great strides in ministry across the globe in 2023. For all that God alone has allowed, we are exceedingly grateful. During Holy Convocation, I believe we infiltrated the city of Memphis with the love of Jesus Christ. We know that we can economically impact cities positively, whenever we convene. But because we focused on ministering to the hearts of those in need or lost, what a powerful, Holy Ghost-filled collective we became as a gathered body of believers. It is my prayer that we will always gather with a mission to influence those who may be struggling, or do not yet believe. Our influence begins in the airports and on airplanes, and extends to restaurants, hotel elevators and lobbies, shops, and malls. May we always remember the mission and Who we represent, as ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have stood on our theme, “Our Mission Made Possible,” throughout 2023. How appropriate it is for us to believe God to make even greater ways out of no way, as we finish the 4th quarter of 2023 steadfast and strong. Let us continue to do as Apostle Paul admonished and “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Lady Karen and I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season. That you and your families would prosper for the remaining of 2023, and finish strong, is my sincere prayer. In His Service,

Bishop J. Drew Sheard Presiding Bishop Church Of God In Christ, Inc. The Eigth In Succession

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LETTER from the EDITOR Our God is a Sustainer

Dear TWT Subscribers: We pray that 2023 has been a year of blessings and that the favor of the Lord has rested upon you and your families throughout. Many of us faced a brutally hot and dry summer, but God surely sustained us. As He blows a refreshing, crisp breeze through the Fall season and last quarter of the year, we are yet grateful for His all-sustaining power. No matter the season, Almighty God is ever near and for that, I am comforted and abundantly grateful. We’re excited to announce that The Whole Truth has pivoted to an all-digital platform. We pray that this format will allow the magazine to continue to be enjoyed by even more Church Of God In Christ members and Christians everywhere. Please help us spread the word that TWT is now available as a free, digital periodical primarily supported by ads. Additional information regarding our ad pricing and availability is readily available by sending an inquiry to twtads@cogic.org. Please email us there for any questions. Our first all-digital issue includes a new, candid interview with Presiding Bishop Sheard regarding his latest book entitled, Say It. Tell It. Live It. Bishop Sheard offers insight for inspiring authors, as well as pertinent information about Holy Convocation 2023. We’re also excited to present a new columnist, Pastor Gary Sprewell, who will inspire and encourage you with his powerful, personal testimony of God’s favor and grace. On behalf of Managing Editor, Robert Coleman, and the entire TWT Team, we pray that you remain loyal readers of COGIC’s #1 Urban, Christian eMagazine! As always, we sincerely hope that you are both informed and inspired by this issue in a truly meaningful way. May God continue to sustain us all. With the Love of Christ,

April E. Quillen

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An Interview with PRESIDING BISHOP J. DREW SHEARD

TheWholeTruth recently sat downwith Presiding Bishop Sheard todiscuss his brand new, inspiring compilation of daily devotionals entitled, Say It.Tell It. Live It. Bishop Sheard reflects on the success of Holy Con - vocation 2023. We sincerely appreciate the Presiding Bishop’s time, as well as his candid spirit, as he shares his insights with all of us.

TWT: Bishop Sheard, can you give us insight into the evolution of your journey as a writer, and your most recent installation, Say It. Tell It. Live It.?

Bishop Sheard: First, let me say that people kept prophesying that I would write some books. I would hear them but would just keep on going; I wouldn’t give those prophetic utterances much value. The first book, Hang in There, is the phrase I use as my tag line.When I text, I end with “Hang in there.” I’ve been doing it for years, so I moved into writing something about that.There’s also a book that will come out later that I’ve been working on for 10 to 15 years - Just Because I’m Called - but I haven’t finished that one; it’s just a long process. With my second published book, A BoutWith Doubt, I had some challenges, and I began to just write and pull some sermons together. My third book, Say It.Tell It. Live It. has been a journey to where I am now. I had to speak that thing - you have to speak it into existence:

SAY IT - I say it to myself… ‘You know it’s going to work.’

TELL IT - Then I had to start telling how it was going to work.Write the vision and make it plain… I had to tell it.

LIVE IT - The more challenging part of doing something like this is that you have to be the first partaker.That’s where life allows us to impart what was said earlier.You live this life, indeed, by the words you are saying to yourself, then tell others.The live-it part is where you get the victory.

TWT: Many authors create titles with 5 steps to this, or 8 steps to that. It sounds like a three-step process that simplifies the road to victory.

Bishop Sheard: Yes, you have to take some steps if you are going to be successful in this life. Way back when I was a little boy, I had a plan.You have to work that plan and then you see that plan come to fruition.

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Bishop Sheard: We wouldn’t have been able to share the good things that were written aforetime.And that’s so important because all of us come to areas in our lives where we need some encouragement.And thank God it has been left on record, in the form of written material, where we can read and grow.The Bible itself is a manuscript written by men who were inspired by God. God spoke to them, and they left it on record for our growth and maturity. TWT: Writers may not receive the same encouragement as singers or some of the other ministries in our great church. How would you inspire writers and up-and coming authors to keep writing? Bishop Sheard: Writing may not be as celebrated as singers, and that’s ok. But it takes a special kind of person to write. First of all, it takes discipline. It takes discipline to sit down and keep go ing over a manuscript, rewriting and improving your content. It requires a tremendous amount of disci pline to start a book or a perspective and keep at it. I encourage people to look at if you have something to say that’s worth someone else hearing.You want to put that down so that even after you are long gone from this earth, people can still read what you wrote. Hopefully, my books will inspire people when my time is up. You must have a purpose for what you do in life. My purpose in life is to help people - to help people become better Christians, better citizens of the United States, or whatever country they may find themselves in the world. So, if it is your mission to make that happen, then you have to leave your words for posterity.You may get to inspire people that you’ll never meet.That’s my view in encouraging others to write – to inspire others. TWT: It sounds like you want your vision to be written down so that it may be left on record. What do you hope people receive from your most recent book, Say It. Tell It. Live It?

TWT: It appears you used different processes when developing content for the three books you’ve authored thus far. Your unfinished manuscript seems to be your most lengthy work to date. “A Bout with Doubt” is several messages you preached in book form. Bishop Sheard: Messages and, of course, real-life experiences. “A Bout with Doubt” emanat - ed from when I almost lost my wife (pause). I wrote a song, and I preached a sermon titled,“A Bout with Doubt.” It was during a time when the doctors were telling me one thing, and I was seeing another thing. The doctors were saying she was not going to make it, but I’m hearing the Lord tell me something else.

I finally got to a point where the Lord said to me, “Didn’t I tell you?” So I had my bout with doubt, but I won.That’s the message–I want people to win.

TWT: How does your authorship speak to your legacy, as opposed to your preached messages? Bishop Sheard: The good thing about authoring is that it gives people the chance to go back and read what was said. Sometimes the peo ple close to me say,“Bishop, you don’t preach long enough.” There are certain ideologies I have ascribed to when it comes to the oral speaking of theWord. I believe that the average person retains only 18 to 20 minutes of what you say. If that is the case, if I speak for an hour, you’re going to miss 40 minutes; it’s not going to even register. So why not break it up and try to be as exact as we can and get to the point? That is the difference between my preaching and my writing. My written material will go into detail much more than in an oratorical setting.

TWT: What if the Prophets had never written the words contained in the Bible?

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Bishop Sheard: I just want people to be able to think about wanting to be better, wanting to do things right, and saying I want to be close to God.‘So, a man thinketh so is he’ (Proverbs 23:7). So, say it to yourself. Internalize,‘Am I getting better?’ Internalize,‘I want to be what God will have me be.’ Internalize,‘I am going to be pleasing in God’s eyes.’ And once you say that to yourself, then start telling

TWT: We must say it to ourselves first, then we internalize it.

Bishop Sheard: Oh yes, put it in the atmosphere so your family will know.This is what I am! This is what I do! Say it to yourself first, then tell it and afterwards, live it. It’s one thing for you to say it but can others say it according to how you live? It’s a bad person who would say,‘Do as I say and not as I do.’ So that is where I am there.

HOLY CONVOCATION 2023

TWT: Holy Convocation rapidly came and went and was a great success! What were some of the key things that you have been able to implement as Presiding Bishop con cerning this annual meeting? Bishop Sheard: I think some of the major things we’ve tried is to trim some of the fat out.When I say trim some of the fat out, I am talking about unnecessarily long services.We strive to be timely and offer qualitative services, not necessarily quantitative. In other words, I want us to get to the point. I want the Gospel to be the high point of any service.We feverishly sought God’s direction for Convocation. I kind of feel something about saying it like this because I don’t want to act like others were not seeking God for Convocation. But I know my heart’s desire, and it is that the people of God be blessed tremendously, and that they enjoy services. At the same time, I hope they were able to see that they have a leader who is interested in being a part of the service, and extremely interested in them having a spiritual experience.

it. Let people know! ‘Oh yeah, this is my intent.This is what I intend to do.’ Then let your life be reflective of what you are telling people, and of what you have said to yourself. AYPWW topic says,“Our lives should be the mir - rors that reflect the image of Christ.” Keep saying, ‘I am created in the image of Christ.’ My number one objective is to give Him glory. Not only do I inter nalize that, but I say it to anybody. It does not matter where I am. I want to say that my life is to give God some glory, and then my life must mirror what I say.

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that they were rewarded spiritually. Some of these things are not in our control, and we do have some challenges there.We are constantly trying to meet those challenges but nevertheless, our prayer is that above all, God, please meet us each time, and give us a spiritual rejuvenation so that it is worth it. I believe God did just that at this year’s Convocation. All over the nation, people have different confer ences that they attend, and their expectations must be met at those conferences. Otherwise, it is a waste of time. My prayer is that no one ever says that they wasted their time coming to Holy Convocation, and that God would always supernaturally meet us. My prayer is that bodies were healed, souls were saved, and people were delivered from whatever they had been held hostage by - just because they had an opportunity to come to the Holy Convocation, just because they had the opportunity to set foot on the grounds of the holy Mason campus, just because they had an opportunity to go into the Prayer Room at

TWT: 2023 was your third Convocation as Presiding Bishop, correct?

Bishop Sheard: Yes, the first one was in 2021. In 2022, we had a hybrid format, so 2023 was my third as Presiding Bishop.The first one was a great challenge because it called for us to have a spiritual experience in a way that we were not used to. Many of my preachers and the speakers spoke to empty churches during the 2021 Convocation. The challenge was,‘Oh God please let those who view us by social media be blessed.’ The choirs were singing in empty churches and these kinds of things happened but nevertheless, God favored us.Then the next year (2022), everyone was extremely happy to be together; we had been apart for so long.And then we went back to our Jerusalem, as we call it - to Memphis,Tennessee, to experience the anointing of God in that place.We looked for that in the 115th Holy Convocation and tried to take it even higher. Everyone had a part in this year’s Convocation - from the cradle row to the senior citizen setting - including the men, the women, and the youth.And that was done on purpose, by design. It was not happenstance. TWT: Can the historical significance of having the Holy Convocation in Memphis be overshadowed by such things as costs and venue space? Bishop Sheard: It can be because things are changing.This year, the room rates were high er but what we must understand is that the Hotel Industry is kind of dictating now, because there is more of a demand. Here’s the thing we must be reminded of - the Holy Convocation is a conclave of saints who come together from all over the world to experience a move of God. So even though those externals - hotel rates, airfare, trains, and busses, etc. - may weigh heavily upon the delegate, I pray

Mason Temple. My prayer is that God would always meet the needs of His people, and that our expecta tions would be satisfied. TWT Elder Reginald Boswell is the pastor of Holy Temple COGIC in Decatur, Alabama of theWR Morrow Heritage District, led by Superintendent Bobby Sledge, Alabama First Jurisdiction (Bishop OL Meadows, Prelate).

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SME s for Love’s Sake ( S ubject M atter E xpert) By Queen E. Phillips

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The significance of the heart in the human body parallels with a heart of love in a Christian who proclaims to have a relationship with God. If the heart stops pumping lifeblood in the body, death is certain. So it is when God’s love stops flowing from heart to heart among Christians—there is no true relationship with God, and spiritual death is certain. This is the essence of John’s message recorded in 1 John 4:7- 8: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” Love is the foundation of the Gospel message and ministry of reconcili ation. It is the motivation for missions work at home and abroad. What ever spoken in word or done in deed apart from God’s characteristics of love is meaningless. What are the characteristics of love from God’s perspective? Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. Love never fails (Ref. 1 Corinthians 13). Christians should be the SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) on God’s love in order to impact the world for Christ. For example, the writings of John give the impression that he was a Subject Matter Expert on love as the beloved disciple of Jesus Christ. In addition to the fourth Gospel and the book of Revelation, John wrote three letters that communicate how God is life, light and love. If we walk in the light and obey the command to abide in Christ’s love, we will witness its powerful affect in our relationship with God, one another, among our enemies, and ultimately, for love’s sake, change the world’s perception of who Jesus is, and of who we are as born again witnesses for Jesus Christ.

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Hence, effective witnesses manifest the love of God in daily living, and are committed to being Christian SMEs for love’s sake. In order to be effective, we must first unite in our understanding and agree on God’s Word as the final authority above our personal opinions and idiosyncrasies. There are three aspects of God’s love critical to our witness in advancing God’s Kingdom: God’s concept of love - Understanding and embracing wholehearted ly God’s concept of love, in contrast to the world’s concept, should keep us grounded in our relationships. The world has a different ideology about love that opposes God. The world’s concept of love is motivated by the sinful nature, which is conditional, selfish, materialistic, and sensual—based solely on emotions and feelings. John clari - fies the world’s concept of love in 1 John 2:15-16, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” To love the world means you are affectionately connected in mind, body and soul. You enjoy the sensuality and self-gratification the world markets so much that you invest time and money into its systems of operation, which are governed by beliefs and values contrary to God’s will. On the other hand, God’s concept of love is Himself. He is the SME, which means He is the Source of love, Motivator of love and the Example of love. Love originates from His nature—God is love (1 John 4:7-11). The ultimate expression (act) of love is self-sacrifice and self-denial (John 15:10-13). Jesus Christ is our example

(John 3:16). Unless we are willing to lay down our life or give our best for the sake of love, as well as deny self, without receiving anything in return, it is impossible to embrace God’s concept of love. In essence, we cannot have a true relationship with any one apart from God’s love flowing from within. The world’s concept of love is expressed and reciprocated from humanity’s sinful and sensual nature. However, divine love (agape) is supernaturally reciprocated through obedience to God’s Word, not emotions and feelings (John 14:21).

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God’s command to love - Obeying God’s command to love, rather than the world’s license to hate, should cause us to rely totally on the empowerment of God’s Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, the world says it’s okay to hate. As Christians, we must love. Jesus made it emphatically clear to those who identify themselves as His followers: “But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44). God’s command to love uncon - ditionally in truth and deed can only be accomplished by yielding

to the control of the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit (1 John 4:12-13, 17). Our sinful nature defies the characteristics of God’s love noted previously. God’s standards are consistent for everyone, regardless of how we are treated by our fellowman. It is the Divine love (the God-kinda love) produced by the Holy Spirit (Gal.5:22). God’s compensation for love - As we walk in the light and abide in Christ’s love continually, we become more secure and aligned with God’s purpose and will. Having pure hearts motivated by the perfect love of God within assures us of eternal rewards. When the love of God is working in us and through us, we can expect God to compensate for obeying His command to love. Worldly love offers self-serving rewards that lead to eternal damnation. However, loving one another in truth by our actions assures us of the following: 1) The Lord’s presence and fellowship (John 14:21-23); 2) Answered prayers (1 John 3:21-22); 3) perfected love without fear of punishment on the Day of Judgment (I John 4:17-18); and 4) Proof to the world that we are true disciples (John 13:34-35).

Since the significance of the heart in the human body parallels with a heart of love in a Christian who profess - es a relationship with God, we must commit to being Subject Matter Experts for love’s sake. We must unite as one, seek to understand and embrace God’s concept of love, obey His command to love at all costs, and expect God’s compensation for obedience to His Word. The advancement of the Kingdom of God is impacted by the expressed love of God flowing from heart to heart among the saints of God, just as it was demonstrated by God sending His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. TWT Queen E. Phillips is a licensed evangelist missionary, published author, CWC curriculum writer, and ministry leader at Mt. Rose COGIC, Crosby,TX, under the covering of Dr. Ron Eagleton, senior pastor. Connect with Queen on Instagram and Facebook. Website: www.majesticpublications.com.

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Your Success Comes From Where God Appoints

Let’s be honest.There are some people who are lucky in life.We say to them, “You are so lucky.” According to Webster Dictionary, luck is “a force that brings good for tune or adversity.”

YOU

By Marion McNair

We all know someone who gets lots of breaks in life and we know people who can’t buy a break.We envy people who are lucky, especially those who are born with what we call a “silver spoon” in their mouth.We may not know them personally, but we have read of people who have incredible wealth, passed down to them from prior generations.Yet, there are some who have nothing but misfortune in their lives and it follows them everywhere they go. In the secular world, we strive for professional positions, such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, and corporate executives.We desire to become reality stars, like “America’s Next Top Model,” or become a singing sensation on “TheVoice.”We look at million - aires, celebrities and sports figures and wish we were them. In some urban communities, even gang bangers are revered. Within the Church Of God In Christ, our young men seek the highest office of bishop, and our young ladies aspire to be bishops’ wives.We admire our su

perintendents, supervisors, elders, evangelists, music directors, and other high-profile church leaders. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with aspiring for greatness. God has placed inside all of us gifts, talents, and the desire to reach and achieve our goals. As our faces differ, so do our gift(s). God’s plan for you is that you will use your gift to bless others. Therefore, it is your responsibility to nourish and cultivate your gifts and talents because your success comes from where God appoints you. The dictionary defines success as a “favorable or desired outcome; the fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect or fame. Success is the correct or desired result of an attempt.” Joshua 1:8 states,“This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.”

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Do not doubt that God wants you to succeed. o not be afraid to strive toward your goal. Fear ne gates faith.You must trust that you are not an accident with God and that He has a plan and a purpose for your life (Jeremiah 29:11, 12).You must believe that as a Christian, God is with you and He will help you find your success. Isaiah 41:10 states,“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yes, I will help thee; yes, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Saints are not lucky; we are blessed. According to the dictionary, to be bless ed is to be “divinely or supremely favored; fortunate; blissfully happy or contented.” Success is ours.“The plans of the diligent lead to profit” (Proverbs 21:5). You do not have to lie, cheat, steal, or manipulate to get what God has for you. However, you do have to study your craft for the ministry, career, or goal to which you have been called and appointed (2 Timothy 2:15).To quote Les Brown,“I’d rather be prepared for an opportunity and not have it, then to have an opportunity and not be prepared.” Or as Oprah Winfrey said,“Luck is preparation meeting the mo - ment of opportunity.Without the preparation, when the opportunity shows up and you are not ready, it means nothing.” One version of the Church Of God In Christ theme song states: “This is the Church Of God In Christ We are anointed, by God appointed This is the Church Of God In Christ” Your success comes from where God appoints you. “Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). TWT

The Bible is replete with wonderful stories about people who found great success when they followed the leading of God. Queen Esther saved her people from oppression. Joshua believed God and led his people across the Jordan River into the land God told him to possess. Moses led the people across the Red Sea. Jericho blew the trumpet and the walls tumbled down. Hannah prayed and successfully had a child. Ruth married a wealthy man. Deborah was a judge, and the list goes on. You do not have to be perfect for God to use you.Adam and Eve were disobedient, yet they were the father and mother of all civilization. Abraham was a liar, yet God made him the father of a great nation. Joseph had an attitude, but saved his people from starvation. David was an adulterer, but became a King. It is said that Elijah was bipolar and that Peter was a liar. Martha was jealous of her sister Mary, and Apostle Paul had a disability. Many Christians accept that Jesus died for their sins. They believe their healing was provided through the shedding of Christ’s blood on the Cross.Yet, they fail to understand that the same Blood of Jesus Christ made provision for their success. 3 John 1:2 states,“I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.” Some Christians become discouraged because they have waited a long time to achieve the success God promised. Philippi ans 4:6 tells us,“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanks giving, present your request to God.” Do not give up. You must remember that de lay is not denial. Proverbs 16:3 states,“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. This is a promise from God. God cannot lie (Num bers 23:19).What God promised, He will perform. Proverbs 3:6 states,“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”You do not need fame to be considered successful.Your success may simply be as an encourager of others, a comedian that brings joy and laughter, a role model for a young person, a missionary, a teacher, a homemaker, etc.You are successful when you are in the will of God. Psalm 32:8 states,“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go; I will counsel you and watch over you.”

Marion McNair is an Evangelist-Missionary at West Angeles COGIC (Los Angeles, CA).

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Bishop Sedgwick Daniels Church Of God In Christ

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The Timeless Treasure of the DANIELS’ TOUCH

Editor’s Note: Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard, the General Board, The Whole Truth staff and the entire Church Of God In Christ Inc. honors the life and legacy of Bishop Sedgwick Daniels. Church Of God In Christ Financial Secretary Bishop Frank AWhite provides the following heartfelt tribute… A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.” –Ecclesiastes 7:1

Thirty-five years ago , the late Dr. Charles E. Quillen, the silver tongued orator, and my distinguished predecessor at the Historic King’s Chapel Church of God in Christ in the heart of the Hamptons, advised me that “There is a young, progressive, influential family in Milwaukee” with whom I needed to be connected. Emphasizing the premise of Ecclesiastes 7:1, the name Sedgwick Daniels was a “good name”- from a stately heritage, corroborated by a record of magnificent works, birthed from a vision that transcended the status quo, and validated by a strong fol - lowing from every level of his cosmopolitan presence, his reputation preceded him. In due course, the providence of God arranged the connection, and we immediately became brothers for life. Our friendship, from its very outstart, was genuine, meaningful, and unshakable. Our uninterrupted rhythm of fellowship

brought us together on nearly every occasion: local, district and jurisdictional, supporting each other’s work with unselfish commit - ment. For as conveniently as my dear friend invited me to deliver the Word of God at his very first District Meeting as a newly appointed superintendent, he likewise mounted the central podium as keynote speaker of my Inaugural Pastoral Gala. And so it went on – just like that – serving, sharing and supporting each other, shoulder to shoulder, with like-minded unity, down through the years. As the seasons passed, the fruitful branches of the Daniels and White Families would become inseparably inter twined. The 2008 Quadrennial welcomed the seating of my beloved father, Bishop Frank Otha White, alongside Bishop Sedgwick Daniels on the General Board. The brotherhood,

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camaraderie, and covenant bond between these two Episcopal masterminds was as pleasant and refresh ing as the dew of Hermon. Yet there was more. There

cation, raising awareness, establishing networks and strengthening his community, Bishop Daniels’ heart was fixed upon bringing relief to a wounded gener -

were precious parallels with in our families which I yet hold dearly. The most striking recol lection of all is how sharp ly the late Mother Kath - erine Daniels reminded me of my own grandmother, Mother Mar - garet White.

ation. With a polished ecclesiastical demeanor, endued in the rich soil of the Church Of God In Christ, we all knew and respected his commit ment to a circumspect walk of com plete transpar ency. Char acter at its

finest! In fact, the only feature of his character which eclipsed his noble posture was his authentic humility. The most unassuming hero of this generation, attract ing the respect and admiration of even those who had

Both these women carried a heavy anointing cloaked in a quiet and gentle maternal demeanor. Somehow, in the midst of worship, their tender presence among the saints was powerful enough, without ever ap proaching the micro phone, to shift the entire

lost their way, he was intentional in maximiz ing his unique gift for building bridges, building people, con necting the dots and ultimately making a difference. From Bishop Daniels own perspective, evangelism was the key, education was the pass port and vision was the substance that unlocked the world of untapped possibilities. Without

spiritual atmosphere and usher-in the move of God. That’s the kind of power we knew and witnessed in the holy precincts of the early Church! Etched even more deeply into my fondest memo ries was Bishop Daniels’ hospitality within the vibrant family gather

question, our worldwide Pentecostal family owes a great deal to the place Bishop Daniels occupied upon the canvas of our global prominence. This is not to overlook his ecumenical leverage across denomi national movements, nor the shared esteem among national, state and local governmental officials. To that end, it remains impossible not to be inspired by Bishop Daniels’ record of accomplishments visibly situated upon the Holy Redeemer Campus: A Senior Housing Complex, a Credit Union, a Chris-

ings of the Daniels’ dynasty. Warmth, kindness, and graciousness, sprinkled with contagious laughter, filled every get-together around the table with un - forgettable delight! Charles Haddon Spurgeon aptly remarked, “Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend.” An entrepreneurial champion, an influential nego - tiator, a far-sighted, forward-thinking, masterfully astute communicator, promoting the urgency of edu

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tian Academy, a Preparatory Academy, a Charter School, a Boys and Girls Club, a Housing Devel opment, a Health & Fitness Center and Educational Consortium, all representing cutting edge ministry, aimed at circumventing the risk of today’s families spiraling into crisis. Certainly not, if Bishop Daniels had anything to do with it! What then exactly constitutes the significance of “The Daniels’ Touch”? The Daniels’ Touch is the touch of excellence. It stimulates the imagination of the young, gives inspiration to one’s peers across the landscape of 21st Century ministry; builds bridges and activates dreams into action. Who can deny how keenly he was tapped into the multi layered needs of all people, of all ages – both socially and spiritually? With this in

tively. This was to ensure that no one was ever over looked. Consequently, the Daniels’ Touch embraced the privileged, the affluent and the aristocratic, as well as the destitute, the downtrodden and the de jected. In his world, there was room for anyone who simply needed to be reached, touched-up or restored. Above all, the Daniels’ Touch was balanced by a clear, theologically responsible message to the masses. Who else could explain the story of salvation with such patience, annotating complex, doctrinal positions and elucidating the simplicity of the Good News? The Daniels’ Touch was stirred-up by human compassion. It was trademarked with ingenuity. The Daniels’ Touch furthermore carried a distinct sound: A sound which awakens an appreciation and respect for the spirit, sound and sanctity of our great Church.

sight, he was able to effectuate the resources and initiate the infrastructure for bringing people together to work towards a common goal: improving the quality of life in their communities. But it never ended there. Bishop Daniels so deeply desired that every pro gram he implemented be mod eled for the continuity of per sonal empowerment. His heart’s desire was to see people take back control over their lives.

It is a touch that both celebrates and cultivates the texture of the Old Landmark. And yet, how comfort ing it is to know that the Daniels’ Touch is yet felt circulating in our hearts and abiding in our spirits, even right now. Though he has now left this world, a departure which forces us to cope with a gaping emotional void, we are nevertheless honored to have walked among this man – one of the quint - essential towering heroes of our epoch saga – a man whose magnanimous scope of works invigorated us all to do more, give more, learn more, see more and be more. Despite the troublesome realities of the day: teenage delinquency, low performing academics and rising juvenile crime statistics; despite the bold stance against the authority of Scripture, legislation designed to uproot the sanctity of the family and the

The Daniels’ Touch left no one behind. It was a touch that was sensitive, discerning and always benevo lent. Without flinching, Bishop Daniels could detect an individual’s potential, nurture it, nourish it, and navigate its success. Never dwelling on anyone’s weaknesses, but always encouraging their strengths, the Daniels’ Touch was always accessible, approach able and entrenched in the behavior of breaking ground, digging wells and paving roadways to higher achievement. In his heart, it was never well enough for only one to do well, but for all to have equal access to the fulfillment of their life goals. This is what ministry refined by the Daniels’ Touch looked like! Nothing happened under his executive oversight without a plan. Moving in haste was never the Dan - iels’ style. Every ministerial adventure was carefully thought-out - intentionally, methodically, and intui

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The General Board Members of The Church Of God In Christ, Inc.

rumbling protests targeted at robbing our children of their God-given identities, the Daniels’ Touch shall continually make full proof of the attitude, that “We Are Better Than That!” The Daniels’ Touch is the touch of distinction. It is the touch of innovation. The Daniels’ Touch operates only in wisdom, no less influential than the Sons of Issachar “who had under - standing of the times and were wise to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). At the close of the day, when the shadows come and evening appears across the Church Of God In Christ skyline, the now empty seat at the table conveys the physical absence of a worshipper - a true worshipper. With every fiber of his being, Bishop Daniels praised God! He passionately worshipped God. He loved God. He loved God’s people, and He loved the love of God – and with his eyes set towards the heavenly prize, nothing could separate him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Never wavering in His faith, never vacillating in his witness of this great Gospel, and never compromising the sincerity of his testimony, he remained fixed upon his model saluta - tion, “I’m peaceful.” Indeed, he is, even as his enrap - tured spirit bespeaks the Last Will and Testament of The Prince of Peace, Our Lord and Savior, “Peace I

leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). A covenant brother, genuine friend, and devoted con fidant, we traversed the deepest oceans of fellowship, growing working and serving our great Church with passion through the decades. He was an unparalleled “General of the Generations” whose wisdom shall be missed and whose brilliance shall forever illuminate his noble legacy with dignity and grace. Until we are reunited on that glorious day, we shall resound the sweet refrain of our beloved brother, Bishop Sedgwick Daniels, whose brief pilgrimage among us invigorated the saints everywhere to remain confident that “If God can do anything, God can to everything. There is NOTHING too hard for God!” TWT

Frank A.White is the Financial Secretary of the Church Of God In Christ, Inc. He is the pastor of Zion Cathedral COGIC in Freeport, NY.

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Bishop Sedgwick Daniels Church Of God In Christ

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ROWING My name is Gary. I’m the International President of Evangelism. I lead an incredible church and have a successful itinerant ministry. I’ve even been blessed to be a bestselling gospel recording artist (which I still cannot believe). But that hasn’t always been the case. I’ve had to overcome many challenges in my life. My mother was a crackhead, and my father was a “rolling stone.” My father was a musician who traveled the world making music and babies. I was raised by my father’s mother even though he wasn’t an active part of my life. My mother was on drugs almost my entire life. I’m told that I was a drug baby. I was born with medical conditions and struggled my entire life with learning challenges. I later learned that my mother was even a prostitute at one point. She was a beautiful woman mixed with Black, Indian, and Japanese. Her hair went to her calves, and she always wore it in a bun. She was gorgeous but had many demons. I grew up in the ghettos of Los Angeles County, so I know what it’s like for the police to raid your home in the middle of the night, or to dodge drive-by bullets. But out of all my relatives, I was the different child. I was the kid on the front row at church, glued to my pastor’s every word because I was going home to preach it to my own invisible congregation. I was an introvert and shy, but passionate about God. I would spend hours alone praying, worshiping, and reading my Bible. I was not a perfect kid and had behavioral challenges and issues, but I was the boy preacher, and everybody knew it. I love God, partially and probably because I loved my grandmother so much. Mother Helen Sprewell was the church mother and pillar of the community. She By Pastor Gary Sprewell

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“I might even suggest that sometimes God will design a storm or challenge just for your benefit.”

was a strong, anointed woman who taught me about God. She took in my mother and her seven children (by four different men) and treated her like she was her own biological daughter. I prayed daily for God to save my mother. She would do well for a while, and we’d get our own place, but it wouldn’t be long before she messed up and we were right back at grandmother’s house. I re member walking the streets at one and two o’clock in the morning because my mother was running from one of her men, or waiting in the car all night as she went to “visit a friend.” I wanted God to save my mother! Well, the Lord did save her! She was delivered and life was great. She joined this church where she met and fell in love with the pastor’s brother, but he turned her back to drugs and started physically abusing us and molesting my sisters. At the age of 11, I walked in on him molesting my six-year-old sister. I told my moth er, but she chose him over her own children. I can go on and on about my traumatic childhood; how one of my brothers was murdered and another died saving me from drowning; the experience of going to fam ily court watching my mother defend my abuser, or about my suicide attempts. I could fill every page of this magazine with my experiences of loss, rejection and abuse, but that’s not necessary. You have your own story and experiences that have made you who you are. People see the glory, but they don’t know the story!

Matthew 14:22-33 tells the story of Peter walking on water. Water walking is the glory but there is so much more to his story! Jesus tells the dis - ciples to get in the boat and go before him to the oth er side. They obey His instruction, but they run into a storm which proves that obedience doesn’t exempt you from trouble. That’s critical to remember when facing storms because the enemy will try to convince you that you’ve done something wrong, or that God isn’t pleased with you. But that’s not always the case. In fact, sometimes your storm is a direct result of your obedience to God. They wouldn’t be in this storm if they hadn’t obeyed the Master! You can be in a storm and in His will at the same time! I might even suggest that sometimes God will design a storm or challenge just for your benefit. On that boat were twelve disciples, but one of them was about to do what no other human had ever done before. He’s about to be the first to accomplish some - thing major, which tells me that sometimes you can measure your potential by your storm. I realize now what I couldn’t comprehend as a child: Every single challenge I’ve faced in my life was only preparing me for the greatness that was already in me. You must remind yourself that God isn’t trying to kill you, but He is trying to develop you. Your storm is developing your endurance. David said, it was good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statues (Psalm 119:71). Endurance and tenacity are developed in a storm, not on the shore. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and He alone on the land. And He

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