The Testament November 2012 Durham, NC Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church

Awakening The Sleeping Giant

The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by

Japanese military forces on December 7,

1941, stands as one of the deadliest

attacks against our country. Over 2400

men died on that fateful day. Most of

them were aboard the USS Arizona,

which sank to the ocean floor after being hit by a

modified bomb. To this day, the area above the sunken

ship has been preserved as a burial ground for the men

who lost their lives during the attack.

Following the attack, Japanese Admiral Isoroku

Yamamoto, credited with planning the attack, worried

about the consequences of attacking our powerful

country. While those around him in Japan celebrated

the success of the attack, he is quoted as saying "I fear

all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill

him with a terrible resolve."

He was correct. Provoked by the attack, the

sleeping giant was awakened and America's resolve

was unleashed in a powerful display of military might

that crippled Japanese forces and contributed greatly to

ending the war going on at that time.

Much like the power harnessed by our country,

each of us has been blessed by our heavenly father

with an array of gifts and talents. Some share these

gifts openly, but others hold back and deprive others of

the blessings received when we share these gifts.

Sleeping among us are teachers, singers, craftsmen,

musicians, painters, authors, leaders and countless

others who have yet to display their awesome talent.

What will it take for you to reveal your gifts and

talents? What needs to happen that will awaken the

giant that sleeps in you? Whatever the stumbling

block, I encourage you to step out on faith and show

yourself mighty in Christ. Don’t worry about what

others will say, focus instead on the gift that you have

and how special you are to have it.

Faith is the key. Have faith that God will be with

you with every step of the way, for in Hebrews it is

revealed that our heavenly father will never leave or

forsake us. Faith strengthens us and it instructs us in

using our gifts. Reading Romans 12:6-8, we learn -

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace

that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us

prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or

ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that

teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on

exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with

simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that

sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”

Faith serves as the catalyst for exercising your

gift, and love is the anchor that grounds us to

everything that we believe as Christians. As you

evaluate your skills and talents, ask yourself – am I

truly using the gifts that God has measured unto

me? What ministry at Lincoln can benefit from

what I have to offer? Am I contributing to the

growth of God’s kingdom, or is there a giant lying

dormant in me that once awakened can be a blessing

to others. Only you know the answer. Wake up!

-by Bro. Dean Jernigan **VOTE** TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH

POLLS OPEN:

6:30AM - 7:30PM

VOTE EARLY FROM NOW THROUGH

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD

Every election is important and you are

strongly urged to exercise your voting

rights during the 2012 election cycle. We

will either re-elect President Obama or

elect a new president during this election.

There are several other national, state

and local decisions that will be voted on

as well. Your Vote is Your Voice so

PLEASE VOTE!!

Habakkuk 2:2-3

“And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the Vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he

may run that readeth it. For the Vision is for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and

not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

1. A New Sanctuary

2. Burn the Present Mortgage within 4 Years

3. Let’s All Get Debt Free (in every sense)

4. Be Faithful Stewards (Time, Talent, & Treasure)

5. Every Member Operating in their Spiritual Gift(s)

6. Break Ground within 5 Years

7. Total Church Commitment to Bible Study and Prayer

Acts 4 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together;

and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of

them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

Let’s Build the Community in the Church

LMBC – Rev. Linzie B. Atkins, III June 27, 2012

Member Spotlight

Bro. Irvin L. Wooten Jr.

Brother Irvin Wooten has been a member of the

Lincoln family since 2008. He was born in

Whiteville, North Carolina, where he attended West

Columbus High School and Southeastern Academy.

Brother Wooten states his spiritual journey is just

beginning. He chose to start his journey by serving

others. He is currently serving in the Lincoln family

as an Usher and as a Trustee. In his spare time he

enjoys motorcycle riding, going to the racetrack and

cooking. He has been married for 10 years to

Shekina and they have two children Cameron (14)

and Saige (3).

-by Sis. Marva Atkins

Happy Birthday To our

November Birthday Celebrities

Ebony Atkins ● Archie Perry

Krystal Holman ● Antoinette Daye

Brenda Atwater ● Kathy Williams

Nevaeh Hemmingway ● Stacey Bell

Georgia Watkins ● Janetta Atwater

Peyton Thorpe ● Larry Parker

Yolanda Wooten ● Santeda Hinton

Best Wishes For Many More!!

Food For Thought...

Drinking From My Saucer

I've never made a fortune

and it's probably too late now.

But I don't worry about that much,

I'm happy anyhow.

And as I go along life's way,

I'm reaping better than I sowed.

I'm drinking from my saucer,

Cause my cup has overflowed.

Haven't got a lot of riches,

and sometimes the going's tough.

But I've got loved ones around me,

and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for His blessings,

and the mercies He's bestowed.

I'm drinking from my saucer,

cause my cup has overflowed.

O, Remember times when things

went wrong,

My faith wore somewhat thin.

But all at once the dark clouds broke,

and the sun peeped through again.

So Lord, help me not to gripe

about the tough rows that I've hoed.

I'm drinking from my saucer,

Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage,

When the way grows steep and rough,

I'll not ask for other blessings,

I'm already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy,

to help others bear their loads.

Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,

Cause my cup has overflowed.

- by John Paul Moore

Prayer - Resource for Victory In order for believers to stand victoriously in the

conflict...there must be constant, earnest prayer.

Prayer is effectual when it has its origin with God.

God sees the whole battlefield and knows the Devil's

plans. God decides the place and part of every soldier

in the conflict, and He directs the movements of the

entire spiritual army. Since God sets forth definite

objectives to be carried out in His eternal purpose,

He must also implant in us our prayers for spiritual

victory. God communicates to us through the Holy

Spirit the prayers we are to pray. The Holy Spirit lays

the proper burden on us, motivates us and gives us

the thoughts to pray (Rom. 8:26).

So it is God who gives the deep sense of urgency

for prayer and who also gives assurance of victory.

We don't know where Satan has placed his snares

and pitfalls; but if we are alert to the Holy Spirit, He

will stimulate prayer within us so we will be

forewarned and fully ready with the provided armor.

We should be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's work in

our lives as He prompts us to prayer and gives

assurance that our prayers will be answered.

Even though we don't know what to pray for, the

Holy Spirit will prompt us and will pray through us.

The Father, through the Spirit, motivates us to pray

for what we should (Rom. 8:26,27). Then we, in the

Spirit, present our petitions back to the Father in the

name of Christ. Even in prayer, we can expect God to

work in us to give us the desire to pray and then to

energize us as we pray (Phil. 2:13).

The words "praying always" (Eph. 6:18) suggests

alertness as well as praying at all times under all

conditions. This is unbroken communion with the

Lord, not just set times of coming to Him in prayer.

It's good to have definite times set aside to spend in

prayer, but we should be talking to the Lord

throughout the day as we go about various tasks.

Praying constantly in the Spirit has two significant

implications: First, it is an admission of our

ignorance and impotency in spiritual conflict--we

don't know what to do and we don't have the power,

of ourselves, to do anything. Such prayer is heeding

the words of Proverbs 3:5,6.

Second, it reveals to the Enemy that we are totally

depending on God because we don't have

supernatural wisdom and power. By means of prayer,

we are "strong in the Lord, and in the power of his

might" (Eph. 6:10).

The prayer warrior is a paradox: Toward Christ he

shows conscious weakness and seeks strength and

wisdom; toward Satan he shows strength in Christ

and stands firm in the place of victory.

In ourselves we can do nothing, as is evident from

Christ's words in John 15:5. However, in Christ we

can do all things, as Paul stated in Philippians 4:13.

As we claim our position in Christ through prayer,

He will always cause us to triumph (2 Cor. 2:14).

www.backtothebible.org

Christian Missionaries

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus’ final words to the disciples were, “Therefore go and make

disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy

Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

The command by Jesus has been called “The Great Commission” and it still holds for

Christians today. We are called to do what we can to spread the word about Jesus Christ. The

apostle Peter encourages us to be ready to explain our faith in Christ, but cautions that we must

always do so “with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)

One of the ways that missionaries can demonstrate what Christianity is about is to provide an excellent

example through their service, love and compassion. Compassionate work is done to demonstrate the love

of Jesus Christ. People are naturally drawn to this kind of love.

The first Christian missionary, the apostle Paul, explains in Acts 20:35 - In everything showed you that by

this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the word Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed

to give than to receive.”

What makes someone a missionary is that they have moved to a new level and have made service the

primary purpose of their life. However, Christians are missionaries even if the people they influence are

only their family, co-workers and neighbors.

Everyone has been called to live a life in the example of Christ and tell people about the good news.

- by Sis. Janice Campbell

Domestic Violence

Our annual Domestic Violence Awareness program

featured a number of individuals who shared stories,

songs and poems of inspiration and struggle

regarding domestic violence. There are far too many

victims of domestic violence. Thanks to our

Missionary Ministry and Sis. Lasheka Daye for

keeping this critically important topic in the

forefront. Thanks to all who participated in the

success of this program.

From A Strictly Mathematical Viewpoint

-submitted by Sis. Marva Atkins

What equals 100%? What does it mean to give

MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those

people who say they are giving more than

100%? We have all been in situations where

someone wants you to give over 100%. How

about achieving 101%? What equals 100% in

life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might

help you answer these questions:

If:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U

V W X Y Z

Is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 1 9 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Then:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K

8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

and

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E

11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But,

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E

1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

AND,

look how far the love of God will take you

L- O- V- E-O-F-G-O-D

12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical

certainty that:

While Hard work and Knowledge will get you

close, and Attitude will get you there, it's the

Love of God that will put you over the top!

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall

see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall

be called the children of God.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for

righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom

of heaven.

Matthew 5:8-10

Early Detection Saves Lives

Preventing and detecting breast cancer early

will help save more lives. Understand the

lifestyle factors that may affect your risk of

breast cancer and what you can do to stay

healthy. Breast exams, mammograms and

other screenings increase the chances of

detecting breast cancer early, when they are

most likely to be curable.

Early breast cancer usually does not cause

symptoms. This is why regular breast exams

are important. As the cancer grows, symptoms

may include:

• Breast lump or lump in the armpit that is

hard, has uneven edges, and usually does not

hurt.

• Change in the size, shape, or feel -- for

example, you may have redness, dimpling, or

puckering that looks like the skin of an orange.

Symptoms of advanced breast cancer may

include:

• Bone pain

• Breast pain or discomfort

• Skin ulcers

• Swelling of one arm (next to the breast with

cancer)

• Weight loss

If breast cancer is found early, there are more

treatment options and a better chance for

survival. A mammogram can find breast

cancer before it can be felt. However, it is not

perfect. But, when mammography is combined

with clinical breast exams, your chances for

finding cancer are even greater.

Remember, even if you feel healthy now, just

being a woman and getting older puts you at

risk for breast cancer. Getting checked

regularly can put your mind at ease. Finding

cancer early may save your life.

Karen Boone, R-PAC

Health & Wellness Ministry

Health and Wellness Corner - by Sis. Karen Boone

Meet Your Deacon Night

Welcome New Deacons!

Congratulations to Bros. Eugene Lofton, Joe Hilliard

and Dean Jernigan on being recently ordained as

Deacons. We pray for God’s grace, mercy and

blessings on each of them as they continue their roles

as servants in God’s kingdom

Deacon Eugene

Lofton

Deacon Joseph

Hilliard

Deacon Dean

Jernigan

Once per quarter, members of the Lincoln family gather

to meet with their Deacons for an informal discussion.

No topic is off limits during these meetings. The

meetings were designed to be an outlet for members to

share thoughts, concerns and suggestions for all matters

relating to the church. The suggestions and ideas are

given serious consideration by the Deacons and Pastor.

Following are photos from the last meeting.

-submitted by Sis. Earleen Sharrock

Newsletter Photos by Bro. Reginald Davis, Sis. Jocelyn Campbell, Sis. Chanetta Evans,

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

6:00pm

Praise Team

7:00pm

Voices of Praise

3

10:00am

Trustees Meeting

12:00Noon

Women of Faith

4

5

6

***VOTE***

12:00Noon

Noon Day Prayer

6:30pm

Pastor’s Aide

Committee

***VOTE***

7

6:00pm

Sounds of Joy

6:30pm

Intercessory

Prayer

7:00pm

Bible Study

8

6:00pm

Christian Board

9

6:00pm

Praise Team

10

10:00am

Deaconess Outing

to Nursing Homes

11

3:00pm Youth Missionary

Meeting

12

6:00pm

Praise Team

7:00pm

Voices of Praise

13

12:00Noon

Noon Day Prayer

6:30pm

Health & Wellness

Ministry

14

6:30pm

Intercessory

Prayer

7:00pm

Bible Study

15

7:00pm

Church

Conference

16

6:00pm

Praise Team

7:00pm

Voices of Praise

17

9:00am

Laymen’s League

12Noon

Male Chorus

Rehearsal

18

19

20

12:00Noon

Noon Day Prayer

6:30pm

Newsletter

Committee

21

6:30pm

Intercessory

Prayer

7:00pm

Bible Study

22

THANKSGIVING

23

6:00pm

Praise Team

24

10:00am

Durham County

Missionary Dept.

25

26

6:00pm

Music Ministry

6:00pm

Praise Team

7:00pm

Voices of Praise

27

12:00Noon

Noon Day Prayer

6:00pm

Computing &

Technology

Committee

28

6:00pm

Sounds of Joy

6:30pm

Intercessory

Prayer

29

30

To add an event to the church calendar, please

contact Sis. Jocelyn Campbell by calling the church

at 688-1886, option 1. You may also reach her via

email at churchcalendar@mylmbc.org.

Please send articles, photos or information for The

Testament to newsletter@mylmbc.org by the 3rd

Sunday of each month.

November 2012

“Building the Church in the Community and the Community in the Church”