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Quiet on the Set: Mute Your Doubts While God Directs His Plan

By
Alecia M. White
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quiet on the set

Shhhh… God is at Work.

Have you ever just sat and thought about the fact that, not only does God make us promises, but He actually wants us to have all that He has promised us?

I mean, He really wants us to have it. And, when God wants you to have something, He is rooting for you. And by rooting for you, I mean He makes sure you can’t ruin it for yourself (ask me how I know).

God has fail-proof, fool-proof plans set up to help us win, even when we don’t think that we can.

See, He treats us, in part, the way Zacharias was done when he was made aware that his wife, Elizabeth, would bear him a son. Gabriel, the angel of the Lord, said to him, “But behold, you will be mute and not be able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” Luke 1:20 (NKJV).

Vibrant Faith, Quiet Doubt

desperate Times Call forNow, you may be thinking, “Mute? I’ve never been mute.” Oh, but I’m sure you have been “mute,” just not literally.

Remember that one thing that God promised that you were convinced was too big for you? You may be at the point now where you can’t tell anyone or you don’t want to speak on what God promised because you’re afraid you might “jinx” it. You may even be able to think of times when doubt tried to creep up in your mind, but right then, God canceled the doubt by doing something that only He could do.

God does these things to keep our faith at a vibrant level – one that says, “I don’t know how He’s gonna do it, but I know He will!”

I have had plenty of moments where I was in the process of thinking that the promise was just too great to happen for me. But God, being God, slid in to keep me quiet and focused on the prize.

What we must always remember is that, as our Playbook says in Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue”. Notice that the scripture says “power of the tongue.” Your words are powerful and can literally make or break you.

God wants us to remember this so that we pay close attention to what we put into the atmosphere with our words. It was so important to God’s plan that John The Baptist be born to fulfill his purpose, that God put his daddy on mute until after his birth. Isn’t that amazing? God wanted John The Baptist here so badly that He shut the man up. And, because God is rooting for you, He will cause your words to be few so that you don’t foil His great plan for your life.

SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?

I know that it can be difficult sometimes to “keep the faith” when the path leading to your promise looks bleak, but you gotta remember that if you weren’t meant to have it, God never would have promised it to you. He doesn’t make promises that He doesn’t plan to keep!

Isaiah 55:11 says, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

So, if Jesus said it, that settles it! Here are a few ways to keep your doubt “on mute” during your waiting process:

  1. Watch your mouth! Remember, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue”, so that means that when you speak, you are either killing your promise or helping it grow.
  2. Think happy thoughts. You may have chuckled a little there, but it’s necessary. If you always think about the worst that could happen, you just may get it. Our Playbook says in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
  3. Get excited! Yes, yes, I know… you haven’t seen it happen yet. But guess what, if God promised it to you, then it’s coming! So go ahead and rejoice in knowing that you already have the victory. “But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.” Psalms 68:3

Remember, God is rooting for you, too!

MLK50 Conference: ‘I Have White Evangelicals Who Haven’t Bowed to Baal’

By
Kim Brightness
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Visions of White Evangelicals?

What thoughts come to mind when visions of white evangelicals dance in your head?

Do you envision a biblically-sound group of Christ followers who joyfully live and spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone?

Can you recall actual examples of individuals living up to their “evangelical” statement of faith? Do these individuals maintain a godly sense of self, while boldly standing up for the needs and concerns of the least of these?

At a minimum, do feelings of love, peace, harmony, justice fill your heart when you think about white evangelicals – even if you don’t personally know someone who identifies as an “evangelical”, who’s white?

If you answered “No” to any of these questions…

That’s a problem for the household of faith and the Christian brand. And, this must be of concern to Team Jesus, as we are to not only wear the name above every name – Jesus – but live the life of Christ by following His example and teachings.

On the other hand, perhaps a strong contributing factor to your “No” is the prolific media coverage of “white evangelicals” in our American society, especially after the 2016 Presidential election of Donald Trump. From your favorite news channel to national surveys by Pew Research, “white evangelicals” and their “leaders” have been given a prominent platform on the political stage, where their outspoken support of Trump and “conservative values” outweighs their cry against sin, racial discrimination, and social injustice.

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions…

You’re not only blessed to know, be, or know of some amazing followers of Christ, perhaps you were introduced to them, like I, at the MLK50 Conference this past week, sponsored by the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention and The Gospel Coalition. There’s a growing community of white evangelicals, outside of the pathetic and apathetic norm, that we encourage you to get to know.

The Call to Repentance and Change at MLK50 Conference

Nearly 4,000 followers of Christ from diverse racial, ethnic, and denominational backgrounds converged upon the Memphis Cook Convention Center to reason together on the gospel and racial unity in the church and society.

As participants commemorated the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination, it wasn’t a “tea and crumpets” moment for our white evangelical brethren in attendance.


Dr. Charlie Dates, The Most Segregated Hour in America: Overcoming Divisions to Pursue MLK’s Vision of Racial Harmony

Speaker after speaker unapologetically tore down the lies of white supremacy and the systematic oppression of people of color that had poisoned the Southern Baptist Convention and the “white” church for decades.

Gospel truths shared by Dr. Russell Moore, Dr. Charlie Dates, Dr. Eric Mason, Jackie Hill Perry, Matt Chandler, Trip Lee, and others pierced the enemy’s veil that tries to keep the church separated by race, and challenged “white evangelicals” to repent of their overt and increasingly covert lifestyle of racial discord and injustice.

How to Begin and Maintain Racial Unity in the Church

After the acceptance of truth and repentance, it’s time to act. Several speakers and panels offered recommendations on how to continue the work of racial unity.

matt chandler
Matt Chandler, “A House Divided Cannot Stand: Understanding and Overcoming the Inconsistencies in White Evangelicals on Racial Issues”

Matt Chandler spoke on the inclusion of Africa’s early contribution to the gospel, like Michael the Deacon, in the curriculum of America’s seminaries. Bishop Ed Stephens spoke on the importance of “knowing your neighbor”, a call to branch outside of one’s community and really get to know people of other races and cultures.

There were a few caveats, however. White evangelicals were admonished not to simply “band or join together with African-Americans who agree with you.” Matt Chandler’s call to “let’s bleed together” espouses the reality that white evangelicals who fight for the gospel and racial unity will encounter opposition and “friendly” fire.

In our interview with Dr. Eric Mason, he spoke on the strategic approach white brethren in Christ should take towards racial harmony, and the importance of overcoming racial justice fatigue in the plight of racial unity.

Investing in Racial Unity and Change

As a show of support for minority students committed to the gospel, over $1 million dollars was raised for the MLK50 Dream Forward Scholarship Initiative.

The centerpiece of this effort is the creation of a pathway to a quality higher education through an array of full and partial tuition scholarships at participating Christian colleges and universities around the country, reserved exclusively for minority students in Memphis.

“We believe there are multiple reasons for Christian colleges and seminaries to participate in this program and we are grateful to these schools who have so generously joined this effort,” said Brent Leatherwood, ERLC director of strategic partnerships. “The city of Memphis was the scene of a brutal murder of the leading figure of the Civil Rights Movement. Unfortunately, even to this day, shockwaves from that terrible moment still reverberate in the community. But pastors, church leaders, and local activists are resolved to make racial unity a reality. This initiative reflects that good work being done and offers a way to come alongside and support it.”

Tearing Down ‘Baal’ and Proclaiming Jesus

So, who were these white Christians who carefully listened, agreed, and vowed to join their brothers, like Matt Chandler and Dr. Moore, to reject decades of “white” indoctrination of supremacy, racial discrimination, and silence in the church?

To the contrary of what we often see in mainstream media, God is raising up white evangelicals who will not bow to “Baal’s system” of white supremacy, racism, and white nationalism over the gospel of Jesus Christ. A remnant of followers of Jesus Christ everywhere are even more committed to the truth of the gospel and the cross.

Still, let’s not be deceived. Even “we” are not all that God has to work with.

“God does not need white evangelicals or an American evangelical movement. God does not need the Southern Baptist Convention…the Presbyterian Church, a Gospel Coalition. All of these things are good and right so far as they remind us of the purposes of God. But, even if they do not, God will still build His church.”, says Dr. Russell Moore.

And it is His church,

“9 that great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelations 7:9-10)

…that we humbly strive daily to be a part of.

 

How to Find an Exercise You’ll Actually Enjoy

By
Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD
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exercise you enjoy

You Can Actually Enjoy Exercising

Quickly glancing at the clock, I hurriedly clicked out of all the windows open on my computer screen and logged out.  Practically skipping down the hall, I raced into the bathroom to change into workout gear. My gym was across the street from work – a very strategic move that helps me go consistently.  But, it was 3 classes, that actually got me excited to go. They were fun – each in their own right.

Kickboxing – This class had fun music that had us moving, kicking, and jacking to the cardio beat.  Always sweaty at the end, I found myself channeling my inner boxer and jabbing with power. Lookout Mayweather!

Step – While I was only a baby when step aerobics had its glory days, this workout had been revived at my gym and was totally fun.  With a spring in my step, I did the choreography on the hot pink and purple risers like a champ!

Body Pump – Every Friday I joined men and women varying in ages from their 20’s to well in their 70’s to strengthen and tone. For 50 minutes everyone would lift weights, pop jokes and make silly faces in the wall of mirrors.  At the end of class, everyone left with fatigued muscles and feeling as strong as the Incredible Hulk, well, at least I did.

Finding an exercise you enjoy might seem like an impossible task to some. Not everyone gets a euphoric high.  But, for many who don’t find exercise to be enjoyable or even tolerable, it might warrant a change in our definition.

What is Exercise?

exerciseIs walking exercise?  How about jogging? A fitness class or boot camp? Dancing?  Walking the dog? Roller skating at your niece’s birthday party? A family basketball game every Sunday night?  Yes. Yes. Yes! Exercise is all of this and more.

There are 2 common reasons we don’t exercise regularly:

  1. No fun.
  2. No time.

Interestingly, we often make time for activities that we find fun.  So let’s begin there. These are 3 questions to ask yourself to help you find an exercise you can more than tolerate and actually enjoy:

1. What type of exercise do you prefer?

  • Group fitness
  • Individual
  • Outdoor
  • Indoor
  • Quiet
  • Loud or Upbeat
  • Ladies only
  • At home

Consider your personality and your life schedule. For me, now as a work-at-home mom, just leaving the house for a walk or jog when my husband comes home in the evening is life-giving.  The outdoors are just good for my soul and the movement is good for my body.

If you need a community of people, then maybe a class or a walking/jogging group is a better fit.  There is no one size fits all.

For most of us, the types of exercise we prefer may change with the seasons – Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter – as well as with changing life seasons.  Toss any preconceived ideas out of your head of what you “should do” OR “should want” and just think about the type of exercise that appeals to you most right now.  

If you could move your body in an enjoyable way, where would you be?  What would you be wearing? Who would be with you OR not? What would you hear or see?

2. What type of support do you desire/need?

How can you thrive?  Do you need a partner? Group or class? Written plan? Trainer?

When developing a new routine or pattern, it can be incredibly helpful to gather some support. We need people to cheer us on, encourage another step and applaud our efforts. Occasionally, we need a true friend or counselor to speak truth – in love.

In order to find an exercise you will enjoy, you must identify the type of support or accountability that will provide the right amount of direction and encouragement you need to stay focused.  

Consider the following:

  • Do you need someone to create a workout plan for you?  
  • Do you like being surrounded by other women or men?  
  • Do you thrive when a friend holds you accountable?  
  • Does a workout buddy sound ideal or awful?
  • Would a trainer or coach help you stay motivated?  

Maybe you enjoy walking alone. That is totally fine. But, scripture is clear that:

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

Don’t forget to invite other people to help you become the best version of you.

3. Have you explored a variety of potentially “fun” activities?

It’s time to think outside the box, Team.  Walking, jogging and the elliptical are great, but, there is so much more to exercise!  How about…

  • Line dancing
  • Ballet
  • Ballroom dancing
  • Hiking
  • Repelling
  • Rollerblading
  • Jazzercise
  • Geocaching
  • Rec League kickball
  • Martial arts
  • Bike riding
  • HIIT
  • Indoor Cycling

Exercise is not limited to the gym or a yoga class or a walking track.  It is as fun, diverse, and interesting as we want it (and need it!) to be.  Don’t get caught up in the lie that it has to be anything dreadful, mundane or boring.  Don’t like it? Don’t do it!

Go find something that makes you come alive!

So, what’s the play call?

God created you with your own preferences, creativity, and motivation. Ask Him to help you discover new, interesting – and I dare say – fun activities that will keep your body healthy, fit, and strong.

You Don’t Need a Resurrection, You Need to Stay Dead!

By
Kim Brightness
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resurrection

We celebrate the resurrection power of Jesus Christ every day, all day. However, is there a point where too much ‘resurrection’ is a bad thing?

The Problem with Liberal ‘Resurrection’

Think about it. Applying the concept of resurrection too liberally can cause problems. As I was reflecting on Jesus’ resurrection, it hit me – some stuff just needs to stay dead and buried. And, if you find it still moving or wiggling around, if it still has a faint heartbeat, you need to whack it again! Because if you can resurrect it, you didn’t kill it right the first time!

So, what are we talking about? See that toe tag above? The Old You. The Old Me. Our BC Selves (before Christ). The stuff we’ve died to in order to live an abundant life in Jesus Christ.

When’s the last time you visited the tomb where you buried that old mean, manipulative, [insert your old stuff] person you used to be? Is the tomb still sealed, or is he or she outside the tomb with you, and both of you are staring at an empty grave?

Team, we can’t leave sin coughing with a few specks of dirt in its lungs – we have to kill it. We can’t leave unforgiveness with a faint heart beat – we have to kill it. We can’t simply leave hatred, addiction, depression, fear, disobedience unconscious – we have to kill them. Why?

Because we don’t want sin, negative vices, those areas in our lives we’ve worked so hard to grow away from and change, to be resuscitated and wreaking the same old havoc in our lives all over again!

Let the Killing Spree Begin!

So, how do we kill the “Old Me”, like, again and again?

Be honest.

If you see your Old Self hopping down the street in grave clothes, don’t lie to yourself saying, “Nope, that’s not me.” Umm ma’am/sir, yes it is! Denial only keeps sin alive, because we won’t be honest, tell the Truth, call the issue out, and deal with it.

Be Unashamed.

When the Old You pops up, don’t let it shame you or shrink you into non-action. It’s a trick of the enemy to convince you that you’re alone, you’re the oddball out, or that you’re the only one dealing with ‘dying to Self’. Trust and know that we are all working on our flesh/humanity, and the Holy Spirit is right there leading and guiding us into Truth (John 16:13).

Be Direct.

Don’t play around, go out to lunch, catch up on “old” times with the Old You. The Old You is not your friend! It is an enemy of God’s predestined purpose for your life. Tell that Old You “you have GOT to go; you are no longer welcomed here!”

Be Intentional.

Now, begin to LIVE with every intention of being the NEW You Jesus died and rose for you to be. Be conscious of your thoughts and feelings; actively replace contrary behaviors with behaviors, thoughts, and habits that align with the Word of God.

Be Proactive in Prayer.

Ever do something the Old You used to do and wonder, “Where did that come from?” We have to be proactive and ask God for wisdom and guidance to maintain our walk before we find that Old Self resurrected again. While God is able to help us if/when this happens, wouldn’t it be so much better to live a life of intentional living, to prayerfully pursue our best selves, all with confidence and reliance on God?

So, What’s the Play Call?

Stay dead. As we continually honor the risen Savior, we’re comforted to know that Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, one time, fuels our faith to keep the “Old Me” dead as a nail. That is my intention…yours too?

3 Keys to Your Divine Exit Strategy

By
Alecia M. White
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exit strategy

The Exit That Leads You to Escape

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary app on my iPad, “exit” means:

1. a departure from a stage;
2. the act of going out or away;
3. a way out of an enclosed place or space;
4. one of the designated points of departure from an expressway.

Why the definition, you ask? Well, recently, I had cable service installed at my apartment. By recently, I mean a few weeks ago, and I know, I’m late. Anyhoo, the tech came out to my apartment and installed my system and afterward, he explained how to use the remote. I was sure that I already knew how to operate it, but he seemingly proved otherwise.

He showed me how to use the menu and input buttons and then… he showed me the ‘exit’ button.

Now, of all the buttons on my remote, the exit button is now my favorite. Why? Well, mainly because if I push the wrong button, the ‘exit’ button is the one to get me back to a familiar screen.

The tech pressed the button and said, “Exit gets you out of anything you don’t want to be in.”

Immediately, it struck a chord with me and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I put that quote in my notes on my phone because I knew it had some other meaning to it.

Jesus Be an Exit Strategy

exit strategySo, here goes. In our day-to-day walk with Christ, we get into some sticky situations – some we bring upon ourselves, and some that we just come across.

There are times when we get in so deep that we don’t know what to do or where to go. We can’t seem to get out or away, break out of that place or space, or find a proper detour. It is in these times that we must look to Christ for help.

See, God promised us a way of escape, or an “exit” to get us out of temptation. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Christ is our own personal exit button. He is there to get us off of that main stage of embarrassment and out of that enclosed room of pressure, quickly! He “gets you out of anything you don’t want to be in.” The catch is, you’ve got to let Him.

SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?

Just like with my new remote, I had to learn to use all my “buttons” in life. I had to learn to call on God when I got in a predicament that I couldn’t handle. I had to learn to take His escape route instead of my own. I had to learn to trust that His plan would place me back on the right path. So, when you get into those sticky situations, here are a few things to remember:

  1. Know that Jesus is the ultimate way out. Often, we try to find our own way because we are afraid, ashamed, or too prideful to ask for help. Again, our playbook says in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that God will “make a way to escape.”
  2. Understand that only God deserves all of your trust. So often we look for advice from our friends and family, and that is great – but they won’t always steer you in the right direction – God’s direction for you at that moment. Psalms 118:8 says, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”
  3. What are you waiting for? Call on God! When I need directions to a place, I say “Siri, directions to ______ (insert place here)” and she provides a route worth taking. God’s route is even more accurate than that of my iPhone. “I will call on the Lord who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” (Psalm 18:3)

Team, you are never in too deep or too lost where Jesus can’t bring you back home. Whatever you do, remember your “exit” button.

2018 Stellar Gospel Music Awards: An Epic Night in Gospel Music

By
Editorial Staff
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stellar awards 2018

One Stage Filled with the Good News of Jesus Christ

The 2018 Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, produced by Central City Productions, and hosted by Kirk Franklin, will premiere on TV One, Good Friday, March 30, at 9PM EST/8PM CST. Additionally, the Stellar Awards will air in national broadcast syndication March 31-May 6, 2018 on 130 stations in more than 110 markets around the country.

This year’s spectacular show open featured Stellar Awards alum, Erica Campbell, reuniting with her sister Tina Campbell as the hit gospel duo Mary Mary for the first time in more than six years. The show also included an all-star tribute to the late, great Edwin Hawkins, with his sister Lynette Hawkins accepting the Edwin Hawkins Icon Award in his honor. Also, a standout moment featured the multi-platinum award-winning Snoop Dogg performing material from his new gospel album, “Bible of Love.”

The night included performances by Snoop Dogg, Mary Mary, Kierra Sheard, Tori Kelly, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Anthony Brown, JJ Hairston, Travis Greene, Jonathan McReynolds, Ricky Dillard, Todd Dulaney, Tasha Page Lockhart, KeKe Wyatt, Canton Jones, Deitrick Haddon, Koryn Hawthorne, Le’Andria Johnson and more. Special presenters included Donnie McClurkin, Merle Dandridge, David Mann, Anika Noni Rose and more.

Top winners of the night were JJ Hairston with six awards; Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Travis Greene each winning four awards, and Anthony Brown winning two awards (see the complete Stellar Awards winners list here).

Don Jackson bestowed special honors upon gospel greats who have made significant contributions to the genre. The incomparable Tamela Mann was the 2018 recipient of the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award and the legendary Rev. Milton Biggham received The Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award. Stellar Honors Hall of Fame Inductees includes Kurt Carr, Ben Tankard, and Dr. Marabeth Gentry – President of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses.

Team, don’t miss this amazing night of gospel music with all of your favorite gospel artists. Set those DVRs, and be sure to keep the gospel music industry on your prayer list, that the good news of Jesus Christ in song will continue to impact lives everywhere.

How to Effectively Manage Random Mood Swings with Grace

By
Jeannette Tyson
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mood swings

Are You Moody?

Keeping with my recent theme of being built to win and standing in your identity, I started thinking about those of us who struggle with staying in that “free” space. Those of us who know the Lord and know our place in Him, yet still have days and times when we don’t feel like we’re His.

I have my days when I feel God’s presence so strong, I see things working for my good, and I am so in tune with Him. On those days I am energetic, enthused, and productive. “Man, why can’t I always feel like this?”

But, what changed? Some days I feel like life is so hard. Even though I know who I am in the Lord, and I meditate on the scriptures and speak life, it’s an uphill battle.

I used to chalk it up to the enemy, but lately, I’m thinking that wasn’t entirely true because greater is He who is in me (1 John 4:4). I don’t have all the answers, but I do have a theory about all of this.

Check the Source of Your Mood Swings

He Cares For YouFirst, I think there are multiple things that affect our mental state including the foods we eat, our rest habits, and our meaningful relationships. These things can change. Some days you may get 8 hours of rest and other days you may only get 5 hours; sometimes you eat healthy and other days that KitKat is calling your name. Just like the weather, when you have certain environmental changes, the atmosphere can develop rain, snow, or high winds. Same goes for human physiology.

Recently, I was in the car driving home and I began to feel a drop in my mood out of nowhere. I started wondering why – I thought about going home alone (I’m single), having to get certain things done before bed, and all the things I wasn’t looking forward to. At that moment God told me, “Jeannette, you weren’t even thinking about those things 5 minutes ago.”

It hit me. My mood change had me looking for something wrong to justify the negative feeling. I had been fine, then suddenly I wasn’t. Because nothing was happening at that moment, I took inventory of my life and tried to match an event to the mood!

I was blown away, I had been doing this for a long time! The Lord was showing me that when we do this, we give that feeling license to stay rent-free in our minds. Then, it becomes that much harder to evict the freeloading negativity.

You’re Not “Only Human”, You’re Spirit-filled

There are things that crop up in us that we put up with because we think it’s a part of being human. I know people who have said that they can’t trust people who are always happy. “That’s just absurd to be in a good mood all the time.”

Have you noticed how much easier it is to bond over negativity than positivity for some people? Some of us tend to feel like we’re bragging when we tell people about good things happening in our life, but then we don’t hesitate to dump all the drama on anyone who will listen!

Let’s be deliberate about changing the topic when it veers off the path of positivity. I’m not insensitive, I know that hurting people need to vent at times, but we need to use wisdom and know when to step in with edification and keep the conversation on an upward trend.

Until recently, I didn’t know that I could have thoughts that weren’t my own – it’s the same with moods. We can have a sudden drop in mood, but we need to discern whether we’re the source.

God has given us the ability to express feelings and emotions. There are times that things happen to evoke certain responses which are normal, but when it happens out of the blue, ask the Lord to reveal the source.

The devil will try to manipulate you so that you become unproductive and ineffective. If you are constantly battling with your moods, then chances are you’re not able to give enough attention to God’s calling on your life.

Joy fuels us – it’s vital that we maintain it!

Again, I want to stress that discernment is key because your mood changes can also reflect the heart of God and He may be calling you into intercession. There are some people who feel saddened out of the blue or they feel righteous indignation toward disobedience. God may be calling you to stand in the gap and pray for grace and mercy or to pray His will for someone else. Having an intimate relationship with God will take away the guesswork. Ask for wisdom and understanding, and He will lead.

So, What’s The Play Call?

Self-awareness is key to development. Pay attention to your thoughts, moods, and motives. Question everything and allow the Lord room to search you (Psalm 139:23) and give you insight.

Learn how to stir up the gift in you. I have a few worship songs and psalms I like to read when my mood shifts to get myself back on track.

Moods that won’t relent are often a call into the prayer chamber – take earnest heed and go boldly before God, who is waiting to help you (Hebrews 4:16).

Be blessed.

 

 

Gospel Superstar Kirk Franklin Returns to Host Annual Stellar Awards

By
Editorial Staff
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the stellar awards

THE STELLAR AWARDS RETURNS WITH ANTHONY BROWN & GROUP THERAPY LEADING 2018 NOMINATIONS WITH TEN, WHILE TASHA COBBS LEONARD, J.J. HAIRSTON & YOUTHFUL PRAISE, AND TRAVIS GREENE FOLLOW WITH NINE

Central City Productions announces the nominees in 28 categories for the 33rd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, hosted again this year by history-making artist, Kirk Franklin on Saturday, March 24. Contemporary gospel group Anthony Brown & group therAPy leads the field of nominees this year with ten nominations. The group earned recognition for its work on the album “A Long Way From Sunday” (Key of A/Fair Trade/Tyscot Records) in the key categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year, Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Producer of the Year, Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year, and Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year.

With nine nominations each, chart-topping soloist Tasha Cobbs Leonard, gospel choir J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise, and praise and worship artist Travis Greene demonstrate excellence in the field as recognized by the Stellar Awards voting body.  Cobbs Leonard is nominated in the hotly-contested categories of Artist of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year and Producer of the Year among others for her work on “Heart. Passion. Pursuit.” (Motown Gospel). J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise are nominated in the Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year & Choir of the Year categories among their nine nods for the group’s work on “You Deserve It” (JamesTown Music/Entertainment One).  Greene continues to rise in the gospel genre, earning nominations this year in the top categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year and Producer of the Year for his work on “Crossover Live in Music City” (RCA Inspiration).

With five nominations each, veterans Deitrick Haddon and Ricky Dillard demonstrate their staying power in gospel music, representing contemporary and traditional gospel, respectively. Haddon is recognized for Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Duo/Chorus of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year, Duo/Group Chorus of the Year and Producer of the Year for work on “Deitrick Haddon & Hill City Worship Camp” (Entertainment One).  Dillard is recognized for Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year, Traditional CD of the Year, Traditional Choir of the Year, Choir of the Year and Recorded Music Packaging of the Year.

Other artists earning multiple nominations include Marvin Sapp, The Williams Brothers, CeCe Winans, The Rance Allen Group, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Tina Campbell and Le’Andria Johnson.

The Stellar Awards show taping will return to The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 24, 2018 and is open to the public, with ticket prices ranging from $50 – $200 at www.ticketmaster.com.

The weekend of activities begins with the Stellar Awards Independent Artist & Quartet Showcase, taking place on Thursday, March 22, with winners performing at the non-televised awards pre-show ceremony. The 2018 Stellar Gospel Music Awards Pre-Show is scheduled for Friday, March 23 to showcase non-televised award winners. Also, the Stellar Gospel Radio Awards & Showcase will be held on Saturday, March 24, honoring top radio stations and announcers serving urban gospel music audiences.

SUMMARY OF 2018 STELLAR AWARDS TOP NOMINEES

  • Anthony Brown & group therAPy – 10 Nominations
  • Tasha Cobbs Leonard – 9 Nominations
  • J. Hairston & Youthful Praise – 9 Nominations
  • Travis Greene – 9 Nominations
  • Deitrick Haddon – 5 Nominations
  • Ricky Dillard – 5 Nominations
  • Marvin Sapp – 4 Nominations
  • The Williams Brothers – 3 Nominations
  • CeCe Winans – 3 Nominations
  • The Rance Allen Group– 3 Nominations
  • Bishop Paul S. Morton – 3 Nominations
  • Tina Campbell – 3 Nominations
  • Le’Andria Johnson – 2 Nominations

View the complete list of Stellar Awards nominees here.

Don’t Let the Storm Stop Your “Yes”

By
Andrea Matthews
-
peace in the midst of the storm

Peace in the Midst of the Storm

The eye of a storm has always fascinated me. It’s a region of calm weather at the center of intense tropical cyclones. The thought that there can be peace in the midst of a storm is astounding, and the thought that this peace could be present in more than just hurricanes and twisters…what a concept?!

I’ve come to know this peace. It’s the kind that passes all understanding, and it can be revealed in many different ways. The peace that I carry comes from the knowledge of truth that God has my back. I don’t ever have to be afraid of serving Him.

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”  (Philippians 2:12-13, NLT)

When we respond to the call of salvation, we say yes to whatever it is that God has planned for us. We choose to jump into a life we’ve never lived before hoping in the promise that it’s better than the last.

The truth is, this life is better, but not because it’s storm free. Oftentimes in our “yes” to God, we encounter rough winds and sometimes we even suffer damage. It’s confusing to associate our obedience to God with massive hurts and pain. So let’s focus on the truth.

The Work of Salvation is Worth It

In the verse above, we are encouraged to continue being obedient to God. Maybe Paul, the writer of this book, knew the struggle. Maybe he knew that at times it can feel close to impossible to submit every part of our lives in obedience – so he chose to remind us of the hope we first knew.

He says that it is indeed possible to walk in obedience to God because it is God who works in us to fulfill His purpose. That means if God asks you to do something, He’s the one who will do it through you. All it takes is submission.

He’s already equipped us for each “yes” we will ever make. And, that’s where the peace comes. It’s in knowing that no matter what storm the enemy has prepared for me, I have everything I need to conquer it (Romans 8:37).

So, What’s the Play Call?

Say “yes” to God – even when you’re afraid, in doubt, worn out, or you simply can’t see your way.

The cool thing is when we walk with God, we become more than conquerors, transforming this world through the love of God. As we say “yes”, even we will fall more and more in love with Him, too.

Storage Almost Full: What’s Blocking Your Blessings?

By
Alecia M. White
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blocking your blessings

Manage Your Storage Settings

I use my cell phone a lot, and for many different things, as many of you probably do. Before my current iPhone, I had a 16GB, iPhone 5S. Now, the problem that I frequently had was running out of storage space. What felt like daily, I would delete apps and photos so that I would have space for something more important.

Once, I remember trying to record a video, and my phone giving me that “not enough storage” message. So, I went through my photos and began deleting.

I then attempted to record again and guess what…. I still didn’t have adequate space.

How though? I’d just deleted like twenty pictures from my phone and I really didn’t want to delete more at the moment.

That’s when I realized it… the photos that I’d just disposed of were being held in the “Recently Deleted” folder on my phone. So, in essence, they were still there. I had to delete them again in order for them to be completely erased from my phone and allow sufficient storage space.

A Time to Purge

blocking your blessingsI thought about how this works in comparison to life.

More often than not, we “delete” stuff from our lives and we think, or claim, that we’ve gotten over it, but haven’t. This is evident when we try moving on or allowing someone else into our “space,” those old hurts come up again and again.

“How? How can it be that I’m not over it yet?”

Well, maybe it’s because you tucked that old thing in your “recently deleted” folder instead of letting it go altogether. You know how we do, we hold on to things just so we can bring them up at just the right time, or so that we can compare it to current life to be sure it’s not reoccurring.

The truth is that we are causing ourselves more harm than good because we create the problem of “not enough storage.” When we’re blocking our blessings, those fresh, new experiences can’t affect us the way they should and those supportive people can’t make their way into our lives because those “deleted items” are still holding space in our lives hostage.

SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?

Delete! Delete! Delete! There is not enough “storage space” for you to keep all of those items in your “folder”.

Our Playbook says in Philippians 3:13, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before…” Let go of those things that are behind you – I mean completely let go. Get rid of them!

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you clean out life’s storage space:

  • Yes, God knows, but He often waits for us to ask for His help. So often we pull the “God knows my heart” card and we never admit that we need Him. Jeremiah 17:14 says, “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.” The New Living Translation says, “O Lord, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone!”
  • Accept your freedom and healing from those things that hurt you. Many times, the problem we face is that we don’t completely walk in our healing. We are so used to the pain that we don’t know how to let go.
  • Be victorious! God has given us the victory, but it is up to us to take it or take an “L”. And, there is no sense in losing a fixed fight. Once you have made up in your mind that you are victorious over your past, it is a lot easier to let go what was. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4
  • Be free! Just like those extra Gigs of space are freed up when you delete those recently deleted photos. Jesus died so that we could be free from all things that would bind us. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36

So, go ahead and click all those “photos,” and hit “delete all” so that you can move forward, freed up!

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