We Preach Jesus! (II)

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March 27, 2014

The message of “Grace” is obviously no new message! The finished work of Jesus the Christ was denoted by these words: It is finished! Everything that was reconcilingly necessary for humans to walk before God has been done on the Cross. The New Testament phase of the walk of man is on this wise: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid! How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein (Roman 6:1)? Grace doesn’t give us permission to live as a carnal man. The law, as long as we are babes, without the Holy Spirit, operating with a form of godliness, yet denying the power of God to rule or transform our old nature, serves as a governor or tutor. It offers boundaries. Without boundaries we will transgress and sin against God and mankind; love being the fulfillment of the law. And, we know that it is God who teaches us to love one another.
I am thankful for your responses to last week’s Shacking. Ephesians 5:3 confirms our position… But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, (which includes shacking), let it not be named once among you, as becoming saints, neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks! Man seeks an excuse to give place or make provision for carnality, fleshy lusts. Grace doesn’t change God’s standard of living. We must first submit ourselves to God, then we will be able to resist the devil. The Holy Spirit gives you power over flesh, but you must want to put away sin! He doesn’t force anyone. What washes away your sins? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus. You sing that song all of the time! Listen to what it says. There is power in the Blood of Jesus: anything else is an excuse or legal lies.; true, yet not the truth. Hebrews 12:1- 4…Let us lay aside every weight and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…(4) You have not yet resisted unto Blood, striving against sin. The message of grace was not designed as a cloak for us to sin. We sin consentingly: saved or unsaved. All of our excuses hanged from a cursed tree.
Having said all of this, we must continue to preach Jesus and His Cross, for this is the power of God unto salvation. Everything else is secondary.
Now unto God Who is Judge of all.

Electra.gethsemaneministries@yahoo.com

A Whole New World

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Birmingham Times

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March 27, 2014

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Thank you FATHER, SON, HOLY SPIRIT for giving Timothy this and many more opportunities.

by Timothy Bruce
In a whole new world where there is light so bright you might lose your sight. There will be no fight cause the devil will not be in sight. Some people will go to hell in a whole new world you will not feel like you are in jail. Hold on just a little while longer in a whole new world you will be a lot stronger. They say JESUS died on the cross I know do they really know do they really know who is the boss? We will all experience pain but what about the weight did you gain? You know what a whole new world for is A place I want to stay for History!  HEAVEN

God has given Timothy a gift. Timothy recently was taken to heaven and talked with Jesus our Lord and Savior; after his visit the Holy Spirit gave him this poem. Pastor Dye of Arise & Go Ministry is his pastor.

TIGTA Warns of “Largest Ever” Phone Fraud Scam Targeting Taxpayers

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Birmingham Times

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March 27, 2014

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WASHINGTON — The Treasury Inspector General for Taxpayer Administration (TIGTA) has issued a warning to taxpayers to beware of phone calls from individuals claiming to represent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in an effort to defraud them.
“This is the largest scam of its kind that we have ever seen,” said J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. George noted that TIGTA has received reports of over 20,000 contacts and has become aware of thousands of victims who have collectively paid over $1 million as a result of the scam, in which individuals make unsolicited calls to taxpayers fraudulently claiming to be IRS officials.
“The increasing number of people receiving these unsolicited calls from individuals who fraudulently claim to represent the IRS is alarming,” he said. “At all times, and particularly during the tax filing season, we want to make sure that innocent taxpayers are alert to this scam so they are not harmed by these criminals,” George said, adding, “Do not become a victim.”
Inspector General George urged taxpayers to heed warnings about the sophisticated phone scam targeting taxpayers, noting that the scam has hit taxpayers in nearly every State in the country. Callers claiming to be from the IRS tell intended victims they owe taxes and must pay using a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer. The scammers threaten those who refuse to pay with arrest, deportation or loss of a business or driver’s license.
The truth is the IRS usually first contacts people by mail – not by phone – about unpaid taxes. And the IRS won’t ask for payment using a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer. The IRS also won’t ask for a credit card number over the phone.
“If someone unexpectedly calls claiming to be from the IRS and uses threatening language if you don’t pay immediately, that is a sign that it really isn’t the IRS calling,” he said.
The callers who commit this fraud often:

• Use common names and fake IRS badge numbers.
• Know the last four digits of the victim’s Social Security Number.
• Make caller ID information appear as if the IRS is calling.
• Send bogus IRS e-mails to support their scam.
• Call a second time claiming to be the police or department of motor vehicles, and the caller ID again supports their claim.

If you get a call from someone claiming to be with the IRS asking for a payment, here’s what to do:
• If you owe Federal taxes, or think you might owe taxes, hang up and call the IRS at 800-829-1040. IRS workers can help you with your
payment questions.
• If you don’t owe taxes, call and report the incident to TIGTA at 800-366-4484.
• You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.FTC.gov. Add “IRS Telephone Scam” to the comments in your complaint.

TIGTA and the IRS encourage taxpayers to be alert for phone and e-mail scams that use the IRS name. The IRS will never request personal or financial information by e-mail, texting or any social media. You should forward scam e-mails to phishing@irs.gov. Don’t open any attachments or click on any links in those e-mails.
Taxpayers should be aware that there are other unrelated scams (such as a lottery sweepstakes winner) and solicitations (such as debt relief) that fraudulently claim to be from the IRS.
Read more about tax scams on the genuine IRS website at www.irs.gov.

Tips To Help You Build Healthy Habits

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Birmingham Times

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March 27, 2014

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(NAPSI)—While more than two in three American adults are overweight or obese, there are things you can do to reduce your chances of struggling with your weight.
To start, try to consume healthier foods and beverages and get more physical activity. Doing so may lower your chances of developing diabetes, high blood pressure or other serious health problems. New health habits may also help you look better, feel more energetic and even be a role model.
The Weight-control Information Network (WIN) offers more tips to consider. According to WIN, a national information service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health:
When You’re Short on Time
• One day each week, make healthy meals that you can freeze and eat later when you don’t have time to cook.
• Fit in physical activity whenever you can. Take the stairs if there are a reasonable number to climb. Get off the train or bus a stop early, as long as it’s safe and your schedule allows.
When Money Is Tight
• Buy healthful foods in bulk, and choose frozen or canned fruits and vegetables.
• Start a walking group. Walk in places that don’t cost money, such as a school track or park.
When It’s Hard to Stay on Track
• Recruit others to be active with you. That may help you stay interested and be safe.
• Think about your most important reasons for being healthy. Do you want to be there for your family? Would you like to be able to do the things you love without feeling tired or out of breath?
Learn More
You can get more good advice from WIN’s “Changing Your Habits: Steps to Better Health” fact sheet. It reviews the stages of change people often go through on their journey to better health and offers tips for each stage. Contact WIN to get up to 10 copies for free. You can access the fact sheet at www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/changing-habits.htm.
For more information, call WIN at (877) 946-4627, visit www.win.niddk.nih.gov or “like” WIN on Facebook at www.facebook.com/win.niddk.nih.gov.

Keeping High Blood Pressure Under Control

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Birmingham Times

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March 27, 2014

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(NAPSI)—There’s helpful news for those with high blood pressure. By taking a few simple, practical steps, they can have a better chance of keeping their blood pressure under control. This can be significant. Data have shown that many Americans with high blood pressure do not have their blood pressure controlled to a healthy level.
An estimated 78 million adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure. The National Center for Health Statistics reported that from 2007-2010, more than 80 percent of people with high blood pressure were aware they had it, but only about half had their blood pressure under control.
Collaboration Is Key
According to the American Heart Association, people being treated but still not reaching their target blood pressure – typically, a level less than 140/90 millimeters of mercury—should be a health care priority.
A key to better control, they say, is a good doctor-patient partnership. If you’re one of the millions of Americans battling high blood pressure, here are some solutions to help you collaborate with your health care provider and get your blood pressure under control:
• Ask about your blood pressure at each annual checkup. If it’s high, check your blood pressure regularly between appointments—at home, a pharmacy or another facility. Follow up with your doctor according to his or her recommendations.
• Become a tracker. Keep a log of your medication, your blood pressure levels, and even questions for your doctor as they come to mind. Online tools, such as www.Heart360.org, can help.
• Be flexible. It may take a while to get to your blood pressure goal, and it may take more than one medicine in addition to lifestyle changes to get you there. Keep in close touch with your health care provider along the way to create the best plan for yourself.
• Know yourself. What keeps you from keeping up with your medicines? Eating healthy? Losing weight? Be aware of your barriers to better health and talk with your doctor about them. Your provider or clinic may have suggestions or know programs that can help.
Once your treatment program becomes routine, maintaining a lower blood pressure is easier. Remind yourself that by managing your blood pressure, you are lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Learn more online at www.heart.org. Walgreens is a proud supporter of the American Heart Association and offers free blood pressure testing in all of their pharmacies.

PWGA’S Recruitment Reception Draws SIAC Commissioner

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Birmingham Times

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March 27, 2014

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(L-R): Shella Sylla, Corine Williams, Shirley Taylor, Fran Carson, Gloria Dennard, Dorothy Wilson, Samuetta Drew, Alice Gordon, Evelyn Hayes, Earlie Simmons, Veronica Bryant

Corine Williams, Shirley Taylor, Veronica Bryant, Gloria Dennard, Commissioner Greg Moore, Fran Carson, and Earlie Simmons

Motivated by a desire to learn and enjoy the game of golf, 10 aspiring females joined approximately 28 other guests at the Annual Spring Membership Recruitment Reception, sponsored by the Professional Women Golf Association (PWGA). The event, held at 6 p.m., Friday, March 21 at Highland Park Golf Course Clubhouse, showcased the activities and accomplishments of PWGA since its inception in 2001 as Birmingham’s first and only female African-American Golf Association. Photo displays of these accomplishments adorned the walls of the clubhouse and were viewed excitedly by guests in attendance.
The reception began with greeting by Gloria Dennard, PWGA’s President, followed by a welcome to Highland Golf Course and an introduction to Highland’s golf program for beginners by Matt Jones, Head Golf Professional. A surprise to the guests and members was the appearance of SIAC Commissioner, Gregory Moore from Atlanta. Commissioner Moore complimented the success of the efforts of PWGA in golf for women and announced the upcoming Collegiate Golf Championship which will be held in Birmingham, April 21-23. He, also, distributed to all present SIAC’s Centennial Commemorative Cokes, designed by Coca-Cola Company.
Shella Sylla of SistersGolf.com shared thoughts on the various merits of golf for women, followed by Sherrel Stewart, who shared some history of her family as golf trailblazers. Earlie Simmons and Veronica Bryant shared the purpose, history, and membership information about PWGA, and presented door prizes, along with Fran Carson and Evelyn Hayes. Some other guests seen networking, fellowshipping , and enjoying the delectable refreshments catered by Michael Glenn, Catering by Ambrosia, included: Cassie Ferguson, Candice Reese, Shirley Taylor, Michelle Williams, Carole Johnson, Gloria Tyson, Terri Richardson, Cynthia Glenn, Corine Williams, Dorothy Wilson, and Alice Gordon. Also spotted enjoying themselves were PWGA golf practice coaches: Jordan Frazier, Alvin Washington, Arthur Bailey, Walter Thomas, and Jim Fisher. The fun evening ended in guest participation in hands-on practice of basic golf skills, led by PWGA golf coaches.
PWGA is an organization of professional women united to learn and promote the game of golf for females. For more information, contact gdennard2@aol.com.

Don’t Settle For Less

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Birmingham Times

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March 27, 2014

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But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9
With the economy being where it is, the supply of good Christian men and women being limited, the availability of suitable employment being scarce and chances of you succeeding in your dream looking bleak, many people are settling for what they think is their last chance at happiness, their only real opportunity to be married, a chance to get part way out of debt or what is being presented is all there is for them. God’s Word says we, as Christians, are “chosen and royal” so why would you accept bread and water when steak and potatoes have been prepared for you? If God is your Father, why would you live like an orphan? If what is being presented to you or what you have accepted isn’t working for you, refuse it or let it go.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. Ephesians 3:20
God is able to give you exactly what you want and need, not half of it, ALL of it, and more. Don’t let the enemy convince you that this is the best there is when you aren’t satisfied with what it is. Keep your eyes on God and remember,
Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 YOU DESERVE THE BEST!
God has better for you – trust Him,
Minister Deidra Bibb

2014 Toyota Tundra 4X4

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Birmingham Times

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March 27, 2014

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By Frank S. Washington

DETROIT – With nothing to haul or to tow, the only way to really test drive the 2014 Toyota Tundra half ton full size 4X4 pickup truck was to approach it as a personal use fully. Actually, that is just what it was for the week-long test drive.
Of the three cab styles available on the new Tundra — a two-door regular cab, four-door double cab and four-door CrewMax – the test vehicle was the latter, a four-door Crew Max. That means that it could carry five full size adults; two in the front seats and three in the bench second row seat.
The bed was standard size at 78.7 inches long and 22.2 inches deep. Its power sliding rear window was also standard on the CrewMax model. The truck had what Toyota called a “lockable easy lower and lift tail gate” that could be lowered with no slam and it could be removed for the really awkward sized loads.
The short bed made the Tundra 4X4 relatively easy to maneuver. But the rear backup camera was really useful in the driveway and the parking lots of malls. What’s more, it took some of the angst out of parallel parking.
Three engines were available. The test vehicle had the top of the line 5.7-liter V8. It was the flex-fuel variant and generated 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet to torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission the 4X4 version of this engine had an EPA rating of 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway.
The four-wheel-drive system was of the on demand variety. But the pavement remained dry and cold so testing it never came to mind; the truck remained in 4X2 mode for the entire week. But the system had the traditional three settings: 4X2, 4X4 Hi and 4X4 Lo ranges. Selections could be made by dial near the bottom of the center stack.
This engine was quiet, responsive and it could subtly increase speed up to 75 mph without really trying. The ride quality was smooth, for a pickup truck, because the shock absorber valves had been re-tuned. And the Tundra was really responsive to driver input because the steering system had also been retuned.
Toyota said the Tundra’s frame used wide, full-boxed rails for the front portion, a reinforced C-channel under the cab and an open C-channel underneath the bed to help maximize strength, ride quality and durability.
The double A-arm front suspension used coil-over spring shock units, while a front-mounted steering rack helped enhance steering feel and response. The rear suspension used staggered shocks mounted outboard of the springs to improve the shocks’ dampening efficiency. Spring rates were tuned to provide a flat vehicle stance when the Tundra fully loaded.  The Japanese automaker has continued to upgrade the Tundra since it went on sale in 1999. All models have four-wheel disc brakes with ventilated rotors – 13.9 inches and 1.26-inches thick with four-piston calipers in front; and 13.6 x 0.71-inch two-piston calipers in the rear.
For 2014, the Tundra has been redesigned with a more chiseled look that exudes power. The size of the front fascia has been increased and the hood and grille looked like one piece. The grille is taller and the front lower bumper is now a three piece design rather than a one-piece design for less expensive repair. The same is true of the rear bumper.
The interior was upgraded too with styling differentiations between grades. Dials were easier to reach by up to 2.6 inches. That is a lot. The seats have been redesigned and they were really comfortable. The rear seat could be folded to provide additional storage.
There was still too much metallic colored plastic but that is subjective. More important was that it didn’t look cheap and it was fairly understated. The gauges featured 3-D metallic rings and they were grouped in a clear, easy-to-see design with a center-mounted multi-information (LCD) display screen.
The center console held multiple storage areas for personal items and electronics plus additional padded surfaces and accent stitching in premium grades. Our test vehicle had bucket seats in the front but a bench seat is available.
Voice controls were standard. So was Toyota’s Entune multimedia bundle that included a 6.1 inch display screen. The radio had MP3/WMA capability; there was an auxiliary jack and USB port.
The premium Entune package which the test truck had included HD Radio with iTunes tagging and HD Traffic and Weather and satellite radio. The App Suite included Bing™, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com; Open Table®, Pandora®, Yelp and Facebook Places.
The 2014 Toyota Tundra was a versatile and comfortable truck and in 4X2 mode it could tow up to 10,400 lbs. For $44,459, that wasn’t bad.

Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.
Frank Washington
AboutThatCar.com
PO Box 23167
Detroit,MI 48223

Descendent of NAACP Founder Launches New Digital Publication

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Birmingham Times

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March 27, 2014

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ATLANTA – Atlanta Free Speech will host its official launch party on Sunday, March 23, in
Fulton County Georgia. Atlanta Free Speech is a unique digital and print publication inspired by the legacy of
Ida. B. Wells, who was a NAACP co-founder, under the direction of her great-great granddaughter Tiana L.
Ferrell. Four generations later, Ferrell has revived the Memphis Free Speech and Headlight, which was also co-owned
by Ida B. Wells, with Atlanta Free Speech.
“I am elated to launch Atlanta Free Speech as an avenue to continue the legacy of my great-great grandmother,
Ida B. Wells-Barnett. I have been blessed with another opportunity to serve my community and advocate for
those who are underserved and disproportionately affected because of their race, class, or gender. I look
forward to making a positive difference in the community as we carry forth the vision of Miss Ida B. Wells,”
said Ferrell, Atlanta Free Speech Publisher.
The inaugural celebration will consist of editorial readings, recognition from premier national and local leaders, as well as an original reading of Ida B. Wells. Descendants who are actively involved in preserving Wells’
legacy will also be in attendance along with featured speakers. Promoting economic development within the
African-American community is a key philosophy that Atlanta Free Speech upholds; thus, the event will be
held at 112 Mega-Plex formerly Crowe’s Nest Mega-Plex, which is minority owned, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Ida B. Wells believed that there is no educator that can compare to the press. Therefore, educating, empowering
and producing enlightening editorials and news to urban readers is the foundation of Atlanta Free Speech.

Family Direct Fundraiser

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Birmingham Times

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March 27, 2014

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Photo by Winthrop Nall

Family Direct, Inc., a nonprofit organization, hosted a fundraiser on March 21, at the law firm of Waldrep Stewart & Kendrick, LLC to raise awareness and increase their budget in order to assist families financially with costs to bury a loved one who had no final arrangement insurance. It is the responsibility of the family to bury a loved one whether their budget will allow it or not. Family Direct, Inc. is interested in working with local funeral homes to be a cushion between the family and the funeral home.
Family Direct is governed by a Board of Directors.

Members: Gwendolyn Hatcher, Founder/Executive Director; Koriya Padgett, Assistant Executive Director; Carolyn Dudley, Director of Fundraising; Sharon Merritt, Director of Communications; Quisa Nobles, Director of Finance; Chrysondra Noye, Director of Administration; Claressa Simmons, Director of Public Relation and Kathy Willis, Director of Grant Research.