I Didn't Know

I didn’t know, that when they excavated us from out of the cold ground, and plucked us from the steel, as they put us into the fire and we were shaped into fine finished nails, that we would soon be exploited and driven into the hands and feet of an innocent man. They struck us, blow by blow with no mercy given. We watched as the blood from his hands and feet gushed out upon us…I didn’t know...

I didn’t know, that when the soldiers marched into the forest that they would cut me down, chop me into beams and use me as a cross to hang an innocent man. We watch as he carried us up a hill, he dropped us so many times and we couldn’t understand why he just didn’t give up. They laid us down on the cold ground and laid him upon us, we felt the nails enter his flesh as his blood came streaming down our post and soon they lifted us from that ground and with a thump we soon heard him say “It is finished”. I didn’t know...

I didn’t know, that when they came to our garden that night that they would pluck from our thorn bushes and twist us together as some worn to shreds piece of nothing. We gasped as they pressed us down on the head of this innocence man. We felt the flesh of his scalp give way to our pointy thorns. We watched as he shivered and shook for the pain was unbearable. We wondered, "What kind of man is this?". They beat him all night, plucked out his beard, and spat in his face. We asked the question, "What could he have done to deserve such cruelty?". I didn’t know…

I didn’t know that when I was born, I would grow up in a world that oppressed people just because they were different from us. I wanted to make a difference, make a name for myself, to help my Roman Government, to purge the world of traitors and rebellion. So I joined the Roman Legion to serve my country. But I didn’t know that on that dark and dreadful day that my life would be changed forever. They assigned me to crucifixion duties. It was I that drove the spear into the side of an innocent man. As I pushed that spear into his body, blood and water gushed from his side as if someone had open up a fountain. His blood splattered all over me and something happened that never happen to me before; for you see, I watched many people die on the cross before but never like this man that they called Jesus. I felt heat all over my body as if someone put a hot coal upon my head then I knew that He had to be the Son of God. I didn’t know...

I didn’t know that before we were born that someone would love us enough to die for our sins and pay the price by giving his own life. I didn’t know that his blood could wash us from all past, present and future sins. I didn’t know that He had forgiven us before we even knew Him. He paid the price so we didn’t have to; He died so we could live, and He went to hell, took the keys and freed those who were captive. Now we can live and worship him in spirit and in truth. We don’t have to be ashamed; we are forgiven, healed and set free. I didn’t know that I could live a life free from sin. I didn’t know that I could have power over my flesh, the world and the Devil. Now that I know...I can say “Thank you Lord”!!!

It's not supposed to be this way: In memory of Trayvon Martin

For every step, and accomplishment that we make as a people it seems that we still have a long way to go. Just a few years ago we elected a black man for the first time as President of the United States of America. But for some he wasn’t black enough: as if he was supposed to have a javelin in his hand and a bone in his nose. It's not supposed to be this way. They said to have a home is to have a piece of the American Dream, but before you can enjoy your dream, the housing market flipped the script and now your dream has become a nightmare. It's not supposed to be this way.

When is it a crime to walk in a neighborhood wearing a hoodie with a bag of Skittles in one hand and an Arizona Tea in the other? Trayvon Martin and his family are not the only victims, but every young black boy who live in a society that still judges them according to their appearance. For example, if it was a white male wearing a hoodie, he wound have been perceived as a jogger, not a thug, robber, thief, or rapist. Where is the justice? Yes we are black and proud to be, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t bleed, grieve, love, enjoy our family as other do. Therefore I ask the question, why isn't Trayvon’s murderer arrested? I wonder at times, is this the fault of the racist society or was it self-afflicted by the hip-hop culture in which we live? It's not supposed to be this way.

I’m tired of seeing mothers and fathers crying as they bury their sons; watching black men as they walk the streets in hopelessness; watching black athletes getting in front of the camera on television shouting “hi mom” as I ask the question, where’s the father? As I look at our people, especially my black brothers, I wonder, where is the passion to live, to dream, and to reach for a better life? I would like to speak to every Trayvon Martin, our black youth, and black father and to all my black brothers. I would like to say, it doesn’t have to be this way. Let us turn our hats around on our head, pull up our pants, tie our shoes, finish school, reach for a better life, love our family, embrace our wives, lead them to Church, pray with them and for them. It doesn’t have to be this way. I would like to speak to all my black sisters; love your black man, encourage him, support him, and pray for him. It doesn’t have to be this way. I would strongly state to the society in which we live; we are here, you can’t stop us, you will not overlook us, not forget us, nor will we be ignored. We are not a dream or the figment of someone’s imagination. We are reality and not reality T.V. It will not be this way! I would like to speak to the Churches; teach us, equip us, empower us and pray for us. Don’t be ashamed of us or abandon us. Christ gave His life for us that it will not, shall not, ever have to be this way….

Pastor Daniel R. Grandberry,

G.M you know!!!

The Daniel Fast: January 3-23, 2012

Daniel Fast Overview

The Daniel Fast is a spiritual discipline designed to better connect us with God. As leaders of Gordy Memorial C.O.G.I.C ,we'll take 21 days, the three weeks of prayer, fasting and consecration ,to deepen our relationship with God and center ourselves around what God is going to do in our church, families and in our lives during this series. We are praying that hundreds of people will come to faith in Christ during the Gospel series as we invite our friends who are “far from God”. We will be reading and meditating on the book of St. Luke and in conjunction with the fast, we'll be reading one chapter in the book of John per day for the duration of the fast. We will come together for 1hr in corporate prayer at the Church from 7-8pm: except for Friday night our time will be from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. On each Friday night during the fast it will be revival night at Gordy Memorial C.O.G.I.C. service will start after prayer. This will be a challenging process, but we look forward to seeing what God does in our church and experiencing him with intensity during the 21 days of the fast.

Remember, every sacrifice is a gain!!!!!

Who: The entire Church staff and Members will be participating in the fast during this exciting season.

When:

Tuesday, January 3, Begin the “Daniel Fast”.

Sunday January 23 midnight Break the Fast!

What:

The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, which means that we will eliminate some common things from our daily diet, but will have generous options available. We will focus on eating fruits and vegetables that are pure

and simple. We have included a list of foods to eat and foods to avoid.

*If you have any known medical conditions or suspect such conditions, consult your doctor before beginning

the fast.

***Levels of Participation:

Twice in the book of Daniel a fast is mentioned. Once is for 21 days and the second for 10 days. We are asking our members to join the leadership staff in the 21 day fast but if circumstance won’t allow the full fast, we ask

that you would set aside 10 days during the fast to join us in prayer and fasting.

Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast…

All fruits: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned (watch for added sugar).

Apples

Apricots

Avocados

Bananas

Berries

Blackberries

Blueberries

Boysenberries

Breadfruit

Cantaloupe

Cherries

Coconuts

Cranberries

Dates

Figs

Grapefruit

Grapes

Grenadine

Guava

Honeydew melons

Kiwi

Lemons

Limes

Mangoes

Melons

Mulberry

Nectarines

Oats

Olives

Oranges

Papayas

Peaches

Pears

Pineapples

Plums

Prunes

Raisins

Raspberries

Strawberries

Tangelos

Tangerines

Watermelon

Vegetables: These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned (watch salt content).

Artichokes

Asparagus

Beets

Broccoli

Brussel sprouts

Cabbage

Carrots

Cauliflower

Celery

Chili peppers

Collard greens

Corn

Cucumbers

Eggplant

Garlic

Ginger root

Kale

Leeks

Lettuce

Mushrooms

All type of greens

Okra

Onions

Parsley

Peppers

Potatoes

Radishes

Rutabagas

Scallions

Spinach

Sprouts

Squashes

Sweet potatoes

Tomatoes

Turnips

Watercress

Yams

Zucchini

Legumes:

Dried beans

Black beans

Cannellini

Pinto beans

Split peas

Lentils

Black eyed peas

Green beans

Green peas

Kidney beans

Peanuts (includes natural

peanut butter)

Beans

Lentils

Lupines

White

Peas

Seeds:

All nuts (raw, unsalted)

Sprouts

Ground flax

Cashews

Walnuts

Sunflower

Sesame

Almonds

Natural Almond Butter

Whole Grains:

Whole wheat

Brown rice

Millet

Quinoa

Oats

Rolled Oats

Plain Oatmeal- not instant

Barley

Grits (no butter)

Whole wheat pasta

Whole wheat tortillas

Plain Rice cakes

Popcorn

Liquids:

Water (spring, distilled, filtered)

Unsweetened Soy Milk

Herbal (caffeine free) Tea

100% Fruit/Vegetable Juice (no added sugar)

Other:

Tofu

Soy products

Herbs

Small amounts of Honey

Small amounts of Sea Salt

Small amounts of Ezekiel Bread

Small amounts of Olive Oil

Spices (read the label to be sure there are no

preservatives)

Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast…

All animal products including all meat, fish…(you may have baked chicken and fish but cooked in vegetable oil

White rice

White bread

All deep fried foods

Caffeine

Coffee (including decaf b/c contains small amount of caffeine)

Carbonated beverages

Tjr drinks

Foods containing preservatives, additives

Refined foods

Processed foods

Food additives

Refined sugar

Sugar substitutes

Raw sugar

Syrups

Molasses

Cane juice

White flour

Margarine

Shortening

High fat products

Butter

All leavened breads

Baked goods

All dairy

Milk

Cheese

Yogurt

Cream

Eggs

Alcohol

Mayonnaise

I Believe

There is nothing that my God cannot do: I Believe

We are coming to a close of 2011, and for many it has been a difficult year and for others it was a year of miracles, signs and wonders. Only God knows what 2012 will behold for His people. But we as the people of God are expecting a year of FAVOR. Let us start now preparing our hearts, minds and souls to seek the Lord. You can now join me in prayer by going to the Gordy Memorial website and clicking on the tab “The Wailing Wall” (or go to www.gordymemorial.org/the-wailing-wall) and submit your prayer request. Commit to be a prayer warrior for 2012. I’m asking the Lord for 12,000 prayer warriors who will join in and pray for the salvation of our nation and families and that He will send a revival to the Body of Christ. The bible says that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man or women availeth much.

You can follow the bar at the bottom of the Wailing Wall page and let the prayer and song play out…as you pray and meditate let the Lord bless your soul. This is the time to seek the Lord, come on; your heavenly Father is waiting to hear from you.

Sign up now and be a prayer Warrior for 2012…..Expect the extraordinary.

Pastor Daniel R. Grandberry… G.M you know!!!

The Power of a Sanctified Life

The Power of a Sanctified Life:

The word sanctified means: sacred, holy, consecrated and blessed. Therefore in order for a person to live a life of sanctification he or she must be holy and live a life that is consecrated unto the Lord. We are not sanctified by our own works alone but by putting our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. By putting our faith in Jesus, He gives us the power, the ability to live this committed life. Let me take a moment to give a short bible study on this matter for the purpose of bringing you closer to God that you may be able to walk in your calling...

First of all I want to start by telling you that Sanctification is a process of God’s Grace by which the believer (you and me) are separated from sin and become dedicated to God’s righteousness. God sanctifies us by His Word, (read John 17:17) and by the Holy Spirit, (read Rom. 8:3-4).

We are made holy by the Trinity: It is the work of God the Father, (read Jude), the work of God the Son, (read Heb. 2:11) and the work of God the Holy Spirit, (read 2 Thess. 2:13, 1 Pet. 1:2). All of who, and what God is, is in the process of making us holy, sanctifying us. Now I want you to know that Sanctification is a process that continues during our lives as believers (Heb.10:14).

Now after saying all of that, we also have a responsibility in the process of our sanctification. We are commanded by God to be holy (Lev.11:44, 1 Pet. 1:15-16). As we accept God’s demands of Sanctification, God empowers us to live this life of Joy, Peace, Power, and Victory. God accepts us and we will have a continual non-interrupted fellowship with the Lord. All of this is made possible in a life of Sanctification. So my Sister and Brother, be all you are designed to be in Jesus Christ.

Pastor, Daniel R. Grandberry…G.M you Know!!!

Love what God Love and Hate what God Hates….

You will not see the wind, neither will you see rain...

You will not see the wind, neither will you see rain:
2 King 3:16-18

Sometimes when we are waiting on God to perform a Miracle for us we can become distracted about the “How” rather then the “What”. We are consumed by how God is going to do what He said. I want you to know that when God makes you a promise you can rest in His Word. Don’t worry about the How; how He’s going to do it, when He’s going to do it, and where He’s going to do it. Just know that God is not a man that He should lie, if He said it He will perform it. First of all He knows us better than we know ourselves: He knows our needs, desires, our limitations, strengths, weakness, and yes what really hinders us from believing totally on Him.

In 2 Kings 3:16, God spoke to the prophet Elisha in a time when the nation of Israel was up against their known enemy, the Moabites. Israel was physically, emotionally and spiritually drained. At this point they were no match for their enemies: they need water but the valley was dry: have you ever been in a place where you just needed a miracle? This was the situation that Israel found themselves in, up against the enemy, tired, no water to drink, beat down. They needed a miracle. I know that some of you might be in this same place…bills mounting up, and no job, sick in your body and no health insurance, car bill due, baby needs a new pair of shoes, waiting on your next pay check, don’t know what you’re going to do…your saying Lord I need a Miracle!

God told Elisha to tell Israel to make this valley full of ditches: before God can do what He wants to do in our life, before the Miracle happen we need to prepare for it…make room for God’s blessing. Dig your ditches means to prepare your Faith, and get an attitude of praise and worship. Notice that this is the only command that God gave Israel…to dig. God is not going to dig ditches for us…we’ve got to believe God for ourselves, we’ve got to trust God, and we must praise Him and do our part. Watch what happened: when Israel dug their ditches in the valley God said that they will not see the wind nor the rain. This miracle is not going to happen in the traditional way. But God is going to do a new thing in this season for you my brother and my sister. Do not expect God to work the same way Your blessing is going to come in a unexpected way. It will not come by the wind or the rain but the valley will be full of water. God will fill your valley with water…God will fill your house with His glory, supply your needs, fill your unemployment with employment, you sick body with healing and yes your empty bank account with finances. Listen to what God said, “And you shall drink…”, not only will God fill your valley but you will be able to enjoy what He has provided for you. So make preparation for your miracle, and watch God fill your valley and get ready to drink. God said in the 18th verse, “And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand.” Oh yes I forgot to tell you; after God fills your Valley He will also give you the victory over the very thing that has been attacking you! It’s not a hard thing with God but a light thing. What a mighty God we serve. So don’t worry about the how, but know that God is more than able. It’s a light thing with God to give you that job. It’s a light thing with God to give you the desires of your Heart. Trust Him today!!!

Elder Daniel R. Grandberry, Pastor

G.M…you know!!!

The Power of a Vision

Having a vision makes the difference between success and failure, victory and defeat, prosperity and poverty. The Bible speaks to us in the book of Prov. 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish". The word perish means there is no restraint. The word restraint means self-control or imprisonment. In other words when a person lives their life without having a vision they will have a life that is out of control and they become bonded by things, people, and situations. For example, you take a person who is naturally blind; they are in darkness and cannot see the beauty of the world and the faces of people around them. When we lack spiritual vision we suffer even a greater setback.

In Matt. 14:22-33, Jesus had sent His disciples to the other side of the lake. They got into a boat and began to sail towards the place of their destination. While in the middle of the sea a storm arose and Jesus came to His disciples walking on the water in the midst of the storm. Because of the violence of the storm, the disciples perceived Jesus to be a ghost. Fear can distort your vision,but Peter stood above the rest and said, “Jesus if it be you, permit me to come” or permit me to step out of this boat and do something that defies nature. You would think that Jesus would tell Peter "No! Are you crazy Peter? No man can walk on water!". But Jesus spoke to Peter and said “Come, step out from the rest of your brothers, and out of the boat that confines you...and come out here with me…". Peter stepped out of the boat and as he fastened his eyes on Jesus, began to walk on water. I can hear the rest of the disciples saying “Hey look, Peter is walking on water. Is he out of his mind?". Peter was doing well until he took his eyes off Jesus. He lost the vision. He began to take notice of the storms around him. The waves and the wind blowing was just a distraction. Distractions can cause you to lose sight of what you were called to do. But while Peter was sinking he cried out to Jesus and said “Lord Save Me!!!" and Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up. This teaches us that as long as we keep our eyes on Jesus and keep the vision before us, we can do anything…even defy the very laws of nature. Come out from around people who are afraid to move forward, step out of the thing that confines you, never listen to the storm, and most important, by all means Keep your eyes on Jesus.


~Pastor Daniel R. Grandberry….G.M You Know!!!


c/o Sis. Jennifer D. Smith
Gordy Memorial COGIC
Public Relations
publicrelations@gordymemorial.org