Words of Life Magazine: January 2012

Capturing a Vision;Reclaiming a City

Taking Back The

City

The Magazine//Issue 003

2 Words of Life Magazine / / Winter 2012/ / www.nlccministry.org

MAGAZINEPRODUCER

Devin Gray

EDITORApril Cheek

DEPUTY EDITORAshley Marie Harris

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Devin Gray

CONSULTANTSJackie Moore

Chinetha Gaither

PASTORS OF NLCCArchie & Audrey Harris

WORDS OF LIFE MAGAZINE is published quarterly by New Life PublicationsP.O. Box 3114Laurel, Maryland

Archie and Audrey Harris, Pastors

For more information about our ministry,

visit us at

www.nlccministry.org

Greetings Readers,

T he year 2012 is promised to be an exciting year in which God has strategically l ined us up to do great works on the earth. For so many, 2011 was a year of

transition and change. Like many of you I have seen days and even weeks where I wasn’t able to see my next steps. 2011 was a year where so many went through changes and were presented with several different predicaments. However, through it all, we can find comfort in knowing that there was, is and will always be one constant in our l ives; Jesus Christ. I f we can trace 2011, we will be able to see where Jesus Himself stepped in and orchestrated our victory. We believe the same and even greater for 2012. As 2011 was a year of transition and change, we are believeing 2012 will be a year of stabil ity and confi-dence. In this season there is no room for assumptions, rather we must be confident in our humble attempts to l ive our l ife by the leading of the Holy Spirit. My prayer for you in 2012 is that you accept the call to take back the city for Jesus Christ. With Passion and Love. Take a stand for Jesus Christ and walk in Victory.

Sincerely,

A.L. Harris, Senior Pastor

+ Jesus =A City Not Forsaken

Isaiah 62:12

Your City

@nlccministry / / Winter 2012 / / Words of Life Magazine 32012Jesus =A City Not Forsaken

Isaiah 62:12

we must pray / stephanie holloman / page four

the battle that was the lord’s / ashley harris / page eight

21 Day devotional / awakening devotionals / page fourteen

We Must PrayDear Church,

Written & Tr anscribed by: Stephanie Holloman

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought

to pray and not lose heart… Luke 18:1

A clarion call from our Senior Pastor, A. L. Harris


We Must PrayThen He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought

to pray and not lose heart… Luke 18:1

A clarion call from our Senior Pastor, A. L. Harris

@nlccministry / / Winter 2012 / / Words of Life Magazine 5

On Sunday December 11, 2011, Pastor A.L. Harris brought forth a life changing message regarding prayer.

As part of the series “Preparing for Tomorrow” Pastor Harris used Josh 3 and Acts 12 to explain the importance of prayer in the life of the believer. The information that follows is an adaptation of the preached word.

Pastor Harris began, in his man-ner, to review information from the previous Sunday when he began the series. He focused on the reasons for sanctifying oneself in preparation to ‘cross over the Jordan’ and be prepared to operate on a new level. Pastor Harris stressed the personal decision aspect of sanctification when he defined it as setting oneself apart for the exclusive use of God. The con-gregation received the understanding that prayer is a heart matter whereby the believer makes the decisions to: commit to praying and fellowshipping with God consistently; seek God’s counsel; fast; and live in the presence of the Lord. Afterward, Pastor Harris transitioned into reasons for being a praying believer.

According to Pastor Harris, the benefits of being a praying believer are:

It keeps the connection to God.

Prayer is a critical component of the believer’s life. As such, prayer helps the believer totally submit to the authority of the Holy Ghost and God. Apart from the connection to God a believer cannot have a life filled with power to achieve God-given purpose.

As part of the connection, relation-ship is built. God desires and has always desired intimacy with man, His creation. Intimacy allows God to reveal to the believer those charac-teristics and behaviors that hinder the believer. God shows the believer a “mirror” in which the believer is challenged to change and become more pleasing to God in behaviors and attitudes.

Become more like Jesus.

Jesus was a man of prayer. During His 3 ½ years of ministry Jesus dem-onstrated a pattern of behavior that provides a model for believers today. Prior to and after performing mira-cles, Jesus was always found pray-ing – Mark and Luke provide many examples of this. When ministry needs became pressing (needs of the multitudes) Jesus got away for a time of prayer. After and before teach-ing His disciples, Jesus had times of prayer. Jesus’ actions demonstrate the connection between ministry ef-fectiveness and prayer.

As Jesus prayed He received divine di-rection and blessing to fulfill purpose through miracles, healings, deliver-ances, and teachings. When Jesus prayed something always happened. He trusted God enough to pray and as prayers were accomplished Jesus

demonstrated an ever increasing trust in God. That trust produced peace in Jesus as demonstrated in the boat during the storm. Most of all, a regu-lar time of prayer kept Jesus free from error and in control of His flesh.

To wrap up the importance of prayer, Pastor Harris gave the congre-gation practical steps to developing a lifestyle of prayer. Realizing prayer as essential to spiritual growth and maturity was the first instruction. Like any situation where one needs help, recognizing the need to pray is the first critical step that must be taken. If one took the time to trace one’s life they would find hills and valleys that result from personal decisions. Those personal decisions are correlated to personal levels of prayer, thus, poor decisions often stem from lack of or little personal prayer time. Prayer is essential to a believing lifestyle. The next instruction dealt with being intentional about prayer. The mobil-ity of the times demands that the believer carve out a time to ‘get away’ for prayer, much like Jesus did. Merely wanting to pray is not effective enough to actually pray. The believer must recognize the many distractions that will hinder prayer and take care to limit the impact of the distractions on personal time with God. Prayer time must be a priority much like grocery shopping, awaking to go to work, and attending church. When prayer is a priority it is important to the believer and the believer will be ready for the final instruction – GO and PRAY.

God Desires Intimacy with his creation

New Years Revelation / / New Life Christian Center

Prayer will no longer be an option for me. I must pray to get to the next season in my life. #newyearsrevelation

revelation for 2012 in 140 characters


For Young Ladies Ages 13-18Every First Friday Night of the Month

7:00pm - 8:00pm

New Topics, Activities and Programs!Email Ashley Marie Harris at [email protected] for more information


Impact.This year, leave the couch behind and impact your community.

Spread the good news of Jesus Christ and let’s establish the kingdom.

Preach. Serve. Provide.

“You must get involved to have impact. No one is impressed

with the won-lost record of the referee.” - Napoleon Hill

For Young Ladies Ages 13-18Every First Friday Night of the Month

7:00pm - 8:00pm

New Topics, Activities and Programs!


Ammiel Cook, a member of New Life, and a Sergeant in the United States Army, was deployed for one year to Iraq. In my time talking with her, she shared about the lessons she

learned and the triumphs and challenges she experienced while endeavoring to serve both her God and her country.

Ashley Harris: What was most striking to you about the Iraqi/Middle Eastern culture?

Ammiel Cook: The thing that struck me the most was their level of discipline when it comes to their culture, their religious beliefs. They are predominantly Muslim and it just surprised me how disciplined they are in their way of life. There were different times of the day when the loud speaker would go off for them to pray and, in the middle of everything, they would stop, pull out their prayer rugs and pray. Like, nothing mattered at that moment…not money…nothing but praying to their god. And I’m like, “Wow, Americans won’t even stop for an ambulance, let alone, to pray.” [chuckling]

AH: What did you learn and bring back with your from their culture?

AC: A sense of pride in what I believe in. It’s very difficult to per-suade anyone in that culture to deny what they believe in, to turn their back on or doubt their beliefs. They are very disciplined and strict…and very strong-minded and strong-willed about who they are as a people.

AH: What luxury did you miss the most while you were away?

AC: Oh, my gosh. This is going to be so embarrassing. But, I missed toilet paper [laughs all around]. I had my mom send me Angel Soft like every week. I think I just missed the luxury of just being able to go to the store and buy. Seriously, though, you would be surprised the little things we take for granted. Living in that culture and environment, it’s the small things you miss.

AH: How did coming back to the United States make you appreci-ate America more?

AC: It just helped me to realize that we, as a people, are stronger than we think, more powerful than we think. And that, I shouldn’t take for granted the luxuries and immediate amenities I am given just by being born an American. You see so many people over in Iraq go through hell and high water just to get an education. They steal books from Americans, or sneak books into their homes that are…from the Western culture. They strive so hard to come here just to get an education. It just helped me to appreciate what we have in our country. It may not be the best right now. But, it’s so

“We...arestronger

than we think”

The Battle That Was The Lord's

Interviewed By: Ashley Marie Harris

An Interview with Sergeant Ammiel Cook,United States Army


The Battle That Was The Lord's

Interviewed By: Ashley Marie Harris

Pickett Field, Gettysburg

An Interview with Sergeant Ammiel Cook,United States Army


much more than what they have.

The freedom to believe what you want…to go and do. You don’t have to worry about being under tyranny or someone else’s control.

AH: Who were you able to impact while you were away with your Chris-tian convictions?

AC: There were local nationals there and people from all over the world on my base. People from Fiji, Nigeria, Italy, Germany…just so many cultures there. It was just amazing to see people approach you because you are different in how you carry yourself. There were people who asked, “What can I do to know more about Christ?” I was involved in the worship ministry there and so many people would come to the services just to experience the presence of the Lord.

It was just a blessing to be used by God and to bring people into that place where they encounter Him.

AH: Tell me more about the worship team.

AC: The worship team, they were a great group of people. In the beginning it was tough because, in the govern-ment, or DOD system, no one can be denied an opportunity to worship. it doesn’t matter what you could be do-ing in your life. It doesn’t matter where you are at that present moment. You have to allow them to come in and worship. And, in a way, it’s kind of like you want to say, “Well, that’s not right. How can you do that and still come into the presence of the Lord?” But, at the same time, it’s almost contradict-ing because God accepts people as they are. So the government doesn’t even realize they are setting people up to encounter Christ!

This gentleman in the Navy came to me…as I was leaving Iraq. He told me he never knew he could have a per-sonal worship relationship with the Lord. He never understood the con-cept of praise and worship until he was under my leadership. He said that he would never, ever be the same…That humbled me so much.

AH: How did you balance you balance your human need and desire for life and survival with laying your life down for Christ?

AC: It was a lot of prayer. I never prayed as much in my life as I did when I was in Iraq. Just because, number one, that’s all I had time to do [laughs]. I didn’t have the distraction of my phone…or friends or different activi-ties. All I had time to do was really just trust and talk to the Lord. In the midst of trying to survive, and the natural instinct to think, “Okay, God. I’m in this situation where it’s me or them. And it’s not going to be me,” I had to understand where I was and the situation I was in. I had to understand there’s a time for war and a time for peace…I had the comfort that God had my back. I’m thankful there was never a time where I had to be in that place where I had to think about taking someone else’s life. I’m grateful that in me praying…that there was never a moment where I had to be in that place. God was my keeper. He fought it for me.

AH: When you said that, it just made me think, “The battle is not ours, but God’s.”

AC: It really isn’t ours. That passage of scripture was really brought to life during that time when I was deployed.

Manassas BattlefieldManassas, Virginia


He really protected me from so many things. When I look back I’m like, “God, that could’ve been me.”

AH: When you did have downtime, what kind of activities did you partici-pate in?

AC: I was involved in this program called United Through Reading. It’s an awesome, awesome program the DOD has for deployed family members. You can record yourself reading different children’s books and you can send them to family members, friends, or schools. In fact, I did one for…Leonard Bourne. He had a chance to show it at his school. He was so excited.

I got a chance to sing at the U.S. Em-bassy for black history month. I got a chance to meet some really important people, ambassadors…That was really cool, being able to stand for Christ in that environment. So that people in high places could see the favor of the Lord.

AH: Is there any advice you would offer young ladies who are thinking of joining the military?

AC: First, I would say pray about it. Make sure it’s something the Lord has for you…Always remember who you are. You might find yourself in a place where you feel you have to compro-mise. I’m not saying the military is bad. But, sometimes it doesn’t show the whole picture. Sometimes you might be put in a place where you feel if you don’t compromise you may not get that promotion, or whatever the case is. But, never compromise…Hold on to God’s unchanging hand, because he will keep you…It can be challenging at times when you find yourself away from family and the comfort of home. You may find yourself desiring things you probably shouldn’t. So, don’t

compromise.

AH: Obviously you are in the military and you get to travel. What is the most beautiful place you have ever seen?

AC: I’m an Army brat as well. So I’ve seen some places with my parents, as well as in my own career. But, I would have to say the most beautiful place I have ever seen, and this may be cheesy [chuckles]…When I was in Korea I was involved with a ministry there. I got a chance to visit a church. The membership was about 1500 people. We were leading worship. And while we were singing, you could look out over the audience as see the glory of God. There was a language barrier, but everyone knew the word “hal-lelujah.” That was literally the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Just so many people coming together to worship one God, despite the lan-guage barrier. Despite everything, all that mattered at that moment was getting into the presence of the Lord. I can’t think of any natural place, any landmarks. Nothing is more beautiful than that.

In 2012 I will give my battles to the Lord. The Lordis strong and mighty and He is able to deliver.

#newyearsrevelationrevelation for 2012 in 140 charactersNew Years Revelation / / New Life Christian Center


2012 will be my year of growth.. The rain that comeswill only make me stronger and prepare me for my destiny.

#newyearsrevelation

New Years Revelation / / New Life Christian Center revelation for 2012 in 140 characters

Grow.

“Seeds of faith are always within us; sometimes it takes a crisisto nourish and encourage

their growth.”

- Susan Taylor, Jou rnalist


Grow.Preach. Serve. Provide.

“Seeds of faith are always within us; sometimes it takes a crisisto nourish and encourage

their growth.”

- Susan Taylor, Jou rnalist

Though the rain may fall we are assured that God is yet in control,

and that we will soon reap the harvest and behold the beauty

that only the rain can bring.


21 Day Awaking Devotionalswww.awake21.org

Day 1

Saul was clearly appointed by God as Israel’sfirst king. As a result of the Holy Spirit’s work

in him, he became a different person. Godwas everything Saul needed for success, but

as Saul’s power grew, so did his pride. Hestopped seeking God’s will, and eventually

jealousy and strife began to decay both himand the nation he had been entrusted to lead.Our success depends solely on our devotion

to God, not our position, wisdom, or strength.God honors obedience - we must consistently

obey God. Rebellion against God is avery dangerous sin. As we choose to rebel,

we close the door to forgiveness and restorationwith God.

“Father God, I acknowledge that You areeverything I need and I commit every area

of my life to You during this season of prayerand fasting. I ask You to forgive me of any disobedience,

arrogance and rebellion. I committoday to walk in obedience to Your Word. Isurrender control to You, and ask for Your

Spirit to fill me so that I might live a life thatglorifies You. In Jesus Name, Amen.“

Read 1 Samuel 10


Day 2Read Mark 4

Jesus gave us insight into understanding howHis Kingdom would work in our lives. Like a

farmer sowing seed, amazing things happenwhen the seed falls on good, healthy, fertile

ground.Our hearts are like the garden. The things weplant into our lives will grow, and weeds cansprout up if we are not paying attention. Ifwe are going to experience all the amazing

things Jesus has provided, we must be intentionalabout planting the “right” things in our

hearts and getting rid of the “weeds”. PlantHis Word, cultivate it, and it will produce an

incredible harvest. As you fast, expect God toreveal Himself to you more clearly.

“Lord Jesus, thank You for helping me seethe amazing truth of sowing Your Word into

my life. The harvest that is produced is transformingmy life. Help me to see You for who

You really are. Help me to see myself in lightof who I have become because of Your gift of

righteousness. Amen.”


Day 3

The Israelites were under attack. Was thereanyone that could save them? Note some

interesting symbolism here: Nahash means“serpent.” Jabesh means “dried up.” The

“eye” is symbolic of vision and whenever“right” is mentioned, as in the “right hand of

God,” it symbolizes authority. Clearly, the attackwas a spiritual one.

When our relationship with Jesus feels“dried up”, our enemy attacks. Have you

ever considered compromise as an option?Compromise comes from a lack of visionand authority over the enemy. Today, ask

the Holy Spirit to reveal any compromise inyour life and where you need to be recommitted

to Christ. Respond in obedience andJesus will restore both your authority andyour vision so you will experience victory!

“Lord, my desire is to follow You with all of myheart, soul, mind, and strength. Please helpme today to see any of the areas of my life

in which I have intentionally or unintentionallyallowed compromise to creep in. Today, I recommit

my life completely to You. Awaken mysoul and fill me with Your presence. Amen.”

Read 1 Samuel 11


Day 4Read 1 Samuel 12

The prophet Samuel gives his farewelladdress after anointing Israel’s first king,

Saul. God graciously permitted His people tohave an earthly king and promised to bless

them as long as they and their king remainedobedient to Him first. However, the Israelites’

failure to comply with God’s standards resultedin them missing out on the promises that

their ancestors received.God wants to rule and reign in our hearts. We

often struggle with walking by faith and not bysight, so we seek something tangible. God,in His perfect permissive will and grace, willgrant our requests under a stipulation - thatwe are completely obedient to His Word. Thepromises of God always carry the asterisk of

obedience.“Heavenly Father, I pray that You give me thestrength to be obedient to Your Word. Duringthis season of fasting and prayer, help me to

hear Your voice more clearly so that I can operatewithin Your will. Amen.”


Day 5

The demon-possessed man was strugglingwith something that not only kept him up allnight, but it was also something he had dealtwith for a very long time. He was in constantagony and wanted relief so badly. He wouldcut himself out of frustration, irritation and

desperation, wondering why he was dealingwith this issue.

Do you ever find yourself so frustrated thatyou hurt not only yourself but others? Ever

struggle about why you’re in a particular situation?Notice that in this passage, the man

saw Jesus, ran to Him, laid it down at His feetand was changed forever. After his encounter

with the Messiah, he was purposely sentback to his home town so people could see

the change that Jesus made in him.“Heavenly Father, I pray that today I would

have the kind of resolve it takes to lay my burdensat Your feet. I am faced with so much

and I know that You care about every last detailof my life. Create a testimony through my

experiences that will reach others some dayand bring You the glory You deserve. Amen.”

Read Mark 5



It was no doubt that Saul was under a lotof pressure to lead the people into battle.

Though he had been given specific instructionson how to proceed, he felt compelled

to offer the burnt offering himself. Instead ofworshipping in the Lord’s way, Saul chose todo it how he saw fit. This was a huge mistake

that cost Saul the anointing as king.No matter what your instincts might be telling

you, it is NEVER the prompting of the HolySpirit to go outside of God’s will to get thingsdone. As a leader, this will remove you fromGod’s covering, in addition to everyone you

have been charged to lead.“Father, I thank You for the Holy Spirit that

guides and prompts me in Your ways. ThankYou that You never leave me or forsake me.

Help me to always choose Your ways over myown, for Your ways are higher than mine. In

Jesus name, Amen.”


Day 7

Jonathan and his armor bearer made roomfor God to act on their behalf. They had theperspective that God was bigger than themand able to do more than they could. Theyalso understood that God did not have the

same limitations or hindrances that they weresubject to.

In this season, we should make room for Godin our lives through every means available:

praying, fasting, giving, devotions. When wemake room for God to operate in our lives, Hecan do much more to fix our situations thanwe can. When we submit areas of our livesto God, He can remove the hindrances and

push past our personal limitations.“Lord, I ask You to show me areas of personallimitation in my life. I know that You want tobring a breakthrough in this area and I prayYou would show me how to make room forYou to move. Show me, teach me, guide meand change me, Father. You are bigger than Iam and can do way more than I can! Amen.”

Read 1 Samuel 14


Day 8Read Mark 6

Notice in this account that Jesus never takesHis eyes off of His disciples. Though He maynot have been with them in the boat in that

moment, it did not mean that He wasn’t awareof everything that was going on.

Just because we may find ourselves in astorm from time to time, it doesn’t mean thatJesus does not know exactly where you are.Though it may feel like you are on your ownin the boat, rest assured in knowing that the

Savior has His eyes fixed on you.“Dear God, help me trust in You to a greaterdegree, even amidst the scariest storms oflife. I know You have Your eyes on me andthat You know where I am the entire time.

Thank You for that assurance. In Jesusname, Amen.”


Day 9

After being instructed by God to destroy theAmalekite nation completely, Saul decides hisown way is better. He ends up sparing the life

of the Amalekite king and keeping the livestockthat appealed to him. His disobedience

caused God great sorrow.Putting God first is really all about having thehighest value for Him and what He says. Too

often, we make our own adjustments to whatGod has said, thinking that we know best.Valuing God’s Word and trusting His ways

means that when He speaks,we obey completely.Ask God to empower you follow His

truth, make the decision that His way is yourway, and then just do it.

“Father, open my eyes to see that Your wayslead only to life. I will trust You with all of myheart. Thank You that Your grace empowers

me to walk in Your ways. Thank You that Ihave not been left to my own ability, but amempowered to live in a way I could never live

on my own. Amen.”

Read 1 Samuel 15



It’s time for a new king, Saul is out of control.The Lord sends Samuel to Bethlehem to find

and annoint the next king. The shepherdboy who God has chosen is quite a suprise

not only to his family but to the experiencedprophet as well!

God has given us gifts and talents that He’lluse for Kingdom purposes. We must not let

our short comings determine if we are readyor not. Let us only ensure our heart is fullycommitted to saying “yes” to God. We mustbe careful to not judge anyone based solely

on outer appearances.“Heavenly Father, I pray that today You willuse me to speak encouragement to others

and work to uplift someone. Please show mesomeone with the heart to do what You havecalled them to do and give me the courage

to come alongside them. Strengthen me withboldness to pray with them in spite of where

they are in their life. Amen.”


Day 11

David decided to put his trust God when peoplewere attacking him. He asks, “what can man

do to me?” What a declaration of confidence!What a show of true faith and freedom from

the fear of man.Proverbs 29:25 says, “the fear of man bringsa snare.” God wants us to place our trust in

Him and fear Him. Not be afraid of Him, buthave a healthy respect, esteem and honor for

the Lord. When the Lord holds this place inour hearts, we don’t have to fear any other

man.“Father, when I am afraid of others or theiropinions of me, I choose to trust in You. I

fear, esteem, and honor You above any other.Thank You for peace and freedom from fear

of man today in the name of Jesus.”

Read Psalms 56-57



Saul was a seasoned warrior. Who wouldknow better than Saul which weapons would

be necessary to defeat Goliath? However,God wanted to deliver His people in a way

that would leave no doubt that He had donethe work. By using a shepherd boy with a

small stone and a sling, no man could takecredit for the victory. It was clearly God whodelivered His people from Goliath and the

Philistines.When we rely on our own strength, we will

experience limitations. But when we trust inGod’s strength, He gets the victory and theglory, and we get to be a part of His plan.

“Father, putting my name on Your plan is likeSaul putting his armor on David. Please don’tlet me ever try to cover what You are doing.

Let me be transparent, so that You always getthe glory You deserve. In the name of Jesus,

Amen.”


Day 13

Even Saul, who tried to kill David, recognizedthe hand of God on his life. David’s success

and favor was two-fold. First, David understoodfrom his past experiences that his success

was a result of the Lord being with him.Second, David was given the responsibility ofleading the king’s men into battle against the

enemies of Israel. David had determined inhis heart to advance the kingdom of his king.As you fast today, reflect on the victories thatGod has given you in your life and consider

them as preparation and confirmation of thevictories to come. Praise God for where He

has positioned you in your life and commit toadvancing the Kingdom of your King, Jesus.“Dear Jesus, thank You for all that You have

done and are going to do in my life. Help meto acknowledge You and receive Your grace

in everything that I do. Allow my life to bringglory to Your name as You empower me to

advance Your Kingdom in my world. Amen.”

Read 1 Samuel 18


Day 14Read Mark 7

The Pharisees and teachers of the law hadbeen given the commands, statutes and

teachings of God, but seemed to miss thewhole point. Their adaptation of the law had

become empty, hollow and heartless.We are given a solemn warning that if we arenot careful, we can fall into this same trap. Itis easy to settle into a routine and focus on

schedules and to-do-lists. Although we don’tmean for it to happen, the voice of God canget drowned out by these distractions. Letthis time of prayer and fasting disrupt the

regular patterns of life. Make time to meditateon God’s Word and listen to His Voice. You

will experience clarity where there was confusion,and peace during the trial.

“Father, I choose to disconnect from all thedistractions to draw closer to You. Let my

eyes be steady on what You have set beforeme and help me never lose focus on the

things of substance that produce life. Amen.”


Day 15

The Israelites were under attack. Jonathan,an intercessor for David, saw the hand of

God upon David’s life and knew that he stoodblameless before God.

Our victories may cause jealousy to surfacein others and may result in us being undeservingly

persecuted. However, we can takecomfort in knowing that Christ intercedes for

us and gives us favor. He also surrounds uswith people who will support and encourageus. We can’t always control how people treatus, but we can control how we honor God.

“Lord, help me to honor You as I seek to drawcloser to You during this season of prayer andfasting. Even through persecution, allow myconduct to glorify You. In the name of Jesus,

help me to intercede on behalf of others whomay be dealing with judgment, jealousy, and

unwarranted attacks. Amen.”

Read 1 Samuel 19



How fortunate David was to have a friendlike Jonathan, someone who stuck by him

through thick and thin. Jonathan was a friendthat would even feel a righteous anger because

of the shameful treatment that Davidreceived.

What kind of friends do you have? We muststrive to have friends in our life like Jonathan– the ones who will encourage and support

us, no matter what. In addition, we must alwaysstrive to be a “Jonathan” kind of friends

to others.“God, please help me to surround myself

with people that will always point me towardsYour best. Today as I fast and seek You, I ask

you to reveal to me the people that You haveplaced in my life that will help me become the

person You are calling me to be. Amen.”


Day 17

Jesus was clearly a man of power and action,not just words. The miracles he performed

came from a motivation of love and a desireto draw people to God.

The more convinced we become that Jesus isGod, the more we will see his power and love.His mighty works show us He is able to saveanyone regardless of their past. The miracle

of forgiveness brings healing, wholeness andpowerful change to those who trust Him.

“Lord, I declare Your goodness and that Youare the only true God. I thank You that You

are still a God of action today. I wait with anexpectant, hopeful heart as Your mighty hand

touches my life, bringing healing and salvation.In Jesus name, Amen.”

Read Mark 8



David is running from Saul and for a moment,is overcome by fear. At this low point in hislife, he acts like a crazy man before the king

of Gath. David was beyond the point of simplyexperiencing fear. He let fear control him.Any one of us can be subject to fear when

we are tired, hurt, or emotionally low. In orderto ensure we don’t start doing wrong thingsand going places we should avoid, we must

remain deeply connected to God. His love willcast out any fear, no matter how great.

“Father, help us manage our lives to stayhealthy - in body, soul, and spirit. Please fillus with Your spirit and give us boldness offaith in place of fear. In Jesus name, Amen.”


Day 19

David and Abiathar were Saul’s next target.While it would have made more sense for

David to send Abiathar away, he instead drewhim in and offered his protection. David took

a risk to keep Abiathar safe. David acted ina lot of ways like Jesus - not turning a blindeye to someone in need, even amidst trials

of his own.No matter what the situation, when it seems

all hope is lost Jesus’ response is the same:draw closer to Him. He will offer His unmatched

and perfect protection every time.“God, I pray that You strengthen my resolveto put my entire trust in You, knowing Youwill always protect me from harm. Help me

to never turn away from other people in needjust because I may be going through difficulty

myself. Amen.”

Read 1 Samuel 22


Day 20Read Mark 9

The disciples found themselves unpreparedto deal with this particular situation. BecauseJesus led a lifestyle of prayer and fasting, He

was prepared to deal with the issue when thetime came. He didn’t wait until the problemarose to prepare – a lifestyle of prayer and

fasting had prepared Him for it.Prayer and fasting prepares us for what lies

ahead. We don’t have to wait for an emergencyto arise before we prepare. Let us prepare

ahead of time so that when confronted withadversity or challenges, we can face them

head on.“Dear God, as I set time aside today to pray,fast and seek You, I ask that you strengthenme, prepare me, and fill me with Your Word.

God, You see everything and hold all my daysin Your hands. You know exactly what I haveneed of before I even ask for it. Thank You forYour grace that enables me to face whatever

lies ahead. In Jesus name, Amen.”


Day 21

David was surrounded by opposition. Eventhough he knew he was about to be betrayed,

he still prayed and worshipped God. In theend, God came through. David found himselfseparated from his enemies, delivered from

danger and resting in the stronghold of En-gedi.David’s life was filled with trials. At times, he

was running for his life, at times he was hidingout in caves. It was a fight. But there were two

things that remained throughout David’s entirelife: worship and prayer. David knew that

when it came down to it – regardless of whathe went through – that was all he needed.Over the last 21 days, we’ve established a

consistency in prayer, worship and drawingcloser to God. Remain consistent, recognizingthat this is the lifeline to strength and the only

way to overcome any adversity.“Dear God, thank You for this time and all that

You have done in and through my life overthese last 21 days. I commit to keeping this

space open to You and trust that You are all Ineed. I love you and thank you. Amen.”

Read 1 Samuel 23


The Next 21 DaysWe want to encourage you to be just asintentional about the next twenty-onedays…and the twenty-one days afterthat…and so on. Remember, keeping

the fire and zeal for God burning in yourheart is what will keep your relationshipwith Him fresh and new. It will allow you

to continue serving and obeying Himfrom a position of want to, and you will

experience the joy of your salvation everyday—regardless of what life brings

your way.The principles you have practiced in

these twenty-one days are very easy tosustain long-term. Prayer, fasting, and

personal devotion are all quite simple toincorporate into your everyday life. Over

these last twenty-one days, you’ve createdspace for God to fill. The best

way to continue in these same practices is tokeep that space open indefinitely. Don’t

allow it to close up! Protect that timeand space with God and make it your

priority each day.

Just like reading your Bible, praying,and attending church, fasting is also a

lifestyle. We encourage you to establisha frequency and consistency of fasting

in your life. Remember, this is nota legalistic thing. This is an “I get to

experienceGod” thing. It is like going into

heaven for a tune up, so we can keepour passion for God and enjoyment ofHim at a high level. We encourage youto do the same. Figure out what works

for you, commit to it, and make it a partof your life.


Connect.Archie Harris, Senior Pastor

@PastorA_LHarrisAudrey Harris, Co-Pastor

@MrsAudreyH

The Final Word...Dear Reader...

The publishing staff of Words of Life Magazine and Pastors Archie and Audrey Harris would like to sincerely thank you for taking the time to read this magazine. Here at New Life Christian Center we are all about Kingdom Expansion. Doing whatever is needed to meet the natural needs of the people while sowing seeds of hope and love into all that we come in contact with. This publication is nothing different.

If you are seeking a relationship with Jesus Christ, the process is quite simple. It takes faith and confession. If you are willing to take the stand to live for Jesus Christ, repeat this prayer:

Dear God,

I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge that I have sinned and I am truly sorry for my sins and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe that You sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins and that you rose Him up with power from the grave. I confess with my heart and I believe. At this moment I accept you into my heart as my personal savior and accordingto your word...I Am Saved! Thank You Lord for dying for me and for giving me eternal life.

Welcome to the Family! We hope to hear From you. iF you have accepted Jesus or rededicated your liFe to christ. We Would love to hear From you. please email us your stories and testimonies oF hope. God Bless and We love you!

Sincerely,

Words of Life Staff


2012 will be my year of growth. The rain that comeswill only make me stronger and prepare me for my destiny.

#newyearsrevelation

In 2012 I will give my battles to the Lord. The Lordis strong and mighty and He is able to deliver..

#newyearsrevelation

Prayer will no longer be an option for me. I must pray to get to the next season in my life. #newyearsrevelation

New Years Revelation / / New Life Christian Center

Make sure to follow New Life on Twitter

@nlccministry

Connect.Stay connected with Pastor and Co-Pastor Harris online.

Archie Harris, Senior Pastor

@PastorA_LHarrisAudrey Harris, Co-Pastor

@MrsAudreyH

NLCC PodcastGo to iTunes and subscribe to

New Life Christian Center

The Final Word...

Provide.Preach. Serve. Provide.

Everybody can be great...Because Everybody can serve...

Sr. Pastor A. L. Harris speaking at iLoveCharity Event in Columbia,

MD. An organization donating funds to the country of Ethiopia.

- Martin Luther King Jr.

New Life Christian Center P.O. Box 3113 www.nlccministry.org 2012

Documents

Words of Life Magazine: January 2012