29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Celebrating National Women’s History Month 2026
“Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”
We welcome back Dr. Timothy & Dr. Shirley Stanfill of Kingdom Word and Worship Cathedral. This Kingdom Power Couple embodies what it means to serve God together with clarity, conviction, and love. Their ministry is not only a shared calling but a living testimony of partnership, prayer, and perseverance. In this candid conversation, they share insights on marriage, ministry, leadership, and the legacy they are building together.
Pastor Rhoda Turner
There
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:11
Contributors
DR. CARLA DEBNAM
Dr. Carla J. Debnam is the wife of Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam and an associate minister of Morning Star Baptist Church, Woodlawn, MD. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American Association of Christian Counselors and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Debnam has contributed to two books, Those Sisters Can Preach: 22 Pearls of Wisdom, Virtue & Hope, and 7 Ingredients To An Effective Prayer Life Series, Vol.3-5.
Jackie Epps
EDITORIAL
Dr. Carla J. Debnam
Min. Carenda Deonne
Brandie Manigault
Dr. Denyce Daniels
Rhoda Turner
Siobhan Saulsbury
Ericka J.
GRAPHIC ARTIST
Claire Lesesne
www.JandCDesigns.com
Grace & Glory Magazine is the ideal publication for Encouragement, Empowerment and Inspiration.
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BRANDIE MANIGAULT
Brandie Manigault is the Co-founder of Healing Voice Ministries, Co-pastor of Ecos Church, and the author of New Day Fresh Start. Of all of the titles she has and hats she wears; her favorite is wife and mother. She is a firm believer that love wins and is passionate about the health of the soul.
MIN. CARENDA DEONNE
Min. Carenda is an Author, Speaker, Workshop Facilitator, Certified Life Coach, and TV Personality. Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, she received her BA degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and her M.A. in Law Degree (Mediation and Dispute Resolution) from Regent University. Min. Carenda helps individuals and professionals rise above their circumstances by detoxing emotionally. Carenda believes Emotional Management Equals Life Management. Her new book, 12 Rounds...How to Detox Emotionally and Win, is scheduled to launch 2024.
DR. DENYCE WATTIES-DANIELS
Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels has over 25 years of experience as a clinician and nurse educator. Her areas of expertise include critical care nursing, pathophysiology, pharmacology and the use of technology in the classroom. She currently serves as faculty and the Director of the Simulation and Learning Resource Centers of the College of Health Professions at Coppin State University.
PASTOR RHODA TURNER
Rhoda possesses a spirit of humility. Her ministry style is graceful, her message is powerful and her presence is comforting. Being the 9th of 10 children, Rhoda has a deep passion for family and the wholistic development of children. She is considered by many as a mentor and mother figure.
Rhoda and her husband Pastor Jason Turner, serve as senior pastors of Christian Faith Fellowship Church in Chandler, AZ.
ERICKA J.
Ericka J. is a Baltimore Native Radio and TV Personality Media Mogul. Ericka J. is a community activist who is very passionate about carrying on the legacy of her mother the late Rev. Sandi Johnson. Ericka J. is also a sought-after hair stylist and fashion icon.
Siobhan Saulsbury
Siobhan Saulsbury is a financial ally. She inspires believers to transform their financial legacy for the benefit of future generations. She teaches on God's guidelines to financial success and health in a relatable and tangible way. Her signature phrase is "Make Good Choices"!
March is Women’s History Month
The National Women’s History Month’s theme for 2026 is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future”. Women’s History Month is an annual observance to highlight the contributions of women in history and contemporary society. We should recognize that all women have stories of their own. We want to salute these diverse women and encourage them by reminding them that they matter to us, and they matter to God.
Women are some of the hardest working people in our society. I will not even try to list everything that women do (the list would go on and on). With all that women do in their daily lives, sometimes life gets in the way and will cause you to lose sight of what really matters, and we need to stop a minute and remind ourselves that we matter in the scheme of things, even when circumstances and difficulties make it hard to hold on to that fact. That is when we need to feed our faith, hold on to our hope, and be empowered to carry out God’s purpose for our life.
The fact that you matter to God holds so much weight, especially to women who hold the weight of the world on their shoulders. God will equip and put in you just what you need to do what He has called you to do, and you will be blown away at what God can do, He can do exceeding abundantly, above all that you can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Of course, it is not always easy, as women we have had our share of challenges and disappointments and at times, we have even wanted to quit… but I am in awe of what God will do to show us that we matter to Him, His plan, and His purpose. This plan was never about us; we are just vessels that God uses to accomplish His will.
No matter where you are at this point in your life, no matter how young or how old, there has always been a purpose and plan for your life that goes hand in hand with God’s will for women of God. I think it is very important that we as women know we matter to God (need I even list all the powerful women who did great and mighty things in the Bible). Even if you must remind yourself every day, “Women matter to God and we fit into His plan”, then do that because God can use
Jackie
you; there is just one condition and that is to be willing to let God use you, and your willingness to serve so that He gets the glory out of your life.
I suggest you look back over your life and see how God has been working His plan in your life all along. You will see that your resume’ tells a story, stories of victories and triumphs, stories of healing and deliverance, and stories of salvation and God’s love for you. Your story is proof that you do matter to God.
Happy Women’s History Month…Celebrate your Awesomeness!
Dr. Timothy & Dr. Shirley
“Blessings to Grace & Glory Magazine, my dear sister Jackie Epps and all the readers. We’re so very glad to be a part of Grace & Glory for this month. We truly miss you and thank you for including us and all the things that you’re doing for the kingdom.”
Bishop Shirley & Pastor Timothy Stanfill
The Stanfills-Kingdom Power Couple
G&G: How did God bring your individual callings together into one shared ministry vision?
Bishop Shirley Stanfill: God didn’t just connect us emotionally—He connected us spiritually. Before we ever talked about “ministry together,” the Lord dealt with our individual yes. When two people each surrender to God privately, Heaven can trust them publicly. Over time, we started seeing that what God was speaking to me in prayer was aligning with what He was speaking to Pastor Tim. It wasn’t forced. It was confirmed—through fruit, through timing, and through the burdens God placed on both of our hearts.
Pastor Tim Stanfill: I always say it like this: our callings weren’t competing, they were completing. God used our experiences—our scars, our testimony, our passion—to build one vision. When you recognize your marriage is also an assignment, you stop treating it like a personal project and start treating it like a Kingdom partnership. That’s what happened for us—God merged purpose, not just personalities.
how to take what God said and make sure it’s carried out with excellence. Bishop Shirley hears deeply, and I move decisively. She strengthens the spiritual foundation; I help strengthen the practical framework. But the truth is—we both submit to the same God, and that’s what makes it work.
G&G: How do you discern God’s direction together when making ministry decisions?
G&G: What does being a “kingdom power couple” mean to you beyond the title? How do your gifts and leadership styles complement one another?
Bishop Shirley Stanfill: “Power” in the Kingdom isn’t about influence—it’s about obedience. It’s about staying submitted to God even when it costs you comfort. A kingdom power couple is simply a couple that has agreed to let God lead. We don’t use the title to be admired; we use the assignment to serve. My leadership is very prayerdriven, prophetic, and people-centered. I listen for what God is doing in hearts, in homes, and in the atmosphere.
Pastor Tim Stanfill: And I’m more builder minded. I’m strategic, I’m visionary, and I’m focused on structure—
Bishop Shirley Stanfill: We don’t rush direction. We value peace more than pressure. We pray separately, then we pray together. And we pay attention to confirmation—Scripture, spiritual counsel, timing, and the fruit that follows. God is not the author of confusion, so if something is stirring confusion, we pause and seek clarity.
Pastor Tim Stanfill: We also ask hard questions: Does this align with our assignment? Does this protect our home? Does this honor God? Does this help people? Sometimes the answer is not “no” forever—it’s “not yet.” We’ve learned that waiting is not weakness. Waiting is worship.
G&G: What have you learned about protecting your marriage while leading in ministry? And what has serving together taught you about love, sacrifice, and humility?
Bishop Shirley Stanfill: Ministry will take as much as you allow it to take. So, we guard our covenant. We protect our time, our communication, and our friendship. We refuse to let the needs of the people replace the needs of our relationship. Our marriage is also ministry. Serving together has taught me humility—because you cannot lead effectively if you’re always trying to be right. You have to stay teachable. You have to be willing to
Dr. Timothy and Dr. Shirley Stanfill
Q&A
apologize quickly. You have to choose unity over ego.
Pastor Tim Stanfill: For me, I learned that love is not just what you feel—it’s what you carry. You carry one another in prayer. You carry one another when one is tired. You carry one another when the season is heavy. Sacrifice is real. Sometimes you sacrifice your preferences, your pace, even your pride. And humility is essential because if we’re both submitted to God, then neither of us is above correction. We’ve learned to protect the marriage by protecting the atmosphere— what we allow in conversation, what we entertain emotionally, and what we permit to distract us from each other.
G&G: What legacy do you hope your marriage and ministry will leave?
Bishop Shirley Stanfill: We want our legacy to say that God can be trusted with “yes.” That covenant still matters. That holiness still works. And that you don’t have to lose your family to build God’s house. If people remember anything about us, we pray they remember faithfulness— faithfulness to God, to one another, and to the people we’ve been assigned to serve.
Pastor Tim Stanfill: We want to leave a legacy of spiritual impact and generational strength. Not just sermons preached—but lives changed. Not just ministry built—but disciples made. We want our marriage to be a living witness that two people can walk in unity, purpose, and power without pride—because the goal was never spotlight, it was souls.
G&G: What counsel would you give couples who feel called to serve God together?
Bishop Shirley Stanfill: First—make sure your relationship with God is solid individually before you try to be powerful together. Two empty people don’t make a full couple. Pray separately, build your personal disciplines, and
let God develop your character. Then, agree on the mission. Because love alone won’t sustain purpose—alignment will. Also, protect your communication. Don’t let ministry make you professional partners but emotional strangers. Keep dating. Keep laughing. Keep talking. And don’t be afraid to seek wise counsel—covering is protection, not restriction.
Pastor Tim Stanfill: I would tell couples: don’t compete— complete. Don’t compare your calling to other couples— commit to your assignment. And be honest about your lanes. Everybody can’t lead the same way at the same time. Learn who graces what and respect it. And here’s a big one—don’t use “ministry” as an excuse to avoid dealing with personal issues. Get healed. Get delivered. Get mature. Because if you don’t handle the private, the public will eventually expose it. Serve together from wholeness, not hype.
G&G: Lastly, what is on the horizon for Pastor Tim and Bishop Shirley Stanfill?
Bishop Shirley Stanfill: We believe we are entering a season of greater reach and deeper impact—strengthening families, building leaders, and expanding our ability to serve beyond the four walls. We’re focused on raising up disciples who carry both power and purity, truth and love.
Pastor Tim Stanfill: We’re also pressing into expansion—more teaching, more outreach, more mentorship, and more content that equips believers for real life. We’re committed to building platforms that point people back to Jesus, strengthen the church, and help the next generation stand strong. What’s on the horizon is growth—but not just bigger. Better. Deeper. More effective. More aligned. And most importantly—more obedient to what God is saying right now.
Go Hard Girl
Insights from Bishop Shirley Stanfill.
G&G: What was the vision behind Go Hard Girl, and how did God lead you to start this ministry?
Bishop Shirley Stanfill: The ministry was founded to challenge women to pursue God with courage, consistency, and conviction. It is a movement for women determined to “go hard” for Him.
G&G: What does the name “Go Hard Girl” mean from a spiritual perspective?
Bishop Shirley Stanfill: It means serving Him with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength; we are called to go hard at all times.
G&G: Who is Go Hard Girl for?
Bishop Shirley Stanfill: It is for young ladies of any age, culture, or background who have a plan and purpose for who they are and what they are called to do.
G&G: What does it look like for women to “go hard” for God in everyday life?
Bishop Shirley Stanfill: It involves achieving wholeness in seven key areas: financially, mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, educationally, and socially.
G&G: What challenges do women face that this ministry helps address?
Bishop Shirley Stanfill: We address the enemy’s attempts to “wear us out” by directing energy toward better health choices, weight loss, and emotional stability.
G&G: As a woman in leadership, what has going hard for God taught you?
The Fundamental Truth
Insights from Pastor Tim Stanfill, Bishop Shirley Stanfill and Overseer Mark Tyler
G&G: What inspired you to write The Fundamental Truth?
Pastor Tim Stanfill: The Lord showed me that while the Church brings people to the altar, they often get “stuck”. This book provides a clear direction for next steps, showing that salvation is a process of intentional, subsequent events.
G&G: When you speak of “fundamental truth,” what are you referring to?
Pastor Tim Stanfill: I am referring to the foundation of our belief. It removes opinions and denominations to provide a clear understanding of what God expects and desires of us, especially as the Gospel has become watered down.
Bishop Shirley Stanfill: It has taught me that we must be the “mannequins of the kingdom,” living so abundantly that others want our God. We must show that we are more than conquerors and raise the standards God has called us to live by.
G&G: Lastly, what’s next for Go Hard Girl?
Bishop Shirley Stanfill: In April, at our Stretch Conference, the “Go Hard” ladies will share their successes in entrepreneurship, weight loss, and marriage. We will show that when we work hard and seek wisdom, the results are magnificent.
G&G: Who is this book written for, and what do you hope readers experience?
Pastor Tim Stanfill: It is for every believer, backslider, and long-time church member. I hope readers move toward intentionality in fasting, consecration, and the actual application of Scripture.
G&G: Why do you believe this message is especially important right now?
Pastor Tim Stanfill: Because there are many “false messiahs” and distorted religions being paraded as if they were approved by God. This book brings the believer back to the basics required by God.
G&G: What foundational truth do you believe the Church has neglected?
Pastor Stanfill: The Church has neglected holiness and the sacredness of worship, often turning it into entertainment or a business.
G&G: Lastly, what is God prophetically calling the Church back to right now?
Pastor Tim Stanfill: God is calling the Church to focus on three things: the saving of souls, the strengthening of the weak, and the development of the strong. We must have an “awakening” and the ability to grow believers who are currently immature or asleep.
Dr. Timothy Stanfill
We build what we see — so others can live what they’ve only hoped for.
DEBNAM Dr. Carla
Wake Up Call
We live in a fast-paced and ever-changing world. We spend a lot of time learning new ways to communicate and create opportunities for fostering relationships whether over the Internet or face to face. No matter where we live or what kind of work we do, there is always a new and improved way to meet our goals and improve our methods of presenting our gifts, talents and skills to our target audience. Using our best efforts to network and make our mark in the world has become a twenty-four seven business. Even churches have changed how they deliver the Word by changing the worship services to fit the needs of the congregation and potential churchgoers. Keeping up with the times has become a full-time job. This has left many people stressed and burned out because of the increased expectations and the lack of down time to rest and be restored. Flexible work environments have added convenience but that also comes with the unspoken expectation of always being accessible to the job.
All of these changes in the delivery of services, access to the workplace, and connections to people anytime and anywhere have become problematic. We are in a season where we must heed the signs and symptoms of our lives on overload. We are overwhelmed by taking care of our parents, our children and our grandchildren simultaneously. Our money does not stretch as far as it used to, so this adds to an already stressful lifestyle. We must face what’s happening and heed the wake-up call to address what could be a needed turning point in how we handle the changes and challenges of life.
Sometimes the wakeup call is a health crisis, the unexpected loss of a loved one, a job loss or relationship change. These can send us into an emotional tailspin, which can lead us to make rash decisions. A wakeup call can also be the push we need to improve our health, update our resume’ or work on our people skills. In Romans 13 we are encouraged to heed the signs of the times.
“Do this because we live in an important time. It is now time for you to wake up from your sleep, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The “night” is almost finished, and the “day” is almost here. So we should stop doing things that belong to darkness and take up the weapons used for fighting in the light.”
(Romans 13:11-12)
This wakeup call is not just in the physical but it is also a spiritual wakeup call. We have to not only pay attention to what is happening in the culture but also in our spiritual lives. God uses circumstances and situations to help us navigate the ups and downs of life. Let’s take advantage of the wakeup calls when we receive them so we can maximize our efforts to be all that God created us to be. Remember that God will use all of the changes and transitions to bring out the good work He has prepared for us. When your wakeup call comes, answer it in faith knowing that you can do all things through Christ.
Deonne Min. Carenda
When Peace Calms What Logic Cannot
There is a kind of peace that doesn’t make logical sense. It doesn’t rise and fall with circumstances. It doesn’t panic when plans shift or crumble when uncertainty knocks. As Christian believers, we are invited into a peace that goes beyond explanation — a peace that surpasses understanding. In Philippians 4:7, we are reminded that, “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Notice that this peace does not require clarity. It does not demand that every problem be solved or every question answered. It simply settles you — even when life is unsettled.
In a world driven by urgency, pressure, and constant noise, this kind of peace stands out. When others are anxious, reactive, and overwhelmed, the believer anchored in God’s promises responds differently. That doesn’t mean we ignore reality or pretend challenges don’t exist. It means we filter them through faith first. We pray before we panic. We pause before we react. We trust before we spiral. And people notice. They may not immediately understand the source of your calm, but they will admire the steadiness. They will see that your confidence is not rooted in control, but in trust. There is something powerful about a believer who can sit in the middle of uncertainty and still breathe deeply because they know who holds her future.
This peace also becomes a practical wellness strategy. Stress often intensifies when we try to carry what was never ours to hold. We replay conversations, overanalyze outcomes, and attempt to manage every detail. But the peace of God acts as a guard —
protecting our hearts from emotional overload and our minds from relentless worry. When we surrender outcomes to God, we create margin in our nervous system. We sleep better. We think clearer. We make decisions from a grounded place instead of a frantic one. Peace is not passive; it is protective. It keeps stress from taking up permanent residence in our bodies and spirits.
But here is what is most powerful: this peace is cultivated before the storm, not just during it. It grows in daily prayer, in quiet moments of reflection, in intentional surrender. The more you practice releasing control in small situations, the stronger your faith becomes in larger ones. Peace becomes your posture, not just your emergency response. And when peace becomes your posture, stress loses its grip.
Living with this level of peace is a daily choice. It requires returning to prayer, returning to scripture, and returning to trust — sometimes multiple times a day. It means reminding yourself that God is sovereign, even when situations feel unstable. And as you consistently choose faith over fear, you will notice something beautiful happening: not only will others be drawn to your calm confidence, but you will begin to stress easy in the days to come. You won’t be easily shaken by headlines, deadlines, or setbacks. You will carry a quiet strength that says, “God is in control.” And that assurance — that deep, unexplainable peace — becomes your testimony.
By Min.Carenda Deonne — She Talks Purpose
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Rhoda
Standing in the Gap: The Power of Supporting One Another TURNER
The other day at church, I found myself in a conversation that reminded me just how important it is to truly support one another—especially when we don’t yet know the depth of someone’s pain. I was speaking with a woman about what she had been going through when she shared something that stopped me in my tracks. She told me she wanted to give up. When I gently asked her to explain, she said she was tired—tired of struggling, tired of life, tired of carrying so much. She shared that she felt ready to be done with life altogether. The only thing keeping her here was her children.
That moment mattered more than she may ever know.
I had been trying to connect with her for quite some time. For nearly a year, she kept me at arm’s length. I would check in, encourage her to call me, offer to listen—but she never did. Still, I never stopped reaching out. Even without closeness, I made sure she knew the door was always open. Sometimes supporting others doesn’t look like immediate
Galatians 6:2 NIV
connection. Sometimes it looks like consistency—showing up even when you’re not let in.
A few days after that church conversation, we agreed on a time for me to call her. When I did, she didn’t answer. In that moment, I thought the door had closed again. I paused and prayed, asking God for guidance. I didn’t want fear, doubt, or the enemy to interfere with what God was doing in that moment. Not long after, she texted me back and asked for a few minutes before calling. When she did, she opened up in a way she never had before.
She shared that while she had thoughts of ending her life, she didn’t have the courage to do so. She explained how she had spent her entire life putting everyone else’s needs before her own. She felt lost and unseen, unsure if she even mattered anymore. She was so good at being there for everyone else that she had forgotten how to be there for herself. She was the oldest child in a divorced family—the one who held everything together. The caretaker. The fixer. The strong one. And now, she was exhausted.
I told her what she needed to hear: it was time to put herself first. After a lifetime of caring for everyone else, she deserved care too. I reminded her that she was not alone. I shared that I, too, am on a self-healing journey—learning what brings me joy and wholeness. I told her we didn’t have to walk that journey separately; we could walk it together.
So often in life, people are placed in our path, and we don’t immediately understand why. Sometimes the purpose of the connection is revealed quickly, and other times it takes time. But when we remain open, patient, and faithful, the reason always reveals itself. March is Women’s History Month—a time when we honor women who laid foundations for us to stand on. But it’s also a time to recognize the women standing beside us right now— carrying silent burdens, holding families together, and showing up for everyone else while neglecting themselves. We are called to stand in the gap for one another. This month, take time to reach out to a woman. Check in. Listen. Be present. Let her know she matters—to you and to God. Your consistency, your compassion, and your willingness to support her could be the very thing that reminds her she is not alone.
Sometimes, simply showing up saves a life.
Pastor Rhoda Turner Christian Faith Fellowship Church Chandler, AZ
www.cffaz.org
Burston-White Clarinda
Seeking First the Kingdom
In a world driven by ambition, material gain, and constant striving, the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33 offer a timeless and transformative principle: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This verse, nestled within the Sermon on the Mount, speaks directly to our priorities, values, and the very foundation upon which we build our lives. Understanding Matthew 6:33 is not only essential for spiritual growth but also offers practical wisdom for living a balanced, fulfilled life.
Matthew 6:33 comes at a pivotal point in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7), where he addresses the anxieties and worries of everyday living—the concern for food, clothing, and other necessities. Preceding this verse, Jesus challenges his followers not to be consumed by worry over their material needs, pointing out how God cares for all creation, from birds of the air to flowers in the field. If God provides for the natural world so faithfully, Jesus reasons, believers can trust Him to supply their needs.
The command to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” is a call to orient one’s life around the values, purposes, and demands of God’s reign. The kingdom is not merely a future hope but a present reality in which God’s will is pursued and manifested through justice, righteousness, mercy, and love.
What Does It Mean to Seek the Kingdom First?
To seek the kingdom first means making God’s priorities the top priority in your life. It’s an invitation to reorder what we pursue and what we treasure. Instead of chasing after wealth, status, or temporary pleasures, seeking God’s kingdom directs energy toward spiritual and moral growth, service to others, and aligning our decisions with God’s will.
Seeking God’s kingdom involves:
-Pursuing God’s righteousness: This is more than personal holiness; it is righteousness in action—a commitment to justice, ethical behavior, and living out God’s laws in practical ways.
-Living with kingdom values: Love, humility, forgiveness, and compassion become the guiding principles.
-Trusting God’s provision: When the kingdom is prioritized, worries about material needs lessen because believers trust that God, who rules over all, will provide.
The Promise That Accompanies This Seeking
The second half of the verse, “and all these things will be given to you as well,” addresses the very real concerns that Jesus acknowledged. The “things” refer to the necessities of life—food, drink, and clothing—which people often become anxious about.
Jesus assures that these will not be neglected if the kingdom is diligently sought.
This promise is not a guarantee of wealth or a life free from hardship, but an assurance of God’s faithfulness to care for those who prioritize Him. It shifts the focus from frantic, anxious striving to calm, confident trust.
Relevance in Today’s Society
In modern culture, which often equates success with accumulation and self-promotion, Matthew 6:33 challenges prevailing patterns. The verse encourages reflection on questions like:
- What drives my daily decisions?
- Am I seeking material comfort above spiritual health?
- How do I balance ambition with faith and trust in God? For many, applying this teaching means redefining success and reconsidering what truly matters. It invites individuals to evaluate whether their pursuits contribute to the flourishing of God’s kingdom or simply serve self-interest.
Practical Applications
Living out Matthew 6:33 can take many forms:
1. Prioritizing spiritual disciplines: Daily prayer, studying scripture, and worship can help cultivate a kingdom-oriented mindset.
2. Serving others: Engaging in acts of kindness, justice, and charity reflects kingdom values and righteousness.
3. Simplifying life: Reducing attachment to material goods and consumerism can help reduce anxiety and open space for deeper trust in God’s provision.
4. Making values-based decisions: Choosing careers, relationships, and lifestyles that reflect kingdom priorities rather than societal pressures.
Conclusion
Matthew 6:33 offers a profound and practical roadmap for life. It challenges us to evaluate what we seek first and foremost and promises that when God’s kingdom is our priority, our needs will be met. Beyond simple advice, this verse calls for a radical reorientation of heart and mind—one that moves from anxiety and selfish striving to trust and kingdom living.
In a world often marked by uncertainty and distraction, this verse resonates as a beacon, inviting us into peace, purpose, and the joyous pursuit of God’s reign here and now. Seeking first the kingdom really does change everything—guiding us to a life abundant not just in material provision but, more importantly, in spiritual fulfillment and eternal significance.
Pastor Clarinda Burston-White – Miracle Church
Brandie
Manigault
There is a Tension With My Fleshly Desires and My Desire for His Desires.
If I am honest my flesh wants (still even just a little bit) to see people not doing well. There have been people in my life who have hurt me, lied on me, and put my life in danger and didn’t consider the consequences of their actions on my family. They didn’t value my life to the degree that I think they should have. My history with them, in my opinion, warranted a different response to conflict than what I received from them.
So even now, years later, my desire at times is to see them “paying” even ever so slightly.
The wrestle in my heart is that I know the Lord has a different intention for their life. He has a greater good for them. And ultimately, I want what He wants… or at least I want to want what He wants.
If I have been extended grace to grow and change and not have to “pay” for my past mistakes and my flat out intentional bad decisions, then I have to be ok with the same grace being extended to them as well.
This week my heart was confronted with the reality of that tension once again. I was allowed to see what my flesh desired, and for a second I was grateful that I was able to see it.
Thank You Lord.
You are kind to me.
You answered a request that I am ashamed to admit I still had at times.
Justice served. But then came the moment of reckoning.
The Lord: Do you think that’s what I wanted for them?
I know it’s not.
I know man makes decisions and there can be consequences for those decisions, but there’s repentance and forgiveness and changed behavior and grace and all the promises of God.
Now my heart breaks for them instead of smirking with temporary satisfaction. My heart is sad, because my hope for them all these years was that they would have healed and changed, and what was presented to me was contrary to that deep desire. That desire trumped my desire to see them pay. My deepest and strongest desire was for them to be better and do better. I would have hoped that they would have seen “the error of their ways” and changed. But no. Repeat behavior. Repeat inflicted hurt and pain.
Now with this reality check I am left to tend to my own heart again. I felt an unexpected freedom in the heart break. I didn’t realize that I still required payment for their debt owed to me that they were probably unaware of existed to begin with. I said I forgave. I released them from ever having to apologize or make amends. But I guess there was some unforgiveness still lingering, buried and hidden. Sometimes it takes getting what you ask for to expose what you really want at your core.
Today I am experiencing a different type of freedom, and it feels kinda good.
iambandaid
Brandie Manigault
Saulsbury Siobhan
Tip 1
When it comes to investing, many people think you have to make it to a certain financial level before you can get started. But when you think of investing as “adding value,” you can begin at any time, any age, and any financial status. You can start by investing time & effort into increasing your skills, which will lead to an increase in earning potential. So don’t wait, start building a better tomorrow NOW.
Tip 2
Spring break can mean a college trip with friends, a family getaway, or just a fun time somewhere new. What we don’t want it to mean is stress! In order to avoid costs getting out of hand, plan ahead. Set boundaries and stick to them. Your future self will thank you.
Tip 3
So, March Madness is a thing. I’ve never really been a sports person; however, I do enjoy finding new ways to motivate myself. For March “Money” Madness, you can find a challenge that will help you reach your financial goals. If you’re a natural spender, find new ways to save. If you’re a natural saver, find ways to get comfortable with spending. The best part is that everybody wins! When you continue to build habits that sustain a healthy relationship with money you will certainly reap the benefits for yourself and future generations to come!
Ericka J.
Gospel & Entertainment
Rev. Jesse Jackson
Last month, February 17th one of the great leaders of Black Culture, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., transitioned from labor to reward at the age of 84. Rev. Jackson was an ordained minister and politician, as well as a huge contributor to making history in the fight for civil rights for Black people. Jackson undoubtedly left an imprint in history, and we celebrate his life and legacy as an admirable, impactful, and profound leader, who fought the good fight of faith and promoted “justice for all.” I had an opportunity to meet and interview Rev. Jackson, and it will always be one of my most inspiring interviews. Rest In Power!
CeCe Winans
Huge Congrats are in order for CeCe Winans on her 18th Grammy win! She is kicking off 2026 beautifully and is headed out on tour this Fall and she’s released new music that’s out RIGHT NOW!
Marvin Sapp
Love Is in the air for Bishop Marvin Sapp; he put a ring on it! The Grammy-nominated Artist and Pastor, proposed to Dr. La’Boris Cole, and is now engaged. Dr. Cole thought she was attending a birthday celebration that turned out to be an engagement party, spearheaded by Sapp’s children, bringing both families together for the magic moment when he popped the question. Congrats!
Jason Clayborne
Jason Clayborne took a rocket ship to 2026! Releasing 2 great songs! “Errrrrr Morning” featuring Pastor Mike Jr. is absolutely a “bop and a vibe” but I wouldn’t expect anything less from these 2 amazing artists! Hold up there’s MORE! “WHATEVER IT IS” a collabo with Melvin Crispell lll! Whew! ANOTHER ONE, I absolutely love it. There are also music videos for both songs, y’all have to check out as well! Out NOW EVERYWHERE! GO GRAB IT!
Ron Kenoly
Beloved worship leader Ron Kenoly transitioned last month on February 4th. For over 40 years, Ron Kenoly wasn’t just a worship leader, he took worship music to 120 countries. He helped people meet God in a deeply personal way through praise and worship. He was known for his ability to blend genres and changed worship music, and notably one of the first worship artists to have their face on an album cover. He left us with 2 quotes that are words to live by and help us in our journey. “Worship in spirit and truth requires more than fancy vocal aerobics, beautiful poetic lyrics and sweet or hot musical passages on the instruments,” and “God is pleased with our
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talents, but He is not impressed by them. … God is always looking at the true heart of the worshiper.” There was such an outpouring of love and admiration from so many who were blessed and impacted by his ministry.
PJ Morton/ Darrel Walls
And the Grammy Award for “BEST GOSPEL ALBUM” goes to PJ Morton & Darrel Walls for the “Heart Of Mine” EP it’s a great record and very deserving of this honor.
Mo Horns
DMV’s Own Brass & Wind Dynasty has released a single titled “Got To Be Enough”, it’s such an upbeat and uplifting song, Mo Horns has been one of the most sought after Jazz Trios, whatever they bless turns to gold and this moment for them is golden, the single is available at all digital outlets NOW! Go get it, let’s support our own!
Relationship Goals
Relationship Goals was such a good movie! I love a good romantic comedy, and this one did not disappoint, and it didn’t hurt one bit; I absolutely love Method Man as well as Kelly Rowland. The movie is about two exes who compete for the same top job at a New York morning show. The movie was produced by DeVon Franklin and is inspired by the bestselling book written by Pastor Michael Todd, blending workplace rivalry with romance and faith-based themes. A romantic comedy that’s faith based, who doesn’t love a good movie with some laughs and a good depiction of the restoration of love. Check it out!
