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“Kingdom, Coffee & Conversations” with Stellar Award Nominated Group V3

By
Editorial Staff
-

Team Jesus Magazine was honored to join Kim Ford, founder of JubileeMag.com, Q-Son Records, and Virtuoso Music for “Kingdom, Coffee, and Conversations” with real-life sisters Shelley, Sacha and LaToya Vinson, better known as the Stellar Award nominated trio V3. These women celebrated and shared stories about their faith, their journey through love, music, motherhood, sisterhood and juggling all that life brings on the heels of V3’s brand new album “ALIVE”.

The conversation was soul-stirring with thoughts and perspectives being shared from Kim Ford, V3, the attendees and the “Conscious Conversation” crew led by Dream Cafe Atlanta’s owner and former NFL player, Stevie Baggs Jr.  Atlanta City Council President and Current Atlanta Mayoral Candidate, Ceasar Mitchell, came out to welcome V3 back on the music scene on behalf of the City of Atlanta.  A lucky winner won tickets to attend the 2017 Steeple Awards as well.

Recently featured at #7 on the Billboard Hot Single’s Sales Chart, “ALIVE” is a powerful project designed to uplift, inspire, and encourage souls around the world.

Team, let’s keep V3 in our prayers for continued success and favor in music, life, and their families. Be sure to pick up “ALIVE” on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, or your favorite digital outlet.

Check out the video above of the title cut “Alive”, and more pics from “Kingdom, Coffee, and Conversations”!

 

A little #hymn love from @v3music! ‘Tis so sweet to trust in #Jesus ❤️. #v3 #JubileeV3Conversation

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Help or Hindrance: Why You Should Stop Going to THAT Church, Part 2

By
Lisa Yvette Pearson
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church

Just so we’re clear – I’m not telling you to stop going to church. I’m saying it may be time to stop going to THAT particular church.

So last time, we discussed the growth aspects of leaving a particular church. This time, let’s focus on the “people” aspect of church.

Let’s be honest. Sometimes, we aren’t that kind. And, it shows in the church. The reason we aren’t that kind or joyous or at peace or loving, forgiving, or patient, is because we are at church for the wrong reason. We do not allow the fruits of the Spirit to develop via the Holy Spirit because we are at church for our own selfish gain.

Perhaps we are there to be seen. We are there to network and to be able to toss out that we go to THAT church.

But again, what about Jesus? Yes, the choir stirs your soul. But are you living the words you are singing? Do you even desire to?

Two words for you: Stop pretending.

You hear it all the time, “I’m sold out for Jesus. I’m radical for Christ” – but only on Sunday with my church friends. Monday to Saturday…bars, booze, boys, and soul ties that we can’t break free from.

But actually, you can. And sometimes, it involves breaking up with people you fellowship with.

Where Does Jesus Fit in Your Church Attendance?

Of course, church involves fellowship and social interaction. But. What. About. Jesus? Your pride may say, “Of course, it’s about Jesus!” But that’s because we often like to believe the best about ourselves. We don’t see the things we do that block us from being like Christ or seeing Christ in others.

We ALL fall short. And, that’s what this is really about – seeking Christ in order to be more Christ-like.  Not just by the hymns and holy shouts at the House of Worship, but by our surrender to the Holy Spirit that dwells within.

And now, part 2 of the “Stop going to that church” self-exam. Remember, an F is not a failing grade – it’s an invitation to FIX IT, in the name of Jesus.

Stop going to that church…

…just because it’s popular.

Bragging rights are NOT of God. Miss Shirleen told y’all, “Be ye not puffed up” (about your fashions). But we can safely add your church home, your Pastor, or whatever. Do you want to name drop someone? Name drop Jesus. “Yeah, I know Him. That’s my right-hand Man!” (See what I did there?)

Note: It is okay to worship at a popular church. If the Word and teachings are Biblically sound, word gets out. But, members of some of the most popular churches are going to burn in the fires of hell because they wanted to be part of the “in” crowd, but never sought Jesus.

…just because you’ve been going there your whole life.

If your Spirit has been yearning for a new place to worship, but you won’t leave because your auntie, mama, and daddy go there, you may be missing what God has designed for you. Mama and Daddy will be fine if you leave. Auntie will, too. And, even if they aren’t…Go!

…that’s extra cliquish.

Jesus was inclusive. And, if your church culture keeps you from serving someone who doesn’t meet the criteria of cute-Christian-exclusive-coolness, you aren’t being like Jesus.

It’s not just about going out into the community, feeding the homeless, and going back home. It’s feeding your sisters and brothers who sit right next to you in the pews, who dress differently than you, or are a different color than you. Sometimes feeding is not physical food, but spiritual food – a kind word, an encouragement, and invitation. You can’t sit with us doesn’t work unless it’s Satan asking to be let in.

…just because the choir is bomb.

Lucifer was the director of music. He knows which things stir the soul. He knows music lulls you into feeling like you are closer to Jesus. But when the music stops, your feelings can go any which way. Don’t let that be your deciding factor. Let that be a perk of worshipping in Spirit and in Truth.

 

The Holy Spirit will let you know where to worship. He will send the invitation. It may come from the friend who’s always inviting you. It may come by a strong desire to walk into a particular church. Sometimes, it will come from your feeling of peace or from a discomfort that comes from being stretched. But you will know.

So, what’s the play call?

Move with the glory cloud – not with the glory crowd.

When God moved, Moses moved. The cloud covered them. The cloud provided light at night and shelter in the day. Your crowd of friends at your favorite church won’t do that. But the Holy Spirit will lead you to who will.

Peace.

Help or Hindrance: Why You Should Stop Going to THAT Church, Part 1

By
Lisa Yvette Pearson
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church

Before I begin…

Let us not be gold medal Olympians in jumping to the wrong conclusion.

I am not telling anyone not to go to church.

I AM saying that where you worship could be a barrier that stops you from having a relationship with God. That is all.

(Kinda) Quick Story

Before I moved to the Midwest, I attended a megachurch in Brooklyn, NY. The pastor was well known and I enjoyed going because I learned and grew with each teaching. One Resurrection Sunday, I took my niece with me to service. (She loved to go with me because we would get pizza at Target afterward. She quit me on the Sunday after I told her we weren’t getting pizza every week.) Anyway, that day as we finished worship and got quiet, I heard the Lord tell me to leave the church. I was flabbergasted. THIS WAS MY HOME CHURCH! I had finally committed and was attending regularly!

But, I left.

This was troubling for many reasons. I had no church home. So I sat and I prayed daily. I watched live streams and YouTube videos of your pastor’s favorite pastors.  Maybe two months later, a group of people rang my doorbell. I wasn’t going to open. Initially, I thought they were Jehovah’s Witnesses. But they had on jeans and t-shirts – not the norm for my part of Brooklyn where JW’s wore long skirts and suits even in the summer heat.

So, I opened the door.

The leader of the group, the guy, tells me that there’s this church 4 blocks from my house and he tells me some other stuff about it, which the woman cosigns. They hand me a card. Then the guy said, “You don’t remember me, do you?” I didn’t. He identified himself.

Well. Let’s just say HE KNEW ME WHEN I WAS IN MY LOW DOWN DIRTY SIN! Ha! I should have been mortified, but I found it hilarious! Look at who God would use to tell me about a new church! I went for a few weeks, but my stint at that church was short-lived because it was difficult for me to adjust to the lack of anonymity that I was used to. So I left. Surely there was a happy medium.

Where Does God Want to Plant You?

The night before my birthday, I begged God to go to church. I really wanted to praise and worship and thank Him for a new year – in His house.

My nephew who has autism and a limited vocabulary looked at me and said the name of the church. I hugged and kissed that boy and the next day, I took my niece, and we had a great service. We even won a t-shirt and had pizza! It was one of my favorite birthdays to date.

God had clearly weaned me off of my dependence on my Pastor and taught me to seek His face and direction by the Holy Spirit! I didn’t know it at the time, but I see it now.

When I arrived in the Midwest, I went to the first mini-mega church I could find. I had my anonymity and could gradually get acclimated.

You know what God did right after that 8AM service? He sent me on a journey to a little church in the countryside where there are fewer people than at that church near my house in NY. When I sat in the pew on the first visit, I heard the Lord say, “This is your church.” Surprisingly, I had no qualms.  And, in the months that have passed, I see God is using me for His purposes. I couldn’t be happier.

What was the point of this? To help you see why YOU may need to stop going to THAT church…

Which Church?  THAT church…

  • Where you KNOW God has told you to leave.
    • Your gift or ministry may be the answer to a prayer – somewhere else.
    • The call on your life may need to be developed in a new space.
    • OR, you may be the Jonah of the Body, causing unrest in your disobedience to leave.
  • Where you are not encouraged or given tools to learn the Word of God.
    • Your Pastor can’t be the only one who knows the Word. You may end up worshipping him and drinking the Kool-Aid! You’ve got to learn the Word so you KNOW the truth!
  • Where you feel comfortable in your sin.
    • Yes, we are all sinners. But, as Team Jesus, sin should make us UNCOMFORTABLE so as to push us to seek God for the change. If your church preaches forgiveness (which is beautiful, thank You Jesus), but not repentance, you may want to question where it is they desire for you to spend eternity.
  • Where you “mentally leave the building” each week.
    • This is a side effect of going to the wrong church. Sometimes, you aren’t alert because you cannot receive the Word of God from the messenger. Go. Now.

Your home church is supposed to help you grow – not just teach you how to shout and show out. When you don’t grow, you often wonder why you’re still in the same condition you were in last year and the year before that.

For example, your money problems keep mounting because of how you handle money, not because there is a shortage. And, not necessarily because you sow or don’t sow. But, if your church just tells you to come to the front for a financial prayer and doesn’t offer financial counsel, or tell you that you have to surrender your heart and ask for wisdom, you gon’ be mad like you played your last $50 in the lottery and didn’t even get the Powerball.

Get your church right – get your relationship with Jesus right.

Until part two,

Selah.

He Got Game: Why We Can’t Run Game on God

By
Lisa Yvette Pearson
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lying to yourself

For Real?

My niece has a thing she says when she gets busted telling stories.

She doesn’t say it, she actually hollers, “For real! I’m not kidding!

We never tell her that we know she says that when she’s telling stories. So she gives herself away every time. We admonish her, but sometimes, when she is out of earshot, we find it hilarious that she would insist in this way.

We’ve told her that she can’t run the same games on us that her mom and I ran on my mom or my Grandma. And then I understood why both my mom and Grandma would tell us, “I was young once, you know” when we told stories. They’ve seen this movie before. They’ve played those games.

It makes me think about how maturity (often) grows you out of telling stories to get out of trouble.

And then, naturally, I thought about how we deal with God.

What we say: Jesus, if you get me out of this (speeding ticket, relationship, job, money problem, etc.), I promise I won’t do it again.
What Jesus hears: For real! I’m not kidding!

And like our parents and grandparents, Jesus has seen these plays before. He made the court. He chose the players. And, He calls the plays. He’s the Coach. HE KNOWS THE GAME!

Don’t Play Yourself

jesus writes in the sandDo you remember in John 8:7 when the men wanted to stone the woman for adultery and Jesus bent down and started writing stuff in the dirt? Right before He told them the one who was without sin should throw the first stone?

I have varying thoughts on what Jesus wrote, depending on the point I am making. But check this out. Coaches rely on certain plays for the team to win. There are offensive plays and defensive plays. He marks out the players, differentiating between offense and defense. O for Offense, X for Defense.

I’m thinking Jesus was looking at His playbook and seeing how He would reposition everyone for this play to work. I mean, it’s not like He had a tablet and stylus. He had dirt and a finger.  So, He looked at the plan and announced the play. Why? Because those Pharisees thought they would trap Jesus about the Law. But He cannot be played (manipulated).

I think about this and how much I wanted my life to change.  So, I halfheartedly went to church (late) – not to worship but to ask for stuff. Not to praise, but to seek relief. I praised and worshipped with my mouth and hands, but my heart wasn’t changing. I was lying. So, nothing changed until I stopped trying to play games with God.

Have you ever realized that you can change friends, jobs, boyfriends, spouses, clothes, hairstyles – but you’ll keep having the same problems?

Lies Limit Your Game – Be Honest

It occurred to me in hindsight that it’s not until we stop lying to God about our commitment to Him that our lives will actually change. It’s when our hearts will be healed. It’s when we will attract the good that we so desperately seek. It’s when we accept that we are imperfect in our own strength, but made perfect through Him. It’s when we realize that His love for us surpasses any love we will ever encounter.

My niece, the same one who also happens to be a wise old lady on the inside, told me one day, “Auntie. God made us. So He knows us.” And I remembered another woman of the Bible – the Woman at the Well who had five husbands and a live-in Boo thang. She said, “I met a man who told me everything about me.”

Yes!

And that’s why I don’t get angry with my niece about those things. Because God, El Roi – the God who sees me, has been so gracious by not giving me what I deserve for some of the crazy things I’ve done.

As my niece reminded me and now I remind you – God knows every little thing about you. It’s comforting now. But, when I was Eve in the garden, trying to cover myself (lie) because I was naked, it was terrifying.

Lying to yourself is a sign of immaturity. That immaturity keeps us stuck in a cycle of trying to plant new seeds in poor soil. It keeps us covering ourselves in the garden, not from modesty, but from shame. Nothing can grow from it.

My question for you today, is this: Are you sowing God’s truth into your lives? Are you allowing Jesus to be the Coach of your life?

You don’t have to answer to me, obviously. But, you have the responsibility of answering to the Coach.

Remember that – He already knows the plays. So even if we holler, “For real! I’m not playing!” He’ll know if we really mean it or not.

So, what’s the play call?

Galatians 6:7 says, “God cannot be mocked. As a man sows, so he shall also reap.”

If we look at it from a father-child relationship in the natural, our parents would often say to us before we went out: “Don’t embarrass me.”

So, I would suggest you ask yourself the following:

  • Am I trying to fool God? And why?
  • Am I making my Father look like a fool?
  • Am I sowing His seeds of truth into my life?
  • Will my actions reap good things? Or, will they reap discord and distress?

And, if the answer is yes to any of those questions, it’s time to make a decision.

For real.  

3 Keys to Good Success and Sweet Rest for Christian Women

By
Brandi Hawthorne
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success

Are You out of Breath?

I love reading about the habits of successful people. One thing I always notice is that they grind when it’s time to grind and they rest when it’s time to rest. When I coach women who are seeking success, I find that they get stuck in a never-ending loop of half-grinding and half-resting. They never truly go hard because they’re tired all of the time. And, they never truly rest because they’re thinking of how much work needs to be done.

They are constantly out of breath.

If you’re a woman who’s always on the go and/or fails to consult God for the everyday stuff, I have 3 scriptures I want you to write down and memorize.

Psalm 127:1-2 (MSG)

If God doesn’t build the house,
    the builders only build shacks.
If God doesn’t guard the city,
   the night watchman might as well nap.
It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late,
   and work your worried fingers to the bone.
Don’t you know He enjoys
   giving rest to those He loves?

If God isn’t in it, it’s subpar. It’s a total waste of time. You can work all night, give it your best, but you’ll never build a masterpiece with your own hands without the Master. You can try to stay on top of everything, but God is the only One who protects from the seen and unforeseen.

Would you rather get little sleep and build a shack, or get daily rest and build a mansion?

Right, dumb question.

What are you trying to build? Invite God in. Put Jesus in the plan. You’ll get better results and some rest, too.

Genesis 2:2 (ERV)

God finished the work He was doing, so on the seventh day He rested from his work.

Is there a day when you truly rest? And, no, I don’t mean rest while your home goes up in flames. God didn’t half create the heavens and earth and then say on Day 3, “I’m so tired. I ain’t doing nothing tomorrow!”

He approved His completed work and then He rested.

Are you able to do what you need to do 6 days a week so that on that 7th day, you’re able to truly rest?

That’s important.

Write down everything you need to accomplish in a week. Don’t overload yourself with too many projects because you still have the day-to-day tasks such as dinner, laundry, etc. Perhaps pick one project per week and divide it up over the 6 days. But, one day a week should be reserved for resting, along with your daily sweet night’s rest (Psalm 127:2).

How do I rest with my kids?!

Play games. Ride bikes. Watch a movie. Take naps. Go to the park. Share testimonies. Pray for one another.

What about meal prep and cleanup?

Prepare food the day before so there’s no cooking involved. Use disposable plates & utensils so there’s no dish washing.

Psalm 23:3 (MSG)

True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.

Sometimes we think we’re respecting God by only praying for “big” things. Ya know – healing, miraculous debt elimination, or famine in 3rd world countries.

But, that’s not Biblical at all. God wants people to look at our everyday lives and praise Him. That means He wants to be visible in your daily commute. He wants to show out in your business meeting. He wants to get props when someone visits your home.

He wants people to see you walking around while they’re struggling to catch their breath and ask, “What are you doing that I’m not doing?”

When God is in the mix, we don’t have to run ourselves ragged. He allows us to catch our breath and is always guiding us in the right direction.

So, what’s the play call?

Don’t worry – pray about everything, just like the Bible tells us (Philippians 4:6). That includes choosing your hair stylist, what you buy, even the clothes you wear.

It may seem silly at first, but God is concerned about the little things that concern us. Make Him the focus of your plans, and the inspiration for your rest. Soon you’ll see the benefit of doing everything with God in mind.

Share your testimony of a God-focused life in the comments below.

 

Spring Cleaning for the Soul: What’s in Your Closet?

By
Lamica A. Burnett
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spring cleaning

Welcome to Spring!

Today marks the first day of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere!  We are eagerly looking forward to the days when warm gentle breezes replace the frigid blasts of winter.

What do you think of when you hear the word Spring?

Tiny buds on tree branches?  Sweet smelling blossoms?  Spring Allergies?  Spring Cleaning?

Ah yes, Spring Cleaning!

cleaningMartha Stewart in all of her fabulous perfection says there is nothing more satisfying than annual spring cleaning.  I would have to say while growing up, my Mom also agreed!  As teens, our Spring weekend agenda was preplanned.  Mom’s idea of a productive Saturday morning included Murphy’s oil soap, an old rag, and Pine Sol. Every nook and cranny from the kitchen to the bedrooms were destined to be spotless. Floors were mopped, bathrooms were sanitized, and counters were scrubbed clean.

As a teen, my strategy for cleaning was simple. I wanted to get my chores done as quickly as possible so that I could pursue my own plans.  That strategy included cramming things big and small into the closet.  Handbags, t-shirts, sandals…all hurled into the closet.  I wanted to deal with organizing all those things later.  My objective was to make the room look clean.  Though the fresh bed linens were tightly tucked and the carpet was lint free, Barbies, backpacks, and books were all tossed in the closet, safely hidden from Mom’s sight.

How many times in your life have you hidden things in the closet?

Issues that you don’t want to deal with – in the closet.

Bad habits that you know you need to address – in the closet.

A difficult conversation that you know you need to have – in the closet.

Your life looks immaculate and you seem to have it all together, but there are a few things out of view that need cleaning.

Your Personal Spring Cleaning Plan

Here are three things you can do to Spring Clean your soul this season:

1. Start with your heart. 

If you have tucked away hurt, resentment, or anxiety – ask God for His help.  He can remove the clutter from your heart if you are willing to give every issue over to Him. We cannot clean ourselves in our own strength, but the power of the Holy Spirit will help us through our process. He will restore a right spirit in us and cleanse our hearts (Psalm 51:10).

The word of the Lord also reminds us that we should guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23). This means that we should be careful of what we allow to enter into our hearts.  If left unaddressed, bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness can completely destroy the health of our spirits.

2. Repent from pride-protected sin.

Take some time to get brutally honest with yourself.  Deep down you know the sin in your life and the things that you struggle with that may separate you from God.   Proverbs 28:13 reminds us that if we confess and forsake our sins – not hide them – we will find mercy.

Though sin may not be visible to the naked eye, God can clearly see the cubby holes where we attempt to protect our secrets. Psalm 90:8 reveals to us that God has placed our unjust ways before Him and our secret sins are visible in the light of His presence.

Don’t ignore the “small” sins you may not think twice about.  Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal things that you may overlook.  Once the issues are made known to you, be open and honest about confronting it.  Seek out an accountability partner to help keep you on track as you walk through your process of deliverance and turning away from sin.

3. Watch your words.

As you begin to declutter your heart, the heart will be reflected in the words you speak. Luke 6:45 reminds us that the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.  Our words reveal what we believe about ourselves, our circumstances, and about others.   Filling your heart with the truth of God’s word will help you to change your thoughts, and as a result, the words you speak will also be changed for the better.

Replace any negative speech with positive confessions.  For example, if you have a financial issue, instead of saying “I’m broke,” say “God shall supply all my needs (Philippians 4:19).”  Likewise, instead of saying, “I’m confused,” say “God has given me a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7).” Your speech must align and agree with the word of God.

So, What’s the Play Call?

Spring cleaning is not just about cleaning our kitchens, re-organizing bedrooms, or bettering our relationships.  It’s an opportunity to take an honest look at our lives and the areas where we may have fallen short.  The things that we try to tuck away from the view of others – God sees clearly.

Be transparent and open before God.  Allow the light of God’s presence to shine into every hidden space and you’ll have no need for a yearly spiritual Spring cleaning! Instead, choose to experience a daily moment of refreshing for your spirit.

You’re Late, Flight Departed: How Distractions Divert Your Destiny

By
Lisa Yvette Pearson
-
universe

While walking through Hartfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta, on my way to catch my connecting flight back home, I noticed a sign at one of the gates that said, “Flight Departed.”

I felt a twitch of anxiety.

I’d never seen that before. Normally when the plane leaves the gate, the closed door and empty desk are signs enough. Normally a sign for the next flight is posted. But “flight departed” was posted. Again. Anxiety.

Have you ever missed a flight? I have. It happened just once. And it was a catastrophic event. It was 4th of July weekend in 2005 and my girlfriends and I were going to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.

When we arrived at the airport, we barely got to the curbside desk when we learned it was too late to board. Even if we could sprint through the concourse at Usain Bolt speed, our seats had already been given away and our bags wouldn’t be able to be checked in.

frustrationWe tried everything to get on that flight. Cussed, cried, called Corporate Offices – all for naught. The next flight out was Saturday. Goodbye Thursday festivities. Adios Friday concert. Toodles Saturday brunch.

That’s two nights we basically gave away to the hotel, additional charges for “changing” the flight, the icy coolness of my friends trying to make the best of the situation – knowing in their minds they’d killed me about fifty-eleven times.

Did I mention that it was my fault?

Yeah. I just had to have that last perfect piece to go with that outfit. Ask me what that piece was. I’ll tell you: I don’t remember. That’s how unimportant it was.

But that sign got me to thinking that that was a habit of mine – going off course to do things that had nothing to do with the purpose and plan in front of me.

Watch out for Destiny Diversions

How many times have I gotten a God-idea and then sat on it because I thought I had time – only to see it on TV or online, not nearly as fabulous as “I would have done it”?

Or, what about having an assignment in front of me and deciding to help other people get their projects together – procrastinating with self-manufactured busy-ness out of fear or laziness or (choose your favorite emotion, excuse, reasoning).

There have been things that God has told me to do, where I have dragged my feet. In hindsight, I know I have delayed what God had for me and delayed others because of my tardiness. Remember, our blessings and obedience are sometimes tied to other people’s obedience: They can’t move until you do!

Their flight? Delayed. Or worse yet, departed.

When I was moving to my new city, the Lord specifically told me to be on time. I thought it had to do with a clock and appointments. I soon learned that His instructions were for Divine appointments. I’m better at it, these days; not being led astray by things that are not a part of my assignment, both Godly and in regular life.

But I ask you today, what distraction will you eliminate to make sure you catch your flight on Air Destiny?

SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?

Ask yourself these questions and answer as though you’re talking to God who knows everything about you:

  1. What stops you from being on time? What are you afraid of? Do you really trust God enough to be obedient?
  2. What Divine appointments have (or will) you miss by occupying yourself with things that don’t matter?
  3. What has it cost you – being late for an assignment (at work, school, church)?
  4. Who else have you affected by failing to be where you were supposed to be, when you were supposed to be there?

God’s timing is perfect. But when He tells us to move, we have to be timely and move specifically according to what God is telling us to do.

 

Have you been late or distracted in your faith walk?
How did you get back on track?

Derek Minor Shares the #1 Thing We Can Do to Change the World

By
Editorial Staff
-

Award winning Hip-Hop artist, Derek Minor, is enjoying success at CCM radio with his new single, “Change the World,” going No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot AC/CHR chart. The tune features guest artist, Hollyn, and is from Minor’s current album Reflection that released on his Refection Music Group (RMG) label, in partnership with Entertainment One. The project has been streamed on Spotify over 2.6 million times. Listen to “Change the World” below:

“Change the World” is partly inspired by Minor’s first visit to Haiti in 2015 with the non-profit organization Hands & Feet Project that provides family-style housing and sustainable solutions for orphans in Haiti. Upon landing in Port-au-Prince, Minor was immediately overwhelmed by the country’s economic crisis and was moved to use his voice to make a difference.

“I just wrote this song as an anthem, hopefully for people to create change,” Minor explains. “I think in today’s climate around the world, we have forgotten that our differences are beautiful. That God made each of us unique and that makes our world a better place. I think ‘Change the World’ speaks to that yearning inside for all of us to be heard and accepted with love.”

How Can You Change the World?

Team Jesus Mag publisher, Kim Brightness, caught up with the award-winning producer for a laid back interview above to discuss how we can actually “change the world“, what we should see when we listen to Reflections, what Derek considers the ultimate impact of his music career, and Derek’s current play call for the body of Christ and his prayer requests. 

Fans of Minor can catch his music live on the 9th Annual Rock & Worship Roadshow, which launched Feb. 24 in Cape Girardeau, Mo. and concludes April 2 in Baltimore, Md.  The 23-city tour features such major artists as Steven Curtis Chapman, Francesca Battistelli, Rend Collective, Passion, Family Force 5, Jordan Feliz and Urban Rescue.

Team, connect with Derek Minor today and let’s keep him lifted in prayer as he keeps making the name of Jesus great!

www.derekminor.com
www.facebook.com/thederekminor
www.twitter.com/thederekminor
www.instagram.com/thederekminor

About Derek Minor

Award-winning Derek Minor is enjoying chart-topping success with his new single “Change the World,” that reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot AC/CHR chart Feb. 6th. The song is from Minor’s current project, Reflection, that was No. 1 on Billboard’s Rap Album chart and debuted No. 7 on Billboard’s Christian Album chart.  Minor grew up in Middle, Tenn. and received a bachelor’s degree in Recording Industry Management from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in 2006. He began his music career in 2007, through a record deal with an independent label that quickly folded. Minor quickly became a member of a small, elite class of Hip Hop artists who are adept at MCing, producing, and running their own companies. Two of his previous albums won Stellar Awards, Empire (2015) and Minorville (2013), along with Dove and Grammy nominations. Minor’s wordplay and relatable lyrics have made him an in-demand collaborator who has worked with the likes of Lecrae, Andy Mineo, and Colton Dixon. As a producer, Minor received a 2015 Dove Award for his production contributions to Lecrae’s Anomaly album. Minor’s Reflection Music Group roster includes celebrated acts Canon, Tony Tillman, B. Cooper and Deraj.

Jor’dan Armstrong and God-Inspired, Caribbean “VIBES”

By
Editorial Staff
-

What do you get when you skillfully infuse God-inspired lyrics with smooth Caribbean flavor?

You get… good VIBES!

And that’s exactly what you can expect from artist, songwriter, and producer Jor’Dan Armstrong, with the release of his 7-track EP so fittingly called, VIBES.

VIBES follows Jor’Dan’s 2016 EP, Confident, which debuted at no. 13 on the Billboard gospel album charts. At first listen, one might be shocked to know Armstrong isn’t from the islands. Yet, he was able to adapt and create a unique flow of his own that he hopes people gravitate toward –  in the same way he was attracted to vitalizing Caribbean “music and vibes” that “make you want to dance.” Armstrong carefully constructed VIBES with his best friend, business partner, and producer, Jeshua “TedyP” Williams.

“I’ve always wanted to do a project like this,” he says. “I feel like it’s really dope that I’m able to be an artist [with] freedom in what type of music I want to do. I don’t feel the same every day as far as music. I think it’s so cool how Steve Jobs created iPods and music folders and things like that, to where we could pick any type of genre we wanted to hear and make it adapt to our day. I think the way that I create music is just really off of feeling. It’s really led by God and the spirit of God. Some days I feel like trap, some days I feel ratchet. Some days I feel classical, some days I feel worshipy – if that’s a word.”

Artistic freedom is evident on tracks like his next single, “Count It.” Pulling on a sound similar to “bounce music” signature out of his Louisiana hometown, Armstrong says, “The song is basically about counting your blessings.” His style changes lenses, but the focal point remains fixed on God’s promises of abundant love, incomparable consistency and teachable moments.

VIBES is available for pre-order now, with an official drop date of March 3rd on all digital outlets.

VIBES: Tracklist
1. “So Much Luv”
2. “Light Up”
3. “Count It”
4. “More Than Friends”
5. “Caught the Vibe”
6. “Teacher”
7. “No Way” ft. Darius Scott

Follow Jor’dan Armstrong on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and we pray continued good VIBES and good success for Jor’dan and his team.

The Real Father of Alternative Facts and How to Defeat Him

By
Lamica A. Burnett
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alternative facts

In a January 2017 Meet the Press interview, Counselor to the U.S. President, Kellyanne Conway, explained to the world that White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer, used “alternative facts” in his first statement to the Press Corps regarding the inaugural crowd size.

Conway fiercely defended Spicer’s false statement about attendance at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, stating “there’s no way to quantify crowds.”

Though Conway’s comment has turned the phrase into a viral point of political contention, the notion of alternative facts is nothing new.

The Father of “Alternative Facts”

treeGenesis chapter 3 recounts the narrative of the serpent and his enticement of Eve.  He begins his deception by asking Eve a question, which makes her question “what was God’s instruction?” (Genesis 2:16-17). The serpent says, “Did God really say that you must not eat from any tree in the garden?”

Although Eve knows God’s directive, she allows herself to be deceived.  God clearly told Adam that they may not eat of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  God said if they eat of that tree, then they will surely die.

In this pivotal moment between mankind, the serpent, and God’s word, the serpent introduces an alternative fact – “You will not surely die.”

In the words of journalist Chuck Todd, “Alternative facts are not facts, they’re falsehoods.”

Deception.

Untruths.

Lies.

Unfortunately, Eve fell for it!  Rather than obeying God’s word, she believed the alternative fact.  She forfeited her confidence in the word of God for a lie. And, this deception and disobedience had eternal implications.

In God We Trust

In the age of fake news, mistrust in government, and national security breaches, what hope does the believer have? Like Eve, we cannot afford to believe the deception of the enemy. World news and all of the sensational headlines suggest faltering governments, economic peril, the threat of world war, and impending doom.

But, when everything around us proves unreliable, God can be trusted!

Here are a few reasons why we can trust in God. And, as our Promise Keeper, hold fast to the promises below as we maneuver through the enemy’s alternative facts.

Reasons We Can Trust God

  • God is not a liar. He keeps his promises and fulfills his word. (Numbers 23:19)
  • God is compassionate, faithful, and consistent. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
  • God’s purposes shall stand. God’s word is truth. (Isaiah 14:24, John 17:17)
  • God’s love is steadfast and endures forever. He is omnipotent, self-sufficient, unmovable, and infallible. God never fails. (Psalm 136:1-2, Revelation 19:6)

The Promise of His Peace

In Philippians 4:6-7, we are reminded to worry about nothing and to pray about everything.

When we do this, God’s peace, which goes beyond understanding, will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

With God’s peace shielding our hearts and minds, we are not distressed or disturbed when people, systems, or government fail us. With each new inconsistency revealed, we will be steadfast and not fall apart.

Psalm 29:11 assures us that the Lord will give us strength and that He will bless us with His peace.

The Promise of His Presence

Isaiah 41:10 reads:

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

This verse provides us with a promise, instruction, and the reasons why we should obey it.

We should not fear or be alarmed by the enemy’s tactics because God is with us, He is our God. God will help us and hold us up.

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

The Father sent us a comforter, which is the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-18, John 16:13, John 14:26).  Jesus promised that He would not leave us as orphans.  God sent the Holy Spirit to be our help and our encouragement.  The Holy Spirit was given to us to guide us into all truth – not alternative facts.  The Spirit of God is also a teacher, who helps us to remember what we have learned, and assists us in applying God’s word to our lives.

So, What’s the Play Call?

As believers, we must not consider the latest CNN headlines more than we believe the word of God.

Instead of logging on to Twitter or your favorite news source when you first wake up, engage heaven. Talk to God in prayer.  Give Him the first part of your day.  Instead of letting the headlines determine your outlook for the day, look to the word of God.  Allow His peace and the truth of His word to settle any anxiousness that you may be experiencing.

Instead of feeding your spirit with current events, meditate on the word of God.

Rather than falling for the lies of the enemy, substitute alternative facts with the eternal truth of God’s word!

 

How do you guard your heart against the enemy’s alternative facts?
Comment below.

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