The Rev. Billy Graham, who transformed American religious life through his preaching and activism, becoming a counselor to presidents and the most widely heard Christian evangelist in history, died …
Well Done, Rev. Billy Graham: America’s Most Influential Preacher Dies at 99
‘Black Panther’ Actress Letitia Wright Discovers True Happiness in God
A Relationship with God Makes the Difference
Her character has been described as every little girl’s (and boy’s) dream – to be the smartest person in the world.
But, if actress Letitia Wright, who plays the technologically savvy Shuri in “Black Panther“, is not the smartest person in the world, she’s definitely wise beyond her years – discovering the true meaning of happiness: her relationship with God.
At a difficult point in her life, the Guyana-born actress contemplated giving up acting. Wright revealed to Vanity Fair how those 7-months away from idolizing the acting business revealed how she could receive so much more from God.
“I just needed to take a break from acting… I went on a journey to discover God and my relationship with God and I became a Christian. It gave me so much love and light within myself… I felt secure, I didn’t need validation from anyone else or from getting a part. My happiness wasn’t dependent on that, it was dependent on God“, Wright shares with UK morning show, This Morning. Watch the complete interview above.
We pray for continued success for teammate Letitia Wright! May she fulfill every plan that God has for her life and bloom wherever God plants her.
Why We Must Study God’s Word with a Lifelong Learner’s Mentality
Enlighten Me Again, Lord
I love to study God’s Word. It’s alive, it’s active, and it speaks to my specific situation without fail.
I’ve found that even when I know a scripture like the back of my hand, God’s Spirit has the power to reveal a new mystery to me each time.
This happened a few months ago while I was making daily confessions. I remember proclaiming, “My life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3, NLT). I’d been speaking this scripture over my life for years, but I felt a nudge to open up my Bible and read it again.
Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, God showered incredible revelation to me in the verse. Now I read it, and many other scriptures, in a completely new light.
I think about my eagerness to learn the scriptures with overwhelming gratefulness as I realize it hasn’t always been there. I used to teach the youth at my church growing up, and although I never took a class in theology, I considered myself an educator of the Word. I knew what the scriptures meant and would relay that meaning to the kids in my class.
I had the best of intentions, but in hindsight, I see the limitations I placed in those studies and am reminded of another set of educators mentioned in the Bible, the Pharisees.
The Best Teachers Live What They Learn
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, we find Him constantly butting heads with the Pharisees, who were teachers of the law. Jesus is so kind and loving to the sick and hurting, those living in sin, but when it comes to interacting with the religious elite, His words are harsh and His actions aggressive.
“You’re hopeless, you religion scholars! You took the key of knowledge, but instead of unlocking doors, you locked them. You won’t go in yourself, and won’t let anyone else in either.” (Luke 11:52, MSG)
The Son of God proclaims this woe amongst many others directed toward the Pharisees. These men were experts of the law – they knew all the memory verses and taught the scriptures in the temple.
How could Jesus be upset at the guys who knew the most about God?
Perhaps, in their pursuit of knowledge, these men began to glorify their position as educators and stopped becoming learners of the Word of God.
Maybe He was so angry because the Pharisees were in serious danger; they held a form of godliness but lacked the power of His Spirit. In doing so, these guys were leading themselves and others astray.
It’s crazy to think, that in such a small congregation and at such a young age, I was able to participate in this same struggle. As humans, we cannot assume to know any more than a mere glimpse of God’s character, no matter how many degrees we’ve earned or years we’ve spent pursuing Him.
So, What’s the Play Call?
Aim for the knowledge of God with the pure intent of intimacy – not education. With humbled hearts, let us always approach His Word with a learner’s mentality.
A Dear John Letter to Former Me: Old Things are Passed Away
Dear Former Me,
I think you know why I’m writing this letter to you today.
It’s time.
It’s time for us to break-up and go our separate ways. I’m breaking up with you because Future Me depends on it. Future Me deserves my best self…the “Me” who God created and purposed me to be. I can’t hold on to you and become Future Me, too.
However, before you leave, I want to thank you for the lessons you’ve taught me.
You taught me that God is my only Creator and the only one who can tell me what I was created to do and what I am capable of doing. Therefore, the voices of the naysayers, doubters, and dream killers in my life needed to be silenced and never considered.
You taught me that shrinking behind insecurities and playing small is not what God intended for my life, as God did not intend for me to live that way. I am not mediocre. I am not average. I am destined for greatness.
You taught me that when I embrace fear and choose to stay in the boat, I will become stagnant and stunt my spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental growth. God is encouraging me to leave fear behind and walk on water. I will not fulfill my God-given purpose and calling within the constraints of my comfort zone.
You taught me that delayed obedience is still disobedience. I need to do what God is telling me to do the first time He tells me to do it.
Most importantly, you taught me to trust God – no matter what it looks like, no matter what it feels like, and no matter what I think I know or believe to be true.
I have learned that my feelings and emotions lie, but God does not. If God said it, it shall be so. His promises to me shall come to pass (Isaiah 55:11).
I have to admit to you – I don’t know what my future or Future Me looks like. But, I do know that God has told me, “I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
God also promised me that I should “…remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13 NIV). Therefore, I am now excited and determined to follow God’s leading, escape the fear zone, and take a leap into my ordained destiny.
So, today, I release you and say farewell. This is not a temporary break in our relationship – this break-up is permanent! I have no intentions of keeping in touch.
Goodbye…for good.
With Deepest Sincerity,
Monique
So, What’s the Play Call?
If you are ready for things to be different in any area of your life, you can’t keep doing the same things and expecting different results. You cannot let fear or insecurity hold you back from receiving all that God has for you – from being who God purposed you to be.
There may be some old behaviors, mindsets, perspectives, and maybe some people that you need release in order to receive all that God has for you.
Pray and ask God to reveal if there is something or someone you need to release, and then ask God to give you a willing and obedient spirit to let go. Let God be God so He can do what He needs to do in your life to glorify His tailor-made plan for you.
You’re Not Your New Self When Your Spirit is Hungry
You’re Not Yourself When You’re Hungry
Okay so, I love to eat.
I don’t skip meals, not on purpose anyway, and I eat every few hours like clockwork. If I am voluntarily not eating, it’s probably because I’m fasting. If you catch me and I am absolutely not hungry, I may not be feeling well and in that case, you should check on me to find out what the problem is.
Well, one day, I’d been at my computer working, and all of a sudden, everything seemed to get on my last nerve. My boss gave me a list of to-dos and left the office, and I just didn’t want to work anymore.
I was irritated and I had no idea why. I mean, I’d prayed that morning – a good prayer, too. And, I’d read my Playbook (Bible) and took some notes on what God was speaking to me. I’d even had a scripture that I’d been reciting all that day.
What was it? Why was I ready to be done with the day and everything in it?
Then, I glanced down at the clock on my computer screen and realized that I hadn’t eaten since around ten that morning and it was almost 3 o’clock. There was the problem, I was hangry (hungry + angry). I had to hurry and get some lunch before it got any worse.
Is Your Spirit Starving?
See, our spirits can be likened to our natural bodies in that, they must be fed, like clockwork, multiple times a day.
You ever tried starting your day and feeling a little groggy or weak because you didn’t eat breakfast? Well, your spirit is groggy when you do not begin your day by feeding it with the Word of God. It is the same situation when you skip lunch and make it to that three o’clock hour and you haven’t eaten since breakfast, or not at all, and you try functioning at full capacity to push through that last email or pile of paperwork.
Not happening, not without a struggle anyway.
Can’t relate? Well, try starting your car with no gas in the tank – you probably won’t be going anywhere. You must continue feeding your spirit throughout the day, or filling up your spiritual tank. Even if you are not physically reading at all times, you must continue reminding yourself of what God’s word says.
This helps to increase your faith. Romans 10:17 says “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?
Be sure that you are exercising proper “nutrition” when growing your spiritual man, just as you do your natural body:
- “Feed” your spirit daily. Just as you do not want to physically starve, you must be careful not to spiritually starve. Our Playbook says, in Luke 4:4, “And Jesus answered him, saying, it is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Feed your spirit often.
- Be careful what you feed your spirit. Just as it is unhealthy to feed your body junk foods, we must be aware of what we are feeding our spirits. What enters your spirit fills your heart and our Playbook says, in Proverbs 4:23, to “Guard your heart…”
- Pray for an understanding of God’s word. If you’re like me, you hate being confused or lost in any situation. Since we are relating to foods, if I don’t know what it is, I’m not eating it. That is why I find it so important for us to pray for clarity so that we understand what God is instructing us to do. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
- Be sure to apply God’s word to your life. Food does you no good if you don’t actually eat it. The word of God does you no good if you don’t actually live by it. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22
We must eat to live – both spiritually and naturally.
The Loving Father, the Righteous Judge
Today’s Scripture Lesson: Psalms 50
As always, I encourage you to open your Bible and read the passage on your own.
In our last study, we talked about how the Psalms are a mirror for the soul. The mirror is dull, but through His psalmists, God reveals the souls of His people – not only the salt and light He desires in us, but also the darkness He desires to remove.
To receive the light, we must have the Light truly revealed. And so, through the Psalms, not only does God reveal His people, He reveals Himself.
Thus, when I encourage you to read on your own, I humbly do so with the hope and knowledge that God’s Word will minister to you on a level upon which I will always be incapable.
A Psalm of Instruction and Warning
The 50th Psalm is attributed to a man named Asaph. This is the first of twelve psalms attributed to him. We first learn about Asaph in the book of 1 Chronicles 6:39, and we learn of his duties in the 16th chapter of the same book.
1 Chronicles 16:4-5 tells us Asaph was a Levite appointed by David to be the chief minister before the ark of the Lord. He was instructed to celebrate, offer thanks, and praise the Lord God of Israel. Furthermore, in verse 37 of that chapter, we learn Asaph and his relatives were to minister before the ark continually, as every day’s work required. You need only to read the first six chapters of Leviticus to see that the work of Asaph, and any priest, before the ark was incredibly laborious work indeed.
In other words, Asaph wasn’t simply the equivalent of a worship pastor at your local church.
As I look at this Psalm, my mind breaks it into 3 sections, so let’s approach it section by section.
Section 1: Honor the Creator
The first section is comprised of the first 6 verses. As you read these verses ask yourself, “What is Asaph, the psalmist, doing here?”
Scripture highlight: Psalms 50:1-6
In 5 of these 6 verses, Asaph is praising his Creator. It is interesting to look at the language and the word pictures being painted here. “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth.” It must be remembered that the temple in Jerusalem (Zion), which Solomon built, had not been constructed at the writing of this psalm.
This isn’t about the spectacular physical temple. This is about God’s glory. Look at verse 1. This isn’t just colorful language, this is a statement of what God had already revealed about Himself in Scripture. “…the Lord…. summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.”
Verse 3 states, “fire devours before Him” and it may be tempting to write it off as more colorful language, but we know from the book of Leviticus that this is exactly what happened to Aaron’s sons who offered strange fire in the holy of holies (Leviticus 10). As stated earlier, God reveals Himself through the Psalms.
When the Holy Spirit breathes the Word into the writers of Scripture, He speaks truth, and the truth always reveals God’s glory.
In the 5th verse, Asaph writes down a command, which is the spoken Word of God. The command paired with the words of verses 4 and 6 reveal God’s sovereignty as not only mighty but as a judge.
Section 2: Listen to the Father’s Words
The next two sections bring to light the reason God summoned His people in verse 5. God speaks to His covenant people – first to those who are godly and then to those who are wicked. Section 2 is directed to the godly.
Scripture highlight: Psalms 50:7-15
Isn’t it interesting to compare God’s role in verse 6 with verse 7? Not only is He judge in verse 6, He’s a witness giving testimony in verse 7.
Do you wonder what God’s testimony would be in regards to you?
He tells His godly ones, “I will testify”…how? “Against you.” If that isn’t an eye-opening, ear-turning, earth-shaking call to repentance, I don’t know what one is!
Then, God enters His testimony, and He does so in the most loving way. “I do not reprove (reprimand) you for your sacrifices and your burnt offerings are continually before Me.” His godly ones were focused on the obligation of sacrifice and offering. In other words, they were focused on appeasement.
They were sacrificing and offering because they were operating with a serious misunderstanding. They thought God needed their bulls and goats. God essentially says, “No, no, no. I am everything I need. I am complete. Everything you see is Mine. I want for nothing. I don’t go to you for food. Everything flows from Me. And you’re mistaken to view this any other way.”
Was there anyone better to receive this revelation than Asaph? As the chief minister before the ark, he dealt with all of these animals being delivered to the tabernacle for sacrifice and offering. He heard the people as they brought in their sacrifices and offerings. He heard their grumblings as they left their best animals in the hands of the priests. Asaph heard their ungrateful words, but more importantly, God could see and hear the unspoken grumblings of their ungrateful hearts.
While God offers reproof, He also communicates His expectations to His people. In verses 14 and 15 God instructs them:
- Offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving (be grateful)
- Pay your vows to the Most High
- Call upon Me
The last half of 15 tells us why they should do this. Notice, God doesn’t use the word “then”. He doesn’t say, “then I shall rescue you.” God says, “I shall rescue you.” His rescue isn’t contingent on their sacrifice. Instead, His rescue is a promise of His lovingkindness. Their thanksgiving, their vows, and their call to the Lord simply serve to honor Him.
Section 3: Turn from Wicked Ways
Then God addresses the wicked in the final section.
Scripture highlight: Psalms 50:16-23
I can only infer that these are covenant people who have forsaken not only the possibility of relationship, but the obligations of the law entirely. These people weren’t bothering to sacrifice or bring a burnt offering. Instead, they lived in doubt, rejecting God’s sovereignty in their hearts, but also with their mouths.
God questions them, “What right have you to tell of My statutes and take My covenant in your mouth?” (v. 16) This reminds me of God speaking to Job, “…I will ask you, and you instruct Me! Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.” (Job 38:3-4)
Going forward, God lays out the main points of His case against the wicked:
- You hate discipline
- You cast My words behind you
- You are pleased by thieves
- You associate with adulterers
- You’re deceitful
- You slander your brother
As a quick side note: I submit there is a difference between associating with adulterers and ministering to adulterers. In association, we become indistinguishable from that with which we are associated. We take on the same character and behaviors. Jesus certainly didn’t avoid adulterers or sinners of any sort. They were His field of ministry and He gave them the Words of life.
After God testifies His case, He says something that rings true not only for the wicked, but the godly ones as well:
“You thought that I
was just like you.”
God is more or less stating in these verses to the godly and wicked alike, “I’m not like you. I don’t need what you need. My mercy and compassion are not to be equated with my approval. And, you’re not going to like what happens if you continue to test Me.”
As God continues speaking, He echoes to the wicked the offer He gave to the godly, “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me, and to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God.” The call to repentance is always accompanied by the promise of salvation.
So, What’s the Play Call?
You might have noticed that I used the word “doubt” when talking about the wicked. We often equate questioning with doubt. These are not the same. Doubt is a much darker state and it leads you away from God. Questions are different. Questions are asked in faith and with the purpose of desiring to go deeper into relationship with the Father.
Ask God some questions. And don’t be afraid to ask Him the big questions in reverence. Ask Him to reveal the areas in your life where you are living out of obligation instead of gratefulness and thanksgiving. Ask Him to reveal any areas of doubt which are leading you away from Him. Spend time in His Word and allow it to work in you, transforming your heart, mind, and soul.
God bless!
5 Red Flags to Distinguish Walking by Faith vs. Fear
Let’s Talk About Faith
If asked, “Do you have faith?”, most of us would immediately respond “Yes!”
But, how can we be so sure, so optimistic? Faith is much different than optimism. Optimism is having a positive outlook and perspective, but faith is the substance of things we hope for when there’s nothing positive in sight (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is a verb – optimism is a noun. A person can be optimistic all day long and not walk by faith.
The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6), so it’s important that we evaluate our hearts to be sure we are operating in faith.
More Faith, Less Fear
It’s a shame that most Christians only exercise faith in a crisis. God is a deliverer and a healer, but He also wants to bring you into promise.
The opposite of faith is fear. Fear cripples us in the body of Christ and it hinders our progress. If we’re not careful, we can be deceived and mix these concepts up. There are a few red flags that will alert you to a fear factor at work in you. My hope is that you overcome them quickly and move on to what the Lord has for you. Let’s take a look:
1. Faith is action-oriented.
When you have faith in God, you walk in full expectation – so, prepare!
When I came across the listing for my current job, it was right on time. It pays well, it was in an area where I desired to work, and I was qualified. I had faith in God and believed that He would give me this position, but my faith wasn’t enough – I had to put in work.
After I applied for the job, I called them once a week to check the status of my application. One day, I even got dressed up and went down to the HR and Recruitment department to speak with someone. I also began to make arrangements for childcare so that my daughter would be set when my hours changed. I prayed earnestly and I got the job! Faith without works is dead (James 2:14).
2. Faith is specific.
Fear will have you justifying all kinds of mishaps with clichés like “everything happens for a reason”. Faith is when you know that you know and you move accordingly.
One sure way to tell if you’re walking in fear is when you are leery about being too specific in your petitions to God. Building your personal relationship with God is key because He will confirm His word to you and give you discernment. Our faith empowers us to go boldly before the throne of grace to find help in our times of need (Hebrews 4:6).
3. Faith has tunnel vision; fear is easily distracted.
When you’re walking by faith, all hell can break loose around you, and you will not be moved! It is possible to overlook your current circumstances and still believe.
Fear will have you thinking, “Well, since this happened – maybe I heard wrong.” NO! Please understand that the devil does not care that you received a Word from God. He will fight tooth and nail to see that it never manifests. Faith focuses on what God said, making everything else irrelevant.
4. Faith has patience; fear is anxious.
Faith is patient because it trusts and believes God. Fear is anxious because it doubts God.
There are times when you can truly believe that your fear is justified. Maybe you or a loved one is sick, or perhaps you need your rent money by tomorrow and your next paycheck is a week away. It could be something big to you, but NOTHING is impossible to those who believe (Mark 9:23). Worry and stress is a sign that you’re walking by fear.
5. Faith is not foolish; fear loves folly.
Please don’t spend your money frivolously, then try to fast and pray for God to provide. That’s not how this works. Exercise your common sense and good judgment because God gave us all the ability to reason. God is not our personal genie in a bottle. Be a good steward over what He has given you (time, gifts, resources) so that He can trust you with more.
So, What’s the play call?
Be intentional about growing your faith! The Bible says we go from faith to faith, glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). Jesus said that we can ask anything in His name and it will be given to us (John 14:13), so let’s ask Him to increase our faith so that we will be pleasing in His sight.
Put God to the test! Ask God to show you an area in your life where your faith is weak. What do you need that you can’t do for yourself? For example, I applied for my job, but I couldn’t hire myself.
Wait on the Lord. Be patient, Team. Anxiety is fear in disguise. When we wait on God, not wavering, but with joy and peace, we show ourselves faithful.
If you ever feel like things aren’t happening when they should, remember that God’s timing is perfect. Don’t let doubt threaten your faith and cloud your focus.
Remember that fear is usually the fruit – not the root. Through prayer and fasting, get to the bottom of what is causing you fear or anxiety. Break its bondage off your life!
Be blessed.
10 Tips for Managing a Healthy Long Distance Relationship
Most days, my husband and I are no more than 70 feet apart from each other. This is the distance from his garage to my home office.
The working arrangement we have gives us the opportunity to eat our meals together, as well as stay physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually connected. Plus, it allows us to manage our daily routines together, and blend into each others’ work.
There are days that I serve in the garage as the secretary, parts deliverer, customer service representative, and the navigator for roadside customers who need immediate mobile service. I am truly working on being the ultimate helpmate to my husband.
When I think about how far we’ve come, there was a point in our marriage where we were over 1,300 miles away from each other! However, even with the distance and the slight difference in time, we managed to carve out moments to emotionally and spiritually feed our relationship to ensure that the cord that bound us did not break.
This reflective moment made me think how blessed we are, and what God has done and is doing for us. But, I can only wonder – how many couples allow physical distance to create division in their relationships?
How can couples use distance as a multiplier – not a divider?
Long Distance Relationship Tips
Here are a few tips that may help you and your spouse thrive in a long distance relationship. This list is not limited to physical distance alone, but can also be used to strengthen your marriage against mental, emotional, and spiritual distance as well.
1. Say what’s on your heart and mind to keep clear communications.
Do not expect your mate to read between the lines. Practice repeating what you heard your spouse say to eliminate confusion. This will make sure the deliverer and receiver walk away with the same message. Clear and transparent communication will eliminate presumptions and misinterpretations.
2. Stretch your imagination to come up with new and creative ways to show acts of love.
Learn your mate’s Love Language. Even if you are not physically present, your love can still be felt. For instance, if your spouse’s love language is Service, and you usually keep all the vehicles fueled, make use of service providers, e.g. mobilefuel.me to deliver gasoline right to your mate’s door.
If your spouse’s love language is Touch, give your mate an item of clothing sprayed with your favorite scent to wrap up in during times of absence.
3. Send tokens that speak your heart to their heart.
Written love letters, voice-recorded love affirmations, and videotaped love confessions are a few examples of how to articulate your heart. If you are more artsy, write a poem or song that expresses your feelings for your mate.
4. Spend time planning when you’ll be together physically and how to use the time most efficiently.
Reuniting for the weekend? Create a schedule to allow for quality time together, not just busy work or chores – which are necessary, but not necessarily a priority. Have a DATENIGHT schedule and a separate Honey DO list.
5. Stand up for the things that bring harmony to your home.
Don’t participate in activities that will hurt you or your partner. Maintaining your spiritual, emotional, and mental health positively affects your mate, though they may be miles away. Continue to share in making critical decisions together to build a joint understanding of the relationship and boundaries.
6. Strengthen your friendship by learning more through discovery techniques.
Play the Newlywed Game with each other; ask probing but fun questions to identify likes and dislikes. This activity will help you to connect as friends and lifelong partners so you aren’t strangers when you come together.
7. Choose friends who respect and nurture a strong relationship of their own.
Associate with couples who are strong in their marriage to give support to yours. Connect with people who have successfully navigated the “long distance” waters, who can give advice and encouragement during trying times.
8. Search for ways to lift each other privately and publicly.
Use your social media networks wisely to highlight the good in your relationship. Share your testimony of strength with those you trust in your network.
When duty calls, sacrifice to be there to support your mate when they need it the most.
9. Strip away things, people, or thoughts that can be potential distractions.
Cut out any excess extra-curricular activities that take away from “couple time” when you come together. Make sure your friends and loved ones respect your reunited time with each other. During lengthy seasons apart, choose prayer over porn to protect your mate’s place in your mind and spirit.
10. Step outside of expected roles and become what you each need.
Don’t get caught up in societal roles such as who does the housework versus lawn work. Allow these duties to be outsourced, if possible, as to not create a burden on anyone. If outsourcing does not fit your finances, work together to address concerns that can be handled by the individual who is home. But, don’t stress or overwhelm the traveling partner with extra duties.
So, What’s the Play Call?
Do not allow anything, not even distance, to separate what God has joined together (Mark 10:9).
Keep a grip on your feelings and emotions so you don’t build walls between you and your mate.
Keep your mind focused on those things that keep each of you on the same path together, so you won’t stray in opposite directions.
How do you manage the health of your long distance relationship?
Achan’s Sin: Why the Body of Christ Rises and Falls Together
Truths Revealed
Have you ever re-read a book or watched a movie you’ve already seen?
Did you find something new that you might not have noticed the first time?
That’s how I felt while reading through the book of Joshua.
I’ve heard the story of Israel’s battle at Jericho – how they kept quiet for days, marched around the city, and finally let out a shout of triumph to see the walls come tumbling down. But, what happened after their victory is the part I missed, and it’s, unfortunately, a story and lesson for us today in itself.
God’s Instruction After the Victory
Just before the city of Jericho was destroyed, Joshua reminded his people of the Lord’s command:
“The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord…keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise, you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction…” (Joshua 6:17-18)
A man named Achan chose to be disobedient and secretly took for himself gold, silver, and a beautiful robe. In their next battle against the people of Ai, Israel is defeated. Their leader Joshua is mourning over their loss when the Lord speaks:
“Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep…They have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies.” (Joshua 7:11-12)
The story goes on to share that Achan and his family were stoned and all his possessions destroyed. Israel went on to defeat Ai and their covenant with the Lord was renewed.
We Are One, Unified Body
These few verses in the Bible are so intense that it might seem impossible to apply anything learned here to our lives today. But, I found three important truths to help us with that:
The Body of Christ is affected by its smallest part.
It seems extreme for one man’s sin to affect the entire population of God’s people, right? Maybe if it was Joshua, the leader, who fell short, it would be easier to accept. I believe this is due to a lack of true unity in the Body. If my pinky toe were cut off, all of my focus would be on repairing that injury before continuing in my purpose as a body.
We must keep each other accountable.
I’m sure the Israelites thought it incredibly unfair that they had to lose lives in battle just because of one man’s greed. That point could be argued, but it won’t be won. God designed for us to be our brother’s keeper, to look out for one another (Galatians 6:2). We have an obligation to love our brothers and sisters with the truth of God’s Word.
We are to be hidden in Christ.
The Colossians 3:3 declares that our lives have been hidden in Christ. I’d like to suggest that this verse means we are hidden in Christ’s Body; that as we confess our sins one to another, healing is so readily available because our aim isn’t to expose each other, but rather cover our fellow believers (James 5:16).
So, What’s the Play Call?
There’s necessity and beauty in being unified through Christ. Let’s recognize the value each member of the Body possesses, keeping our brothers and sisters accountable to live lives that point to Jesus. And, let us pursue healing as we promise to cover one another so that the world would see Christ through our love (1 John 4:12).
CeCe Winans Snags Double Grammys for “Let Them Fall in Love”
Two for Two! Some things just never get old. Gospel music veteran CeCe Winans continues to make her mark on the music industry and all those who have embraced her distinctive vocal sound and message of love.
Fans and peers agree that Winans’ latest musical journey has been one of her best and creative to date.
Encouraged by her son, Alvin, to record the Kris Kristofferson hit “Why Me Lord” has opened new doors for Winans, paving the way for unchartered territories. Appearances on national stages like Austin City Limits (PBS), CMA Country Christmas (ABC) and The Grand Ole Opry introduced her to new audiences. The singer’s series of summer dates at Grand Ole Opry made her the first artist to perform in honor of Black Music Month for the brand.
The first string of Grammy wins were announced prior to the live broadcast in New York City. Winans was nominated for two top awards and snagged them both: Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Performance/Song. The latest additions take the total count up to 12 Grammy wins for the dynamic singer.
“Let Them Fall in Love is my best project ever! I am humbled and honored for two Grammy wins! Thank you to the visionary, Alvin Love III and everyone who made this project what it is. Also, thank you to NARAS and my prayer is that the world will hear this music and Fall In Love!” says Winans.
Every seat was filled at Madison Square Garden when the 60th Grammy Awards aired live on CBS Television, Sunday night. The prestigious music awards show was hosted, once again, by James Corden. The stars turned out in full force to witness great performances and show their support of the nominees. Visit www.grammy.com for more details.
Alvin Love III, Winans’ son and Co-Producer of Let Them Fall in Love, experienced his first Grammy win and had this to say, “What a night! Thanks to a team of the most talented musicians and engineers, Let Them Fall in Love scored two Grammys. Thank you, Mom. Thank you Jesus!”
Stay connected with CeCe by joining her on FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter @cecewinans and www.cecewinans.com
