19 JUNE 2017 BODY OF CHRIST NEWS Tug of War In my 40 years of living I have had many valuable lessons, some have shaped my life for the better and oth- ers have caused more pain then it’s been worth. However, I am grateful for every lesson that has changed my life because without the good or the bad, I would have remained stagnant. With each life lesson I realize that there is also an internal Tug of War. This Tug of War can occur for many reasons, some reasons explainable, others not so much. Some Tug of Wars come because we are battling internally a moral decision, or perhaps we are hiding informa- tion or maybe our flesh is at war with our spirit, which can happen often as a believer in Christ Jesus. Where ever our Tug of War may be originating from, we must realize and remember that if we keep our eyes on God and our ears to His heart we gain strength for the Journey and wisdom for each decision. For those of you that have small kids, you can appreciate this illustration. I was at my kid’s school for field day. During this field day the kids had at least 6 stations of activities, and one of the last activities was a tug of war challenge. My son’s class went to the rope and positioned themselves evenly on both sides and began to pull. Each side was pulling with great strength, perseverance and concentration. Somehow, my son’s side began to lose strength and the opposing side seemed to gain strength, they had the upper hand for sure. As I stood on the sideline watching this challenge, I noticed my son seemed to lose heart and he started to give into the thought of losing, as I observed this, I began to encourage him to pull harder, stronger and don’t give up. He heard my voice and then reposi- tioned himself for winning, he start- ed pulling harder and more intently. All because he heard my voice. How many times in life are we at a tug of war moment and all we need is to hear the voice of authority, God our father? When He speaks, miracles happen, when He speaks the wind ceases, when He speaks bodies are healed, when He speaks hearts are mended, when He speaks direction is given. When He speaks, our most challenging moments become our most triumph times. In the midst of life’s tug of war, we must position ourselves for winning, we do that by engaging in sincere prayer time, making realistic goals, assembling an accountability team and being honest about where we are in life. The truth of the matter is we will all engage in a tug of war in our lives but what makes us winners is how we position ourselves. Not focusing on the details of the challenge but entering into the challenge with a winning attitude, under- standing that Christ defeated everything on Calvary’s cross. Are you ready to go to war? Indeed you are because you’re already a winner! By Sparkle Robinson Sparkle Robinson MOM-ME MOMENTS Pastor Emeritus Russell Brown Sr. and Wife Elizabeth V. Brown Celebrate 70 Years Together Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord. — Psalms 1 Apostle Lewis Brown Sr. & Ramona Brown, the Pastors of New Beginnings Cathedral of Worship, honored his par- ents Pastor Emeritus Russell & Elizabeth Brown Sr. 70th-Weddng Anniversary The celebration took place on Saturday, June 24th. Immediate family, NBC congrega- tion featured a special guest Minister from Atlanta, GA. Apostle Lewis presented a proclamation to his parents with the special presenta- tion of gifts, ending with refreshments enjoyed by all. To God be the Glory!